Community

Honoring Fathers Here and in Heaven This Father’s Day

Published

3 weeks ago

June 21, 2026

As families across the Hudson Valley and beyond celebrate Father’s Day, many will spend the day honoring the fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who have helped shape their lives.

For some, the day will be filled with backyard barbecues, family gatherings, phone calls, and cherished moments spent with loved ones. For others, Father’s Day serves as a reminder of fathers who are no longer here but whose love, guidance, and memories continue to leave a lasting impact.

Fatherhood often extends far beyond biology. Many men serve as mentors, coaches, teachers, first responders, military veterans, clergy members, and community leaders who provide support, encouragement, and strength to those around them. Their influence can shape generations and leave legacies that endure long after they are gone.

For those whose fathers have passed away, Father’s Day can be a time of reflection. Families may visit gravesites, look through old photographs, share stories, or simply take a quiet moment to remember the lessons and values that were passed down through the years.

While the holiday can bring a mix of emotions, it also offers an opportunity to celebrate the countless ways fathers and father figures enrich the lives of their children, families, and communities.

This Father’s Day, we honor the dads who are with us today and remember those watching over us from heaven. Their love, sacrifices, and guidance continue to be felt every day.

To all fathers, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures—thank you. Happy Father’s Day.

Community

Orangeburg Fire Department to Host Community Blood Drive Amid Blood Emergency

Published

7 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

As blood supplies remain critically low, the Orangeburg Fire Department is encouraging residents to roll up their sleeves and help save lives by participating in an upcoming community blood drive.

The blood drive will be held Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Orangeburg Fire House, located at 61 Dutch Hill Road, Orangeburg.

Hosted in partnership with the New York Blood Center, the event comes as a blood emergency has been declared, highlighting the urgent need for donors to help replenish the region’s blood supply. Blood donations are essential for trauma victims, surgery patients, cancer treatments and others facing medical emergencies.

Appointments are preferred and can be made through the New York Blood Center at NYBC.org, although walk-in donors will be welcomed as space permits.

Eligible donors must be at least 17 years old, or 16 with a signed parental consent form, meet minimum weight requirements, be feeling healthy and symptom-free, and bring a donor ID card or a photo ID.

Organizers also encourage donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of fluids before donating.

Every blood donation has the potential to save lives, making each donor’s contribution an important step in ensuring local hospitals have the blood they need when emergencies arise.

Community

Rockland Residents Urged to Donate Blood as Regional Supply Faces Ongoing Need

Published

7 hours ago

July 11, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With only about 2% of eligible New Yorkers donating blood, maintaining an adequate blood supply remains an ongoing challenge for hospitals in Rockland County, the Hudson Valley and across the state.

Unlike many medical treatments, blood cannot be manufactured, and because blood products have a limited shelf life, the need for donors never ends. Red blood cells can be stored for about 42 days, while platelets remain usable for only five to seven days, requiring a constant supply of new donations to meet patient needs.

Blood transfusions play a critical role in treating trauma victims, surgical patients, cancer patients and others facing life-threatening medical emergencies. According to the New York Blood Center, a single blood donation can help save up to three lives.

To help strengthen the regional blood supply, Rockland Paramedic Services is partnering with the New York Blood Center to host a community blood drive on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at RPS headquarters in New City as part of NYBC’s “Blood for a Brew” campaign.

As first responders, paramedics witness firsthand the importance of having blood readily available before an emergency occurs. Organizers say the event is intended to raise awareness of the region’s ongoing need for blood donors while encouraging eligible residents to make a donation that could benefit patients throughout the Hudson Valley.

Officials emphasize that maintaining a strong local and regional blood supply depends on regular donors. Because blood products expire quickly and demand remains constant, every donation helps ensure hospitals have lifesaving blood available when it is needed most.

Residents who are eligible to donate are encouraged to participate in the Aug. 6 blood drive and help support hospitals and patients across the region.