| |
A Message from Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger
|
|
|
Dear Friends,
Today, I'm in Syracuse representing Ulster County at the Future Energy Economy Summit. I'm here alongside state agencies, policymakers, and organizations dedicated to advancing New York's clean energy transition. It's a great opportunity to highlight Ulster County's efforts on this important front.
The first week of school is already here–it feels like the summer flew by! Our "Safe Start to School" road safety campaign kicked off this week and we've got some great news to share in this newsletter on housing, the County pool, and more.
All my best,
|
|
Recent News & Events
Kicking Off the School Year Safely with Our "Safe Start to School" Campaign!
As students across Ulster County head back to school, their safety getting to and from school is our collective responsibility. We're excited to announce the launch of the "Safe Start to School 2024" road safety campaign, led by County Executive Jen Metzger in partnership with the Ulster County Sheriff, local governments, state and local law enforcement, and school districts. The initiative builds on the success of the County's "Safe Start to Summer" campaign in early July.
"Safe Start to School" involves enhanced enforcement during the first two weeks of school in school zones and on bus routes, as well as an educational road safety campaign for students, parents, guardians, and all road users. Follow our campaign on social media, share our road safety messages, and above all, do your part to keep our roads safe for our students and all road users!
|
|
Ulster County Pool Receives Major Upgrades with $3.9M Grant
Ulster County has secured a $3.9 million grant through the NY SWIMS Program to overhaul and modernize the Ulster County Pool. In addition to addressing the piping failures that led to the pool's closure this summer, the grant will enable the County to replace the pool deck, install a new gutter system, and create zero-depth entry ramps to make the pool safer and more accessible for children, seniors, and people of all abilities. Kids will also have a new spray ground to play in, adjacent to the pool!
"Improving and modernizing the County pool is an important investment in the health and quality of life of our residents, and we're thrilled to receive this major award from the State," said County Executive Jen Metzger. "Thank you to Deputy County Executive Amanda LaValle for her work to secure this grant, and I also thank Deputy Budget Director Victoria Reid and our grants team for assisting the Town of Wawarsing in securing a $3.65 million grant to upgrade Ellenville/Wawarsing's community pool."
County Executive Metzger Calls for Changes to Central Hudson's Climate Resilience Plan
The New York State Public Service Commission has sensibly required New York's utilities to develop a plan that improves the electricity grid's resilience to weather and climate-related impacts and keeps us safe. County Executive Jen Metzger reviewed the draft plan submitted by Central Hudson to the Commission and has urged the Commission not to accept the plan until the gaps and shortcomings she identified are addressed.
Five Projects Recommended for Grants through County's New Housing Action Fund
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has recommended the first round of projects for $2 million in grants through the County's Housing Action Fund, which was created last year to expand housing that is affordable and sustainable. The diverse group of projects include:
-
Harmony Hall: A 51-unit Senior Affordable Rental Housing development in New Paltz by the Affordable Housing Conservancy.
-
Quality Inn Conversion: An 83-unit affordable and supportive housing development in the Town of Ulster by RUPCO.
-
Gallis Hill Manufactured Home Park: Eight new affordable homes in Hurley by the Affordable Housing Conservancy.
-
Jeffrey Court: A 10-home affordable subdivision in Saugerties by Ulster County Habitat for Humanity.
-
Third Avenue Housing Development: A 50-unit affordable housing project in Kingston by the Kingston City Land Bank.
The County Legislature will take up the recommendations at its September 17 legislative session.
2nd Year of the Ulster County Climate Corps Wraps Up!
Our 15 Climate Corps interns gave final presentations at the end of August on their work on climate and sustainability projects in 10 County departments. All of these projects helped to advance the County's initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve our resilience to climate change, including researching materials and supplies that comply with the County's Sustainable Purchasing Policy; helping implement the County's municipal solar and EV charging grants program; undertaking public outreach for the County Community Climate Action Plan; and helping develop a wildfire management plan as part of the County's emergency management plan--among many other projects!
The summer interns were a mix of high school, college, and graduate students who worked under the guidance of staff in the different departments for 10 weeks. The paid internship gives young people hands-on experience in government and real-world climate projects while also developing their knowledge and professional skills.
|
|
United for Recovery: Ulster County’s Ongoing Commitment to Mental Health and Overdose Prevention
On International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31, Ulster County came together to honor lives lost to overdose and to strengthen our resolve in combating the opioid crisis.
County Executive Jen Metzger, Chief Diversity Officer Esi Lewis, and Sheriff Juan Figueroa participated in a community event co-sponsored by the Broadway Bubble in Kingston and the Ulster County Sheriff's ORACLE team to raise awareness and help break the stigma associated with substance use disorder.
The County Executive presented the ORACLE team with a Certificate of Recognition for their efforts to prevent overdose and help connect people with resources for recovery. Work like this has helped to reduce the incidence of fatal overdoses by 19% last year and another 32.6% this year. The County Executive also recognized the Broadway Bubble for its work in supporting these efforts and uplifting the community.
As we enter September, marking both National Suicide Prevention Month and National Recovery Month, Ulster County reaffirms its commitment to supporting mental health and recovery. Our Center for Well-Being at 368 Broadway in Kingston is available to all, offering immediate, trauma-informed care to individuals and families in need. Whether you’re navigating your own mental health journey or supporting a loved one through recovery, our Center is here to provide guidance and support.
|
|
Celebrating African Heritage and Advancing Health Equity
On August 31, the global community marked the inaugural International Day for People of African Descent, a day dedicated to celebrating the profound contributions and rich heritage of African descendants. In Ulster County, Harambee organized the 5th Annual African American Festival on Kingston’s Strand, bringing the community together to honor African American culture, traditions, and the enduring legacy of the African diaspora.
Recognizing the importance of this day also brings to light disproportionate health challenges faced by the Black community. Heart disease, the leading cause of death for Black people in Ulster County, underscores the urgent need for action. To address this challenge, the Ulster County Department of Health has formed a Heart Disease Prevention Team, partnering with local organizations in this effort. The team is focused on reducing heart disease-related fatalities by addressing its root causes and promoting healthier lives for all.
As we celebrate the rich cultural heritage of people of African descent, we are also committed to building a future where health equity is within reach for every member of our community.
|
|
A Festive Celebration at the 23rd Annual Hooley on the Hudson
The Strand in Kingston was filled with Irish music, dance, and community spirit at Sunday's 23rd annual Hooley on the Hudson, a celebration of Irish cultural heritage and traditions. Thank you to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the performers, and all the dedicated volunteers for this wonderful community celebration, and for raising funds for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley and other local charities.
Deadline Extended for Ulster County Emergency Wireless Access Program Grant - Apply by September 16
This County program, offered in partnership with Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, aims to boost public access to the internet with grants for public WiFi for local governments, public schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. This is a great opportunity to increase wireless access in your community!
Questions? Email grants@communityfoundationshv.org.
Join us for a Trauma-Informed Yoga Series
The Ulster County Crime Victims Assistance Program (CVAP) invites you to attend ‘Stress Reduction: Techniques and Tools,’ a 4-class series featuring trauma-informed yoga practices to soothe and calm your nervous system, with Guide Shawn Harrison (she/her).
🗓️ Wednesday Evenings, September 4 - 25
🕡 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
📍 Good Work Institute, 65 Saint James Street, Kingston
All are welcome. No experience, special clothing, or equipment is needed. For more information, call the CVAP offices at (845) 340-3443.
Department of Mental Health Office Hours – September 12
A representative from the Ulster County Department of Mental Health will be hosting neighborhood office hours in Kingston 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, September 12
🕕10 AM - 1 PM
📍 People’s Place, 17 St. James Street, Kingston
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.
Kick-Off Hispanic Heritage Month with Us!
Join us on September 16 at 5 PM at the Ulster County Office Building for the official kickoff of Hispanic Heritage Month (Sun, Sept. 15 – Tue, Oct. 15)! This event will mark the start of a month-long celebration recognizing the rich history and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities.
📅Monday, September 16
🕕 5 PM
📍County Office Building, 244 Fair Street, Kingston
The evening will showcase the achievements of Hispanic and Latino Americans and will include performances and a Parade of Flags representing various Hispanic nations. This event is free and open to all.
Join Our Autism Training for First Responders
If you’re a First Responder in Ulster County, join us for an upcoming training to learn effective verbal techniques, tools, and intervention strategies to assist people with autism spectrum disorder.
📅 Tuesday, September 17
🕕9 AM - 4 PM
📍 Ulster County Department of Mental Health, 368 Broadway, 4th Floor, Kingston
This training is open to police officers, fire & EMTs, correctional officers, judges & lawyers, social workers & case managers, teachers & school staff, churches and other groups. RSVP to join. Email ango@co.ulster.ny.us or call (845) 340-4110.
You’re Invited to our ‘Dream Career’ Hiring Event
Everyone should have an opportunity to pursue a rewarding career, and we can help! The Ulster County Career Center and Ulster County Personnel Department invite you to a ‘Dream Career’ hiring event, where qualified job seekers can meet directly with local employers for scheduled or on-the-spot interviews and possible immediate hire.
📅 Thursday, September 26
🕕3 PM - 7 PM
📍 The Fuller Building, 45 Pine Grove Ave, Kingston
To help match job seekers with the right positions, we have created a registration survey for both job seekers and employers to complete. Registration ends on September 13.
|
|
Join Us On the Nature Bus - Upcoming Routes for September 7 & 14
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, September 7 - River Route
📍 Kingston Point Beach (Activities include: Walking, Biking, Swimming, and Playground)
📍 Sojourner Truth State Park (Activities include: Walking, Hiking, and Biking)
📍 Shaupeneak Ridge (Activities include: Walking, Hiking, and Biking)
📍 Walkway Over the Hudson State Park (Activities include: Walking and Biking)
📍 Black Creek Preserve (Activities include: Walking and Biking)
📍 Esopus Meadows Preserve (Activities include: Walking and Hiking)
📅 Saturday, September 14 - 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)
The bus and destinations are FREE to the public, plus the bus is equipped with a bike rack (first come, first served.)
|
|
Help Shape the Future of Arts & Culture in Ulster County!
Ulster County is extending the deadline for our Arts & Culture Plan survey to September 15—giving you more time to share your thoughts and ideas! Whether you’re an artist, creator, or a passionate supporter of the arts, your input is crucial in crafting a plan that promotes economic prosperity, social equity, and cultural vitality across the County.
The final plan will set clear goals and strategies that reflect the diverse voices of our community, ensuring that arts and culture continue to thrive in Ulster County.
Make your voice heard and help us create a brighter, more inclusive future! The survey is available in English and Spanish.
AED Grant Program: Enhancing Safety for Youth Camps and Sports Programs
Ulster County's AED Grant Program is now available to support youth sports programs and summer camps in meeting new state safety requirements. Funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, this $250,000 initiative offers up to $5,000 per non-profit organization to assist with purchasing Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and training staff in their use. With the recent amendment to New York State Public Health Law mandating AEDs and certified personnel at these programs, the grant ensures that non-profit camps and youth sports programs are well-equipped to handle cardiac emergencies. Grant Details:
- Up to $5,000 per organization for AEDs and training
- Available to non-profit camps and youth sports programs that are not municipally operated
- Application deadline: October 15, 2024
- A Cardiac Emergency Implementation Plan is required to apply.
For more information, email AEDGrant@co.ulster.ny.us or apply here.
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:
- Associate Public Health Engineer ($55.40/hour)
- Assistant County Attorney ($86,932/year)
- Nurse Practitioner ($65.93/hour)
- Social Welfare Examiner Trainee ($23.18/hour)
- Supervising Public Health Nurse ($48.76/hour)
- And more!
The Ulster County Government strictly adheres to the principles of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act and Americans with Disability Act.
|
|
|
social
 
|
|
|
|
|
|
