Orange County Youth Step Up in Government, Sports, and Service

County Executive Steve Neuhaus at Boehlmer Pond in the Town of Deerpark. Courtesy of Rebecca Sheehan

Commentary Hey Orange County! Hopefully, it’s true that April showers bring May flowers, because this month is off to a rainy start. Despite the weather, spring sports are officially in full swing, with kids across our county hitting the fields and courts, from Little League to lacrosse and everything in between.

As we celebrate the determination of these young athletes, we take a moment to also recognize two important observances this month: National Autism Awareness Month and National Child Abuse Prevention Month. If you notice the blue glow that’s lighting up our buildings around the county, it symbolizes our commitment to both causes—shining a light on the importance of understanding, supporting, and protecting our children.

The following are a few highlights from this past week in Orange County. One of my favorite days of the year is our annual Youth in Government Day, where bright high school students get the chance to shadow department heads and elected officials across our community.

This year, I had the privilege of hosting two outstanding young women in my office: Alexandria from Newburgh Free Academy and Maya from Cornwall High School. Both are incredibly bright, and I do not doubt they have promising futures. As they prepare to head off to college next year, I wish them nothing but the best.

Youth in Government Day. Courtesy of Rebecca Sheehan

During our day together, Alexandria and Mia joined me at the Legislative session, where we presented a proclamation in honor of National Autism Awareness Month to Stacey Orzell and her remarkable SUNY Orange Bridges students. It was an inspiring moment as we heard from these students how they are carving their paths to success and contributing to our community.

In Orange County, we are proud to celebrate and support individuals on the autism spectrum, their families, and the incredible communities around them. During April and throughout the year, organizations such as Think Differently, Light It Up Blue, and others work to raise awareness, promote understanding, and encourage acceptance for all, regardless of differences. Together, we can embrace the unique talents and perspectives that strengthen our community.

Autism Awareness at the Orange County Legislature. Courtesy of Rebecca Sheehan

In addition to these inspiring events, I was honored to visit the beautiful 565-acre Boehlmer Pond property in Deerpark, thanks to the Orange County Land Trust. This land, protected through a conservation easement, will soon offer public recreation opportunities while preserving the natural beauty of our county for generations to come.

This project aligns with my commitment to expanding open spaces, providing more opportunities for outdoor recreation, and preserving our scenic landscapes. It’s a wonderful example of collaboration between 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 strides in enhancing access to open spaces while safeguarding the environment.

Another important event that took place was the Orange County STOP DWI/2025 Enforcement Conference, where I had the privilege of joining law enforcement officers, public safety advocates, and community leaders in our collective mission to combat impaired driving.

The keynote speaker, Jason Schechterle, a retired Phoenix police officer, shared his powerful story of resilience and determination following a life-changing accident. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and reminds us of the ongoing importance of working together to keep our roads safe. Information about Schechterle’s incredibly inspirational story can be found at BurningShield.com.

As we look ahead, I want to highlight a valuable 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 more than 20 local employers offering opportunities in various industries, this event offers the chance to network, connect, and perhaps even land your next job. It’s free and open to the public, so bring your résumé and be ready for potential onsite interviews!

Additionally, I’m happy 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 speak at the ESC Auditorium in Goshen, sharing his extensive insights from more than 28 years of service, including time at the Pentagon, U.S. Central Command, and U.S. Army Pacific Command. His experiences in military leadership training at West Point are sure to inspire, and I encourage you to reserve your seat for this free event.

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

For those looking for a family-friendly activity, April also marks the start of trout season in New York state, and trout stocking has begun. My oldest son and I recently enjoyed some local brown trout fishing, and Orange County offers some great spots for anglers.

Before heading out, be sure to check the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation rules for Region 3.

And, as always, catch and release is a popular practice. Our fish were safely released to grow and fight another day!

Get out (when the weather permits) and enjoy the wonderful spring season here in our great community. Hope to see you around the county!