From Races to Recognition: A Busy Week of Progress in Orange County

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus—along with (left to right) his assistant, Mike Torelli; Christian Farrell, director of Orange County Veterans Service Agency; Tony Cardone, supervisor of the Town of Monroe; and Phil Salinardi, peer support coordinator for first responders at Orange County Emergency Services—at a veterans’ movie event. Courtesy of Rebecca Sheehan

Commentary

I hope you all had a beautiful Mother’s Day weekend! Mother nature provided some terrific weather, and it was a great time to celebrate the incredible mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures who help to make our community so special.

Over the past week, I had the pleasure of traveling across Orange County to participate in a variety of events that also highlight just how special, diverse, and engaging our awesome community is. It’s been a busy and uplifting time, from ribbon cuttings for new businesses to awards ceremonies honoring outstanding achievements, and from educational workshops to community celebrations. There’s truly no better place to be than right here in Orange County!

Let’s start with some exciting news for the fall.

I’m thrilled to announce that the Tri-State New York Spartan Race Weekend is coming to Sunflower Valley Farm in New Hampton on Oct. 18–19! This is a major win for our community as it will not only bring athletes, fans, and visitors to the county, but it will also be a tremendous boost to our local economy. This is a terrific opportunity to show off our beautiful towns, support local businesses, and celebrate everything that makes our county so special. Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of adventure, energy, and hometown pride!

Learn more here: Spartan Race New York Fall.

Speaking of celebrations, congratulations are in order.

My gratitude and congratulations to County Attorney Richard B. Golden, who was honored with the Orange County Bar Association Outstanding Achievement Award. This prestigious recognition celebrates his remarkable dedication and years of public service as county attorney, first from 1994 to 2001, and then from 2022 to the present.

Richard’s steadfast commitment to justice, integrity, and community has left a lasting impact on Orange County and continues to inspire those lucky to work with him. His leadership and tireless service set a powerful example of what it means to truly serve the public. Congratulations, Rick, well deserved! And many thanks for your continued service and wise counsel.

We’re also focusing on inclusion and belonging this month. It was truly wonderful to declare May “Think Differently: It Starts with a Smile” month, in partnership with the Orange County Legislature. Helping our neighbors of all abilities feel welcomed and included is essential to making Orange County the best it can be! This month, we honor the incredible leadership of self-advocates and individuals with disabilities who continue to shape the county’s culture of belonging. Their courage, clarity, and wisdom inspire us all.

Let’s celebrate the caregivers, advocates, and leaders making a difference throughout May and beyond. We invite you to be part of this movement, whether it’s hosting a conversation, sharing your story, signing the e-promise, or simply smiling at a stranger. Every act matters! Take a moment to join us: Think Differently in Orange County.

On the economic development front, we’re strengthening important partnerships. It was an honor to welcome the Select USA Investment Summit delegation alongside TECONY Director-General Tom Chih-chiang Lee. Taiwan is a valued economic partner, and we are proud to continue building strong ties. I’m grateful to TECONY for organizing my recent visit to Taiwan, where I was impressed by the country’s innovation and economic vitality. The Orange County Partnership, Empire State Development, and various County departments were also represented, and we all look forward to continuing collaboration and new investment opportunities right here in Orange County.

The critical priorities of open space and affordable housing were also a focus last week. I was proud to open the workshop hosted by the Orange County Land Trust, an important event that brought together municipal and community leaders to discuss preserving open space while addressing the need for affordable housing.

Protecting our natural resources while ensuring access to housing for our families and workforce is a delicate balance, but one we are committed to working toward achieving. My administration has already preserved thousands of acres of open space, and we will continue working with partners like the Orange County Land Trust and the Open Space Institute to protect what makes our county special for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who participated in this important conversation.

Spending time with our veterans is always an honor and a privilege. I had a great time joining fellow veterans at our recent, very popular free veterans’ movie event. These gatherings are about more than entertainment; they’re about connection, community, and support. Many thanks to the Orange County Veterans Service Agency for organizing these opportunities to bring us together. I encourage veterans to come out to the next one; you won’t want to miss it!

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that you should add stopping by the annual Plant Sale at the Orange County Arboretum to your list of things to do. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just getting started, you’ll find something to brighten up your home and garden.

Check here for plant sale hours: https://www.orangecountyarboretum.org/plantsale.

I look forward to seeing you around the county!