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Topics covered during this episode:
- Mystery Drone Sightings Spark Alarm Across Rockland County
- RCC Drives $397.8 Million Economic Impact in Rockland County Amid Budget Challenges
- Orangetown PBA’s 36th Annual Toy Drive Brings Holiday Cheer to Rockland
- Orangetown Police Investigate Pair of Early Morning Burglaries
- Patrick Carroll Sworn In as Assemblyman for New York’s 96th District
- Kick Off 2025 with a First Day Hike at Nyack Beach
- Ramapo Police Stress the Importance of Calling 911 for Emergencies
- Rose Memorial Library Unveils 2025 Book Club Reading List
- Suffern Kicks Off the Holiday Season with Annual Parade
- Nyack and Stony Point Honor the Lives of Five Esteemed Individuals Who Passed Away in December
- Plus, we’ll have interviews with Town of Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips and Nyack Village Mayor Joe Rand, from our recent daily updates earlier this week.
Text Summary of this week’s topics:
1. Mystery Drone Sightings Spark Alarm in Rockland County
Residents of Rockland County have reported an alarming increase in mysterious drone sightings, echoing similar incidents in neighboring New Jersey and Pennsylvania. County Executive Ed Day has called for vigilance and urged locals to report drone activity. While federal agencies, including the FBI and DHS, have downplayed security threats, the origins and purposes of the large drones, often seen flying in clusters, remain unclear. Speculations range from agricultural to military uses, but unanswered questions continue to fuel community concern. READ MORE
2. Rockland Community College: A $397.8 Million Economic Driver
Rockland Community College (RCC) generated an impressive $397.8 million economic impact for the county in fiscal year 2022-2023, according to a new report. The study highlights RCC’s role in supporting nearly 4,000 jobs and contributing to workforce productivity through alumni-driven income of $323.8 million. Despite this success, RCC has faced financial challenges, implementing budget cuts and restructuring to address deficits. Interim RCC leader Dr. Beth Coyle emphasized the transformative role RCC plays in fostering economic vitality and community well-being.
3. String of Burglaries in Orangetown Raises Concerns
Orangetown police are investigating two early-morning residential burglaries in Pearl River and Orangeburg. The incidents involved entry through windows and theft of key fobs for luxury vehicles. The suspects, described as wearing hooded sweatshirts and ski masks, fled in a dark sedan. Authorities believe the burglaries are connected and urge residents with surveillance footage to assist in the investigation.
4. Orangetown PBA Brings Holiday Cheer with Toy Drive
The Orangetown Police Benevolent Association is hosting its 36th annual toy drive, collecting new, unwrapped toys to brighten the holidays for local children in need. Donations can be made through December 18th at Orangetown Police Headquarters and other designated locations. This long-standing community tradition continues to bring holiday joy to families across Rockland County. READ MORE
5. Nyack Holiday Village Ushers in Festive Spirit
Nyack’s inaugural Holiday Village event, spearheaded by Mayor Joe Rand and local businesses, offers an array of festive activities, including decorating contests, Winter Wonderland workshops for kids, and a music festival. The initiative, funded by Nyack’s hotel tax, aims to draw visitors downtown and support local businesses. Mayor Rand emphasizes the importance of shopping locally, highlighting the economic and community benefits of keeping spending within Rockland County. READ MORE
6. Suffering Celebrates Season with Holiday Parade
Suffering’s annual holiday parade showcased community spirit with decorated floats, performances, and festive displays. Organized by Mayor Thomas Curley and the Board of Trustees, the event awarded prizes for categories such as “Best Music” and “Most Creative,” fostering joy and togetherness as a hallmark of the season.
READ MORE
7. Rockland Green Advances Recycling and Sustainability
Rockland Green, the county’s waste management authority, continues to lead in environmental initiatives, including its food scraps recycling program. Aiming to convert food waste into nutrient-rich compost, the program has expanded across the county. Additionally, plans for a new state-of-the-art animal shelter highlight the agency’s commitment to humane animal care and waste reduction.
8. Community Honors Public Servants in Nyack
The Village of Nyack mourns the loss of three former leaders in 2024: Marie Lorenzini, James Liner, and Karen Quinn. Each contributed significantly to the village’s progress through initiatives in historical preservation, community service, and local government leadership. Memorials have been held to honor their legacies.
READ MORE
9. Rockland Residents Urged to Prioritize Fire Safety
The Ramapo Police Department, along with Rockland County Fire and Emergency Services, has urged residents to call 911 immediately in case of fire or gas emergencies. Quick reporting ensures efficient emergency response and emphasizes the importance of community safety protocols. READ MORE
10. Carol Stein Remembered as a Pillar of Community
Carol Stein, a beloved community figure known for her faith and volunteerism, passed away at 92. Her contributions to local churches, community organizations, and family remain an enduring legacy of love and service. The community has honored her life with heartfelt memorial services. READ MORE
More stories:
Sept 11th 25th Anniversary: Rockland Remembers and Honors 85 Residents Who Died in Attacks
More than 250 gather for solemn ceremony of names, bells, flowers and remembrance on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks HAVERSTRAW, N.Y. — Twenty-five years after the September 11 terrorist attacks changed the nation and took the lives of thousands, more than 250 people gathered Friday morning at Haverstraw Bay County Park to…
NBC Comedy Starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe Films in Nyack
Nyack, NY – A Rockland County village was transformed into a television set Thursday as production crews for the NBC comedy series “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” filmed scenes at several locations in Nyack. Filming took place Thursday, Sept. 10, along Front Street between Fifth and Sixth avenues and at St. Ann’s School…
Continue Reading NBC Comedy Starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe Films in Nyack
Rockland Music Fest Returns With Traffic Safety Mission
Photo courtesy: News 12 Hudson Valley Haverstraw, NY – Rockland Music Fest will return for its 12th year on Saturday, Sept. 12, bringing live music, food vendors and community activities to Bowline Point Park while using this year’s event to raise awareness about traffic safety in Rockland County. The festival opens at noon, with live…
Continue Reading Rockland Music Fest Returns With Traffic Safety Mission
Families Sue Nyack Housing Authority Over Vouchers
Nyack, NY – Nine Orthodox Hasidic families have filed a lawsuit against the Nyack Housing Authority in Rockland County Supreme Court, arguing that the agency improperly allowed their Section 8 housing voucher eligibility to expire or threatened to let it expire while they searched for apartments large enough to accommodate their families. The families had…
Continue Reading Families Sue Nyack Housing Authority Over Vouchers
Rockland 9/11 Hero Receives Medal of Freedom
Upper Nyack, NY – Welles Remy Crowther, the Rockland County native remembered as the “Man in the Red Bandana” for helping people escape the World Trade Center during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, has been posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. President Donald Trump presented the award to…
Continue Reading Rockland 9/11 Hero Receives Medal of Freedom
$350K Awarded to Rockland Organizations
Pearl River, NY – New York State Assemblyman Aron Wieder announced $350,000 in state funding for 11 organizations and community partners serving Rockland County, with grants directed toward public safety, emergency response, education, youth programs and family services. Wieder, who represents the 97th Assembly District, presented the funding during a recent gathering at his district…
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Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.