Government

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Rockland Women Who Served

Published

5 months ago

March 1, 2026

As March marks Women’s History Month, communities across the country are recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of women who have shaped history — including those who served in the United States Armed Forces. In Rockland County, several female veterans have been honored for their exemplary military service and continued dedication to their community.

🇺🇸 Major Mattie Moore (U.S. Army Reserve, Ret.)

Among those recognized is retired U.S. Army Reserve Major Mattie Moore, who served during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm in 1991.

Following her deployment, Major Moore continued her commitment to service through a 30-year career at Keller Army Community Hospital at West Point. Her military and civic contributions earned her the prestigious Rockland County Freedom Award, which recognizes veterans who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to both country and community.

🇺🇸 Mary Contreras (U.S. Army, Vietnam Era)

The late Mary Contreras also stands among Rockland’s honored veterans. Serving as an Army nurse during the Vietnam War era, she provided critical medical care during a turbulent period in U.S. history.

Contreras was posthumously awarded the Rockland County Freedom Award in recognition of her service, compassion, and lasting legacy.

🇺🇸 Staff Sergeant Elizabeth Rubio (U.S. Marine Corps, Ret.)

Another local honoree is retired U.S. Marine Corps Staff Sergeant Elizabeth “Lisa” Rubio, who served from 2011 to 2019. During her military career, Rubio held leadership roles within Marine Corps Recruiting Command and Special Operations Command, earning multiple commendations, including two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals.

After her military service, Rubio continued advocating for fellow veterans in Rockland County, working to ensure they receive the benefits and support they have earned.

Breaking Barriers in Combat

In recent decades, expanded roles for women in the armed forces have placed them directly in combat operations. Female soldiers have led patrols, flown fighter jets, defused explosive devices, and commanded units under fire.

Nationally recognized examples include:

Tammy Duckworth, a U.S. Army helicopter pilot who lost both legs when her aircraft was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade in Iraq and later became a leading advocate for veterans.
Leigh Ann Hester, who became the first woman since World War II to receive the Silver Star for direct combat action after engaging insurgents during a 2005 ambush in Iraq.

A Legacy of Service

These women represent the courage, resilience, and leadership that define both military service and Women’s History Month. Their stories reflect not only battlefield dedication, but also a lifelong commitment to strengthening their communities.

Government

Clarkstown Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl Launches Text Alerts for Tax Bill Updates

Published

3 days ago

August 9, 2026

rocklandreport

CLARKSTOWN, NY — Beginning with the new tax season on September 1, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will offer residents a new and convenient way to receive updates about their tax bills directly by text message.

Town Clerk Lauren Marie Wohl announced that residents can opt in to the service by texting “TAXINFO” to 845-644-6899.

Once a resident’s tax bill is ready, those enrolled will receive a text message containing a link. Residents can then enter their property address to view their tax bill and, if they choose, make a payment online.

The new text notification system does not replace traditional mailed tax bills. Residents who sign up for the service will continue to receive their regular tax bill in the mail. The text alerts are intended to provide an additional and more convenient way for residents to know when their bills are available and access their information.

“Residents asked for a simpler way to receive tax bill information, and I’m proud that we were able to make it happen,” Wohl said.

Residents with questions about the new service can contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 845-639-2010.

Government

Flock Cameras in Rockland County: Safety Tool or Privacy Concern?

Published

4 days ago

August 8, 2026

Rockland Report Admin

Flock cameras have become an increasingly debated topic across the country, including here in Rockland County.

Flock cameras are automated license plate readers used by law enforcement to capture license plates and vehicle characteristics as vehicles pass by. Police can use the information to assist with investigations, including locating stolen vehicles, identifying vehicles associated with wanted suspects, helping find missing people and developing leads following crimes.

One of the cameras pictured is located outside The Shops at Nanuet in Clarkstown. A graphic from the website DeFlock also shows reported camera locations throughout the area.

Supporters say the technology can give police an important investigative tool and help solve crimes more quickly. Critics, however, have raised concerns about privacy and the collection of information about where people drive, even when they are not suspected of committing a crime.

The debate ultimately comes down to a question of public safety versus privacy.

What do you think? Are Flock cameras a valuable tool for law enforcement, or are they an intrusion on your privacy?