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International Overdose Awareness Day

Dutchess County, NY sent this bulletin at 08/31/2020 05:30 PM EDT

International Overdose Awareness Day

8/31/2020 was International Overdose Awareness Day, and County Executive Marc Molinaro reminds residents our county has numerous resources available to help you or someone you know find the road to recovery through the Dutchess County HELPLINE – all just a phone call or text message away at (845) 485-9700.

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Don’t Feed the Wildlife

The City of Beacon Housing Authority and Wildlife Services encourages all residents to avoid feeding wildlife such as ducks, geese, gulls, raccoons, deer, squirrels, coyotes, feral cats, stray dogs, skunks, raccoons, etc.

One way you can help reduce wildlife conflicts with people is by not feeding wildlife near human populations and in parks. BHA has camera footage of residents leaving small plates of food in hidden areas of the properties. Although these areas may be hidden to you they still pose a threat to other residents on the property. If you are a residents who feels compelled to help wild animals BHA suggest that you volunteer time at the Beacon Human Society or any other non profit agency who’s mission is the safety and protection of wild life.

BHA is asking the residents cooperation in this matter so that we can avoid wild life damage problems which could result from this behavior. Please review the information below:

Wildlife Services experts are often asked to assist with wildlife damage problems related to animals that have been accidentally or intentionally fed by people. Feeding wildlife can lead to a number of serious problems:

• Human food is not healthy for wild animals, and they do not need food from humans to survive. Wild animals have specialized diets, and they can become malnourished or die if fed the wrong foods. Also, animals cannot distinguish food from wrappers or foil and can get sick eating these items.
• Feeding leads to public health concerns. Too many animals in one place increases the chance of disease transmission to people and among other wildlife.
• Animals accustomed to people often lose their fear of people and can become aggressive. Those that become too aggressive may have to be destroyed to protect people and property.
• Birds gathering near or on airports can become victims of bird-aircraft collisions, potentially causing flight delays, damage to aircraft, and loss of human life.
• Animals fed along roads tend to stay near roads, increasing the chance of vehicle-animal accidents.
• Large concentrations of ducks and geese can pollute nearby waterways, backyards and athletic fields. Some waterfowl species drop up to a pound of feces every day!

If you see any resident feeding wild life on the BHA Properties please notify the Management Office immediately.

Hello,

I hope that you all had a summer to remember.

Green Teen is now accepting applications for our Fall Program.  Please pass on this online application to anyone who is interested. They are due on September 17th.  

https://forms.gle/FdGhGvAMLdjizuXj7

Best,

Helanna Bratman

Program Coordinator
Green Teen Community Gardening Program
Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County

23 W. Center St.
Beacon, NY 12508
phone: 845-831-4287

www.facebook.com/greenteenbeacon
http://ccedutchess.org/gardening/green-teen-community-gardening

Dutchess County, NY sent this bulletin at 08/28/2020 03:15 PM EDT

Dutchess County to Participate in Statewide
STOP-DWI Labor Day Crackdown Enforcement Effort

Impaired Driving Crackdown runs through Monday, Sept. 7th

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro announced today law enforcement agencies throughout Dutchess County will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on drunk and impaired driving, leading up to and including the Labor Day holiday. The crackdown effort is currently underway and will conclude Monday, September 7th.

While many will spend the Labor Day holiday and mark the conclusion of summer celebrating with loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. The Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and local municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “We thank the devoted men and women of law enforcement who work every day to rid our roadways of drunk and impaired motorists. Drinking and driving is a choice – one that often has deadly consequences. While you may choose to celebrate the unofficial end of summer, we ask you do so responsibly: If you choose to drink at a small, socially distant Labor Day gathering, please be responsible and arrange a ride home. If you drive drunk, local agencies will enforce our laws and take you off the road before you injure or kill other motorists or yourself.”

The STOP-DWI Labor Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from our STOP-DWI Foundation and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving. Residents can make a difference with a sober plan by downloading the “Have a Plan” mobile app.

Dutchess County, NY sent this bulletin at 08/26/2020 09:47 AM EDT

Dutchess County Seeks Public Health Advisors
to Join Fight Against Coronavirus

5 positions available thanks to NYS DOH grant funding

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health (DBCH) has been awarded a $917,000 grant award from the New York State Department of Health to further build capacity for COVD-19 case investigation and contact tracing coordination. The grant funding will enable DBCH to hire five Public Health Advisors, including a senior supervisory position, for up to 18 months. Recruitment is now open and interested applicants can review job description and apply online at the County’s website at www.dutchessny.gov/jobs.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “This grant enables us to bolster our public health team and ensure we can continue to deal with case investigation and contact tracing quickly to prevent spread. This is critically important as the reopening process continues, -particularly school reopenings – and greater interaction leads to case increases, we need to have the capacity to respond rapidly.”

The grant is intended to increase local health department staffing to conduct rapid and complete case investigations, including ensuing that once contacts are identified, they are reached within 48 hours and have access to testing. The additional staffing will also be available for daily monitoring of cases and contacts and ensure any social supports needs are being met and for effective isolation/quarantine.

The grant funding comes at a critical time as local health departments must take on an ever-increasing workload and the annual flu season approaches. Local health departments have seen their role greatly expanded beyond their normal areas of jurisdiction, particularly as the reopening process has continued. For example, health departments were tasked with conducting gym inspections by the state as a requirement of reopening of gyms and fitness studios, though these businesses are not under the authority of local health departments. Locally, DBCH has been providing support and assistance to nursing homes, assisted living centers and developmentally disabled group homes, all of which normally work directly with NYS DOH. Additionally, DBCH has been coordinating closely with colleges and school districts for their reopening planning. All of this goes beyond the normal workload of DBCH, which still continues and includes other disease and virus surveillance, such as Lyme disease and other tick-borne illness, as well as annual flu monitoring.

“Our public health team has been working non-stop for more than six months responding to the coronavirus pandemic, and I am exceptionally grateful to all of the extraordinary members of our team whose professionalism and dedication has been inspiring,” said DBCH Commissioner Dr. Anil Vaidian. “These additional Public Health Advisors will be welcome additions to our team and enable us to continue our fight against COVID-19, while ensuring we are also addressing other critical health concerns in our community including overdose prevention, tick-borne disease awareness, and much more.”

The grant-funded Public Health Advisors will be responsible for performing investigations and advising on all phases of coronavirus pandemic control efforts. These individuals will be part of DBCH’s Rapid Response Team and take part in case investigation activities including index case and contacts interviews, provide education and public information, assist with data collection and creation of reports and analysis; and stay abreast of new techniques and information that can be locally adapted in the fight against COVID-19.

Interested candidates should have strong knowledge of public health communicable disease investigation as well as current trends relating to emerging techniques and treatment and must have strong interview and communications skills, with positive interpersonal skills to successfully inform and educate individuals and the public at large. Candidates should have the ability to prepare complete and concise reports. Candidates should have education and/or experience in nursing, social work, health education or a health-related field.

For full job descriptions and application information, visit www.dutchessny.gov/jobs. Application deadline is September 11th.

Molinaro Welcomes 150 Teens to Virtual Youth Summit

Event provides youth overview of County’s innovative ‘Path to Promise’ initiative

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro welcomed 150 teens local teens to the County’s annual Youth Summit, held online today to adhere to social distancing guidelines and the prohibition of large gatherings resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A collaboration between the County’s Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS) and the Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board (WIB), the event celebrated the achievements of students in the WIB’s Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP), taught attendees about financial literacy, discussed the skills needed for young men and women to be competitive in the current job market and provided an overview of Dutchess County’s “Path to Promise” initiative.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Our future leaders will emerge from every background and every corner of Dutchess County, and today’s online gathering offered valuable lessons to a diverse cross-section of our county – young men and women from various towns, cities and villages, all looking to make a difference in their community and their own lives. While we couldn’t meet in person this year during these unprecedented times, our annual summit persevered, with organizers providing our young attendees a shining example of determination and fortitude during adversity. We thank all who made today’s event a success, and we look forward to seeing the fruits of our summit for years to come.”

The Summer Youth Employment Program’s goal is for the young participants to enjoy a positive work experience while giving them an opportunity to be productive, explore career options and earn a certificate that confirms their readiness for entry-level work, as defined by employers across the country. Participants in the program 14 to 20 years of age, whose families qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). These students took part in a month-long course, which included summer job placement, designed to help them prepare for future, permanent employment. Training topics include problem-solving, teamwork, verbal and non-verbal communication, stress management, fundamental fiscal management concepts and goal setting and employment strategies.

In addition to welcoming remarks from County Executive Molinaro and State Senator Sue Serino, Karmen Smallwood, DCFS’ Assistant Commissioner for Youth Services, provided an overview of the County’s innovative “Path to Promise,” which strives to give ever local youth the resources necessary to be successful young adults. Ms. Smallwood outlined the six “Path to Promise” building blocks, or domains – learning, material basics, safety, family/social relationships, mental health and physical health – and discussed how they are each interconnected to affect an individual’s success.

Micah Jumpp, a 2017 John Jay High School graduate and founder of WCSD Change Movement, a group asking the Wappingers Central School District to commit to racial justice and inclusivity, provided today’s keynote address, discussing youth empowerment and community involvement, among other topics; and Jenny Fox, a marketing specialist with the TEG Credit Union, discussed financial literacy with attendees.

Sheila Appel, Sr. Manager, MHV Engagement Squad & MHV External Relations for IBM, discussed with attendees the skills that employers seek in the 21st Century; and she presented the WIB’s “Tree” Arrington Leadership Awards, named in honor of City of Poughkeepsie community leader and R.E.A.L. Skills Network founder Theo “Tree” Arrington who passed away in April, to each SYEP participant to recognize their work throughout the pandemic.

WIB Executive Director Louise McLoughlin said, “The Dutchess County Workforce Investment Board is proud to collaborate with Dutchess County and its Department of Community and Family Services to enhance the lives of local teens through the Summer Youth Employment Program. Our students have learned skills that they’ll carry into adulthood that will help them obtain employment that will greatly impact their lives.”

Molinaro Holds Latest COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Forum

Dutchess County, NY sent this bulletin at 08/26/2020 05:15 PM EDT

Poughkeepsie, NY … Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro today hosted his weekly virtual Town Hall Forum this afternoon, providing residents with the latest local updates regarding the COVID-19 pandemic and other county topics, as well as answering questions during the online Facebook LIVE forum.

Today’s forum and previous events are available on the Dutchess County Government YouTube page.

Among the highlight of today’s conversation:

• County Executive Molinaro updated residents on the most current data posted on the Dutchess County COVID-19 Community Impact Dashboard:

4,790 total confirmed cases
123,616 tests completed
264 active cases
10 hospitalizations
153 deaths
4,373 recoveries
1% infection rate

• While Dutchess County’s COVID-19 infection rate remains low, County Executive Molinaro pushed for continued vigilance to remain healthy and safe. As reopenings continue and people are increasing their interactions, it is important to continue to observe social distancing, stay diligent personal hygiene, including hand washing, and keep wearing face coverings when unable to properly social distance outside of your home.

• Effective Monday, Aug. 24th, state guidelines allow gyms and fitness studios to reopen. These businesses must maintain no more than 33 percent capacity; all employees and patrons must wear masks or face coverings at all times, complete and pass a health screening and sign in upon entering the facility; patrons and employees must remain socially distant, at least 6 feet apart; and facilities must ensure individuals do not share equipment without cleaning and disinfection between uses. Dutchess County has assembled a response team to conduct the required inspections of gyms and fitness studios within two weeks of reopening.

• Earlier this week, the governor updated the list of states from which travelers must quarantine for 14 days, removing Alaska, Arizona, Delaware, Maryland and Montana from the travel quarantine list. Guam is now among the 31 states and territories on New York’s travel quarantine list.

• Also this week, the governor announced fall school sports could begin as early as September 21st. Lower-risk sports, including soccer, field hockey, cross country, tennis and swimming, can practice and play/compete as of September 21st. Higher-risk sports, including football, volleyball, wrestling, hockey and others, may begin practicing on September 21st, but not compete in games until a later date or December 31st. The New York State Public High School Athletic Association is expected to release more specific guidance/direction on Thursday, August 27th.

• Dutchess County Department of Behavioral & Community Health continues to work closely with school districts to provide guidance and answer questions as local districts make their final decisions regarding reopening, including guidance about testing availability, school nurse virtual training and more. Many school districts have opted to begin the school year remotely and transition to hybrid options after a few weeks; visit your local school district’s website for specific plans.

• To bolster capacity to continue to fight COVID-19, Dutchess County has received a New York State Department of Health grant to hire five Public Health Advisors on a temporary basis. For job description and application information, visit http://www.dutchessny.gov.

County Executive Molinaro’s next virtual discussion will take place on Wednesday, September 2nd and will be broadcast live on the County’s Facebook page. As with the County Executive’s previous 30+ virtual forums, American Sign Language interpreters will translate the live conversation on Facebook.

 POINTS

• New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is scheduled to hold a briefing Monday to update the public on the coronavirus outbreak as the state moves forward with reopening efforts.
• Earlier this month, Cuomo announced that gyms across the state would be allowed to reopen as soon as Monday, Aug. 24, with some coronavirus safety precautions.
• Also on Monday, museums, aquariums and other cultural centers in New York City are allowed to reopen with modifications. 

[The stream is slated to start at 11:30 a.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.]

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is scheduled to hold a briefing Monday to update the public on the coronavirus outbreak as the state moves forward with reopening efforts.

Earlier this month, Cuomo announced that gyms across the state would be allowed to reopen as soon as Monday, Aug. 24, with some coronavirus safety precautions. Also on Monday, museums, aquariums and other cultural centers in New York City are allowed to reopen with modifications. Bowling alleys were allowed to reopen earlier this month. 

As the state moves forward with reopening parts of the economy, Cuomo has repeatedly said that epidemiologists and other health officials are closely monitoring the data for signs of a resurgence of the virus. But the number of new cases reported each day and the percent of tests coming back positive have remained low so far even as more businesses reopened.

The situation could become more complicated in the coming months as colder weather sets in, driving people and businesses indoors. The virus appears to spread more easily in crowded, poorly ventilated, in-door environments, various studies have shown. Cuomo warned last week that restaurants in New York City might be forced to close again as the weather turns, especially if local officials are unable to enforce compliance.

Read CNBC’s live updates to see the latest news on the COVID-19 outbreak.

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“The COVID Problem in NY Was A Direct Result Of The Negligence Of The Federal Government”