🌄 HUDSON VALLEY VIBES

Your Daily Dose of Good News | May 21, 2025

📰 THIS WEEK'S HIGHLIGHTS

The heartbeat of the Hudson Valley continues to thrive! Join us for a quick tour of the positive stories emerging from our eight beautiful counties. From innovative sustainability projects to community celebrations, there's plenty to celebrate in our region today.

🌿 COLUMBIA COUNTY: Leading in Green Initiatives

• $1 Million+ in Clean Energy Grants secured for climate action initiatives

• New solar system projected to save $20,000 annually and reduce emissions by 146 metric tons

• Five new electric vehicles added to county fleet with 16 public charging stations installed

• Columbia Greene Humane Society received $500,000 for facility upgrades and clinic expansion

🏥 DUTCHESS COUNTY: Supporting Community Wellness

• $250,000 in YOU Drop-In Center Grants announced by County Executive Sue Serino

• New supportive housing project moving forward on Oakley Street

• Food Waste Reduction Workshop hosted with the Culinary Institute of America

• Free Home Composting Workshops empowering residents to go green

• Memorial Day and Honor-A-Veteran Ceremonies recognizing local heroes

• OFA Senior Picnics returning for 2025 season with registration now open

• "Tackling Ticks on the Big Screen" public health education event returns today!

💼 GREENE COUNTY: Economic Growth & Development

• "Rebirth of Cementon" initiative launched with FAST NY grant application

• Career Fair at Columbia-Greene Community College connecting job seekers with employers

• Three-page feature at Springfield Dream Destinations Travel Show boosting tourism

• Record-breaking $25,000 raised for tourism and hospitality scholarships

🤝 ORANGE COUNTY: Inclusivity & Community Spirit

• "Think Differently, It Starts with a Smile" Month proclaimed to celebrate individuals with disabilities

• Theresa Canfield named Citizen of the Month for raising $4,100 for Wreaths Across America

• Summer internship opportunities announced for local youth

• Junior Law Enforcement Academy encouraging careers in public service

• Spartan Race coming to Orange County this fall

• LEGOLAND New York hosted inclusive day for families with special needs

• Special Olympics celebrated at Goshen High School

🚒 PUTNAM COUNTY: Safety & Service Excellence

• New state-of-the-art fire training center dedicated in Kent

• Carmel Police Department officers recognized for heroic actions

• Mobile Crisis Outreach Team launched by People USA for mental health support

• Northwell-Nuvance Health merger completed, improving healthcare access

• Autism Walk raised awareness and promoted inclusivity

• John Morris Watchfire Vigil set for May 23rd

🏆 ROCKLAND COUNTY: Community Heroes & Achievements

• Local ice cream vendor stopped traffic to rescue a missing 2-year-old

• Taniyah Joseph broke the county record in 100m at Championship Meet

• SUNY Rockland Hawks won Region 15 Baseball Championship

• 4th annual Field of Honor returning with 300+ flags honoring U.S. heroes

• Free "Spring Into Health" community wellness event on May 24th

• Karako Suits celebrated grand opening at Nanuet Town Centre

• Turiello's in Nyack marking impressive 45 years in business

• $4.5 million NY Forward Grant boosting Nyack revitalization efforts

🎓 ULSTER COUNTY: Education & Cultural Vibrancy

• School budgets approved in Kingston, Onteora, New Paltz, and Saugerties districts

• 2,400+ graduates celebrated at SUNY New Paltz commencement

• Countywide emergency medical services extension moving forward

• Wastelands Hatter and Hare novelty shop opened in Tannersville

• Jewish music/American Blues blend event in Woodstock

• "The Cloud Intern" book launch at Bernadette's Bistro in Kingston

🏡 WESTCHESTER COUNTY: Lifestyle & Summer Fun

• Milan Design Week trends featured by local designers

• Summer garden planting guides now available

• Public pools and beaches preparing for summer season

• Dog-friendly trails highlighted for outdoor enthusiasts

• Summer craft fairs scheduled throughout the county

• Pick-your-own fruits and berries opportunities opening soon

• CAVA bringing bold flavors to Cross County Center this summer

💡 WHAT'S NEXT?

Stay tuned for our upcoming special feature on can’t miss Memorial Day events across the Hudson Valley!

Did we miss something amazing happening in your community? Reply to this email and let us know!

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HV Vibes Newsletter: Celebrating the good news in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Ulster, and Westchester counties.