Orange County Youth Take Initiative in Government, Sports, and Community Service

Commentary

Hello Orange County! Let’s hope the saying about April showers leading to May flowers holds true, as we embark on a rainy start to the month. Regardless of the weather, spring sports have kicked off, with children throughout our county actively participating in various activities, from Little League to lacrosse and beyond.

While we cheer on these dedicated young athletes, we also take a moment to honor two significant observances this month: National Autism Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. If you see our buildings illuminated in blue, it signifies our steadfast commitment to these causes—highlighting the importance of understanding, supporting, and safeguarding our children.

Here are a few highlights from the past week in Orange County.

One of my favorite days each year is our Youth in Government Day, where enthusiastic high school students have the opportunity to shadow department heads and local officials.

This year, I had the honor of hosting two remarkable young women in my office: Alexandria from Newburgh Free Academy and Maya from Cornwall High School. Both are exceptionally bright, and I am confident they will have brilliant futures ahead. As they prepare to transition to college next year, I wish them all the best.

During our time together, Alexandria and Maya accompanied me at the Legislative session, where we presented a proclamation in recognition of National Autism Awareness Month to Stacey Orzell and her exceptional SUNY Orange Bridges students. It was a truly inspiring moment as we listened to these students share how they are forging their paths to success and contributing positively to our community.

In Orange County, we proudly celebrate and support individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the outstanding communities surrounding them. Throughout April and beyond, organizations like Think Differently, Light It Up Blue, and others work diligently to promote awareness, understanding, and acceptance for all, regardless of differences. Let us unite to appreciate the unique talents and viewpoints that enrich our community.

In addition to these uplifting events, I had the pleasure of visiting the stunning 565-acre Boehlmer Pond property in Deerpark, made possible by the Orange County Land Trust. This land, preserved through a conservation easement, will soon provide public recreational opportunities while maintaining the natural beauty of our county for future generations.

This initiative aligns with my dedication to expanding open spaces, enhancing outdoor recreational opportunities, and preserving our picturesque landscapes. It exemplifies collaboration among the Land Trust, Port Jervis, Town of Deerpark, NYS DEC, the Open Space Institute, the Outdoor Club of Port Jervis, and Orange County government. Together, we are making significant progress in improving access to open spaces while protecting the environment.

Another noteworthy event was the Orange County STOP DWI/2025 Enforcement Conference, where I had the honor to join law enforcement officers, public safety advocates, and community leaders in our unified effort to combat impaired driving.

The keynote speaker, Jason Schechterle, a retired police officer from Phoenix, delivered a moving story of resilience and determination following a life-altering accident. His journey showcases the strength of the human spirit and serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to keep our roads safe. For more information about Schechterle’s inspiring story, visit www.Burningshield.com.

As we look forward, I want to point out an excellent opportunity for job seekers in our community. On Thursday, April 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., the Orange County Career Center will host a job fair at SUNY Orange’s Kaplan Hall in Newburgh. With over 20 local employers seeking candidates in various fields, this event provides a chance to network, connect, and potentially secure your next job. It’s free and accessible to the public, so be sure to bring your résumé and prepare for potential onsite interviews!

I’m also excited to announce my next Leadership Series event featuring Col. Mark Bieger from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. On Wednesday, April 30, at 6:00 p.m., Bieger will present at the ESC Auditorium in Goshen, sharing his valuable insights from over 28 years of service, including his time at the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Army Pacific Command. His experiences in military leadership training at West Point promise to motivate and inspire, and I invite you to secure your seat for this complimentary event.

RSVP here

Col. Mark Bieger, Leadership Speaker Series Event Scheduled for April 30 at 6:00 p.m.

For those seeking a family-friendly outing, April also marks the beginning of trout season in New York State, with trout stocking having commenced. My eldest son and I had an enjoyable time fishing for local brown trout, and Orange County boasts some excellent fishing locations.

Before heading out, check the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation rules for Region 3: https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/fishguide.pdf

As always, practicing catch and release is common. We released our fish to continue their growth and hopefully provide future anglers with a great experience!

Get outside when the weather allows and soak in the beauty of the spring season in our wonderful community. I hope to see you out and about in the county!