News & Events

OFFICE OF THE AGING HAS RE-OPENED THE SENIOR CENTER AT FORRESTAL HEIGHTS

June 22, 2021 | by

The Office for the Aging plans, coordinates and provides an array of community based services to the elderly and persons who require assistance in the long term care system, in an effort to promote independence, dignity and quality of life.

We offer an array of programming that provides socialization, recreation and fitness opportunities for seniors to remain active and energized.

Through its distinctive role of committed advocate and community partner, the agency strives to ensure clients’ needs will continue to be met now and in the future.

Important Notice:  

Our offices are open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday.  
Call or email before visiting – many issues can be resolved without having to leave the safety of your home:

845-486-2555
866-486-2555 outside the 845 area code, or
ofa@dutchessny.gov.

How You Can Help Our Seniors

Cancellations and Postponements

  • (Updated 6/17/21) Six of the eight OFA Senior Friendship Centers have reopened! Watch this space for details, and subscribe to OFA updates via Dutchess Delivery.
  • The Office for the Aging is closed in observance of the national Independence Day holiday on Monday, July 5th. Clients of OFA’s Home Delivered Meals program will receive meals in advance of the holiday.

Updated Events

  • Limited face-to-face legal counseling sessions are available, on Fridays only, by appointment only. Contact OFA to find out more.
  • A limited number of in-person Medicare website classes and workshops are taking place. Details are available on the county calendar

NYS Coronavirus Update: Fourth of July Fireworks — Hospitalizations Continue to Decline

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From the highest positivity rate on the globe, to one of the lowest positivity rates in the nation, New Yorkers have worked tirelessly to keep their communities safe and show up for each other throughout the pandemic. With reopening underway, New Yorkers should be proud of themselves and start living life again, enjoying all that our beautiful state has to offer—especially now that it is officially summer. If you haven’t already, get your vaccine so you can safely go forward to make priceless memories with your loved ones. 


Photo of the Day: The Smithtown High School East Honor Society visited the Stony Brook mass vaccination site to thank the staff (Photo by Aphrodite Montalvo)  

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:  
1. COVID hospitalizations are at 485. Of the 58,372 tests reported yesterday, 251, or 0.43 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.37 percent. There were 114 patients in ICU yesterday, down four from the previous day. Of them, 62 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 10 New Yorkers to the virus.   
2. As of 11am this morning, 71.0 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. Over the past 24 hours, 31,101 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 20,605,726 total doses with 63.2 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker.  
3. Fourth of July fireworks celebrations will be held at Empire State Plaza and Jones Beach this year. The New York State Office of General Services and New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are joining with partners again to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and events from 6-10pm at the Empire State Plaza, including a pop-up vaccination site from 5:30-8:00pm and at Jones Beach State Park beginning at 9:30pm.  
4. In the third round of the program, Nourish NY has spent $13 million to help New Yorkers in need. So far, over eight million pounds of raw milk has been turned into dairy products and distributed by food banks, along with over 3.4 million pounds of produce. Over 7 million meals have been made for households in need using products sourced from New York farms.   
5. Some mass vaccination sites will downscale as the State shifts resources to local areas of greatest need. Given the statewide progress on vaccinations, certain State-run mass vaccination sites will begin to downscale and shift their resources for localized vaccination efforts. Over the course of weeks and months, a number of sites will downscale based on demand, proximity to other vaccination sites, and other locally-focused efforts. The transition reflects the State’s plan to focus resources on areas where zipcode data shows the vaccination rate is lower than the statewide average.  
6. Remember, mental health resources are available for New Yorkers who need them. Even though it’s officially summer and New York continues to reopen and rebuild, we can’t underestimate the mental and emotional strain of the pandemic. New Yorkers can visit http://headspace.com/ny for free mindfulness resources or call our support hotline at 1-844-863-9314.   

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: The Queens-Midtown Tunnel is a great option to get from Manhattan to Queens by car—but it’s an unusual route for a dog. Indie, a rescue who has been living in the Upper West Side, escaped from her dog walker and managed to end up in Long Island City by way of the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, evading oncoming vehicles. A week later, Indie was reunited with her owner thanks to the help of fellow New Yorkers who rescued Indie from a warehouse following her cross-borough journey.   

Ever Upward,  
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  

NYS Coronavirus Update: 20 Million Doses — State Fair to Return at 100% Capacity

June 15, 2021 | by

We’ve come a long way in six months. Exactly six months ago, on December 14, 2020, Sandra Lindsay, an ICU nurse at Long Island Jewish Medical Center in Queens, became the first person in the nation to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Since then, more than 20 million vaccine doses have been administered in New York State alone. As of today, exactly half of all New Yorkers have received at least one dose of the vaccine, and our adult vaccination rate is a hair’s breadth away from 70 percent—the goal we set when we will lift most remaining COVID restrictions. After Sandra Lindsay received her first dose, she said, “There is hope.” She was right. Now we must continue to get out the word to unvaccinated New Yorkers and work to accelerate the reopening of our state.
  Nurse Sandra Lindsay, six months ago.
Photo of the Day: Six months ago today, Sandra Lindsay received the first COVID-19 vaccine dose in the nation outside of a trial setting (Photo by Kevin Coughlin)   

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:  
1. COVID hospitalizations fell to 617. Of the 61,634 tests reported yesterday, 320, or 0.52 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.41 percent, among the lowest in the nation. There were 163 patients in ICU yesterday, down seven from the previous day. Of them, 92 are intubated. Sadly, we lost seven New Yorkers to the virus.   
2. As of 11am this morning, 69.9 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. After we reach 70 percent, most remaining COVID restrictions will be lifted. Over the past 24 hours, 37,284 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 20,099,155 total doses with 61.3 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker.  
3. The Great New York State Fair will reopen at 100 percent capacity. The State Fair is an iconic New York tradition, and I’m so glad the Fair can reopen at full capacity, given the incredible progress we have made in bringing the number of COVID cases down. Most popular buildings at the Fairgrounds will be open, adhering to health guidelines. The State Fair will be an 18-day-long event featuring New York’s best food and drink, rides and games, entertainment, and agricultural education. We hope we’ll see you in Syracuse at the end of summer!  
4. Get a shot, get a free bus pass. New York State is partnering with six public transportation providers in Upstate New York to incentivize more New Yorkers to get vaccinated. Anyone who shows proof of vaccination from June 15 to July 14 at participating transportation redemption centers will receive an unlimited seven-day public transportation pass. Participating providers include the Capital District Transportation Authority, Greater Glens Falls Transit, Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority, Central New York Regional Transportation Authority, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit and Broome County Transit. Learn more.  
5. Reminder that applications for the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program are open. Business owners who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for grants of up to $50,000.    6. Today we announced grant funding is available for nonprofit arts and cultural organizations and artists. The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating effect on many artists and performers, but we are committed to reviving the arts and culture—they are part of what makes New York so special. The New York State Council on the Arts will offer four rounds of flexible funding grants, with applications opening on Wednesday, June 16. Learn more.  

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Wasabi, a tiny Pekingese, won Best in Show at the 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show yesterday, beating out a whippet, a sheepdog, and a Samoyed, among others. The Westminster Dog Show was held this year in Tarrytown, NY—instead of its usual home at Madison Square Garden in New York City—so that it could take place outdoors for the safety of all participants. There were no spectators, but the show aired live on television. Wasabi is the great-grandson of Malachy, who was also a champion, winning Best in Show at Westminster in 2012.  

Ever Upward,  
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  

NYS Coronavirus Update: Demobilizing Testing Sites — New NYC Vaccination Sites

June 11, 2021 | by

New Yorkers over the past year have embodied the spirit of what it means to be New York Tough. Our positivity rates continue to drop to record lows and as such, we can demobilize drive-through testing sites across the state beginning tomorrow. As more and more New Yorkers get vaccinated and we get closer to our goal of a 70 percent vaccination rate, we can move some of these resources toward the vaccination effort. Since our nation-leading testing program began in March, we have conducted over 57 million COVID tests—1.6 million of which were at drive-through locations. I want to thank our State agencies and their dedicated workforces, health care providers and the National Guard for their service. I encourage all who are eligible to get vaccinated so we can continue our work to return to normalcy and reimagine a stronger, better and healthier New York.   


Photo of the Day: Yesterday, we celebrated the grand opening of the new Pier 76 on the West Side of Manhattan, part of our effort to reimagine and rebuild New York (Photo by Don Pollard)   

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:  
1. COVID hospitalizations are at 758. Of the 139,492 tests reported yesterday, 566, or 0.41 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.47 percent. There were 190 patients in ICU yesterday, down five from the previous day. Of them, 113 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 9 New Yorkers to the virus.   
2. As of 11am this morning, 69.2 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. Once we reach 70 percent, and we are close, most remaining COVID restrictions will be lifted. Over the past 24 hours, 104,488 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 19,820,785 total doses with 60.3 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker.  
3. Two new vaccination sites will come online in New York City tomorrow, June 11. The first pop-up site, at the Empire State Building Observatory, will operate from Friday, June 11, to Sunday, June 13, and the first 100 individuals who get vaccinated at the site will receive a free ticket to the Observatory. The second site, at the College of Staten Island, will operate from Friday, June 11, to Thursday, June 17, and will be a part of the State’s ‘Vax & Scratch’ program.   
4. Today, we announced the second group of winners of the State’s Vaccine Scholarship incentive. These ten vaccinated New Yorkers will attend a SUNY or CUNY school with their tuition and room & board covered. With more drawings in the weeks ahead, there are still opportunities for a chance to win a full-ride scholarship to a state school. Learn more and get a shot to make your future: ny.gov/vaccinescholarship.    
5. Applications for the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Grant Program are now open. Business owners who experienced financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for grants of up to $50,000. Grants will be awarded to small and micro businesses and small for-profit independent arts and cultural organizations.   
6. The State’s Ulster County Fairgrounds mass vaccination site has transitioned to a mobile trailer at SUNY Ulster’s campus. The SUNY Ulster campus site is now accepting new first-dose appointments as well as walk-in appointments. All current appointments for second doses will be honored at the original location at the Fairgrounds.  

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: Today, thousands of New Yorkers woke up early to catch a glimpse of a rare solar eclipse. And although New York was out of the range for the total eclipse, about 70 percent of the sun was covered by the moon—treating stargazers all over the state to a partially eclipsed sunrise.

 
The partially eclipsed sunrise from Hamlin Beach State Park (Photo by NY State Parks)    

Ever Upward,  
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  

BUILD N BEYOND HUDSON VALLEY IS OFFERING FREE TRAINING IN CONSTRUCTION TRADES

June 9, 2021 | by

Attention Residents of BHA, this is a great opportunity for any resident who is interested in gaining entry into the Construction Trades. The training is free and the rewards can change your life. Please review the information below and share with anyone that you think could benefit from this opportunity.

CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION & SNAP-Ed NEW YORK SPONSOR A LUNCH & LEARN

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Residents are encouraged to participate in this informative and healthy event. Please review information below and share with friends and family.

MHA TO HOLD MILITARY APPRECIATION EVENT ON 6/25/2021

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As part of their Dutchess County Veterans Programs MHA will be holding a Military Appreciation Event for Veterans and their families. Please review the information below and share with your friends and families.

VOTING INFORMATION FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION THIS MONTH

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BHA Residents are encouraged to be part of the Election Process for 2021. It is important to stay informed and participant in the local elections. Have your voices heard get out an vote in the Primary Elections this year.

Early Voting:June 12th – June 20th, 2021*
Voting Location: Fishkill Town Hall, 807 NY52, Fishkill, NY
Times: June 12 & 13 10AM-3PM/June  14 9AM-5PM/June 15 Noon-8PM
June 16 9AM – 5PM/June 17 Noon – 8 PM/ June 18 9AM – 5 PM/ June 19 & 20 10 AM – 3PM

Primary Election — June 22nd, 2021
Polls open 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM

FREE GROCERIES ARE COMING TO BEACON TOMORROW

June 8, 2021 | by

NYS Coronavirus Update: Update on School Mask Guidance — Empire State Building Partnership

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New York has two goals: managing COVID and our vaccination progress, and reimagining and rebuilding our state. Per the CDC, New York has done more shots in arms per capita than any big state in the country—68.6 percent of adults have at least one dose of the COVID vaccine. Today I announced that once we hit 70 percent, most of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions will be lifted. This includes industry-specific capacity restrictions, social distancing, as well as other protocols in place. Until more New Yorkers are vaccinated, large-scale event venues, public transit, and pre-K to 12 schools still must follow the State’s guidelines. But the expected lifting of our COVID restrictions is a sign of how hard New Yorkers have worked to contain the spread. We have 1.4 percent to go until we can lift those restrictions—another great reason to get vaccinated.

 
Photo of the Day: The Empire State Building is partnering with New York State to offer exclusive events for Excelsior Pass holders.   

Here’s what else you need to know tonight:  
1. School districts can lift the requirement that students must wear masks outdoors. The State’s guidance on mask use indoors remains in place, but school districts may choose to no longer require masks outdoors, for example during recess. This change aligns with guidance relating to summer camps, where even unvaccinated campers are not required to wear masks outdoors.   
2. COVID hospitalizations are at 799. Of the 70,635 tests reported yesterday, 463, or 0.66 percent, were positive. The 7-day average percent positivity was 0.51 percent. There were 206 patients in ICU yesterday, down two from the previous day. Of them, 120 are intubated. Sadly, we lost 9 New Yorkers to the virus.   
3. As of 11am this morning, 68.6 percent of adult New Yorkers have completed at least one vaccine dose, per the CDC. Over the past 24 hours, 58,807 total doses have been administered. To date, New York administered 19,538,790 total doses with 59.5 percent of adult New Yorkers completing their vaccine series. See additional data on the State’s Vaccine Tracker.  
4. Excelsior Pass will be used at Empire State Realty Trust properties in New York—including the Empire State Building. From June 10 to June 26, Excelsior Pass users can take advantage of evening experiences, a special sunrise event on June 13, and discounted tickets to the Empire State Building’s Observatory.  
5. More than 2 million Excelsior Passes have been issued to date. Excelsior Pass is a convenient way to get digital proof of COVID-19 vaccination—so that you don’t have to worry about losing your CDC vaccine card. It is accepted at numerous large venues, bars, sports stadiums and more. Opt in at epass.ny.gov.    
6. “To-go” alcohol beverages will continue. Near the start of the pandemic, New York permitted restaurants and bars to sell “to-go” cocktails, beer and other alcoholic beverages to help restaurants stay in business. This measure has been extended for an additional 30 days. (Drink responsibly.)  
7. New York’s “Vax and Scratch” Lottery program is extended through June 11. Get vaccinated at any of 10 state vaccination sites and receive a free NYS Lottery scratch-off ticket with a grand prize of $5 million. Must be 18+ to participate. Learn more.  

Tonight’s “Deep Breath Moment”: At 93, a U.S. veteran was inspired by his great-granddaughter to finally receive his high school diploma. Pat Moore intended to graduate from Alvin High School in Texas in 1945 but was drafted by the Army Air Corps just before graduation. Decades later, he received his diploma alongside his great-granddaughter Bryssa.   

Ever Upward,  
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo  
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The BHA office does close due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. We recommend that you call ahead if you have an appointment and the weather is questionable.

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One Forrestal Heights / Beacon, NY 12508
845.831.1289
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