News & Events

This is Mayor Lee Kyriacou with a local Beacon update.

Regarding active COVID-19 cases there are 2,129 in Dutchess County and 117 in Beacon. 

You may have heard Governor Cuomo and County Executive Molinaro discussing plans to begin slowly opening up. There are no details at this time, but as they come you can be sure that we will get that information to you. For now, keep up the social distancing. 

Stay safe, stay well, be kind to one another.

Mayor Kyriacou

The groceries are coming to Beacon again this Wednesday, April 29th. There will be free boxes of groceries available for pick up for anyone experiencing financial hardship.

Pickup Locations;

*At Rombout Middle School from 10:00-11:00am

*At South Avenue Elementary school from 10:00-11:00am for pedestrians only–no car pickups please

 ​

This food is brought to you by the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley with the support of; Beacon City School District, Common Ground Farm, Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Green Teen Program, Land to Learn, City of Beacon, and Mutual Aid Beacon.​​

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro has announced the Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services (DCFS) clients, such as those who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Home Emergency Assistance Program (HEAP) and Medicaid, can now access New York State’s mobile application, NYDocSubmit, to quickly and simply scan required documents, and submit that documentation to DCFS staff from the safety of their home during the current Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

The NYDocSubmit app, available for free download via the Apple App Store and Google Play, allows DCFS clients to utilize their iPhone or Android phone to take a photo of their document, enter their identifying information and securely upload the documentation to the County. More information is available on the DCFS website.

During the pandemic, every Dutchess County Government department, including DCFS, continue to serve residents, primarily through phone and email contact to adhere to federal social distancing guidelines. Use of the NYDocSubmit app is another option for DCFS clients to comply with such related pandemic-related protocols.

County Executive Molinaro said, “Though Coronavirus/COVID-19 first touched our community more than a month ago, Dutchess County Government remains open for business. While we may have limited our in-person interactions with residents, the vital services, including those provided by our Department of Community and Family Services, are still being fulfilled at the high level residents come to expect from us. The addition of the NYDocSubmit app is another great tool for Dutchess County residents to easily submit their documents to DCFS and facilitate the benefit process. I urge all DCFS clients to utilize the new app, as Dutchess County Government remains ready to serve.”

A NY.gov ID is required to use the NYDocSubmit app. Residents who do not have a NY.gov ID can create one my.ny.gov, which can also be used to request help to reset a password.

In addition to the aforementioned programs administered by DCFS, residents can also use the NYDocSubmit app to send pictures of documents for proof of: 

• Age/Identity;
• Citizenship or Current Alien Status;
• Income;
• Medical Documentation;
• Household members;
• Residence;
• Resources;
• Shelter/Utility Expenses; and 
• Social Security Number (SSN) or proof application for a SSN.

Residents can also use the NYDocSubmit app to submit documents related to a change in their household circumstances that must report to DCFS. Documents containing sensitive information, such as HIV status, domestic violence information or confidential addresses, should be submitted to DCFS via postal mail or fax. Residents will receive a confirmation page will appear in the NYDocSubmit app if the picture of their document was uploaded successfully; this confirmation page will include the name for whom the document was submitted, the document category selected, the date and time of the upload and a tracking number.

Initial applications or recertification applications for any benefits program or to submit a periodic report cannot be submitted through the NYDocSubmit app. Residents must visit myBenefits.ny.gov to apply online for SNAP and HEAP, or to check if they are able to get help from multiple human services programs; they can also contact DCFS directly at DCFSinfo@dutchessny.gov  for information on filing an application for TA, SNAP, HEAP or Medicaid. Residents can upload pictures of documents for other household members, as well as individuals living outside their household.

Clients in receipt of SNAP, whose employment has been affected – either because they are currently unemployed or are experiencing a decrease in hours worked due to the pandemic – should report these to changes to DCFS as soon as possible as it may affect their SNAP benefit amount.

The NYDocSubmit app is not monitored for emergencies, and residents must call DCFS at (845) 486-3000 to request help with an emergency situation.

www.dutchessNY.gov

MRC volunteers bring much needed help to Dutchess County Coronavirus efforts

Poughkeepsie … In honor of National Volunteer Week, County Executive Marc Molinaro expressed enormous gratitude to everyone who has donated their time and efforts to supporting Dutchess County’s coronavirus efforts. Through #DutchessResponds or the Medical Reserve Corps, county residents have volunteered thousands of hours of time to support their community. Prior to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County (MRC) already boasted one of the most robust and active volunteer ranks in the entire state of New York. Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the MRC has seen a dramatic rise in its’ already active membership.

County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “This is a testament to who we are as a community. I have often said that in Dutchess County, we care. During this global pandemic we have seen so many people step up to face these new dilemmas, but few have risen to the challenge in the way our Medical Reserve Corps volunteers have. We are overwhelmed by their dedication and commitment to service. To all of the MRC volunteers, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I thank you on behalf of all the residents and your neighbors in Dutchess County.“

Last year, Dutchess County MRC Coordinator Joe Ryan announced at the annual MRC Thank You Banquet that MRC members recorded more than 4,000 volunteer hours. As of mid-April this year, MRC volunteers have logged more than 3,250 hours. If this pattern continues, the MRC will shatter records in training, volunteer hours and recruitment.

The MRC of Dutchess County has over 700 active members, 200 of which have joined since March 2020. The time and effort these members (both with and without formal medical training) have put in so far has helped to keep Dutchess County residents healthy and safe. The MRC is active in multiple Coronavirus endeavors in the county, including:

• Staffing more than 230 shifts at Dutchess County’s Coronavirus Call Center totaling nearly 1,000 hours,
• Delivering groceries and/or medication orders to those in isolation,
• Assisting in monitoring and testing hundreds of individuals exposed to COVID-19,
• Over 70 volunteers trained to staff Dutchess County’s Recovery Center at Dutchess Community College,
• 15 MRC members trained to assist in the Medical Examiner’s Office,
• Providing medical assistance to guests at the homeless shelter currently located at the Dutchess County Jail and Law Enforcement Center campus,
• Assembled hundreds of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) kits, and
• Assisted with a number of other logistical operations and in the Emergency Operation Center.

Assistant Commissioner of Behavioral & Community Health Catherine Tegtmeier said, “I don’t know where we’d be today without our MRC volunteers. We owe them a debt of gratitude that, quite frankly, I’m not sure we’ll ever be able to repay. As the former MRC coordinator, I have been blown away by the outpouring of support given by these individuals. It’s a tremendous privilege and relief for our public health employees to be able to lean these volunteers and the collaboration between the MRC volunteers, county employees, and community partners has been nothing short of fantastic.”

The Medical Reserve Corps of Dutchess County is part of a national network of more than 200,000 volunteers dedicated to supporting public health infrastructure as well as disaster preparedness and response in the community.  Both medical professionals and non-medical volunteers are needed in Dutchess County’s Coronavirus relief efforts. If you’d like to volunteer your time as a member of the MRC, or you’d like to donate funds to our efforts, visit http://www.DutchessNY.gov/DutchessResponds.

Dutchess County Government continues to provide residents the most current information and guidance on its website, dutchessny.gov/coronavirus, its COVID-19 Impact Dashboard, its Coronavirus hotline, (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

www.dutchessNY.gov

Watch today’s video for information about potential scams and some precautions you can take to protect yourself from those looking to take advantage of the current public health crisis.

In Dutchess County as of April 24th, there have been:

-2,432 confirmed cases of COVID-19

-12,445 tests administered

-438 recoveries

Update for Friday, April 24, 2020:

• To re-watch today’s Virtual Town Hall with our state elected officials from the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, click HERE.
• An Interim Final Rule was released by the SBA in regards to promissory notes, authorizations, affiliations, and eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program. It can be found HERE.
• In today’s (Friday) press conference, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the state will miss its revenue projection by $13.3 billion because of COVID-19. Over a four year period, the state’s revenues are expected to decline $61 billion.
• Governor Cuomo reiterated that he does not want to declare bankruptcy. To allow states to declare bankruptcy, the federal government would need to pass a law.
• Governor Cuomo also announced he would require each Board of Election to mail an absentee ballot application to every voter. This follows his Executive Order that allows anyone to vote absentee because of the possibility of getting infected while voting in person.
• Governor Cuomo said the state was looking at a possible “rent freeze” after his Executive Order on evictions and foreclosures is done. He also said a decision on extending NY PAUSE beyond May 15th would be made next week.
• The CDC has released guidance on both how to create and properly wear a cloth mask. It includes instruction on how to make a sewn and no-sew mask. It can be found HERE.
• The The U.S. Census Bureau has released a data hub online for COVID-19, similar to the data hubs usually released after natural disasters. This resource page includes information on population demographics, economic indicators and businesses. It can be found HERE.
• Today is #FarmStandFriday, so if you are craving farm-fresh foods produced right here in the heart of the Hudson Valley, remember to support one of Dutchess County’s family-run farms. You can find a list of farms offering curbside pick-up and home delivery HERE.

If you have any questions regarding the information in this notification or any other business related concerns and suggestions, please email Contact@DutchessBNN.com. Please do NOT contact elected officials regarding information in this email as they are currently inundated with handling the government response to this crisis. This network was created to help coordinate responses and share the burden, and we ask that you please contact us with any questions or concerns so our elected officials can focus on their task at hand. Thank you for your continued support through this time.

If you were forwarded this email, but would like to be added to the email list, please let us know by emailing contact@DutchessBNN.com

www.dutchessNY.gov

NYS Senator Sue Serino and Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro today announced a donation drive to support those caring for the children of first responders, healthcare providers, and essential workers as part of an expansion of the County’s ongoing “Dutchess Responds” initiative. In partnership with the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc., donated items such as paper towels, disinfecting wipes, and masks will be delivered to area childcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“In the midst of this current crisis, our childcare facilities are going above and beyond to care for the children of those on the front lines,” said Senator Serino. “The last thing they should have to worry about is where to find the supplies they need to maintain safe and healthy facilities. Our community comes together in incredible ways when needed most, and this is an opportunity to help support those who are providing a critical service to so many of our essential workers.”

Dutchess County Government has been assisting local childcare  providers with emergency supply needs through its Central Services Division, including providing paper towels, cleaning supplies and personal protective equipment (PPE). However, there continues to be need for these and other supplies at local childcare centers.

Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro said, “Since Coronavirus first touched Dutchess County in March, numerous sectors of our community—individuals, organizations and businesses—have donated resources and supplies to show how #DutchessResponds during difficult times like these. Such generosity exemplifies the sense of community that makes our county an example for the nation, and Dutchess County Government is proud to have coordinated delivery of these critical resources to a variety of essential businesses, from hospitals to childcare providers. We appreciate the assistance of Senator Serino and the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam in ensuring these life-saving products reach the heroes who care for our future generation.”

Jeanne Wagner, Executive Director of the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc., said, “Childcare workers are on the front line every day, caring for children so parents can perform their essential jobs. Let’s make sure the childcare workers have the necessary supplies to keep the children and themselves well and safe!”

The Child Care Council is most in need of:

• adult-sized face masks
• disinfecting wipes
• paper towels
• gloves
• bleach
• toilet paper

Donations can be dropped off, by appointment only, at the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc.’s office, located at 301 Manchester Road in Poughkeepsie. Individuals should call the office at 845-473-4141 ext. 210 to schedule a drop-off time.

For more information regarding the donation drive, residents can call the Dutchess County Coronavirus Hotline at 845-486-3555 and choose option 8 or email Senator Serino’s office at serino@nysenate.gov. Those interested in donating, but unable to deliver supplies, should call the hotline or email Senator Serino’s office to arrange to have donations picked up.

Dutchess County Government continues to provide residents the most current information on its COVID-19 Community Impact Dashboard, as well as guidance on its website, dutchessny.gov/coronavirus, its Coronavirus hotline, (845) 486-3555, and its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

Update for Thursday, April 23, 2020:

• The Paycheck Protection Program is expected to receive new funding today once the House of Representatives votes to approve it. This follows the Senate passing their version of the bill on Tuesday. The new bill includes $300 billion to replenish the PPP fund, $75 billion for hospitals, $60 billion for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, and $25 billion towards the implementation of a testing program for each state. If you wish to read the bill in its entirety, click HERE.
• In today’s (Thursday) press conference, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced there would be an investigation into all nursing homes in the state to verify they are following Department of Health guidelines. The investigation will be led by the state Department of Health and Attorney General Letitia James.
• Governor Cuomo also announced that the preliminary data on antibody testing from a random sampling show 13.9% of those surveyed had antibodies across the entire state. In areas outside of NYC, Long Island, and Westchester/Rockland, the number was 3.6% had the antibodies.
• Governor Cuomo also reiterated that the state would be opened up in a regional approach, both within the state itself and with the surrounding states.
• In regards to unemployment, Governor Cuomo stated that the majority of those who have not yet been approved for UI benefits are those that fall under the new unemployment program for gig-workers and self-employed individuals. He expects that backlog to be processed more quickly because of the streamlined application process that was rolled out on Monday, and all checks would include back-pay to the date the individual became unemployed.
• NYS Department of Financial Services will direct health insurers to immediately pay outstanding hospital claims and to work with neediest hospitals to provide additional financial assistance. More information can be found HERE.
• Tomorrow is #FarmStandFriday, so if you are craving farm-fresh foods produced right here in the heart of the Hudson Valley, remember to support one of Dutchess County’s family-run farms. You can find a list of farms offering curbside pick-up and home delivery HERE.
• Dutchess Tourism has put together a video to highlight the resiliency of our community, and to promote the new #WeWillFlyAgain campaign. You can view their video and find useful resources HERE.

If you have any questions regarding the information in this notification or any other business related concerns and suggestions, please email Contact@DutchessBNN.com. Please do NOT contact elected officials regarding information in this email as they are currently inundated with handling the government response to this crisis. This network was created to help coordinate responses and share the burden, and we ask that you please contact us with any questions or concerns so our elected officials can focus on their task at hand. Thank you for your continued support through this time.

If you were forwarded this email, but would like to be added to the email list, please let us know by emailing contact@DutchessBNN.com

www.dutchessNY.gov

Important Notices: Our offices remain open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday. We are able to accept visitors only under strict limitations. Call or email before visiting – many issues can be resolved without having to leave the safety of your home:
845-486-2555, ofa@dutchessny.gov.

Continuously-updated information relevant to Dutchess County regarding coronavirus/COVID-19 is available at https://www.dutchessny.gov/coronavirus.

Other topics include:

• Within the Crisis, An Aging in Place Opportunity
• Simple First Steps that don’t Cost a Dime
• Before Heading Out on a Hike or a Walk…
• Massive Growth in Telehealth Interest During the Outbreak
• Useful Links

View or download the latest issue (.pdf) on DutchessNY.gov >>>

www.dutchessNY.gov

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo held a news conference on the state’s response to the novel coronavirus April 23.