Government

“We Applaud Our Heroes” By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

2 years ago

February 22, 2024

Every year during February we present the Buffalo Soldiers Award to outstanding African-American veterans who live in Rockland County. A “Buffalo Soldier” is the nickname first given to members of African-American cavalry regiments of the U.S. Army who served in the western United States from 1867 to 1896, noted for their courage and discipline.

Last week I had the honor and privilege of presenting the 2024 Buffalo Soldiers Award to Army Veteran James Epps while Army Veteran Grady Anderson, Jr was presented with the Buffalo Soldiers Lifetime Achievement Award.

James Epps joined the Army in 1953 and was later stationed in Germany, where he served as a machine gunner until September of 1956, when he was honorably discharged. James has continued to serve his community delivering meals to senior citizens with the Prince Hall Freemasonry Tappan Zee Lodge No. 79, which he has been a member of since 1975.

Grady Anderson, Jr. joined the army in 1959 and where he served overseas in Germany. Upon his discharge in 1963, he returned to Spring Valley. On top of a fulfilling career as an x-ray technician when he came home, he has been a member and Past Commander of Moscarella Post 199, Member of VVA 333, and Member and past Chef de Gare of the 40&8. He also served as Oratorical Chairperson for Rockland County American Legion for 8 years.

Not only is he a past recipient of our Buffalo Soldier Award in 1993 he was co-founder and historian of Buffalo Soldier Awardees and presents that history every year at the event.

He has received several honors over the years for his tireless devotion to our community including his 60-year membership with First Baptist Church of Spring Valley, where he is also Deacon.

George Crouch, a WWII & Korean War Veteran, was also presented with an Unsung Hero Award by the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County.

It takes a certain kind of person to put your own life on hold to put your country first, but both awardees did it without hesitation.

Their sacrifice is why we get to enjoy the freedoms we have today.

For that, we are incredibly proud to add their names to the list of Rockland County Buffalo Soldiers recognized over the past 26 years. On behalf of the people of Rockland I thank them for their service to our country and county.

I also thank the Buffalo Soldiers of Rockland County for granting myself and our Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam with Honorary Membership. We will not stop fighting for the wellbeing of veterans and soldiers, both past & present.

* This is a weekly article by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

Government

Secure Shred Event: Safely Dispose of Personal Documents Near You

Published

1 week ago

April 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Residents are invited to safely dispose of sensitive documents at an upcoming Community Paper Shredding Event, designed to help protect against identity theft while promoting environmentally responsible recycling.

The event will provide a convenient and secure way for community members to shred personal documents such as old bank statements, tax records, medical paperwork, and other confidential materials. All documents will be shredded on-site by a professional shredding service, ensuring that personal information is fully destroyed.

In addition to helping residents safeguard their private information, the event supports sustainability efforts by ensuring that shredded paper is properly recycled.

Residents are encouraged to bring documents in boxes or bags. Please note that paper clips and staples are acceptable; however, large binder clips, folders, and non-paper materials should be removed in advance.

To allow as many residents as possible to participate, there may be a limit on the number of boxes per household.

This event is open to the general public, and no businesses will be permitted. See flyer for dates in your town.

Government

Clarkstown Honors 2026 Women of Distinction for Leadership and Community Service

Published

3 weeks ago

March 28, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Town of Clarkstown proudly celebrated its second annual Women of Distinction Ceremony for 2026, honoring local women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the community.

Supervisor George Hoehmann selected two honorees, while each Town Council member recognized one woman from their ward. The honorees were recognized for their contributions to volunteerism, public service, and nonprofit work across Clarkstown and Rockland County.

“This year’s honorees embody the very best of our community,” said Supervisor Hoehmann. “Their compassion, leadership, and commitment to service continue to inspire us all.”

2026 Honorees

Breda Lyons and Catherine Levins (Supervisor’s Honorees)
Owners of River Court On Main in New City, Lyons and Levins have combined entrepreneurship with philanthropy, supporting numerous local charities, organizing drives for children in need, and giving back to community organizations.

Roberta Bangs (Ward 3 – Councilman Don Franchino)
A dedicated volunteer, Bangs has served as President of Hi-Tor Animal Shelter and the Nanuet Civic Association, while supporting organizations such as People to People and the Nanuet Ambulance Corps.

Jane Provenzano (Ward 2 – Councilman Mike Graziano)
A longtime advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Provenzano founded PRO U ED, a program for adults with special needs, and serves as Vice President of the Congers Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Roxanne Perrone (Ward 4 – Councilman Bob Axelrod)
Perrone has played a key role in supporting New City’s small business community and serves as a trustee of the New City Library and member of the Clarkstown Planning Board.

Maura Donoghue (Ward 1 – Councilman Jon Valentino)
Donoghue oversees housing programs for the Rockland County Department of Social Services, managing initiatives that support vulnerable residents, including Section 8 housing and emergency services.

The Town of Clarkstown extended its congratulations and gratitude to all of the honorees for their lasting impact on the community.