Hurricane Irene brought the winds and rains. But when Arden Dam in Tuxedo failed the morning of August 28 last year, the real damage was done. The dam break sent a wave of water, mud and debris roiling down the Ramapo River, tearing out sections of the Port Jervis Line and washing through Sloatsburg. Buildings in central Sloatsburg along the train tracks were flooded out. Continue Reading

Sloatsburg — Torne Mountain is the beacon, and nestled down along the valley of its southeastern face, they come, rock climbers from near and far. With rock climbing routes named Crankenstein, Rachel’s Crack and The Red Knob, the area of Torne Valley is known as the Powerlinez and has been a secret favorite for rock climbers for years. Continue Reading

Super Sunday is upon us. Bets are on that the Super Bowl will be over before it snows next in Sloatsburg. Las Vegas oddsmakers are holding steady with the New England Patriots as three-point favorites over the New York Giants. Both teams made it into the big game by the hairs of their chinny chin chins. Continue Reading

Nakoma Brook runs quietly down from the hills and watershed above Sloatsburg, cutting through The Flats neighborhood and under Rt. 17 until it meets the Ramapo River near Rhodes North Tavern. During times of heavy rains the brook comes alive, sluicing rapidly along its waterway. But this past August, with Tropical Storm Irene, the Nakoma Brook once again topped its banks and swamped poor Brook Park, which still sits in ruins. Continue Reading

If you’ve ever seen worn out fire gear, the turnout coat and pants – if tan – often look smeared black and greasy, like they need a good long cleaning. But the dirty duds are fire and heat seared, not dirty nor even washable. With a recommended lifespan of 10 years, much of Sloatsburg’s fire turnout gear has been burned in the field during use over the years. Some coats and pants don’t fit correctly and some should just be retired. And the problem is, the Sloatsburg Fire Department has a lot of them. Continue Reading

Sloatsburg — The New York Legislature’s redistricting plans were made public Thursday amid much controversy, with big winners and sure losers. Sloatsburg and the Town of Ramapo will continue to be represented by Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, R-Greenwood Lakes and Senator David Carlucci, D-Clarkstown. There are no changes for Rep. Elliot Engel, D-NY 17, congressman for the Town of Ramapo and Orangetown in Rockland County. Continue Reading

A common, recurring refrain from the project’s developer and supporters goes something like this, from a 2008 Times Herald-Record article: “The earth movers and jackhammers are on standby.” After much controversy and changes to the project, Tuxedo Reserve is still on standby. Continue Reading

The low growl and scrape of heavy metal snow plow on hard road could be heard throughout Sloatsburg early morning, evidence that the village finally had its first winter snow. Continue Reading

Sloatsburg — It appears as a beacon of  light and activity, tucked into the neglected, dull-brown awning topped strip mall that passes for Sloatsburg’s downtown business district. Proprietors Lisa and Alex Zhao have quietly gone about converting blight into a place where beauty is the business of the day. Like bees to summer flowers, customers are drawn to the cozy bustle of the Zhaos’ Golden Nails & Spa II, whether for a quick touchup or complete makeover or to pass on the rites of a manicure and pedicure from mother to daughter. Continue Reading

Another in the semi-regular photo series Secret Sloatsburg Spots that explores interesting and odd places or spots around Sloatsburg. This week features a picture of stairs that lead to nowhere but an empty, tangled yard. Continue Reading