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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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10 months ago

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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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Government

Rockland County Legislature Selects Leadership for 2026

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1 day ago

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January 19, 2026

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NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Legislature voted Thursday night to fill its leadership positions for 2026, reelecting Jay Hood Jr. to a fifth consecutive term as Chairman.

Aney Paul was reelected Vice Chairwoman, while Phil Soskin was named Second Vice Chairman.

Party leadership roles were also confirmed, with Democrats reelecting Alden H. Wolfe as Majority Leader and Republicans reelecting Lon M. Hofstein as Minority Leader. Dana Stilley was appointed Deputy Majority Leader, and Raymond W. Sheridan III was appointed Deputy Minority Leader.

“I am grateful to my colleagues for once again placing their trust in me,” Hood said. “I look forward to continuing our collaborative work within the Legislature and with the County Executive and Administration to deliver responsible governance and positive results for Rockland County residents. We accomplished a great deal in 2025, and I am confident we can build on that momentum in 2026.”

Hood has served in the County Legislature since 2007 and previously held the positions of Vice Chairman and Majority Leader. Before joining the Legislature, he served on the Haverstraw Town Board.

Paul was elected Vice Chairwoman for the seventh time. She was first elected to the County Legislature in 2012 and has previously served as Majority Leader.

In addition, Moshe Hopstein was sworn in after being appointed last year and subsequently winning election in November to fill the seat vacated by Aron B. Weider, who was elected to the New York State Assembly.

Legislators also unanimously reappointed Laurence O. Toole to a one-year term as Clerk to the Legislature. Toole appointed Mary Widmer as Deputy Clerk.

All officials were sworn in by Donna Silberman.

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Government

Rockland County Executive Day Declares January as National Blood Donor Month

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January 19, 2026

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NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day has officially proclaimed January 2026 as National Blood Donor Month, recognizing the critical role blood donors and collection organizations play in saving lives. To honor Blood Donor Month, County Executive Day presented a proclamation to New York Blood Center (NYBC) in appreciation of their tireless efforts to ensure a steady and reliable blood supply.

In 2025, nearly 5,000 blood donations were collected from 129 New York Blood Center blood drives across Rockland County – a 16% increase over 2024.

“Blood donation is the greatest gift anyone can give as it saves precious lives,” said County Executive Day. “We’re proud to honor New York Blood Center for their unwavering commitment to this cause.”

New York Blood Center serves as a lifeline for hospitals and patients across the region, providing critical blood and platelets to meet the needs of individuals undergoing surgery, cancer treatments, or emergency care. During the colder months, NYBC—like all blood banks—often faces shortages due to seasonal challenges such as inclement weather, flu season, and holiday distractions, making January an essential time to raise awareness.

“Thank you so much to the County of Rockland for recognizing the importance of blood donations during National Blood Donor Month and throughout the entire year,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “A single blood donation can save up to three lives, and this year alone, Rockland was responsible for approximately 5,000 blood donations. This is a testament to the County’s leadership as well as to the extraordinary generosity of its residents.”

Each blood donation can save up to three lives, and the demand for blood is constant, with someone in the United States requiring a transfusion every two seconds.

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