Skoufis Presents Paul Ernenwein of Newburgh Illuminated with Senate Commendation Award

*PRESS RELEASE**
Skoufis Presents Paul Ernenwein of Newburgh Illuminated with Senate Commendation Award

Senator James Skoufis (D-Hudson Valley) presented Paul Ernenwein, a lifelong Newburgh resident and Chairman of the Newburgh Illuminated Festival, with the State Senate’s Commendation Award. The Commendation Award is one of the highest honors for citizens in the state and identifies exceptional individuals who have shown dedication and made lasting contributions to their community. 

“I was delighted to give a Senate Commendation Award to Paul Ernenwein, who exemplifies what this award is about,” said Senator Skoufis. “Mr. Ernenwein’s efforts throughout our entire Senate District over the course of his career continue to have instrumental impacts on our community. His work organizing the Newburgh Illuminated Festival has made it into the enormous success it is, bringing tens of thousands of people to the City of Newburgh to experience its rich culture each year. His commitment to learning about the ways in which his expertise can be of service to others is truly admirable and I look forward to all that’s to continue to come from his dedication.” 

Paul Ernenwein said, “It was such a thrill and really very humbling to receive this award from Senator Skoufis and for this to happen at his District Office on Grand Street in the City of Newburgh. My first professional job was working as a Legislative Aide for a State Senator and to be witness to Senator Skoufis’s energy and dedication to this magical place is exciting. I try my best to be involved and attempt to make a positive impact on our entire community and it really is such an honor to have Senator Skoufis recognize those efforts.” 

Paul Ernenwein is the Chair of the Dutch Reformed Church Preservation Society, the second Chair of the Newburgh Palatine Dog Society, and is on the Board of Trustees of Cornerstone Family Healthcare. He served on boards for the Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center, the Orange County Citizens Foundation, The Elant Foundation, Cub's Place, The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks; Newburgh 247, The Newburgh Historical Society, and the Children's Country Day School. Paul is the organizer of the Newburgh Illuminated Festival, which attracted close to 40,000 people this year. 
 

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