County Executive Odell and Sheriff Langley release a joint statement on Nelsonville hate crime

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CARMEL, NY – Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Putnam County Sheriff Robert Langely have released the following statement about the hate crime reported in Nelsonville on Oct. 30.

“We have met regarding the hateful incident in Nelsonville. We are working together to make sure all resources are being deployed to apprehend those responsible for this heinous and shameful act. We stand with the good people of this great county who believe hatred and violence against neighbors will not be tolerated in Putnam County.”

Putnam Prepares for Upcoming Storm by Teaming up with Local Highway Departments

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CARMEL, NY – Putnam County’s Bureau of Emergency Services Commissioner Ken Clair is working with the Putnam County Highway Department and the highway departments of the local towns to prepare for the forecasted Nor’Easter that is expected to touch down on Friday night. He is making sure that the highway departments have the necessary supplies and equipment in case downed trees force road closures or worse.

“The two nor’easters we had in March and the tornadoes that touched down in Kent, Patterson and Putnam Valley were difficult, but through it we truly learned that by working together we can get through anything,” said Commissioner Clair. “I can’t say I am looking forward to having another storm, but I can say we are ready for it.”

Commissioner Clair worked with Commissioner Fred Pena of the Highway Department to deliver a battery powered highway sign to Town of Kent Highway Superintendent Richard Othmer. The sign will be able to let residents know about road closures of where to get supplies if needed.

“When the tornadoes touched down on the Town of Kent, Putnam County’s Highway Department and the Bureau of Emergency services were there to help us through the recovery,” said Othmer. “I appreciate them sharing their resources and assisting us now.”

“We work together with the local highway departments because it is the right thing to do,” said Commission Pena. “Especially during storm recovery periods. It is not about what is yours and what is mine, it is able helping those who need it.”

County Executive MaryEllen Odell was on hand to show her support. “It is great to see our new Commissioner take the lead and make sure that we are prepared for whatever Mother Nature brings on.,” said Odell. I am confident that Commissioner Clair and Commissioner Pena will be keeping a close eye on the storm and will keep the people of Putnam County safe.”

Commissioner Clair recommends that residents sign up for NY-Alert at alert.ny.gov if they want to be informed about the latest storm information. He also recommends making a storm plan at https://www.ready.gov/make-a-plan. In addition, he recommends that people prepare their homes and yards for the potentially strong winds and torrential rain.

For more information, visit www.putnamcountyny.com/pcbes/oem/

 

Philipstown Senior Center Construction Nearing Completion

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CARMEL, NY- Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell and Legislator Barbara Scuccimarra recently toured the construction site of the Friendship Center of Philipstown to view the progress of the work being done.

“It is incredible to see how far building’s transformation into the senior center has come,” said County Executive Odell. “The seniors on the western side of the county are finally getting what they have asked for and deserve.”

Legislator Barbara Scuccimarra agreed.

“The space is truly welcoming, and the craftsmanship is impressive,” said Scuccimarra. “The Friendship Center of Philipstown will be an amazing asset for our community and the seniors are looking forward to being there.”

After years of being overcrowded in the American Legion in Cold Spring, which was used by the Office of Senior Resources to provide its meals, social activities, physical fitness classes and other services for many years, the Philipstown seniors asked the county for a center that was more comparable to the other Friendship and Nutrition Centers in Putnam Valley, Mahopac and Carmel.

The American Legion allowed the seniors to use about 250 square feet of its facility. The Mahopac Koehler Center is 18,766 square feet. When completed the Friendship Center of Philipstown will provide 6,000 square feet for the seniors to use.

The construction if expected to be completed within the next month.

Photo Caption: County Executive MaryEllen Odell looking at the craftmanship of the archway at the new Friendship Center of Philipstown.

Putnam County Organ Donor Day

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Putnam County Unites with Hospitals, Businesses, Celebrities, Elected Officials & Advocates for 4th Annual Organ Donor Enrollment Day

Now in its fourth year, Organ Donor Enrollment Day has one goal: to enroll as many New Yorkers as possible to be organ donors. Individuals, teams and organizations spent the day focused solely on educating and registering people to save the lives of the 120,000 Americans, 10,000 of which live in New York, currently waiting for a lifesaving transplant. The event is led by LiveOnNY.

“Every day 21 people die every day due to the lack of available organs.  Over 98 percent of New Yorkers who enroll in the New York State Donate Life Registry do so through their local DMV offices which makes our efforts on this behalf even more important.”  Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell said, “We can make a significant difference in increasing the numbers of donors through our outreach to the county employees and to our residents, and I am happy to work alongside County Clerk Bartolotti and LiveonNY to make their goal of a significantly increased registry a reality.”

Organ donation is an issue that affects people in Putnam County and beyond. Every 18 hours a New Yorker dies waiting for a lifesaving organ transplant. A contributing factor to this statistic is that there are not enough people registered as organ donors. While 92 percent of New Yorkers support organ donation, and despite having the fourth fastest growing registry in the country, just 30 percent are registered. Powered by LiveOnNY, Organ Donor Enrollment Day urges New Yorkers to make their support for organ donation known and register as an organ donor.

There are over 15 million New Yorkers; yet only 27 percent of adults in New York State are registered donors, compared to the national average of more than 50 percent,” said Putnam County Clerk Michael Bartolotti. “While 37 percent of Putnam County residents are registered donors, we believe we can do better.”

For more information about Organ Donor Enrollment Day, please visit LiveOnNY.org and follow LiveOnNY on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #DonorDay2018.

Odell Concludes Successful Term as NYSAC President

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CARMEL, NY – Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell concluded her term as president of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC) in September.

“NYSAC is grateful to County Executive Odell for her leadership over the past year. She is a strong voice for counties and was always ready to share the county perspective with state and federal leaders,” said NYSAC Executive Director Stephen Acquario. “This was an important and challenging year for counties, and County Executive Odell provided strong and steady guidance to our membership.”

NYSAC provides representation, education and advocacy for New York’s counties and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public.

“Counties deliver vital services to our residents, and NYSAC gives us a strong voice before the State and Federal government,” said County Executive Odell.

During her term, Odell was a strong advocate for counties, meeting with state and federal leaders regarding county concerns such as the opioid crisis, 911 funding, infrastructure needs, and foster care. Odell also oversaw the launch of the NYSAC Climate Resiliency Committee and the NYSAC Women’s Leadership Council.

“My year as President has given me broader insight into the important roles counties have in our communities and the challenges facing our local governments. I am grateful to my colleagues for their support as I worked on their behalf in Washington and Albany.”

Current NYSAC President Charles H. Nesbitt Jr., Chief Administrative Officer of Orleans County, appreciates all the effort that County Executive Odell put forth during her term.

“I extend my sincere thanks to MaryEllen Odell for her service these past 12 months as NYSAC President,” Nesbitt said. “MaryEllen provided great leadership to NYSAC even as she faced several natural disasters and adversity back home in Putnam County, where devastating storms knocked out critical infrastructure and left some communities without power for weeks. She spearheaded emergency response efforts not once, but several times in her communities over the past year. All the while she kept our association focused the state level. County Executive Odell’s leadership is a great model for us all.”

Odell has been a member of the NYSAC Board of Director since 2013. She is currently pursuing her third term as Putnam County Executive. In this role Odell has made it a priority to bring social and fiscal responsibility to county governance.

She has also served as Chairperson for the Mid-Hudson South Transportation Coordinating Committee (MHSTCC) and currently co-chairs the New York Metropolitan Transportation Council (NYMTC). Her knowledge and expertise on transit-oriented development projects has helped to propel Envision Brewster, a revitalization initiative designed to attract millennials to live, work, and recreate in Putnam County.

Prior to being elected County Executive in 2011, Odell served as a legislator for five years. This included two terms as the Deputy Chairperson of the Putnam County Legislature, in which role she successfully fought to identify and reduce unnecessary government spending.

Photo Caption: Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell with her fellow colleagues from NYSAC. From left to right: Steven F. McLaughlin, County Executive – Rensselaer County; Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director – NYSAC; Cheryl Dinolfo, County Executive – Monroe County; MaryEllen Odell, County Executive – Putnam County; Charles H. Nesbitt, Jr., Chief Administrative Officer – Orleans County; Daniel P. McCoy, County Executive – Albany County.

Putnam County Golf Course Remembered Fondly by Leaving Pro

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CARMEL, NY – After helping Putnam County Golf Course establish itself as a premier course in the Hudson Valley, PGA golf professional Jim Woods revealed that he is leaving his post after almost seven years.  He accepted a position the Head Golf Professional at the OMNI Bedford Springs Spa and Resort in Bedford Spring, Penn.

In a letter announcing his decision, Woods recalled just how far the course has come and how proud he was to have been a part of its success.

“Almost seven years ago I pulled into Putnam County Golf Course and the parking lot was dirt, the building needed a facelift and the course was in pretty rough shape,” said Woods. “With a lot of hard work from a lot of different people and the help of Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell, we have created one of the best golf and entertainment experiences in Putnam County. I am so proud that I was able to be a part of the transition which is now Putnam County Golf Course.”

Woods hopes his legacy in Putnam County will live on through the Putnam County Amature and the County Cup against Mohansic Golf Course.

County Executive Odell is grateful for Woods’ insight and dedication through the years.

“Words cannot properly indicate how much we at the County appreciate the time Jim Woods was with us,” said Odell. “He has helped us transform a dilapidated golf course into a sustainable gateway destination. I wish him all the very best in his new adventure and we look forward to a continuing relationship between the two courses.”

Putnam County Golf Course will never be far from Woods’ thoughts. Bogey, the dog that was found on the greens at golf course and was later adopted by Woods and his wife Lisa, will be joining them in Pennsylvania.

 

Cast Announced for I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change

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I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change – a comedic romp at the Studio Around the Corner

Rehearsals are underway for the hilarious I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, book by Joe DiPietro, music by Jimmy Roberts. This musical journey, the second longest running Off-Broadway show, will take you through all stages of romance and relationships and will have audience members laughing, crying, and crying with laughter. The play’s tagline says it all: “Everything you have ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit.”

Under the direction of Christine DiTota and musical direction of Michael Roth, Joy Argaza, Daniel Basiletti, Brandi D. Gestri, Jack Gestri, Stephanie Schleicher, Lou Simmons, Jessica Vanacoro, Matt Vanacoro, and Beth Zucker will bring attendees along as they navigate their way through dating, weddings, long car rides with the family, breakups, and growing old. Performances will be at The Studio Around the Corner on November 3rd at 2pm and 7:30pm and November 4th at 4pm. Tickets are available at TOSCAC.booktix.com and seating is very limited, so do not wait to reserve your tickets.

Theater Around the Corner is made possible in part through the Putnam Arts Council’s Arts Link Grant Program, with public funds provided through the NY State Council on the Arts with support from Governor Andrew Cuomo and the NY State Legislature.

For more information on this and other Cultural Arts Coalition events, visit: www.CulturalArtsCo.com, call (845)363-8330, email info@culturalartsco.com or find us on Facebook at “Cultural Arts Coalition”.

Tilly’s Table Exceeds Putnam County’s Revenue and Profit Projections

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CARMEL, NY – County Executive MaryEllen Odell is pleased to announce that Tilly’s Table, the restaurant and event venue located on the Putnam County-owned Tilly Foster Farm and Educational Institute in Brewster, has surpassed its 2018 budgeted revenue and profit expectations within the first-half of the year. Through July, Tilly’s Table, which includes the restaurant and the events, has generated a profit of $69,565. The revenue from this year expected to be $660,000, which is $380,000 higher than originally budgeted.

“Tilly’s Table is becoming the keystone to Tilly Foster Farm and Educational Institute’s sustainability,” County Executive MaryEllen Odell said. “The success of Tilly’s Table has not been overnight or without a great deal of hard work from many stakeholders including multiple Putnam County Departments, Homestyle Caterers, BOCES, vendors and customers. The cooperation, patience, and perseverance of all have allowed Tilly’s Table to ‘turn the corner’ so to speak on a path to sustainability and greater heights.”

Putnam County Chairman of the Legislature Joseph Castellano agrees.

“This is great news for the people of Putnam County,” said Legislator Castellano. “We are already seeing a return from our investment in Tilly Foster Farm and Educational Institute.”

Tilly’s Table, which is run through a public-private partnership with Homestyle Caterers, has opened its doors to dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, as well as Sunday brunch. It also hosts comedy and musical acts as well as private events. In July, Tilly’s Table hosted its first wedding.

“Tilly’s Table provides a great ambiance and a delicious menu that includes farm-to-table dishes from items grown on this farm,” said Al Ciuffetelli, owner of Homestyle Caterers. “I am excited about the success of Tilly’s Table. Every day we are meeting new customers and welcoming back returning ones who become regulars. It is a good recipe for continued growth.”

Tilly’s Table is located on Tilly Foster Farm at 100 Route 312 in Brewster. Reservations can be made by calling 845-808-1840 or by visiting: tillystablerestaurant.com.

Photo caption:  Tilly’s Table restaurant is more profitable than Putnam County projected in its 2018 budget due to the community’s willingness to let it be part of their lives, such as when Nicholas Murphy and Michelle Magaletto got engages at Tilly’s Table’s Soulmates show on Saturday, Jan. 20.

Putnam County Helps Family Decorate a WWI Veteran’s Grave

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CARMEL, NY – Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell and the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency assisted a family in decorating their grandfather’s grave to signify he had served in the U.S. Army.

James V Christian served in the U.S. Army during World War I and was wounded in battle. He met his wife, Anna, while he was recovering at Walter Reed Hospital. They married after his release and settle in Cold Spring, where they raised two sons and had seven grandchildren. Christian died in 1968 and is buried in Cold Spring Cemetery. Nothing on his headstone indicated his status as a Veteran. His granddaughter Gail Christian Byrnes asked for help from the Putnam County Veterans Service Agency.

On Tuesday, Aug. 28, the day after the 120th anniversary of Christian’s birth, a brief ceremony was held at his grave with family members, fellow veterans and Odell in attendance. On his headstone was a newly installed Bronze Medallion indicating his status as a Veteran of the United States Army.  The medallion was acquired from the National Cemetery Administration through the efforts of agency Deputy Director Art Hanley who also installed it with guidance and help from Don Hustis, Doug Logan and Jack Duncan.

“Those men and women who risk it all to protect our freedoms deserve their service to be remembered for generations, Odell said during the ceremony.  “Mr. Christian sounds like his life was something that only the movies are telling these days—a love story after a war and then a life well lived with a family who loved and remembers him.”

The ceremony concluded with agency Director Karl Rohde reciting a verse from the Bible, followed by the playing of TAPS by Joseph Baldanza as the Veterans present rendered salutes.

The Putnam County Shared Services Panel Meeting Notice on September 6, 2018

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will be holding a public meeting on September 6, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at The Putnam County Training & Operations Building (TOPS), 112 Old Route 6, Carmel, NY 10512, at which the 2018 County-Wide Shared Services Property Tax Savings Plan will be considered by the Panel.

The 2018 County-Wide Shared Services Property Tax Savings Plan for Putnam County can be found in its entirety on the Putnam County Executive’s page by clicking here!