Events

Arthur R. Aldrich, Publisher of OurTown Newspaper, Passes Away at 83

Published

4 years ago

April 16, 2021

Suffern – Arthur R. Aldrich, a respected newspaper publisher, died peacefully Monday, April 12th, at the age of 83 with his family by his side.

Born in Yonkers, Arthur graduated from White Plains High School and went on to attended New York University.

He worked as editor of several newspapers including the Customart Press, the Eastchester Record, and the Rockland Leader.

After marrying Elaine (Nardeccia) in 1965, the couple moved from New Rochelle to Suffern NY where they quickly became active members and leaders in the Rockland County community, and Unitarian Society.

In 1973 Arthur started a weekly community paper called “Our Town” based in Pearl River. The paper was widely respected for journalism and creative writing including their popular restaurant reviews.

In the early 90s he expanded his business outside of Orangetown to include other parts of Rockland and Bergen when he acquired the publication of “The Home and Store News” based in Ramsey NJ from John Dater.

Arthur was happiest when behind the keys of the piano and organ. He would perform regularly at Good Samaritan Hospital as a volunteer.

Arthur was also a professor and educator, teaching college classes in advertising, marketing, and business. In later years he offered defensive driving classes to many. He had a love for books, classic music & film, as well as the theater.

In his leisure time he would produce lecture series on historical events, cultural arts, and the history of radio broadcasting that he would give through the Elder Hostel organization, and at local libraries.

Arthur also worked as stage director for many local playhouses, and volunteered his time every year to Camp Venture to help raise money for their ongoing effort of providing opportunity and family-like care for people of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Arthur is survived by his wife Elaine, son Arthur and his wife Christina, and grandchildren Daniel and Alec Aldrich. He also leaves behind niece Jean Migdal, nephew Michael Migdal and his wife Jane.

He continued working right up until the time of his death and will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and community.

A public memorial service is being planned for a later date.

Events

The Rockland Report Would Like To Thank All Who Have Served This Great Country

Published

1 week ago

November 11, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

In 1921, an unknown World War I American soldier was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. This site, on a hillside overlooking the Potomac River and the city of Washington, D.C., became the focal point of reverence for America’s veterans. Similar ceremonies occurred earlier in England and France, where an unknown soldier was buried in each nation’s highest place of honor (in England, Westminster Abbey; in France, the Arc de Triomphe). These memorial gestures all took place on November 11, giving universal recognition to the celebrated ending of World War I fighting at 11 a.m., November 11, 1918 (the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month). The day became known as “Armistice Day.” Armistice Day officially received its name in America in 1926 through a Congressional resolution. It became a national holiday 12 years later by similar Congressional action. If the idealistic hope had been realized that World War I was “the War to end all wars,” November 11 might still be called Armistice Day. But only a few years after the holiday was proclaimed, war broke out in Europe. Sixteen and one-half million Americans took part. Four hundred seven thousand of them died in service, more than 292,000 in battle. Armistice Day Changed To Honor All Veterans The first celebration using the term Veterans Day occurred in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1947. Raymond Weeks, a World War II veteran, organized “National Veterans Day,” which included a parade and other festivities, to honor all veterans. The event was held on November 11.

Events

Happy Halloween Rockland County From The Rockland Report Be safe Have Fun

Published

3 weeks ago

October 31, 2024

Rockland Report Admin

Halloween originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which was a celebration of changing seasons from summer to winter. The Celts believed that on the night of October 31, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred, and the spirits of the dead would return to earth. To ward off evil spirits, the Celts would: light bonfires, wear costumes, and tell fortunes.

Over time, the traditions of Samhain blended with other cultures and religions:

Christian influence

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as All Saints’ Day, a day to honor Christian saints and martyrs. All Saints’ Day later became known as All Hallows’ Day, and the night before, October 31, became known as All Hallows’ Eve, and eventually Halloween.
Irish folklore

The Irish and Scottish brought their folklore about a trickster named Jack to America, where they found pumpkins, which were easier to carve than turnips. The story of Jack-o’-lantern is said to have inspired the Irish to carve faces into pumpkins to ward off evil spirits.