Today’s Sponsor:
This Week’s Key News Stories:
Sponsors:
- IVY Rehab Physical Therapy – West Haverstraw, NY | Contact: 845-579-5677
- Dana Pest Control – Family-owned for over 40 years | Contact: 845-786-5226 | Website: danapestcontrol.com
Top Stories:
Stony Point Seals Polar Plunge:
The 26th annual event raised funds for children with serious medical conditions, despite harsh weather conditions with 5 inches of fresh snow. Beneficiaries included Alexander, Jade, Noel, and Elizabeth.
Future interviews are planned with founders John Fox and Michael Leyden.
Tourism Grants:
Rockland County Executive Ed Day and Economic Development Director Jenna Nazario announced $316,000 in tourism grants to 30 organizations.
Tourism brought in over $556 million in 2023, reducing the average household tax burden by $613.
Housing Plans Public Input:
Rockland County is seeking public input on housing and community development, with a survey open through March 15.
Fire Safety Concerns:
Ed Day condemned the Rockland County Mazzilli ACMA’s petition to become an independent fire company due to safety concerns.
MTA and Congestion Pricing:
Ed Day criticized the MTA’s congestion pricing, citing inequitable investment in Rockland’s transit services.
Orange County’s legislation to withdraw from the MTA could influence Rockland’s future decisions.
New Community Relations Director:
Yvette Nunez Arias was appointed as the new Director of Community Relations, focusing on enhancing ties between government and local communities.
Black History Month Celebration:- Scheduled for February 21, 2025, at the Lewis Kurtz Center in Spring Valley, hosted by the NAACP and Tappan Zee Lodge #79.
Weather:
- Tuesday: Evening snow flurries.
- Wednesday: Cloudy, high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
- Thursday: Rain, high of 44°F, low of 26°F.
- Friday: Cloudy, high of 33°F, low of 19°F.
- Saturday: Possible snow flurries (1-3 inches), high of 35°F, low of 32°F.
- Sunday: Rain, high of 41°F, low of 21°F.
Interviews:
John Ross (Rocklanders for Alternatives to Driving – RAD):
- Advocate for improved public transportation, better sidewalks, and bike lanes in Rockland County.
- Discussed the implications of Orange County’s potential withdrawal from the MTA and its possible impact on Rockland.
- Emphasized the need for more reliable bus services and potential transit-oriented developments like those proposed near the Shops at Nanuet.
Tina Dawn (Life Force Self-Defense):
- A registered nurse turned self-defense instructor with a 5th-degree black belt.
- Shared her personal journey into self-defense after a stalking incident.
- Emphasized the importance of women learning self-defense to build confidence and safety awareness.
- Offers classes focused on practical, real-life self-defense techniques, encouraging women of all fitness levels to participate.
More stories:
Elected Officials, Union Leaders Call for Continued Increased Road Safety Investments in Next State Budget
NYSDOT Region 8, which includes the Hudson Valley, has the worst rated roads in the state Montrose, NY – A bipartisan group of elected officials and representatives from over a dozen labor unions from the lower Hudson Valley called for increased road safety investments in the next State Budget at a press conference today held here…
Enrico D’Eufemia
Enrico D’Eufemia, 94, of Harrington Park, NJ, formerly of New Milford, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Rose (nee Grimaldi). Loving father of Joann Johnston and her husband Rob and the late Louis D’Eufemia. Caring grandfather of Nicole and her husband Will, Robert, and Erica and her husband…
Jay Hood Re-Elected Chairman of 2026 Rockland County Legislature
New City, NY — The Rockland County Legislature held its annual organizational meeting Thursday night, voting to establish its leadership for 2026. Legislators re-elected Jay Hood Jr. as Chairman, marking his fifth consecutive term in the role. Aney Paul was re-elected Vice Chairwoman for a seventh term, and Phil Soskin was named Second Vice Chairman.…
Continue Reading Jay Hood Re-Elected Chairman of 2026 Rockland County Legislature
Rockland Congressman Lawler Breaks Rank in Defense of Health, Childcare Funding
Congressman Mike Lawler By Rockland News Staff PEARL RIVER, NY – As the debate over federal spending continues to reverberate across the nation, local Congressman Mike Lawler is unexpectedly emerging as a vocal and forceful advocate for health and childcare benefit—aiming to shore up Rockland County residents’ needs. Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional…
Continue Reading Rockland Congressman Lawler Breaks Rank in Defense of Health, Childcare Funding
NY Boulders Announce More “Bould” Moves This Week
Boulders Bring Back Batting Leader, Add Two Pitchers Pomona, NY – The New York Boulders and manager TJ Stanton are pleased to announce the following transactions for the upcoming 2026 Frontier League season: Infielder Kyle Hess is set to return for his first full season in Rockland County after finishing 2025 as the Boulders’ leader…
Continue Reading NY Boulders Announce More “Bould” Moves This Week
Start 2026 Strong: Signs That Bring Your Vision to Life
This article is sponsored by 99 Signs, located in Nyack NY. Nyack, NY – As 2026 gets underway, local signage leader 99Signs is encouraging businesses to take a bold step into the new year with powerful visual branding. Known for its comprehensive design-to-installation services, 99Signs is positioning itself as a key partner for businesses looking…
Continue Reading Start 2026 Strong: Signs That Bring Your Vision to Life
This Week’s Featured Event:
Whiskey Crossing & Line Dancing at the Patriot Lounge
Nashville recording artist Whiskey Crossing is currently signed with Perry Music Group of Nashville for distribution. Whiskey Crossing is an upbeat high energy country act that is sure to bring the heat and excitement to any stage. Bringing down the house with a sing-along set with original country covers from the 90s to today as well as original music that is available for streaming worldwide. LEARN MORE
Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.