Denise Hulse Named November Citizen of the Month

GOSHEN – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has named Denise Hulse as November’s Citizen of the Month Award recipient.

Hulse, a Town of Deerpark resident, was recognized for volunteering with the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County (ADAC) and for her dedication to the Port Jervis community. ADAC is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to address alcoholism and drug addiction through education, prevention and advocacy.

“Denise cares deeply about her work at ADAC and I know that her colleagues are grateful to have her on their team,” Neuhaus said. “Denise is known for her enthusiasm and her work ethic, and her contributions to ADAC as well as a variety of other local organizations is to be commended. She is kind and civic-minded and has had a positive impact on hundreds of people in Orange County.”

Hulse has spent much of the last 10 years volunteering for ADAC as a photographer, while assisting in the coordination of events. She became even more active with ADAC four years ago when her 24-year-old nephew entered rehabilitation for alcohol abuse. He is now in recovery.

Hulse helped organize ADAC’s Red Ribbon Week kickoff event with the County and the Monroe-Woodbury School District last week at the Government Center. Red Ribbon Week serves as an opportunity for people and communities to unite, raise awareness and take a visible stand against drugs. The Red Ribbon Campaign began in response to the 1985 murder of DEA agent Kiki Camarena by drug traffickers in Mexico City.

The tradition of displaying Red Ribbons as symbols of intolerance of the use of drugs continues today. Hulse personally made all 100 tree bows that were displayed outside the Orange County Government Center during Red Ribbon Week and all 2,229 Red Ribbons that were distributed to every employee of Orange County to be worn in recognition of Red Ribbon Week.

In addition, Hulse has volunteered with the Port Jervis and Eldred school districts, designing costumes for the school’s plays and events, and Goodwill Church in Port Jervis. She added that she has volunteered her entire life and was inspired to do so by her parents and her grandfather Jonathan Gould, who delivered for Meals on Wheels in Port Jervis into his 80s. Hulse’s daughter, Rebecca, 21 is a Program Assistant with ADAC.

“I guess it is second nature for me,” Hulse said. “I don’t remember ever not volunteering. I always ask, ‘How can I help?’ If I see a need, I will reach out and do what I can to assist. It’s extremely rewarding to help someone, and I love my work with ADAC. I’m humbled that County Executive has recognized me and ADAC for our work.”