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:
Rockland Libraries Team Up for 5k Fundraiser at Rockland Lake in October
VALLEY COTTAGE, N.Y. — Runners, walkers and stroller-pushing families will circle the shoreline of Rockland Lake this fall when the Library Association of Rockland County (LARC) stages its inaugural “LARC in the Park” 5-kilometer Run/Walk on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. Set against the foliage of Rockland Lake State Park (299 Rockland Lake Rd.), the race…
Continue Reading Rockland Libraries Team Up for 5k Fundraiser at Rockland Lake in October
Free Colorectal Cancer Screenings Offered at Montefiore Nyack Hospital on July 25
NYACK, NY — The Cancer Center at Montefiore Nyack Hospital is stepping up its community health efforts by offering free colorectal cancer screenings for men and women aged 45 and older. The screenings will take place on Friday, July 25th, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., providing eligible individuals with a non-invasive at-home test to…
Continue Reading Free Colorectal Cancer Screenings Offered at Montefiore Nyack Hospital on July 25
Spring Valley Residents File Petition to Dissolve Village
By Kim Anderson SPRING VALLEY, NY – A long-brewing campaign to eliminate Spring Valley’s village government advanced this week when residents submitted formal petitions calling for dissolution. As first reported by the Monsey Scoop, organizers delivered paperwork to the Village Clerk of Spring Valley on July 1st 2025 to dissolve the village government. This triggered…
Continue Reading Spring Valley Residents File Petition to Dissolve Village
Robert David Caminiti
Robert David Caminiti, “Bob” Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, Army Veteran, and Longtime NBC Associate Director It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Robert David Caminiti, “Bob,” a devoted husband, father and grandfather, proud Army veteran, and respected television professional, who passed away on June 26, 2025, at the age of 88. Born…
Mary Ann Viglietta
Mary Ann Viglietta (née Foscante), 81, of Tappan, NY, passed away on Thursday, June 26, 2025. She was the beloved wife of the late Anthony Viglietta and the devoted mother of Angela and Kathleen, and Kathleen’s partner, LaRon Grady. She was a proud and loving grandmother to James, Heather, Sean, Madison, Mia, and Christian. Mary Ann…
Spring Valley Man Arraigned in Fatal Crash That Killed 4-Year-Old Girl
SPRING VALLEY, NY — Axel I. Lopez-Santiago, 41, of Spring Valley, was arraigned today before Rockland County Court Judge Kevin Russo on a Grand Jury indictment stemming from a tragic vehicular incident that resulted in the death of a 4-year-old girl and serious injuries to two others. Lopez-Santiago faces multiple felony charges, including three counts…
Continue Reading Spring Valley Man Arraigned in Fatal Crash That Killed 4-Year-Old Girl
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.