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:
Rockland Fashion Week kicks off 6th season on Nov 7th
Nyack, NY – Rockland County is once again stepping onto the global fashion stage as Rockland Fashion Week returns for its sixth year, promising to be the most dynamic edition yet. Produced by Hope Wade Designs of Nyack, this year’s theme, “Fashion Through the Ages,” celebrates style across generations and cultures. The weeklong celebration of…
Continue Reading Rockland Fashion Week kicks off 6th season on Nov 7th
Legislature Adopts Jared Lloyd Act Honoring Fallen Firefighter
Rockland County, NY – The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously approved the Jared Lloyd Act, a newly expanded law honoring the legacy of fallen firefighter Jared Lloyd while extending benefits to a broader group of emergency service volunteers and their families. The legislation, previously known as the Rockland County Volunteer Benefit Act, was renamed and…
Continue Reading Legislature Adopts Jared Lloyd Act Honoring Fallen Firefighter
Rockland DA’s Office, Suffern Police Partner for Gun Buyback Event Nov. 1st
Rockland County, NY -In a continuing effort to promote safety and reduce gun violence, the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and the Suffern Police Department are teaming up to host a community gun buyback event on Saturday, November 1, 2025. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leo Lydon…
Continue Reading Rockland DA’s Office, Suffern Police Partner for Gun Buyback Event Nov. 1st
Clarkstown to Host Spooktacular Halloween Festival at Congers Lake October 18th
Congers, NY – The Town of Clarkstown is set to celebrate the spooky season in style with its annual Halloween Festival at Congers Lake Memorial Park — a family favorite that promises frightful fun and community spirit for all ages. The free event will take place on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 11:00 AM to…
Continue Reading Clarkstown to Host Spooktacular Halloween Festival at Congers Lake October 18th
Clarkstown Hosts Annual Halloween K-9 Costume Contest Oct 17th
Get ready for a howling good time! The Town of Clarkstown is rolling out the orange carpet for its annual Halloween K-9 Costume Contest, where local pups will strut their spooky (and adorable) stuff at Congers Lake Memorial Park. The free event will take place on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM, with a…
Continue Reading Clarkstown Hosts Annual Halloween K-9 Costume Contest Oct 17th
Village of Suffern Set for Paving This Week
Residents of Suffern are advised to prepare for upcoming roadwork as the Village continues its efforts to improve local streets. Crews will be paving Essex Lane, Bon Aire Circle, and Bon Aire Circle West on Wednesday, October 15, and Thursday, October 16, 2025. During the two-day project, parking will not be permitted on any of…
Continue Reading Village of Suffern Set for Paving This Week
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.