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:
Peas Playcare
Peas Playcare Saturday Spotlight with owner Alyssa Previti Tell me a bit about your background. What did you do before starting your business? I was the Head of HR for a tech company called Wellfound for 10 years. This taught me to be a wiz at operations, but in my childhood and through college I…
Marie A. Iorio
Marie A. Iorio (nee Forte), 77, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away at home surrounded by the love of her family on Monday, November 24, 2025. Beloved wife of 55 years to Robert A. Iorio. Loving mother of Robert, Jr. and wife Cheryl, Christopher and wife Danya, Lisa Porco and husband Ralph and Daniel and wife…
James John Pankauski
James John Pankauski, 63, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Beloved husband of Laura (née Spincken). Devoted father of Jonathan and Michael, and loving owner of his dog, Luna. Proud brother of John Pankauski. He is also survived by many cherished friends and relatives. He was predeceased by his parents, Alphonse and Sophie. James was born in Salem, Massachusetts, and raised in Peabody, Massachusetts. He grew up…
Sandra M. Moskowitz
Sandra M. Moskowitz (nee Scarano), 78, of Forest Hills, NY, passed away on Friday, November 21, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Arnold Moskowitz. Cherished sister of Paula Zaccone and her husband Robert and the late Damon Scarano. Loving aunt of Gregory Zaccone and wife Melissa, Justin Zaccone and Bethany, Douglas Scarano and wife Cassie…
Matthew Alexander Socrates Dimataris
Matthew Alexander Socrates Dimataris, 33, of Northvale, NJ, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Beloved son of Greg and Ali Dimataris. Loving brother of Jessica and her partner Christian and Gregory Dimataris and his wife Hyon Joon. Adored uncle of Elle Ruthie Thompson. Soulmate of Kellie Higgins. He is also survived by many…
Rockland County Collects $718K Evergreen Court in Aftermath of Deadly 2021 Blaze
Jared Lloyd, who died in 2021 fire at Evergreen Court. Lloyd saved 112 lives. Spring Valley, NY — Rockland County officials have collected $718,000 in civil penalties from SPJJ LLC, the owners of the Evergreen Court Home for Adults, marking a significant moment in a prolonged battle over safety violations and public accountability. This enforcement…
Continue Reading Rockland County Collects $718K Evergreen Court in Aftermath of Deadly 2021 Blaze
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.