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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! I am full of gratitude for the privilege of serving the people of our beautiful county, and the chance to work every day with so many dedicated public servants and community members. In this newsletter, I'm excited to share some opportunities for you to help shape the work we do as a County government, from enhancing services for seniors to protecting our streams to improving our resilience to natural disasters. As we embrace the spirit of giving and gratitude this season, I also want to share information on volunteer opportunities that can make a difference in your community and people's lives. We have other news and resources for you, as well, so have a read!
All my best,
Jen
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Welcome, Jamie Capuano!
We are delighted to introduce you to our new Deputy County Executive for Operations and Safety, Jamie Capuano!
Jamie brings a wealth of experience to this important position and deep familiarity with County government, having served as Vice President for Administrative Services at SUNY Ulster and, before that, as Ulster County's Deputy Budget Director.
Deputy County Executive Johanna Contreras has been promoted to Chief of Staff, a position formerly held by Christopher Kelly. Chris accepted an executive position in the non-profit sector, and we wish him the best of luck!
Celebrating Sojourner Truth's Life & Legacy
Ulster County recognizes Nov. 26 as Sojourner Truth Day. On this special day, we celebrate the legacy and contributions of Sojourner Truth, a remarkable woman whose courage and advocacy paved the way for justice and equality.
Sojourner Truth was a self-educated intellectual abolitionist and women's rights activist who navigated a tumultuous life marked by slavery, freedom, and resilience. She was born into bondage in Ulster County and survived physical, sexual, and psychological abuse before escaping and becoming a powerful advocate for abolition and women’s rights in the face of extreme discrimination in a state and nation that did not acknowledge her right to freedom and self-determination.
Truth's iconic "Ain't I a Woman?" speech delivered at the 1851 Women's Rights Convention challenged prevailing racial and gender prejudices, but a widely distributed written copy of her speech was edited to give her the accent of an uneducated enslaved African from the American South, erasing her voice and diminishing her education and intellect. As an example of her prowess with the spoken word and knowledge of the law, she argued and won her son’s freedom from slavery in our own Ulster County Courthouse. Her life serves as a testament to the enduring fight against injustice, inspiring contemporary conversations on intersectionality and the ongoing pursuit of social justice.
The Warming Center/Shelter will be OPEN on a 24/7 Activation Schedule Until Further Notice
As outdoor temperatures continue to decrease, the Warming Center/Shelter will be OPEN 24/7 to provide shelter to residents in need.
For updates on hours and activations, follow the Ulster County Government’s Facebook page. The center, operated by Catholic Charities, is located at the 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf St, Kingston NY 12401, and can be contacted directly at (845) 481-4549. All who are in need of shelter are welcome!
Alternatively, for families and others who cannot stay at the Warming Center, The Family of Woodstock Hotline can be reached at (845) 338-2370.
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Riverfront Trail and Pavilion Unveiled at Sojourner Truth State Park
Sojourner Truth State Park, located in the City of Kingston and Town of Ulster on the banks of the mighty Hudson River, is a true gem of a park–especially with the recently unveiled improvements! The site now features a riverfront pavilion with breathtaking views and a new freshly landscaped trail with educational signage in both English and Spanish that highlights the history and contributions of Sojourner Truth.
At the ribbon-cutting last week, County Executive Jen Metzger expressed gratitude on behalf of the County to Scenic Hudson, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, and the Palisades Interstate Park Commission for their visionary efforts to restore the natural splendor of the waterfront and create this wonderful amenity for the county.
We encourage you to check out the park and take advantage of this wonderful resource!
Sojourner Truth State Park is located at 100 Sojourner Truth Way in Kingston.
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Community Comes Together for Mind, Body, & Soul Youth and Parent Expo
On Nov. 18, Ulster County's Mental Health Department and Youth Bureau teamed up to host the Mind, Body, & Soul Youth and Parent Expo at the YMCA of Kingston. The Y was hopping with great music, conversations, and so many wonderful activities–all centered around health and wellness, and nurturing body and soul.
We are grateful to all of the community partners who participated–too many to name!
Photos by Tonya Stokes.
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Help Improve Our Website
We’re looking to transform Ulster County's website into one that is way more user-friendly, with a fresh look and improved interface to help residents find the information they seek.
Take our survey to share your thoughts on what a new and improved County website should look like and how it can best address your needs. Your input is important to the success of this effort!
Attention Seniors! Take the 2023 Senior Survey to Impact the Office for the Aging's Four-Year Plan
The County's Office for the Aging (OFA) wants to learn more about you to better tailor our services and programs to the needs of our aging residents. Please take a moment to fill out the 2023 Senior Survey and help guide the work of OFA Director Sue Koppenhaver and her team!
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Shaping Our Future Together
Join us on our web-based platform to learn about County projects, programs, and issues that directly affect your community, from housing initiatives to rail crossing safety to farmland protection.
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Ulster County offers a plethora of rewarding volunteer opportunities we want to be sure you are aware of!
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UlsterCorps is a countywide resource dedicated to fostering a culture of volunteerism, collaborative work, and community service. Visit the website to choose from a wide range of opportunities to serve the needs of others, from one-time events to ongoing commitments that meet your abilities, interests, and time availability.
- If you're interested in supporting our seniors, the Ulster County Office for the Aging welcomes your time and companionship. Contact the Office for the Aging Volunteer Program at 845-340-3456 for more information.
- Become a part of the Ulster County Medical Reserve Corps, a network of volunteers who support the County’s Department of Health and Department of Emergency Services in protecting health, preserving life, and administering aid and assistance during times of disaster and community need. Contact the MRC Coordinator at ucmrc@co.ulster.ny.us to join.
Together, we can make a difference in our community!
Have Your Say in Efforts to Protect the Lower Esopus Creek!
The Lower Esopus Creek is a cherished natural resource that meanders through the towns of Olive, Marbletown, Hurley, Ulster, and Saugerties, along with the City of Kingston and the Village of Saugerties. Join us for the Stream Management Plan Workshop to learn about the current conditions of the Lower Esopus Creek and share your input and ideas on projects as part of the Stream Management Plan.
📅 Tuesday, December 5
🕕 6 PM - 8 PM
📍 Ulster County Restorative Justice Center, 733 Broadway, Kingston, NY
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Public Meeting to Review the Updated Hazard Mitigation Plan
All are invited to join us at a public meeting to review important updates to this plan to protect you and your community. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of Ulster County's disaster resilience.
📅 Thursday, December 7
🕕 6:30 PM - 8 PM
📍 Ulster Hose Co. #5, 830 Ulster Ave, Kingston, NY
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Office for the Aging Events for Seniors
Everyone looks forward to the Office for the Aging's Thanksgiving Luncheon at the Hurley Reformed Church in the Town of Hurley, and this year's feast did not disappoint!
If you’d like to find out about more programs and events OFA offers for our Senior residents, contact the Office for the Aging at (845) 340-3456 and ask to sign up for their newsletter.
Coming up next: OFA Holiday Cabaret📅 Thursday, December 7
🕕 12 PM - 2 PM
📍 Esopus Town Hall Community Room, 1 Town Hall Way, Ulster Park, NY
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Ulster County is NOW hiring!
Consider a career in public service and earn a living by making a difference.
We’re hiring accountants, bus drivers, grant writers, and more. Visit the civil service portal and apply today to join our team.
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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