Last week was an inspiring display of how this community comes together in a time of crisis. Tuesday’s two fires were shattering, particularly the Plaza fire that devastated a dozen families who are now displaced from their homes and scrambling to recover from the loss of so many of their possessions. But the outpouring of love and support that we’ve seen in the past six days has been overwhelming, with the NAACP fundraiser raising over $80,000 for the families, and a surge of donations of clothing and food for the families. Even in the midst of this terrible situation, we feel inspired by the way we have all come together out of love and care for each other.

As most of you saw, we put out a special newsletter this past week about the fires, which provided . If you missed it, you can read it on Facebook here. But in today’s newsletter, I wanted to give you a quick update:

• The Plaza families have found temporary housing in hotels since the fire, paid for in part by the Village and more recently by private donations. They are comfortable and safe, but obviously still suffering from the impact of the fires. We are still looking for more long-term housing solutions for them, so if anyone reading this has ideas for us, please email me at joerand@nyack.gov.
• If you wish to donate to the NAACP fundraiser for the families, which is going to provide them with shelter, clothes, food, personal items, and more, go to this link. www.nyack.link/plaza.
• The special fire-related newsletter thanked so many of the people who stepped up in the days following the fire. But I also want to thank the leadership and staff at St. John Deliverance Tabernacle, who have provided the families and the service workers with a headquarters at their Church, and who are now leading a task force to coordinate providing ongoing services for the future.
• Also, in that earlier newsletter, I inadvertently forgot to thank our Central Nyack Fire Department, New City Fire Engine Co. No.1, Spring Valley Hook & Ladder Co., Suffern Fire Dept., Valhalla Fire Dept., and Hastings-on-Hudson Fire Dept, which all responded to the fire. We are immensely grateful to them and all our brave volunteer firefighters who did such a magnificent job.

Finally, thank you to all the Nyackers and Neighbors who were so supportive this past week, through donations to the fund, donations of food and clothing, and general expressions of love and solidarity with the familes. It’s been a rough week, but I am inspired by the way this community has responded. So thank you all.

There’s always something happening in Nyack — and now it’s all in one place! Click the photo to view or download the guide.

We’re excited to launch the first-ever Nyack Summer Events Guide 2025, featuring nearly 100 events happening around town this summer — concerts, street fairs, markets, readings, art openings, and more. You’ll also find weekly live music listings and a section dedicated to local fine arts.

Printed tri-folds will be distributed downtown starting Monday, or pick one up at Village Hall. Huge thanks to the businesses and organizations that contributed, and to Rebecca Kelehan and Nadine Schneider for their help putting it together.

Coming this fall: A new guide! Submit your events here: nyack.link/fallevents

Note: A few event dates have shifted since we went to print — including the African American Day Parade (now August 14) and the Kurt Steger exhibit launch at PERRY LAWSON (now this Thursday). We’ll update the digital version soon.

📣 Nyack NY Forward Community Survey
Help Shape the Future of Downtown Nyack

The Village of Nyack has been awarded $4.5 million through the NY Forward program to support a more walkable, sustainable, resilient, and economically vibrant downtown. We want to hear from you!
This brief community survey is your chance to share input on the challenges and opportunities in Nyack’s downtown. Your feedback will help define the community’s goals and vision, and guide investments in future projects that move Nyack forward.

📝 Take the NY Forward Survey

Thank you for helping shape a stronger, more connected Nyack!

🎉 Celebrate Culture, Unity, and Joy at the African American Day Parade & Festival in Nyack! 🎉
New Date: Saturday, June 14

Due to last week's inclement weather and the tragic fire on Depew Avenue that displaced twelve families, the African American Day Parade & Festival has been rescheduled to Saturday, June 14. Our thoughts remain with the affected families as the Nyack community rallies in support.
🕛 Parade Begins: 12:00 PM sharp
📍 Parade Route: Memorial Park → West on Depew Avenue → Right on Franklin Street → Right on Main Street → East on Main and back into Memorial Park.

Grace Church is holding a blood drive next Saturday, June 14^th at Memorial Hall at the Church from 9AM-3PM. By donating, you’ll be entered into a raffle to win FIVE tickets to the subway series on July 6^th at Citifield.

Register at the QR Code in the the graphic.

🌿 Memorial Park Shoreline Improvements Project

We’re making improvements to the shoreline path at Memorial Park — and we want to hear from you!

Project Overview
The Memorial Park Improvement Project focuses on rehabilitating and redesigning the existing waterfront pathway, stretching from the fishing pier to the pedestrian bridge. Planned enhancements include:

New landscaping and plantings
Seating and overlook areas
Updated lighting
Opportunities for public art and memorials
Additional site amenities

Your Voice Matters
We want to ensure these improvements reflect the needs and desires of Nyack residents. Please take a few minutes (less than 10!) to share your thoughts with us.

📝 Take the Shoreline Survey Now

Survey Deadline: June 27, 2025

Thank you for helping shape the future of Memorial Park!

🗓️ Upcoming Village Meetings & Events

📌 Wednesday, June 11
NY Forward LPC Meeting #2
🕖 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 Village Hall

You can contact us at (845) 358-0548, or visit www.Nyack.gov.