Home-GWL

January 20, 2026

Winter Notes from Around the Village

As we move through the winter season, there are several important initiatives, events, and milestones I’d like to share with the Greenwood Lake community.

First, I want to highlight a critical public health effort being led by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus in partnership with the Orange County Department of Mental Health. In 2026, the County will host monthly Opioid Overdose Response Trainings designed to give residents the tools and confidence to save lives. Participants will learn how opioids affect the body, current overdose trends in Orange County, how to recognize the signs of an opioid overdose, and how to respond using NARCAN nasal spray. These training courses are open to the public, and every participant will receive a free NARCAN kit. Trainings are typically held from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at 30 Harriman Drive in Goshen. Residents are encouraged to check the Orange County website for specific dates, times, and updates.

Sunday, February 15 (rescheduled from Jan 25) will see a presentation from the newly formed Greenwood Lake Historical Society on the History of Windermere Ave., presented by Joey Savale at the Library on Waterstone Road, from 1-2PM. All are welcome and invited to become a member of this important organization dedicated to preserving and sharing information about our community’s unique history.

On the topic of community engagement, the Town of Warwick Transportation Safety Action Plan Town-wide Public Meeting will take place on Thursday, January 29, at Warwick Town Hall. This meeting is an opportunity for residents from across the Town—including Greenwood Lake—to learn about the Transportation Safety Action Plan and to provide input that will help shape safer streets for everyone. I encourage residents to attend and share their perspective.

Here in Greenwood Lake, we’re excited to continue our Community Ice Skate Share Program, which promotes winter fun, reuse, and safety. Residents may donate gently used hockey or figure skates by placing them in the drop-off bins outside the Greenwood Lake Community Center on Waterstone Road. Community members are welcome to pick up a free pair of skates to use and are asked to return the skates after each use so others can enjoy them as well. This program also serves as a reminder to always prioritize ice safety when enjoying the lake in winter. In addition, I want to recognize the separate efforts of GWL Skatepark Corp., which continues working toward the creation of a permanent skateboarding facility in our community.

Please also mark your calendar for the Greenwood Lake Weed and Geese Workshop on February 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., to be held at the Senior Center. This educational workshop will provide helpful information for residents interested in lake health and wildlife management.

Finally, I want to extend sincere congratulations to Mount Peter Ski Area as it celebrates its 90th Anniversary during the 2025–2026 winter season. Many Greenwood Lake residents grew up skiing or working there, and Mount Peter has long been a valued and supportive neighbor to our community. The anniversary celebration will culminate with a major event on Saturday, January 31, 2026, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and tributes to its long history. Throughout the season, Mount Peter will also be sharing throwback memories and historical
highlights honoring generations of snow lovers.

Greenwood Lake is a special place because people show up for one another, whether it’s at a meeting, a workshop, or just saying hello on the street. Thanks for being part of what makes this community strong. I hope to see you out and about as we move through the winter season.

See you around town,

– Mayor Tom Howley