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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Dear Friends,
The rain (and snow!) in the last couple of days is a welcome relief during this unusual Fall drought, but drought conditions persist and the risk of wildfire remains high. Last week, hundreds of firefighters battled the 645-acre Whitehouse fire in the Town of Denning, dealing with difficult terrain and challenging weather conditions. Thankfully, the brush fire did not reach residences, and we are grateful to the many agencies, firefighters, and personnel from local to state levels who helped us contain the fire. I also want to recognize the excellent work of our Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, which took the lead in overall incident management.
While the drought we have been experiencing is unusual for this time of year, the unusual is increasingly the norm due to human-induced climate change. At the County, we remain focused on doing our part to reduce the severity of climate change while adapting to changes underway and bolstering our resilience to its impacts. In our top news item below, we share information on actions you can take in this moment to help us reduce the threat of wildfire and conserve water.
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
IMPORTANT! Burn Ban and Drought Warning Issued
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has issued a statewide burn ban through the month of November. The burn ban prohibits outdoor fires for disposal of brush and yard debris, as well as uncontained campfires, recreational fires, and open fires used for cooking. Backyard fire pits and contained campfires less than three feet in height and four feet in length, width, or diameter are allowed, as are small, contained cooking fires.
Governor Hochul has also declared a drought warning for Ulster County and 13 other counties, with calls for intensified voluntary water conservation measures and heightened local preparedness. Residents can take the following actions to conserve and protect water resources:
- Fix leaking pipes, fixtures, toilets, hoses and faucets.
- Wash only full loads of dishes and laundry.
- Take shorter showers or fill the bathtub partly.
- Install water-saving plumbing fixtures.
- Avoid running the tap to adjust the water temperature.
- Wash cars less frequently.
- Reuse water collected in rain barrels, dehumidifiers, or air conditioners to water plants.
- Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
We encourage our residents to conserve water and reduce water usage wherever possible.
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Ulster County's Warming Center Offers Safe, Warm Shelter for Those in Need
As temperatures drop, the Ulster County Warming Center at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church in Kingston provides shelter to anyone in need. The Warming Center is administered by the County with state funding and is open around the clock from Dec. 1 through March 31. The County is excited to partner this year with Pastor Fernando Salazar and a coalition of neighbors and community members who will be responsible for day-to-day operations, including the preparation of meals on-site.
Together, we’re ensuring our most vulnerable residents have a warm and safe place to stay. The Warming Center is located at 2nda Iglesia La Mision Church, 80 Elmendorf Street in Kingston, NY. For assistance, call (845) 334-0551.
Half a Century of Impact: Thank you, Dennis Doyle, for 50 years of service to the County
Ulster County Planning Director Dennis Doyle recently marked an extraordinary milestone — 50 years of dedicated service to the County.
Dennis’s impact spans decades, from starting as a Planning Technician in 1974 to becoming Director of Planning and Director of the Ulster County Transportation Council in 2004 – positions he holds to this day. Dennis has played a key role in so many County initiatives, it would take a book to record them all – County rail trail projects (Midtown Linear Park, O&W connector trail, the Ashokan Rail Trail, and the Shandaken Rail Trail), housing initiatives (Golden Hill affordable housing development, Housing Smart Communities Program and others), the County Open Space Plan, Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan, public transit initiatives, assistance to local governments on planning and zoning, County Planning Board reviews. And this list hardly scratches the surface. His steady leadership in the County Planning Department has guided generations of County staff and community members.
Congratulations, Dennis, we appreciate you each and every day!
Second Annual Mind, Body & Soul Event Brings Wellness and Connection to Ellenville
Last Saturday, the Ellenville Central School District hosted Ulster County's Second Annual "Mind, Body & Soul,"– a free family-friendly event to foster open conversations on mental health and wellness in a fun, supportive environment. Organized by the Ulster County Department of Mental Health in collaboration with the Ulster County Youth Bureau, the event featured a panel discussion among young adults with lived experience with mental health challenges. It was a wonderful day of information-sharing and hands-on activities, along with a DJ dance party that got everyone dancing!
A heartfelt thank you to the many organizations, businesses, partners, and volunteers whose support made this event possible. The annual event will be held in a different location every year to reach communities across Ulster County.
Housing Updates: Revitalizing Kingston's Historic Property at the Barrel Factory
 Last week, we celebrated progress on the redevelopment of the Barrel Factory in Kingston that transforms this long-abandoned historic building into a mixed-use development with much-needed housing. The County’s Economic Development Department secured a $840,000 NYS Restore New York grant for Phase 1, which is now complete, with 12 new units of affordable housing and 3,500 square feet of commercial space. Phase 2 is underway for a different portion of the property, which will create 100 additional units of housing and transform a warehouse into space for manufacturing, professional services, and the arts.
Fun fact about this historic property: The building, a former cooperage, was raided during the Prohibition Era when it was discovered that bootleggers were pumping beer into the barrels by running hose lines through the sewers!
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Honoring Our Veterans: Veterans Day 2024
On Nov. 11, County Executive Jen Metzger and Veterans Services Director Mark Cozzupoli spent a wonderful day visiting veterans at the Golden Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and the Ten Broeck Center for Rehabilitation & Nursing as part of special Veterans' Day tributes. Between visits, they stopped by the annual veteran's luncheon hosted by Frank Guido’s Little Italy in Kingston to present Vietnam War Veteran Robert Nanz of Port Ewen with the Veteran of the Month Award, and to deliver Veterans' Day cards made by school children to the many veterans in attendance. Thank you to Golden Hill, Ten Broeck, and the Guido family for hosting these wonderful events to honor our veterans!
The Ulster County Veterans Services Department is committed to supporting our veterans year-round. For assistance and support, drop by the office at 5 Development Court in Kingston, call (845) 340-3190, or email Director Mark Cozzupoli at mcoz@co.ulster.ny.
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Revitalization of Berme Road Park in Ellenville
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger joined local officials and community members in Ellenville to cut the ribbon on a major makeover of Berme Road Park. The new playground, refurbished basketball and pickleball courts, and improved lighting and drainage were made possible in part by $200,000 in funding through the County’s ARPA-funded grant program for municipal parks, and we’re particularly thrilled to see the project include ADA-compliant playground equipment accessible to kids of all abilities. Congratulations to the Village of Ellenville and Town of Wawarsing, and the staff and community volunteers that contributed to this wonderful community project!
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Honoring Sojourner Truth: Marker Reveal and Evening Program
Ulster County will celebrate Sojourner Truth Day on Tuesday, Nov. 26, with two events commemorating the historical legacy of Sojourner Truth, the renowned abolitionist and women’s rights advocate who freed herself and her son from enslavement.
Morning Event: A historic marker honoring Sojourner Truth will be unveiled at 11 AM at the County Courthouse in Kingston, where Truth won her son’s freedom. The event will feature remarks from Truth’s sixth-generation granddaughter, Barbara Allen, and reflections from community leaders and scholars.
Evening Program: At 6 PM, join us at the Ulster County Restorative Justice Center for an evening of music, history, and reflection, including a special musical tribute and a display of artifacts related to Sojourner Truth’s life and legacy.
Both events are free, and the public is encouraged to attend.
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Gratitude and Community Support
With Thanksgiving approaching, please help spread the word about special events to help ensure that everyone has a warm and joyful holiday, and consider donating or contributing if you are able:
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People's Place in Kingston provides Thanksgiving meals through its Talkin' Turkey program, along with a year-round food pantry, clothing assistance, and Project Santa for children.
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UlsterCorps offers Thanksgiving food baskets in Woodstock, Ellenville, and New Paltz. To sign up, call Family of Woodstock at (845) 679-2485, Family of Ellenville at (845) 647-2443, or Family of New Paltz at (845) 255-7957. Are you looking to give back this holiday season? Explore volunteer opportunities with UlsterCorps and partner agencies.
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Family of Woodstock hosts an annual Thanksgiving dinner, open to all. Doors open at 6 PM, with dinner served at 6:30 PM. Volunteers are welcome!
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Center For Creative Education is hosting a Thanksgiving buffet on Thursday, 11/28, from 10 AM to 2 PM, available in person or for takeout. A coat and clothing drive will also take place. For more information, call (845) 338-7664.
For more information on accessible food pantries and other services, explore these helpful resources:
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Seeking Input on the County's Draft Agricultural & Farmland Protection Plan
Ulster County is working on an Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan with actions and strategies to foster a thriving, resilient, and sustainable agricultural community. We invite you to review the plan and provide your input to help us shape the future, or join us on Thursday, December 5 from 6 PM to 8 PM at SUNY New Paltz (Lecture Center 100) for a discussion on the draft plan.
RSVP for the in-person event or register for the online Zoom meeting if you can’t make it in person. Review the draft plan and share your feedback by January 31, 2025. You can leave feedback directly on the Participate Ulster site or email Burt Samuelson at bsam@co.ulster.ny.us.
Help Shape the Future of Ulster County Transit
The UCAT Route Optimization Plan is underway! Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) and the Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) are seeking public input on potential plans to improve UCAT bus service — including its routes, schedules, and services — as they continue to refine the Route Optimization Plan recommendations to better serve the public.
Your input is key! Residents are encouraged to visit the new online survey to learn about and evaluate these preliminary routes and share feedback. Public input gathered through this survey will be used to refine detailed service improvements that can be adopted by UCAT, which will also be presented at a later date prior to implementation.
Reminder: Deadline Approaching for Youth Program Grant Applications
Attention all youth programs in Ulster County: Applications for youth program funding for the 2024-2025 year are due by December 2.
This funding will support programs running from Oct. 1, 2024, to Sept. 30, 2025. Eligible applicants should either be a municipality or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, community-based organization with a federal identification number, charity registration number, and that operates in Ulster County. Applicants must have the ability to meet the County’s insurance requirements.
Need assistance with the application? The Ulster County Youth Bureau is ready to help! Reach out Monday through Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, via phone, email, or in person. For more details and to access an application, visit Ulster County Youth Bureau or contact Director Sugely Melenciano-Weed at (845) 334-3147 or smel@co.ulster.ny.us.
Funding for Extracurricular Clubs in Kingston Schools
If you are a parent, teacher, or club advisor in the Kingston City School District, you may be able to apply for funding to support extracurricular activities for Kingston students. Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley announced the availability of “mini-grants” to support extracurricular clubs in the Kingston City School District. Clubs can qualify for up to $5,000. Kingston City School District sports, arts, music booster clubs, etc., as well as parent-teacher organizations, are welcome to apply.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
Resources for Immigrants in Ulster County
The Ulster Immigrant Defense Network (UIDN) provides resources and support to immigrants, regardless of immigration status, helping individuals and families navigate challenges and access critical services.
What UIDN Offers:
- Assistance with housing, food security, and other essential needs.
- Free English classes, tutoring, and educational resources for adults and children.
- Information and guidance on immigration policies and connecting to legal and social services.
UIDN envisions a society where all individuals are welcomed, respected, and safe. The organization is dedicated to racial justice, equity, and inclusion, fighting against xenophobia and fostering solidarity through action and dialogue.
Services for Women, Infants & Children in Ulster County
The Ulster County Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program is here to help income-eligible women and young children who may be at nutritional risk, providing healthy food, nutrition education, and breastfeeding support.
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or a caregiver of an infant or child up to five years of age, WIC may be able to help. Call (845) 340-3965 for more information.
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:
- Bus Driver ($23.86/hour)
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist ($60.34/hour)
- Public Transit Grants and Procurement Specialist ($31.01/hour)
- Deputy Director of Emergency Communications/Emergency Management ($37.98/hour)
- Radio/Technology Specialist - Emergency Services ($33.88/hour)
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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