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):
- Advocates 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.
