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Breaking: Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Announces Parade Cancellation

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7 years ago

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Breaking News: Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Announces Parade Cancellation

Pearl River, NY— 3/12/20 — It is with profound regret that the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee announces that we must cancel this year’s Rockland St. Patrick’s Day parade due to concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This has not been an easy decision, but the health and safety of the community must always be the overriding priority. However, the impact of canceling the parade should not be trivialized. Our first thoughts are to our well-deserving honorees who, after years of quiet service were getting the public recognition they so justly deserved. We are concerned about the economic impact on our community; for many small businesses, parade day is analogous to “Black Friday” and sustains them through leaner times throughout the year. These businesses are not just pubs and restaurants, but supermarkets, caterers, party goods stores, etc.. Many non-profit cultural organizations such as traditional musicians, pipe bands, and Irish dance schools rely on funds raised at St. Patrick’s Day performances to help them keep the tradition alive. There are the countless hours that volunteers have spent organizing the parade, which begins the week after the prior year’s parade. Finally, for many families this is a day of gathering, celebrating, and reminiscing on where they came from and the lost opportunity to create those memories cannot be replaced

It has been both distressing and disappointing to see comments on social media advocating for the cancellation of the parade as if it were of no more significance than a child’s play-date. For those who question why it has taken this long to reach a decision to cancel the parade, we are reminded of the famous quote of Louie Armstrong “If you have to ask the question, you’ll never understand the answer.”

One of our greatest sorrows is the lost opportunity to pay just recognition to the accomplishments that Irish American men and women have made to our community, accomplishments that are so often overlooked. This year’s parade was dedicated to Thomas and Danial Foley, brothers who grew up in Rockland and were killed during 9/11; Tommy on the day and Dan only a few weeks ago due to 9/11 related cancer contracted while searching for his brother’s body. In the absence of St. Patrick’s day parade coverage, we would ask for our public leaders and the media to consider publicly reflecting on the contributions of Irish Americans to our nation.

We ask the intercession of St. Patrick to deliver our communities safely from this illness.

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Rockland County Wendy’s to Honor Foster and Adoptive Families November 18

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2 days ago

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November 9, 2026

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Family silhouette under a blue sky.

Rockland County is once again partnering with local Wendy’s restaurants to recognize National Adoption Month and raise awareness about the need for foster families.

For the 15th consecutive year, the Rockland County Department of Social Services (RCDSS) Children’s Services Unit will join Wendy’s locations in Nanuet and West Haverstraw on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, for an event honoring foster and adoptive families throughout the county.

As part of the celebration, the two participating Wendy’s restaurants will provide free meals to Rockland County foster and adoptive families in recognition of the legacy of Wendy’s founder Dave Thomas, who was adopted as an infant.

Thomas became a longtime advocate for adoption and founded the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992, based on his belief that every child deserves a safe, loving and permanent home.

The local restaurants are operated by Wenesco Restaurants, whose owners, Kevin Woodside and Phillip Anastos, are continuing Thomas’ legacy by supporting foster care and adoption initiatives in the community.

99 Rockland County Children Have Found Forever Homes

The annual partnership has helped bring attention to the importance of foster family recruitment and adoption throughout Rockland County.

According to county officials, 99 children have found their forever homes over the past 15 years with the assistance and support of community partners like Wendy’s.

“We are grateful to Wendy’s for partnering with us for the 15th consecutive year to raise awareness of the need for caring and loving foster homes and to recognize the tireless efforts and compassion of our adoptive and foster care parents,” said Patrick A. Frawley, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Social Services.

County Executive Ed Day also encouraged residents who have considered fostering a child to learn more about the opportunity.

“Fostering a child is a truly special opportunity to change a young person’s life,” Day said. He encouraged anyone considering becoming a foster parent to explore the process and discover the difference they could make in a child’s life.

Residents Invited to Learn About Becoming Foster Parents

In addition to honoring existing foster and adoptive families, the November 18 event will give residents an opportunity to speak with representatives and learn more about becoming a foster parent or navigating the adoption process.

Anyone interested in learning more is invited to stop by either participating Wendy’s location between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 18.

Participating locations:

  • Wendy’s Nanuet: 90 Route 59, Nanuet, NY
  • Wendy’s West Haverstraw: 125 Route 9W, West Haverstraw, NY

Residents interested in becoming foster parents can also find additional information through the Rockland County Department of Social Services at FosterRockland.com.

The annual event serves as a reminder that every child deserves a safe and loving home, and that becoming a foster parent can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life.

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Lowe’s Offering Free Holiday Engine Workshop for Kids November 14

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3 days ago

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November 8, 2026

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Kids Club Holiday Engine Workshop Announcement

Families looking for a fun and creative activity for their children this November can take advantage of a free holiday-themed workshop through Lowe’s Kids Club.

Lowe’s is inviting young builders to get creative during its Holiday Engine Workshop, scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2026, at 10 a.m.

The free workshop gives children an opportunity to participate in a hands-on building activity while celebrating the holiday season.

Part of the Lowe’s Kids Club program, these workshops are designed to encourage creativity, introduce children to basic building skills and provide families with an opportunity to enjoy a fun activity together.

The Holiday Engine Workshop is free to participate in, but advance registration is required. Parents or guardians must have a child’s Kids Club profile and complete registration to participate.

Space and participation may be subject to availability, and Lowe’s notes that workshops are subject to terms and conditions and may change.

For families interested in signing up, additional information and registration details are available at Lowes.com/KidsClub.

With the holiday season approaching, this is another opportunity for young builders to roll up their sleeves, get creative and enjoy a little hands-on holiday fun!

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