Dear Residents & Community Members,

It's a wrap on the unofficial end to Summer as we prepare to welcome September, the beginning of a new school year and all the fun Fall festivities that the season brings. It was another successful season at the Youth Activity Camp (YAC) at Smith's Clove Park where 350 campers enjoyed a variety of daily activities and field trips from July 1st - August 9th. A special thank you to Kristen Sikoryak, Recreation Coordinator, along with the team of dedicated camp counselors and staff who worked tirelessly to ensure an amazing experience for the campers.

Looking ahead, some of our Fall favorites will be returning shortly including the Monroe Cheese Festival on September 14th, Town of Monroe Food Truck Festival on October 19th and the Community Trunk or Treat, date to be determined. Additional details on these events will be shared in the coming weeks.

Looking for something to do in Orange County? Don't forget to check out www.pickocny.com for the most up-to-date information regarding events and local happenings.

Best wishes for a wonderful Labor Day Holiday weekend and a fantastic school year ahead for all of our community's students, teachers and faculty!

Cordially,

Tony Cardone

Supervisor, Town of Monroe

A Summer of Fun at YAC!

A memorial service was held on Wednesday, August 21st at the Monroe Community Cemetery for Tuxedo Park Police Officer Jason D. Conklin, a Monroe-Woodbury graduate, on the 27th anniversary of his line of duty death.

The Orange County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge No. 957 is named in honor of Officer Conklin. Formed shortly after Jason’s tragic death, it has grown to well over 600 members, representing 35 federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. For more information on FOP Lodge No. 957 please visit https://www.foplodge957.org/.

USMC World War II Veteran and Long-time Monroe Resident Honored at American Legion Clambake

County Executive September Leadership Series Welcomes FDNY Retired Deputy Chief Jay Jonas

Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus will host the fourth installment of his Leadership Speaker Series on Wednesday, September 4^th, at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium at the County’s Emergency Services Center, located at 22 Wells Farm Road in Goshen. He will have a one-on-one conversation with retired FDNY Deputy Chief Jay Jonas of Goshen, who will share his harrowing story of rescue and survival during the collapse of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. The program will conclude with a Q&A session.

This event is free and open to all, but registration is required to reserve a seat.

For more information, contact Rebecca Sheehan, Assistant to the County Executive, Director of Public Information and Media Relations, at 845.291.2700 or presscontact@orangecountygov.com.

Making An Impact

Girl Scout Troop #233 Donates Produce Grown in Community Garden to Local Food Pantry

Pictured with members of Girl Scout Troop #233 is Kimberly Gutman, Director of Parish Outreach and Kelly Imhof. Kelly's Girl Scout Gold Award project focused on the creation of the Community Garden.

Members of Girl Scout Troop #233 recently donated fresh produce to the food pantry at the Parish of Sacred Heart and St. Patrick that they grew themselves at the Community Garden located at Monroe Town Hall. The donation was shared with families that receive assistance through the parish's food pantry. We thank Girl Scout Troop #233 for their commitment to making an impact in our community.

For more information on Our Father's Pantry, the parish food pantry, please visit https://shspparish.org/our-fathers-kitchen-food-pantry-1.

Orange County Sheriff’s Office Welcomes K-9 Yoda

Earlier this month, Sheriff Paul Arteta announced the addition of K-9 Yoda to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Yoda is a certified health and wellness service dog from the esteemed organization Puppies Behind Bars. Dogs like Yoda help to provide emotional support and comfort in law enforcement, which contributes to improved psychological well-being and reduced stress. First Sergeant Jeremy Yela, the K-9 Unit supervisor, completed a rigorous two-week training course at Green Haven Correctional Facility at which time he and Yoda were expertly matched by the Puppies Behind Bars staff. Yoda was raised by incarcerated individuals from 8 weeks old and has mastered over 50 commands. To learn more about the Puppies Behind Bars program, please visit www.puppiesbehindbars.com.