Food Allergies!

Each year, food allergies send about 125,000 Americans to emergency rooms. Most of those serious reactions occur in schools and restaurants, not inside the food allergy sufferers’ own homes. This underscores the serious lack of information among the general public about the dangers of food allergies. Could you imagine if there was a similar absence of knowledge about heart attacks or CPR?
Children, who can be unaware of the daily risks posed by the things with which they come in contact, are especially susceptible to the dangers of food allergies. It is often up to the adults in their lives to prevent situations that could trigger reactions. But when the adults are similarly unaware, even schools and playgrounds can suddenly become potentially hazardous minefields. Food allergy sufferers must rely on the actions and knowledge of others who, say, sat at a restaurant table before they did, or used the handrail on the escalator ahead of them—even touching a trace amount of allergen could, in some cases, provoke a life-threatening reaction.
It may surprise you to learn that the number of American children under age five with food allergies doubled from 1997-2002. Now those students are in our school system – and they require extra attention and care. Schools must hire specially trained health staff, sanitize supplies and classroom implements, and of course make extra considerations when planning school menus featuring basic items like milk, eggs, and wheat. (In some cases, children with food allergies are herded into separate dining areas.)
The Government has allocated only $17 million to the research and study of treatments to prevent these allergies. For comparison, attention deficit disorder, which doesn’t have a casualty rate, receives $107 million toward research. It has become apparent that not enough Americans know about the importance of this issue.
However, there is some good news. Researchers believe that they are only about ten years away from discovering treatments or even cures for food allergies if they are able to continue their work.
As a community, it is our duty to be educated enough to protect the safety of all of our members. Learn how you can help today at www.faiusa.org.

Find where to vote via text message!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci has long been a proponent of getting eligible citizens out to vote. In the 2006 election, 18-29 year olds represented only 13% of all votes cast. This is a steady increase from previous years, but more of America’s youth need to get their voices heard. In an effort to increase voter turnout, David Carlucci is making the voting process easier via a type of technology used daily. Now, finding out your polling location is as easy as using your cell phone to text a message. The same text-messaging service on your mobile phone that you use to send messages to friends like, “Where r u?,” can simply be used to help you ROCK THE VOTE! Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci is asking those who do not know where to vote to get out their cell phones and just text the keyword ‘pollingplace’ to 41411 from any cell phone. You’ll get a message back where all you have to do is type in your address, and then you will be told were your polling location is. Voting is not just a right, but a privilege, a privilege that Americans can’t take for granted. For further information contact David Carlucci at (845) 639-2010 or visit www.clarkstownclerk.com.

Trailblazing Clerk Saves NY Money!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci has made it a goal to make his office as efficient as possible and is always striving to find new ways to do so. As the Records Management Officer (RMO) for Clarkstown, it is Carlucci’s duty to eliminate wasteful government spending. As such, he has worked with the NYS Archives to modify its Record Retention and Disposition Schedule (MU-1). The MU-1 is used by municipalities statewide to determine how long they must retain their records before they may be disposed of legally. One can imagine the enormous amount of paperwork that is created, filed and stored, often with exorbitant storage fees, across our state, as not all documents are created electronically as yet. According to the MU-1, municipalities throughout New York State were required to maintain all Parking Permits for People with Disabilities for three years after they expired, even temporary permits that are only effective up to 6 months. That means that RMO’s have to maintain old paperwork even if the resident renewed their permit and submitted new medical forms, moved, or even passed away. The old paperwork was useless once the permit expired and having to maintain the records for three years past the expiration is both labor intensive and cost prohibitive. Carlucci appealed to the NYS Archives to eliminate this requirement, and is pleased to announce that the appeal was granted, so that statewide, the unnecessary use of manpower and needed storage space to process expired paperwork will no longer be part of the MU-1. Carlucci stated, “In a struggling fiscal atmosphere, every government official must be vigilant in cutting wasteful spending. Just because something has always been done a certain way, doesn’t make it the best way. We can’t fix 21st century problems with 20th century solutions. Since this will affect all state municipalities, both the monetary savings and improved efficiency for New York State could be significant!” Please visit www.clarkstownclerk.com or call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at 845-639-2010 for more information or questions.

Mobile Office at New City Library

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci is pleased to announce that he will be offering weekend hours, in the form of a mobile office, on Saturday, October 24th. Therefore, the residents of Clarkstown will have the benefit of utilizing the Town Clerk’s services on a day that might be more convenient for them, without having to take time off work. Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci believes setting up mobile offices in different locations throughout Clarkstown will serve as a further convenience to the residents of Clarkstown, so that they may complete multiple errands at the same time.
The next mobile office location will be on Saturday, October 24th, at the New City Library, from 11AM – 1PM. Forms and applications will be available, free Notary Services, dog licenses will be processed with proof of rabies vaccinations, Super Saver bus tickets will be sold, and handicapped parking tags will be issued.
David Carlucci stated, “By providing a mobile office, Clarkstown’s residents will be able to accomplish two tasks at once. They can do business with the Town Clerk’s Office while enjoying a good book!” Future dates and locations of the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s mobile office and weekend hours will be available on our web site, www.clarkstownclerk.com, where you can also sign up to receive Town Clerk Carlucci’s new e-mail newsletter. For further information, please call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at (845) 639-2010

Evening Hours!

It seems there is never enough hours in the day to accomplish everything we need to get done. More and more, our work hours encroach upon our personal time, leaving the weekend to rush around, robbing us of what little time we have for family and relaxation. To make matters worse, many errands require taking time off from work, costing us either personal or sick time. Therefore, I am pleased to say that the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office offers evening hours on the nights of the Town Board meetings, the next evening hours will be Tuesday October 20th as we will be open until 8pm.
My mission has been to make the Town Clerk’s Office more accessible to the residents of Clarkstown. Offering evening hours enables residents to avoid the inconvenience of having to take off work simply to avail themselves of the many services we offer. This can be a particular nuisance for couples seeking a marriage license, since it necessitates two people leaving their jobs just to apply.
Tuesday October 20th the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will remain open until 8pm. My goal has always been to improve the lives of Clarkstown’s residents, with the extended hours being an integral component of achieving that goal.

Earlybird Hours!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci is opening the Town Clerk’s office extra early on September 14, 2009, at 6a.m., to help busy residents take care of business at the clerk’s office. In addition, the early hours will help accommodate those that wish to purchase a Lifetime Senior Sportsman License before the upcoming rate increase. Newly adopted state legislation has approved an increase in sporting license fees for this fall and has increased the senior age to 70. Therefore, if you are 65-69, you can buy a Lifetime Senior Sportsman License for only $50, but if you wait until next month, a Lifetime Sportsman License will cost you $765!

In view of the changes, Town Clerk David Carlucci would like people to consider purchasing a Lifetime Senior Sportsman License for only $50 by September 30th, if you are 65 or older. The $50 fee entitles you to a lifetime license, including DMP and Turkey Permit fees waived forever. All purchases must be made by September 30th, the last day of the 2009 season, at the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office, 10 Maple Avenue, New City. Please call David Carlucci at 845-639-2010

Mobile Office at New City Festival!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci will be offering weekend hours, in the form of a mobile office, on Sunday, September 13, 2009, at the New City Festival, Rockland County Courthouse lawn, from 12PM - 2PM. Forms and applications will be available, free Notary Services, dog licenses will be processed with proof of rabies vaccinations, Super Saver bus tickets will be sold, and handicapped parking tags will be issued. For further information, please call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at 845-639-2010

Sportsman Fees Increasing Buy Now & Save!

As the licensing agent for fishing and hunting licenses in Clarkstown, I would like to inform the public that newly adopted state legislation has approved an increase in sporting license fees for this fall. Additionally, the minimum age for Senior License types has been raised from 65 to 70. Therefore, if you are 65-69, a Sportsman license will now cost $47 next season, plus a Deer Management Permit (DMP) and a Turkey Permit will cost $10 each this fall. In view of the changes, please consider purchasing a Lifetime Senior Sportsman License for only $50 by September 30th, if you are 65 or older. The $50 fee entitles you to a lifetime license, including DMP and Turkey Permit fees waived forever. All purchases must be made by September 30th, the last day of the 2009 season, at the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office, 10 Maple Avenue, New City.

Weekend Office at New City Library!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci is pleased to announce that he will be offering weekend hours, in the form of a mobile office, on Saturday, July 18th. Therefore, the residents of Clarkstown will have the benefit of utilizing the Town Clerk’s services on a day that might be more convenient for them, without having to take time off work. Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci believes setting up mobile offices in different locations throughout Clarkstown will serve as a further convenience to the residents of Clarkstown, so that they may complete multiple errands at the same time.
The next mobile office location will be on Saturday, July 18th, at the New City Library, from 11AM – 1PM. Forms and applications will be available, free Notary Services, dog licenses will be processed with proof of rabies vaccinations, Super Saver bus tickets will be sold, and handicapped parking tags will be issued.
David Carlucci stated, “By providing a mobile office, Clarkstown’s residents will be able to accomplish two tasks at once. They can do business with the Town Clerk’s Office while enjoying a good book!” Future dates and locations of the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s mobile office and weekend hours will be available on our web site, www.clarkstownclerk.com, where you can also sign up to receive Town Clerk Carlucci’s new e-mail newsletter. For further information, please call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at (845) 639-2010

Personal Democracy Forum 2009

Last week I had the good fortune of attending the Personal Democracy Forum (PDF) with more than 1,000 top, technologists and entrepreneurs to network, exchange ideas, and explore how technology and the internet are changing democracy, and society. Google awarded me with a fellowship to attend this conference free of charge. At PDF I met with many influential people leading the way in the technology field. One of the great things about a conference such as PDF is that it is a great way to learn about new IT tools. As Town Clerk, I am always amazed by how often newly deployed tools take so long to be utilized by government. I know that government moves slow for a reason, and sometimes, that may be good. However, I believe that by embracing new web 2.0 IT tools, we can reduce the cost of government, and at the same time, make it more transparent and accessible to the public.
A speaker of most interest to me was Vivek Kundra. Vivek Kundra is the Chief Information Officer for the United States. Kundra’s job is to manage what will be $76 billion in spending to maintain 10,000 government systems as well as 800 active projects to build major new systems for the federal government. I was very happy to hear that Kundra is a fan of open source software and may one day declare it "safe" for federal consumption. While many agencies use it, many people that do not know much about it will tell you that it is not a great idea. In most cases, this is due to a lack of understanding about computer security. I personally believe that if we can get our state and local governments to start using more open source software we can save the taxpayer a good amount of money and at the same time improve efficiency at the local level.
Kundra also released a new IT Dashboard available for public consumption at www.it.usaspending.gov. This is a really interesting site for anyone interested in open government. The IT Dashboard is a new website enabling federal agencies and the general public to view details of federal information technology investments. If you would like to talk more about the PDF conference or anything mentioned here please Skype me at david.carlucci or just pick up a phone and call me at 845-639-2010.

Call Your Clerk For Free!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci has added a new service to make the Clerk’s Office even more accessible. Now you can save minutes on your phone bill and call your Town Clerk for free using Skype. Skype is a software program that allows users to make telephone calls via the internet. As long as you have a free Skype account you can go to www.clarkstownclerk.com, hit the green call me button, and you are instantly connected to your Town Clerk’s office. Please call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at 845-639-2010 for more information or questions.

July 4th 1774: The Other 4th of July!

Every American knows the significance and importance of the 4th of July. It is the day our forefathers officially declared their independence, thereby breaking the ties between the colonies and the mother country forever. However, how many Americans know the significance of the other 4th of July, the one that took place two years to the date before the signing of the Declaration of Independence?
Rockland, then part of Orange County, has always been notable for being a hotbed of revolutionary happenings. Major battles took place on our soil and vital supplies and troops passed through our county on their way to war. One famous, or infamous, location is Tappan’s Yoast Mabie’s Tavern, currently known as the Old ‘76 House. I say infamous, for this is where Benedict Arnold’s conspirator, Major John Andre was later confined. Nonetheless, Yoast Mabie’s Tavern should be remembered for another pivotal event, the adoption of the Orangetown Resolutions.
On July 4, 1774, the seeds of dissent were sown, when a meeting of the freeholders and inhabitants of Orangetown and the Province of New York took place at Mabie’s Inn and a precursor to the Declaration of Independence was adopted. While the Orangetown Resolutions stopped short of declaring war, they were probably deemed just as treasonous by the British. Although they declared themselves to be “true and loyal subjects” to the king and were ready to “defend his crown,” the Orangetown Resolutions called for a cessation of all exports to and from England and the West Indies. They felt this was their only way to protest Parliament’s taxes and for shutting the port of Boston.
So, as we watch our fireworks, enjoy our barbecues and otherwise celebrate the brave men in Philadephia who declared our freedom and liberty on a hot July 4th in 1776, let us not forget the brave people of Rockland who took the first steps to achieving that liberty. Though the dates may be coincidental, the 4th of July, 1774 should be remembered and honored by all Rocklanders, indeed, by all Americans.

HELP OUR ANIMALS & HELP OUR PLANET!

Did you know that millions of new printer cartridges are sold each year and only 5% of the empty cartridges are being recycled? That means 95% of them end up in our already-limited landfill sites as trash. By recycling our used ink cartridges we will help to save our natural resources. Incredibly, just to make a new ink cartridge, utilizes 2.5 ounces of oil and the plastics used in their manufacture can take over 1000 years to decompose! According to the EPA, fewer than 20 percent of cell phones are recycled each year, when recycling just a million cell phones reduces greenhouse gas emissions equal to taking 1,368 cars off the road for a year. We need to recycle today for a cleaner tomorrow.
Combining my concern for our environment and for animals, I am pleased to announce that the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office will be helping to do its part to raise funds for the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center. Residents of Clarkstown will be able to drop off their empty ink cartridges and old cell phones to the Town Clerk’s Office at 10 Maple Avenue, New City. Through a joint effort with a recycling center, the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center will receive a donation for every recycled ink cartridge.

The Hi-Tor Animal Care Center of Pomona, also known as the Hi-Tor Animal Shelter, is supported largely by private donations. Their mission is to provide temporary care and shelter to lost, abandoned, and unwanted companion animals. They also provide a humane education program in order to promote kindness to all living beings. The Hi-Tor Animal Shelter strives to make this a better world for both animals and people. Funds from this program will help offset general costs, which include animals in their care and other animal welfare programs.
I think this is a wonderful way of both helping our environment and helping the Hi-Tor Animal Care Center in their efforts to care for Rockland’s animals. Rather than having all those empty ink cartridges and old cell phones filling up our landfills, imagine how much good they could do, simply by dropping them off at the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office. For further information, please contact the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office at 639-2010 or visit our web site, www.clarkstownclerk.com.

Lets Count New York!

The census is a great source for information, including data beyond the population. According to the 1800 Census, Clarkstown had a population of 1,806, but the census also provides data that 149 of those people were slaves. The 1860 census revealed Clarkstown had 876 swine versus 677 horses. Census records also tell us 558 men from Rockland County fought in the Civil War. The 2000 Census revealed that Clarkstown’s population had grown to 82,082 and 16.7% of the residents were foreign born. It will be interesting to see what the 2010 Census will reveal.
New York State has been continually losing congressional seats in each census since 1940. That’s because our congressional representation is apportioned based on the population of our state compared to the population of the other states in the union. Even more alarming is the fact that federal funding for services to our state is based on census data, so lower population numbers being counted by the census translate into less money for New York. The next U.S. Census is set for 2010, so all New Yorkers need to be counted to make sure we have our proper representation and funding. The 2010 Census is simple and safe, 10 questions, 10 minutes – no more long forms. Census Day is April 1, 2010, so let’s count New York!
It is vital that everyone gets counted; otherwise New York stands to lose more seats in the House of Representatives, but that is not all we can lose. Every year, more than $300 billion in federal funds are awarded to states and communities based on census data. Census data also helps local governments in determining how to allocate funds for community projects. If New York is your primary home, only submit the census sent to that address, to keep funding allocated to our own state and to keep your voting power intact.
Census literally means an official count of the population, which the U.S. Constitution mandates being conducted every ten years. Since 1790, 22 censuses have been taken, and in March 2010, a simple questionnaire will be sent to every household in the United States. The questions ask you to provide information that is accurate for your household, which is completely confidential. The census counts all people living in the United States, regardless of citizenship, race, ethnicity or age. The U.S. Census Bureau cannot share an individual’s answers with anyone, including welfare and immigration.
Currently, census workers are canvassing neighborhoods throughout the nation to identify each residential address, continuing through mid-July 2009. You may see these address canvassers in your neighborhood, who will have identification badges and will be using GPS-equipped hand-held computers to update maps and ensure there is an accurate address list for the delivery of the census questionnaires. For more information, please visit www.clarkstownclerk.com, the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s website.

Free Fishing!

As the licensing agent for fishing licenses in Clarkstown, I would like to inform everyone that during the last weekend in June, anyone can fish New York State waters for free. No license will be required on June 27-28, 2009. So, whether you’re a first-time fisherman or a seasoned angler, please take advantage of New York State’s free fishing days and the many fishing spots throughout our state. “Better yet,” stated Carlucci, “why not test your fishing skills out at the picturesque fishing spots right here in Clarkstown?”

Carlucci Awarded Google Fellowship

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci has been awarded a Google Fellowship. Carlucci is one of a select few who will be joining the Personal Democracy Forum in New York as a Google Fellow.
Personal Democracy Forum is an annual event held to foster conversation among top technology innovators about how technology is changing government, politics and improving peoples quality of life. Carlucci stated that he looks forward to learning about new technologies that can improve services while at the same time reduce costs. Here is a link for more info http://personaldemocracy.com/blog-entry/announcing-years-pdf-google-fellows

Flag Retirement Ceremony

Flag Day is Sunday, I would like to remind everyone that worn, tattered American flags should no longer be flown, but respectfully retired in a special Flag Retirement Ceremony. Please bring your old flags to the Town Clerk’s Office, 10 Maple Avenue. This program has allowed hundreds of flags to be retired in the proper manner.

Presentation on Clarkstown’s History!

last week I spoke at the Nanuet-Pearl River Senior Center on the topic of Clarkstown’s history. I always make time to visit various senior clubs and centers to address the concerns of Clarkstown’s seniors. I try to provide information about the services offered by the Town Clerk’s Office, including any changes to laws that may affect them. The history of Clarkstown always garners much interest when I visit the seniors.

Let’s Count Clarkstown!

In anticipation of the 2010 Census, census workers are canvassing neighborhoods throughout the nation to identify each residential address, continuing through mid-July 2009. You may see these address canvassers in your neighborhood, who will have identification badges, and will be using GPS-equipped hand-held computers to update maps and ensure there is an accurate address list for the delivery of the census questionnaires in March 2010. If you have questions or concerns, please contact the local census office at (914)705-5270. For more information, please visit the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s website, www.clarkstownclerk.com.

Census Bureau & Town Clerk Team Up

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci will team up with a representative from the US Census Bureau to speak to residents and address their concerns at the Town Clerk’s mobile office on Saturday, May 16, 2009, at the New City Library from 10am -12pm. Information on the upcoming Census 2010 will be provided. Carlucci stated, “It is vital that an accurate count of our community is taken, as it will determine the distribution of federal funding to our community for the next decade.” Additionally, forms and applications will be available, free Notary Services, dog licenses will be processed, Super Saver bus tickets will be sold, residents can register to vote and handicapped parking tags will be issued. For further information, please call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at (845) 639-2010 or go to www.clarkstownclerk.com.

Carlucci named one of nations top technology leaders

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci was recently identified by Innovation Generation as one of the nation’s top 100 Generation NEXT and Information Technology leaders. As such, Carlucci was invited to speak with members of Congress and other national leaders in the Information Technology field, to help in developing new ICT (Information and Communication Technology) services, broadband infrastructure and Internet applications for the betterment of our nation. Pictured above Carlucci met with US House Majority Whip James Clyburn and talked about Information and Communication Technology legislation before the House. Recently, Carlucci has been working to lay the technological infrastructure for Clarkstown, by receiving grants from the NYS Archives to digitize hundreds of thousands of documents, the majority of which are accessible via the Internet. Carlucci has also developed programs for residents to acquire handicapped parking permits and absentee ballot applications via text message. Carlucci also had the privilege to talk with Former FCC Chairman Michael Powell regarding cell phone technology. Please visit www.clarkstownclerk.com for more information on ways that David Carlucci is using technology to increase efficiency in the Town Clerks Office.

Carlucci Promotes Effort to Reduce Dog Bites

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci will be sponsoring a seminar on dog bite prevention, in honor of National Dog Bite Prevention Week, at Clarkstown Town Hall, 10 Maple Avenue, New City, NY, on May 21, 2009, at 7 P.M. in room 301. Dog bites are one of the nation’s most commonly reported public health problems, despite being largely preventable. Alarmingly, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Therefore, as the licensing authority for issuing dog licenses, Carlucci feels a responsibility about taking action in educating residents on this important safety issue.
In order to raise awareness about dog safety in our community, Clarkstown Town Clerk, David Carlucci, has invited Kerry Potter-Kotecki of Doggone Safe, a not for profit organization, to provide an informative seminar for residents. The seminar will provide empowering information to promote healthy, safe, dog friendly communities! This program is an excellent opportunity for parents, dog owners, or anyone who is around dogs.
With over four million victims of dog bites annually in America, Town Clerk Carlucci urges residents to educate themselves at this important seminar. Please visit www.clarkstownclerk.com or call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at 845-639-2010 for more information or questions.

Senator Gillibrand in Clarkstown!

The other day I had the unique opportunity to meet our U.S. Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand. Senator Gillibrand was in Clarkstown to speak to residents about her experience in D.C. and where she thinks the United States is headed. Kirsten spoke for about a half hour and one of the main ideas that came across is how government must work efficiently to drive down the cost of government and protect middle class families from being overtaxed. I was very happy to see Senator Gillibrand acknowledge that she has supported legislation to protect Clarkstown families by providing tax cuts to help pay for college and allow individuals to deduct their property taxes from their federal income taxes. She also made a commitment to protect Clarkstown's families from the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). Since the AMT was never indexed to inflation, many Clarkstown residents are affected by the AMT. This is something that I strongly believe in and I'm happy to hear that our Senator believes she can help make a difference!

Great American Cleanup!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci is grateful to Katrina and Bridgit Hohlfeld for volunteering to help with the Great American Cleanup along Route 304 in New City. Carlucci stated, “Great American Cleanup events, coordinated by Keep Rockland Beautiful, are a great way to celebrate Earth Day. We had a terrific day to clean up, and thanks to Katrina and Bridgit’s efforts, we cleared up debris from an area that feeds into our water supply.” Please Call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at 845-639-2010 to volunteer in the future or visit www.clarkstownclerk.com for further information.

Follow Your Clerk on Twitter!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci has recently started tweeting about what is going on in Clarkstown. Carlucci stated, "Government belongs to our residents, so utilizing twitter is a great way to get information about programs and services to our residents. Twitter helps keep people in the loop, that in the past, might not have had the opportunity or the time to find out about their local government, due to commuting, raising a family, etc.” Carlucci will also tweet about Town Board meeting agendas, proposed local laws, Clerk’s evening hours, mobile office dates and locations. You can follow your clerk by going to www.twitter.com/davidcarlucci . For more information call David Carlucci at 845-639-2010 or go to www.clarkstownclerk.com.

Happy Birthday, Clarkstown!

Check out what Nancy Cutler, editorial page editor for the Journal News just said about your Town Clerk!
Happy Birthday, Clarkstown!


Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci is known as a kind of high-tech wonk. His office has had a Facebook page for a couple years now. He helps register voters via text messages. He was taking government high tech before the Obama campaign found such success with Youtube.

But the 27-year-old — he won office at age 24 — also seems to appreciate history. You know, old stuff. So he sent in a letter to the editor/press release (he’s also really good at these…) congratulating the town on marking its 218th year. Today is the official founding date. Woohoo! Cake at Maple Avenue??? His letter, of course, points out all the technological advances that have occurred in his office, which can make life easier for Clarkstowners.

So, we share. Here’s Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci’s letter, with slight editing for punctuation and style, on the 218th anniversary of the town’s birth


1791 saw a lot of firsts, the First Bank of the United States, the first U.S. mint, and the first establishment of Clarkstown, when it was incorporated on March 18 of that year. As both the Clarkstown Town Clerk and a lifelong Clarkstown resident, I am filled with pride in acknowledging the 218th birthday of Clarkstown!
Much has changed in these 218 years, not the least of which is that Clarkstown has grown from a population of less than 2,000 to nearly 85,000 people, making it one of the largest towns in New York. Clarkstown’s residents in 1791 could not have imagined the Clarkstown of today. Just getting to their Town Clerk was an ordeal, but with the advent of the Internet, many of our services are right online. Today, www.clarkstownclerk.com serves as a virtual office, better facilitating the needs of busy Clarkstown residents. I try to incorporate new technologies, such as podcasts, blogs, widgets, and text-messaging, in order to make the town clerk’s office as user-friendly and accessible as possible. Thanks to a state grant I was awarded to digitize Clarkstown’s records, which predate the Declaration of Independence, digital records allow instantaneous access, and not just in our town, but worldwide! More importantly, by digitizing Clarkstown’s records, I am making a commitment to the community that these historical records will be safeguarded and preserved for future generations.
Time may not have been kind to our country’s banks, but Clarkstown has fared well these past two centuries. Whether you look to our efforts to stay on the forefront of technology or the fact that we are ranked the second-safest place to live among comparably sized communities, Clarkstown is not just a great place to live; it is a place one can be proud to call home. I know I am. Please join me in wishing Clarkstown a Happy 218th Birthday!

Mobile Office at Youthfest!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci will be offering weekend hours, in the form of a mobile office, on Sunday, March 29th, at the Rockland County Youthfest, in the Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern, from 11AM - 4PM. Forms and applications will be available, free Notary Services, dog licenses will be processed with proof of rabies vaccinations, Super Saver bus tickets will be sold, handicapped parking tags will be issued and you can even register to vote! Future dates and locations of the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s mobile office and weekend hours are available on the Town Clerk’s at www.clarkstownclerk.com. For further information, please call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at (845) 639-2010.

Text for Disability Parking Permit

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci is constantly thinking of ways to make the services of government as accessible and user friendly as possible. When someone is in need of a Disability Parking Permit, this is exactly the time that government needs to be as available and easy to use as possible. Now, instead of making extra trips to the Town Hall, you can just text the word ‘DISABILITY’ to 41411 from any cell phone. You will get a message back within a minute, giving you all the information you need to apply for the Disability Parking Permit. The text you receive will give you a link to the Disability Parking Permit application, then just fill out the form, print, have your doctor sign, and mail to the Town Clerk at 10 Maple Avenue, New City, NY 10956. The information you receive via the text message includes the rules, guidelines and responsibilities of the Disability Parking Permit; and the application that is accepted by every issuing agent of Disability Parking Permits in New York State. For further information contact David Carlucci at (845) 639-2010 or go to www.clarkstownclerk.com

Mobile Office at Mall a Success!

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci spoke to residents and addressed their concerns at the Town Clerk’s mobile office on February 8th, at the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack. Carlucci also provided free Notary Services, issued dog licenses, handicapped parking tags, and Super Saver bus tickets. Carlucci stated, “The mobile office hours fit my mission to make the Town Clerk’s office as accessible and user friendly as possible.” Please visit www.clarkstownclerk.com or call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at 845-639-2010 for more information or questions.

Ice Fishing

With the temperature dropping as we venture deeper into winter, it is often hard to think of fun outdoor activities. However, one activity that we can only do in the winter, and often gets overlooked, is ice fishing. Harriman State Park might be one of the greatest places in the region to take part in this remarkable sport. Ice Fishing requires the same skill and knowledge as does open water angling. However, to be a successful ice fisher takes some study. First, you must familiarize yourself with the water to be fished, the equipment needed, as well as, proper clothing. Certainly, the most important thing to remember is safety. While ice fishing can be a very fun and rewarding activity, it also can be very dangerous if the proper safety precautions are not taken. The best places to go would be lakes, as running water will tend to freeze last and not be as thick as bodies of still water. As a rule of thumb, the State Department of Environmental Conservation states that more than one person should not venture onto the ice unless it is at least three inches thick, but of course, always use common sense and make sure you get your fishing license first. For more info on obtaining a fishing license, please call me at 845-639-2010. For more info on tips for great ice fishing, visit the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor

Mobile Office at Mall

Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci will be offering weekend hours, in the form of a mobile office, on Sunday, February 8th, at the Palisades Center Mall in West Nyack at Rt. 59 (Food Court level), from 11AM – 1PM. Forms and applications will be available, free Notary Services, dog licenses will be processed with proof of rabies vaccinations, Super Saver bus tickets will be sold, and handicapped parking tags will be issued. For further information, please call Clarkstown Town Clerk David Carlucci at (845) 639-2010 or visit www.clarkstownclerk.com