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September 13, 2024

Dear Residents -

 

On Wednesday, I was honored to speak at the Tappan Fire Department 9/11 Memorial Service, and share with you here a copy of my remarks:      

 

I want to thank the Tappan Fire Department for hosting this ceremony, and all of you for being here this morning. This is my 5th year as Town Supervisor speaking at a 9-11 ceremony and I think it is so important for us to come together every year, as a community, to honor those who lost their lives as the result of the 9-11 attacks; to show support for those who are currently fighting a 9-11 illness; and to live up to our collective promise to never forget.

 

However, for me, this year’s anniversary has taken on a new significance – one born out of what is happening around our country right now. Watching American flags being burned, historic monuments and statues being destroyed, and Americans harassing other Americans because of their religion or political beliefs. 

 

It makes me think about how we all came together as Americans in the days and weeks following the attacks; it was a silver lining in what was an otherwise painful, tragic time in our history. 

 

But following the attacks, we showed love and support for one another and the families of the victims; we held candlelight vigils and prayed together; and we proudly flew our American flags – so much so that stores ran out of them.

 

So how can it be that only 23 years later we are seeing American flags being burned on college campuses? Worse yet, it is often being done in support of a terrorist organization that is no different than the one that attacked us on 9-11.

 

Make no mistake, on this 9-11 anniversary, that there are outside sources responsible for this. Those looking to take away our freedoms, destroy our American values and the way of life that we treasure so much. We are, once again, under attack – and while it may be a different kind of attack, it is just as real and as consequential.

 

The goal is to divide us and sow hate – Republican versus Democrat, Christian versus Jew, black versus white, I could go on and on.

 

So, the question is, how do we get back to post 9-11, when the song “Proud to be an American” was played everywhere because it captured America’s feeling after the attacks?

 

I don’t know the answer but, to start, we need to reject the division that is being thrust upon us; we need to come together as Americans; we need to again get out our American flags and fly them even higher; we need to send a message loud and clear to those looking to destroy our way of life that we will not let them.



Let’s make it another legacy of 9-11, that we will always be a country that is One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

 

On this day, I always want to thank our police officers, firefighters, EMTs and all first responders for the work they do every day. To those who are here this morning, thank you! You are very much appreciated.

 

And, on that note, may God Bless America and please remember to fly that American flag high and proud. 

 

Regards,

Teresa M. Kenny

Town Supervisor

Town of Orangetown

26 Orangeburg Road

Orangeburg, New York 10962

(845) 359-5100 x 2293

Town of Orangetown

IMPORTANT NEWS

"Rich in History"

Camp Shanks Museum Hours


To be announced



September 24 - Public Hearing:


  • Proposed zone change for 676 and 680 Western Highway and the north end of Ellsworth Drive, Blauvelt



October 8 - Public Hearing:


  • Proposed local law amending Chapter 1 entitled "Code of Ethics"

For all future Town Board meetings, please click here.

Tappan Fire Department September 11th Ceremony

Orangetown PBA September 11th Ceremony

Orangetown Police Department

Bicycle Helmets Save Lives


In New York State in 2022, there were 7,523 bicycle crashes and 50 fatalities. In more than half of these crashes, the bicyclist was not wearing a helmet. Twenty-eight of those bicyclists who were killed were not wearing proper headgear.

Stay Safe by Choosing and Wearing Helmets Safely:

  • Pair the activity to the helmet. Different activities can result in different impacts to your head. Use a helmet that fits the activity, so if an accident occurs, you are better protected.
  • Make sure it fits. Bike helmets should have a snug but comfortable fit on the rider's head. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration also has a guide on properly fitting bicycle helmets, helmet certifications and laws and more.
  • Buckle up! A helmet only works when it is worn properly for the duration of an activity. Make sure your helmet has a chin strap and buckle that lays flat and stays fastened. Wear your helmet level on your forehead, not tilted back.
  • Wear helmets that conform to regulations. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) oversees standards for helmets used for many activities, including bike riding. When buying a bicycle helmet, look for a label that says it is certified by the CPSC or meets CPSC safety standards. Don’t add anything to the helmet, such as stickers, coverings or other attachments that didn’t come with the helmet upon purchase. These could affect the helmet’s performance.
  • After a crash or injury, replace. Once a helmet protects a person from a fall, it should no longer be used. Any damage to a helmet can reduce its effectiveness. Replace it before the next ride.
  • Replace your helmet when needed. You should follow the manufacturer’s guide for when to replace your helmet. If no guidance is provided, helmets should generally be replaced within 5-10 years of purchase if properly cared for and stored. If there are cracks in the shell, worn foam lining or other such imperfections that may occur during regular use, you should consider

https://dos.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-nydos-division-consumer-protection-reminds-new-yorkers-wear-their-bike-helmets

Upcoming Events

Here is what's happening at the Pearl River Farmers Market this Saturday, 9/14 (10am - 2pm) in the Central Avenue Field.

  • Welcome new vendor Homespun Chili featuring a variety of chilis including their rustic and hearty Shepherd Pie version.
  • Congratulations to Liquid Fables, winner of Hudson Valley Magazine's 2024 "Best Canned Cocktail."
  • Copper Faucet Soap Co. returns with their Fall line of soaps, candles, and diffusers.
  • Also returning to the market this week: Sitsirya (Filipino inspired desserts), SOVA Farm and The Family Pet (Rockland's newest pet store).

For a complete list of this week's vendors, please click here.

Rockland County Events:


To find more events in Orangetown and around Rockland County click here.

Pearl River Farmers Market - EVERY Saturday through to Saturday, November 23, 2024. Awesome vendors every weekend.

Missed Highway's update for this past week? Wondered what they said in past issues? Please click here and stay up to date with what is going on in the Orangetown Highway Department.