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:
Carol A. Carini
Carol A. Carini (nee Stelmaschuk), 83, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away at home on Monday, October 6, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Dominic L. Carini for 55 years. Loving mother of Jason B. Carini of Hoboken, NJ and Carolanne Carini of Harrington Park, NJ. Cherished grandmother “gaga” of Jonathan Dominic Carini. Carol was…
$10 Million in Losses: Congressman Lawler Pressures New York State to Fix Stony Point Retail Crisis
Stony Point, NY — What was initially presented as a landmark green energy project for New York State has devolved into a grinding, months-long crisis for small businesses in Stony Point and neighboring towns. Now, it’s gotten the attention of Federal officials. The Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) project, as well as mandated Orange &…
Virginia Marie Misa
Virginia Marie Misa (nee Birnie), 61, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Saturday, October 4, 2025. Beloved wife of Steven Misa. Loving mother of Sean, Christopher and Garrett. Caring sister of John Birnie and wife Kristine, and Kathy Ruiz and husband Richard. Proud aunt of Gabrielle, Nicholas and John. She is also survived by…
Rockland County Executive Unveils 2026 Budget: $914 Million
New City, NY – September 30, 2025 – Rockland County Executive Ed Day has released his proposed $913.8 million budget for 2026, announcing that it includes no increase to county property taxes. Day presented the plan at the Robert Yeager Health Complex in Pomona on Tuesday. He noted that while the County has been able…
Continue Reading Rockland County Executive Unveils 2026 Budget: $914 Million
NY Boulders Co-Founder Shawn Reilly Named President & GM of Yankees’ Triple-A Team
POMONA, NY – Shawn Reilly, Co-Founder and President of the New York Boulders, has been named the new President and General Manager of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Reilly, who helped launch the Boulders in 2011 and has served as their guiding force for 14 years, leaves behind a…
Continue Reading NY Boulders Co-Founder Shawn Reilly Named President & GM of Yankees’ Triple-A Team
Arlene Theresa Jahoda
Arlene Theresa Jahoda (nee Andreoni), 90, of Milford, PA, formerly of Northvale, NJ, passed away at home on Saturday, October 27, 2025. Arlene was predeceased by her beloved husband Rudy, her son Darryl, daughter Sherry Lynn and sister Lorraine Wilkes. She was the loving mother of Bruce and his wife Jeanne and Randy and his…
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.