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Senator Bill Weber Announces Five Towns of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge Winners

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2 years ago

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The Tappan Zee Bridge was lit in red for five days to mark the competition. Clarkstown took both the prize for the most blood collected and the prize for the most newly registered Red Cross blood donors in Senator Bill Weber’s Five Towns of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge.
The Red Cross set a goal of collecting 100 units from the challenge and that goal was exceeded with 111 units of blood collected and 64 first time donors participated across the five towns.
Clarkstown – 30 units, 18 first time donors
Orangetown – 27 units, 16 first time donors
Stony Point – 21 units, 12 first time donors
Ramapo – 18 units, 11 first time donors
Haverstraw – 15 units, 7 first time donors
“Only three percent of the population regularly donates blood, so these 64 new donors are helping increase that number. Thank you to everyone who donated, thank you to the supervisors of the five towns for their help in promoting it, and thank you to Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny for personally donating blood. I am overwhelmed by the support we saw from the community and I look forward to making this Blood Drive Challenge an annual event.” said Senator Bill Weber.
“It’s a great honor to have the Town of Clarkstown lead the way in donating the highest number of units and having the most first-time donors participate. Donating blood is a selfless act of charity that truly saves lives and I couldn’t be more proud of our residents and town staff who made donations. Thank you everyone who gave and to Senator Weber for organizing this wonderful contest where everyone involved is a winner,” said Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann.
Senator Weber’s Five Towns of Rockland Blood Drive Challenge was done in partnership with the American Red Cross. This will now be an annual event.

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Report Litterbugs in Rockland County Through Keep Rockland Beautiful Program

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2 days ago

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May 9, 2026

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Littering is illegal and can result in fines for those who commit the offense. Some litterbugs simply need to be informed and reminded that littering — whether deliberate or unintentional — can end with a personal commitment to stop.

The Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program encourages the public to report people who litter in an effort to help make Rockland County’s roadways cleaner. The program provides every individual with an opportunity to be an active participant in reducing litter.

If you see someone littering from their car, or trash blowing out from the back of a truck, the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office will send the vehicle owner a warning letter based on your report to Keep Rockland Beautiful.

To report a litterbug, visit: Keep Rockland Beautiful Report-A-Litterbug Program

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Government

Senate Approves Bill Expanding SPCA Fingerprinting Access

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4 days ago

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May 7, 2026

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A bipartisan bill sponsored by Pete Harckham aimed at helping SPCAs across New York more effectively investigate and prosecute animal cruelty cases has passed the State Senate unanimously.

The legislation, S.1664, would authorize SPCA officers statewide to access the same live scan fingerprinting system currently used by law enforcement agencies following an arrest. Supporters say the measure would streamline arrest processing, improve officer efficiency, and help prevent suspects from avoiding prosecution.

At present, many SPCA officers in New York must rely on outside law enforcement agencies to process fingerprints after making an arrest, often causing delays.

“SPCA officers must have the tools and resources they need to protect defenseless animals from cruelty and neglect and the public at large from serial abusers,” Harckham said in a statement. “With access to live scan fingerprinting, officers can quickly determine whether a suspect has a history of abuse or is wanted for other crimes.”

Harckham said the legislation was inspired by conversations with officers from the Putnam County SPCA, who reported that delays in fingerprint processing sometimes allowed suspects with outstanding warrants to remain free longer than necessary.

Chief Ken Ross of the Putnam County SPCA praised the bill’s passage, noting the connection between animal cruelty and other violent crimes.

“Animal cruelty crimes are especially disturbing because they target the most vulnerable,” Ross said. “These offenses are often linked to other forms of violence, including child abuse and domestic violence.”

According to supporters of the legislation, animal cruelty cases have increased across New York since the COVID-19 pandemic. SPCAs cite rising living costs, behavioral health challenges, and the expiration of eviction protections as contributing factors.

Data from Humane Society International indicates that 85% of individuals arrested for animal cruelty have prior arrests, many involving felony offenses. The organization also reports significant overlap between domestic violence and animal abuse cases.

If enacted into law, the bill would expand investigative capabilities for SPCAs statewide and strengthen coordination between animal welfare agencies and law enforcement officials.

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