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:
BRIDGES Begins Renovation of Home in New City
New City, NY-— BRIDGES, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for individuals with disabilities, is set to begin an exciting and groundbreaking project in New City, NY. The organization has acquired a home at 4 Ann Street, where it will undergo a transformative renovation using Universal Design principles to create a space that is accessible,…
Continue Reading BRIDGES Begins Renovation of Home in New City
Weber Hosts Lyme Disease Awareness, Tick Prevention Forum
Spring Valley, NY – As the summer season brings more outdoor activities, Senator Bill Weber is taking action to address a growing health concern in the region: Lyme disease and tick-borne illnesses. In response to an uptick in local cases and requests from concerned constituents, Senator Weber will host a Lyme Disease Awareness & Tick…
Continue Reading Weber Hosts Lyme Disease Awareness, Tick Prevention Forum
Nanuet Public Library Closes for Emergency Repairs After Monday’s Severe Storms
NANUET, NY — The Nanuet Public Library is closed until further notice following significant water damage caused by Monday evening’s torrential rainstorm that swept through Rockland County. According to library officials, the building sustained flooding in multiple areas during the severe weather event on July 14, which brought flash floods, submerged vehicles, and overwhelmed infrastructure…
Continue Reading Nanuet Public Library Closes for Emergency Repairs After Monday’s Severe Storms
West Nile Detected in Rockland Mosquitoes, No Human Cases Reported
New City, NY – The Rockland County Department of Health has confirmed the first positive mosquito pool for West Nile Virus (WNV) in the county this season. The infected mosquitoes, identified as Culex pipiens-restuans, were collected from a surveillance trap in the Town of Orangetown during the week of June 30th. The sample was submitted…
Continue Reading West Nile Detected in Rockland Mosquitoes, No Human Cases Reported
Haverstraw’s Collins Becomes an Eagle Scout
Haverstraw, NY – Quentin Collins, a resident of the Town of Haverstraw, has officially achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. The Eagle Scout rank is the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America, and Collins’s achievement is a testament to his commitment to leadership, service, and his community. Collins was recognized with a ceremony…
Continue Reading Haverstraw’s Collins Becomes an Eagle Scout
Russell Keith Zimmer
Russell Keith Zimmer, 66, of Old Tappan, NJ, passed away on Monday, July 14, 2025. Beloved father of Jessica and Austin Zimmer. Loving brother of Randy, Doreen, Debbie, Michele and Phillip. He was predeceased by his parents Warren and Doris. He is also survived by many other loving friends and relatives. Russ owned and operated…
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.