Community

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: How to Support Survivors and Raise Awareness

Published

8 months ago

October 5, 2025

Each October, communities across the nation come together to observe National Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) — a time to support survivors, remember those we’ve lost, and raise awareness about the devastating impact of domestic violence.

Established in 1989 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), DVAM serves as a powerful reminder that domestic and relationship violence is a widespread issue — affecting individuals of every race, gender, age, and socioeconomic background.

Throughout the month, we unite in purple — the official color of DVAM — as a symbol of courage, survival, and hope. Campaigns like #PurpleThursday, educational events, vigils, and advocacy efforts are taking place nationwide to shed light on the issue and encourage prevention through education and support.

Why DVAM Matters:

1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner violence in their lifetime.
Domestic violence is not always physical. It can include emotional abuse, financial control, isolation, and more.
Survivors often face systemic barriers to safety, housing, and justice.

How You Can Help:

Wear purple on Purple Thursday (October 17, 2025) to show solidarity with survivors.
Learn the signs of abuse and how to support someone experiencing it.
Share resources and amplify the voices of survivors.
Support local shelters and advocacy groups working on the front lines.

This month and every month, we stand with survivors. Together, we can break the silence, challenge harmful norms, and build safer communities for all.

If you or someone you know needs help, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or visit www.thehotline.org for confidential support 24/7.

Community

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

Published

22 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.