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County Executive Day Declares January as National Blood Donor Month

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Rockland County Executive Ed Day has officially proclaimed January 2025 as National Blood Donor Month, recognizing the critical role blood donors and collection organizations play in saving lives.

To honor this occasion, 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.

“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. They provide 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.

The County also honored dedicated NYBC Rockland County partners, including the Parish of St. Paul-St. Ann in Congers, which has contributed nearly 200 units of blood at its 2024 blood drives, as well as retired county employee Fred Cifuni, who has contributed 141 blood donations—or more than 17 gallons.

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.

For more information on how to donate or host a blood drive, visit New York Blood Center’s website.

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Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

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CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

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Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

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Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?

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