Congressman Mike Lawler, who represents New York’s 17th Congressional District, recently shared a series of updates on his social media account highlighting local community engagement and reflecting on the passing of a former colleague.
On April 9, 2026, Lawler posted about his participation with BRIDGES’ Veterans Walking Club at the Palisades Center. He wrote: “Great spending time with the team at BRIDGES today and joining their Veterans Walking Club at the Palisades Center. Every Wednesday, veterans and community members come together to walk, connect, and stay active. I was glad to walk alongside members of their Veterans group,” (April 9, 2026).
Later that day, Lawler attended an event at Little Stony Point in the Hudson Highlands involving several environmental organizations. He stated: “It was great to join the Appalachian Mountain Club, Open Space Institute, Hudson Highlands Land Trust, Scenic Hudson, and the many organizations at Little Stony Point in the Hudson Highlands—one of the crown jewels of NY-17. Thank you to all our partners working to protect these” (April 9, 2026).
On April 10, 2026, Lawler commented on the legacy of Eliot Engel, a longtime congressman for areas including parts of Rockland County within Lawler’s own district. In his post he said: “For over three decades, Eliot Engel represented the Bronx, Westchester and parts of Rockland County, bringing a deep understanding of our communities to his work in Congress, including as Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. What a loss for the Hudson Valley. My thoughts” (April 10, 2026).
BRIDGES is known for its programs supporting veterans in Rockland County through health-focused activities such as walking clubs that encourage social connection among service members and civilians.
The referenced conservation groups—Appalachian Mountain Club, Open Space Institute, Hudson Highlands Land Trust and Scenic Hudson—are active in preserving public lands throughout New York State’s Hudson Valley region.
Eliot Engel served as a U.S. Representative from New York from 1989 until January 2021 and was recognized for chairing congressional committees focused on foreign affairs during his tenure.
