Please find the most up to date notices from the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson.
Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents,
It is with heavy heart that we share in announcing the passing of Cornwall resident and Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Paul “Buddy” Bucha. Captain Bucha was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor (MOH) for his gallantry in action in the Binh Duong Province of the Republic of Vietnam between March 16th and 19th in 1968 – the peak of combat operations and U.S. force deployments during the Vietnam War. The MOH also represents the nation’s highest award for conspicuous courage and heroism. For details related to Captain Bucha’s uncommon valor while serving as commanding officer of Company D, please visit the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s webpage. Reading his citation will leave you humbled and appreciative of the sacrifice and courage exhibited by him and his men during fierce combat actions near Phuoc Vinh.
I was honored to first meet him during the mid-Eighties when he spoke at a formal cadet company dining-in. As a young cadet, to me his prepared remarks and words of encouragement were beyond inspiring and were, in part, the reason I decided to join the Infantry. West Point’s natatorium (indoor pool) is also named in his honor, as he served as captain of the Division I intercollegiate Academy swim team before his graduation in 1965. A longtime resident of Ridgefield, CT, we were lucky to share him in the greater Cornwall area when he returned to a family home near his beloved alma mater several years ago. It was then that he stopped in to the mayor’s office to visit with me and yet again leave me humble and inspired. His famous words resonated yet again. “The Medal of Honor, he once said, “is proof that ordinary men and women have within them the potential to challenge fate and literally change the course of history. It only requires the courage to try.” What a sober challenge and one he more than answered in 1968.
President Lincoln famously challenged our fledgling democracy that “[a]ny nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.” With this in mind, I have ordered all flags on Village properties to be lowered to half-mast position today, Friday, August 2nd until Tuesday, August 6th. I have also spoken with Supervisor Josh Wojehowski and members of the “Hometown Heroes” committee for Cornwall and Cornwall-on-Hudson. In coordination with American Legion Post 353, we will seek to have Captain Bucha be our first nomination for recognition via banner along our main streets when the first batch of nominees is considered and selected.
Please keep Captain Bucha’s family – especially his wonderful wife Cynthia – in your thoughts and prayers. And reflect on Captain Bucha’s humility when he was presented the MOH from President Nixon and flatly advised the president that “[t]he medal that I wear, I wear on behalf of others, not myself.” Stirring words indeed. Rest in peace, Captain Bucha. A grateful nation and your greater Cornwall community will never forget your heroism and sacrifices on our behalf.
James A. “Jimmy” Gagliano
Mayor
LOCAL EMERGENCY ORDER VILLAGE OF CORNWALL-ON-HUDSON
WHEREAS, there exists the possibility of vandalism and destruction of property beyond the scope of ordinary Halloween merriment and pranksterism as determined by Village officials and police officers; and
WHEREAS, evidence that such destructive acts have occurred and threaten to continue is apparent at this time and prompt action specifically aimed at the source of such threatened and actual damage is required to minimize damage and protect the public health, safety and welfare.
NOW, pursuant to the authority invested in the office of the Mayor of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, as Chief Executive pursuant to Executive Law §24, be it
ORDERED, that a state of local emergency is proclaimed within the corporate limits of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. The state of emergency shall be effective Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 8:00 PM through Monday, November 1, 2021 at 5:30 AM, unless rescinded or modified; and
ORDERED, that a curfew for all persons under the age of 18 years during such state of local emergency between Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 8:00 PM through Monday, November 1, 2021 at 5:30 AM, is hereby declared, except for such persons who are traveling to or from bona fide employment or traveling to or from an authorized school activity, or on an errand concerning medical or other emergency;
ORDERED, that all persons during such state of local emergency shall refrain from the following conduct between the hours of Sunday, October 31, 2021 at 8:00 PM through Monday, November 1, 2021 at 5:30 AM:
ORDERED, any person knowingly violating this order be subject to arrest pursuant to Executive Law §24(5); and
ORDERED, that this order be executed in triplicate and be published, transmitted and filed pursuant to Executive Law §24(3).
BE IT SO ORDERED
VILLAGE OF CORNWALL-ON-HUDSON JAMES A. GAGLIANO, MAYOR
PDF OF NOTICE
ORDERED, that a state of local emergency is proclaimed within the corporate limits of the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson. The state of emergency shall be effective Monday, October 31, 2022 at 8:00 PM through Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 5:30 AM, unless rescinded or modified; and
ORDERED, that a curfew for all persons under the age of 18 years during such state of local emergency between Monday, October 31, 2022 at 8:00 PM through Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 5:30 AM, is hereby declared, except for such persons who are traveling to or from bona fide employment or traveling to or from an authorized school activity, or on an errand concerning medical or other emergency;
ORDERED, that all persons during such state of local emergency shall refrain from the following conduct between the hours of Monday, October 31, 2022 at 8:00 PM through Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 5:30 AM:
PDF of Notice
Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, et al,
This tough to share. Below the LTE I shared to The Cornwall Local re: Mr. Cashman’s passing:
The phone rang and I dreaded the forthcoming news. Mary Jane Pitt, editor of The Cornwall Local (now News of The Highlands), had promised me an update on the precarious medical condition of 83-year-old Kenneth W. Cashman. Word here had spread rather quickly early last Wednesday that he had fallen ill and with the help of his family was receiving critical care in Middletown. The dreaded news confirmed by MJP, whose voice cracked as she relayed it, that he had passed, shook me to my core. So many now impacted who had the honor and privilege of knowing Mr. Cashman. Conversations with local elected officials and fellow members of American Legion Post 353 ensued. Ken Cashman, a Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran, was a longtime member of our Cornwall Post. The sober conversations and remembrances that followed centered around this description of the Monroe resident: He was humble and kind.
So just how, pray tell, does a resident of a neighboring community become so synonymous with Cornwall? In fact, if one had to characterize Mr. Cashman, it would be thusly – he was and remains quintessentially Cornwall. Across the years of covering our children at their athletic events, the sports journalist wrote poignant and compelling tales of their exploits and never pretended to be objective in his accounts. He was an unrepentant “homer.” Truth be told, Ken Cashman bled Dragon green and white. He never made himself the protagonist in any of his writings and while serving as longtime editor of The Cornwall Local. His self-effacing columns poking fun at himself were presented under the (wink, wink) self-deprecating nom de plume, “Mr. Know-it-all.” He sang beautiful renditions of “God Bless America” at Cornwall events. He shook hands and kissed more babies than any politician around these parts. Not because he sought patronage, but because he truly LOVED our community. And we LOVED him back.
In 2021, Mr. Cashman sheepishly climbed into the back of a convertible and as he whispered to me, “accepted his fate”; recipient of one of Cornwall’s highest honors -- grand marshal of the annual Fourth of July parade. In 2022, he was awarded “Citizen of the Month” by Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. The distinction much more a “lifetime achievement” acknowledgement than casual monthly nod to his community commitment. Whether acting as Sunday School superintendent or chairman of Bicentennial committee, coaching Little League or Pop Warner, Kenneth W. Cashman lived a lifetime of service and he will be desperately missed.
After we rightly grieve his passing, we, celebrate his life and ensure that his principle of community involvement remain enduring. He certainly set an example for all of us to aspire to emulate. Personally, I will miss his visits to Village Hall to ensure that something he was going to publish was accurate. I’ll miss his wry smile and the twinkle in his eyes as we fiercely debated the appropriateness of the Oxford comma and whether a volleyball serve ace was a “true ace” or not -- if the opposing team touched the ball. Godspeed, Mr. Cashman. You left the world a better place than you found it. You will never be forgotten in your adopted hometown of Cornwall.
With somber remembrance and on behalf of your Village Board,
Residents,
The Town and Village in partnership with the Greater Newburgh Rotary will be continuing the Military Tribute Banner program for 2025.
Cornwall resident Regina McGrade is the point person for the program. If you are interested in participating this year, please go here and signup.
https://militarytributebanners.org/.../cornwall-cornwall...
For additional details and to submit your sponsorship order, please contact:
REGINA C. MCGRADE
(845) 667-4243 • [email protected]
Mayor James P. Kane
January 14, 2025
Mayor’s Message [Public Safety, “Et Alia” Edition]:
Dear Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson residents, visitors, and friends,
Firstly, an apology upfront for what may seem an extended period of absence in the “mayor’s message” communications I do so enjoy sharing with our community. Certainly not a reflection of a lack of matters and issues currently being addressed and resolved. The wheels of progress have continued to grind along unimpeded or obstructed. I simply choose this platform when I sense matters of serious consequence to address – or opportunities to laud our amazing Village employees and volunteer organizations. That said, this will serve as my penultimate written message to you all as mayor of this wonderful Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York. My second (and final) term concludes on April 7th and there will be a new elected leader of the Village for us all to rally behind and cheer on continued successes for our elected officials as they continue to lead us into the second quarter of the 21st century. But more on all of that soon.
Let’s begin with several somber reflections. Three days shy of the New Year, the nation lost its 39th president, Jimmy Carter: a native of Plains, Georgia and the leader of the free world during a fairly tumultuous period of our nation’s – and the world’s – history. He led with grace and truly inspired millions upon millions across the globe during his post-presidency efforts with Habitat for Humanity. Village flags have been lowered to half-mast position in keeping with federal guidelines that instruct the observances be held for a full thirty days following a POTUS’s passing. They will briefly be raised back to full-mast position in observance of inauguration day on January 20th and then be re-lowered for the remaining eight days of remembrance in honor of President Carter. I did not *invent this accommodation. It has been announced by a number of state governments and the Speaker of the House of Representatives – to apply to Congress. Please keep President Carter and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
We also lost one of our own beloved elected leaders and community pillars on January 8th. Charles “Rudy” Hahn was a well-respected member of this Village, serving 24 years on our Village Board and as deputy mayor. Difficult to find anyone around these parts who could say a cross word about Mr. Hahn. He built an incredible legacy in Cornwall-on-Hudson – none more so than his children and grandchildren; all deeply embedded in and committed to Cornwall-on-Hudson. Please keep them all in your prayers. Their patriarch made a huge impact in COH.
And also, Thursday, January 16th, Cornwall’s own true American HERO and Medal of Honor recipient, Captain Paul W. Bucha, will be formally laid to rest at his alma mater, the United States Military Academy at West Point. Captain Bucha peacefully passed away on July 31, 2024. Thursday’s ceremonies will be replete with full military honors. Please continue to keep his brave wife and Cornwall resident, Cynthia, “Chintz,” Bell-Bucha in your thoughts and prayers.
Now, to serious matters related to PUBLIC SAFETY. Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger once perfectly posited that “[g]overnment’s first duty and highest obligation is public safety.” He was spot-on. Nothing – absolutely NOTHING – is as sacrosanct a contract with our community than the one that demands we elected officials do everything within our power and control to keep our communities safe. It’s why this Board compelled our police department to be outfitted with body worn cameras. They assist in keeping the public – and our cops – safe(r). It’s also why some four years ago, we took a hard look at the events in COH that resulted in mass gatherings . It’s no easy (or popular) feat, at times, to pull employees in on holidays, away from their families, and have them staff additional uniformed foot posts or assist in prepositioning heavy equipment and vehicles to provide a greater level of security for crowds of revelers that gather to celebrate. One only has to look at what just occurred in Germany during the Christmas Market attack and the vehicular attack on Bourbon Street that occurred shortly after we celebrated our ball drop in COH. The threat matrix, my FBI background informs, should constantly shift and adjust to blunt the advantage our complacencies provide to terrorists, or those seeking to inflict harm. In Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” he warned of an adversaries’ penchant for acting “like water,” taking the path of least resistance, and always finding the easiest route. Undertaking these “new normal” precautions does not guarantee us 100% safety. But it is a first step in hardening our defenses.
Same necessary defenses the current FBI director warned of on “60 Minutes” on Sunday evening. Speaking of the ominous threats posed by the People’s Republic of China, Director Wray particularly highlighted vulnerabilities within our critical infrastructure grid. And the first vital critical infrastructure sector he mentioned was water treatment facilities – something the Village of Cornwall-on-Hudson is responsible for in its role as the lead agency in charge of the Cornwall Water System. In light of this shared intelligence, the Village will seek to begin a comprehensive review of the security template attached to our water treatment plants and reservoirs. It is necessary and timely. Just as we will seek to procure moveable sidewalk bollards to further integrate and increase security posture when we draw large crowds to events. Any resident with additional ideas or concerns in this realm, please come see the mayor to discuss.
Finally, with 83 days left in office, I commit to not limping across the finish line and promise to finish my final days as mayor with the same enthusiasm and commitment to ALL with which I entered on duty. And while I will share more (much more) about the current state of the Village and what lies ahead in my final treatise to the community in March, please know that I have considered the holding of this office to be the honor and the privilege of my lifetime. Thank you.
On behalf of your Village Board,
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 10th, and are to remain in this position until Monday morning, September 13th. 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 11th. 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,