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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Dear Friends,
I was at the Elks Lodge in Wawarsing yesterday with a wonderful group of local volunteers who were distributing toys for the holidays as part of the Hudson Valley Marine Toys for Tots program. Some 150 parents struggling to make ends meet signed up for the program, and left the Elks Lodge with presents to give to their children they could not otherwise afford. The holidays are a great time to give back, and I hope you’ll consider donating money or time to a local organization or foodbank this season if you're able.
In this newsletter, we have news to share on a wide variety of topics, including cell service in underserved areas, Sojourner Truth Day celebrations, a new home for the District Attorney’s Office, and more.
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
Thanksgiving Spirit
Ulster County and its partners brought Thanksgiving to families in emergency housing in the Town of Ulster, with a delicious Thanksgiving dinner and lots of games and fun for the kids. Some of the children joined in the cooking the day before and got to showcase their culinary talents! A big thank you to Ulster County Youth Bureau Director Sugely Melenciano-Weed, who organized the celebration, along with our great partners: Community Action of Ulster County, which provided fresh produce and desserts; Seasoned Gives, which provided turkeys and a kitchen to cook in; Chris Lowery Warren of Royalty Enterprises Catering (also with the Department of Social Services), who led meal preparation and service; and Chuki and the team at One Strike Fitness, who got everyone playing and dancing!
In neighboring Kingston, Chief Diversity Officer Esi Lewis and Human Rights Commissioner Joe McDonald served Thanksgiving meals at the Center for Creative Education and joined Legislator Greg McCollough to distribute clothes and food. Thanks to the County Department of Health for providing the reusable bags for these donations!
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Celebrating Sojourner Truth’s Legacy
Sojourner Truth, the renowned abolitionist and fighter for women’s rights, was born into slavery in Ulster County, and after freeing herself in 1826, successfully sued to win her son’s freedom two years later, becoming the first woman to win a court case against a man in the United States.
On Sojourner Truth Day (Nov. 26), we unveiled a new historical marker at the County Courthouse in Kingston, where she won her historic legal victory. We were honored to be joined by Sojourner’s sixth-generation granddaughter, Barbara Allen, who came from Michigan to unveil the marker and celebrate Sojourner’s life and legacy with us.
In Ulster County, Sojourner Truth Day became an official observance in 2022, thanks to the advocacy of young people who were part of the Kingston YMCA Farm Project Youth Crew, including Aleshanee Emanuel and Briana Gary, who spoke at the marker’s unveiling about the meaning of Sojourner Truth’s legacy for them. And now again thanks to their advocacy, a bill introduced by State Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assembly Member Sarahana Shrestha to designate Sojourner Truth Day as a statewide observance was signed into law on the very day this year. Thank you to Ulster County Chief Diversity Officer Esi Lewis for leading the unveiling ceremony and to all who participated! And thank you to all who made the historical marker happen, especially Acting County Clerk Taylor Bruck.
As part of the evening’s program, Rev. Deborah Zuill delivered a powerful reenactment of Sojourner Truth’s iconic “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech at the 1851 Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio. Also that evening, inspiring words and music were shared by Harambee’s Ubaka Hill, Ulster County Human Rights Director Joe McDonald spoke about the enduring impact of Truth’s fight for justice, and Rev. Evelyn Clarke performed “The Valiant Soldiers.” In a special honor, Barbara Allen spoke about the honor she felt to carry her descendant’s torch forward. Historic court artifacts, including Truth’s signature, were on display for the event and will remain on display for the public through Black History Month 2025 at the Restorative Justice Center, offering a deeper look at her remarkable legacy.
Learn more about Ulster County’s efforts to confront and honor our history by visiting the County’s Truth and Reconciliation website.
Closing Connectivity Gaps in Watershed Communities
County Executive Metzger joined NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Rohit Aggarwala to announce DEP's intention to help close cell and broadband service gaps in watershed communities as the Department builds out communications infrastructure to support its water supply operations. This will allow for cellular and broadband common carriers to provide essential connectivity services for residents and businesses throughout the region. The County Executive had first raised this idea with the Commissioner when she came into office last year because some of the largest gaps in service are in the watershed region. Connectivity has become an essential health, safety, and economic need, and we thank DEP for committing to help close these gaps.
Also joining the announcement were State Senator Michelle Hinchey, Delaware County Board of Supervisors Chair Tina Mole, DEP Deputy Commissioner Paul Rush, and NYC Police Chief Frank Milazzo.
Responding to a Water Shortage at a Kerhonkson Mobile Home Park
The unusual Fall drought not only created conditions for wildfires but also for water shortages in at least one Ulster County community. On Nov. 14, the County Executive's Office was alerted to a water shortage in the Aqueduct Community Mobile Home Park in Kerhonkson, where the well had gone dry due to a combination of drought conditions and DEP aqueduct repairs. The office worked with Town of Wawarsing Supervisor Terry Houck, Water/Sewer Supervisor Jim Montanya, Ulster County Department of Health, and Emergency Services to supply a water tankard for residents and refill a holding tank while a permanent connection to the municipal water system is being constructed. Thanks to these collaborative efforts, plumbing services were restored for the park's 80 residents in time for the holidays.
County Executive Metzger Keynotes New York State Recycling Conference
 County Executive Jen Metzger delivered the keynote address at the 2024 New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse, and Recycling conference in Cooperstown, spotlighting Ulster County's leadership in waste reduction and recycling. Her address focused on the climate impacts of waste disposal and the societal benefits of reducing waste, including the potential to save Ulster County residents $11 million annually by cutting the cost of trucking waste to distant landfills.
Metzger also emphasized the need for key state legislation in 2025, including the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which would shift waste management costs from communities to the corporations that generate it, reduce packaging waste by 50% in 12 years, and eliminate harmful chemicals in packaging products. She also urged attendees to advocate for passage of a stronger Bottle Bill, expanding container coverage and increasing deposit values, which would provide additional resources to businesses for managing returns.
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New Home for DA, Crime Victims Unit & Family and Child Advocacy Center
The Ulster County Legislature has approved the County Executive’s request to purchase a 17,000-square-foot office building on Joys Lane in Kingston, meeting a long-standing need for a home for the Office of District Attorney in close proximity to the County Courthouse. Currently, the DA’s office is spread out over several locations, including a rented former bank building. The $3.6 million purchase will also include a duplex next door for the Family and Child Advocacy Center and Crime Victims Unit–consolidating these important justice and advocacy services at one location. The purchase will eliminate two costly leases, reducing costs for the long term while providing major operational improvements for these offices and critical services for children, families, and victims of crimes.
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A Morning of Music at Bard College
Ulster County youth and families are invited to an open rehearsal with the Bard Graduate Student Orchestra NOW and the NYC All High School Band.
📅 Saturday, Dec. 14
⏰ 11 AM
📍 Fisher Center, Bard College
Enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at this talented ensemble, followed by a chance to meet the musicians and ask questions.
📩 RSVP: Sugely “Sue” Melenciano-Weed, Director of the Ulster County Youth Bureau
✉️ smel@co.ulster.ny.us
☎️ (845) 334-3147
All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. We hope to see you there!
Join the Conversation on Rail Safety in Kingston
Ulster County Transportation Council (UCTC) invites you to a Virtual Public Information Meeting to review the findings of the Kingston Rail Crossing Study. This important study, initiated in 2023, focuses on improving safety along the West Shore Rail Corridor in Kingston, including six highway/rail grade crossings.
📅 Wednesday, Dec. 18
🕙 11 AM
📍Zoom - Register Today!
📧 Questions? Contact: Brian Slack, Principal Transportation Planner, at bsla@co.ulster.ny.us or (845) 334-5590.
Over recent years, several accidents have occurred along this corridor. The study proposes solutions to enhance safety for vehicles, pedestrians, and rail operations. Your input is vital in making Kingston’s rail crossings safer for everyone—don’t miss this opportunity to get involved!
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Seeking Input on the County's Draft Agricultural & Farmland Protection Plan
Ulster County has completed a draft Agricultural and Farmland Protection Plan with actions and strategies to foster a thriving, resilient, and sustainable agricultural community. 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
Last chance for input on the UCAT Route Optimization Plan! The plan by Ulster County Area Transit and the Ulster County Transportation Council aims to improve routes, schedules, and services, and your input is important!
Residents are encouraged to visit the new online survey to learn about and evaluate these preliminary routes and share feedback now through Dec. 20.
On Oct. 17, 2023, the Ulster County Legislature unanimously adopted Resolution No. 555, joining over 50 other counties and municipalities nationwide in supporting ThinkDIFFERENTLY, an initiative to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for individuals of all abilities by reshaping how businesses, individuals, and communities engage with those who have special needs.
Connecting Residents to Essential Disability Resources
The Disability Resources Fair at Saint James United Methodist Church brought together residents, local organizations, and County programs to share information and resources for individuals with disabilities. The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, Early Intervention Program, Department of Mental Health, and Office for the Aging were among the participating organizations. Special thanks to Saint James and RCAL for co-hosting this inspiring event. By working together, we are building a more inclusive Ulster County!
Grant Opportunities for Nonprofits
If your nonprofit organization has an exciting project in need of funding, consider applying for a grant through Humanities New York to kick off your project. Humanities New York offers grants between $500-$10,000 to support humanities projects that encourage audiences to reflect on their values, explore new ideas, and engage with others in their community.
This information is being provided for the benefit of Ulster Residents, these programs are not operated or controlled by the County of Ulster.
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:
- Automotive Mechanic II ($31.18/hour)
- Bus Driver ($23.86/hour)
- Clinical Laboratory Technologist ($60.34/hour)
- Deputy Director of Emergency Communications/Emergency Management ($37.98/hour)
- Public Transit Grants and Procurement Specialist ($31.01/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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