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Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods Jr. Posthumously Inducted into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame

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Senator Bill Weber announced the posthumous induction of Clarkstown Councilman Mark Woods Jr. into the New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame. This special recognition celebrates Mark’s dedication to his country, community, and fellow veterans. The induction ceremony is scheduled to take place at the New York State Capitol in Albany on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Mark’s wife, Jeanne Woods, will be present to accept the award on his behalf.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Mark Woods Jr. was inspired to serve by his uncle, a Vietnam War veteran. He attended The Citadel, a prestigious military college, and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry. His early assignments took him to Berlin at the end of the Cold War and later to Bosnia as part of a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
After leaving active duty, Mark served as a corrections officer and border agent before joining the NYPD, where he worked on foot patrol, in the Vice Squad, and later in the elite Joint Terrorism Task Force. Following 9/11, Mark was recalled to active military duty and deployed to Iraq, where he served in Civil Affairs and helped rebuild civil society in conflict zones.
Following his second honorable discharge, Mark returned to the NYPD and became deeply involved in veteran advocacy. He served as Deputy Director of the Rockland County Veterans Service Agency and later as Director of the Joseph P. Dwyer Veterans Peer Support Program at BRIDGES, where he provided critical services to veterans in crisis.
The New York State Senate Veterans Hall of Fame was created to honor veterans who have not only served with distinction in the U.S. Armed Forces but who have also gone on to make significant contributions to their communities. Mark Woods Jr. is a shining example of that legacy.
Rockland County will never forget Mark Woods.

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Secure Shred Event: Safely Dispose of Personal Documents Near You

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Residents are invited to safely dispose of sensitive documents at an upcoming Community Paper Shredding Event, designed to help protect against identity theft while promoting environmentally responsible recycling.

The event will provide a convenient and secure way for community members to shred personal documents such as old bank statements, tax records, medical paperwork, and other confidential materials. All documents will be shredded on-site by a professional shredding service, ensuring that personal information is fully destroyed.

In addition to helping residents safeguard their private information, the event supports sustainability efforts by ensuring that shredded paper is properly recycled.

Residents are encouraged to bring documents in boxes or bags. Please note that paper clips and staples are acceptable; however, large binder clips, folders, and non-paper materials should be removed in advance.

To allow as many residents as possible to participate, there may be a limit on the number of boxes per household.

This event is open to the general public, and no businesses will be permitted. See flyer for dates in your town.

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Clarkstown Honors 2026 Women of Distinction for Leadership and Community Service

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The Town of Clarkstown proudly celebrated its second annual Women of Distinction Ceremony for 2026, honoring local women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the community.

Supervisor George Hoehmann selected two honorees, while each Town Council member recognized one woman from their ward. The honorees were recognized for their contributions to volunteerism, public service, and nonprofit work across Clarkstown and Rockland County.

“This year’s honorees embody the very best of our community,” said Supervisor Hoehmann. “Their compassion, leadership, and commitment to service continue to inspire us all.”

2026 Honorees

Breda Lyons and Catherine Levins (Supervisor’s Honorees)
Owners of River Court On Main in New City, Lyons and Levins have combined entrepreneurship with philanthropy, supporting numerous local charities, organizing drives for children in need, and giving back to community organizations.

Roberta Bangs (Ward 3 – Councilman Don Franchino)
A dedicated volunteer, Bangs has served as President of Hi-Tor Animal Shelter and the Nanuet Civic Association, while supporting organizations such as People to People and the Nanuet Ambulance Corps.

Jane Provenzano (Ward 2 – Councilman Mike Graziano)
A longtime advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Provenzano founded PRO U ED, a program for adults with special needs, and serves as Vice President of the Congers Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Roxanne Perrone (Ward 4 – Councilman Bob Axelrod)
Perrone has played a key role in supporting New City’s small business community and serves as a trustee of the New City Library and member of the Clarkstown Planning Board.

Maura Donoghue (Ward 1 – Councilman Jon Valentino)
Donoghue oversees housing programs for the Rockland County Department of Social Services, managing initiatives that support vulnerable residents, including Section 8 housing and emergency services.

The Town of Clarkstown extended its congratulations and gratitude to all of the honorees for their lasting impact on the community.

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