Around the County With Steve Neuhaus

Hey Orange County! Hopefully, it’s true that April showers bring May flowers – because this month sure 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 lighting up our buildings around the County, it’s a symbol of our commitment to both causes; shining a light on the importance of understanding, support, and protection for our children.

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 have no doubt they have promising futures ahead. As they prepare to head off to college next year, I wish them nothing but the best.

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 all through the year, organizations such as Think Differently and 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 make our community stronger.

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 space 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 Jason’s incredibly inspirational story can be found at www. Burningshield.com.

As we look ahead, I want to highlight a valuable opportunity for job seekers in our community. On Thursday, April 10th, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., the Orange County Career Center will host a Job Fair at SUNY Orange’s Kaplan Hall in Newburgh. With over 20 local employers offering opportunities in a variety of 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 resume and be ready for potential on-site interviews!

Additionally, I’m happy to announce my next Leadership Series event featuring Colonel Mark Bieger from the United States Military Academy at West Point. On Wednesday, April 30th, at 6:00 p.m., Colonel Bieger will speak at the ESC Auditorium in Goshen, sharing his extensive insights from over 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.

• Col. Mark Bieger, Leadership Speaker Series Event Set for April 30^th 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 NYS Department of Environmental Conservation rules for Region 3: https://dec.ny.gov/sites/default/files/2024-03/fishguide.pdf

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!”