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General News: June's Citizen of the Month Award

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has recognized Esther McGowen as the Citizen of the Month Award winner for the month of June.
Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has recognized Esther McGowen as the Citizen of the Month Award winner for the month of June.
July 01, 2018

County Executive Neuhaus presents Esther McGowen of Cornwall with June’s Citizen of the Month Award

McGowen has volunteered with several organizations since she moved to Orange County in 1975

Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has recognized Esther McGowen as the Citizen of the Month Award winner for the month of June.

McGowen, 90, was honored for her many contributions to a variety of Orange County organizations since moving from Syracuse to Cornwall in 1975. She is still active in the community.

“Esther McGowen is a wonderful woman and her many contributions to the community over the past 43 years are inspirational,” Neuhaus said. “Through her service, Esther has had a positive impact on hundreds of Orange County residents. She is a selfless woman who is known for her humility and grace. I enjoyed spending some time with her today and appreciate Esther’s dedication to the County.”

McGowen volunteers with the County Office for the Aging’s Senior Dining Program, delivering meals to her peers. Each day, the Senior Dining program provides fresh, nutritionally-balanced meals to approximately 900 people at senior centers and private homes. McGowen is also an active member of the Cornwall Methodist Church.

She has coordinated the church’s fellowship gatherings and “Lunch with Friends”, and has taught Sunday and Vacation Bible School, while fundraising for the various needs of the congregation. McGowen also fundraises and gathers donations for the Cornwall School District’s Backpacks for Food Program, and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity of Newburgh. She has been instrumental in the restoration of countless homes, especially with Habitat’s Women Can Build program. She adds a special touch by donating homemade food items for snack breaks.

McGowen said she was inspired to volunteer and give back to the community while growing up as one of 13 children on a farm in Indiana. She came to appreciate an honest day’s hard work and collaborating with her family toward a common goal. McGowen has six children, 11 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren spread out from Cape Cod, to Oregon, to Albany, to Syracuse, to Long Island. She enjoys visiting her family frequently.

“The more I volunteer, the more I see a need for volunteers,” McGowen said. “I volunteer because I think it’s great to know you are helping someone. That brings me great satisfaction and I appreciate that County Executive Neuhaus has recognized, not only me, but the wonderful organizations that I’m fortunate to be a part of.”

Neuhaus introduced his Citizen of the Month Award, which acknowledges outstanding Orange County residents, in January of 2017. To nominate someone for the Citizen of the Month Award, please email [email protected] or mail a letter to “Citizen of the Month” at 255-275 Main Street Goshen, N.Y. 10924. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, hometown, a list of their accomplishments, why you are nominating them and any other pertinent information. Nominees must be from Orange County.


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