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:
Reverend Doctor William Barr Doster, Jr.
The Reverend Doctor William Barr Doster, Jr., 91, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on Saturday, June 27, 2026. William (“Bill”) was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on February 27, 1935. A man of profound faith and intellect, he dedicated his life to spiritual leadership, pastoral care, and lifelong learning. He served as…
Warehouse Project Advances In West Haverstraw
West Haverstraw, N.Y. – A proposed 454,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center in the Village of West Haverstraw has moved another step forward after the village’s Planning Board accepted a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the project, allowing the environmental review process to continue. The proposal has been under consideration by local officials and state…
Continue Reading Warehouse Project Advances In West Haverstraw
Is Your Shopping Center Getting Noticed in 5 Seconds or Less?
This guest article is from the team at 99Signs, located in Nyack, NY. NYACK, NY – For shopping centers, visibility is not just a design issue. It is a business issue. A successful retail property depends on people being able to see it, understand it, navigate it, and feel confident entering it. Long before a…
Continue Reading Is Your Shopping Center Getting Noticed in 5 Seconds or Less?
Helen Carol Bottari
Helen Carol Bottari, 67, of Northvale, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 29, 2026. Helen was born in the Bronx, New York, and grew up in Blauvelt, New York. She attended Albertus Magnus High School and graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas College in Sparkill, New York. She dedicated many years to education and…
Residency Law Changed For Correction Officers
NEW CITY, N.Y. — Governor Kathy Hochul has signed legislation amending New York’s Public Officers Law to change residency requirements for current correction officers employed by the Rockland and Orange County Sheriff’s Offices, a move local officials say could help address staffing and retention challenges within county correctional facilities. The legislation specifically affects correction officers…
Continue Reading Residency Law Changed For Correction Officers
Chestnut Ridge Awarded Road Safety Grant
CHESTNUT RIDGE, N.Y. — The Village of Chestnut Ridge has been awarded approximately $568,000 in state funding to support traffic and pedestrian safety improvements along South Pascack Road, a heavily traveled corridor that serves residents, businesses and nearby schools. The funding was announced as part of New York State’s ongoing efforts to improve roadway safety…
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.
