What’s going on in Rockland County from Thursday, February 12th – Wednesday,  February 18th

Email gillian@rocklandcountytimes.com with events!

Orangetown

NYACK: The Nyack Center, Losing Ground – 25th Year Special Event

February 25th

Don’t miss Rivertown Film’s special screening of “Losing Ground,” Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026 at 8PM at The Nyack Center.  Losing Ground was one of the first feature films made by a Black woman. Her name is Kathleen Collins (1942–1988), and she lived in Piermont and in Nyack, where she raised her children until her life was cut short way too soon.  This special screening will include a discussion with Nina and Emilio Collins, the daughter and son of Kathleen Collins, moderated by filmmaker Liani Greaves.  Directed by Kathleen Collins. USA, 1982, 94 minutes. Tickets on sale!

This event will take place February 25th from 8:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.  Learn more at rivertownfilm.org/ or call (845) 358-2600 for more information. The Nyack Center, 58 Depew Avenue, Nyack, NY , 10960

 

Ramapo

SUFFERN: Lafyette Theatre, 2026 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour

February 20th

Don’t miss the 2026 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour at the historic Lafayette Theatre in Suffern!  Get ready for an unforgettable three-hour celebration of mountain sports, adventure, culture, and the environment! The 2026 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour will showcase the most exhilarating short films featuring explorers, runners, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers, and climbers from around the globe! This year’s lineup promises a captivating lineup of short films shot in some of the world’s most wild and remote locations. Expect breathtaking cinematography, thought-provoking narratives, and heart-pounding action.  Tickets on sale!

This event will take place February 20th from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  Learn more at lafayettetheatersuffern.com/or call (845) 547-2120 for assistance. Lafayette Theater, 97 Lafayette Avenue, Suffern, New York 10901

 

Haverstraw

GARNERVILLE: Hudson’s Mill, From Motown to Now, R&B Sing Along Brunch

February 22nd

Join us for an afternoon of smooth vibes, soulful sounds, and delicious brunch as we celebrate Black History Month with From Motown to Now: R&B Brunch.

This special brunch experience will take you on a musical journey through classic Motown hits to today’s R&B favorites, curated by DJ Mr. 845, while you enjoy a full brunch menu and signature cocktails in a vibrant, feel-good atmosphere.

This event is a fundraiser benefiting the Martin Luther King Jr. Multi-Purpose Center in Spring Valley. A portion of every ticket sold will go toward supporting the Center’s after-school programs and community initiatives.

Come brunch, vibe, and give back as we honor the legacy, culture, and music that continues to inspire generations.

Registration is required to attend. This event will begin on February 22nd at 12:00 p.m. Call 845-429-5700 or visit ww.hudsonsmillny.com for ticket options. Learn more at hudsonsmillny.com or call 845-429-5700 for assistance. 55 W Railroad Ave Bldg 19, Garnerville, NY 10923

 

Clarkstown

WEST NACK: Palisades Center, Levity Live, Des Bishop

February 20th – 21st

Des Bishop is an Irish-American stand-up comedian, writer, and actor known for his observational comedy, observational documentaries on Irish life, and fluency in Mandarin. Raised in Queens, NY, he moved to Ireland in his teens, achieving stardom with The Des Bishop Work Experience (2004).

Tickets can be purchased online at levitylive.com. This event will take place at  February 20th – 21st.  Call 845-729-0448 for assistance. 1000 Palisades Center Drive, West Nyack, NY 10994

 

Stony Point

STONY POINT: The Patriot Lounge, Comedy Night

February 28th

Welcome to Another Comedy Night at The Patriot Lounge! We’re excited to bring you this hilarious group of talented comedians:

-JJ Ramirez (Comic Strip Live)

-Joe Pontillo (Gotham Comedy Live)

-Jason McLaren (Broadway Comedy Club)

Doors Open at 6pm and showtime is at 8pm. Come for dinner & stay for the show! Admission is $20.

This event will take place February 28th from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Learn more at thepatriotlounge.com or call (845) 523-6213 for more information. 19 Clubhouse Lane, Stony Point NY, 10980

 

PIERMONT: Piermont Scavenger Hunt: Piermont‘s Puzzling Pursuit

Valentine’s Day Special!

Embark on a thrilling scavenger hunt adventure in Piermont! Explore the Hudson River Village and Sparkill Creek Views as you tackle riddles, missions, and challenges. This interactive walking tour unveils historic landmarks like the Bridge Street Bridge and Piermont Station. Perfect for teamwork, sightseeing, and fun!

This scavenger hunt will help you explore Piermont. This top rated Piermont Scavenger Hunt scavenger hunt is 1.85 miles and has 6 stops. This event takes 1.5 hours – 2 hours to complete.

To learn more visit scavengerhunt.com and search Piermont. The hunt will begin at 102 Paradise Ave, Piermont, NY 10968.

 

Library Section

Orangetown

TAPPAN: Tappan Library, MoMA collection: interrelationship of photography and fine arts in Modern Art

February 20th

Since its recent reopening in October 2019, MoMA’s curators decided to mix up the works of their various departments throughout the galleries to open up some interesting conversations between mediums. Photography and Fine Arts informed each other strongly since the mid 19th C, whether as inspiration or counterbalance, and some artists worked in both mediums. Soviet and Bauhaus artists introduced photo collages and Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg were amongst the first to silkscreen photography. The comparisons open interesting perspectives.

Registration is required. This event will take place February 20th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Learn more at southorangetownlibraries.com or call 845-359-3877 for assistance. 93 Main St., Tappan, NY 10983

 

NYACK: Nyack Library, Spies of the American Revolution

February 23rd

Learn about being a spy in the American Revolution and make your own invisible ink to share secret messages with friends!

Registration is required. This event will take place February 23rd from 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 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, Wild Science at PRPL!

February 18th

Step into the world of wild science and get ready for experiments that fizz, pop, and wow! Young scientists will explore amazing STEM concepts through exciting hands-on activities that make learning come alive. Come discover the magic of science and see how fun learning can be! This event is intended for 4th – 6th graders.

Registration is required. This event will take place on February 18th from 4:15 p.m. – 5:15 p.m. Learn more at pearlriverlibrary.libcal.com or call 845-735-4084 for assistance. 75 E Central Ave, Pearl River, NY 10965

 

PALISADES, Palisades Free Library: Woven Together

February 26th

Do you knit? sew? crochet? want to learn? Join us here in Palisades as we make quilts and blankets to donate to local people in need. If you know how, bring a project and your ideas. If not, come along and we’ll show you how to get started. Teens can earn community service hours.

Registration is required for this event. This event will take place February 26th from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Learn more at palisadeslibrary.org or call (845) 359-0136 for more information. 19 Closter Road, Palisades, NY 10964

 

ORANGEBURG: Orangeburg Library, Teen Candy Sushi

February 25th

Candy is not just for Valentine’s Day!  Roll up for a sweet twist on sushi crafting colorful, delicious candy  “rolls” —no chopsticks required, just your imagination! This program is for Grades 6-12 only.

Registration is required for this event. This event will take place February 25th from 4:00 p.m. – 4:45 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,  The Life and Films of Meryl Streep

February 23rd

Presented  by Jarett Miller via Zoom. Register online.

A quick biography and a detailed journey through the filmography of actress Meryl Streep. As one of the most dynamic actresses of her or any generation, Streep has been a mainstay in cinema for over 5 decades! Join us and find out what makes her one of the most successful and in-demand actresses over her long and storied career.

Registration is required. This virtual event will take place February 23rd from 1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m.  . Learn more at suffernfreelibrary.libcal.com or call 845-357-1237 for assistance. 210 Lafayette Ave, Suffern, NY 10901

 

Haverstraw

HAVERSTRAW: Haverstraw King’s Library, Zumba!

February 25th

Vanessa is back to lead you in Zumba! Zumba is a popular global dance-fitness program founded by Beto Pérez in 2001 that blends high-energy Latin and international music with easy-to-follow, interval-style dance moves. Designed as a “fitness party,” it combines cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility to burn calories and improve overall health.

Registration is required. February 25th from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 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, Discussing: The Greatest Lie of All by Jillian Cantor

February 26th

Struggling actress Amelia Grant lands a dream role playing legendary romance novelist Gloria Diamond in a biopic, only to discover the iconic author’s life story is a fabrication. While staying at Gloria’s secluded Washington estate, Amelia uncovers the truth, challenging her own, and the author’s, perception of love and deception.

Registration is required. Walk-ins will be welcome in programs if space allows. This event will take place from  February 26th from 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 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, Book Binding

February 23rd

Japanese Stab Binding: Learn how to bind your own book. For this project, we will be binding multiple signatures using a Japanese Stab Binding with stitching on the outside Cover.  *Each book binding class is meant to teach a few different skills, all leading up to the ability to create a complete book with various stitching methods, a cover and various elements you may want. 

Registration is required online. If you require assistance registering, call 845-786-2100, ext. 11.  If you cannot make it, please cancel at your earliest convenience.

This event will take place February 23rd from 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 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

 

Spend Valentine’s Day in Rockland!

Looking for some last-minute plans with your lover? Gillian DeStefano, Community Editor, has rounded up some of her favorite and most romantic things to do across Rockland County.

 

Cuddle Up with Movie Night

Lafayette Theatre – Suffern

Classic Romance: Love & Laughter in NYC

February 13–15

When Harry Met Sally (In honor of director Rob Reiner)

Harry and Sally have known each other for years and are close friends — but they worry romance could ruin everything. Directed by Rob Reiner and starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan, this iconic love story remains a Valentine’s favorite.

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)

A young New York socialite becomes interested in her charming new neighbor, but her complicated past threatens their budding romance. Celebrate this timeless Audrey Hepburn classic on the big screen.

For showtimes and ticket information, visit lafayettetheatre.com or call (845) 547-2120.

 

Wine and Dine

Note: Reservations may be required.

Hudson House – Nyack

Upscale dining in a beautiful riverside atmosphere with a refined yet approachable menu.

Il Fresco – Orangeburg

Cozy and intimate, offering authentic Italian cuisine perfect for a romantic night out.

Louie’s on the Avenue – Pearl River

Enjoy dinner in a restored Victorian home with a unique and charming setting.

 

Romantic Activities

Ice Skating at Bear Mountain

Whether you’re gliding like a pro or laughing while trying to stay upright, ice skating is a fun way to enjoy the winter scenery. Warm up afterward inside the Inn with cocktails or hot cocoa.

Spa Day at Bear Mountain

Relax, unwind, and recharge together with a couples treatment.

Game Night at Dave & Buster’s – Palisades Center

Calling all competitive couples! Win your loved one that giant stuffed bear as a symbol of your love.

 

Creative Couples

Black Parakeet – Paint & Sip

Bring your favorite bottle and leave with a handmade masterpiece. With three Valentine’s-themed classes offered, check their website to find the perfect time and style for you and your muse.

 

Last-Minute Gifts

Gina Lisa Lingerie – Nyack

From cozy pajamas to lace pieces, Gina Lisa can help you choose the perfect present.

Schweizer & Dykstra Beautiful Flowers – Pearl River

Offering same-day delivery, stunning bouquets, and even a koi pond in-store.

New City Florist – New City

A family-owned shop with a wide selection of arrangements and same-day delivery.

Tappan Zee Florist – Nyack

A longtime local favorite specializing in bouquets, centerpieces, and balloons.

Sweet Sins & Flowers LLC – Blauvelt

Fresh, eternal, and foam bouquets, plus plants, orchids, bears, and balloons — crafted with love for every occasion.

 

Sweet Treats

Lucas Candies – Haverstraw

The Tree of Chocolate – Nyack

Le Chocolat of Rockland – Suffern

Because sometimes, the way to someone’s heart really is through chocolate.

Enjoy your special Saturday night! If you’re looking to flex your Valentine’s plans, feel free to share your plans and photos with gillian@rocklandcountytimes.com for a potential feature in next week’s issue!

 

Queen of Bohemia Predicts Own Death

By Eve Kahn for Women’s History Month!

The Friends will celebrate Women’s History Month 2026 with the return of Eve M. Kahn, historian and consummate author on forgotten women authors and artists.

Eve will present the subject of her recently published book: Queen of Bohemia Predicts Own Death, the compelling story of trailblazing journalist Zoe Anderson Norris. In this first biography of Norris, independent scholar Eve M. Kahn restores the legacy of her subject with meticulous research and captivating storytelling, bringing Norris’s extraordinary life back into the spotlight.

Norris’s courage came at a personal cost. Her life was marked by tumultuous relationships, family estrangement, and battles against the very injustices she exposed. In her final issue of The East Side, Norris eerily predicted her own death, an uncanny premonition that made national headlines before she faded into obscurity.

A Q&A and reception to celebrate the publication of Eve’s new book will follow the lecture. Admission is by reservation only.

FOHH Members: $20.00 Non-Members: $25.00

All event proceeds go towards ongoing critical restoration projects at the 1848 house.

 

 

Maureen’s Jazz Cellar

LATE NIGHT PIANO BAR WITH THE BUDMAN – FEB 14

​DOORS @10:15

SHOWTIMES @10:30

NO COVER CHARGE

 

FROSTY TUESDAYS OPEN MIC – FEB 17

DOORS & SIGN-UP @7:00

SHOWTIMES @8:00

COVER CHARGE- $5 (People seated must order food or drink- $10 minimum)

 

DEAD NIGHT WITH Be5D – FEB 19

Featuring Mark Diomede, Gianni Iacovino, Bruce Wigdor, Jerry Horan &

Gabriel Mark Lipko

DOORS @7:00

SHOWTIME @8:00

COVER CHARGE- $15.00

 

THE BRAZILWOOD TRIO WITH VOCALIST BARBARA LEWIN – FEB 21

Featuring Geoffrey Morrow, Tim Bayless, Joey Bracchitta

DOORS @7:00

SHOWTIME @8:00

COVER CHARGE- $25.00

 

LATE NIGHT PIANO BAR WITH THE BUDMAN – FEB 21

DOORS @9:45

SHOWTIMES @10:00

NO COVER CHARGE

 

FROSTY TUESDAYS OPEN MIC – FEB 24

Tuesday, February 24, 2026

DOORS & SIGN-UP @7:00

SHOWTIMES @8:00

COVER CHARGE- $5 (People seated must order food or drink- $10 minimum)

 

On the Big Screen

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie – Mockumentary

Matt and Jay’s plan to book a show at the Rivoli goes horribly wrong, resulting in them accidentally traveling back to the year 2008.

Wuthering Heights – Romance

Tragedy strikes when Heathcliff falls in love with Catherine Earnshaw, a woman from a wealthy family in 18th-century England.

Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die – Action

Claiming to be from the future, a man takes hostages at a Los Angeles diner to recruit unlikely heroes to help him save the world.

Crime 101 – Crime/ Thriller

A Los Angeles detective pursues an elusive thief who teams up with an insurance broker for one last heist.

Goat – Sport/ Comedy

A small goat named Will gets a once-in-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball — a high-intensity, full-contact sport that’s dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Ridiculed by his teammates, Will becomes determined to revolutionize the sport and prove that “small can ball!”

 

Town Meetings

Orangetown – February 24th, 2026   @ 7:00 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at orangetown.com

26 Orangeburg Road

Orangeburg, NY 10962

 

Ramapo – February 25th, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at ramapo.org

237 Route 59,

Suffern, NY 1090

 

Stony Point – February 24th, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at townofstonypoint.org

19 Club House Lane

Stony Point, NY 10980

 

Clarkstown – February 24th, 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at clarkstown.org

10 Maple Ave.

New City, NY 10956

 

Haverstraw – February 24th , 2026 @ 7:00 p.m.

Town Board Regular Meeting

More information at townofhaverstraw.org

1 Rosman Road

Garnerville, NY 10923

 

Streaming Favs

Bridgerton – Romance

on Netflix

During the Regency era in England, eight close-knit siblings of the powerful Bridgerton family attempt to find love.

The Lincoln Lawyer – Drama

on Nerflix

Idealistic lawyer Mickey Haller runs his practise out of the back of his Lincoln Town Car, taking on cases big and small across Los Angeles.

Fallout – Action

on Amazon Prime

In a future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits.

The Pitt – Medical Drama

on HBO Max

A realistic examination of the challenges facing healthcare workers in America as seen through the lens of the frontline heroes working in a modern-day hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

His & Hers – Thriller

on Netflix

Two estranged spouses, one a detective and the other a news reporter, vie to solve a murder in which each believes the other is a prime suspect.

 

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

Open Mic with Featured Poet Christine Potter

Wednesday Feb 18th, 2026  at 6:30 PM

Christine Potter has taught English and creative writing in the Clarkstown Schools, made church music, and cooked for a living. These days she’s the poetry editor of Eclectica magazine, and a poet whose work has appeared in Rattle, The McNeese Review, Tar River Poetry, ONE ART, Grain, Booth, Autumn Sky Poetry Daily, and many other literary publications. She writes a monthly column about local poets for the Rockland County Business Journal. Her time traveling young adult series, The Bean Books, is on Evernight Teen, and her last full-length collection of poetry, Unforgetting, is published by Kelsay Books. She lives locally with her husband and her indulged cat Bella. Her house is haunted.

Meet and Greet With Author Dawn Barclay

Saturday Feb 28th, 2026 at 1:00 pm

Dawn M.Barclay (who writes fiction as D.M. Barr and edits under suggested development.com) has been writing in the travel field for decades, first as a travel trade journalist and later as a book author. She is the 2023 Lowell Thomas Gold Award-winning author of the autism travel bible, Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022).

Dawn also won the First Prize-Other Writing award from the Society of Professional Journalists for a story on travel law. Vacations Can Be Murder, her multi-volume true crime travel series with Level Best Books, combines the two things she loves best (after chocolate and dogs): travel and crime. The Mid-Atlantic volume is the second in the series, following the release of the New England volume in 2025.

Storytime With Children’s Author David Sherrin

Sunday Mar 1st, 2026 at 3:00 pm

David Sherrin teaches social studies at Scarsdale High School and lives in Tarrytown. He is also the author of four picture books including the new release Big Bad Wolf and the Masquerade Ball (Apples & Honey Press, 2026). He loves teaching, writing, playing tennis, and drinking smoothies.

An Evening With John Sayles

Thursday Mar 5th, 2026 at 6:30 pm

Tickets are $36 and include a signed copy of Crucible. There is limited seating for this event.

John Sayles is an independent filmmaker, screenwriter, actor, and novelist. He has twice been nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay, and once for the National Book Award. He has written eight novels, including, most recently, Jamie MacGillivray, To Save the Man and Crucible.

 

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.

Poetry Open Mic Hosted by Bryan Roessel

Wednesday February 18, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Hosted by Bryan Roessel of Rockland Poets.

Please join us for our winter gathering! Please arrive between 5 pm and 5:45 pm to sign up so that we can begin promptly. Please note that the readers list will not be “first come first served” (a big thank you to Bryan for this refinement). We will use a randomizer to determine the list for the reading. We will feature up to 10 poets in 5-minute slots. Five minutes is about long enough to read 3 haikus or a single poem with 3 to 4 stanzas (but not long enough to read a canto from the Divine Comedy!).  At sign up, we will also ask you to write down a single line introducing yourself and your work. Our host will introduce you. Please respect the time slots! We would like everyone to have the opportunity to read without feeling rushed. They look forward to your work!

The History of Whiskey with Robin Robinson

Friday February 20, 2026 at 6:00 PM

In this beautiful volume, illustrated with rich color images throughout, award-winning spirits expert Robin Robinson skillfully chronicles the development of whiskey, highlighting a hundred exceptional milestones in its history. Starting in antiquity with the simple covered pot and alembic, proceeding through the middle ages as European monks distilled spirits for medicine, and following the evolution of whiskey and the whiskey trade through King Henry VIII of England, European colonization of the Americas, the Pacific, and Asia, and describing whiskey’s refinements, corporatization, and marketing by today’s global beverage conglomerates, The History of Whiskey tells it all.

Books available in advance, on Bookshop.org, and in store on the day of the event.

Robin Robinson is the author of The Complete Whiskey Course, a Whiskey Advocate Must-Read Book. He created the Whiskey Smackdown tasting series, taught at the Culinary Institute of America and Moonshine University, and lectures frequently. He lives in New Jersey.

Dawn Barclay in conversation with Emilya Naymark

Saturday February 21, 2026 at 3:00 PM

Grab a snack and settle in! We welcome two great crime novelists to discuss Dawn M. Barclay’s new book, Vacations Can Be Murder: A True Crime Lover’s Travel Guide to the Mid-Atlantic States.

Rockland resident Dawn M. Barclay (who writes psychological/domestic/romantic suspense novels as D.M. Barr) has been writing in the travel field for decades, first as a travel trade journalist and later as a book author. Vacations Can Be Murder, her multi-volume true crime travel series with Level Best Books, is perfect for lovers of travel, true crime, the paranormal, and tombstone tourism, listing where you can go to get as close as you can to true crime while still breathing! The Mid-Atlantic volume covers crime in our own backyard. Barclay was also the recipient of the 2023 Lowell Thomas Gold Award as author of the autism travel bible, Traveling Different: Vacation Strategies for Parents of the Anxious, the Inflexible, and the Neurodiverse (Rowman & Littlefield, 2022).

 

Suffern Restaurant Week!

 

Seniors Needed for Showcase!

Calling all Clarkstown Seniors ages 55 and older. Come sing, dance, and act or be part of the stage crew! Highlight and celebrate your talent in this fantastic variety show! The show will take place on Sunday, May 3, 2026 at 3:00 PM at Clarkstown High School South, 31 Demarest Mill Road, West Nyack, NY 10994 Rehearsals are every Saturday. For more information, please contact: Chelsea at (845) 639-5731 or c.tosto@clarkstown.gov

 

Giving Back in Rockland

 

Introducing “Move it or Lose It”: A Rockland Fitness Guide

Zumba Fun!

The number one New Year’s Resolution across the country is exercising, according to YouGov. As a 22 year old who hasn’t routinely exercised since high school, the gym is quite a daunting facility. Intimidating machines, posing meatheads, and no clear instruction makes a place designed for self improvement feel more like an ego-fed free-for-all.

Like the many other Americans polled, my New Year’s Resolution for 2026 is to exercise. After a couple failed and embarrassing attempts at the gym, I realised that exercise exists much further than this microcosm of machinery. In high school, I loved to participate in sports, no matter my lack of skill, because exercise itself felt more like play.

Hence, the idea of this column was born: “Move it or Lose it”. My goal is to try various and potentially unconventional exercises and share my experiences. Whether you’re like me, looking for a different environment to be active, or you’re missing your ability to move more freely, my hope is to bring awareness and inspire resolutions to reality.

Keep in mind, I’m no former college athlete. In fact, I walked my mile in high school. I am, however, able bodied and determined to stick to my resolutions. For reference, I played tennis in high school and college recreationally and have tried most every sport in the book as a child.

This led me to 24 Hour Fitness in Nanuet last Tuesday, where I stumbled into a Zumba class at 7:00 p.m. Zumba is dance focused workout involving cardio typically featuring Latin-style music. Overall the experience was a funky blast. The class was predominantly women of all ages and body types, and the instructor, Melissa Tarantino, was upbeat and her neon workout wear easily differentiated her from my classmates. The moves were not terribly difficult to follow, and no else really cares if you don’t do it perfectly.  It’s also great because you can follow along at your own pace.

I equate the experience to an in person Just Dance, the wildly popular dance centered Wii Game featuring top hits  from the early 2000’s. The difficulty of the class for me was a 6/10, but the experience itself was an 8/10. I went with a friend, which I believe made the experience more enjoyable, but you could certainly go alone. The class was very beginner friendly. I recommend showing up ten minutes early to guarantee a good spot. I was in the back and still able to follow along easily though.

With women of all ages in one space dancing and cheering each other on, it’s hard not to feel part of a celebration of womanhood. At one point, the instructor even passed out colorful scarves which made the experience even more fun and exciting. Every single person left the class with a smile plastered across their faces. This was  definitely something that was outside of my comfort zone, but I’m so glad I went in with an open mind. There were even some obvious regulars who stood front and center and perfectly mirrored the instructor, which in itself is a testament to the workouts popularity. There were probably about 50 attendees in the room.

If you’re looking for a different way to stay active, I would definitely say give Zumba a try. Leave your ego at the door and don’t be afraid to look silly. I will definitely be returning, thank you 24 Hour Fitness for the lovely, groovy experience.

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