March 9, 2026
From Shamrocks to the Ballot Box
As we move further into March, there is plenty happening around the village and throughout Orange County, and I would like to take a moment to share some upcoming events and important dates with our residents.
First, I want to wish everyone a very happy St. Patrick’s Day. This is always a festive time of year throughout our region, and many of our residents enjoy celebrating Irish heritage and traditions with family, friends, and neighbors. One of the highlights of the season is the Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Parade, which will celebrate its 49th year on Sunday, March 15, 2026, beginning at 2:00 PM in Goshen. The parade is one of Orange County’s great traditions, featuring marching bands, community organizations, and local groups, and it is always a wonderful day for families from across the county.
I would also like to highlight the upcoming Orange County Senior Games. The Senior Games are a terrific program that encourages active and healthy lifestyles for residents ages 50 and older. Participants can compete in a variety of events including track and field, swimming, pickleball, bowling, golf, shuffleboard, cornhole, and more. The games are designed for all ability levels and provide a great opportunity for seniors to stay active, meet new people, and represent their communities in a friendly and supportive environment. Many of the events take place at locations throughout Orange County, New York, and residents who participate often say it’s just as much about camaraderie and fun as it is about competition.
Please also remember that Village Elections will take place on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Greenwood Lake Senior Center. This year, voters will be selecting two Village Trustee positions, making it an important opportunity for residents to help shape the leadership and future direction of our community. Voting is one of the most important ways residents can participate in local government, and I encourage everyone who is eligible to come out and cast their vote.
Looking ahead to the coming weeks, the Greenwood Lake Police Benevolent Association will once again host its annual PBA Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 4, 2026. This event has become a favorite spring tradition for many families in the village, and we thank our PBA members for continuing to organize this fun event for the children of our community each year.
Village business will also continue this week with our first budget workshop scheduled for Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Village Courthouse. The workshop will take place prior to three scheduled public hearings and the regular Village Board meeting, which will begin at 6:00 PM.
- The public hearings will cover several important matters for the village, including a proposed local law authorizing a property tax levy limit in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-C.
- The board will also consider a proposed 90-day moratorium on the issuance of commercial door-to-door soliciting permits while the village reviews possible amendments to Chapter 76 of the Village Code regarding peddling and solicitation.
- In addition, there will be a public hearing to consider amendments to Chapter 76 of the Village Code (Peddling and Soliciting; Sales).
As always, residents are welcome to attend Village Board meetings and stay informed about local government activities.
With spring just around the corner and many community events coming up, it’s a great time to get involved and stay connected with your neighbors. Wishing everyone a wonderful week and an early Happy St. Patrick’s Day.
See you around town,
– Mayor Tom Howley
