News items

Community links (below)

News items

Able, one of the many cats rescued from local hoarding situations

Dutchess County SPCA needs donations to help save cats

HYDE PARK (August 4) - Dutchess County SPCA Humane Law Officers investigated reports of cats living in horrible conditions in Hyde Park in March of 2008. An investigation revealed that more than 30 cats were living in an 8’ by 10’ room, in repulsive conditions. The cats were seized and brought to the shelter. Many of these cats were pregnant, and have given birth at the DCSPCA. Officers charged the person responsible with 30 counts of animal cruelty. These once magnificent animals, which were treated so poorly, are now living at the DCSPCA and being nursed back to health.

Soon after, in June, the DCSPCA responded to a call about a multitude of cats living in the garage of a Dutchess County home. Officers were horrified to find 49 cats living in a garage so dirty and pungent that it burned the eyes of the rescuers. These cats were the unfortunate product of a breeder that ended in disaster. It was a long way from the primping of the show ring for these once proud kitties, now covered with excrement, filthy and matted, many with genetic deformities. Our veterinary staff is working hard to restore them once again to good health. The owner has surrendered these cats to the DCSPCA where they are being nurtured and cared for.

The Dutchess County SPCA opens their arms to these animals in need. All of the animals, so sadly abused, will be available for adoption at the DCSPCA once they are well again. Until that time, the extraordinary expense of rehabilitation, veterinary expenses and food will place a heavy financial burden on the DCSPCA. The DCSPCA is requesting support from the community in the form of monetary donations, as well as the contribution of wet cat food and kitty litter.

The Dutchess County SPCA, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, is the lead agency for animal rescue and adoption in Dutchess County. The DCSPCA is a no-kill shelter with a 137-year history of concern, caring and providing shelter for unwanted, abused, abandoned and neglected animals. Central to the mission of the DCSPCA is the securing of caring, responsible, permanent homes for the adoptable animals in its care.

Orange County honors long time employees

GOSHEN (July 25) - Orange County Executive Edward A. Diana, Legislative Chairman M. William Lahey and the full legislature recently honored long time Assistant Commissioner for Environmental Health Matt Schleifer.  Senior Motor Vehicle Clerk Betsy Leifheit was also recognized later in the week at a small ceremony in the County Clerk’s Office.

Diana and Lahey both lauded Mr. Schleifer whose service began with New York State, prior to the existence of the Orange County Health Department. His combined time with New York State and the County equal 60 years of public service. Mr. Schliefer was honored at full session of the legislature.

Later in the week Orange County Legislator Jim Kulisek was on hand to join County Clerk Donna Benson as she honored Senior Motor Vehicle Clerk Betsy Leifheit for her 25 years of service to the County of Orange.

Schleifer, left, and Diana

From left: Goshen DMV Director Mary Ann Bertholf, Dep. County Clerk Mary Coleman, Leifheit, Kulisek, Benson

Ulster Seniors’ Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP)

KINGSTON (July 25) - The distribution of  (SFMNP) coupons will begin at the Ulster County Office for the Aging, 1003 Development Court, Kingston, New York, Monday – Friday 10 AM – 5 PM starting on Monday July 28.  First come, first served.  You must be present to sign the eligibility statement and certify that the information you provided is correct.

You qualify if you are:

1.         60 years of age or older;   AND

                                    •My monthly income is at or below
                                                $1,603/month for a one-person household,
                                                $2,158/month for a two-person household,
                                                $2,713/month for a 3-person household;

OR

                                    •Currently receiving or eligible to receive SSI, food stamps, public assistance,
                        or Section 8 housing subsidy;

2.         And you have not received Farmers Market checks from any other location.

A schedule is being formulated for distribution to senior housing complexes and the nutrition sites in Ulster County.  Please call 845-340-3456 or 1-877-914-3456 for further information.                                              

Community links (Each link opens in a new window)

Not-for-profit community service organizations are invited to submit links to their websites. Organizations must not preach hate or intolerance in any form or advocate public discrimination on the basis of race, gender, national origin or sexual orientation.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orange County
www.cce.cornell.edu/orange

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County
www.cce.cornell.edu/ulster/ulster.html

Faith and Community ACTION - Dutchess County  
http://fcaction.org/

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh
www.habitat-greater-newburgh.org

Hilltowns Community Board
News of Southern Albany, Greene & Schoharie Counties
www.thehilltowns.com

Hopewell Junction Citizens for Clean Water
www.hopewell-junction-citizens-for-clean-water.org

Mid-Hudson Horse Trails Association
www.midhudsonhorsetrails.org

National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE)
www.narfeny.org

Orange County Citizens Foundation-
www.occf-ny.org/

Orange County Land Trust   New!
www.oclt.org

Salvation Army of Newburgh  
http://web.mac.com/sanewburgh/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html

Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 537 Hudson Highlands   
www.vva537.org/