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:
Woman Charged After Stony Point Spa Undercover Investigation, Police Say
STONY POINT, NY – A 41-year-old Flushing woman has been arrested following an undercover investigation into alleged prostitution-related activity at a Stony Point business, according to police. The Stony Point Police Department said the investigation was launched after multiple community complaints involving Duskhil Spa, located at 54 S. Liberty Dr. Police said the department worked…
Continue Reading Woman Charged After Stony Point Spa Undercover Investigation, Police Say
Meals on Wheels Senior Boot Camp set for March 26th
BLAUVELT, N.Y. — Meals on Wheels Rockland is preparing to host its 2026 Senior Boot Camp on Thursday, March 26, at the Hennessy Center at Dominican University in Blauvelt, bringing together older adults from senior activity centers across Rockland County for a day of games, activities, vendors, lunch and entertainment. According to the organization, the…
Continue Reading Meals on Wheels Senior Boot Camp set for March 26th
Karen Elizabeth Folk
Karen Elizabeth Folk, 72, of Old Tappan, NJ, formerly of Capistrano Beach, California, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. Beloved sister of Jeanne Weinberger. Loving aunt of Michael Hendrickson and wife Morena Candida. She was predeceased by her parents Frederick and Lorraine (nee Kaufer), and her sisters Lorraine Hendrickson and her husband Carl and…
Hole Shot Bagels Nominated for Rockland’s Best Bacon Egg & Cheese
By Kim Anderson HAVERSTRAW, NY — For Clever and Victoria Torres, Hole Shot Bagels is more than a breakfast spot on Route 9W. It is a family-run business built on high standards, hours of preparation, new ideas and a loyal customer base that, by their telling, has helped carry them through some of their toughest…
Continue Reading Hole Shot Bagels Nominated for Rockland’s Best Bacon Egg & Cheese
Lafayette Theatre celebrates 102 years
SUFFERN, NY— This past weekend, the Lafayette Theatre in Suffern celebrated 102 years of bringing films, music and shared community experiences to audiences. The theater, which first opened its doors in 1924, commemorated the anniversary with a weekend of classic films, live music and nostalgic tributes to the golden age of cinema. A centerpiece of…
Cornell Cooperative and Rockland Youth Bureau Offering Spring Break Program
SPRING VALLEY, NY — A free spring break program aimed at keeping children active and engaged will be offered later this month for elementary school students in Rockland County. The Cornell Cooperative Extension Rockland County 4-H, in partnership with the Rockland County Youth Bureau and the Village of Spring Valley, will host the “4-H Fit…
Continue Reading Cornell Cooperative and Rockland Youth Bureau Offering Spring Break Program
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.








