Dutchess County Government

Have you checked out the Recycle Coach app recently? It’s a handy way to get quick, clear answers to all your recycling questions.

Where does old mulch go: the trash can or the recycling bin? How do you safely dispose of used motor oil? Get the correct info at your fingertips by downloading the mobile app or on your desktop at dutchessny.gov/solidwaste.

Did you know that every 2 seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood and or platelets, or that approximately 29,000 units of red blood cells are needed every day in our country? Our health department invites you to give the gift of life this Wednesday by becoming a blood donor. Stop by 230 North Road in Poughkeepsie for our blood drive. A few minutes of your time can save up to 3 lives. We hope you’ll considering donating.

While Physical Fitness Month concludes this weekend, our Department of Health encourages you to stay active every month — every day, really! — in ways that make you feel strong, energized, and inspired. Hit Dutchess County's award-winning rail trails, dance in your kitchen, join a class, or take a quick stretch break. Remember: Every step counts. Let’s make today the start of healthier habits that keep us moving all year long!

Our Veterans Service Officer will travel throughout Dutchess County in June, meeting our American heroes and their families to personally assist them with any veteran-related questions they have. There's no appointment necessary; just drop in to discover everything the Dutchess County Office of Veterans Affairs offers to those who have served. You can learn about available benefits and services, get help completing forms and applications, and see how Dutchess County works each day to support its veteran community. For more information about all Veterans Affairs offers, visit: dutchessny.gov/veterans

The weather is warmer and summer is almost here, which means the swimming lake and sprayground at Wilcox Memorial Park are officially open for the season! As always, all water activities are weather and water quality dependent, so be sure to call our Dutchess County Parks Hotline at 845-298-2607 for updates before you go. Hope to see you there this summer!

It was a beautiful day for the 40th Annual Special Olympics New York Law Enforcement Torch Run. Members of law enforcement, including the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office joined together to carry the “Flame of Hope” from the FDR Wallace center to the Mid-Hudson Bridge, raising awareness and promoting inclusion for people of all abilities. It's always inspiring to see our community come together to , support local athletes, and celebrate this meaningful event.

All this month, Dutchess County Government employees have been taking part in the national R.E.D. (Remember Everyone Deployed) campaign to honor the brave military members serving our country. County Executive Sue Serino and our Office of Veterans Affairs are grateful to all who participated this month, helping spread our message of support to those serving far from home.

County Executive Sue Serino and the Dutchess County Office for the Aging are hosting a series of free June workshops for older adults and their caregivers to learn about SilverShield, a new A.I. tool designed to help people spot and avoid scams in real time. These sessions offer a friendly, hands on way to learn practical safety tips, watch SilverShield in action, and build confidence navigating today’s digital world.

Find dates, locations, and full details: https://www.dutchessny.gov/Departments/County-Executive/Sue-Serino-Dutchess-County-Office-for-the-Aging-Bring-AI-Scam-Prevention-Tool-SilverShield-Local-Seniors.htm

County Executive Serino joined the construction start celebration for the Wallace Campus on Main Street in the City of Poughkeepsie - one of the projects supported by the Dutchess County Housing Trust Fund. The project will transform the former Wallace Department store and two other buildings into a 187-unit mixed-use affordable housing development with 187 units (mix of studios, one-bedroom units, two-bedroom units, and three-bedroom units), retail, and green space.

The Wallace Campus project advances historic preservation, adaptive re-use and the revitalization of Main Street. Originally constructed in the 1870s, the Wallace Department Store once operated as a major retail destination in Poughkeepsie until it closed in the 1970s. The project will preserve the limestone façade, existing stairways, and the ornate dome ceiling on the fourth floor.

Read more in the New York State news release here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-hochul-announces-construction-starting-147-million-affordable-housing-development