“Training our first responders on how to effectively interact and respond to an emergency involving a person with autism is an important component to our mission of enhancing the safety of all Orange County residents,” said Frank Cassanite, Deputy Commissioner Orange County Division of EMS.

People with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are seven times more likely to have a 911 encounter than a typical person.  The number of responses is increasing at an alarming rate nationwide.  These calls can be high risk for the responder and for a person with autism due to a lack of understanding about a person with ASD.

The forum will provide first responders with an overview of ASD, including specifics such as growth rates, theories, common characteristics, effective communication methods, behavioral symptoms, sensory issues, and practical skills on how to respond to an emergency involving a person with autism.

CME credits will be given for attendance.  Reserve a seat by contacting the OC Division of EMS at (845) 615-0466.  Refreshments will be served.

The Orange County Emergency Services Center is located at 22 Wells Farms Road, Goshen, N.Y.  For more information, please visit www.orangecountygov.com

For more information visit http://waterauthority.orangecountygov.com or contact OCWA at (845) 615-3868 or ecruz@orangecountygov.com

On May 17, 2013, 21 year old Daquan Nugent was found stabbed in the area of City Terrace and Third Street. Nugent was taken to St Luke’s Cornwall Hospital where he died of his injuries. Police arrested 32 year old Steven Hamilton a week later in the parking lot of the Washingtonville Stop & Shop.

The 11 count indictment includes 2 counts of 2nd Degree Murder and 1st and 3rd Degree Attempted Robbery, as well as other crimes.

One murder count charges Hamilton with intentionally causing the death of Nugent and the second alleges that he killed Nugent during the commission of the Attempted Robbery.

Hamilton is also charged with 1st Degree Roobbery for an unrelated armed robbery of another individual committed on April 1, 2013 in the City of Newburgh.

Hamilton faces up to 25 years to life on the murder charge. He remains in Orange County Jail without bail. He is expected to be arraigned next week.

City of Newburgh Detectives were assisted in the investigation by New York State Police Troop F and the Orange County DA’s Office.

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) will host workshops on how to sell to the government on Wednesday, June 12 and Friday, June 21 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Orange County Business Accelerator in New Windsor. Registration each day will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Topics for June 12 will be: “Understanding Solicitations: Demystifying the Document” and “Teaming for Success: Strategic Alliances Can Mean Big Bucks.” Topics for June 21 will be: “Who’s Buying What You’re Selling? Find out how to Locate Your Prime Government Contractors and Opportunities that Do Not Go to Bid,” “You Have an Appointment with a Government Contractor: Now What?” and “Stay-in-Touch Campaign: Why It Reaps Results; How to Create One.”

Admission is $15 at the door for each session or $10 for those who pre-register at www.orangeny.com. For more information, call 845-457-9700.

More than 400 guests were on hand to celebrate the accomplishments of more than 70 youth, as well as 30 adults and organizations that support our youth. Guests and honorees represented 19 schools, 16 not-for-profit agencies, seven local businesses, and eight County departments. Generous support from the sponsors helps make the event a reality year after year. We couldn’t have done it without assistance from Hannaford Supermarkets, Crystal Run Healthcare, Orange Classic 10K, Healthy Orange, E. Tetz & Sons, and Orange & Rockland.

We were so fortunate to have not one, but two, Youth Bureau directors on hand for the luncheon. It was a great surprise to have good friend and retired Youth Bureau director Carol Chichester join us for lunch. Carol laid the foundation for a first-rate organization and built an outstanding Youth Bureau team that kept things moving along in the right direction when she retired. Picking up where Carol left off is her successor Rachel Wilson who ably and enthusiastically took over the helm as Youth Bureau director and continues the great work on behalf of the young people of Orange County.

The young people who received awards at the luncheon were honored for their hard work and commitment to going above and beyond in order to inspire others. Some displayed amazing strength in the face of challenges and adversity. Some touched the lives of others serving as role models and support to peers, while others have influenced positive changes that have led to success. Some of the young people were recognized for volunteerism and service in their community. All were recognized for leadership, dedication, and motivation. These students are the future of our County and together they are making Orange County a better place for people of all ages.

While the annual celebration is primarily about our youth, I would be remiss if I did not also recognize the hard work and dedication of the youth workers, school-based professionals, local businesses, and County employees that support our young people. Their commitment touches lives and makes a difference.

Congratulations to all of the 2013 Orange County Youth Bureau award winners! Keep up the great work.

I was a teacher in the Minisink District for more than 30 years and I know the excitement, as well as the stress, that comes with this time of year for students, teachers, administrators, and parents alike. So much is going on – proms, finals, graduations, parties. As the school year comes to a close, I encourage students to study hard, do well on finals, and, most importantly, to make smart choices. Education is critical to a young person’s future. It opens doors and provides a foundation for continued success.

As our students celebrate the end of another school year, I urge them to be safe and be smart so that they may enjoy a great summer and a bright future.

For information about the Orange County Youth Bureau, visit them on the County website at www.orangecountygov.com.

Until next week, wishing you health and happiness,

Edward A. Diana
County Executive

Orange County is currently in a FLASH FLOOD WATCH, which indicates flash flooding or flooding is possible within the designated watch area.  When a watch is issued, be alert and ready to take action.

“Nearly all flood related fatalities are a result of drivers driving through flooded roads,” said County Executive Diana.  “Saving a few minutes is not worth risking your life.  Please, turn around, don’t drown.”

Emergency Services Commissioner Walter C. Koury said, “Although the rain forecasted for this storm may not create widespread flooding, residents should exercise caution on their return commute home this evening.”

“Those who live in flood prone areas of the County should be closely monitoring water levels and weather reports,” said Deputy Commissioner Division of Emergency Management Seamus K. Leary.

The Orange County Division of Emergency Management is monitoring the situation in the County’s Emergency Operation Center (EOC) in Goshen, which is open on a limited basis.

Please visit the Orange County Emergency Management Facebook page for updated information.

Participation is free for Orange County residents, although proof of residency is required at the time of disposal.

“Appropriate disposal of hazardous household waste and outdated or unused medications makes our homes and our County safer for all who live and visit here,” said County Executive Diana. “I encourage Orange County residents, especially those with children at home, to take advantage of this free collection service.”

Farms, schools, small businesses and governmental agencies must pre-register at (845) 291-2664 to bring their hazardous waste materials to the collection site on Friday, June 7.

“Orange County’s household hazardous waste collection events throughout the year provide residents with a convenient and cost-effective way to protect the environment and their families by properly disposing of household waste that should not go into regular trash pick-up or disposal,” said Deputy Commissioner Hammond. “This special event is in addition to the regular waste disposal service we offer six days a week at Orange County’s three transfer stations.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office will be on hand for Operation Safe Scripts to accept any expired or unwanted pharmaceuticals, both prescription and over- the-counter.

For more information on hazardous waste disposal and for a complete list of both acceptable and unacceptable items or other questions, please call (845) 291-2664 or visit www.orangecountygov.com/efs. Please note that no electronics will be accepted at this collection event.

Participants enjoyed a full day of activities starting off with a one mile walk at the park and finishing up with a healthy lunch provided courtesy of ShopRite Supermarkets. In between they had the opportunity to use the park’s fitness trail, participate in a Silver Sneakers exercise class courtesy of Bare Fitness in Goshen, enjoy a healthy cooking demonstration by Stefanie Hubert of Cornell Cooperative Extension, and talk to the many other sponsors and vendors who were on hand to offer useful information, health screenings, and more. Kudos to the entire Office for the Aging staff for putting together a fun and informative day for our seniors so that they could get outside, spend time with friends, and even make new ones.
A good time was had by all!

This week it was my pleasure to attend the Orange County BOCES Career and Technical Education Center’s (CTEC) annual partnership breakfast. If you’re not familiar with CTEC, it is a great educational opportunity available to high school students here in the County that offers both college and career preparation and skills. It’s also a wonderful collaboration between BOCES and the many business and industry partners who provide the students with real-world, hands-on job experience. CTEC offers students 39 different programs in 12 career academies which include business computers, construction, culinary, education, health, visual arts, engineering, and more.

At the breakfast, results of the 2012 CTEC graduate survey were reported. Last year, 669 students completed the CTEC program. A remarkable 70% of those students responded to the survey and of those nearly 62% reported that they’d gone on to full-time post-secondary education, another 26% were employed, and 3% joined the military. Those are fantastic results of which the CTEC educators, administrators, and students can be very, very proud.

I was surprised to see my name on the partnership breakfast program that morning for a special recognition from CTEC Director Jodie Yankanin. I was touched when Ms. Yankanin presented me with a plaque of appreciation recognizing my support of the CTEC program, and I was deeply humbled when she announced that CTEC would be creating a scholarship award in my honor. My roots are in education, so this means a great deal to me. I spent 30+ years teaching and coaching in the Minisink Valley School District and that commitment to education has carried through with me to my career as an elected official.

Education is the key to our young people’s futures. It opens doors and provides opportunities. We are fortunate to have a great many institutions of learning here in Orange County, and I encourage residents of all ages to take advantage of the many educational options. Remember, you’re never too old to learn.

To all of the class of 2013 graduates – congratulations and best wishes for a bright and successful future!

Until next week, wishing you health and happiness,

Edward A. Diana
County Executive

Former Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Named to Top Spot

Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana named Eli N. Avila, MD, JD, MPH, FCLM as the new Orange County Commissioner of Health upon the retirement of Dr. Jean M. Hudson today. Dr. Hudson was appointed Health Commissioner by Diana in 2003.

Dr. Avila currently serves as the Executive Health Policy and Strategy Advisor for Hamptons Health Society, a Long Island-based think tank committed to improving health care. Prior to that, he served as Secretary of Health for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Chief Deputy Commissioner of Health and Director of Public Health for Suffolk County, NY.

“As Commissioner of Health, Dr. Hudson has done an outstanding job serving the public health needs of the people of Orange County. We wish her well in retirement,” said County Executive Diana. “In her successor, Dr. Avila, we believe we have found a highly trained and experienced public health professional who will continue to build and grow our dedicated health department team and the programs they have established and support. It’s my pleasure to welcome Dr. Avila to Orange County,” continued the County Executive.

Dr. Avila received his Bachelors of Science (BS) and Medical (MD) degrees from Brown University and Brown University School of Medicine, respectively. He graduated cum laude from St. John’s University School of Law with a Juris Doctor (JD) and received his Master of Public Health (MPH) from Mount Sinai School of Medicine – New York University. Dr. Avila trained in internal medicine at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn and in ophthalmology at Bronx Lebanon Medical Center in the South Bronx. He has been recognized in the Who’s Who of Hispanic Americans each year since 1994.

Dr. Avila and his family will be relocating to Orange County from New York State’s Capital District.

Dr. Avila’s appointment was approved by the New York State Department of Health and is pending Legislative approval. His start date is June 1.

Dee Dee Riggs, 42, of 512 Church St. in Honesdale, was arrested by Honesdale Police today and is currently being held in Wayne County Jail as a fugitive from justice. Extradition proceedings will take place next week and Riggs could be back in Orange County custody as early as next Friday.

Riggs is accused of owing over $ 325,000.00 in child support to The Orange County Department of Social Services.

She fled New York 5 years ago to avoid prosecution in Orange County.

Riggs was located by a newly formed task force specifically designed to apprehend individuals accused of failing to pay child support.

The task force is a joint initiative between the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, the Orange County Support Collection Unit, The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations.

Tom F. O’Donnell, Special Agent in Charge of the New York Office of HHS/OIG said, “For too long, Ms. Riggs has ignored the financial responsibilities that come with being a parent. HHS/OIG/OI will work with our local and federal law enforcement partners to make sure that court ordered child support is enforced. We owe it to the children to make sure these payments are made.”

Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois states “This crime is particularly sad in that it effects the lives of innocent children. My office remains committed to providing resources to initiatives of this type and this arrest is a result of that joint cooperation.”