The excessive heat we’ve all been experiencing didn’t stop me from going here, there, and everywhere last week! From digging into the past to celebrating community milestones and tackling challenges head-on, there’s never a dull moment here in Orange County.
Let’s start with something straight out of a prehistoric playbook. Did you know that one of America’s latest archaeological digs is happening right here in our own backyard? A new set of mastodon bones was recently uncovered in Orange County, and I had the chance to witness the excavation up close—a truly awe-inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime experience!
The dig is being led by a team of a dozen SUNY Orange students and two devoted professors who are spending their summer unearthing this incredible find. Watching these students carefully brush away layers of soil to reveal bones that haven’t seen the light of day in thousands of years is quite extraordinary. Orange County isn’t just preserving history, but we’re also making it.
These are not the first mastodon bones discovered here. There are two sets of bones in the county that you can see for yourself: “Harry” at Museum Village and “Sugar” at the SUNY Orange Campus in Middletown. “Harry” was unearthed in Harriman, New York, in 1952 and is one of only three complete mastodon specimens in the world.
While ancient giants are being revealed beneath our feet, there’s plenty happening above ground, too. Personally, my pear trees are thriving, my honeybees are hard at work, and the bass fishing hasn’t disappointed. Even the bears seem to be lying low, likely trying to avoid the heat, like the rest of us.
As you are probably aware, not everything is smooth sailing outdoors. We’re seeing an increase in the invasive spotted lanternflies. These pests may look harmless, but they pose a serious threat to our local agriculture. If you’ve been on the Heritage Trail recently, you might’ve noticed traps designed to help us monitor and manage the problem. Ticks are another concern that isn’t going away. Go to OrangeCountyGov.com and click on the Health Department tab for resources on tick prevention and protection.
Despite the heat and pests, this past weekend was chock-full of events that reminded me just how diverse and vibrant our community is. One example came in the form of a major first for Orange County: the Miss New York pageant held at the Sugar Loaf Performing Arts Center. It was fun to stop by and see how an event like that happens. The participants who produced the event spent the whole week at various venues around the county. It went very smoothly, and I hope it becomes an annual tradition.
Saturday evening was capped off wonderfully by the Town of Chester’s spectacular drone and fireworks display, a picture-perfect summer night.
Summer is a great time to support our local farmers and small businesses. Whether you’re looking for farm-fresh produce or handcrafted goods, our markets have it all. Every dollar spent locally strengthens our community. So grab a tote, bring a friend, and explore what’s available. You can find a full list of markets at:www.pickOCNY.com/farmers-markets.
Community strength was on display in Newburgh, where I stood alongside neighbors and local leaders at the “Save the Ferry” rally. Reliable transportation access is essential, and we must ensure the ferry service remains a part of our region’s resources.
Finally, I want to give a well-earned shoutout to Orange County’s own Tim Davidian. Tim was officially sworn in as president of the County Probation Administrators Association of New York State (COPA). He’s the first-ever Orange County probation director to serve in this role since COPA was founded in 1948, a major milestone and a testament to his exceptional leadership.
Despite the heat, the people, projects, and progress make Orange County a place like no other.
Stay cool, stay involved, and I’ll see you around the county!
