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:
Valley Cottage Man Killed in Bridge Shooting; Haverstraw Man Charged
Fort Lee, NY – A 46-year-old Rockland County man was fatally shot Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026, while driving across the George Washington Bridge in what investigators believe may have been a road rage incident. A retired New York City Police Department detective from Haverstraw was arrested the following day and charged with murder in…
Continue Reading Valley Cottage Man Killed in Bridge Shooting; Haverstraw Man Charged
Lake Nanuet Inclusive Playground Project Begins
New City, NY – The Town of Clarkstown has begun construction on a new 10,000-square-foot, all-inclusive playground at Lake Nanuet, expanding recreational facilities for children and families with different physical abilities and accessibility needs. Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and members of the Town Board attended a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, marking the…
Continue Reading Lake Nanuet Inclusive Playground Project Begins
Rockland Approves Home Security Aid for Abuse Survivors
Photo courtesy: The Journal News New City, NY – The Rockland County Legislature unanimously approved a new law on October 20, 2026, establishing a program to provide free home security improvements to eligible survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. The program will help residents obtain replacement door locks, exterior security cameras and other approved protective…
Continue Reading Rockland Approves Home Security Aid for Abuse Survivors
Why Incumbents Avoid Political Debates: The Curious Case of Bill Weber
As calls grow for a debate between Bill Weber and challenger Joe Rand for NYS Senate District 38, we look at the political calculations that prompt campaign managers to decline invitations. Rockland County, NY – When an elected official seeks another term in public office, voters may expect that candidate to participate in a public…
Continue Reading Why Incumbents Avoid Political Debates: The Curious Case of Bill Weber
Rockland Residents Eligible for Energy Rebates
Albany, NY – New York State is distributing approximately $1 billion in energy rebate payments to 8.2 million households, including eligible Rockland County residents, under a program intended to offset rising household utility costs. Payments of $100, $150 or $200 began mailing on September 21, 2026, and are scheduled to continue through December. Governor Kathy…
Continue Reading Rockland Residents Eligible for Energy Rebates
Conley Leads Quarterly Fundraising, Lawler Holds Cash Advantage
New City, NY – Democratic congressional candidate Cait Conley raised approximately three times as much money as Republican incumbent Congressman Mike Lawler during the third quarter of 2026, according to campaign finance disclosures covering July 1 through September 30. However, Lawler entered October with substantially more money remaining in his campaign account as both candidates…
Continue Reading Conley Leads Quarterly Fundraising, Lawler Holds Cash Advantage
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.