Mayor’s Messages
July 3, 2025
Today, July 3rd, Sloatsburg says goodbye to one of our own. Harrison O. Bush, Jr., a lifelong resident of Sloatsburg, NY, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2025, at the remarkable age of 99.
A devoted public servant and beloved member of the community, Harrison served as a Village Trustee, Village Historian, and a substitute teacher, roles in which he shared his deep knowledge, integrity, and warmth with generations of residents. His enduring commitment to Sloatsburg reflected not only his love for the village but also his proud heritage — as the great-great-grandson of Jacob Sloat, the founder of Sloatsburg.
Harrison was known for his unwavering dedication to preserving the Village’s history and for educating others about its rich past. Whether through civic engagement or classroom visits, he inspired countless individuals to appreciate the value of community, heritage, and public service.
He leaves behind a lasting legacy of leadership, kindness, and local pride. You will be missed Mr. Bush.
July 2, 2025
On Thursday, June 26th, myself and Trustee Donnelly joined other members of the Suffern Central SD School Board and administration in celebrating our graduating seniors. The Village of Sloatsburg and I would like to congratulate all the seniors on accomplishing this high achievement. We wish you new beginnings, new chapters and new endeavors. Always remember where you came from as you journey to where you'll go. The Village of Sloatsburg will be here celebrating your achievements along with you, and all that the future holds for you. Congratulations class of 2025!
June 24, 2025
On Sunday, June 22nd, I had the honor of attending the 58th Annual Spring Hill EMS Dinner. During the celebration, members of the EMS team that demonstrated outstanding achievements over the course of the past year were recognized. I presented Spring Hill with a certificate in recognition of their dedication, professionalism and the quality of care they have shown to the residents of Sloatsburg and other towns they service. The exceptional actions taken daily by the Spring Hill EMS team have directly contributed to saving lives of numerous residents throughout the towns they service. Euric Guerrero, the newest member of Spring Hill EMS, is a local Sloatsburg resident. Euric is community minded in many aspects of his life and we thank him for his continued service to the community. It's thanks to volunteers like Euric, and many others throughout our village, that our EMS and Fire Departments are able to operate and protect our residents. If you would like to join Euric at Spring Hill EMS please visit their website https://springhillems.org/join-us/
June 11, 2025
Last night, Tuesday, June 10th, was a busy night for myself and the Board of Trustees. During our regular monthly Village Board meeting we recognized four exceptional 5th Grade Students from Sloatsburg. Malaika and William were selected by their teachers for the Trooper Robert V. Conklin Award for demonstrating good citizenship, respect for others and a desire to learn. Dr. Mackenzie, Mayor Wright's daughter, awarded Bruce and Olivia the Carl S. Wright award. They were selected by their teachers to receive this award by displaying leadership, friendliness and care for the community. Mayor Wright was also in attendance and spoke with the students afterwards. At the conclusion of the Village Board meeting, we joined the Ladies Auxiliary of the Sloatsburg Fire Department for their 50 Year Recognition Dinner where Janice Wilcox was being honored for her 50+ years of service. Her outstanding contributions and unwavering dedication has helped shape the success of the Auxiliary and inspired generations. Congratulations to all!
June 9, 2025
On Saturday, June 7th, the Sloatsburg Public Library held their annual Spring Fling. Despite the weather, vendors of all kinds gathered inside the library for the event. Myself and Trustee Bitterman were there in support of the Libary and local vendors. Library Director Annmarie McAnany and her staff put together a wonderful event bringing community members of all ages together. Thank you to all the other residents who also came out in support of this event. The library is a vital community resource that provides a wide range of programs and activities to residents of all ages. Their programs and ongoing clubs for adults and children offer opportunities to learn, exchange information and become a part of the community. By attending events such as the Spring Fling you are helping to make these programs free and accessible to all residents. For more information on the Sloatsburg Library and their programs check out their website https://sloatsburglibrary.org/home.html
June 2, 2025
This past Sunday, June 1st, the Sloastburg Chamber of Commerce held their annual Spring Fest. This year in addition to the local food & craft vendors, The Sloatsburg Fire Department hosted a car show fundraiser. Spring Fest is a family-friendly event that the Chamber puts together to showcase food & craft vendors from the area. This year the event took place at the Sloatsburg Community Fields allowing for more vendors, more space and even a playground for families to utilize. The larger space also allowed for the Fire Department Car Show to occur simultaneously. Trophies were awarded to the top cars in each class and special awards for mine and Chief Swanson’s Choice. Thank you to everyone who came out in support of these two events over the weekend!
May 28, 2025
The Town of Ramapo proposal of PUD (Planned Unit Development) has been on the minds of many residents. The Village of Sloatsburg is opposed to this proposal. Please see our letter to the Town and for more information on PUD please visit the Town of Ramapo website
May 27, 2025
On Monday, May 26th, The Village of Sloatsburg, in conjunction with Sloatsburg American Legion Post 1643 held our annual Memorial Day Program. Thank you to everyone who joined us as we honored Memorial Day, a day of reflection, remembrance, and deep gratitude. As Mayor of Sloatsburg, it is my solemn duty and heartfelt privilege to speak on behalf of our community as we paused to remember the men and women of our armed forces who gave their lives in service to our nation. On behalf of myself, Deputy Mayor Bonkoski, Trustees Donnelly, Bitterman & McDonagh we would like to send a special thank you to Town of Ramapo Supervisor Michael Specht, Town of Ramapo Clerk Donna Silberman, Mayor of Hillburn Joseph Tursi & Trustees, Senator Bill Weber, and the Town of Ramapo Police Department & Chief Daniel Hyman for their presence at the ceremony. Along with the dignitaries in attendance we would like to thank all those that marched in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the Suffern High School Marching Band, Girl Scouts Service Unit 406, Scouts of America Pack 2146, the Sloatsburg Fire Department, and The Ladies Auxiliary of the Sloatsburg Fire Department. American Legion Post Commander Ryan Jagard lead the Legion in a gun salute for our fallen heroes, while WWII Veterans Harrison O. Bush and Robert Wagenhoffer acted as Grand Marshals for the parade. To end the parade resident Peter Head played taps, a final salute, acknowledging our fallen heroes’ roles in protecting the nation's freedoms. After the parade we held a small dedication at the Sloatsburg Community Fields reading where I read the names of all the newly installed Veteran Banners, followed by refreshments provided by The Sloatsburg Fire Department. Here in Sloatsburg, we are bound together not only by geography, but by a shared debt to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Let us honor them not only with speeches and ceremonies, but with the way we live each day—with kindness, with courage, and with purpose. Thank you all for your participation in this weekends events. May God bless our fallen heroes, their families, and the United States of America.
May 27, 2025
In preparation for the Sloatsburg Memorial Day Parade, Scouts of all ages gathered at the Sloatsburg Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery this past Saturday, May 24th. Since the early 2000’s the Girl Scouts have been placing American flags on the gravesites of all the Veteran’s each Memorial Day. Since then, the event has grown to include all Scouts to honor our fallen heroes. I would like to thank all the Scouts, leaders and parent volunteers that attended this special event.
May 19, 2025
In addition to the ribbon cutting event for the Sterling Ave Bridge over the weekend, I also spent time volunteering at the Ramapo Valley Rotary Yard Sale & even helping at the 5th Grade Car Wash.
Ramapo Valley Rotary provides service to others, promotes integrity, and advances world understanding, goodwill, and peace through their fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Their members see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change — across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves. The yard sale helps the Rotary raise the funds to help provide service to those in our community.
The 5th Grade class at Montebello Elementary School was raising funds this weekend to help pay for their annual end of year trip. The trip is one last elementary hurrah together before moving up to the middle school. Their annual car wash, along with other fundraisers this year, helped them raise enough money to send every student in the 5th grade class on their end of year trip with zero cost to the families.
"The greatness of a community is most accutrately measured by the compassionate actions of it's members." Coretta Scott King
Thank you to all of our compassionate community members that attended both of these fundraising efforts this weekend, once again proving that Sloatsburg is one of the best communities around.
May 19, 2025
This past Saturday, May 17th, The Village of Sloatsburg held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Sterling Ave Bridge. This project was completed successfully with the cooperation of many organizations over the course of its planning and construction, beginning with the planning phase several years ago. Their hard work and the patience of the residents of the affected streets, finally paid off last month with the completion of the project. Myself, Trustees Bitterman & Donnelly, Village Engineer Eve Mancuso, and Contractor Ken Maxwell, were all in attendance for the small ceremony. Thank you to all the residents that came out and celebrated the success of this project with us.
May 14, 2025
At last night's Village Board Meeting myself and the board presented several certificates of Honorable Service & Recognition to two young leaders in our community. Solomon and Maia run The Pantry Bag Project. Their remarkable efforts and contributions to the Community Food Pantry have demonstrated exceptional commitment to improving the well-being of individuals in need.
Sloatsburg Village Hall is one of many local drop off locations for The Pantry Bag Project. If you have clean, gently used reusable grocery bags to donate, please stop by during our regular business hours. Thank you again to Solomon & Maia both for your dedication to this project. It has made a meaningful impact in supporting our community.
May 8, 2025
Every Wednesday night the Sloatsburg Fire Department gathers to perform drills to sharpen their skills. Firefighter drills serve the primary purpose of training and preparing firefighters for emergency situations, enhancing their skills, and ensuring the safety of both firefighters and the public. Chief Matthew Swanson and his line officers ensure drill nights not only allow firefighters to practice techniques, while also reinforcing the importance of teamwork and communication, but that they also are fun and entertaining for their department. At last night's drill, I had the opportunity to try out the Jaws of Life under the supervision of the department. Firefighters attempted to open bottles of water and cans of seltzer with the Jaws of Life in order to learn how to handle the extrication tool with extreme precision. For more information on the Sloatsburg Volunteer Fire Department or to join please visit their website https://sloatsburgfire.org/
April 28, 2025
Over the weekend Stephen, Trustee Bitterman, and myself along with other local volunteers celebrated Keep Rockland Beautiful Month by joining a cleanup right here in Sloatsburg. Keep Rockland Beautiful, Inc. leads efforts to clean, protect, and beautify Rockland’s environment by educating and empowering people to share in the care and stewardship of our communities. They have been engaging volunteers of all ages throughout Rockland and working with partners across all sectors in the county for 26 years. In addition to removing tons of harmful debris, they foster life-long stewardship and build community care and engagement. For more information on Keep Rockland Beautiful or to volunteer for a cleanup yourself please visit them at https://keeprocklandbeautiful.org/.
April 25, 2025
Recently I had the privilege to meet with local teens who are making a difference by working with The Community Food Panty. The Community Food Pantry services individuals and families living within Sloatsburg, Suffern, Hillburn and Tuxedo. Their mission is to work together as a community to provide supplemental, nutritionally balanced food to those in need while respecting the dignity of each person they serve. Maia and Solomon run the Pantry Bag Project. The Pantry Bag Project is focused on collecting and distributing reusable bags. Together, they’ve collected over 16,000 bags, helping families while promoting sustainability. Grace teamed up with The Community Food Pantry to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award. Her project Comfort Through Crockpots collected over 107 Crockpots for families in need, while the food pantry provided all the ingredients for the first meal. The future is not about hoping for change, it’s about creating change, and these local teens are creating the change and hopefully inspiring others along the way.
April 22, 2025
On Saturday, April 19th, the Easter Bunny came and visited with the children of Sloatsburg. Myself, Trustee Bitterman and County Legislator Doug Jobson were in attendance as children aged pre-school to 5th grade participated in an egg hunt, guessed the Easter jars and searched for the prized golden egg. Thank you to the Town of Ramapo Police Department for making sure our residents were safe while enjoying the beautiful spring weather and taking the time to pose with the Easter Bunny for a quick photo. Congratulations to all the winners of the golden eggs and Easter jar guessing! I hope everyone had as much fun as I did on Saturday. Happy Easter and a Joyous Passover to all those that celebrated these wonderful holidays.
April 11, 2025
The first phase of Veterans Banners have been received and installed. The Village of Sloatsburg is proud to be home to all of these local veterans and thanks each one of them for their service. The next time you are walking the path at the Sloatsburg Community Fields we hope you take moment to appreciate and honor these men & women.
If you have a Sloatsburg Veteran you would like to honor and be placed on our waitlist for the next phase of banners please call the Sloatsburg Village office at 845-753-2727 or email NatashaSwanson@SloatsburgNY.com
April 9, 2025
At last nights Village Board Meeting, myself and the Board of Trustees presented 2nd Grader Hayden Poppe with a Certificate of Excellence. Hayden received special recognition from the State of New York for her creative representation of “Healing Through Color” for the 2025 New York State Youth Art Month Flag Design Contest. Congratulations to Hayden, and her family on this incredible achievement!
March 17, 2025
"May luck be your friend in whatever you do, And may trouble always be a stranger to you." Happy St. Patrick's Day from myself and the entire Sloatsburg Village Office 🍀 Village Clerk/Treasurer Kim Peters and I visited with the Sloatsburg Public Library staff this afternoon to check in. The library has programs available for residents of all ages starting with Mother Goose Time for birth to 3 years old, Senior Tech Wizardry helping adults of all ages with device assistance, and every age in between. Make sure to check out their calendar of events to register for one of their many programs!
February 24, 2025
Last night, Sunday, February 23rd, I had the honor and privilege to be one of several Ramapo community members that were recognized at a special event for Black History Month that was held at St. Thomas Aquinas college. Rep. Mike Lawler presented myself, Officer Max Sainvil of the Rockland County Sheriff's Office, and Reverend Yvons Louis of the International Law Enforcement Chaplain Alliance & Hillcrest Fire Company No. 1, along with many other Rockland County residents, with The House of Representatives Changemaker Award. Thank you to Mr. Sean Glendening, of Rep. Mike Lawler's office, and Grace Riario-Strong, of the Ramapo Catskills Library System, for nominating me for this award. Being recognized alongside so many like minded community servants that have helped shape the community was an honor. Thank you to Rep. Mike Lawler for doing good for all members of the community and presenting these awards. In attendance with me last night was my husband Stephen Hoefer, Trustee Donnelly, Trustee Bitterman, Ramapo Police Chief Danny Hyman and Assemblyman Karl Brabenec . I thank each of them for their support and encouragement. As I am just beginning my tenure as the Village of Sloatsburg's Mayor, I will continue my dedication to strengthen our community. As my mother has always told me, "Never look down on anyone unless you are helping them up."
February 14, 2025
Today I had the privilege of visiting Sloatsburg Elementary and RP Connor while the students celebrated not only Valentine's Day but also Rockland Read-In. The purpose of the Rockland Read-In is to support literacy and state learning standards through recreational reading. The elementary students got to dress in their comfiest pajamas while reading, and being read to, all day long. I also got to visit Cupid herself, Mrs. Rodriguez, the principal of Sloatsburg Elementary School.
February 13, 2025
Yesterday, February 12th, several Suffern HS Music Department students performed at the Sloatsburg Seniors Valentine Luncheon. Myself, Trustee Bitterman & Village Clerk/Treasurer Kim Peters were all in attendance. The Sloatsburg Seniors meet weekly on Wednesday afternoons at 12:30pm. If you live in Sloatsburg, are 55+ years and are interested in joining, please come down to the senior center located at 8 Liberty Rock Road for one of their weekly meetings.
January 15, 2025
During last night's Village Board Meeting we recognized several residents and awarded certificates to the following individuals for their various achievements.
Congratulations to Glenn Thompson & Lynn Del Duca on being re-certified for the Planning and Zoning Board. Thank you for your dedication to land use, and planning & zoning issues within the County.
Congratulations to Melvyn Bates on 25 years of dedicated service to the Department of Public Works. Your impact has been immeasurable on the Village of Sloatsburg.
Congratulations to Mathew Bates upon completing your training with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office to become a Radio Operator for 911 Communications. Thank you for your continued dedication and commitment to excellence in the field of first responders.
January 14, 2025
Sloatsburg Historian Harrison O. Bush, Jr. turned 99 yesterday, January 13, 2025. Myself and the Village of Sloatsburg would like to extend our sincerest wishes to Mr. Bush for a very Happy Birthday and thank him for his continued service to the Village of Sloatsburg.
Peter Bush, Harrison's son, has written the following in honor of his father's 99th Birthday:
My father, Harrison O. Bush, Jr., great-great-grandson of Jacob Sloat, turned 99 on January 13, 2025.
A remarkable person whose life has been characterized by service to God, Country, and Community.
Born in Tuxedo Hospital on January 13, 1926, Harrison (and his younger brother William Allen Bush, who predeceased him in 2008) excelled academically and participated in many community activities, including Boy Scouts and track.
Harrison graduated from Suffern High, Class of 1944. Barely out of school, Harrison served his country, seeing active duty in WW2 in the 330th Infantry, 83rd Thunderbolt Division. Harrison received a purple heart. In addition to active duty, he acted as a translator during the war, recalling that when anyone needed French translation (thanks to what he always said, he had an excellent French teacher at Suffern High), a cry went up to “Get Bush up here!”
At the end of the war, Harrison returned to his hometown and had a distinguished teaching career. This included the prestigious Watkins School in Connecticut, where he still recalls the names of several of his students and their distinct personalities. “I taught at a boys' school where there were grades 5-12. I loved the fifth grade most of all. I had no more than 10 boys in the class, and I still remember them so well…little redheaded David, who said, “Let’s give Queen Elizabeth a call,” Steven Foote, who became a priest and an authority on food, and little Danny Mason who called himself “period dot.” We had a lot of fun in that class studying American history. One of my better students in upper grades decided to become a teacher.” Harrison taught history and German at Monroe Woodbury in Orange County, NY. Upon his retirement, Harrison remained active as a beloved substitute teacher at several Rockland County schools.
Harrison was instrumental in advocating for creating recreation opportunities for village youth during his time as village trustee, served on the Rockland County Preservation Board and the Sloatsburg Historical Society, and remains the village historian of Sloatsburg. The Friends of Harmony Hall remain grateful for the significant work Harrison did to rally local and state historians/preservationists to save Harmony Hall-Jacob Sloat House when it was in imminent threat of being torn down in 2004! Harrison served as the first president of The Friends of Harmony Hall – Jacob Sloat House and navigated early challenges with a resolute solution-oriented spirit of collaboration. Harrison has continued to serve on the Board of Trustees since its inception.
Happy Birthday, Harrison, and bless you always!
December 30, 2024
Congratulations to all of our Holiday Decorating Winners! The judges had an extremely difficult time narrowing down what they thought the top 10 houses in the Village were. Thank you to all of our residents whose holiday spirit shines brightly through their festive homes. Our judges loved driving throughout the village and seeing all the cheer spread through all the light displays. Thank you to Elemental Grounds and Sloatsburg Nursery for once again sponsoring this event. I want to wish everyone a very happy end to the holiday season and a very happy new year!
December 29, 2024
Tonight the Village of Sloatsburg and Chabad of Suffern celebrated the 5th night of Hanukkah with the lighting of the menorah at Mill Street Park. Myself, along with Village Trustees Donnelly, Bitterman and McDonagh joined in the festivities with Rabbi Gancz. Thank you to everyone who came out and celebrated with us. A special thank you to the Town of Ramapo Police Department and the Sloatsburg Fire Department for participating as well as Town Supervisor Michael Spect, Senator Bill Weber, County Legislator Doug Jobson and Rockland County Clerk Donna Silberman. I want to wish everyone a very happy last few nights of Hanukkah!
December 19, 2024
The Village of Sloatsburg loves working together with our Suffern Central SD. On Wednesday, December 19th, the entire 2nd grade class from Sloatsburg Elementary School visited us at Village Hall to sing some festive holiday songs. Thank you to Ms. Pagnotta & all the teachers and staff that prepared the students for their visit. We are also happy to announce that our Needy Children Fund raised over $6,000 over the course of this year. The office works closely with Ms. Clemente, the family resource coordinator for the Sloatsburg & Montebello schools, to ensure that each child in need receives a gift card to help purchase items needed for the holiday season. We would like to thank everyone who donated to the Needy Children Fund, first to all our generous residents who have contributed whatever they could at our various village events throughout the year, The Ladies Auxiliary of the Sloatsburg Fire Department, Ramapo Valley Rotary, Sloatsburg Fire Department, Vincent Crotty Memorial Foundation, Crotty Insurance Agency, Mahwah Elks, Mancuso Engineering, Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc.. Without the donations from all of you we would not be able to help these local families in need at the holiday season.
December 8, 2024
Myself and Trustee Bitterman attended the 65th Anniversary Celebration for the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate. We presented Sister Ileana with a Certificate of Honorable Service & Appreciation in recognition of the contributions they have made to the spiritual life of those around them and the residents of the community. Congratulations to the Sisters on their 65th Anniversary and we look forward to celebrating the next milestone year with you in the years to come.
December 8, 2024
Sunday was our annual Breakfast with Santa and Holiday Caroling events. Thank you to all the residents that took part in both events. Because of you we raised over $600 towards our Needy Children's Fund! As the number of families in need rises within our community your generosity is even more appreciated. Thank you to all the Village Staff, DPW, American Legion and individuals who selflessly volunteered their time to make this tradition a memorable one for all the children that attended. Thank you to the Suffern High School Select Choir for singing with us for our tree lighting, the Sloatsburg Fire Department and Ramapo PD for keeping our residents safe for the duration of both events and to all the dignitaries that came out to support our events. We must not forget to also thank Mr. & Mrs. Claus for visiting during such a busy season!
If you forgot to bring your letter to Santa stop by Sloatsburg Village Hall during regular business hours to put your letter in Santa’s mailbox. We’ll make sure to get all letters to Santa before the big day!
December 4, 2024
The Village of Sloatsburg would like to extend its congratulations to one of our own local heroes, Ryan Jagard. Ryan was recently named one of New York State's Veterans of the year by Congressman Rep. Mike Lawler. Ryan honorably served in the United States Navy for 20 years, and is currently the Commander of American Legion Post 1643 here in Sloatsburg. Congratulations to Ryan and his family on this esteemed recognition.
December 3, 2024
Last night was the reorganizational meeting for the Village of Sloatsburg. Mayor Akey, along with my husband Stephen, performed my swearing in ceremony to become the next Mayor of Sloatsburg. Congratulations to our newest Village Trustee, Susie McDonagh, whos swearing in was my first offical business as Mayor. I would like to thank everyone who came out last night in support of our newly elected officals, and myself. A special thank you to Deputy Bonkoski, Trustee Donnelly and Trustee Bitterman, Congressman Rep. Mike Lawler, Senator Bill Weber, State Assemblyman Karl Brabenec, County Legislator Doug Jobson, County Clerk Donna Gorman-Silberman, Town Supervisor Dave McMillien, Former Mayor Carl S. Wright, Former Mayor Peter J. Akey and all the other dignitaries and community members in attendance. I look forward to the next four years and can't wait to see what our new board has in store for the Village of Sloatsburg!
