Events

Rev. Richard Deats, Long-Time Global Peace Movement Leader, Passes Away

Published

5 years ago

April 16, 2021

Rev. Richard Deats, a long-time global peace movement leader and one of the most influential teachers of the philosophy and practice of nonviolent action in 20th-century movements, died in Nyack on April 7 from complications related to pneumonia, according to his son, Mark Deats. He was 89.

“As a long-time leader of the global peace movement organization, the Fellowship of Reconciliation, and editor of Fellowship magazine, Richard Deats was one of the most well respected, well connected, and most influential peace movement leaders in the United States and the world during the last half of the 20th century,” said Rev. John Dear, a close friend and former executive director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, or FOR.

“Deats worked closely with peace leaders around the world, including Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Rev. Jim Lawson and other civil rights leaders, several of Mahatma Gandhi’s heirs, Thich Nhat Hanh and various Buddhist leaders, Rev. Daniel Berrigan, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu,” Dear said. Deats joined Mrs. King at the White House when Ronald Reagan signed into law the national holiday honoring Martin Luther King, Jr.

In the early 1980s, Deats helped organize and present hundreds of workshops on nonviolence attended by tens of thousands of people throughout the Philippines which laid the groundwork for the People Power nonviolence movement that brought down the Ferdinand Marcos dictatorship in 1986. He also led 13 peace delegations to the Soviet Union in the 1980s that helped ease tensions and build relations at the height of the Cold War.

The Rev. Richard Deats died April 7, 2021. (Courtesy of the Deats family)

Events

Revolutionary Sunday: George Washington Returns to The Old ’76 House July 26

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

History comes to life once again at The Old ’76 House as the legendary tavern welcomes the return of George Washington for a special Revolutionary Sunday celebration. The event concludes a memorable July weekend series honoring America’s 250th anniversary with immersive Revolutionary War reenactments, exceptional dining, and family-friendly entertainment.

Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience the place where history unfolded during the American Revolution. Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to witness live historical reenactments featuring General George Washington and other Revolutionary-era figures, bringing one of the nation’s most significant periods vividly to life.

In addition to the reenactments, guests can enjoy The Old ’76 House’s renowned food, drinks, and historic atmosphere while celebrating America’s enduring legacy. Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast, a family looking for a unique weekend outing, or simply searching for a memorable way to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Revolutionary Sunday promises an experience unlike any other.

Known as one of the oldest taverns in the United States, The Old ’76 House has played a remarkable role in American history. During the Revolutionary War, it served as the headquarters for Continental Army officers and is famously associated with the imprisonment of British Major John André following his capture in connection with Benedict Arnold’s plot to surrender West Point.

The Revolutionary Sunday celebration offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience this historic setting while watching history unfold through engaging living history presentations and interactive performances.

Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Event: Revolutionary Sunday – Return of Washington July 26, 2026
Location: The Old ’76 House, Tappan, New York
Reservations: 845-359-5476

Events

Toys for Tots Hosting Halfway to Christmas Toy Drive at Davies Farm July 25

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Christmas is coming early this weekend as Toys for Tots hosts its Halfway to Christmas toy drive at Davies Farm in Congers.

The event aims to fill a military HMMWV trailer with new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children throughout Rockland County during the upcoming holiday season.

Families are invited to stop by, donate a new toy, and meet Santa Claus, who will be on hand to greet children and help spread some Christmas cheer in the middle of summer.

Organizers hope the community will come together to help ensure local children and families benefit from the Toys for Tots program this holiday season. Every donated toy helps bring joy to a child in need.

Those attending are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the annual campaign and help fill the trailer for children across Rockland County.