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The Villages: When Local Meetings Go Virtual

This week in the villages: Because of decreased ridership and concerns about appropriate social distancing, schedule changes have been made to most of the modes of public transportation within Rockland County as well as outside the county. Village government must go on and the Villages of Nyack and South Nyack are working on their 2020-21 budgets.

Rockland County

For the most up to date information on the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19), please visit the Rockland County Department of Health’s main coronavirus webpage or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage.

Anyone who believes they may have been exposed or is experiencing symptoms should contact their physician or call the NYS COVID-19 HOTLINE 24/7 AT 1-888-364-3065 for guidance. You can also sign up for Coronavirus updates from New York State. Learn What You Can Do About Coronavirus (COVID-19) Right Now.

Mass Transportation Schedule Changes effective 3/29

Because of decreased ridership and concerns about appropriate social distancing, the Hudson Link commuter bus and Metro North trains have announced schedule adjustments. The HudsonLinkNyack.com app, which provides customized H07 route Hudson Link schedules with the departure and arrival times for trains leaving and arriving from Tarrytown, has also been updated.

Metro-North Railroad will run an amended Saturday schedule on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines until further notice. More information may be found on the Metro-North Essential Service Schedule Passenger Notice. More information on the Hudson Link schedule adjustments is available at RideHudsonLink.com.

Other Transportation Changes

There is now reduced service on Rockland Coaches and Shortline buses and NO service on Monsey Trails buses. The Haverstraw-Ossining Ferry is currently operating its normal schedule. The NJ Transit Pascack Valley and Port Jervis lines are also running reduced weekday schedules. TOR is waving fare collection until further notice, and rear-door boarding is implemented whenever possible. For further information on schedule changes, visit the Rockland County Public Transportation Transit Alerts page.

Fraudulent COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Test Kits

The Rockland County Office of Consumer Protection warns residents about fraudulent COVID-19 test kits. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aggressively monitoring the market for any firms marketing products with fraudulent COVID-19 (coronavirus) diagnostic, prevention, and treatment claims. At this time, the FDA has NOT authorized any test that is available to purchase for testing yourself at home for COVID-19.

The FDA reminds consumers to follow the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines and to speak to your medical provider if you have symptoms of COVID-19. Your medical provider will advise you about whether you should get tested and the process for being tested with an appropriate test. If you are aware of fraudulent test kits for COVID-19, please report them by emailing FDA-COVID-19-Fradulent-Products@fda.hhs.gov or call 1-888-INFO-FDA.

Village of Nyack

Nyack’s Village Board met via conference call in an open-to-the-public dial-in session on March 26. Nyack Mayor Don Hammond opened the village’s first legal virtual meeting, stating, “As we continue to address our respective challenges associated with COVID-19, village government continues to operate. And as there are matters the village must continue to address as part of keeping the village operational, our March 26, 2020 Village Board meeting remains as scheduled.”

  • The trustees voted to accept the citizen advisory committee’s recommendation for the 2020 Community Development Block Grant Application. The recommendation included repaving and improving sidewalks on Hudson Ave between South Broadway and South Franklin.
  • The following dates have been set for 2020 Village of Nyack budget workshops. All meetings will be open to the public via the Zoom online application.
    • Wed April 1 budget workshop at 6:30p
    • Mon April 6 budget workshop at 6:30p
    • Mon April 6 public hearing on 2020 Village of Nyack budget at 7:30p
    • Thu April 30 final budget vote at 7:30p
  • The Village Board will vote on April 6 to pass a resolution to give the trustees flexibility to override the NYS 2% tax cap if required.

COVID-19 Changes

Nyack Village Hall remains closed to both employees and the public until further notice, and the Department of Public Works will be picking up the trash as scheduled – Monday & Thursdays. Contact information for village hall staff may be found at nyack-ny.gov.

Changes to Bulk Pickup

Staying home has given many people the opportunity to get a jump on spring cleaning. As a result, the garbage crews have been picking up a lot of excess trash and bulk items the past few weeks. At this time, the DPW is working on a modified staffing schedule. All residents are asked to please limit any bulk to one or two items. If possible, please hold the bulk until the next collection–always the first Friday of the month–and hopefully everyone will be accommodated in a month or so. The first goal is the safety of the crews, while balancing the needs of the residents.

The Village of South Nyack

The Village of South Nyack Board of Trustees hosted a teleconference last Tuesday evening to discuss and workshop the 2020-2021 Budget. There will be a continuation of the budget workshop on Tue, Mar 31, 2020 at 6p. To listen to this meeting, call (267) 930-4000 and use the access code 389-930-058. The tentative public hearing for the village budget will take place on Apr 14. A draft of the budget will be accessible upon request ten days prior to the meeting.

The Franklin Street Park playground and basketball court are now closed until further notice but the Esposito Trail will remain open.

The Village of Upper Nyack

Two Public Works Projects to Begin Mon, Mar 30

The North Broadway sidewalk extension to the Hook is scheduled to begin on Mon, Mar 30 and will continue for several weeks, and the removal of fallen trees and brush at River Hook should be completed in three days beginning Mon, Mar 30.

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Changes to Leaf Bag and Bulk Pickup during COVID-19 Outbreak

To reduce potential exposure to coronavirus by DPW staff, leaf bags will be picked up no sooner than 24 hours from the time they are placed at the curb. Hard surface bulk items, such as white goods, will be picked up after a minimum of 72 hours outdoors. We regret the inconvenience. This is only a temporary restriction.

Town of Clarkstown

The Town of Clarkstown State of Emergency remains in effect until further notice. All town departments will only remain open to the public for telephone inquiries, electronic communications, and electronic filings. In-person appointments with the public will be made on an emergency basis only. The Clarkstown Town Court is closed.

To reduce exposure risks to Clarkstown’s emergency service professionals, town officials are asking the public to only call the police for emergencies. If you are quarantined (mandatory or self-imposed) in your home due to possible or confirmed COVID-19 exposure, PLEASE advise the 911 dispatcher of this so it may be relayed to responding units. Officers will be initiating the interview process from outside your home and practicing social distancing when possible.

All senior centers and community centers remain closed until further notice. Playgrounds and pickleball courts are closed. However, parks are open.

Tele Town Hall Mon, Mar 30, 2020, 12 Noon

Join Supervisor George Hoehmann on a group telephone call to ask any questions or bring up any concerns you may have. Call 917-522-0641 to join or watch on FB live.

Mini Trans Schedule Changes

Starting Mon, Mar 30, 2020 service hours Monday through Friday will only be 6:55a to 2:30p to allow residents to shop for essential items such as food and medications. There will be no Saturday service starting Sat, Apr 4, 2020.

Community Centers

The Clarkstown Recreation Department has been filming activities for residents to enjoy while home and social distancing. They will be broadcast  every day on the Town of Clarkstown Government Access Channels (Cablevision/Altice Channel 78 and Verizon Channel 35). A schedule for the week may be found on town.clarkstown.ny.us. There will be other recreation activities broadcast on FB Live on the Town of Clarkstown Recreation & Parks led by recreation staff and volunteers on Facebook live at 11a each day. All of these will also be on the town YouTube Channel.

New Monitoring Program for Seniors and Persons at Risk

A new monitoring program will be implemented for seniors and at risk persons living within the Town of Clarkstown. Residents are asked to notify the Supervisor’s Office of any seniors and persons with medical conditions living in Clarkstown who would want a regular phone call to check in on the person of concern. This is a voluntary program in which town staff and volunteers will call seniors multiple times per week to check if the person needs household supplies, food, or just to provide a friendly voice. If you are interested in adding anyone to the call list, please call the Supervisor’s Office at 845-639-2050.

Clarkstown’s Got Talent Competition

Individuals or groups of less than five people can enter a video (not to exceed three minutes) of various acts including: comedy, music, dance, magic, etc. E-mail the video to c.tosto@clarkstown.org by 5p on Fri, Apr 3, 2020. Prizes to be awarded for top three acts.

Clarkstown Mulch Site Open

Residents of the Town of Clarkstown may pick up compost and wood mulch during regular park hours for use at their residence at Germonds Park, 185 Germonds Rd, West Nyack.

Town of Orangetown

The Town of Orangetown remains open to the serve the public in urgent matters between the hours of 9a and 5p, Monday through Friday. The public is asked to only visit Town Hall for urgent business that cannot be handled by phone or through e-mail. Department specific email addresses may be found on orangetown.com.

Any resident in need of assistance during this challenging time should reach out to the Supervisor’s office via e-mail at Supervisor@orangetown.com or calling (845) 359-5100 x 2293. The town is working with several volunteer organizations and will assist and coordinate for any resident in need.

For the safety of our employees and the public, the DROP-OFF CENTER at the Orangetown Highway Department will be closed until further notice. Town & County Taxes are still being collected until Mar 31, 2020. They can be paid at the Town Clerk’s office or at egov.basgov.com/orangetown.

Orangetown Parks and Recreation Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

Until further notice:

  • All open spaces are open for activities such as walking, jogging and biking.
  • The Parks & Recreation Office is not open to the public at this time. Walk-in registration is canceled. We suggest you send an email or call during normal business hours with any questions or concerns.
  • Playgrounds, basketball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, handball walls/courts and in-line rinks at all Orangetown owned facilities are now closed.
  • All athletic fields are CLOSED to group use.
  • Park patrons are expected to follow the following guidelines for facility use:
    • Visits should be solitary, or only with small groups such as immediate family members.
    • Be ready to move quickly through places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trail heads, and scenic overlooks.
    • Keep at least six feet distance between you and others.
    • Do NOT participate in activities where you come in close contact with other people.
    • Stay home if you do not feel well.
    • Stay home if you are over 70 and or from a vulnerable population.
    • If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, choose a different park, a different trail or return another time/day to visit.
  • Any paperwork may be placed in the mail slot on the side door and will be reviewed by the office staff. If we have any questions, we will contact you by phone or email.
  • All programs and events have been canceled through Apr 19. This includes our Broadway trip program and all spring break programs. Please check your email for updates as they become available if you are currently registered for a Spring Program.
  • Day Camp & Teen Camp registration has been postponed until Apr 20.

Landscapers and Essential Workers

The Town of Orangetown has received numerous phone calls from concerned residents about landscapers who are still working. After speaking with the Rockland County Board of Health, the town learned that landscapers are indeed considered essential workers. Per the Rockland County Board of Health: “Landscapers are deemed essential as they prevent debris from building up and being a breeding ground for rodents.” If you have any further questions regarding what or who are essential workers, please feel free to call the Rockland County Board of Health at (888) 364-3065.

Area Scholarships

Arts Camp @ RoCA Scholarship

The deadline for scholarship applications for the Arts Camp at RoCA four week session from July 27 through August 21, 2020 for those with significant financial need is April 15, 2020. Priority is given to children who have not been to the camp before.

The day camp serves children entering grades K-9 in September 2020 and operates Monday through Friday from 9:45a to 4p. The camp does not provide transportation or lunch. Scholarships are not transferable or redeemable for cash.

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Both a Camp Application and a Summer Day Camp Scholarship Application must be completed to be considered and acceptance is not guaranteed because an application is received. Please read the camp brochure for complete details. If you have any questions about the scholarships or completing the forms, please call Amy at 845-358-0877 ex. 18 between the hours of 9a and 5p Monday through Friday or email Amy@rocklandartcenter.org. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by May 1st.

SUEZ Scholarships

SUEZ and the National Association of Water Companies are offering seven $3,000 scholarships to New York high school seniors who plan to pursue a degree in a water industry related field. Completed applications must be submitted by March 31, 2020. Please visit mysuezwater.com for more information.

ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship

The application for the 2020 ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship program is now available to graduating female students in Rockland County. The ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship recognizes Rockland County high school female seniors who, through their actions or beliefs, embrace the principals of ML by Maria Luisa: civic and community involvement, commitment to social justice, social equality, and environment/eco-friendly lifestyles.

Two $1,000 scholarships will be awarded: one to a promising woman who is a senior attending a private or public Rockland County high school (must be a Rockland County resident) and one to a promising woman who is a senior attending Nyack High School. The scholarship will assist with costs in attending a college of the students’ choice. The application deadline is March 31, 2020.

In addition to the ML by Maria Luisa Scholarship, there are other scholarships available through The Rockland Community Foundation.


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