Community

Orangeburg Fire Department to Host Community Blood Drive Amid Blood Emergency

Published

1 month ago

July 11, 2026

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

Truck Overturns on NYS Thruway Near Tappan Zee Bridge, Causing Delays

Published

2 days ago

August 10, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

A traffic incident is causing significant delays on the southbound New York State Thruway near mile marker 16.4, just before the Tappan Zee Bridge.

According to an initial traffic alert, a large truck struck an overpass and overturned across several lanes of the highway. Only the two left lanes are currently getting by.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:15 p.m. and remains ongoing.

Motorists traveling southbound toward Westchester should expect significant delays and consider seeking an alternate route if possible.

Drivers in the area are urged to slow down, use caution and follow directions from emergency personnel.

Photo courtesy: Rockland Fires

Community

Italy Named World’s Top Olive Oil Producer at 2026 NYIOOC

Published

4 days ago

August 8, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Italy has been named the world’s leading olive oil-producing country at the 2026 NYIOOC World Olive Oil Competition, earning 166 awards, more than any other country represented in the competition.

Producers from 29 countries submitted a total of 1,021 olive oils for blind judging. Judges awarded 464 Gold Awards and 234 Silver Awards across the competition.

Italy’s strong showing comes despite a challenging season for olive growers. Extreme weather conditions and rising production costs have placed additional pressure on producers throughout the country.

From the rolling hills of Tuscany and Umbria to the olive-growing regions of Puglia and Sicily, Italian producers continue to showcase the country’s long-standing tradition of olive oil craftsmanship.

The results highlight the diversity and consistency of Italian extra virgin olive oil, with producers from across the country earning recognition on the international stage.

For many Italian households and food lovers around the world, extra virgin olive oil remains a kitchen staple — used for everything from dipping and dressing to cooking and finishing traditional dishes.

Do you always keep authentic Italian extra virgin olive oil in your kitchen?