Events

Cornell Researchers Aim to Advance NY Winter-Storm Emergency Response

Published

5 years ago

March 2, 2021

ITHACA, N.Y. – Partnering with community organizations, Cornell University researchers are developing and planning a hyperlocal weather forecasting system designed to improve winter-storm emergency response and enhance natural disaster coordination for New York state’s rural communities.

Max Zhang, professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, will lead the federally funded effort this spring.

The work is part of the new Civic Innovation Challenge, an $11 million effort led by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The four-month challenge seeks to empower communities to achieve necessary local weather and disaster solutions, so that one day such plans may be scaled up regionally or nationally.

“In case of a winter storm or other kind of natural disaster, there is a suite of actions that must be prioritized,” Zhang said. “As upstate towns usually have a limited budget, we’re tying together technology and actions plans.”

For example: “Information is critical for the highway departments to decide where to send the plows and salt trucks first, and decide the correct priority of actions,” he said. “We aim to develop a transferrable priority-action model for all of New York and then perhaps to the rest of the U.S. through the national cooperative extension network.”

Zhang said his group will be partnering with civic and community partners across New York, attempting several innovations integrating computer vision, numerical weather forecasting and Internet of Things-based sensing packages.

Events

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

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

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

Events

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

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

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.