Community

Officials Urge Vigilance for Human Trafficking During Major Sporting Events

Published

4 months ago

June 25, 2026

As thousands of fans travel and gather for major sporting events throughout the year, law enforcement and public safety officials are urging the public to remain vigilant for signs of human trafficking.

Experts warn that large-scale events can create opportunities for traffickers to exploit vulnerable adults and children. Human trafficking can occur in a variety of locations, including hotels, transportation hubs, neighborhoods, businesses, and areas surrounding event venues.

Advocates say one of the biggest challenges in combating human trafficking is overcoming common misconceptions about what trafficking actually looks like. Images often used in public awareness campaigns depict young girls being kidnapped, restrained, or forced into sexual exploitation by male traffickers. While such cases do occur, experts say they represent only a portion of a much broader problem.

Victims of human trafficking can include men, women, children, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Likewise, traffickers can be both male and female. Experts also note that human trafficking is not limited to sex trafficking. Labor trafficking accounts for a significant share of trafficking cases worldwide and can occur in industries such as agriculture, construction, domestic service, hospitality, restaurants, manufacturing, and nail salons.

Another common misconception is that trafficking always involves physical force. In reality, traffickers often use fraud, deception, threats, manipulation, debt, or coercion to control victims. As a result, many victims may not show obvious signs of abuse or restraint.

Warning Signs of Human Trafficking

Officials and advocates say potential indicators may include:

A person who appears fearful, anxious, intimidated, or submissive.
Someone who is not allowed to speak for themselves or is constantly monitored by another individual.
Signs of malnourishment, exhaustion, neglect, or untreated medical issues.
A person who does not know their location, address, or basic details about where they live or work.
Someone who lacks possession of identification documents, passports, or personal belongings.
Workers who appear to be living at their workplace or are transported under the control of another person.
Unusual work conditions, excessive hours, little or no pay, or restrictions on movement.
Signs of threats, intimidation, or coercion.
Inconsistent explanations regarding employment, travel, or living arrangements.

How to Protect Yourself

Officials say trafficking often begins with manipulation and deception rather than abduction. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim:

Be cautious of job offers that promise unusually high pay, free housing, or opportunities that seem too good to be true.
Research employers and verify job offers before accepting them.
Protect personal information and avoid sharing sensitive details or travel plans with strangers online.
Keep identification documents, passports, and important records in your possession when traveling.
Stay connected with trusted family members and friends and share your plans when attending major events.
Be wary of individuals who attempt to isolate you from loved ones, pressure you into secrecy, or offer excessive gifts or financial support.
Trust your instincts and seek help if a situation feels unsafe, controlling, or suspicious.

Experts stress that trafficking victims are often hidden in plain sight and may not identify themselves as victims. Some may fear law enforcement, worry about retaliation against family members, or believe they have no way to escape their circumstances.

Officials encourage residents and visitors to report suspicious activity and remain aware of the warning signs. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is encouraged to contact local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Additional information, resources, and confidential assistance are available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Community

7 Things to Do in Rockland County This November Before Winter Arrives

Published

12 hours ago

November 4, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

November is a great time to get out and enjoy the final days of fall before colder temperatures and winter weather arrive. From hiking and scenic walks to local farms, historic attractions and holiday shopping, Rockland County offers plenty of ways to enjoy the season.

Here are seven things to add to your November calendar.

1. Go Hiking at Bear Mountain State Park

“Bear Mountain State Park, Perkins Memorial Tower Hudson River view”

Enjoy the beautiful scenery at Bear Mountain State Park, where visitors can explore hiking trails, walk around Hessian Lake and take in panoramic views from Perkins Memorial Tower. The park also offers the Trailside Museums and Zoo and seasonal ice skating. Check hours and seasonal access before visiting.

2. Enjoy a Walk Along the Hudson River

“Nyack Beach State Park Hudson River”

Take advantage of the cooler weather with a walk at Nyack Beach State Park, Tallman Mountain State Park in Sparkill or Rockland Lake State Park in Congers. These parks offer beautiful scenery, walking paths and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.

3. Explore Rockland County’s History

“Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site lighthouse”

Visit Stony Point Battlefield State Historic Site to learn about Rockland County’s role in the American Revolution. Other interesting destinations include the Historical Society of Rockland County and the Edward Hopper House Museum and Study Center in Nyack.

4. Visit a Local Farm

“Orchards of Concklin Pomona”

November is a great time to support local farmers. Stop by Orchards of Concklin in Pomona or Dr. Davies Farm in Congers for seasonal products, baked goods, cider and other fall favorites. Check seasonal hours before visiting.

5. Plan a Family Outing at Palisades Center

“Palisades Center West Nyack”

When the weather turns cold or rainy, Palisades Center in West Nyack offers shopping, dining and indoor entertainment for families, including games, climbing activities and other attractions.

6. Get a Head Start on Holiday Shopping

“Downtown Nyack”

Explore local shops and boutiques in Nyack, Piermont, Pearl River and Suffern. November is a great time to find unique gifts, attend craft fairs and support Rockland County’s small businesses before the holiday rush.

7. Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Take advantage of the remaining mild days to prepare for winter. Check your heating system, clean gutters, protect outdoor faucets, inspect weatherstripping and make sure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.

Enjoy November Close to Home

From hiking at Bear Mountain, walking at Rockland Lake to exploring local parks, farms and downtown shopping districts, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Rockland County before winter arrives.

Get outside, support local businesses and make the most of the final days of fall!

Community

Halloween May Be Over, But Your Pumpkins Still Have Plenty Of Life Left In Them!

Published

2 days ago

November 3, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Before tossing those jack-o’-lanterns and fall decorations in the trash, consider turning them into delicious seasonal recipes, making homemade treats for your dogs or donating them to a local farm.

Millions of pumpkins are discarded every year after Halloween, with many ending up in landfills. But those leftover pumpkins can serve a purpose beyond decorating your front porch.

Turn Leftover Pumpkins Into Delicious Recipes

If your pumpkins are still fresh and have not been carved, painted or treated with chemicals, you may be able to use the pumpkin flesh and seeds in a variety of recipes.

Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make:

Homemade pumpkin bread and muffins.
Pumpkin soup and roasted pumpkin dishes.
Pumpkin pancakes and waffles.
Roasted pumpkin seeds for a healthy snack.
Pumpkin puree for pies, desserts and other recipes.

Don’t forget your four-legged family members! Plain pumpkin puree can also be used to make homemade dog treats. Many dogs enjoy pumpkin, which contains fiber and nutrients that can be a healthy addition to their diet when served in appropriate amounts.

Try making simple pumpkin dog biscuits using plain pumpkin puree, oats and dog-safe ingredients. Avoid adding sugar, spices, salt or artificial sweeteners, particularly xylitol, which is toxic to dogs. Also, remove the stem and never feed dogs moldy or spoiled pumpkin.

Donate Your Pumpkins to Local Farms

Another option is to give your leftover pumpkins to local farmers, animal sanctuaries or livestock rescues.

Pumpkins can be a nutritious seasonal supplement for animals, including cows, pigs, sheep, goats and chickens. They contain moisture and nutrients that can make them a welcome treat when incorporated appropriately into an animal’s diet.

Before donating, keep these important safety tips in mind:

Only donate fresh, untreated pumpkins.
Remove candles, plastic decorations and other foreign materials.
Avoid pumpkins covered in paint, glitter or other chemicals.
Never donate moldy, rotten or spoiled pumpkins.
Contact the farm first to make sure it accepts pumpkin donations and that the pumpkins are suitable for its animals.

Help Reduce Food Waste After Halloween

Whether you turn your pumpkins into homemade recipes, bake treats for your dogs or share them with a nearby farm, there are plenty of ways to keep perfectly good pumpkins out of the landfill.

Before throwing away those Halloween decorations, think twice. Your leftover pumpkin could become a delicious family recipe, a special treat for your dog or a tasty snack for a farm animal.

Let’s make the most of pumpkin season, waste less and support our local farmers!

Editorial safety note: Only use pumpkins intended for food preparation when making recipes for people or pets. Carved pumpkins that have been sitting outdoors should not be used for cooking or dog treats.