Government

Orangetown Opens Cooling Center to Help Residents Beat the Heat This Week

Published

1 year ago

June 24, 2025

Orangetown, NY (June 23, 2025) — As temperatures soar across Rockland County, the Town of Orangetown has announced that it will open its facilities as a cooling center to help residents stay safe and comfortable during the heat wave.

The Orangetown Town Hall, located at 26 Orangeburg Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962 will be a Cooling Center from from Monday, June 23 through Wednesday, June 25, operating daily from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Town officials are urging residents—particularly seniors, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions—to take advantage of the cooling center during this period of extreme heat.

The move comes as the National Weather Service has issued heat advisories across the region, warning of dangerous heat index values that can pose serious health risks.

Heat Safety Tips from Town Officials:

Stay indoors and limit strenuous activity during peak hours (11 AM–4 PM).

Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.

Check in on elderly neighbors and relatives.

Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a short time.

This temporary cooling center is part of Orangetown’s proactive approach to public safety and wellness during the summer months.

For continuous updates and emergency notifications, residents are encouraged to follow the Town of Orangetown on social media and subscribe to local alerts.

Government

Turn Food Scraps Into Compost with Rockland’s Recycling Program

Published

1 week ago

July 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

After a summer barbecue or family gathering, those leftover food scraps don’t have to end up in the trash.

Rockland County is encouraging residents to join its Food Scrap Recycling Program, which diverts food waste from landfills and turns it into nutrient-rich compost.

Food scraps that end up in landfills produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. By recycling items such as fruit and vegetable peels, coffee grounds, eggshells, and other food waste, residents can help reduce emissions while creating a valuable resource for agriculture and landscaping.

County officials say the program is easy to join and can make a meaningful difference in reducing a household’s environmental footprint.

From banana peels and watermelon rinds to leftovers from backyard cookouts, every bit of food waste recycled helps keep organic material out of landfills.

Residents interested in participating can learn more and sign up through the county’s Food Scrap Recycling Program.

Government

Rockland Health Department Issues Hudson River Recreation Update

Published

3 weeks ago

July 5, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

The Rockland County Department of Health is advising residents that the Yonkers Wastewater Recovery Facility has been fully operational since July 3, while reminding the public to follow state health guidance when recreating on the Hudson River this holiday weekend.

According to the department, the New York State Department of Health and the Department of Environmental Conservation have been coordinating with Rockland and Westchester counties, New York City, and other partner agencies following the wastewater system disruption.

Health officials said residents should not drink untreated Hudson River water under any circumstances. They also advise against swimming or participating in activities that involve full-body immersion at beaches that remain closed.

However, officials said recreational activities involving partial contact with the water—including boating, kayaking, and fishing—are considered safe. Anglers are encouraged to review New York State Department of Health fish consumption advisories before eating their catch.

The Rockland County Department of Health said it will continue working with state and local agencies to monitor conditions.