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:
Stony Point’s Supervisor-Elect Amy Conklin-Stamm Outlines Priorities
Stony Point, NY – Amy Conklin-Stamm, who will officially begin her term as Stony Point Town Supervisor in January of 2026, discussed her vision and priorities in a post-election interview with Rockland News. Conklin-Stamm emphasized her commitment to earning the trust of Stony Point residents and outlined key issues her administration will address. One of…
Continue Reading Stony Point’s Supervisor-Elect Amy Conklin-Stamm Outlines Priorities
Joan P. Butterworth
Joan P. Butterworth (nee Glaser), 89, of Norwood, NJ passed away on Sunday, November 9, 2025. Beloved wife of the late Walter, Caring mother of Dan and his wife Ceidys, Cathy Verdigi and her late husband John, Chuck and his wife Donna, and Jim and his wife Laura. Loving grandmother of Dan, Ryan, Jeremy, Jaime, Jessica, Taylor, Allison,…
Rockland Passes Law to Combat Deepfakes, AI Abuse
NEW CITY, NY— The Rockland County Legislature has unanimously passed a new local law aimed at combating the growing threat of artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes — digital fabrications that can mimic real people’s faces, voices, and gestures with alarming realism. The Damaging Deepfake Act makes it a crime to knowingly create or distribute deceptive digital media…
Continue Reading Rockland Passes Law to Combat Deepfakes, AI Abuse
Dunkin’ in Blauvelt Reopens with Community Celebration and Charitable Donation
BLAUVELT, NY — Residents and coffee lovers gathered last week to celebrate the grand reopening of the Dunkin’ restaurant at 580 Route 303 in Blauvelt, which unveiled its modern “Next Generation” design and marked the occasion with both giveaways and a charitable contribution. As part of the festivities, franchise owner Kishan Patel presented a $3,000…
Continue Reading Dunkin’ in Blauvelt Reopens with Community Celebration and Charitable Donation
Severe Winds Expected to Batter Rockland County Wednesday Evening
New City, NY — A powerful windstorm is forecast to move into the Lower Hudson Valley region this evening, bringing with it potentially damaging wind gusts and heightened concerns for residents throughout Rockland County. According to meteorological reports, sustained winds are expected to reach 30 miles per hour, with gusts that could top 60 miles…
Continue Reading Severe Winds Expected to Batter Rockland County Wednesday Evening
Rockland Election: Day Stays as County Executive; GOP Holds Ground in Local Races
https://youtu.be/e-TlzDcDdhk?si=tqiW5f8uf_CZFO2P ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Voters across Rockland County delivered decisive wins for incumbent officials and cross-endorsed candidates in the most recent general election, reaffirming Republican and Conservative Party strength in many of the county’s local offices. County Executive Ed Day secured a sweeping re-election victory with nearly 74% of the vote, defeating challenger Michael…
Continue Reading Rockland Election: Day Stays as County Executive; GOP Holds Ground in Local Races
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.