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:
Thomas E. Byrne
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas E. Byrne of Norwood, NJ. Mr. T., as he was affectionately known within the family, passed away peacefully at the age of 87. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. Thomas was born to Mary and Thomas Byrne, proud Irish immigrants who instilled in him…
Who Is Indivisible Rockland? A Look At the Controversial Political Movement
Website for Indivisible Rockland. Part 1 of an investigative reportBy Rockland News StaffMarch 26, 2025 In recent weeks, Rockland County has found itself at the center of an identity debate playing out on local turf, on TV, and on local social media community groups. It has also affected the conversations by elected political officials, who…
Continue Reading Who Is Indivisible Rockland? A Look At the Controversial Political Movement
Fieldstone Middle School Presents: Exploring the Mind of Service Dogs – Thursday 3/25
By Tom Ossa Thiells, NY — On Thursday evening at 6 pm, Fieldstone Middle School will host a unique and heartwarming event titled Inside Mabee’s World, offering the community a rare glimpse into the emotional intelligence, scientific training, and therapeutic power of service dogs. At the center of this celebration is Maybee, a facility dog…
Rockland to Honor Veterans Office Employee with Annual Freedom Award Today in New City
An employee of the Rockland County Veterans Affairs office is being given the annual Freedom Award today at a ceremony in New City. In honor of Women’s History Month, Rockland County Executive Ed Day says he and Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam will recognize a female veteran for her outstanding service and continued commitment…
Sunday Marked 4th Anniversary of Fatal Evergreen Fire in Spring Valley
Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of the fatal Spring Valley fire that took the lives of a Spring Valley Firefighter and the resident of the adult home he was trying to save. 35 year-old Jared Lloyd was a 15-year veteran of Spring Valley’s Columbians Fire Engine Company Number One and was one of the first…
Continue Reading Sunday Marked 4th Anniversary of Fatal Evergreen Fire in Spring Valley
Rockland Police Handle Erratic Driving in Ramapo and Nanuet
No one was reported injured after a car drove into a bank in Nanuet on Friday afternoon. That’s according to News 12. The car was apparently driven into the Webster Bank Branch on Route 59 in the Rockland Plaza shopping center. The cause of the crash, unknown. The day before that crash, Ramapo Police had…
Continue Reading Rockland Police Handle Erratic Driving in Ramapo and Nanuet
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.