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31 Businesses Awarded +$298,000 in Tourism Grants” 
By Rockland County Executive Ed Day

Published

2 years ago

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I recently alongside our Director of Economic Development and Tourism Lucy Redzeposki announced $298,650 in grants to 31 organizations promoting tourism in Rockland Friday, the highest amount ever. The county-funded grants are competitive and utilized to promote events in Rockland outside of the county. Every dollar awarded comes with performance expectations attached.

When I was first elected to be your County Executive, we were the most fiscally stressed County in all of New York with a $138-million deficit. We needed every lifeline imaginable to help Rockland rebound and tourism played a crucial role in that recovery.

Tourism has endless benefits; it creates jobs, strengthens economies, and contributes to infrastructure development.

According to the most recent Tourism Economic Study from New York State, in 2022, tourism generated:

6,532 jobs in Rockland County, a 7.6% increase over 2021.
$513 million in visitor spending, a 104.7% increase to 2019 and 18% increase vs. 2021.
$1.4 million in Occupancy Tax revenue, a 26% increase over 2021.

When visitors explore our downtowns, eat at our restaurants, or shop in our stores, they are not just fueling our economy, they are stabilizing taxes for our residents.

Without tourism generated sales and local taxes, the average household in Rockland would have to pay an additional $581 in yearly taxes to maintain current services. That is a lot of money saved thanks to the efforts of our Economic Development and Tourism Office creating programs like the grants we are announcing here today.

These funds are going to organizations that bring arts, music, theater, sports, and culture into Rockland, enriching our county and economy simultaneously.

When this grant program first began in 2016, we were only able to award about $100,000.

Thanks to the efforts of Lucy Redzeposki, our Director of Economic Development and Tourism and the dedicated staff in the Department, this year we are distributing over $298,000 in tourism grants – more than ever before – to 31 organizations.

We have every confidence that the organizations receiving this funding will use it to bring visitors here to see all that Rockland has to offer.

And I know that once those tourists get a taste of our music, theater, art, riverfronts, and downtowns, they’ll keep coming back.


Congratulations to the organizations who have won these awards! We know you will do us proud with your efforts and I look forward to attending so many of these wonderful events.

This is a weekly column by Rockland County Executive Ed Day.

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Secure Shred Event: Safely Dispose of Personal Documents Near You

Published

1 week ago

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April 11, 2026

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Residents are invited to safely dispose of sensitive documents at an upcoming Community Paper Shredding Event, designed to help protect against identity theft while promoting environmentally responsible recycling.

The event will provide a convenient and secure way for community members to shred personal documents such as old bank statements, tax records, medical paperwork, and other confidential materials. All documents will be shredded on-site by a professional shredding service, ensuring that personal information is fully destroyed.

In addition to helping residents safeguard their private information, the event supports sustainability efforts by ensuring that shredded paper is properly recycled.

Residents are encouraged to bring documents in boxes or bags. Please note that paper clips and staples are acceptable; however, large binder clips, folders, and non-paper materials should be removed in advance.

To allow as many residents as possible to participate, there may be a limit on the number of boxes per household.

This event is open to the general public, and no businesses will be permitted. See flyer for dates in your town.

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Government

Clarkstown Honors 2026 Women of Distinction for Leadership and Community Service

Published

3 weeks ago

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March 28, 2026

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The Town of Clarkstown proudly celebrated its second annual Women of Distinction Ceremony for 2026, honoring local women who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, service, and dedication to the community.

Supervisor George Hoehmann selected two honorees, while each Town Council member recognized one woman from their ward. The honorees were recognized for their contributions to volunteerism, public service, and nonprofit work across Clarkstown and Rockland County.

“This year’s honorees embody the very best of our community,” said Supervisor Hoehmann. “Their compassion, leadership, and commitment to service continue to inspire us all.”

2026 Honorees

Breda Lyons and Catherine Levins (Supervisor’s Honorees)
Owners of River Court On Main in New City, Lyons and Levins have combined entrepreneurship with philanthropy, supporting numerous local charities, organizing drives for children in need, and giving back to community organizations.

Roberta Bangs (Ward 3 – Councilman Don Franchino)
A dedicated volunteer, Bangs has served as President of Hi-Tor Animal Shelter and the Nanuet Civic Association, while supporting organizations such as People to People and the Nanuet Ambulance Corps.

Jane Provenzano (Ward 2 – Councilman Mike Graziano)
A longtime advocate for individuals with developmental disabilities, Provenzano founded PRO U ED, a program for adults with special needs, and serves as Vice President of the Congers Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.

Roxanne Perrone (Ward 4 – Councilman Bob Axelrod)
Perrone has played a key role in supporting New City’s small business community and serves as a trustee of the New City Library and member of the Clarkstown Planning Board.

Maura Donoghue (Ward 1 – Councilman Jon Valentino)
Donoghue oversees housing programs for the Rockland County Department of Social Services, managing initiatives that support vulnerable residents, including Section 8 housing and emergency services.

The Town of Clarkstown extended its congratulations and gratitude to all of the honorees for their lasting impact on the community.

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