Week in Review: Stony Point Seals Edition 2025

Sponsors:IVY Rehab Physical Therapy - West Haverstraw, NY | Contact: 845-579-5677Dana Pest Control - Family-owned for over 40 years | Contact: 845-786-5226 | Website: danapestcontrol.comTop 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.