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:
Joan Marie Rizzo
Joan Marie Rizzo (nee Scala), 87, a longtime resident of Northvale, NJ, formerly of West New York, NJ, passed away on Thursday, March 30, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Gus Rizzo. Dearest sister of Robert and Patricia Scala, Elaine and Frank Lovato, Carol and Daniel DeMartin, Donald Scala and Patricia and Jerome Genarelli Cherished…
Five Charged in Warehouse Burglary Investigation
STONY POINT, N.Y. — Five male suspects, including three 18-year-olds and two juveniles, were charged after Stony Point police investigated a reported burglary at a warehouse early March 28, according to a police press release. Police said the case began at about 12:05 a.m., when a local business owner contacted the Stony Point Police Department…
Continue Reading Five Charged in Warehouse Burglary Investigation
Josephine Laurenzo
Josephine Laurenzo, 95, passed away peacefully on March 13, 2026. She was born on November17, 1930, in New York City and lived a life centered on faith, family, and devotion to those she loved.Josephine was the beloved wife of the late Fred Laurenzo, with whom she shared an extraordinary 71 years of marriage until his…
Catherine A. Brennan
Catherine A. Brennan (nee Jugovich), 89, of Harrington Park, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Beloved mother of Richard Brennan, Amy Warner and the late Paula Cornine (husband Paul). Proud grandmother of 18 grandchildren and great-grandmother of nine. Dearest sister of Michael Jugovich, Jeanne Cleary, Ann Hildebrandt and the late Marie DeMarco and…
Join the State Police – Applications Being Accepted Now
NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR AUGUST 2027 ACADEMY CLASS Application Deadline: August 17, 2026 Entrance Exam Deadline: September 1, 2026 Physical Ability Test: TBD Academy Begins: August 2027 To Serve, Protect and Defend the People of New York The New York State Police has a long and proud history of serving the citizens of New York…
Continue Reading Join the State Police – Applications Being Accepted Now
Westchester Man Charged with DWI, Manslaughter in 2025 Thruway Crash
New City, NY – A Westchester County man has been charged months after a deadly crash on the New York State Thruway in Clarkstown that killed a Rockland County father of two, according to New York State Police. Police said William Peralta, 25, of Elmsford, was arrested Wednesday, March 11, in connection with the Aug.…
Continue Reading Westchester Man Charged with DWI, Manslaughter in 2025 Thruway Crash
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.
