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“Financial Tsunami” by Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

5 years ago

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As we first began contemplating the shuttering of businesses and our economy back in March, I made clear that we were facing a financial tsunami. Months of reduced sales tax revenue and funding cuts from New York State have made clear that we are facing a true fiscal crisis; one that may be even more difficult than the Great Recession of 2008.

But unlike the lack of planning or concrete action in 2008 we began taking a number of actions to soften the blow as best we can now and going forward. We implemented austerity measures in March which permitted only COVID related and essential purchasing to take place. We instituted a hiring freeze in May except for essential personnel and those working directly on the COVID response.

We immediately applied for FEMA Disaster Assistance and were one of the first municipalities in the country to have our reimbursement portal for COVID related expenses up and running. We have also asked our Federal Representatives to include direct financial assistance for counties in any future federal stimulus bills.

We have closely examined every account within County Government and identified millions in funds that were not spent due to the COVID-19 pandemic; we are doing everything possible to protect your taxpayer dollars and will continue to do so.

And this week the County Legislature is expected to pass a resolution we submitted which eliminates 18 vacant and/or unfilled positions and will save us nearly a million dollars this budget year. We closely vetted the vacant positions before recommending they be eliminated to make sure critical services would be maintained.

While we are taking action and will continue to look for ways to save money, we do not have a magic wand. Last August we announced a General Fund or savings account balance of $32.2 million. It is possible that this entire account could be wiped out by the end of 2020.

But this is exactly why we have fought so hard the last 6 years to rebuild our savings. If we had not trimmed our expenses and been extremely conservative with our budgeting there is no doubt in my mind that we would be nearly bankrupt once again.

This is a challenging situation, but it is not hopeless. Within County Government we will continue to take whatever action is necessary to protect our county treasury and protect you from the double-digit property tax increases of the past. More adjustments and judicious cuts are on the horizon but just as we did a decade ago, we will get through this and come out stronger and more fiscally sound than ever before.

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Down to Earth Living Shares Expert Tips to Keep Poinsettias Merry and Bright

Published

3 weeks ago

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November 13, 2025

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Poinsettias are the signature plant of the holiday season, adding instant cheer with their red, pink, or white bracts. To keep them looking festive, Down to Earth Living in Pomona offers simple care tips.

Light: Place poinsettias near a sunny window for about six hours of bright, indirect light each day.
Water: When the soil surface feels dry, water thoroughly and drain any excess. Avoid soggy roots.
Temperature: Keep them comfortable—between 65°F and 75°F—and away from drafts or heating vents.
Fertilizer: If you plan to keep your plant beyond the holidays, feed monthly with balanced fertilizer starting in late winter.

Common mistakes include overwatering, exposing plants to cold (below 50°F), and neglecting humidity, which can dull leaves or cause drop.

This season, Down to Earth Living features rare varieties such as Holly Points, Blush and Glitter, and Ice Punch—each offering unique color and texture.

While often rumored to be toxic, poinsettias are generally safe, according to Poison.org. Ingestion may cause only mild irritation. Still, the store recommends keeping them out of reach of children and pets.

Down to Earth Living, located on 12.5 acres in Pomona, draws customers from across Rockland and surrounding counties. Open 9 AM–5 PM daily, with extended hours until 7 PM starting November 19.
More at www.dteliving.com.

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Rockland Couple Lands $100,000 ‘Shark Tank’ Deal for Anti-Snoring Pillow

Published

1 month ago

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November 3, 2025

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Pomona, N.Y. — November 2025 — Rockland County entrepreneurs Lloyd and Sue Ecker have secured a $100,000 investment on ABC’s hit show Shark Tank for their innovative anti-snoring pillow, the Snorinator.

The couple, who live in Pomona, New York, appeared on a recent episode of the show to pitch their product, which is designed to help users sleep comfortably while sitting upright — reducing snoring and improving airflow during rest.

After a tense round of negotiations, several sharks initially passed on the idea. But investors Lori Greiner and Michael Strahan saw potential in the concept after testing the Snorinator themselves. The pair teamed up to offer $100,000 for a 25% stake in the Eckers’ company.

The Snorinator, which the couple developed to address common sleep and snoring problems, has already gained attention from frequent travelers and people who struggle to get restful sleep due to snoring or sleep apnea.

The Eckers, longtime inventors and entrepreneurs, said they were thrilled to find partners who believed in their mission to improve sleep health.

“Lori and Michael understood right away what we were trying to do,” said co-founder Lloyd Ecker after the episode aired. “They tested the Snorinator themselves and got it — this is about helping people rest better and breathe easier.”

The investment marks another success story for the Hudson Valley’s growing community of small business innovators who have appeared on Shark Tank in recent years.

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