February may be the shortest month of the year, but it’s also been one of the busiest in recent memory. From ice, snow, wind, and frigid temperatures to key community events and initiatives, February has certainly kept me, and most of us, on our toes.
Here are a few events that have been keeping me busy.
Most recently, I spent some time in the City of Newburgh with Colin Jarvis, who runs the warming center there. I have known Jarvis for a long time, and he is a selfless man whom I admire and respect. His staff at the warming center works tirelessly, around the clock, to provide a vital service for those in need.
Jarvis’s center, along with the other two warming centers in the county in the cities of Port Jervis and Middletown, serves as a lifeline for those in need of shelter from the brutal cold, offering a safe refuge where these individuals can find warmth, comfort, and support to ultimately transition out of homelessness.
These warming centers are open to anyone needing them, with staff members trained to provide support. Beyond just offering warmth, they provide food, clothing, and connections to social services that can help individuals regain stability.
It’s always a humbling experience when I visit any of our warming centers and shelters. As your county executive, I feel it is important for me to be boots on the ground and witness firsthand the challenges faced by our community, including homelessness.
The work being done at the warming center, from providing warm meals to offering a safe place to sleep, is truly commendable. The staff and volunteers are making an amazing difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
If you are able, please lend a helping hand in whatever way you can to those in need. If you know of anyone needing shelter, please call the Orange County Housing Resource Center at 845-360-0267 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.; after that, call 311.
Earlier this month, I was on hand for one of my favorite responsibilities as county executive: the naturalization ceremony. This was the first one of the year, led by Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew. As I looked around the auditorium, I could see the pride and joy felt by the 82 new citizens and their friends and families.
I love our country, and seeing these new citizens choose to call the United States their home is heartwarming and inspiring. I look forward to seeing them contributing to our community and upholding the values and ideals that make this country so special.
On Presidents’ Day, I had the opportunity to address the supervisors, mayors, engineers, and planners at the Association of Towns meeting in New York City. I was grateful to be able to discuss with the attendees the importance of continuing to make our county business-friendly and open to new and exciting economic development within Orange County and the region. Stay tuned—there’s plenty more to come on this, and I will share more when I can!
Enjoy the week and the slightly warmer temperatures—spring feels right around the corner!
