July 16, 2021

 

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

 

We continue to navigate the loosening of pandemic-related restrictions for Village functions and events. Especially as pertains to the safety and welfare of our children -- we must get this 100% right. Questions have recently arisen regarding our mask-requirement policy for youngsters attending Summer Playground (Camp) at COH Elementary School, and why we required them while Town Camp (at Lee Road School) does not. I have spoken with Village Camp Director Jenna Park and have news to deliver: 

We continue to operate under the guidance put forth by the Orange County Department of Health (OCDOH), and while some discretion was allowable, we followed what the OCDOH “strongly recommended” and elected to err on side of complete caution. Ms. Park has continued to interface with the OCDOH and they are, as of today, satisfied with our continued precautions and see no reason that Summer Playground cannot move to *mask optional* policy beginning Monday, July 19^th. This adjustment pertains to campers only. Our staff and counselors are allowed to be unmasked only if they are vaccinated.

We will continue to conduct daily screenings at COHES that involve temperature checks and will continue to operate in “pods” that cloister the same children and staff together throughout the summer. Parents are certainly allowed to require their child remain masked indoors, if so inclined. Sunday evening, the Summer Playground director will send out a message to all camper parents on the REMIND app, advising of this change.

We are comfortable moving in this direction and will adjust accordingly as new guidance is provided or facts on the ground change. I, for one, know how brutally hot the un-air-conditioned gym at COHES can be. This should be a welcome change for our campers.

As with any topic that you need clarification from the Village on, I am always available to discuss an issue or concern and more than happy to engage. Finding solutions should always be the preeminent charge of this office. I am humbled for the opportunity.

Have a safe and healthy weekend,

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano

July 2, 2021

 

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

 

Happy Independence Day on Sunday, the anniversary of our great nation’s democratic experiment. We should all be proud to be American on this day – and every other day. Keep in mind that while fireworks are postponed until next year, the IDC will still hold some 4^th events, to include the Pet Show on Saturday, and Sunday’s parade will begin at 1:00 p.m. -- as opposed to its usual 5:00 p.m. start. Let celebrate our nation and the long-awaited return to some post-pandemic normalcy together as friends and neighbors.

Reminder that July’s work session and business meeting of the Board of Trustees will be conjoined and held on Monday, July 26^th. Our meeting protocol now includes livestreaming, 24/7 availability, on our YouTube channel (link posted at a future date).

If you happen to walk or drive past Village Hall, you might notice the emplacement of our Village seal on the building’s exterior. Photos attached. Let us know what you think.

One of the long-range items I have asked Jeanne Mahoney, our Village Clerk, to tackle is a review of Cornwall-on-Hudson business meeting agendas and minutes dating back to 1885. Our plan is to identify and compile a comprehensive listing of all Village leaders -- Did you know that before the Village had a mayor, there was a president? We must keep track of our history. It is far too easy to forget it and then it becomes lost to the ages.

Here are a few other historical morsels Jeanne uncovered:

1. The Town used to be referred to as “the Upper Village.”

2. In 1897 – taxes were $1.061 per $100.00 (budget was 0.226 for “ordinary   expenses”, 0.375 for “extraordinary expenses”, and 0.46 for “highway.”

3. Also, in 1897, the Village Board entered into a 3-year contract with Cornwall Electric Lighting & Power Co. for 110 street lamps to be placed along “streets, avenues, squares, and public parks”.  Lamps would be lit from “dusk to dawn except on nights and parts of nights where the moon unobstructed by clouds is of sufficient brightness to render artificial light unnecessary.”

4. April of 1899 – The position of Highway & Water Superintendent was established and Adam Jager was appointed to the position.  Later that same month, Supt. Jager was also “authorized to perform police duty”. 

 

Stay tuned for more COH history soon.

James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano