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COVID-19 Vaccinations Are Being Administered Though Supply Is Still Limited
The City of Poughkeepsie continues to provide the latest information pertaining to the coronavirus (COVID-19). You can access more information on our website here.
New York State is receiving deliveries of doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and is providing more information about that initiative here.
The state also has set up a vaccination hotline (833-697-4829), and people are encouraged to check the Dutchess County website here for updates on available appointments at the County-operated points of dispensing (PODs) as well, when more vaccine is made available to Dutchess County.
Vaccines are also available at some pharmacies and medical centers. The state advises people to contact their provider of choice to schedule a vaccine appointment that way if possible.
The state also has an "Am I Eligible?" online tool, where you can determine your eligibility and schedule an appointment at a New York State-run vaccination site. The closest state-run sites in our area are the Westchester County Center in White Plains and SUNY Albany. State officials emphasize that an appointment is required to get a vaccination. If you visit a location without an appointment, you will not receive a vaccine.
You also can download the state's app to get updates on COVID-19 exposure alerts here.
Contact Information Related to Virus
New York COVID-19 hotline and website:
888-364-3065
coronavirus.health.ny.gov/home
Dutchess County coronavirus updates:
dutchessny.gov/Departments/DBCH/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.htm
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Memorial Service Held Honoring
Detective Falcone; Blood Drive Also Set
On Thursday afternoon, a memorial ceremony took place to mark the 10th-anniversary of line-of-duty death of Detective John Falcone.
The City of Poughkeepsie Detective, an 18-year veteran, was fatally shot on Feb. 18, 2011, while responding to a domestic violence incident. Family members joined police officers and the public at large to honor the fallen detective.
The city greatly appreciates those who came out in attendance to mark this somber occasion.
Also, the annual John Falcone Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22, in the Grand Ballroom at the Poughkeepsie Grandview, 176 Rinaldi Blvd. in the City of Poughkeepsie.
You can honor this fallen officer by making an appointment here.
You can also make an appointment by contacting Detective Steven Cowles at (845) 451-4146. Walk-ins are also welcome on that day.
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Common Council Seeks Members
to Serve on Redistricting Committee
The Common Council is seeking applicants to join a five-member Redistricting Committee that will create a proposed plan for new ward boundaries.
The committee will be made up of volunteers and will be provided with a budget to engage the necessary consultants and resources for making an informed, equitable and appropriate recommendation for newly-drawn ward maps in the City of Poughkeepsie. Interested applicants do not need to live within the City of Poughkeepsie, but should have a strong knowledge of the City of Poughkeepsie system of government and the political process.
No employees, elected or appointed officials of the City of Poughkeepsie can serve on the Redistricting Committee, and no more than two members of the committee shall be enrolled with the same political party.
At its March 1 meeting, the Common Council will appoint by resolution four members of the Redistricting Committee and those selected committee members will then select a fifth member to serve as the committee's chairperson.
If you are interested in serving on the Redistricting Committee, please send your resume and a letter of interest to ssalem@cityofpoughkeepsie.com by Friday, Feb. 26. You will be advised via email if an interview is required.
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City, County Announce COVID-19 Childcare Relief Scholarship Funding Is Available
The City and Dutchess County have announced money is available for COVID-19 Childcare Relief Scholarships to help low- and moderate-income families meet their needs for childcare for their school-aged children.
The County is allocating an additional $180,000 and launching its second scholarship program to residents outside the City of Poughkeepsie. The city is creating a corresponding program with $90,000 in federal assistance. The programs’ aim is to fill the gap between the number of days students will be physically in school and the days where students are not physically in school.
Funding for this scholarship program was made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and awarded to the County and City for distribution through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program to prevent, prepare for or respond to the Coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic.
The City received its own CDBG-CV funds, so its residents are not eligible for County CDBG funds under federal regulations.
Dutchess County and the City of Poughkeepsie are partnering with the Child Care Council of Dutchess and Putnam, Inc., for the implementation of this program.
Scholarships are being awarded for the balance of the academic calendar year by a random selection process to low- and moderate-income families. The funds will cover 75 percent of the tuition for each child, paid directly to the childcare facility. Families will be responsible for 25 percent of the tuition.
Complete program guidance, detailed eligibility requirements and application instructions can be found here.
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City Releases Application, Guidelines for Youth Activities & Opportunities Program
Mayor Rob Rolison announced recently that the city has released the application and guidelines for the 2021 Youth Activities & Opportunities Program.
The awards assist local nonprofit organizations by providing funding to support clubs and leagues, other activities and educational initiatives. These programs have allowed Poughkeepsie youth to participate in community-based programs that emphasize active lifestyles, provide creative outlets and build long-lasting relationships.
The program has allocated more than $500,000 for these endeavors since its inception in 2018.
“This program is extremely popular and beneficial to the community,” said Mayor Rolison. “Despite the financial hurdles we have faced with COVID-19 and other challenges, providing funds for these activities is essential and will continue to be a priority.”
Among the recipients have been the City of Poughkeepsie Youth Baseball, Basketball and Football leagues; The Art Effect; Bardavon 1869 Opera House; Barrett Art Center; The Black and Latino Coalition; Cocoon Theatre; Community Matters 2; Family Services, Inc.; Hudson River Housing; Mental Health America Dutchess County; Mid-Hudson Aquatics; Mid-Hudson Heritage Center; Mid-Hudson Civic Center Skate Program; National Black Child Development Institute; Nubian Directions II, Inc.; REAL Skills Network; Rebuilding Our Children and Community, Inc., and others.
Guidelines and COVID-19-related requirements also have been implemented by the city. To be eligible for funding, organizations must have policies and procedures in place to appropriately operate under the mandated State COVID-19 orders.
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Social Development at 845-451-4046 for further information or to discuss program eligibility. The application form can be found at http://cityofpoughkeepsie.com/commdev. Applications must be submitted by Feb. 26 via email to jgreenwald@cityofpoughkeepsie.com or to the City of Poughkeepsie, Office of Social Development, 62 Civic Center Plaza.
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City Announces Grants for Microenterprise
Businesses Negatively Affected by COVID
City officials have announced partnership with Community Capital New York in the administration of a $200,000 grant program to assist microenterprise businesses negatively impacted by the COVID-19 virus.
The City of Poughkeepsie Microenterprise Stabilization Grant Program will provide grants of up to $10,000 to stabilize microenterprises and preserve low- and moderate- income jobs. A microenterprise is defined as a business with five or fewer employees, including the owner.
“The City is dedicated to the growth and welfare of our community and its economic success, and the survival of these small businesses is of paramount concern to us,” said Mayor Rob Rolison.
The funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant COVID/CARES Act (CDBG-CV). Applicants must show they are not duplicating other assistance provided via the federal CARES Act. Applicants also must provide records and information to demonstrate the preservation or creation of a low- or moderate-income job as defined by HUD. Additional details, including the income requirements and the application form can be found here.
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Sign Up for City of Poughkeepsie’s Emergency Notification System
The City of Poughkeepsie has a great way for residents to receive emergency notifications and encourages people to sign up for them.
Through the Hyper-Reach Broadcast system, residents can select whether they want to receive notifications via email, text message or telephone call, or a combination of these options.
The system can be used in an array of circumstances, from locating missing children to evacuating a neighborhood in the event of an emergency. You can also choose automatic weather alerts for the City of Poughkeepsie. You can enter your home, business and/or church address, or an address of a family member who lives in the City of Poughkeepsie.
Anyone who would like to receive community alerts may register for Hyper-Reach notifications here or call 845-205-0596. The service is available in English and Spanish.
Emergency messages will be coordinated with the assistance of the City of Poughkeepsie E-911 Center and the City of Poughkeepsie Police Public Information Office.
The system can also be used to send out non-emergency community messages, such as known road closures and community activities, to anyone who has signed up to receive alerts.
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Public Arts Commission Creates Directory
of Galleries, Organizations and Venues
The buzz of our vibrant arts community diminished a bit in 2020, but is still humming along. Take a moment to view what the Poughkeepsie Arts Commission has created — a directory of art galleries, arts organizations and venues for status and contacts.
View the Poughkeepsie Arts Directory
Tune in to our PKGOArts social media feeds to stay current on arts activities in Poughkeepsie: Facebook, Instagram
Check out PKGO for information and stories about life in the city, news and events: Instagram
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Upcoming Meetings
Week of Feb. 22, 2021
Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.: Waterfront Advisory Committee
Replay of Meetings
Police Reform and Modernization Collaborative Public Meeting
Feb.10
Historic District & Landmark Preservation Commission, Feb.11
Common Council, Feb.16
Planning Board, Feb. 17
(Editor's note: Due to the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) issue, please follow us the City of Poughkeepsie on Facebook and other social media platforms and check the city's website for any updates about meetings.)
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Delivered to your inbox weekly, each issue of The Buzz includes updates on City of Poughkeepsie projects, community initiatives, upcoming committee and board meeting notices, local events and other important information.
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Contact Info
City Hall: (845) 451-4200
DPW: (845) 451-4111
Police: (845) 451-4000*
Fire: (845) 451-4079*
City Court: (845) 483-8200
*During an emergency, dial 9-1-1
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