Government

Rockland County Executive Day Declares January as National Blood Donor Month

Published

4 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

NEW CITY, NY – Rockland County Executive Ed Day has officially proclaimed January 2026 as National Blood Donor Month, recognizing the critical role blood donors and collection organizations play in saving lives. To honor Blood Donor Month, County Executive Day presented a proclamation to New York Blood Center (NYBC) in appreciation of their tireless efforts to ensure a steady and reliable blood supply.

In 2025, nearly 5,000 blood donations were collected from 129 New York Blood Center blood drives across Rockland County – a 16% increase over 2024.

“Blood donation is the greatest gift anyone can give as it saves precious lives,” said County Executive Day. “We’re proud to honor New York Blood Center for their unwavering commitment to this cause.”

New York Blood Center serves as a lifeline for hospitals and patients across the region, providing critical blood and platelets to meet the needs of individuals undergoing surgery, cancer treatments, or emergency care. During the colder months, NYBC—like all blood banks—often faces shortages due to seasonal challenges such as inclement weather, flu season, and holiday distractions, making January an essential time to raise awareness.

“Thank you so much to the County of Rockland for recognizing the importance of blood donations during National Blood Donor Month and throughout the entire year,” said Jeannie Mascolino, Vice President of Blood Operations at New York Blood Center. “A single blood donation can save up to three lives, and this year alone, Rockland was responsible for approximately 5,000 blood donations. This is a testament to the County’s leadership as well as to the extraordinary generosity of its residents.”

Each blood donation can save up to three lives, and the demand for blood is constant, with someone in the United States requiring a transfusion every two seconds.

Government

New York State DMV Offices Closed Feb. 13–17 for System Upgrade

Published

3 days ago

February 10, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW YORK — The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will temporarily suspend all in-person and online services due to a scheduled technology system upgrade, officials announced.

The system update will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 13, at which time all DMV offices statewide will close. Offices will remain closed through Tuesday, February 17. During this period, online transactions and phone services will also be unavailable.

All DMV services are expected to fully resume at the start of business on Wednesday, February 18.

Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and complete any urgent DMV transactions prior to the closure. Additional information is available on the DMV’s website at dmv.ny.gov.

Government

Rockland County Issues $42K in Penalties After 51 Violations Found at Spring Valley Property

Published

3 days ago

February 10, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

NEW CITY, N.Y. — The Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes has assessed approximately $42,000 in penalties against property owner Joel Friedman of Spring Valley after inspectors identified 51 building and safety violations at 18 White Street.

The inspection took place on January 22 at the request of the Spring Valley Police Department, following a 911 call related to the death of a child at the residence. The child’s death remains under investigation. County officials said there are no known facts at this time indicating the condition of the structure contributed to the death.

The property is certified as a two-family residence, which is not subject to routine inspections under state law. County officials said inspectors were authorized to enter the property after police reported evidence of an unlawful conversion.

Inspectors found that the garage, basement, and second floor had been illegally converted for residential use, contrary to the building’s Certificate of Occupancy. Uninhabitable areas were found to be occupied, with doors and windows boarded up.

Among the violations cited were:

Alterations without permits
Unsafe electrical conditions
Blocked or obstructed exits
Missing or non-functional smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Presence of combustible materials
Unlawful changes to use and occupancy

Officials said additional hazards included unsafe wiring and the use of hot plates and portable heaters.

County officials confirmed that no children were present during the inspection and that this was the first inspection request ever received for the property, with no prior violation history.

The County also addressed social media claims suggesting the property was operating as an unlicensed daycare, stating there was no signage, licensing, or other visible evidence to support that allegation.

“This tragedy underscores the importance of code compliance and community responsibility,” said County Executive Ed Day, urging residents to report unsafe conditions in properties not subject to routine inspections.

Edward Markunas, Director of the Office of Buildings and Codes, said the violations posed “serious life-safety concerns.”

The County confirmed that Child Protective Services is involved and continues to work with law enforcement as appropriate.

Residents can report building and code violations to the Rockland County Office of Buildings and Codes at 845-364-3700 or obcmain@co.rockland.ny.us.