Connect with us

Events

Charles “Bones” Jones Jr. – Rockland Special Olympics Founder & Champion Passes Away

Published

5 years ago

on

Charles, who was affectionately known to everyone as Bones for his tall lean appearance, passed away on April 22, 2021 at the age of 72 after an incredibly courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.

In 1972 Charles moved to Rockland County to start a job which would become his career, a Recreational Therapist at Letchworth Village Developmental Center. It was the beginning a 49-year professional career where he eventually became the Chief Recreational Therapist passionately supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He would began a Scout program (Boys & Girls) for developmentally disabled residents at Letchworth.

During his career at Letchworth Bones founded another one of his life’s passions, Rockland County Special Olympics. His work with Special Olympics would add to his legacy of leadership and volunteerism that touched thousands of lives over the years, all across New York State. Connected to his affinity for golf, he advocated for adding the sport of Golf at the National level. He helped to coordinate the first national tournament at PGA National in Port St. Lucie, FL. He received numerous awards, recognitions and honors for his volunteerism with Special Olympics including the Dorothy Buehring Phillips Award, named after the founder of New York State Special Olympics – the highest honor given to a volunteer. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New York State Special Olympics as well as the

Hudson Valley Region and in 2019, the Rockland County Special Olympics Golf Tournament was renamed in Bones’ honor as the Bones Jones Rockland Golf Classic, a tournament which he started over 35 years ago to benefit the athletes in the county. At the heart of Bones’ dedication to Special Olympics was his boundless belief in the value of sports training and athletic competition can have for those among us who may be differently abled. Add to all this, he was a gentleman who dedicated his entire adult life to improving the quality of life for people with intellectual disabilities and to bring greater acceptance for them in our society.

Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Charles “Bones” Jones. We can say without a doubt, Jones made Rockland a better place.

Link to donate to the NY Special Olympics HERE.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Events

Revolutionary Sunday: George Washington Returns to The Old ’76 House July 26

Published

1 week ago

on

July 22, 2026

By

History comes to life once again at The Old ’76 House as the legendary tavern welcomes the return of George Washington for a special Revolutionary Sunday celebration. The event concludes a memorable July weekend series honoring America’s 250th anniversary with immersive Revolutionary War reenactments, exceptional dining, and family-friendly entertainment.

Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience the place where history unfolded during the American Revolution. Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to witness live historical reenactments featuring General George Washington and other Revolutionary-era figures, bringing one of the nation’s most significant periods vividly to life.

In addition to the reenactments, guests can enjoy The Old ’76 House’s renowned food, drinks, and historic atmosphere while celebrating America’s enduring legacy. Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast, a family looking for a unique weekend outing, or simply searching for a memorable way to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Revolutionary Sunday promises an experience unlike any other.

Known as one of the oldest taverns in the United States, The Old ’76 House has played a remarkable role in American history. During the Revolutionary War, it served as the headquarters for Continental Army officers and is famously associated with the imprisonment of British Major John André following his capture in connection with Benedict Arnold’s plot to surrender West Point.

The Revolutionary Sunday celebration offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience this historic setting while watching history unfold through engaging living history presentations and interactive performances.

Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Event: Revolutionary Sunday – Return of Washington July 26, 2026
Location: The Old ’76 House, Tappan, New York
Reservations: 845-359-5476

Continue Reading

Events

Toys for Tots Hosting Halfway to Christmas Toy Drive at Davies Farm July 25

Published

1 week ago

on

July 22, 2026

By

Christmas is coming early this weekend as Toys for Tots hosts its Halfway to Christmas toy drive at Davies Farm in Congers.

The event aims to fill a military HMMWV trailer with new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children throughout Rockland County during the upcoming holiday season.

Families are invited to stop by, donate a new toy, and meet Santa Claus, who will be on hand to greet children and help spread some Christmas cheer in the middle of summer.

Organizers hope the community will come together to help ensure local children and families benefit from the Toys for Tots program this holiday season. Every donated toy helps bring joy to a child in need.

Those attending are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the annual campaign and help fill the trailer for children across Rockland County.

Continue Reading

Trending