Commentary
June is often a time of celebration, be it Father’s Day, weddings, or graduations.
I extend my congratulations to all of Orange County’s graduating students, both high school and college. Your hard work, determination, and resilience have paid off, and our entire community is proud of your accomplishments!
As we welcome summer, we’re also experiencing a stretch of extreme heat. Please take care; stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest hours, and check on your neighbors, especially seniors. Cooling centers are open throughout the county to help residents stay safe; just remember to call ahead to confirm hours. Information can be found on the county’s website at OrangeCountyGov.com and on social media pages.
Looking ahead, one of our most anticipated summer events is just around the corner. Freedom Fest returns on Friday, July 18, at Thomas Bull Memorial Park in Montgomery. This free, family-friendly celebration honors our veterans and promises an evening of great entertainment and community pride. Gates to the park open at 4:00 p.m., and the fan favorite Black Dirt Bandits will take the stage at 6:30 p.m. “The Great Charlini” will appear in the kids’ area starting at 6:00 p.m. Don’t miss Julia Roome performing the National Anthem just before an amazing fireworks and drone display.
The kids’ area will feature bouncy houses, sensory-friendly games, and giveaways. Legoland New York Resort is making a special contribution to the event, and noise-canceling headphones will be available courtesy of the Think Differently initiative to support children with sensory sensitivities. Families can meet Hudson the Hound, Orange County’s official mascot.
Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drinks, but glass containers, pets, sparklers, and pop-up tents are not permitted, and bags may be checked upon entry. Mark your calendar and be sure to join us for a fun evening!
Staying on the topic of summer fun, our Senior Games Cornhole Tournament was a hit at Fox Hill Bruderhof Communities. Congratulations to our top two teams on a spirited competition filled with laughs and camaraderie! Up next is a trip to a Hudson Valley Renegades game on July 23. For just $20, seniors receive parking, a food voucher, and a game ticket. Space is limited, so RSVP by calling 845-615-3700. A full list of senior events is available at OrangeCountyGov.com/151/Aging.
I had the pleasure of attending the Goshen Chamber of Commerce’s June Networking Breakfast, where we recognized outstanding students from the Goshen Central School District. Congratulations to the recipients of the Mary Gray Griffith Scholarship and the 2025 Goshen Chamber of Commerce Scholarship! I appreciate the opportunity to give the attendees a status update on how things are going in Orange County.
Public safety also took a big step forward with the grand opening of the Village of Chester Police Substation, located in the Chester Mall Shopping Center. This new facility will help strengthen local law enforcement and build even stronger relationships between officers and the community. Congratulations to Chief Timothy McGuire and everyone who helped make this important project a reality.
And finally, big things ahead at Orange-Ulster BOCES! I was proud to speak at the groundbreaking for a new gymnasium to be built on the Arden Hill Campus. This major capital project will benefit students, staff, and the entire community. The site’s been cleared, and work is moving forward with a target completion of May 2026. Once finished, it will be a hub for student wellness, OU BOCES pride, and community connection.
Until next week, please stay safe and cool. I look forward to seeing you around the county!
