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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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April greetings! It's state budget time up in Albany, and agreement between the Governor and Legislative leaders on the final 2024-2025 Budget is expected in the coming days. The State Budget affects many issues we care about as a county, and I have been advocating with our State representatives and with the Governor's office on key priorities, ranging from housing resources to water infrastructure funding to state support for local EMS services. (You can read my budget letter to the Governor here.)
In other news, this edition of our newsletter shares a newly released County report examining the state of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) across the county, information on the rare solar eclipse here in New York on April 8, a public forum on design concepts for a new Shandaken rail trail, an upcoming resource fair for seniors, and more. In honor of National Poetry Month, we have also included a poem by Ulster County's first Poet Laureate, Kate Hymes. Enjoy!
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
April is National Poetry Month - Meet the County’s FIRST Poet Laureate
Kate Hymes is Ulster County's first Poet Laureate and a distinguished writer and poet currently living in New Paltz. She has led workshops with the Wallkill Valley Writers Group for over twenty years. The Ulster County Poet Laureate was first instituted in 2023 by the County Executive, with Arts Mid-Hudson managing the public call for nominations. We share this poem by Kate in honor of National Poetry Month:
APRIL 1968
Red azaleas blazed. Dogwoods bloomed white
four-petal crosses passed the Greyhound bus windows
as Mama and I rode, New Orleans to Atlanta,
that April. Mama said, “They crucified Jesus
on a dogwood.” How could they have –
so frail, so delicate to bear all that weight.
Mama said, “God stunted the once mighty tree,
then redeems it each spring with remembrance.”
The night before on TV we saw cities
burn. Mama and I wore black
arm bands. As we rode, we watched
azaleas and dogwoods in riotous
celebration bear witness:
stones still roll away.
Ulster County Releases EMS Study Report
Last week, County Executive Jen Metzger announced the completion of a much-awaited EMS Services Delivery Report, which examines data from 43 EMS service providers across the county, including 21 ambulance agencies and 22 first response agencies, and identifies gaps in service and EMS service provider needs, along with policy options to address them. The challenges facing EMS services are not isolated to Ulster County but are part of a larger national crisis, and the report comes at a key moment as the Governor and State Legislature consider legislation to designate Emergency Medical Services as an essential service, like fire and police, and create a pathway to bolster recruitment and sustainably finance EMS services for the long term.
"The County is committed to addressing the challenges to providing these critical services in partnership with the state, local governments, and our dedicated EMS practitioners," said County Executive Metzger. "This is a public health and safety issue, bottom line, and we need to work together to chart a sustainable path forward to ensure that our residents have access to the emergency medical services they need, when they need them.”
The report was prepared by the Center for Public Safety Management, LLC.
Experience the Solar Eclipse - Monday, April 8
On Monday, April 8, New York State will be one of eleven states in the U.S. to experience a total solar eclipse--an event last witnessed in 1925 that will not occur again until 2079.
A total solar eclipse occurs when a portion of the Earth is engulfed in a shadow cast by the moon, which fully blocks sunlight. During such phenomena, it is not uncommon to experience a notable 10-20 degree drop in temperature. The nationwide eclipse will occur between 1 PM and 5 PM, with the most breathtaking moments happening between 3:15 PM and 3:30 PM in New York State.
While Ulster County will not be positioned within the path of totality, we will still have 89-96 percent coverage. Folks planning on viewing the eclipse should take every precaution to protect their eyesight and review recommended eyewear and safe viewing practices.
For more details on the eclipse, including precise timings and locations for optimal eclipse viewing near us, please visit www.iloveny.com/events/eclipse-2024.
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Join the Ulster County Climate Corps
The application process is open for the Ulster County Climate Corps, a paid 10-week summer internship program that provides hands-on experience working on climate solutions in government and in the community. This is the only program of its kind in the state, launched last year by County Executive Metzger, and is open to high school (16+), college, and graduate school students, and anyone eager to make a difference. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through May, or until the program is filled, whichever comes first.
Gain experience in government and help Ulster County achieve our ambitious climate and sustainability goals!
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Women’s History Month Concludes with Historic Walk Across the Hudson
On March 22, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger and Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino--New York's only women County Executives at the present time--led a walk from their respective sides of the river on the Walkway Over the Hudson for Women’s History Month, meeting in the middle in celebrate women leaders and heroes past and present and reflect on the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality.
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Upcoming Bridge and Culvert Replacements--Drivers Take Note!
With the end of winter, the County Department of Public Works will begin essential bridge and culvert replacement work in areas of the County, and we want to alert you to the following temporary road closures:
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Leggs Mill Bridge (County Bridge #152) in the Town of Ulster, 0.8 miles northwest of the intersection with State Route 9W, is currently closed while work is being done to complete deck replacement and substructure rehabilitation. The bridge is expected to reopen in the Fall. Alternate route: Leggs Mill Road to State Route 9W north for 3.5 miles to Glasco Turnpike west for 1.0 miles to Kings Highway south for 3.0 miles to Leggs Mill Road.
- On Tuesday, April 9, Awosting Road (County Road 109 A) at the intersection of Sheldon Road in the Town of Shawangunk will be temporarily closed for culvert deck replacement work for an estimated 2-4 weeks. Alternate route: Mountain Road southeast for 1.2 miles to Jansen Road northeast for 0.6 miles to Awosting Road.
- On Wednesday, April 10, Galeville Bridge (County Bridge 139) over the Wallkill River in the Town of Shawangunk will be closed for superstructure replacement work through late 2024. Alternate route: Albany Post Road south for 1.8 miles to Bruyn Turnpike east for 1.3 miles to Bona Ventura Ave east for 1.1 miles, to NY-208 north for 2.8 miles to Denniston Road west for 1.4 miles to Sand Hill Road south for 1.4 miles south to Galeville Road.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we make these vital improvements to our roads and bridges!
Autism Awareness Training for First Responders, Taught by First Responders
Calling all First Responders! For Autism Acceptance Month, join us for Autism Awareness Training for First Responders, taught by First Responders, and hosted by the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services.
📅 Tuesday, April 16 or Wednesday, April 17
🕕 6:30 PM
📍 Jack Rose Lecture Hall, SUNY Ulster Stone Ridge Campus
This class is presented by Patrick Rose (Lieutenant/EMT - Kingston Fire Department, Chief Woodstock Fire Department, and Emergency Services Dispatcher Ulster County Department of Emergency Services) and Jessica Rose (Senior Crime Victim Counselor Ulster County Probation Department, Firefighter Woodstock Fire Department,) and is approved for NYS CME Core Content Credit.
Questions can be directed to Michael Gaffney, Deputy Director of Emergency Services at (845) 334-5720 or mgaf@co.ulster.ny.us.
Warming Center Pivots to Temperature-Based Activation
On April 1, 2024, the Ulster County Warming Center located at the 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf St, Kingston NY 12401 pivoted from continuous activation to temperature-based activations. Based on the weather forecast, the Warming Center SCHEDULE is as follows for April 2 – April 5, 2024:
- 4/2: Tuesday - Evening schedule ONLY - 7pm through 9am Wednesday
- 4/3: Wednesday - Evening schedule ONLY - 7pm through 9am Thursday
- 4/4: Thursday- Evening schedule ONLY - 7pm through 9am Friday
- 4/5: Friday - Evening schedule ONLY - 7pm through 9am Saturday
The center is operated by Catholic Charities and can be contacted directly at (845) 481-4549.
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Shandaken Rail Trail Project - Public Meeting Next Tuesday
Join us for a public meeting to learn more about the Shandaken Rail Trail project and share your input! Mark your calendars for April 9 at 6 PM either in person or online.
📅 Tuesday, April 9
🕕 6 PM
📍 Shandaken Town Hall, 7209 Rt. 28, Shandaken, NY or Virtual via Zoom (register at bit.ly/3V7HWao)
At this meeting, the Ulster County Planning Department and its consultants will present design concepts for a new multi-use path from the post office in Highmount to Belleayre Beach. Your input is valuable to us, and we look forward to hearing your thoughts!
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April 2 is World Autism Day
Ulster County recognizes April as Autism Awareness Month to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals with autism. Today and every day, let’s celebrate the unique talents and strengths of people with autism, and continue to work together to create a more inclusive community.
You’re Invited to an Upcoming Senior Resource Fair
Congressman Pat Ryan’s office, in partnership with the County government, is hosting a senior resource fair to make it easier for seniors to access their benefits and get assistance with social services.
📅 Wednesday, April 3
🕕 10AM - 1PM
📍 YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County (507 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401)
Their team of skilled caseworkers will be on hand to assist seniors with federal agencies like the IRS and Social Security. Special guests from organizations from across the Hudson Valley will be there as well - like the Castle Point VA, the Ulster County Office for the Aging, Legal Services of Hudson Valley, and many more! For questions or assistance, please contact (845) 443-2930 or visit PatRyan.house.gov.
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Get to Know Us! Discover Community Programs for Youth & Parents
You’re invited to a special open house for the community to get to know some of the programs that are available to help parents and youth.
📅 Wednesday, April 3
🕕 3 PM - 5 PM
📍 Restorative Justice Community and Empowerment Center, 733 Broadway, Kingston
The Ulster County Department of Human Rights, Youth Bureau, Office of Employment and Training, as well as The Bubble, YMCA, YWCA, and more will be on site. Join us!
PULP Utility Bill Assistance Open House
The Public Utility Law Project of New York (PULP), along with the Cornell Cooperative Extension and Communities for Local Power, are hosting a Utility Bill Assistance Open House to help community members review their bills, apply for financial assistance (SNAP and Energy Affordability Bill Discount Program), access energy efficiency programs, and learn more about options for reducing energy bills!
📅 Wednesday, April 3
🕕 4 PM - 7 PM
📍 Media Center at Ellenville High School, 28 Maple Ave, Ellenville, NY
Representatives from the Ulster County Department of Social Services and Community Action Committee will be on-site to assist with questions about HEAP and SNAP benefits. For questions, contact dacruz@communitiesforlocalpower.org or (845) 581-0912.
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CSEA’s Food and Personal Products Drive to Benefit Adult Services and the Office for the Aging
CSEA is organizing a food and personal products drive to benefit the elderly and aging population of Ulster County, assisting Adult Services with filling their pantry and Office of the Aging with supplies for their senior hub. If you would like to participate, food drive collection boxes can be found at the following locations:
SUNY UCCC - Campus Library, KCSU, Ulster County Information Services, District Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, Ulster County Office Building, Restorative Justice Center, The Kingston Quarry Highway Substation, DPW Office - Shamrock Lane, Buildings and Grounds 701 Grant Ave, Veterans Office, Senior Hub, Ulster County Office of Employment and Training, Ulster County Department of Mental Health, Ulster County Department of Health, UCAT, E-911 Ellenville, and at the Ulster County Department of Social Services Office Complex (Temporary Assistance, SNAP, Adult Services, Children Services, Medicaid, Child Support, Accounting, Early Intervention, and Staff Development.)
Job Openings in Ulster County
Consider a career in public service and earn a living by making a difference! Visit the civil service portal and apply today to join our team. Here are just some of the rewarding positions we're hiring for:
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Commissioner of Health ($183,511.00/year)
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Senior Projects Manager - Electrification ($89,425/year)
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Director of the Youth Bureau ($79,926.00/year)
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Deputy Director of Emergency Communications/Emergency Management - Interoperability ($79,607/year)
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Public Transit Grants and Procurement Specialist ($64,996/year)
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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Emergency Services Dispatchers Wanted - Training Opportunity
Are you looking for a career where you can be the first line of help in an emergency? We’re seeking dedicated individuals to join the Emergency Communications Team as 911 Dispatchers. Join our team and make a real difference!
The starting salary range (after training) is $55,000-60,000. No civil service exam is required.
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