Community

How to Perform a Wellness Check on Elderly Neighbors During Extreme Cold

Published

4 months ago

January 22, 2026

As freezing temperatures impact the area, community members are encouraged to look out for elderly neighbors who may be more vulnerable during extreme cold weather. A simple wellness check can help ensure someone is safe, warm, and has access to basic needs.

Start With a Friendly Check-In
A wellness check doesn’t need to be formal. Knocking on a neighbor’s door, making a phone call, or sending a quick text can go a long way. Keeping the conversation casual helps avoid making someone feel uncomfortable or alarmed.

Ask Simple, Supportive Questions
During a check-in, ask gentle questions to assess needs. Confirm that heat and electricity are working, medications and food are available, and that the neighbor has a way to reach someone if help is needed.

Offer Practical Assistance
Offering specific help makes it easier for someone to accept support. This may include picking up groceries or prescriptions, shoveling walkways, or helping adjust a thermostat or space heater safely.

Create a Short-Term Check-In Plan
During prolonged cold spells, consider setting up a regular check-in schedule, such as a daily call or knock. Exchanging emergency contact information can also provide peace of mind for both parties.

Know the Warning Signs
Take action if something seems wrong. Warning signs include no response to repeated check-ins, a home that feels unusually cold, confusion or distress, or uncollected mail. If there is concern for immediate safety, call 911. For non-emergencies, local police departments can perform welfare checks when requested.

Respect Privacy and Independence
Wellness checks should always be respectful. Ask permission before helping and avoid making assumptions. Supporting independence while staying alert to safety concerns is key.

A Small Action That Makes a Big Difference
Cold weather can be especially challenging for older adults living alone. Taking a few moments to check on a neighbor can help prevent emergencies and strengthen community connections during extreme temperatures.

Community

Brian Burns Hosting NY Giants Celebrity Softball Game at Clover Stadium May 30

Published

16 hours ago

May 18, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Brian Burns is bringing football fans and families together for a fun-filled charity event this spring as the annual New York Giants Celebrity Softball Game returns to Clover Stadium on Saturday, May 30.

The celebrity softball showdown will feature current and former New York Giants players competing against one another on the baseball diamond. Burns will captain a team made up of current Giants players, while former Giants running back Brandon Jacobs will lead a veteran squad featuring players from the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII and XLVI championship teams.

Fans can expect appearances from several popular NFL stars and former Giants greats, including Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Isaiah Likely, Arvell Reese, Ahmad Bradshaw, Amani Toomer and Shaun O’Hara, with additional guests expected to participate throughout the evening.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will benefit the Hype 4 Life Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by Brian Burns and his brother Stanley McClover. The foundation is dedicated to supporting families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders and raising awareness within communities nationwide.

Longtime Giants superfan Joe Ruback — better known to fans as “License Plate Guy” — shared his excitement about the event’s return.

“Getting this amazing group of athletes together for a high-energy, fun-filled day, all while supporting an incredible cause like Hype 4 Life, never gets old,” Ruback said.

The evening will feature more than just softball. Fans attending the event will also enjoy a dodgeball competition, a home-run derby and opportunities to interact with players throughout the night. Attendees can additionally enter a raffle for a chance to win a custom New York Giants-themed golf cart.

Event Schedule:
• Parking lot opens — 11 a.m.
• Gates open — 2 p.m.
• Dodgeball — 5 p.m.
• Home-run derby — 6 p.m.
• Celebrity softball game — 7 p.m.

Tickets start at $50 and are available through SpidaGame.com, where fans can also find updated rosters and event details.

The Hype 4 Life Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit inspired by Stanley McClover’s son, “Champ,” who is on the autism spectrum and is also Brian Burns’ nephew. Through fundraising events and outreach efforts, the organization works to support autism awareness initiatives and families navigating ASD challenges.

Ruback, one of the most recognizable Giants fans, is famous for wearing a lanyard of New York Giants license plates around his neck at games and fan events. Outside of football, he also serves as Athletic Director at the Biondi School in Yonkers, New York.

Community

Gran Fondo Bicycle Race Brings Energy and Traffic Delays to Rockland County

Published

1 day ago

May 17, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

With detours and some traffic delays throughout the day, many Rockland residents chose to make the best of the situation and enjoy the atmosphere as the Gran Fondo bicycle race made its way through Rockland County. Families, spectators, and local supporters gathered along the route to cheer on riders, turning the event into a fun and energetic community experience despite the temporary disruptions.