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 News Adds Morning Livestream AM Rockland, Includes Prominent County Leaders
By Kim Anderson New City, NY – Rockland News is stepping into a new era of local reporting, recently with the launch of its morning livestream program, AM Rockland. Airing weekdays at approximately 7:30 a.m., the show has quickly established itself as a platform for timely discussions on local news, community events, economic development, and…
AM Rockland: Wednesday May 28, 2025
This news is also available weekday mornings as a YouTube/Facebook livestream, and afternoons as a podcast on Apple Podcasts/Spotify. Solar Rally at the Capitol Today at 11 a.m., head to the Million Dollar Staircase inside the New York State Capitol in Albany where Senator Pete Harckham will be joined by clean energy advocates, labor leaders,…
Nyack Added to HudsonLink Shuttle Route, Provides New Transit Option to Tarrytown
Nyack, NY — A new transportation option is now available for Nyack residents and visitors looking to explore the scenic Hudson River crossing or access Tarrytown without the hassle of driving. Thanks to the advocacy of Jon Ross from Rocklanders for Alternatives to Driving (RAD), along with Mayor Joe Rand and Village Administrator Andy Stewart,…
Continue Reading Nyack Added to HudsonLink Shuttle Route, Provides New Transit Option to Tarrytown
Joseph Sabino Gravino
Joseph Sabino Gravino, 37, of Orangeburg, NY, passed away unexpectedly on May 23, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Katherine (Katie) Gravino and a devoted father to Anthony Joseph (8), Juliana (5), and Dominic (4 months) – his greatest joy and proudest legacy. Joe was the beloved son of Elisa Gravino and a devoted…
Katherine S. DeGruccio
Katherine S. DeGruccio (née Matthews) 1967 – 2025 Katherine S. DeGruccio, 57, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Beloved wife of Charles G. DeGruccio. Proud and devoted mother of Anthony Matthew and Stella Katherine. Cherished daughter of Niki and the late Stanley Matthews. Adored sister of Sam S.…
Anna Mae Moore
In Loving Memory of Anna Mae Moore Anna Mae Moore, 87, of Norwood passed away peacefully on May 22, 2025. Anna Mae grew up and lived in Palisades Park for 62 years and was a resident of Norwood for the past 25 years. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, who leaves…
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.