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A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger |
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Dear Friends,
Last week I joined Rep. Pat Ryan as he announced a package of bills he is introducing to expand affordable access to rental housing and homeownership opportunities. The federal legislation is a valuable complement to our County housing initiatives, including the Housing Action Fund we established last August to catalyze the development of housing that our residents can afford. I'm happy to share that I will be recommending the first round of project awards to the Legislature next month, so stay tuned! Read on for other news, including the County’s expanded eviction prevention program, a new “Safe Start to School” road safety campaign, and more.
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Recent News & Events
Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack Announces Her Retirement
After more than 45 years of dedicated service, Ulster County Clerk Nina Postupack has announced her retirement on August 22, marking the end of an extraordinary career. The first woman to hold this important position, Nina's tenure is distinguished by her dedication to public service, preservation of Ulster County’s rich history, and a deep commitment to community outreach.
As County Executive Metzger stated: "Nina Postupack is one of the most selfless people I know, and the very embodiment of what a public servant should be–professional, fair, compassionate, responsive, and committed to the highest standard of service for the people of Ulster County. She has fostered a culture in the Clerk’s Office in which everyone is treated with dignity, respect, and kindness, and she has helped countless people over her many years of service. I have enjoyed every moment of working with Nina and will miss her greatly. I wish her the very best in her retirement, and thank her for her decades of committed service to our County."
Deputy Clerk Taylor Bruck will serve as Acting County Clerk through the remainder of her term, which ends Dec. 31, 2025.
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Expanded Eviction Prevention Program Enhances Support for Rent-Burdened Residents
The Ulster County Legislature unanimously passed a series of resolutions in July and August that significantly expands the County’s eviction prevention program. The bipartisan initiative, which builds upon the existing contract with Legal Services of the Hudson Valley (LSHV), enables LSHV to double its efforts in assisting residents facing eviction, including providing additional legal representation and housing counseling, and includes an ARPA funded program to assist with arrears and other moving expenses.
The urgency of this expansion is underscored by the Ulster County Planning Department's newly released 2023 Rental Housing Survey Report, which reveals that 46% of our residents are rent-burdened and 26% are severely rent-burdened. The more robust eviction defense services approved by the Legislature will provide a lifeline to those at risk of losing their homes. The resolution for the expanded program was co-sponsored by Majority Leader Abe Uchitelle and Minority Leader Kevin Roberts.
‘Safe Start to School’ Road Safety Campaign to Launch in September
Building on the successful "Safe Start to Summer" road safety campaign initiated by County Executive Metzger earlier this summer, a second traffic safety initiative, “Safe Start to School,” will kick off the first week of September. The three-week campaign will include enhanced enforcement of traffic laws in school zones and speed zones and an educational campaign in schools and in the community to increase awareness of traffic safety and school bus laws among children, parents, and all users of our roadways. The initiative involves many partners, including the Ulster County Transportation Council, Traffic Safety Board, local governments, County and local law enforcement, and school districts.
Climate Corps Interns Explore Local Climate Solutions in Action
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Our Ulster County Climate Corps interns recently took a special field trip to places in Ulster County that showcase climate solutions relating to the food system. The first stop was Cornell AgriTech in Highland, where they learned about the lab's innovative pilot to integrate solar into apple orchards, as well as research to combat invasive species like the Spotted Lantern Fly, which threatens grapes and other crops. (Climate change accelerates the Lantern Fly's geographic spread.) The next stop on the tour was Bread Alone’s carbon-neutral bakery in Boiceville, where they learned about the bakery's energy-efficient all-electric construction (with solar!) and sustainable business practices like composting. The last stop was the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency, where the Climate Corps saw firsthand how organic waste is transformed into compost, contributing to healthier soils and more productive farms. There is nothing more inspiring than seeing local climate solutions in action!
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Ulster County Employees Recognized for Years of Dedicated Service
On Thursday, August 15, Ulster County held a special ceremony recognizing our employees who hit major milestones of 25, 30, and 35 years with the County government.
We are deeply grateful for their dedicated service to Ulster County and for their contributions over these many years to the health, safety, and well-being of our residents and our communities.
A big thank you to SUNY Ulster for hosting the celebration!
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Woodstock Volunteer Appreciation Day Marks Its 20th Year!
For 20 years now, the Woodstock community has come together to celebrate and recognize all who volunteer--everyone from local first responders to food pantry volunteers, soccer coaches, Planning Board members, and the many local organizations that run on volunteer power. It is a great community event with music, food, and above all, appreciation--all organized by a dedicated group of community members. County Executive Metzger presented the group with a Certificate of Appreciation recognizing this labor of love that is now in its 20th year.
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Dedication of Route 28 in the Town of Ulster as ‘Ulster County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway’
Last week, County Executive Metzger and Deputy Director of Veterans Services Frank Reggero joined Senator Michelle Hinchey, former Assembly Member Kevin Cahill, veterans, and local officials for the commemorative naming and dedication of a section of State Route 28 in the Town of Ulster as the ‘Ulster County Korean War Veterans Memorial Highway,' thanks to state legislation sponsored by Hinchey and Cahill in 2021. The dedication pays tribute to the courage, commitment, and sacrifice of the more than 4,000 Ulster County residents who served in the Korean War.
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Caribbean Carnival Returns to the Hudson Valley
On August 17, the 5th Annual Caribbean Carnival returned to the Hudson Valley at Cantine Field Saugerties in celebration of Caribbean culture through music, food, and community. Thank you to the event organizer Seasoned Gives and all who contributed to recognizing and elevating the beauty and richness of Caribbean culture and heritage in Ulster County!
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Department of Mental Health Office Hours – August 22
A representative from the Ulster County Department of Mental Health will be hosting neighborhood office hours in Modena this month! 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.
📅 Thursday, August 22
🕕10 AM - 2 PM
📍 Plattekill Public Library, 2047 Route 32, Modena, NY
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! For more information, contact Jillian Nadiak-Bruck at jnad@co.ulster.ny.us.
Upcoming Town Hall Meeting on the County’s Arts & Culture Plan
Let us know how you engage with arts and culture and how Ulster County can better serve our creative individuals, businesses, and communities. Attend an upcoming town hall meeting in Kingston to learn more about the Ulster County Arts & Culture Plan and how you can help.
In-Person Town Hall - Kingston
🗓️ Tuesday, August 27
🕛 5:30 PM - 7 PM (Doors @ 5:15 PM)
📍 Kingston City Hall, 420 Broadway, Kingston, NY
You can learn more about the project on Participate Ulster.
The 'Making of a Leader' Workshop with Jamal Barnes/College Jumpstart
Are you ready to develop your leadership skills and make a difference in your community? Join us and facilitator Jamal Barnes from College Jumpstart for our “Making of a Leader” workshop and learn about the essential qualities of good leadership and strategies for further developing them.
📅 Thursday, August 29
🕕 6 PM -7:30 PM
📍 Restorative Justice & Community Empowerment Center, 733 Broadway, Kingston, NY
RSVP today to secure your spot! 📞 (845) 802-7966 or 📧 kmap@co.ulster.ny.us. Snacks and refreshments will be provided.
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Join Us On the Nature Bus - Upcoming Routes for August 24 & 31
Take advantage of Ulster County’s free Nature Bus to visit one of our County's amazing natural attractions! Walk, hike, bike, swim, picnic, and explore at some of our County’s outdoor destination favorites.
📅 Saturday, August 24 - Ridge Route
📍 Sam’s Point Preserve (Activities include: Hiking)
📍 Lippman Park (Activities include: Walking and Biking)
📍 Minnewaska State Park Preserve (Activities include: Hiking and Biking)
📅 Saturday, August 31 - Mountain Route
📍 Ashokan Rail Trail (Activities include: Walking and Biking)
📍 Catskills Visitor Center (Activities include: Walking and Fire Tower Climb)
The bus and destinations are FREE to the public, plus the bus is equipped with a bike rack (first come, first served.)
Saturday, August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day
The ORACLE Team and Ulster County Sheriff’s Office will be marking this year’s Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose and stigma, at a special event in collaboration with the Broadway Bubble in Kingston.
🗓️ Saturday, August 31
🕔 12 PM - 4 PM
📍 Broadway Bubble, 718 Broadway, Kingston, NY
For any information or questions relating to this event, please reach out to Jess Merck atjeme@co.ulster.ny.us.
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Looking for Foster Homes - Make a Difference in a Child’s Life!
Join our monthly Foster Parent Orientation to learn about foster care and how you can help. You'll get comprehensive info on the joys and responsibilities of fostering.
🗓️ Tuesday, September 3
🕔 5:30 PM - 6: 30 PM
📍 Department of Social Services, 1091 Development Court, Kingston, NY
Orientations are held on the first Tuesday of every month. To attend, please call ahead to confirm your spot with a Home Finder: (845) 334-5400.
Grant to Aid in Children’s Healthcare Costs
If your child recently incurred medical costs that exceeded your insurance plan’s coverage, you may qualify to apply for a grant from the UnitedHealthcare Children’s Foundation. This program is available to help low-to-mid income families afford necessary care for serious medical conditions. You can apply for up to $5,000 in support for medical expenses per year for your child.
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! We have some exciting positions open in the County government. Visit the civil service portal and apply today to join our team, and please help us spread the word! Here are just some of the rewarding positions we're hiring for:
- Assistant County Attorney ($86,932/year)
- Director of Housing & Homelessness ($75,000/year)
- Deputy Director of Emergency Communications/Emergency Management ($79,606/year)
- UCAT Bus Drivers ($50,010/year)
- And more!
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
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