Volunteerism is strong in our Town, especially in the area of public safety. We are blessed with strong Fire Departments and Ambulance Services, but there is a constant need for new members. This is partly a result of changing job requirements and the more extensive training needed for both these agencies. It is, however, vital to the public safety of our community. If you have an interest you can get more information on becoming a volunteer firefighter by calling 845-374-1900, emailing fireservices@orangecountygov.com or visiting Facebook at Orange County Fire Services. If your interest lies with emergency medical response as an EMT you can contact Frank Cassanite, Orange County’s EMS Coordinator at 845-615-0467 or fcassanite@orangecountygov.com. Here in Warwick, Orange County’s largest Town, we are served ably by the Warwick Fire Department, Greenwood Lake Fire Department, Pine Island Fire Department and the Florida Fire Department. On the ambulance side we are blessed with Warwick (serving Florida, as well), Greenwood Lake and Pine Island Volunteer Ambulance Corps. Any of these fine departments would welcome your service.
The AARP Foundation Tax- Aide program and Hudson Valley CA$H Coalition offers free tax preparation assistance to low to moderate income individuals, families and seniors. There are many sites throughout the county offering this free service. There are no age restrictions and AARP membership is not required. Daytime, evening and weekend appointments are available. To schedule an appointment, call United Way’s Help Line, 2-1-1 or 1(800) 899-1479. Calls are accepted seven days a week, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Town Hall will be closed on Fri., Feb. 14 and Mon., Feb. 17, in observation of Lincoln and Washington’s birthdays. Town Hall will re-open on Tues., Feb. 18, at 8:30 a.m.
A Public Hearing to consider the acquisition through the Community Preservation Fund of 85± acres of recreational land at 45 Bowen Rd. will be held on Thurs., Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Warwick Town Hall, 132 Kings Highway.
The next regular meeting of the Town Board will be held on Thurs., Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m. in the Warwick Town Hall, 132 Kings Highway.
The above column, written by Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton, has been published in the Feb. 12 issue of the Warwick Valley Dispatch
