08-05-2025
Leadership, Giving, and Growth Shine Across Orange County in April
Commentary
April was full of inspiring events, meaningful connections, and powerful community efforts across Orange County.
From welcoming distinguished leaders like Col. Mark Bieger at our Leadership Speaker Series, to planting trees along Wawayanda Creek, honoring our volunteers, celebrating innovation and manufacturing excellence, as well as supporting wonderful causes like St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, it's been a true testament to the spirit and strength of our country.
I'm proud to highlight just a few of these special moments, and I'm grateful to everyone who continues to step up, give back, and make our community an even better place to live, work, and explore.
As April was National Volunteer Month, I'm proud to recognize the incredible volunteers of the Orange County Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), everyday heroes who make an extraordinary difference in our community. The MRC is made up of people from all walks of life, both medical and non-medical, who respond whenever they're needed most, particularly in emergency situations and at local health events. They are truly the heart of public service. Please join me in thanking these amazing volunteers. If you're looking for a way to give back, they'd love to have you
I had the opportunity to sit down with Col. Mark Bieger (Ret.), who serves as the president of the West Point Association of Graduates, at my most recent Leadership Speaker Series event. He had the whole room enthralled with incredible stories from his more than 28 years of military service, from the battlefield to the Pentagon. His lessons on leadership, duty, and resilience were powerful and truly inspiring.
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My thanks to everyone who came out, and an extra special thanks to Col. Bieger for sharing his amazing journey with us. If you missed it and would like to watch it, it will be available on YouTube shortly. I will provide the link as soon as it's available.
On a beautiful afternoon on April 29, we planted native trees and shrubs along Wawayanda Creek through the Trees for Tribs program. This important project helps keep our water clean, reduces flooding, supports wildlife, and even helps fish by keeping the water cool. Big thanks to everyone who participated, and a special shoutout to the Orange County Land Trust for all they do to protect the land and natural beauty of our county.
I also had a great time speaking at the Council of Industry Manufacturing Champions Awards Breakfast on April 25—my thanks to President Harold King for the invitation and for holding such an important event. As a proud past Manufacturing Champion, I'm always excited to see the amazing work happening here. This event highlights our workforce initiatives and the strong teamwork between industry and education.
Kudos and my appreciation to all the companies who stepped up to support, and to the educators who are shaping the workforce of tomorrow. Thanks to all of you, Orange County's future is looking brighter than ever!
I had a great time celebrating the ribbon cutting for the amazing new additions at Storm King Art Center. Iconic art set against the beautiful rolling hills, it really is a true gem right here in Orange County. I look forward to visiting again. I encourage you to put it on your list of county places to visit, too! Congratulations to everyone at Storm King.
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of Hudson Valley Gives, I joined other local leaders and volunteers for 'Pouring Drinks for a Cause' to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. It was a night full of fun, community spirit, and generosity. It again showed how Orange County always comes together to support those in need. Thank you to everyone who came out and donated!
Congratulations to Damian Brady and the incredible team at the Orange County Office of Assigned Counsel on receiving the prestigious Robert N. Isseks Liberty Bell Award on Law Day. This award, presented by the Women's Bar Association of Orange and Sullivan Counties, recognizes their outstanding commitment to justice, fairness, and protecting the rights of all citizens. We are so proud of this team and grateful for their tireless service to our community.
Finally, if you are a student looking for work this summer, consider a summer internship opportunity with Orange County Government! Applicants must be at least 15 years of age and have completed their sophomore year of high school. Information about the program and an application can be found here:
With parks, trails, and ballfields all bursting with activity, I may just see you around the county!
