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• Orange County News: District Attorney David Hoovler Announces the Fourth Orange County District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby

  “Get Hooked on Fishing, Not Drugs”

  Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, announced the launch of the fourth District Attorney’s Office Youth Fishing Derby. The Derby will run from April 1, 2024 through September 2, 2024 and is open to children between the ages of four and eighteen who are children or grandchildren of Orange County residents.

  The fishing is great in Orange County, so give it a try! In 2015, almost 45,000 fishing licenses were sold in Orange County. That year, of the 62 counties in New York State, only two counties sold more fishing licenses than Orange County. Last year, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation stocked about 38,880 trout in Orange County waters. In addition, the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen stocked trout in waters with public fishing access. There are 86 named lakes in Orange County and hundreds more unnamed lakes and ponds that contain several species of fish of interest to the angler. Orange County also has many miles of rivers and streams to fish as well. The Hudson, Delaware, Neversink, Ramapo, and Wallkill Rivers and several small streams have public access to good fishing. If you do not own a boat, no problem. There is plenty of shore fishing in many state, county, and town parks in Orange County.

  Fish, large and small, call Orange County home. There are large striped bass in the Hudson River during the spring run. The New York State freshwater record striped bass, which weighed 60 pounds, was caught in the Hudson River in Orange County in 2014. Greenwood Lake has muskellunge, walleye, and bass ready to test your skills as an angler. The Wallkill River is loaded with smallmouth bass and rock bass. Try small topwater lures here for exciting action! If you are a novice or first-time angler, Orange County lakes, ponds, and streams are heavily populated with panfish that are easy to catch. Bluegills, pumpkinseeds, yellow perch, bullheads, and crappies are found in almost all the lakes and ponds in the county. Try worms under a bobber using light tackle and do not be surprised if a large bass or pickerel grabs your bait instead! Try Rutgers, Moodna, or Woodbury creeks for trout. Flies, small spinner baits, worms, or salmon eggs are used to catch rainbow and brown trout in those streams.

  Fishing teaches many life lessons, such as patience and how to deal with success and failure. Several U.S. presidents were accomplished fishermen and used fishing to relax from the stress and responsibilities of their office. Participants will also learn to enjoy and respect nature and, by spending more time with family and friends, will alleviate some of the boredom and anxiety caused by the stress in life. It is that boredom and anxiety that has led so many of our young people to turn to drug use or gang activity. Sports and other worthwhile activities can help deter young people from those bad choices. The Derby will encourage our young people to go fishing and enjoy the outdoors and hopefully avoid drug use.

  The Fishing Derby is part of District Attorney Hoovler’s community outreach program. This contest began during COVID-19 and continues to help young anglers make good choices. Participation in fishing skyrocketed with New Yorkers during the COVID-19 crisis, because that activity could be enjoyed at almost any age, in the outdoors with friends and family, while social distancing. The Fishing Derby will encourage the youth of Orange County to participate in an exciting outdoor sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Remember, any fish entered in the Derby, big or small, has an equal chance to win a prize for the contestant.

  CONTEST RULES: Entry into the Youth Fishing Derby is free. All fish entered in the contest must be legally caught from anywhere in New York State. Contestants must adhere to all current New York State fishing regulations. Fresh and saltwater fish are eligible to be entered into the contest. To enter, email a photo of the contestant holding the fish, as well as the child’s first name and an adult contact phone number, to [email protected]. Each angler can enter up to three fish during the contest, to have multiple chances to win. Ten winners will be drawn at random from all entries received during the contest dates. Each angler is limited to one prize package. All photos entered in the Youth Fishing Derby becomes the property of the Derby.

  PRIZE PACKAGE: Each winner will receive an Orange County District Attorney’s Office limited t-shirt and a Mystery Tackle Box Bass Fishing Kit.  Bonus prize: The first winner drawn will also receive a $100 gift card.  Prizes can be picked up at the District Attorney’s Office by the winners in Goshen or will be mailed to them at the conclusion of the contest.

  “I wish good luck to all our young anglers,” said District Attorney Hoovler, “and I hope that you enjoy your time in our great outdoors. Please always remember safety! Wear a life vest when in a boat or near deep water. Be careful with hooks and other fishing tackle. Look where you cast and behind you, to avoid hooking someone by mistake. Remember sunglasses to protect your eyes from both the sun and from hooks that might pop loose from a hooked fish. Remember that good anglers don’t litter, because it hurts our wildlife habitat and can lead to the loss of public access for fishing. Have fun and stay safe, and maybe I’ll see you on the water this year!”

  
  DA Hoovler helping the Orange County Federation of Sportsmen to stock trout

• Orange County News

  District Attorney Hoovler and the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System Announce that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition will have two Information Tables at Freedom Fest to Distribute Veteran Crisis Line Awareness Items, VA benefit information and Other Related Information to Interested Veterans and Their Families.

   

  District Attorney Hoovler joined Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System to create a Coalition to Prevent Veterans from Committing Suicide in November 2021

  District Attorney David M. Hoovler, and both Carl LoFaro and Lenox Okall from the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System announced that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition will put out a table in the lodge and another one in the vendor field during the Orange County fireworks show, Freedom Fest on July 19, 2024, to hand out veteran crisis materials and veteran benefit information. The coalition has already placed over 43,000 suicide prevention materials in over 1,128 businesses and organizations located in and near Orange County, New York.  The coalition hopes to reach even more people with their message at this year’s Freedom Fest. The coalition is also partnering with several other veteran groups and government agencies during Freedom Fest to pass out information on upcoming local veteran events, activities, and benefits.  The Coalition will have information on hand from the Veterans Administration, Mission 22, Hudson Valley Honor Flight, Clear Path For Veterans, Vet Center, DAV, Navy Federal Credit Union, Heroes, Cowboys & Companions, INC. and others. The coalition also wishes to thank Orange County Executive Steven Neuhaus for his assistance to the coalition during this past year. The Orange County Clerk Kelly Eskew will also have applications for the Orange County Veterans Discount Program available at the information table. The Orange County Veterans Service Agency administrated by Christian Farrell will also have handouts about the services they provide to Orange County Veterans.  In addition, the District Attorney’s office will have booklets to pass out on preventing senior citizen fraud and materials on the opioid crisis with a view towards preventing drug use and overdose by our young people.

  The Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition is trying to reach as many veterans and their families as possible with their suicide prevention message.  Since Freedom Fest draws large crowds many of whom are veterans, this event is a great place to meet veterans who might not have seen the materials we have placed out in public already.  Representatives of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System, Clear Path For Vets, Vet Center, DAV, Heroes, Cowboys & Companions and Orange County ADAs will be on site if anyone would like to discuss the information in our handouts or set up a future meeting to speak to a group live about suicide prevention. The coalition has already been to several veteran organizations and sportsmen’s clubs to speak about suicide prevention and are looking to speak to more interested groups in the future.

  “I am proud of the work that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition has done for Orange County veterans and their families and of the strong support that has been provided to the coalition by the citizens and businesses of Orange County” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler.  If you or your organization would like any veteran crisis materials or information about any of the other Veterans groups helping us in Orange County, please stop by our tables. The coalition will be happy to assist you.  You can also contact Mr. Carl LoFaro of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System at [email protected] to get crisis materials sent to you or to set up a live meeting with your organization on this serious subject. Please contact Mr. Lenox Okall of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System at [email protected]  if you need information on VA benefits.  Enjoy Freedom Fest and the fireworks!

• 
  Orange County Mobile DMV Unit at Town Hall, September 9th

  Orange County Mobile DMV Unit at Town Hall, September 9th.

• CANCELED: Orange County Mobile DMV Unit at Town Hall, September 9th

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• ORANGE & ROCKLAND OFFERING ASSISTANCE AS ENERGY MARKET PRICES SURGE 9-9-22

  ORANGE & ROCKLAND OFFERING ASSISTANCE

  AS ENERGY MARKET PRICES SURGE

  Company Reminds Customers of Payment Options, Budget Billing,

  Energy Saving Tips, Energy Efficiency Programs

  PEARL RIVER, NY September 9, 2022, 11:00 a.m. – Orange & Rockland (O&R) is urging customers to take actions now that can help them manage costs this winter as market prices for electricity and natural gas are expected to be substantially higher.

  Though summer is still winding down, Orange & Rockland, recognizing the hardship high bills can impose, is letting customers know what they can expect for energy costs in the winter of 2022-23 and steps they can take to soften the impact.

  The company offers Tips for Lowering Your Energy Bill and a number of Payment Plans and Assistance, including Budget Billing, which smooths customers’ costs out throughout the year. The company encourages customers to check out its energy efficiency incentives for upgrades customers make to their homes. Rebates, Incentives, and Tax Credits

   

  Utility companies and customers across the Northeast are facing similar circumstances. The increases in customers’ bills are mainly due to increases in the market cost of natural gas, which is volatile and influences electric market costs.

  The company currently projects that its average residential natural gas heating customer using an average of 158 ccfs per month will pay $337 a month from November 2022 to March 2023, 44 percent more than the average bill of $234 a year earlier.

  Orange & Rockland buys natural gas and electricity on the wholesale markets and uses a variety of strategies to stabilize pricing for customers. The company does not set supply costs and does not make a profit on the supply.

  Higher natural gas prices also affect the cost of electricity since power generation plants in the region run mainly on natural gas.

  A typical O&R residential customer using 600 kWh a month this winter will pay about $174, a 28.8 percent increase over last winter’s $135 based on current projections.

  The best strategy for Orange & Rockland’s approximately 358,00 NY energy customers is to carefully manage their usage.

  Customers can save money on energy by using these tips:

  • Set your thermostat at the lowest temperature at which you are comfortable and safe. Whether you are using a gas furnace or an electric heat pump, each degree lower decreases heating costs. 
  • Make sure heating vents are not blocked by furniture, carpeting or anything else that could obstruct the flow of heat.
  • Have a qualified contractor clean and inspect your heating system.
  • Insulate hot-water pipes and warm-air ducts that pass through unheated areas. Clean or replace filters for your hot-air furnace and heat-pump.
  • Swap out window shades seasonally. Light-colored window coverings reflect the sun's energy, while darker ones absorb it and release heat.
  • Replace conventional light bulbs with LED bulbs, which are up to 10 times more efficient and are widely available and affordable.

  The company offers help for customers who are struggling with their bills. Orange & Rockland can put customers on Payment Plans and Assistance, so that they can pay off balances over time, rather than all at once.

  Orange & Rockland also is implementing the New York State Electric and Gas Bill Relief Program, which the company helped design and propose. Under that program, residential customers who receive qualifying government assistance will receive a bill credit on their past-due balance for service through May 1, 2022.

   

  If you are enrolled in Orange & Rockland’s Energy Affordability Program or received Emergency Rental Assistance Program or Home Energy Assistance Program-Regular Arrears Supplement benefits, your bill credit will be processed automatically, and you do not need to take any action. In addition, your service will not be suspended for non-payment while your bill credit is being processed.

  Customers who receive benefits from certain government programs may qualify for discounts on their monthly energy bills. Orange & Rockland offers information on these and other Payment Plans and Assistance it has available for customers.

  The company’s information campaign to keep customers informed about winter bills will include press outreach, e-mails, bill inserts, social media postings, conversations with elected officials and other communications.

  Orange & Rockland also notes that energy costs are changing quickly with significant shifts daily. The company will continue to refine its winter pricing forecast. Natural gas supplies are expected to remain tight this winter, and any disruptions from interstate gas transmission providers could further constrain supplies. O&R remains vigilant in its monitoring of operational conditions.

  About Orange & Rockland

  Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R), also a subsidiary of Consolidated Edison, Inc., is a regulated utility. O&R provides electric service to approximately 300,000 customers in southeastern New York State (where its franchise name is Orange & Rockland) and northern New Jersey (where it’s Rockland Electric Company) and natural gas service to approximately 130,000 customers in New York. 

• Orange County News, 7-9-2024

  District Attorney Hoovler and the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System Announce that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition will have an Information Table at the Osborn – Fitzsimmons American Legion Post 521 Car Show to Distribute Veteran Crisis Line Awareness Items, VA benefit information and Other Related Information to Interested Veterans and Their Families.

   

  District Attorney Hoovler joined Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System to create a Coalition to Prevent Veterans from Committing Suicide in November 2021

  District Attorney David M. Hoovler, and both Carl LoFaro and Lenox Okall from the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System announced that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition will put out a veteran information table during the Osborn – Fitzsimmons American Legion Post 521 Car Show on Sunday July 14, 2024, to hand out veteran crisis materials and veteran benefit information. This car show is part of the Official 2024 Connecticut Cruise Ring Event and is free for spectators. The event runs from 9am until 3pm at Veterans Memorial Park located on Bridge Street in Montgomery, New York. The coalition has already placed over 43,000 suicide prevention materials in over 1,128 businesses and organizations located in and near Orange County, New York.  The coalition hopes to reach even more people with their message at this year’s car show.  In addition, the District Attorney’s office will have booklets to pass out on preventing senior citizen fraud and materials on the opioid crisis with a view towards preventing drug use and overdose by our young people.

  The Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition is trying to reach as many veterans and their families as possible with their suicide prevention message.  Since car shows draw large crowds, many of whom are veterans, this event is a great place to meet veterans who might not have seen the materials we have placed out in public already.  Representatives of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System, and an Orange County ADA will be on site if anyone would like to discuss the information in our handouts or set up a future meeting to speak to a group live about suicide prevention. The coalition has already been to several veteran organizations and sportsmen’s clubs to speak about suicide prevention and are looking to speak to more interested groups in the future.

  “I am proud of the work that the Orange County Veteran Suicide Prevention Coalition has done for Orange County veterans and their families and of the strong support that has been provided to the coalition by the citizens and businesses of Orange County including American Legion Post 521 located in Montgomery, New York.” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. Please come out to the show and support the American Legion!  If you or your organization would like any veteran crisis materials or information about any of the other Veterans groups helping us in Orange County, please stop by our table. The coalition will be happy to assist you.  You can also contact Mr. Carl LoFaro of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System at [email protected] to get crisis materials sent to you or to set up a live meeting with your organization on this serious subject. Please contact Mr. Lenox Okall of the Hudson Valley VA Healthcare System at [email protected]  if you need information on VA benefits. Please contact Mark Merring at [email protected] if you would like information on the car show.   Enjoy the American Legion car show!