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:
Pomplin honored with Proclamation During Black History Month
Piermont, NY – In a ceremony held during Black History Month, Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny presented a proclamation to Chief Daniel Goswick of the Piermont Fire Department, honoring the legacy of firefighter Thomas Pomplin. Pomplin, an African-American resident of Orangetown and a dedicated member of the Piermont Fire Department, died on August 5, 1854, while…
Continue Reading Pomplin honored with Proclamation During Black History Month
Kenny Joins Rockland Read-In at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School
Pearl River, NY – Town of Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny delighted third graders at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School last Friday as part of the Annual Rockland Read-In event. Kenny brought enthusiasm and joy to Ms. Walmsley’s classroom, reading one of her all-time favorite books, All Pigs Are Beautiful by Dick King-Smith. The Rockland Read-In, a…
Continue Reading Kenny Joins Rockland Read-In at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School
Smith Honored as First Woman, Latina Commander of National Guard’s 53rd Troop Command
Camp Smith, NY – Brigadier General Isabel Rivera Smith, a trailblazing military leader and the first woman and Latina to command the New York Army National Guard’s 53rd Troop Command, was honored with a special Senate Proclamation and medal on Tuesday by New York State Senator Pete Harckham. The recognition took place at the Camp…
Proposed Legislation Aims to Ease Financial Burden for First-Time Homebuyers in NY
Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal have introduced new legislation that could provide significant financial relief to first-time homebuyers by exempting them from paying the mortgage recording tax. This tax is typically imposed by municipalities for legally recording a deed, mortgage, or other documents related to home purchases.…
Continue Reading Proposed Legislation Aims to Ease Financial Burden for First-Time Homebuyers in NY
Congers Man Sentenced to more than 21 Years for Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Multiple Overdoses
Law, Old-Fashioned, Legal System, Justice – Concept, Judgement New City, NY – Justin Turnick, 26, of Congers, New York, has been sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for his role in distributing fentanyl, which led to three fatal and three non-fatal overdoses in Rockland County. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District…
Haverstraw Chair Factory Applies for NYS Cleanup Program, Public Comment Sought
Haverstraw, NY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is inviting public comment on a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application and Draft Remedial Investigation Work Plan for the Haverstraw Chair Factory site, located at 30 Liberty Street and 87 Main Street in the Village of Haverstraw, Rockland County. The application has been…
Continue Reading Haverstraw Chair Factory Applies for NYS Cleanup Program, Public Comment Sought
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.