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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Greetings, Ulster County residents!
With Mental Health Awareness Month kicking off tomorrow, May 1, I want to let you know that we are committed as a County to broadening access to the services and support our residents need. From our Mental Health in Schools program and Mobile Mental Health service to the Ulster County Center for Well-Being, we are providing services to people of all ages regardless of income level. And this year, we’re excited to move forward with plans for a new Crisis Stabilization Center and two new youth and family mental health clinics! No one should go without the help and support they need to thrive.
Connecting with nature is also great for mental health, and this past weekend saw the launch of Ulster County’s new Nature Bus–-a free service for our residents to visit and explore some of the County’s extraordinary parks and outdoor destinations. Read on for updates on this program and other news and upcoming events!
All my best,
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Recent News & Events
Ulster County’s Nature Bus is Ready to Take You Places
The Nature Bus officially kicked off this past Saturday, and the weather was perfect! This is a new program to provide more opportunities for our residents to enjoy the County's pristine natural treasures and outdoor recreational destinations. It is entirely free (both the transportation and the destinations), and for all ages and abilities. A great way to spend a Saturday! The Nature Bus will run throughout the day on Saturdays, alternating routes, through early October.
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County Executive Jen Metzger and Elected Officials Unite in Call to Hold Central Hudson Accountable
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has called on the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) to take punitive measures against Fortis/Central Hudson for its three-year billing fiasco before approving a new utility rate plan — a decision the Commission is expected to take in in May or June. In a letter to PSC Chair Rory Christian, the County Executive wrote that the findings of a December 2022 investigation by the Department of Public Service "suggest a management culture at Fortis/Central Hudson that assigns a low value to the interests and well-being of its customers," and that "any hope of changing that culture requires that the Company be held materially responsible for its actions and fined for its negligence and failures." The letter was co-signed by 26 federal, state, and local elected representatives.
Ulster County Department of Emergency Services Leads Autism Awareness Training for Over 70 First Responders
During Autism Acceptance Month, the Ulster County Department of Emergency Services, in partnership with the Department of Probation, led an Autism Awareness training program for over 70 first responders. This initiative helped equip frontline personnel with the knowledge, communication tools, and skills to effectively engage with individuals on the autism spectrum, with the goal of reducing misunderstandings and anxiety and ensuring safer interactions during emergency situations.
A big thanks to Ulster County's Department of Emergency Services and Department of Probation for their commitment to inclusive practices and their recognition of the unique needs of the autism community.
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Remodeling Work Begins for New Crisis Stabilization Center at Ulster County Center for Well-Being
Remodeling work has officially begun at the Ulster County Center for Well-Being to create a new Crisis Stabilization Center on the first floor. When completed this fall, the center will provide around-the-clock crisis services in separate facilities for youth and adults, offering a safe and supportive place for people to turn while avoiding unnecessary trips to the emergency room.
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Ulster County’s First Adult-Use Cannabis Dispensary Opens in New Paltz
County Executive Metzger and Chief Diversity Officer Esi Lewis joined the ceremonial opening of the first adult-use cannabis dispensary in Ulster County, Big Gas Dispensary in New Paltz, located in the former Stewart’s building. This dispensary, which notably carries products from local farmers, is part of a unique state program to promote social and economic equity in the legal cannabis industry by helping qualifying applicants with the upfront capital costs of starting a business.
Congratulations to Big Gas owners Zymia Lewis and Kareem Haynsworth on their new business and we wish you the greatest success!
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Local Traffic Safety Heroes Win 2024 School Bus Driver of the Year and Charles Schaller Awards
Last Thursday, the County Executive presented the 2024 School Bus Driver of the Year Award and Charles Schaller Award to individuals who have been exemplary models in keeping our children and residents safe. Gale Borden, a school bus driver for the Onteora CSD for 42 years, was awarded Bus Driver of the Year, while Sue Miller, a bus driver for the New Paltz CSD, received an Honorable Mention. They have both gone above and beyond in their caring for children on their way to and from school. The Charles Schaller Award for Road Safety was presented to Tom Polk, who spearheaded and directed the Kingston YMCA Bicycle Program for 15 years and has been a true innovator in bike safety. New York State Trooper Joseph Leggio received an Honorable Mention for his record on the road in promoting traffic safety. Congratulations to the awardees!
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Ulster County Human Rights Commission Meets on May 1
The Ulster County Human Rights Commission will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 1, at 6:30 PM at the Restorative Justice Center in Kingston, and the public is invited to attend.
📅 Wednesday, May 1
🕕6:30 PM
📍 Restorative Justice & Community Empowerment Center, 733 Broadway, Kingston, NY
The Ulster County Human Rights Commission's mission is to protect against discrimination and promote fairness, equality, and Human Rights to ALL people in our community, through advocacy, education, and engagement.
Upcoming Department of Mental Health Office Hours in Rosendale
On Thursday, May 2, from 11 AM to 5 PM, a representative from the Ulster County Department of Mental Health will host neighborhood office hours at Rosendale Library located at 264 Main Street, Rosendale!
Take advantage of this opportunity to receive one-on-one naloxone training and valuable opioid prevention materials, and learn about the array of services our Department provides. Whether you're seeking connections to support or simply want to educate yourself and your community, this will serve as a great opportunity to get connected to the Department of Mental Health.
Spread the word, tag your friends, and let's come together to promote wellness and create a healthier future. See you there! For more information, contact Jillian Nadiak-Bruck at jnad@co.ulster.ny.us.
May 5 - 11 is International Compost Awareness Week!
Join us in celebrating the power of composting in Ulster County! Composting is more than just recycling food scraps — it's about stewarding our environment, reducing climate-damaging emissions from landfills, and creating nutrient-rich food for our soils that improve soil and plant health and agricultural productivity!
You’re Invited to New York State’s Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program at Kingston City Hall on May 9 - Register Today
With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. The NY Citizen Preparedness Training Program equips residents with the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. This training course will provide an introduction to responding to a natural or man-made disaster. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies. Each family that attends will receive one Preparedness Kit.
📅 Thursday, May 9
🕕1:00 PM
📍 City of Kingston Council Chambers, 420 Broadway, Kingston, NY
All participants MUST register in advance. This event is brought to you by HealthAlliance Hospital, Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, and City of Kingston Mayor Steve Noble.
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Resource Fair for Seniors
On Friday, May 10, Senator Michelle Hinchey is teaming up with the Ulster County Office for the Aging and the Greene County Office for the Aging to host a Golden Wellness Fair from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Pine Hill Community Center (287 Main St, Pine Hill, NY).
This resource fair is designed to connect seniors with the resources to assist with health care, housing, legal services, and more. There will also be a Notary Public available. Join us!
Free Immigration Legal Clinic
Catholic Charities of Orange, Sullivan & Ulster is hosting a free immigration legal clinic with their attorneys at their Kingston offices on May 10. To schedule an appointment, call or text (347) 921-0631.
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Job Openings in Ulster County
Ulster County is Hiring! 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.
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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