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

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6 years ago

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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.

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Events

Rockland County Free Fall Festival Returns to West Nyack Oct. 18

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1 day ago

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October 14, 2026

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The Historical Society of Rockland County will host its 13th Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 18, bringing a day of family activities, live entertainment, historic demonstrations and Revolutionary War reenactments to West Nyack.

Presented in partnership with Heritage of West Nyack and the Town of Clarkstown, the free festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at 131 Germonds Road, adjacent to Germonds Park.

The event will offer visitors an opportunity to experience local history, explore traditional crafts and enjoy seasonal activities for all ages.

Revolutionary War History Comes to Life

One of the festival’s featured attractions will be an encampment by Heard’s Brigade of the New Jersey Militia, offering a look at military life during the American Revolutionary War.

Visitors can explore 18th-century tents and watch demonstrations of open-fire cooking, militia drills and musket firing. Revolutionary War skirmish reenactments are scheduled for 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The festival will also feature tours of the historic Onderdonk-Tallman-Budke and Vanderbilt-Budke-Traphagen houses, along with a presentation by Clare Sheridan titled “Who Was Naut Kanniff? The Story of the Witch of West Nyack.”

Traditional craft demonstrations will include lacemaking by Mayra Petretti of the Metropolitan Chapter of the International Organization of Lace, Inc., as well as wool and flax spinning demonstrations by Celeste Sherry.

Family Activities and Fall Fun

Families can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities throughout the afternoon, including horse-drawn wagon rides scheduled from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Horses R Us 4-H Club will offer pumpkin picking, decorating and painting, while Fred DePaul will present sheep-shearing demonstrations at 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Children can also take part in colonial-era games presented by Tom Hunt of Waterside Forge. Balloony Toony Entertainment will provide balloon animals, face painting and glitter tattoos.

Additional attractions will include free mini-golf, raffles, craft vendors and demonstrations. A pen-turning workshop hosted by the Hudson Valley Wood Turners will be available for participants ages 12 and older. Reservations are recommended, and interested participants can contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com.

Live Music and Entertainment

Music will be part of the afternoon’s festivities, with balladeer Thaddeus MacGregor performing alongside Wee Jim the Limberjack. Additional musical entertainment will feature Scott Staton, Keith Olsen and Pat Keating.

Organizers invite residents and visitors to enjoy an afternoon celebrating Rockland County’s history, heritage and fall traditions.

Event Information

  • What: 13th Annual Fall Festival
  • When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Historical Society of Rockland County, 131 Germonds Road, West Nyack, adjacent to Germonds Park
  • Admission: Free
  • Workshop reservations: Contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com for the pen-turning workshop.

With Revolutionary War reenactments, historic house tours, traditional crafts, live music and family-friendly fall activities, the festival will offer visitors a chance to experience local history while celebrating the season.

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Events

Spirit of Sobro Returns October 2 for 5th Annual Celebration

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2 weeks ago

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September 30, 2026

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Celebrating its fifth year, this popular community event is getting bigger, with the festivities expanding to a second block this year.

The event will stretch from Depew to the gas station, creating additional space for vendors and entertainment. Organizers say 45 vendors are expected, along with street performers, circus sideshows, live music, a DJ, drumming and more throughout the event.

One tradition will remain in place: the Tarot salon inside Modern Druid, which will be open throughout the evening.

Organizers are encouraging the community to come out, support local vendors and performers, and help make this year’s celebration the biggest and most fun yet.

Bring your friends, spread the word and come enjoy an evening of music, entertainment, shopping and community.

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