This week in the Villages: County Executive Ed Day found himself dealing with another round of ethics questions when all he wanted to do was point out all of Rockland’s economic progress. We also have the story of a nutty pitching professor, the return of a treasured theater in Stony Point and where to find Passover and Easter treats. Plus, your local weather forecast, Covid updates, upcoming meetings (it’s still budget time) and much more!

Editor’s Note: Send us all your feedback, ideas, news tips, meeting details and event announcements at info@nyacknewsandviews.com.

Ed Day Just Wants to Have a Nice Honeymoon

After presenting a cheery report about economic progress in his annual state of the county speech early last week (more on that below), Rockland County Executive Ed Day found himself, once again, fending off accusations of ethics violations that fused his personal and political lives.

Day, the former cop who became Rockland’s most powerful and well-paid elected official in 2014, is getting re-married later this month and is looking to finance his honeymoon by soliciting cash gifts from wedding guests.

Of course, as David McKay Wilson writes in his Tax Watch column, this type of wedding gift arrangement is commonplace these days. But it also might be a violation of New York state ethics laws.

The Rockland County Code of Ethics forbids officials from seeking cash payments for more than $25 from contractors who do business with the county. Day and his fiancée asked for gifts between $200 to $500 to fund a vacation at a Sandals resort in Grenada. At least one of the people invited to Day’s wedding has a contract with Rockland County.

Mark Davies, a municipal tax expert, told Wilson that Day asking a contractor for money (as a wedding gift or any other gift), even if they are friends, represented an ethics violation. But he also added, “If that was the only questionable one, then that’s pretty good.”

After his chief of staff declined to say whether Day would accept a gift from the contractor, Day announced last Friday that he would not accept wedding gifts from county contractors.

This type of turmoil isn’t new territory for Day.

In 2019, Day was cleared of crimes related to the awarding of a county contract to a law firm that employed his girlfriend. The potential charges against Day stemmed from allegations made by his son, Chris Day, who was a rising star in the Republican party and the supervisor of Orangetown at the time. After the allegations, a brutal public fight with his father led to Chris Day abruptly leaving politics.

His father remains, recently voted in for another term.

The wedding gift kerfuffle may not represent the height of political corruption. Still, pointing it out is an important check on political power. Hat tip to McKay and the rest of the LoHud reporters and freelancers doing great work!

Here’s a video report on wedding registry story from News 12.

Stay tuned…

In other local news . . .

Day underscored the county’s economic progress, despite the challenges of the pandemic, in his state of the county speech last week. “While the road was bumpy at times,” Day said at the county legislature building, “the people of Rockland and the Legislature stood united, made tough choices, and against all odds by working together we put this county back on track.” [LoHud]

A few highlights from Steve Lieberman’s report:

— Unemployment is down to 3.4% after sky-rocketing to 13.3% at the height of the pandemic shutdown in April 2020.

— The county generated nearly a million dollars from television and film production.

— Taxable real estate has grown by $7.4 billion in the last five years.

Here’s the News 12 report:

Nanuet native Don Mueller, a doctorate in chemical physics, is considered the “Nutty Professor” of pitching mechanics, according to Jane Havsy from the Morristown Daily Record. [LoHud]

The Penguin Rep Theater in Stony Point is back and feeling grateful to be alive. [Rockland County Business Journal]

Here’s help finding the best Passover and Easter treats in the area this week. [LoHud]

ICYMI (in-depth): How will the Hudson River be impact by the rising water levels associated with climate change? [Times Union]

ICYM our stuff last week: Bill Batson’s latest “Nyack Sketch Log” on guitarist Jeff Rubin. lace and Mike Hays’ most recent “Nyack People & Places” on the death of Nyack’s Bell Memorial Tower, which was destroyed to make way for a thruway. The paved paradise and put up a thruway! Our coverage in “The Villages” of the dissolution of South Nyack.

Weather Forecast (April 11 – 17):

A gorgeous Monday gives way to a mid-week mix of clouds and possible rain. But the weekend looks better, with sunshine predicted for Friday and Sunday, with rain possibly wedged in between on Saturday. [National Weather Service]

Villages-Area COVID Update (stats through April 8)

Through April 8, Covid rates and severe cases in the greater Nyack area remain relatively low. Mask are only required in a limited amount of designated spaces. As in other parts of the northeast, there’s been a steady rise in new positive test results in our area (NYC has seen a 42% spike in cases), but not many have resulted in hospitalization.

The “early warning” detector for Rockland is showing that percentage of positive tests per day is now up to 3.27% (up from 1.96%exactly the same as last week); we have 816 total cases (up from 559). Hospital capacity is not threatened. A total of 4 people (up from 3 last week) in Rockland county were hospitalized for Covid related issues, 3 of them were symptomatic. Interestingly, all hospitalized patients were considered fully vaccinated.

To find out what case and hospitalization trends look like in your town, click here.

Here’s the CDC’s data on Rockland.

Covid Testing and Vaccine Info

To get free at-home Covid test sent to your home, visit Covidtest.gov.  Every home gets four, takes about a week to arrive.

Get free Covid tests at Village Hall in Nyack, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm.

More than 80% of eligible people in Rockland County are vaccinated. To schedule an appointment for a 1st dose, 3rd dose (for immunocompromised), or booster COVID-19 vaccine from any Rockland County Department of Health Clinic visit rocklandgov.com/departments/health/. To search for additional COVID-19 vaccination opportunities nearby visit vaccines.gov.

If you need information on where to find a COVID-19 testing site near you, visit coronavirus.health.ny.gov. Individuals who have questions regarding eligibility or access for testing should call the New York State COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-364-3065 or visit the NYSDOH website covid19screening.health.ny.gov.

A state operated COVID-19 testing site is open at the Patriot Hills Golf Club, 19 Club House Lane, Stony Point. Regular operating hours will be Mon – Sat from 8 am – 6 pm and testing is BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. Appointments may be made at appointments.bioreference.com.

Rockland Community College (RCC), 145 College Rd, Suffern, is open as a New York State COVID-19 testing site. New York State has partnered with Quadrant Biosciences to operate the site which will provide oral, saliva-based PCR COVID-19 tests. Regular operating hours will be Mon – Fri from 8:30a – 4p. Appointments may be made at app.acuityscheduling.com.

Village of Nyack Updates

There is a second Budget Workshop meeting on Monday, April 11, from 6 to 7 pm. Join on Zoom. Prepare yourself by taking a look at a copy of Nyack’s first draft budget for next fiscal year. And here’s the second draft of Nyack’s Appropriations budget (what they plan to spend). And the second draft of their Revenue budget (how they make their money). As of now, the budget is $6,055,600.91 coming in and going out 2022-2023.

The Board of Trustee meets on Thursday, April 14, at 7:30 pm. The listing doesn’t say how the public can access this meeting or what the agenda is.

Drop off humanitarian aid for victims of the war in Ukraine (, including first aid, painkillers, blankets, baby food, diapers, non-perishable food, antibiotics and more, at Village Hall, 9 N. Broadway (or at the Orangetown town hall, 26 W. Orangeburg Rd.).

Recycle all of our small electronics on Earth Day, Friday, April 22. Prepare your old laptops, batteries, printers, etc. for a new life.

Here’s the list of all upcoming meetings posted for the Village of Nyack.

Order Military Tribute Banners

It’s time to order your Military Tribute Banners for 2022. These banners make a beautiful tribute to honor your veterans, active-duty, reserve, and National Guard members. Banners will be displayed from Memorial Day to Veterans Day in the village downtown area. For more information, contact Ann Marie Tisty at 845-358-0548 ext. 283 or at annmarietisty@nyack-ny.gov.

Nyack Library is offering a book exhibit (pictured) that highlights the work of Dr. Max Gerson, a local physician who dedicated his life to developing treatments for cancer. The books were curated at the library by Kay Zakariasen. Check out the exhibit for more info on Gerson’s life and work.

Village of South Nyack Updates

Village of Upper Nyack Updates

Upper Nyack’s Board of Trustees will meet to discuss the village’s proposed $2,999,500 2022-2023 budget on Thursday, April 14, at 7 pm, at 328 N. Broadway.

ICYMI: In an outcome everyone predicted because they ran unopposed, the Village of Upper Nyack elected Jeffrey Epstein and Kennon Rothchild III to new 2-year trustee terms.

Nyack Public Schools Updates

Nyack public schools are closed for spring break starting Friday, April 15, through Friday April 22. Classes will resume on Monday, April 25.

Applications are now being accepted for universal pre-K and full-day kindergarten.

Masks are currently optional for all students and staff in all Nyack district schools.

However, they posted this notice on circumstances where masking would be required, including close contacts and other scenarios.

The district also posted a listing of resources for parents:

NYSED Social Emotional Wellness
NY Project Hope
Social Emotional Learning Parent Resources (Fordham University)

Find out what else is going on in Villages-area school at Home Page – Nyack Public Schools (nyackschools.org)

Town of Orangetown Updates (Town Hall: 26 W. Orangeburg Rd.) 

Several meetings this week in Orangetown, including the Police Commission / Town Board meeting on Tuesday, April 12, at 6:30 pm at the town hall and the planning board meets on Wednesday, April 13, at 7:30 pm in the Greenbush auditorium.

ICYMI: Here’s the official resolution Orangetown enacted with regards to the sale of two South Nyack properties, which appears to say the proceeds will go toward wiping out South Nyack’s debt, which is what South Nyack officials were lobbying for as the dissolution date approached.

Help limit greenhouse gasses and curb pollution by joining this new food scraps recycling program.

Check out the Orangetown YouTube channel, and this video of a recent special town board meeting, which included renderings of a new town hall.

Children’s Playground at Veteran’s Memorial Park To Close Temporarily

The children’s playground at Orangetown’s Veteran’s Memorial Park will be out of service. The old playground will be removed and a new, all-inclusive playground will be installed. The grand re-opening is expected to be held in the spring.

Town of Clarkstown Updates (Town Hall: 10 Maple Ave. New City NY)

The Technical Advisory Committee, which “evaluates the technical adequacy of land development applications and decides their readiness for Planning Board review,” meets most Wednesdays, including Wednesday April 13, from 10 am to noon, in the town hall’s Historic Map Room.

Clarkstown is holding a Virtual Fashion Contest this spring. Submit a photo of your child modeling their best outfit to c.tosto@clarkstown.org. The contest will run through April 14. Please include name, address, and phone number. The winner will be announced the following week and will receive a prize.

Ambulance Corp Volunteers Needed

There is currently a nationwide shortage of EMTs and Ambulance volunteers. Within Clarkstown, there are five ambulance corps serving the community that are in dire need of volunteers. If you are interested, or know someone who may be please consider contacting and volunteering with one of these great organizations: Nyack, Congers/Valley Cottage, Nanuet, New City, or Spring Hill.

Rockland County Updates

Rockland Youth Bureau’s 2022 Youth Employment Program

The Rockland County Youth Bureau is now accepting applications for the 2022 Youth Employment Program. The program helps people ages 14 to 24-years-old develop attitudes, skills, and behaviors to help them thrive in the workforce.

Employers from the private sector, local government, and not-for-profit agencies hire these individuals through the program to give them the experience they need for a successful future. For more information about the Youth Employment Program, please contact RCYB@co.rockland.ny.us or call 845-364-2929.

Conservation Corp. Looking for Applicants

Here’s what you’ll be doing: “Rockland Conservation Corps members perform a variety of outdoor, environmental community service projects throughout the Rockland region. Responsibilities include educating the public about water stewardship, ecological conservation and environmental health issues, fieldwork and data collection, building and maintaining nature trails, teaching environmental education, planting gardens, patrolling streams, connecting young adults to their local environment, facilitating clean ups, and implementing food recovery programs, among others. Corps Members will take an active role in beautifying, protecting, and preserving Rockland’s parks, open spaces, and valued resources.”

Key Details: “To be considered, students must be at least 18. Members are required to serve 350 hours between May 23rd and mid to late August at local sites that may include the Rockland County Division of Environmental Resources, the Clarkstown Planning Department, the Town of Ramapo, the Rockland County Drainage Agency, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory and Cornell Cooperative Extension, among others.”

Compensation: “Members are paid a $2,300 living stipend for the summer. After successful completion of 350 hours, Corps Members earn an additional $1,342.86 educational award provided by AmeriCorps and The Corps Network.”

Apply: “Applications are due Friday, April 8, 2022. The program begins on May 23, 2022, with most of the service taking place late May through August. Candidates can request an application by phone (845) 364-2937/2932 or by e-mail rcsc@co.rockland.ny.us. Candidates are encouraged to apply as early as possible.”

Reviving Rockland Restaurants Grant Program

The Reviving Rockland Restaurants Grant Program will reimburse businesses between $5,000 and $25,000 for past expenses or fund future expenses for eligible outdoor dining COVID-19 mitigation equipment. Eligible entities include restaurants, food stands, food trucks, bars, saloons, lounges, taverns, bakeries, delis, cafes, breweries, wineries, and other similar places of business.

Eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

• Tents
• Heat Lamps or other electric heating equipment
• Additional tables and chairs for outdoor dining
• Market Umbrellas
• Plexiglass Shields
• Tarps
• Patio Fencing

For more information and to download an application visit rocklandgov.com

Flu Vaccine Clinic

The Rockland County Health Department is holding flu vaccine clinics for the 2021-2022 flu season on various dates and locations. This clinic is for everyone 6 months and older.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome at all clinics. There is a $20 fee for those 6 months through 64 years old: cash or check accepted. For those with private health insurance, we will provide you with a receipt to submit to your health insurance for possible reimbursement. To make the process quicker, please print and bring the completed 2021-2022 FLU VACCINE FORM with you.

The vaccine is free of charge if you:

• are 65 years and older (please bring identification with proof of age)
• have Medicare or Medicaid (please bring your card)
• are uninsured or underinsured

The Health Department is giving the quadrivalent flu vaccine, which does not contain preservatives, including thimerosal. For more information about the flu and the flu vaccine clinics visit rocklandgov.com or call 845-364-2534.

Editor’s Note: We want to hear from you! Send thoughts, ideas, news tips, as well as meeting and events announcements to us at info@nyacknewsandviews.com.