Dear Residents,

Last week, during a time traditionally marked by celebration, we were confronted with horrific acts of violence—from the murder of 15 Jewish people at a Hanukkah celebration in Australia to the killing of two Brown University students in Rhode Island. Other violent incidents received far less media attention, such as a woman in Savannah, Georgia, doused with acid by a stranger, and a tourist stabbed while changing her child’s diaper in the Macy’s Herald Square bathroom—just to name two.    

These events highlight the urgent need for stronger public safety measures including expanded mental health support, greater investment in law enforcement, and an honest assessment of the unintended consequences of the recent criminal justice reform efforts. All levels of government must come together to confront this national crisis and deliver a clear, unified message: violence of any kind will not be tolerated.  

This will be my final newsletter of 2025, as Town Hall will be closed next Thursday and Friday, December 25th and 26th.

The annual Town Reorganization Meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. This meeting marks the start of a new year in town government and includes the swearing-in of elected officials, accompanied by a bit of pomp and circumstance fitting the occasion. The 2026 Town Board Meeting schedule has been posted and can be found HERE.

Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah to those who celebrate. Wishing you and your families a safe and joyful holiday season!  

Regards,

Teresa M. Kenny

Town Supervisor

Town of Orangetown

26 Orangeburg Road

Orangeburg, New York 10962

(845) 359-5100 x 2293

IMPORTANT NEWS

"Rich in History"

Camp Shanks Museum Hours

• Saturday, January 17, 2026, 11 am - 3 pm
• Available for private tours. Please call (845) 304-6809

For all future Town Board meetings, please click here.

Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick Annual Christmas Party

Supervisor Kenny attended the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick’s Christmas Party at the Pearl River Hilton. She was pleased to congratulate John McGowan, former Assemblyman and former County Legislator, on being named the next President of the Friendly Sons.

STAC's 2025 Winter Wonderland Family Festival Event Staff

A member of Supervisor Kenny’s staff presented certificates to Professor Angela McDonnell’s Hospitality Class in recognition of the wonderful job they did hosting their 5th annual Winter Wonderland Family Festival. Students enrolled in the college’s Hospitality Management Program learn event planning by working alongside Professor McDonnell to prepare, set up, and execute this large-scale community event.

Enjoy your retirement Supervisor Jim Monaghan!

Supervisor Kenny enjoyed lunch with the other town supervisors at Reilly’s Public House in Piermont. While business matters were discussed, they took time to wish Supervisor Jim Monaghan the very best in his retirement and to welcome Amy Conklin-Stamm. On January 1, 2026, Amy will become the second elected female Town Supervisor in Rockland County history. 

2025 Pearl River Community Menorah Lighting

Supervisor Kenny, Rabbi Pernick, and members of the community joined Rabbi Ehrenreich to celebrate the second night of Hanukkah in Pearl River. Delicious treats and festive music provided by Chabad of the Nyacks brought warmth and holiday cheer to a cold evening. Happy Hanukkah!

With cold winter conditions ever present and the temperatures fluctuating above and below freezing, we have to be prepared for black ice. Black ice can form so quickly and is so camouflaged on the road that Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials call it one of the deadliest of all winter driving hazards.

Here's what to watch out for:

• Pavement that looks dark, wet or like new asphalt.
• Low-lying areas that may have standing water or run off from nearby melting snow banks or puddles.
• Bridges and Underpasses.
• Any road areas which are shaded from the sun.
• Any time the temperature is below 40 degrees F.
• Vehicles that have slid off the road under any of the above conditions.

Here are some things you can do:

• First of all understand that not all cars respond the same to icy, slippery roads. For that reason, knowing how to handle your vehicle and how it responds in various weather conditions is important. AAA recommends that motorists practice slow-speed maneuvers on an empty snow or ice covered parking lot. You should also look through your owner's manual and familiarize yourself with your vehicle's braking system and other features.
• Wear safety belts every time you get into a vehicle. Be sure all children and passengers are secured in proper restraints, too.
• SLOW DOWN! - posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. Allow more time to travel. Resist the temptation to drive faster. Allow extra time not only for the reduced speeds, but for potential problems on the road.
• When the roads are wet or look wet, watch the vehicle in front of you. If it is not leaving tracks or its wheels are not "throwing" water, it is probably black ice and not just wet
• Look well ahead to compensate for the greater distances required when driving on slippery surfaces, focus your attention as far ahead as possible-at least 20 to 30 seconds.
• Drive with your head lights on. This will turn on your tail lights and allow others to see you almost twice as far away. Being visible will give others time to avoid hitting you.
• Be especially leery when driving your car into shaded areas and slow your vehicle down when you encounter such areas.
• Avoid driving while fatigued.
• Maintain more space. Increase your margin of safety. Don't tailgate! Maintain a minimum of 8 to 10 seconds in following distance.
• Anticipate problems. On slick surfaces, any abrupt maneuver will increase the probability of losing vehicle control. Skids can best be avoided by anticipating lane changes, turns and curves, slowing down in advance, and by making smooth, precise movements of the steering wheel.
• Use chains in deep snow and on icy surfaces. Check state and local laws before installing chains, and drive at slower speeds to avoid damage to the tires and vehicle.
• Do not use cruise control. Winter driving requires you to be in full control.
• Steer with smooth and precise movements. Changing lanes too quickly and jerky steering while braking or accelerating can cause skidding.

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