What’s going on in Rockland County from Thursday, December 11th – Wednesday, December 17th
Email gillian@rocklandcountytimes.com with events!
Orangetown
NYACK: Music for Life, Rockland Ukulele Orchestra Holiday Concert
Dec 18th
Don’t miss the Rockland Ukulele Orchestra Holiday Concert. Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025. 7PM-8:30PM at The Angel Nyack. Join us for an evening of musical entertainment as the 40+ member Ukulele Orchestra performs rock, folk, disco and winter holiday songs! Come sing along! Fun for the whole family.
This event will take place December 18th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Learn more at https://theangelnyack.com/event/rockland-ukulele-orchestra-holiday-concert/ or call 845-608-4353. The Angel Nyack, 18 South Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960 United State
NYACK: The Angel Nyack, All Together Now Concert
Dec 21st
The Angel Nyack presents the, All Together Now Concert! Enjoy a free evening of timeless music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and more! Fun for the whole family!
This event will take place on December 21st from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Learn more at https://theangelnyack.com/event/all-together-now-concert/ or call 845-608-4353 for more information. The Angel Nyack,18 South Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960
Ramapo
SUFFERN: Otto’s OLD NO.7 BAND RETURNS TO OTTO’S!
Dec 17th
The Old No.7 Band returns to Otto’s Full Service Restaurant on Wednesday, December 17th @ 6PM.We will be celebrating Bruce’s retirement after 8 years as Mayor of the Village of Piermont, featuring special musical guests! Make your dinner reservations now!
This event will take place December 17th from 6:00 p.m. – 9.00 p.m. Learn more at ottosfullservice.com or call (845) 359-5900 for assistance. 505 Piermont Ave, Piermont, NY 10968
Haverstraw
GARNERVILLE: Hudson’s Mill, Christmas Trivia
Dec 17th
Think you know your holiday history? Test your Christmas knowledge with a night full of festive fun, cozy vibes, and friendly competition!
Tonight’s teaser question:
Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?
G _ _ M _ _ Y
Gather your team, grab a bite, sip something merry, and enjoy a holly jolly battle of wits!
Registration is required to attend. This event will take place December 17th at 7 p.m. Learn more at hudsonsmillny.com or call 845-429-5700 for assistance. 55 W Railroad Ave Bldg 19, Garnerville, NY 10923
Clarkstown
NANUET: The Nanuet Town Centre, Reindeer Games
Dec 20th
Don’t miss Reindeer Games at the Nanuet Town Centre! Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025. 3PM-6PM. Get in on the fun with a day of games, contests, and cheerful competition! Elves and holiday characters will fill the Centre with laughter and joy as you participate in holiday trivia, card-making, and our fan-favorite Ugly Sweater Contest. Dress to impress – the most festive looks win prizes!
This event will take place from December 20th from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. Visit https://www.nanuettowncentre.com/reindeer-games/ for more information or call (845)-347-9995 for assistance. The Nanuet Town Centre, 5101 Fashion Drive, Nanuet, NY 10954
NANUET: The Nanuet Town Centre, Festival of Lights Hanukkah Celebration
Dec 21st
Celebrate the season of light! Join us for the Festival of Lights Hanukkah Celebration. Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. 3PM-6PM. Enjoy live Hanukkah music, a glowing lights photo wall, and a themed photo booth with printed keepsakes to take home. Families can get creative with Hanukkah crafts, watch dazzling “Light Up the Menorah” performances, and indulge in festive treats featuring fruit and kosher chocolate.
This event will take place from December 21st from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.. Visit https://www.nanuettowncentre.com/festival-of-lights-hanukkah-celebration/ for more information or call (845)-347-9995 for assistance. The Nanuet Town Centre, 5101 Fashion Drive, Nanuet, NY 10954
WEST NYACK: Palisades Center, Levity Live, Yannis Pappas with Special Guest Maurica
Dec 19th-21st
As a stand-up comedian, podcaster, TV host and entertainer, Yannis Pappas continues to bring his rich brand of high concept humor and pointed social perspective to the masses always with his signature Brooklyn charm and deep rooted Greek flare. His natural charisma and lightning quick wit on stage has translated to opportunities on screen. He continues to sell out shows on tour across the country while also featuring in some of the biggest comedy festivals in the world including the Netflix is a Joke Fest, NY Comedy Festival, Fully Loaded at Sea and the iconic Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal.
Tickets can be purchased online at levitylive.com This event will take place from December 19th to 21st. Call 845-729-0448 for assistance. 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994
Stony Point
TOMKINS COVE: Bear Mountain, Bear Mountain Ice Rink
Dec 19th
The Bear Mountain Ice Rink is open for the 2025-26 season! Open now through March 1, 2026. The Palisades Interstate Park Commission welcomes all to the rink voted “Best of the Hudson Valley 2020-2024!” The beautiful outdoor rink is nestled against Bear Mountain with views of the Hudson River and the picturesque Bear Mountain Bridge, and welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Open Friday-Sunday. Featuring public skating, private lessons, skate rentals and more!
This event will take place December 19th – March 1st. Learn more at visitbearmountain.com or call 845-786-2731 for more information. 99 Service Rd Tomkins Cove, NY 10986
Library Section
Orangetown
TAPPAN: Tappan Library, Zumba Gold for Older Adults
Dec 20th
Zumba Gold is for active older adults who are looking for a modified Zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower-intensity!
Registration is required. This event will take place December 20th from 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Learn more at southorangetownlibraries.com or call 845-359-3877 for assistance. 93 Main St., Tappan, NY 10983
NYACK: Nyack Library, Annie Jr. The Musical
Dec 23rd
The Applause Touring Collective returns with their extremely talented young actors to bring us the story of Annie, a young orphan in 1930’s NYC, who against all odds finds her forever family.
Registration is required. This event will take place December 23rd from 2:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m. Learn more at nyacklibray.org or call 845-358-3370 for more information. 59 S Broadway, Nyack, NY 10960
PEARL RIVER: Pearl River Library, The Rockland County Concert Band Holiday Concert
Dec 20th
The Rockland County Concert Band, conducted by Maestro Larry Zaidan, presents your holiday favorites!
Registration is required. This event will take place on December 11th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Learn more at pearlriverlibrary.libcal.com or call 845-735-4084 for assistance. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Pearl River, NY 10965
ORANGEBURG: Orangeburg Library, Winter Solstice Ceremony
Dec 18th
Hosted by Debbie Benvenisti Broadman and Frank Finochio. Please bring something for the community altar (a picture, crystal, or shell).
Please join us to celebrate and honor the Winter Solstice by creating a prayer bundle, an Ayni Despacho. Ayni means divine reciprocity. A Despacho is an offering. When we work in ceremony we are working at the level of the soul to bring to bring healing, harmony and union.
Registration is required for this event. This event will take place December 18th from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Learn more at orangeburglibrary.org or call (845) 359-2244 for more information. 20 S Greenbush Rd, Orangeburg, NY 10962
Ramapo
SUFFERN: Suffern Free Library, Lock In: Winter Wonderland
Dec 19th
Teen Lock-In! It’s a winter wonderland party kind of night! Come play some winter carnival games with us!
If you’re looking for Friday night plans, once a month after the library has closed teens are allowed to come back to have some fun. This program is for Grades 7-12. Please have your parent/guardian present when being dropped off for the lock-in; permission slips must be signed in order to participate. *Pizza and drinks will be provided.
Registration is required. This event will take place December 19th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.. Learn more at suffernfreelibrary.libcal.com or call 845-357-1237 for assistance. 210 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY 10901
SPRING VALLEY: Finklestein Memorial Library, The Holiday Lights of New York City
Dec 22nd
Photo slide program will begin at Columbus Circle (59th Street), and will meander through the streets of New York City viewing the holiday lights and window decorations, as only New York City can do it. Slides will include, among others, the Fifth Avenue Snowflake, Rockefeller Center, and a host of gayly decorated storefronts and hotels, including Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman. Program will also include some historical facts of the key sights, and works of art, making the experience much more enjoyable and entertaining. Presentation is the next best thing to being in New York City and guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.
Registration is not required. This virtual event will take place December 22nd from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Learn more at villagespringvalley.org or call 845-352-5700 for assistance. 24 Chestnut St, Spring Valley, NY 1097
Haverstraw
HAVERSTRAW: Haverstraw King’s Daughters Library, Paint and Sip with Bob Ross
Dec 23rd
Follow along with The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross. One glass of wine (21+) or non-alcoholic beverage served. 90 minutes. Registration will open for Haverstraw cardholders 30 days prior to each session and for everyone else one week later, space permitting.
Registration is required. This event will take place December 23rd from 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Learn more at attend.finkelsteinlibrary.org or call 845-786-3800 for assistance. 10 West Ramapo Rd., Garnerville, NY 10923
Clarkstown
NANUET: Nanuet Public Library, Friday Docs Film Series: “The Cowboy and the Queen”
Dec 19th
Monty Roberts, a nonviolent horse trainer who rejected traditional breaking methods, forms an unlikely friendship with Queen Elizabeth II. Bonding over their shared love for animals, they overcome Monty’s doubters to broadcast his gentle approach globally.
Registration is required. Walk-ins will be welcome in programs if space allows. This event will take place from December 19th from 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Learn more at nanuet.librarycalendar.com or call 845-623-4281 for assistance. 149 Church Street Nanuet, NY 10954
Stony Point
STONY POINT: Rose Memorial Library,
Acrylics Paint & Sip
Dec 18th
Join us for a Paint & Sip experience to explore acrylics. You can do a Pet Portrait (send a photo of your pet to jbuckhout@rcls.org by December 15th or Print your Own), or use this as an Open Studio to paint whatever you want! Don’t wear your nicest outfit. 8×10 Canvas, Paints & Brushes provided. You can purchase drinks & food at the bar.
Registration is required. This event will take place December 18th from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Learn more at rmla-ny.whofi..com or call 845-786-2100 for more information. Garnerville Arts Center55 W Raolroad Ave, Garnerville , NY 10923
Clarkstown Senior of the Year
Congratulations to Graham Seidel, Clarkstown Senior of the Year! Supervisor George Hoehmann, the Town Board and Recreation Superintendent Matt Veronesi recently attended the Senior Citizens Club Officers Annual Dinner at Town and Country in Congers and presented this great honor to Mr. Seidel. Thank you to Graham and all the seniors who volunteer as club officers!
If you are interested in joining one of the senior clubs call Town of Clarkstown Parks & Recreation at 845-639-6200.
A Very Broadway Christmas
A Very Broadway Christmas Concert will be once again beautiful, artistically spectacular and new at St. John the Baptist Church. Performers include Ciarán Sheehan, Heather Bixler, Laird Mackintosh, Michael Kaish, and Rachel Gold.
Ciarán Sheehan is an acclaimed tenor and actor best known for his portrayal of the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera, which he performed over 1,000 times on Broadway and in Toronto. His Broadway credits also include Les Misérables (Babet/Marius) and Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera for more than two years.
Heather Bixler is an accomplished classical violinist and Irish fiddler whose artistry has brought her to stages across North America, Europe, and Asia. A graduate of Indiana University, The Juilliard School, and the University of Memphis, she has performed in some of the world’s most renowned concert halls, including the Musikverein in Vienna, Carnegie Hall in New York, and venues in Tokyo, Barcelona, and Mexico City.
Rachel Gold is a New York–based actor, singer, composer/lyricist, and screenwriter originally from Los Angeles. She made her Broadway debut as Christine Daaé in The Phantom of the Opera and was most recently seen as Hodel in Broadway at Music Circus’ production of Fiddler on the Roof. Internationally, she starred as Scarlett O’Hara in the musical adaptation of Gone with the Wind.
Michael Kaish is a New York City–based music director, pianist, and arranger with a dynamic career spanning Broadway, national tours, and international productions. He is widely recognized as the music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator of Stranger Sings! The Parody Musical, which enjoyed a successful Off-Broadway run from 2022 to 2023 and continues to be performed globally.
Laird Mackintosh holds a unique title of “the very last Phantom of the original Broadway production.” Since it opened on New York City’s Broadway in January of 1988, “The Phantom” played in the Broadway’s Majestic Theatre 13,981 performances to audiences of over 20 million. The very last of these spectacular Broadway productions took place on Sunday, April 16, 2023, and the very last artist who played the role of Phantom during that 13,981st performance was Laird Mackintosh.
Readers are welcome to join Our Very Broadway Christmas on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at 4pm,
Tickets go quick! Very Broadway Concert will again sell out days before the Concert, please purchase yours as soon as you can.
This event will take place December 14th, from 4:00 p.m.- 6:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 can be purchased online at christmasconcert.stjohnhillsdale.org
Furry Friends of the Week: Yoko and Yuki
Meet Yoko and Yuki, an adorable 4-month old bonded pair of gilrs who are ready to brighten your holidays and your life.
They have been with an incredible foster and are ready for their forever home!
Yoko and Yuki are sweet, cuddly kittens who love to play and then curl up for snuggles, making them a perfect duo for someone looking for both fun and affection.
They keep each other entertained and are a ton of fun! Give these two a forever home this season and make your holidays warmer and cozier.
Adoption application can be found:https://www.fourlegsgoodnynj.org/adoption-application.htmlFour Legs Good NY NJ
Spotlight on Rockland Theater
Misery
Written by William Goldman
Based on the novel by Stephen King
Antrim Playhouse
Running February 6th- 22nd
Experience the gripping intensity of Misery, the thrilling stage play adaptation of Stephen King’s iconic novel. Follow the chilling tale of renowned author Paul Sheldon, who finds himself trapped and at the mercy of his obsessive fan Annie Wilkes after a tragic car accident. As the tension mounts and secrets unravel, witness a battle of wills like no other, culminating in a riveting showdown that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Go to antrimplayhouse.com or call (845) 533-5616 for more information.
32 Old Tappan Rd, Tappan, NY 10983
Perfect Arrangement
written by Topher Payne
directed by Paul Russo
Elmwood Playhouse
Running January 16th -February 7th
Set in the 1950s, this comedic play follows two gay couples, Bob and Jim, and their respective “wives,” Millie and Norma, who work in the U.S. State Department. To avoid persecution during the Lavender Scare, they maintain a carefully constructed façade of heterosexual marriage. Their charade unravels when they are assigned to identify “sexual deviants” within their ranks, forcing them to confront their identities and the fragility of their so-called perfect arrangement.
Go to elmwoodhouse.com or call(845) 353-1313 for more information.
10 Park Street Nyack NY 10960
Manic Kat Records has dropped the initial line-up for their annual holiday extravaganza, festive punk rock party, Nightmare Before Punxmas.
The two-night mini festival takes place at Olive’s Bar in Nyack, NY on December 19th & 20th.
Confirmed for the show are: I Am The Pilot, All At Once, Cult Classic, A New Violet, July Crowd, When Thieves are About & many more, with BIG names still to be announced.
Doors open at 7pm. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. This event is21+ Only.
Maureen’s Jazz Cellar!
DEAD NIGHT WITH DEADIKATES – DEC 18
Featuring Josh Kates, Chris Hanson, Mike Manuele, Brian Purwin, Pietro Ciliberto & Tim Fulton
DOORS @7:00
SHOWTIME @8:00
COVER CHARGE- $15.00
‘DREAMING OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS’ WITH LIZZY KATES AND DAVID BUDWAY – DEC 19
Featuring Cameron Brown, Annamaria Witek & Tim Horner
DOORS @6:00 & 8:45
SHOWTIME @7:00 & 9:00
COVER CHARGE-$25
ROCKLAND YOUTH JAZZ ENSEMBLE – DEC 20
Under the Direction of Peter Furlan
DOORS @3:30
SHOWTIME @4;00
COVER CHARGE- $15.00
PIANO BAR HOLIDAY SING-A-LONG WITH THE BUDMAN – DEC 20
DOORS @7:00
SHOWTIMES @8:00
COVER CHARGE $15.00
FROSTY TUESDAYS OPEN – DEC 23
DOORS & SIGN-UP @7:00
SHOWTIMES @8:00
COVER CHARGE- $5 (People seated must order food or drink- $10 minimum)
DEAD NIGHT WITH TROUBLE JUNCTION – DEC 26
Featuring Todd Weiss, Steve Bernstein, Mike Manuele, Brendan Connolly, Larry Vedilago
DOORS- @7:00
SHOWTIME- @8:00
On the Big Screen
Ella McCay – Comedy
At 34 years old, Ella McCay becomes the governor of the state she was born and raised in. However, navigating relationships with her husband, father and brother may just be her biggest challenge yet.
Silent Night, Deadly Night – Horror
A twisted reimagining of the controversial classic – After witnessing his parent’s murder on Christmas Eve, Billy grows up to deliver an annual spree of holiday violence. This year, his blood-soaked mission collides with love, as a young woman challenges him to confront his darkness. “Have you been naughty?”’
Dust Bunny – Drama
Ten-year-old Aurora asks a hit man to kill the monster she believes ate her entire family. To protect her, he’ll need to battle an onslaught of assassins while accepting the fact that some monsters are real.
Merrily We Roll Along- Musical
The turbulent relationship between a composer and his two lifelong friends, a writer and a lyricist and playwright, spans three decades of collaboration and conflict.
COVER CHARGE- $15.00
Town Meetings
Orangetown – December 16th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Town Board Regular Meeting
More information at orangetown.com
26 Orangeburg Road
Orangeburg, NY 10962
Ramapo – December 24th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Town Board Regular Meeting
More information at ramapo.org
237 Route 59,
Suffern, NY 1090
Stony Point – January 13th, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.
Town Board Regular Meeting
More information at townofstonypoint.org
19 Club House Lane
Stony Point, NY 10980
Clarkstown – December 18th, 2025 @ 7:00 p.m.
Town Board Regular Meeting
More information at clarkstown.org
10 Maple Ave.
New City, NY 10956
Haverstraw – January 13th, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.
Town Board Regular Meeting
More information at townofhaverstraw.org
1 Rosman Road
Garnerville, NY 10923
Streaming Favs
Jingle Bell Heist – Comedy/ Romance
on Netflix
Two down-on-their-luck, hourly workers team up to rob a posh London department store on Christmas Eve. Will they steal each other’s hearts along the way?
The Gentleman – Drama
on Netflix
When aristocratic Eddie inherits the family estate, he discovers that it’s home to an enormous weed empire, and its proprietors aren’t going anywhere.
Zootopia 2 – Family
on Disney +
Detectives Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde find themselves on the twisting trail of a mysterious reptile who turns the mammal metropolis of Zootopia upside down. Testing their growing partnership like never before, they go under cover in new parts of town to crack the case.
The Beast in Me – Psychological Thriller
on Netflix
Author Aggie Wiggs has receded from public life since the death of her young son, unable to write, a ghost of her former self; but she finds an unlikely subject for a new book when the house next door is bought by Nile Jarvis.
Street Dedication for Longtime Congers Firefighter
The Town and Congers Fire Department will be dedicating Lenox Ave. in Congers in honor of George Wohl, a longtime Congers volunteer firefighter. George passed away in the line of duty 23 years ago.
This dedication will take place Saturday, December 13th, at noon at the intersection of Lenox Ave. and Tremont Ave., Congers
All are welcome to attend the ceremony.
Menorah Lighting
Join the Town and local Jewish leaders for our annual menorah lighting. Jelly donuts and hot chocolate will be served.
The Menorah Lighting will take place December 17th at 5 p.m. at Congers Station Park, Burnside Ave.
Celebrate Hanukkah Twice with Beth Am Temple
Join Community and Group Menorah Lighting
Beth Am Temple will host annual Hanukkah Community and Group Menorah Lighting events open to the public in December. The Community Menorah Lighting will be co-hosted with Chabad of The Nyacks and take place outdoors in the heart of Pearl River at the corner of Main Street and Central Ave on Monday, December 15 at 5:30 pm.
Hanukkah treats will be available after the lighting.
On Friday, December 19, the Hanukkah Group Menorah Lighting service happens inside Beth Am Temple at 7 pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring a menorah and seven candles for lighting during the Shabbat service. The family-friendly program with joyous music and songs will be followed by a festive Oneg with Hanukkah specialties and desserts.
Beth Am Temple is a reform temple, which embraces tradition and draws its congregation from throughout Rockland County, NY and northern Bergen County, NJ. It is located on the New York/New Jersey border at 60 East Madison Ave in Pearl River, NY. The temple website is: https://www.bethamtemple.org.
Upcoming Events at Big Red Books
Big Red Books is a general interest bookstore. We aim to be at the center of the Nyack community in an enriching social and artistic environment, engaging in the lives of our local patrons and organizations by sharing our appreciation for books, art, learning and personal growth. Big Red Books provides a supportive space for local authors and artists to celebrate and promote their work. We host author readings, gallery openings, live music, poetry nights, book clubs, writing workshops, children’s story time, school visits and book fairs. Find a full list of events at bigredbooks.net. 120 Main Street Nyack, NY 10960
Wednesday Dec 17th, 2025 at 6:30 pm
Open Mic Featuring Elaine Sexton
Elaine Sexton’s fifth collection of poetry is Site Specific: New & Selected (Grid Books, 2025). She is the author of the libretto, The Post Office, written in collaboration with the composer Laura Kaminsky, and recently performed as part of Opera Fusion: New Works/Cincinnati Opera. Her recent poems and reviews have appeared or are forthcoming in: American Poetry Review, Five Points, Ploughshares, Provincetown Arts, and On the Seawall. She teaches text and image and poetry workshops at the Sarah Lawrence College Writing Institute.
Thursday Dec 18th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
A Reading of Two Short Plays by Ed Friedman
Ric Siler is an actor and writer, and a long-time Nyack resident. He performed his solo piece How Do You Say Prostate In Italian? at Big Red Books last September, and last spring his one act play Writer’s Block was read here along with his wife Bette’s play A Fashionable Funeral.
Maggie Kramer was most recently seen in The Minutes by Tracy Letts, produced by GoJo Clan and performed at Westchester Collaborative Theater. Recent library tours include Bread and Roses, Dangerous at Any Age, and The Divas. She was also in Joni Fritz’s A Leave of Absence for WCT.
Ed Friedman’s plays have had over 40 productions throughout the NY metropolitan area, and around the country. His anthology Short Plays for Long Lives is published by Blue Moon Press. Ed’s monologues are included in the anthologies, Mother/Daughter Monologues: MidLife Catharsis and Urgent Maturity published by the International Centre for Women Playwrights. His monologue, Hannah, is published in Best Women’s Monologues for 2019. His latest collection of essays and short fiction I Will Not Be Ignored is published by Humoroutcasts Press and is available right here at Big Red Books.
Roberta Robinson enjoys balancing her theater experiences between acting and directing. Last fall she directed Gladys Day: the Live and Loves at WCT. Favorite roles include: Mrs. Papadakis in The Beauty of Numbers and Bev in Who’s Keys Are They Anyway, two plays presented as part of the GoJo Clan Library Series; Celia in YPC’s production of Design for Murder; Stephanie in The Voyage, part of Ridgefield Barn Theater’s One Acts; Doris in in YCP’s production of The Cemetery Club and Sarah in Prism, part of Fractured Family Tales, WCT’s one act plays. Roberta is living her dream and is especially thankful for her husband, Howard, who is her biggest fan and most ardent supporter.
Upcoming Events at Sparkle Bookstore
The Sparkle Bookstore, a new independent bookshop at 642 Main St., Sparkill, NY, 10976, will be hosting several community events in the next few weeks of the fall. This release highlights upcoming November events. See the full schedule at https://sparklebooks.store/events.
Saturday December 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Meet Paul Hellman
Meet Paul Hellman and check out his debut book, The Zone. Paul shares the history of his family in his The Zone to give readers the knowledge, inspiration, and courage to pursue entrepreneurial freedom.
Sunday December 21, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Meet the Iron Love Team: Kenyatta Jones-Arietta and Tiera Rice
Self-publication now involves a broad spectrum of possibilities. How does an indie author navigate the choices? Join Kenyatta Jones-Arietta and Tiera Rice, the team that produced Kenyatta’s book Iron Love, for a discussion of the journey.
Kenyatta lives in New York with her husband of 25 years, Rudy, their two sons, their Great Dane Bruce, and a family that inspires every chapter.
Tiera Rice-Royo is an indie author, coach, and mentor based in Rockland County, NY. A proud wife and mama of three, she fills her days with writing, painting, and crafting intention-based candles. A U.S. Army veteran and cancer survivor, Tiera’s journey has been shaped by resilience and a deep love for storytelling. Through her books, art, and coaching, she empowers others to reconnect with their voice, embrace their truth, and live with authenticity.
The Lion King Jr.!
Come see the talented students of Montebello Elementary School preform The Lion King Jr.!
Tickets are $10 and the shows are on Friday, December 19th at 7pm and Saturday, December 20th at 2pm.
Giving Back in Rockland
Food Bins
The County of Rockland, and the Towns of Clarkstown, Haverstraw, Orangetown, Ramapo and Stony Point also launched a countywide food drive. Please only donate nonperishable, unopened, and non expired items. Donation bins are available at the following locations:
Robert L. Yeager Health Center Building A Lobby
50 Sanatorium Road, Pomona
Allison-Parris County Office Building
11 New Hempstead Rd., New City
Clarkstown Town Hall
10 Maple Ave, New City, 2nd Floor Lobby
Haverstraw Town Hall
1 Rosman Road, Garnerville
Orangetown Town Hall
26 W. Orangeburg Rd., Orangeburg
Ramapo Town Hall
237 Route 59, Suffern/Airmont
Stony Point Town Hall
74 East Main Street, Stony Point
Rockland Community Against Hunger (RCAH)
Louis Kurtz Civic Center, 9 N. Main Street, Spring Valley
17 West Board Street, West Haverstraw
Nyack Food Cupboard
16 Jefferson St, Nyack
Catholic Charities Community
Services of Rockland
78 Hudson Ave, Haverstraw
Clover Stadium
1 Phil Tisi Way, Pomona
Clothes Bins
Going through your closet? As the weather gets colder, donate your old coats and jackets to those who are in need. Let’s give back to our neighbors as the holiday season nears. This is the last week for Weber’s coat drive!
Helping Hands for the Homeless of Rockland
Darden Center, Spring Valley, NY 10977
Nanuet Donation Box
Nanuet Mall S, Nanuet
People to People
121 W Nyack Rd STE 1, Nanuet
To make a monetary donation:
https://uwrc.org/food/
Sign up to volunteer:
https://www.rocklandhunger.org/get-involved/rocklandhunger.org/get-involved/
The Rotary Club is very excited to announce the date of theirannual Share Christmas and the Holidays event!This year, it’ll take place on Friday, December 12, at 7 p.m. in Braunsdorf Park, with a rain date of Friday, December 19.Join them for a wonderful evening of caroling, hot chocolate, and visits with Santa and his friends.Please bring a new, unwrapped toy for a child in need.
If you would like to drop off toy donations before Share Christmas, you may bring them to The Griffith Agency at 59 East Central Avenue and Schweizer and Dykstra’s Beautiful Flowers at 165 North Middletown Road.
What’s the Point of Giving Gifts?
It’s no surprise that the holiday season is about giving. We see and hear this theme in just about every holiday movie, song, and themed sitcom episode. But have we ever stopped to wonder where this tradition comes from?
Christmas itself is derived from pagan winter traditions, namely the Roman Saturnalia. Saturnalia was a popular week-long festival taking place around the winter solstice that hosted grand feasts, role reversals where masters served slaves, gambling, gift-giving, and general “merrymaking”. The festival symbolized hope and rebirth as days grew longer.
I’m sure we have all heard the lyric, “make the yuletide gay”, but never thought what about what a “yuletide” is. “Yule” is another pagan solstice festival, this time celebrated in Germanic and Norse traditions. A yule log was decorated and burned to bring warmth, light, and good fortune. Our beloved pine trees and wreathes symbolized life and victory of death.
Over time, with the spread of Christianity, many of these traditions endured, but they were reinterpreted to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Hanukkah, the Jewish “Festival of Lights,” commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem after its liberation from Greek-Syrian rule in the second century BCE. The candles symbolize resilience, religious freedom, and the miracle of light. The custom of exchanging gifts over eight nights developed later, particularly in late 19th century United States.
The common theme between all of these ancient traditions is hope. Hope for longer days, for victory over death, for freedom from oppression.
Today, most people don’t ponder the beginnings of our beloved holidays and the traditions that accompany them. Understanding holiday history can put the consumer riddled season into perspective.
This season, let’s focus on the greatest present of all – time spent in the presence of our loved ones.
So – hug your friends, spend time with family, and enjoy a delicious meal. Don’t forget to give back to yourself as well!
Community News 12.11.2025 added by Gillian DeStefano on
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