Yeshiva World News

Rockland County Government may owe $96 million in a deficit bond, but for the first six months of this year, it has been operating in the black.

County Executive Edwin Day said his administration, which has been in office for six months, has been keeping a tight watch on spending.

“We are dealing with a number of what I call ‘the wild card and the albatross’,” Day said. “The wild card is the sale of Summit Park, which is a $2 million a month drain upon our county finances, and the albatross is we have to pay off our third mortgage, as I call it. We have a deficit bond that has been used essentially to pull this county off the cliff and we have to pay that down now just like anyone has to pay a mortgage off.”

Day said with continued frugal spending, Rockland will be able to pay off that debt over the long-term.

(Source: MidHudsonnews)

On Friday afternoon, around 2:20PM the Town of Ramapo Police received a report of an automatic fire alarm at 23 Pinebrook Road in Chestnut Ridge. Ramapo Police Officer Mike Anton was dispatched to the scene. Upon Officer Anton’s arrival, he observed smoke and flames coming from the lower level of the house. PO Anton gained entry into the house by kicking upon a door. Officer Anton entered the house and found the kitchen in flames. Officer Anton found a 98 year old woman lying on the floor of the kitchen. She was conscious but she could not get up. Officer Anton dragged the women safely from the house. Officer Anton then re-entered the house and he extinguished most of the fire with a fire extinguisher.

Monsey Fire Department arrived on the scene and completed extinguishing the fire.

Faist Ambulance Corp. arrived on the scene and they treated the homeowner and transported her to Good Samaritan Hospital. Her name is not being released at this time.

The fire resulted in extensive damage to the kitchen. There were no other people present in the house at the time of the fire. The preliminary investigation indicates that the fire may have started in an electrical appliance in the kitchen. The fire is currently under investigation by the Town of Ramapo Police Detective Bureau and the Town of Ramapo Fire Inspector.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)

On Friday morning, about 11:52AM, Town of Ramapo Police officers responded to a request for a welfare check of a resident of a home on West Maple Avenue in Monsey. Apparently, this 79 year old male resident lived alone and had not contacted his friend in over two weeks. Responding officers found that the male was not inside his house. Officers then began a search of the resident’s large wooded property. At about 3:00PM, a Ramapo officer located the decomposed remains of a human on the property.

Based upon the condition of the remains, positive identification of the body has not yet been made and the name of the resident is not being released.

The Town of Ramapo Police Detective Bureau and the Rockland County Medical Examiner’s office are continuing the investigation. Ramapo Police were assisted on the scene by the Rockland County Sheriff’s BCI Unit.

The Ramapo Police canine unit as well as a canine unit from the Clarkstown Police Department also assisted in the search.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)

Spring Valley officials will hold an emergency meeting today to discuss the renewing of its insurance which covers its vehicles such as police, fire, and other village vehicles. Mayor Demeza Delhomme is holding the emergency meeting this afternoon to try and seek the board’s approval and avoid the possible shutdown of the village.

The police is scheduled to expire on Monday.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)

Nyack Hospital in Nyack is going to become a member of the Montefiore Health System, officials announced Thursday.

The Montefiore Board of Directors approved a letter of intent with Nyack Hospital and the Nyack Hospital Board has also voted in support of the decision.

The letter of intent outlines plans to enhance care and offer new forms of population health services to Rockland County residents. As healthcare delivery reform continues its transformation, Montefiore is focused on improving care through increased strategic partnerships, officials said.

The formalization of the new agreement will be completed in the coming weeks and the transaction is subject to approval.
Nyack Hospital is a 375-bed community acute care medical and surgical hospital.

(Source: MHN)

A new program was announced today in the hopes to entice more people to sign up as volunteer firefighters and EMTs in Rockland County.

The program called Rockland S.A.V.E.S. Lives is a retail discount program. A total of 153 businesses have already signed up.

Volunteer firefighters, EMTs or auxiliary police officers in Rockland County are able to get discounts at businesses in the area. For example, Blauvelt Coach Diner is offering 15 percent off the check to volunteers.

About 3,000 people volunteer for emergency services in Rockland County, which saves taxpayers about $133 million a year. But, officials say it is getting tougher to get all the people they need.

The goal is for over 800 businesses to sign up.

(Source: News12)

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)

Three people have been killed and others suffered minor injuries in an accident on Interstate 287 in northern New Jersey near the New York state border.

New Jersey State Police Trooper Jeff Flynn says a tractor-trailer struck a cement truck that was disabled on the right shoulder of northbound 287 near milepost 66.5 in Mahwah Township around 12:38 on Tuesday afternoon.

Flynn says three men who had been standing outside the cement truck were struck and killed.

A pickup truck that was parked on the right shoulder by the cement truck was also struck.

Flynn says there weren’t immediate details on other reported minor injuries.

The accident is under investigation.

Traffic was being diverted to exit 59 northbound off of I-287.

(AP)

The Clarkstown Police Department has responded to several car larcenies in the Nanuet area over the last 2 weeks. Most thefts from motor vehicles are preventable. There are just a few things you need to do to prevent them. Once you realize the steps you need to take, we are counting on you to do them on a daily basis!

Practice T. L. C.

Take Out Valuables

If you can leave your valuables at home, do it. Otherwise, when you get to your destination, take your valuables with you. If you have to leave them in your automobile, put them in your trunk before you get to your destination.

Lock Your Vehicle

Enough said!

Close Doors and Windows

An open door or window allows a thief a quick and quiet way to enter your automobile. Take the time to make sure you closed everything.

The increase in motor vehicle larcenies is part of a national trend. The reason motor vehicle larcenies are on the rise is because people make it far too easy for a thief to gain access to their vehicle and make it so tempting to attempt entry by leaving valuables in plain view.

Thieves can quickly enter vehicles, often sight unseen. Many use the stolen items to help them get drugs to support their addiction. Increasingly, we are finding that thieves are using personal information found in vehicles to commit identity theft.

You might be surprised just what thieves are looking for, or what victims make available to them:

• Cameras, Laptop Computers, Cell Phones
• Car Stereos, Mail, CD’s, Purses
• Vehicle Registrations, Money, Jackets
• Gym Bags, Luggage, Briefcases
• Garage Door Openers

You can often choose where you park your vehicle. It is important to be aware of where you park. Thieves are looking for vehicles they can enter with the least possibility of someone watching and thereby alerting police.
Ideally, the best place to park is in your locked garage. Otherwise, here are other important factors to consider:

Don’t

• Don’t park where others cannot see your vehicle
• Don’t park in all-day unattended parking areas

Do

• Park in well lighted areas.
• Do join a Neighborhood Watch
• Do park in clearly visible areas

Other Safety Tips

• Mark your valuables
• Record your car’s VIN number
• Use anti-theft devices
• Do not have a key ring with your name on it

*** Report any and all suspicious activity by calling the Clarkstown Police Department at 845-639-5800 ***

Police say that three boys were targeted in an attempted abduction at a Rockland park Sunday evening.

The incident happened at Lake Welsh Beach in Harriman State Park.

New York State Park Police tell News 12 that three young boys were playing basketball at the park at around 7 p.m. when they were approached by three adult men.

They say one man tried to grab one of the boys and another man tried to lure another one away. When they failed, they drove off.

Witnesses say the suspects drove up to the boys in a 2001 red Chrysler or Dodge minivan with old white and blue New York plates.

Alerts have been sent out to all law enforcement agencies to be on the lookout for the van and the men.

(Source: News12)

On Friday, June 20, 2014 at approximately 1:00PM, Ramapo Police Officer J. Quinn was patrolling the Village of Montebello when he observed a motorist in need of assistance. He assisted the motorist with removing debris from her vehicle. As he was throwing the debris in a dumpster, at the Airmont Gulf station (North Airmont Road), he observed a male Hispanic, later identified as Jairo Hernandez of the Bronx, seated in a blue vehicle. PO Quinn observed Hernandez holding a plastic bag containing, what PO Quinn believed to be drugs.

PO Quinn attempted to open the door of the vehicle to interview the driver. With the door still open Hernandez sped from the scene narrowly missing pinning PO Quinn between a parked car. PO Quinn pursued the vehicle onto the NYS Thruway, to the Garden State Parkway south, to Red School House Road. On Red School House Road Ramapo Police Officer Raymond Burr was responding to assist PO Quinn. When Hernandez observed the marked patrol car operated by PO Burr coming toward him, Hernandez attempted to turn into a parking lot. Hernandez’s vehicle was unable to handle the turn, jumped the curb, slid sideways and came to rest at the base of a tree. No one was injured.

Hernandez was arrested and charged with: Criminal Possession of Controlled Substance 3 (felony) for the contents of the plastic bag (cocaine), Tampering with Physical evidence (felony), Reckless endangerment 2, Obstructing Governmental Administration, Unlawful Fleeing Police 3, Criminal Possession of Marijuana 5 (marijuana hidden in the dashboard), Reckless Driving, as well as 33 traffic tickets (written for both Airmont and Chestnut Ridge village courts).

Nashelly Padilla, also of the Bronx, was a passenger in the car. She was charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3.

Airmont Judge Goldman arraigned both parties and set bail. They were transported to Rockland County Jail awaiting bail money.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)

Yeshiva of Spring Valley from Studio 7 Productions on Vimeo.

[By Shoshana Bernstein]

Yeshiva of Spring Valley’s 71st Annual Dinner which took place on Wednesday before shavous, offered a smorgasbord of reasons to be dubbed unique. The continuous procession of cars all headed in the same direction off the Tappan Zee Bridge was a clear indication that a special event was occurring. But what exactly made the YSV Dinner so extraordinary?

Perhaps it was the incredibly vibrant energy of the evening and palpable camaraderie amongst the hundreds of attendees. Or maybe it was the rare occurrence of people coming early and staying late — for a Dinner! Scheduled to begin at seven, by 7:05 the reception was packed as hundreds of parents showed pride in their mosad hachinuch and came out in support of the Yeshiva. In fact, scores of parents, guests and friends remained long after the program ended.

Possibly it was the concise programming which validated the allegiance and dedication of all the participants who attended despite it being a weeknight. Without a doubt it was the well run agenda, elegant décor, rousing videos by Studio Seven productions and delectable cuisine by Glauber’s Catering which helped create an evening of unsurpassed achdus and professionalism.

As guests arrived, they were personally greeted by Rabbi Yehuda Frankel, Dean, and the Principals of both the Boys’ and Girls’ divisions as well as Rabbi Eliezer Stern, YSV’s indefatigable CEO whose commitment to excellence continues to effect stellar results on behalf of the Yeshiva. Beautiful banners displayed appreciation for the faculty, welcomed new parents and announced the formation of the Young Leadership Committee. Truly elegant donor gifts of engraved challah knives and framed, parchment paper birchos habanim were tastefully displayed, giving visible thanks for meaningful support.

The well attended reception provided the opportunity for parents, faculty and guests to exchange warm greetings as they enjoyed the elaborate buffet. Separate girls and boys’ videos played outside the corresponding reception rooms and mothers and fathers alike took great pride in watching their children happily engrossed in work and play at YSV.

The Dinner commenced in a timely fashion, and as the ballroom quickly filled to capacity, Mr. Nachum Rosenberg, MC, welcomed the crowd of over 800 attendees and publicly acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved in the evening’s planning.

In his direct and personable manner, Mr. Surly Orzel, President, took to the podium and extolled the virtues of the Hanhala and staff of Yeshiva of Spring Valley. “The kol torah is resounding in the hallways and we are proud to provide the best in chinuch – be it principals, staff, education, technological advances and outdoor play areas.” Mr. Orzel’s ongoing dedication to the Yeshiva was evident as he declared: “I can promise you that we will continue to do our best to educate your tayarah kinderlach!”

Mr. Danny Gilbert then spoke on behalf of the newly launched YLC. His concise explanation of the purpose behind the Young Leadership Committee provided the perfect exemplar of the focused and energetic actions the members intend to take as they employ their combined talents and perspectives and provide a voice to the new generation of YSV parents. “We look forward to furthering the success and impact of the esteemed Board.”

The Guests of Honor, Mr. and Mrs. Leibi and Sheila Grohman were then introduced. Reb Leibi accepted the Guest of Honor award in memory of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Isaac and Feiga Grohman a’h, who shared a lifetime of commitment to Torah values and a history of mesiras nefesh for Yiddishkeit. He explained the motivation behind his acquiescence in accepting the honor stating simply, “I think the Yeshiva did a great job with my own children and I’m indebted to them.”

Notable personal touches included a resounding and heartwarming round of applause in appreciation of Mrs. Marion Morell as the Yeshiva thanked her for 42 years as a dedicated Teacher in the boys’ school. Another well deserved show of hakoras hatov was given to the extremely hard working office staff, whose ongoing efforts ensure the smooth and efficient daily running of YSV.

The keynote address was delivered by Rabbi Yehuda Frankel, the beloved Dean of Yeshiva Spring Valley. Quoting from parshas Naso, he deftly wove together the concepts of Birchas Kohanim, kavod hatorah and kavod haShechina. “Tonight kavod Hatorah is being displayed and demonstrated. As we strive to be mechanech our children properly in these difficult times, it is the ahava, the varmkeit and understanding that makes all the difference and is the hallmark of the Yeshiva.”

The evening’s success was summed up by a guest who noted “There was a fully energized crowd, many of whom arrived before the official start time…. Unheard of! Be it a new parent, a large donor, or the newly formed Young Leadership Committee, all were greeted and acknowledge accordingly. People had a sense of pride to be a part of the forefront of mosdos hatorah. The Dinner was a huge success; a really well done event all around.”

Rabbi Eliezer Stern shared his thoughts on the impact of the Dinner, noting: “Smiles were everywhere and you could feel the pride and sense of belonging.” It was an extraordinary evening for the Hanhala, staff, parents, guests and friends of Yeshiva of Spring Valley, all who were extremely proud of their ongoing association with the preeminent mosad hachinuch whose positive impact reaches throughout Monsey and beyond.

(YWN Monsey Newsroom)