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Women’s History Month Spotlight: Rockland Women Who Served

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2 months ago

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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.

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Government

Rockland County Urges Water Conservation as Climate Change Impacts Supply

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1 week ago

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April 19, 2026

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NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Task Force on Water Resources Management is encouraging residents to learn how climate change is affecting water availability and what steps they can take to protect the county’s supply.

Experts say climate change is increasingly being viewed as a water crisis, as rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns lead to stronger storms, flooding, and drought. Although water covers much of the planet, less than one percent of freshwater is readily available for human use, making conservation critical.

Rockland County depends entirely on local surface and groundwater sources to serve homes, schools, businesses, and healthcare facilities. As the population grows and climate conditions evolve, officials say responsible water use is essential to maintaining a stable supply.

“Protecting our water supply is essential to the long-term health and economic stability of Rockland County,” said Ed Day. “Education and conservation are key tools that help ensure our water resources remain reliable for future generations.”

💧 Simple Ways to Conserve Water

Residents can make a meaningful impact with small, everyday actions:

  • Fix household leaks promptly
  • Take shorter showers
  • Turn off the tap while brushing teeth
  • Use water-efficient appliances
  • Plant native or drought-tolerant landscaping
  • Water lawns and gardens efficiently

Reducing water use also lowers energy consumption, since energy is required to pump, treat, and heat water—helping cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Officials encourage residents to follow the task force online for updates, resources, and conservation tips. More information is available through the county’s water conservation program.

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Government

Rockland County Offers Free Mosquito Dunks and Minnows to Fight Summer Mosquitoes

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1 week ago

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April 19, 2026

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The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) is giving residents two free tools to fight mosquitoes:

1. Mosquito Dunks®

  • Donut-shaped tablets placed in standing water
  • Kill mosquito larvae before they become biting adults
  • Safe for use in:
    • Unused/covered pools
    • Hot tubs
    • Other stagnant water containers

2. Fathead minnows

  • Small fish that eat mosquito larvae (up to ~200 per day each)
  • Good for:
    • Unused pools
    • Ornamental ponds
    • Water sources with at least 8 inches of water

 How to get Mosquito Dunks

  • Pickup location: Robert L. Yeager Health Complex (Pomona)
  • Appointment required
  • To request:
  • Bring a completed Mosquito Dunk Order Form to pickup

 Minnow giveaway details

  • Date: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
  • Time: 4:30–6:00 PM
  • Location: 50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona
  • Reservation required (call or reserve online)
  • ⚠️ Must be used within Rockland County (permitting rules)

 What residents should do

Even if you don’t pick these up, the most effective step is simple:

  • Check your yard weekly
  • Dump or remove anything holding water (buckets, tarps, gutters, planters, etc.)

Why it matters

These efforts help prevent mosquito-borne illnesses (like West Nile virus), which spread through standing-water breeding.

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