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Five Towns Of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge In Partnership With The American Red Cross

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2 years ago

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Nanuet, NY – Senator Bill Weber today announced the Five Towns of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge in partnership with the American Red Cross. This friendly competition between the five towns of Rockland will take place between July 30th and August 3rd. Each of the Five Town Supervisors has agreed to participate and assist in promoting their town’s blood drive.
“I’m excited to announce the Five Towns of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge in partnership with the American Red Cross. Only three percent of the population regularly donates blood. We need to increase that number, and this five towns challenge was developed to do exactly that,” said Senator Bill Weber.
Donors can preregister for the event by going to:
The schedule for the blood drive challenge is:
July 30th – Finkelstein Memorial Library
24 Chestnut Street
Spring Valley, NY 10977
10:30 AM – 04:30 PM
July 31st – Orangetown Town Hall
26 W Orangeburg Rd
Orangeburg, NY 10962
09:00 AM – 03:00 PM
August 1st – Stony Point Senior Center
19 Club House Ln
Stony Point, NY 10980
10:00 AM – 03:00 PM
August 2nd – Clarkstown Town Hall
10 Maple Ave
New City, NY 10956
12:00 PM – 05:00 PM
August 3rd – Town of Haverstraw
1 Rosman Rd
Garnerville, NY 10923
10:00 AM – 03:00 PM
Two prizes will be awarded, one for the most blood collected and another for the most newly registered Red Cross blood donors. The winning town for each category will receive a trophy and bragging rights until next year’s competition.
“Blood and platelet donors are critically needed right now to support lifesaving transfusions this summer,” said Stephanie Dunn Ashely, CEO of the American Red Cross Metro New York North Chapter. “Full summer calendars and holiday plans may prevent regular donors from being able to give, but every donation counts in the mission to keep blood products stocked for patients who need them. This is why we are so excited and proud to partner with Senator Weber and the five towns across Rockland County to sponsor a friendly competition where neighbors can roll up their sleeves to help save a life. In this competition, everyone in the community wins!”
There will be five blood drives over five consecutive days, one in each of the five towns of Rockland. Senator Bill Weber contacted the NYS Thruway Authority, and they agreed to light up the Tappan Zee Bridge in red on the night of the first blood drive (July 30th) to help spread awareness of this life-saving initiative.

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Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

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1 day ago

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May 9, 2026

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Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

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Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

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3 days ago

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May 7, 2026

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A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.

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