As we approach Memorial Day weekend, I encourage everyone to join me in taking the time to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation.
Although this holiday marks the unofficial start of summer, there are also many parades, flag ceremonies, and other events that memorialize the true meaning of this weekend. Please plan to attend one of these with your families before taking advantage of the variety of events and activities happening around the county. Let’s come together to commemorate our heroes and make lasting memories with our loved ones.
Whether you’re planning to attend a local parade, enjoy a family picnic, or explore our beautiful parks or historic sites, there’s something going on in our great county for everyone to enjoy. For a comprehensive list of events and family-friendly activities, be sure to visit PickOCNY.com.
I want to highlight some of the incredible individuals and efforts that make Orange County such a special place, starting with our Citizen of the Month.
As county executive, I am proud to recognize Theresa Canfield of Montgomery as our Orange County Citizen of the Month for May. A dedicated teacher at Warwick’s Park Avenue Elementary School, Theresa is also a tireless advocate for our veterans. From leading fundraising efforts for Wreaths Across America to organizing a heartfelt Veterans Day ceremony, Theresa is truly making a difference. She inspires her students to honor our heroes and give back to their communities, and for that, we are grateful. Congratulations, Theresa, you are so deserving of this recognition!
Continuing with our commitment to honoring veterans, I’m excited to share that the latest episode of NeuCAST is now live, featuring Hudson Valley Honor Flight. In this moving episode, I sit down with Executive Director Jennifer DeFrancesco to explore how the organization ensures our local heroes receive the recognition they deserve through unforgettable trips to visit the War Monuments and Memorials in Washington. It’s an emotional and inspiring conversation about service, sacrifice, and gratitude. Don’t miss it! Please watch and share it to help spread awareness for this incredible mission.
Learn more at hvhonorflight.com and watch the episode at OrangeCountyGov.com.
This past week, I attended the New York State Police Troop F Memorial Day Service, where we honored troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. These fallen heroes and the families they have left behind deserve our lasting respect and remembrance. Their courage and unwavering commitment to protecting our communities will never be forgotten.
I was fortunate to take part in the All-American Striped Bass Tournament for Hope in Newburgh. This outstanding event raised an incredible $350,000 for veterans, with 92 cents of every dollar going directly toward supporting their needs. Veterans were paired with boat owners and fishing captains for a day of camaraderie and competition.
A special thanks to my friend Dan Depew for the invite, and to supporters, including the cast of the TV series “SEAL Team”: Judd Lormand, A.J. Buckley, and Tyler Grey, who is a decorated veteran himself. It was a powerful experience to meet and speak with so many veterans from around the Hudson Valley, many of whom were severely wounded in combat. My heartfelt thanks to all who made this day possible, including local supporters like Billy Joe’s Ribworks, Riverfront Marina, and Mobile Cigar Vendors.
Back on land, we’re also making exciting progress in public works. In the Town of Mount Hope, our Bridge Project reached a major milestone this week with the installation of 200-foot-long steel girders at the CR18 bridge site. This effort represents a fantastic collaboration between our steel workers, crane operators, and Metro-North Railroad. Next up: preparing for the concrete bridge deck.
Stay tuned for more updates as we push forward with improving our county’s infrastructure.
Finally, be sure to take advantage of the annual Plant Sale at the Orange County Arboretum! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just discovering the joy of gardening, it’s a great way to add a splash of color to your home or garden this season. For dates and hours, visit orangecountyarboretum.org/plantsale.
I look forward to seeing you around the county!
