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 of the things 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 Colin 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. His 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 who may need 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, and 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 is truly commendable; from providing warm meals to a safe place to sleep. 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 in need of shelter, please call the Orange County Housing Resource Center at 845-360-0267 between the hours of 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 of being 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, as well as by their friends and families.
Jarvis at the City of Newburgh Warming Center
I love our country, and seeing these new citizens choose to call America 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 NYC. I was grateful to be able to discuss with the attendees the importance of continuing to make our County business-friendly, 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!
Speaking of Presidents Day, did you know that George Washington spent 16 months living in Orange County? From April 1782 to August 1783, General Washington made Newburgh his home. For a great historical site right in our backyard, head to Washington’s Headquarters State Historic Site in the City of Newburgh as well as Washington’s New Windsor Cantonment site. We are so fortunate to have them here, take advantage of them.
And one last thing on George Washington, which was very popular on social media this past week. A few years ago, I attended the George Washington Leadership Institute, where instructors highlighted challenges, he faced and compared them with those of modern times. Check out “Be Washington,” an interactive site to see how you would have responded to problems and situations that George Washington faced.
Here is the link: https://www.mountvernon.org/…/interactive…/be-washington
