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Legislator Davidson Invites Student Katherine Dely to Deliver Invocation at Rockland County Legislature Meeting

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3 years ago

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Just minutes after the Rockland County Legislature concluded its annual Black History Month Celebration, Katherine “Kat” Dely stepped forward to deliver the invocation at the start of the board’s regular meeting.

The 8th grader flawlessly delivered “An Ode We Owe,” an inspiring poem focused on issues important to young people — and Rocklanders of all ages – including climate change, equality, and economic justice.

Rockland County Legislator Beth Davidson invited Katherine to participate Davidson believed the poem was a fitting kickoff to Black History Month and a way to involve youth in calling for climate action. Legislator Davidson chairs the Environmental Committee.

Katherine attends Nyack Middle School, where she is a member of the marching band, and is also an actress. She’ll be in Nyack DramaWorks’ production of High School Musical 2 next month.

“Katherine did a fantastic job and inspired everyone in the room,” Legislator Davidson said. “Her voice will be heard by other youth and will help lend urgency to the fight for environmental justice.”

The duo spent time in advance of Tuesday’s meeting discussing the poem, its meaning and its potential significance to the generation that will bear the brunt of the climate crisis in the coming decades.

The poem was written by Amanda S.C. Gorman, the first person to be named National Youth Poet Laureate. Gorman first gained wide public attention when she read her poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at President Biden’s inauguration in 2021.

In 2022, Gorman delivered “An Ode We Owe” to the United Nations General Assembly. The poem concludes, “To anyone out there: I only ask that you care before it’s too late, That you live aware and awake, That you lead with love in hours of hate. I challenge you to heed this call, I dare you to shape our fate. Above all, I dare you to do good. So that the world might be great.”

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Government

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

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4 days ago

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August 9, 2026

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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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Government

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

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5 days ago

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August 8, 2026

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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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