March 17, 2022

 

Mayor’s Message (St. Paddy’s Day Edition):

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

Let me begin by wishing everyone a safe and healthy St. Patrick’s Day. With a surname like Gagliano, no doubt of my Sicilian heritage. But, my DNA results acknowledge my 10% Irish ancestry – and with that, I wish all, Sláinte (“Health” in Irish and Scottish Gaelic).

Would also like to extend congratulations to Deputy Mayor James P. Kane and Trustee Richard Gaillard. Both return to the Village Board after Tuesday’s election: Kane for his seventh 2-year term and Gaillard for his second. Welcome back. Now, let’s get to work.

SPOTLIGHT: The Village Building Department and its new Code Enforcement Officer, Manny A. Carmona [see attached photo of Manny, along with Planning Board Secretary, Meagan Gschwind]. Manny joins us following retirement from the United States Air Force and the Building Department in Spring Valley (Rockland County), New York. He now works full-time for the Village of Nyack, New York, and part-time for Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. He is husband and father of three boys. His recreational pursuits include dancing, sports, motorcycles, family trips and “get-togethers.”

Mission of the COH Building Department is to “protect the lives and safety of the residents and visitors of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, while preserving the quality of life, and contributing to economic development.” Manny wishes to remind the community that he is available to answer questions about fire safety, construction projects, property maintenance, and complaints via office phone: (845) 534-7656, Fax: (845) 534-7607, and email address: [email protected].

REMINDER: Please be patient with our Department of Public Works. This winter has seen temperature fluctuations [freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw] that have done an absolute number on our Village roadways. We are in the process of cleaning up curb debris and cold-patching the most dangerous potholes. Route 218 (Hudson Street) is a State road. While it remains NYS’s responsibility, we do contribute to its continued maintenance. This roadway is scheduled to be repaved this Fall. Promise you – we’re tending to the potholes.

On behalf of the Village Board, stay safe and healthy, all.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

March 10, 2022

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

Noted American novelist and Nobel laureate, William Faulkner, in “Requiem for a Nun” famously penned the line – “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” The quote has been applied in various forms across the literary and political worlds since “Nun” published in 1951 – most recently by then-presidential candidate, Barack Obama, in 2008. History can certainly haunt us, but it also serves to guide and instruct; as in how can we know where we are headed without understanding where we have been? While buildings and properties are inanimate objects, they can also possess a “soul” of sorts.

And so, as we close in on (hopefully) the end of Winter and look towards Spring, important to share that we will continue to be stalwart caretakers and good stewards of all Village properties. If you happen to detect something overlooked on Village-owned property, please reach out to the mayor’s office: (845) 534-4200 (x311) and let us know. Across the past year, we have spent considerable time and focus on renovations, clean-ups, and cosmetic face-lifts. And while the recent purchase of some 47 acres at the old Donahue Farm property comes with challenges, it also affords us abundant opportunities. Interested in sharing your opinion for its future use? Please visit the Donahue committee’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/donahuefarmCOH/?ref=py_c

We are also performing some remediation and renovations at several Village facilities. Keep an eye open for some beautification efforts at the old Water Department municipal facility on Maple Avenue when Spring arrives. And look for the daffodils that should soon bloom along Hudson Street (Thank you, Mrs. Barbara Gosda) and provide additional splendor in and around Village Hall at 325 Hudson Street. Speaking of Village Hall …

(Photo One): Black and White image of how the future Village Hall appeared when it was a Ford car dealership in 1949.

 

(Photo Two): Color image of same building in 1962 when a Mobil gas station was added to the dealership. Check out those gas prices – 28.9 cents and 32.9 cents per gallon.

Building eventually became a bank before the Village took possession during early 90’s.

REMINDER: Please do not park along Village streets in advance of expected snowfalls.

On behalf of the Village Board, stay safe and healthy, all.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

February 25, 2022

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

This one is LONG overdue. This morning, Old Man Winter’s stubborn refusal to depart the region in a timely fashion, and on good terms, made me realize how truly blessed we are to have such a dedicated and committed Village Department of Public Works. I pledge to do a better job publicly acknowledging and highlighting our amazing workforce more frequently. Next editions will spotlight the Water Department and the Police Department.

For this DPW, Highway, and Sanitation Departments’ edition, how about these guys?

Photo One: (L-R) Casey Brown, Superintendent Dave Halvorsen, and Andrew Poalla after the Village Hall parking lot was plowed and treated this morning (repeatedly).

Photo Two: They balked at my camera-happy posture after plowing and treating our Village streets since 3:30 a.m., but I corralled them at the DPW Building. From left to right, Andy Stathes, Wayne Yeoman, Tommy Lyons, Pat Conley, and Eric Vandemark.

Photo Three: I asked the DPW to refinish, renovate, refurbish, and bring back to life a more than 100-year-old work session table that is in all likelihood the OLDEST piece of furniture in existence in Village government. Handcrafted in Indianapolis around the turn of the century, it was in sore need of repair and a tiny bit of TLC. These guys nailed it. Expert craftsmen, all. Left to right, Pat Cody, Luis “Sweet Lou” De la Cruz, and Pat Conley. Museum-quality piece now. We know that this table served as the mayor’s “desk” and conveyance for board meetings when it existed at the old Village Hall at 3 River Avenue (currently Pepettini Restaurant) until the early 1990s. It is a Village treasure.

Thank you, Village Department of Public Works. We all truly appreciate your work. 

On behalf of a truly grateful Village Board and community,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

February 16, 2022

 

SPECIAL NOTICE: In Memoriam Charles P. Obremski

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

It with heavy heart that I report to you the passing of the Village’s 24^th mayor, Charles P. Obremski on Monday, February 14, 2022. The following is the family’s posted obituary on the Quigley-Sullivan funeral home site:

Charles P. Obremski was born on September 11, 1946 in Passaic, New Jersey to Charles J. and Anna (Tichansky) Obremski. He died on February 14, 2022 in Newburgh, New York. Charlie is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy (Howell); his sons: Gregory and Christian (Alexandra); his grandchildren: Anna, John, Elisabeth, and Maria; and by his sister Maryann.

Charlie was a graduate of Boston University and New York University School of Law. He maintained a law practice in Cornwall, New York for nearly 50 years. He was a retired Army Major with the New Jersey National Guard and served as a Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson Auxiliary Police Officer. He was also Mayor of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson from 1977-1979. Charlie was a patriot who loved the Constitution and the rights afforded therein. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and colleagues.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 18th from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Quigley-Sullivan Funeral Home, 337 Hudson Street, Cornwall-On-Hudson, NY. Based on new CDC guidelines adopted by NYS, fully vaccinated individuals do not need to wear masks or be socially distanced, but unvaccinated individuals must continue to wear masks and be socially distanced in the funeral home. Burial will be private. End.

I have directed all four Village flags to be lowered to half-mast position through this weekend. Black mourning bunting supplied by Storm King Engine Company #2 has been applied to two sides of Village Hall to honor our former mayor. Was privileged and honored to meet with Mayor Obremski when the Village hosted a former mayors’ summit in May of last year at Village Hall. The attached photograph is from that event and also depicts former Cornwall-on-Hudson mayor, Edward C. Moulton, Jr. and former Town supervisor and Village trustee, Richard Randazzo, as the three share a laugh.

On behalf of the Village Board, we wish Godspeed to Mayor Obremski and pray his family finds peace, comfort, and solace in his legacy of service to our nation, and this Village, and realizes just how much this somber news has impacted our community.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

December 29, 2021

 

SPECIAL NEW YEAR’s EVE NOTICE

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

Yes, Virginia, there WILL be a 2022 Times Square-like ball drop this year in the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. Village’s Special Events Committee is pleased to announce they are planning both an in-person celebration and livestream viewing option for those who cannot attend or choose not to. Livestream, via YouTube, can be accessed using below link on New Year’s Eve, December 31, 2021, beginning around 11pm:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcGsBtKV4CQ

There will be music provided and a hard-stop at 12:30 a.m. to respect our neighbors.

Looking forward to seeing everyone in person or virtually.

On behalf of the Village Board,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

November 23, 2021

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

As we head into the Holiday Season, and on behalf of our Village Board, and all of our staff and employees, I’d like to wish each of you a peaceful and reflective Thanksgiving. There is an old adage that goes: “There is always, always something to be thankful for." We are all supremely blessed to be part of this wonderful Village of COH community.

Couple of quick items:

Reminder that the Village tree-lighting takes place on Sunday, December 5^th at 5:30 p.m. -- the day after the Town’s. The Gioias (John and Jackie) will entertain us with Christmas songs and holiday cheer. We anticipate the annual visit by our special guest visiting from the North Pole. And Storm King Engine Company #2 will serve refreshments at the bandstand – as opposed to the firehouse – this year.

Hanukkah: Hanukkah begins at sundown on November 28^th. Lighting of the first menorah candle will be celebrated at the Village Bandstand starting at 5:30pm on that date.

Lastly, you may notice that the one-sided Village welcome sign on Hudson Street (across from DB Mart) received a special addition this afternoon. Clayton Boone, the “artisan woodcarving craftsman whiz” from Sugar Loaf, NY crafted the original sign, at the behest of former Mayor Brendan Coyne. Today, Mr. Boone installed a wood panel to the backside of the sign that thanks travelers for visiting our beautiful Village and features the waterfront gazebo depicted in the Village seal. I’d like to thank Mr. Coyne, as well as the current Board who approved the addition (with much of the project funded by generous donors), for what I truly believe is a value-added piece of landscape artwork. Please see the attached photographs of the sign, the artist, and DPW Superintendent Dave Halvorsen and the members of DPW who helped with installation – Tom Lyons and Patrick Cody.   

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

October 22, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

With our last Village Board business meeting (10/18) available to view online and The Cornwall Local’s “Around Village Hall” feature in this week’s edition, no need for a detailed recitation of Board activity and all the exciting developments around our wonderful community.

Thought it would be fun – as we enter the 2022 budget plenary season – to share Cornwall-on-Hudson’s proposed budget for 1942. Think about this: In 1942, our great nation had just recently entered the Second World War. Gas was a whopping 20 cents per gallon, the typical American home set you back a cool $3,775, a new car was $920, and a ticket to the movie was 30 cents.

Take a look at the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson’s proposed expenditures for ’42, crack a smile, and have a great weekend, all.

On behalf of the Village Board,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor

October 15, 2021

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

Tons of exciting events happening this weekend. Let me give you a quick rundown:

This Saturday morning (October 16th between 9:00am - 1:00pm) at Dock Hill Creek along Dock Hill Road, “Trees for Tribs” is teaming up with the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson to plant 60 trees and remove invasive species in and around Dock Hill Creek. If interested in participating, please meet at Pagenstecher Park at 8:59:59am. Please be prepared with gloves, sturdy shoes etc. and bring a shovel, pick axe or pruning shears, if able. Event will follow Orange County DOH COVID guidelines. If you are interested in volunteering for this effort or would like more event details, please contact the Cornwall Riverfront Committee at [email protected].

Also, this Saturday, between 9:00am and 4:00pm, Cornwall-on-Hudson will hold its annual Village-wide yard sale. Please register beforehand at (845) 534-9367.

The Cornwall Special Events Committee announces RAIN DATE RESCHEDULING: Beetlejuice will now be showing on Sunday due to the wind and rain forecast for tomorrow.

Details: Beetlejuice this Sunday, October 17 at Donahue Farm, 42 Bay View Avenue, Cornwall on Hudson. Music and food with the Farmhouse Market Food Truck from about 5pm on. Halloween Costume Contest with prizes at 5:30. Movie starts around 6pm. Walk if you can - parking is limited.

Special note: Village DPW curbside bulk pickup scheduled for Monday, October 18th.

October Village Board business meeting will be Monday, October 18th, at 7:00pm.

Have a wonderful weekend, all.

On behalf of the Village Board,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

September 8, 2021

 

Dear Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, neighbors, and friends:

As we rapidly approach our nation’s somber observance of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks, thought it important to mention a few things.

Firstly, I have directed that all American flags attached to poles and located on Village properties (Village Hall, the Bandstand, Donahue Memorial Park, at our water facilities, and in front of SKE2 firehouse) be lowered to half-mast beginning on Friday morning, September 10^th, and are to remain in this position until Monday morning, September 13^th. This will honor the nearly 3,000 Americans who perished on that fateful morning – and the scores of first responders in New York City (403 in total) who died while attempting to save others’ lives. It is also a solemn acknowledgement of the scores who have died of 9/11-related illnesses. I have friends and coworkers (two FBI colleagues) who perished when the Towers toppled. I have friends and colleagues who have expired from 9/11-related illnesses and maladies. And I have teammates and fellow servicemembers who have died in far off lands, while taking the fight to the terrorists.

All of us of age have poignant stories of where we were when our world was shattered that still September morning in 2001. Some of us have vivid recollections of the sights, sounds, and horrors we witnessed and experienced that clear, blue-sky morning in Lower Manhattan. I was not privileged to know 10-year FDNY veteran firefighter Kenneth Kumpel of Ladder 10. But our paths may have crossed, unbeknownst to either of us, that morning near the World Trade Center, before Ken made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to save others. A member of the Cornwall Fire Department, Ken and his wife Nancy have two wonderful sons, Greg and Carl. As was chronicled in a recent New York Post piece on the FDNY’s 9/11 legacies, both sons are now firefighters with the FDNY. https://nypost.com/2021/09/06/firefighters-honor-legacy-of-their-fdny-parents-killed-on-9-11/ We are proud to call the Kumpel family – Cornwall’s own. We shall never forget Ken’s heroism and sacrifice.

If able to, please attend the memorial service at the traffic circle in Town at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday evening, September 11^th. Let’s never forget the significance of this day and never ever forget the sacrifice of our brave and selfless 9/11 heroes and heroines.

 

On behalf of the Village Board,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

Mayor