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Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation Presents $2,000 Donation Check to the Rockland County YMCA; Rockland County and St. Thomas Aquinas College Partner to Enhance Affordable Educational Access for County Employees; Briefs

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Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation Presents $2,000 Donation Check to the Rockland County YMCA

The Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation, the charitable arm of the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR), presented a  $2,000 check to the Rockland County YMCA.

“This donation plays an important role in supporting the educational and personal growth of deserving young people in our community who otherwise might not have the resources to pursue their dreams,” said Phil Donnelly, CEO Rockland County YMCA.  “We love having partners that share our commitment to the Rockland County community.”

Founded in 1888, the Rockland County YMCA’s mission has been to welcome all people to programs that enhance their health and well-being, strengthen their personal and family relationships, and enrich their spirits, minds, and bodies. It serves 1,200 children a day at more than 20 locations throughout the county.

The YMCA is the largest childcare provider in the county. The Rockland YMCA’s Youth Programs include childcare, leadership education, swimming, sports, camp, arts, and meal programs. In addition, the YMCA offers adult programming including swimming lessons and fitness classes.

The Rockland YMCA employs more than 200 people and has teen-job training programs including lifeguarding, water safety instructors, camp counselors, and childcare providers. It serves more than 6,000 people throughout Rockland County and is housed in its Nyack headquarters built in 1927. The Nyack building includes a pool, spa, gymnasium, fitness center, exercise/dance studio, community garden, and teen center.

Established in 2004 and relaunched in 2013, the HG Realtor® Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to charities and non-profits throughout the New York metro area and Hudson Valley. The Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation participates in qualified community-based charities who serve the housing, hunger, health, happiness, and humane needs of citizens everywhere.

For more information or to apply for funding from the Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation, please visit www.hgrealtorfoundation.com.


Rockland County and St. Thomas Aquinas College Partner to Enhance Affordable Educational Access for County Employees: 50% Tuition Discount Offered on Undergraduate and Graduate Courses

St. Thomas Aquinas College has formed a partnership with the County of Rockland to make affordable undergraduate and graduate degrees accessible for the county’s employees.

“The value of a college education has never been higher, so we are dedicated to providing affordable access to education that can transform the lives and careers of the dedicated employees here in the County of Rockland, who serve our local residents and communities so well,” said Ken Daly, President of St. Thomas Aquinas College.

The partnership between St. Thomas Aquinas College and the County of Rockland will provide eligible employees with affordable, high-quality degree programs that support their professional growth and enhance the community.

County of Rockland employees holding an Associate’s degree from a regionally accredited institution can transfer up to 70 credits, paving the way for a seamless transition to earning their Bachelor’s degree. Those aiming for advanced education can seamlessly progress into Advanced Certificates or Master’s programs in Business, Education, or Public Administration. The College’s full lineup of academic programs can be viewed here: stac.edu/academics.

The Program offers a 50% tuition reduction for both undergraduate and graduate students, available to full-time, part-time, and per diem employees of the County of Rockland.

“The commitment of County employees to serving our community is truly exceptional, and we are proud to support their growth through this new partnership with St. Thomas Aquinas College,” said County Executive Ed Day. “This initiative not only makes advanced education more accessible but also strengthens our workforce by empowering our employees to gain skills and knowledge that will benefit all residents of Rockland County.”

For more information about the partnership and St. Thomas Aquinas College’s offerings, contact Dana Caponong, Assistant Director of Admissions, at 845-398-4220 or dcaponon@stac.edu.


Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® Honors Tony D’Anzica of Dynamax Realty Inc. in Manhattan as its 2024 “REALTOR® of the Year”

At its 108th Annual Meeting, held recently at the Westchester Marriot Hotel in Tarrytown, the Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) awarded Tony D’Anzica, founder and president of Dynamax Realty Inc. in Manhattan with the Association’s “REALTOR® of the Year award.”

HGAR also presented the “Affiliate of the Year” Award to OneKey® MLS, with offices in Westchester County and Long Island.

D’Anzica  has been rooted in the real estate business for almost 20 years and has facilitated residential, commercial and property management transactions. With a background as an attorney, he spent many years representing landlords, tenants, developers and property managers before becoming a broker himself.  He was HGAR’s 2023 president and continues to serve on the HGAR Board of Directors.

In addition, he served as the former President of the Manhattan Association of REALTORS® and played an integral role in the merger of this group with HGAR. D’Anzica co-chairs HGAR’s Global Business Council and has been instrumental in developing the Association’s Global program and forging relationships with several different countries around the world.

Additional award winners included:

  • Albert P. Schatz Legislative Advocacy Award: Eli Rodriguez, Regional Government Affairs Director and Director of HGAR’s Bronx Chapter. This award is presented to an individual who has continuously advocated for his or her fellow REALTORS® and homeowners on local, regional and national levels of government. Rodriguez served as the CEO of the former Bronx Manhattan North Association of REALTORS® and played a key role in in its merger with HGAR.
  • Stephanie Crispinelli Humanitarian Award: The entire Hudson Gateway REALTOR® Foundation. The award is named for a brave young woman who was a victim of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, where she had been volunteering to help families in need. HGRF is responsible for fundraising and volunteer activities for charities and non-profits throughout New York City and the lower Hudson Valley.
  • Extra Mile Award: Shanese Williams of Real Broker NY LLC, based in Manhattan. This award is presented to someone who has gone above and beyond in helping other agents. Williams is a graduate of HGAR’s Leadership Accelerator Program and has been heavily involved in almost all Association activities and events.  She also serves on the executive board of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) Westchester.
  • Excellence in Commercial Real Estate: Clayton Livingston of McGrath Realty Inc. in Pawling. This award recognizes an individual who has been a driving force in the regional commercial real estate market.  Livingston chairs HGAR’s Commercial & Investment Division (CID) and has been involved with the CID for many years, moderating and serving on various panels.
  • Up & Coming Award: Emran Bhuiyan of Exit Realty Premium in the Bronx. This awards give kudos to those who show growing involvement with HGAR.  Bhuiyan moved to New York from Bangladesh just 10 years ago, learned English and is now Sales Director at his brokerage and a member of the HGAR Board of Directors.
  • President’s Award: Lynda Fernandez, HGAR CEO, White Plains and Goshen. HGAR President Carmen Bauman presented this award to the person who has made the greatest impact on her during her presidency.  Fernandez was appointed CEO at HGAR last year, after serving as CEO of the Greater Louisville Association of REALTORS® for two    She has more than 20 years of experience in association management, government affairs, communications and international business development.

New York State Homes And Community Renewal Video Highlights Veteran Experience At Rockland Homes For Heroes

New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) is the State’s affordable housing agency, with a mission to build, preserve, and protect affordable housing and increase homeownership throughout New York State. It recently partnered with Rockland Homes for Heroes to provide permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans in NY’s Mid-Hudson Valley.

HCR develops, preserves and protects affordable housing and invests in economically vibrant communities. It wors with many private, public and nonprofit partners to create safe, healthy and affordable housing opportunities for all New Yorkers

Together, and with the support of countless other organizations and donors, they’ve created 22 affordable homes on the former historic WW II Camp Shanks. This short video was produced by HCR to highlight the experience of one of the residents at the Rockland Homes For Heroes complex.