Volunteer Opportunities throughout Ulster County

Serving the Ulster County Community since 2009

May 2024 Newsletter

One-Day Volunteer Opportunities & Trainings:

15th Annual Kingston Clean Sweep

THINK SPRING!! It has been a long winter and now it is time to get ready to clean our beautiful city!! The Friends of Historic Kingston and the City of Kingston will be having our Annual Clean Sweep Event. So, it is time to get your brooms and rakes ready and star the date on your calendar. THE 15TH ANNUAL KINGSTON CLEAN SWEEP WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY, MAY 4, 2024, 9:00 TO NOON.

We sincerely hope you will join us, as many of you have done in the past. However, we are also reaching out to new groups so that they can join in our efforts to clean our community and show our pride!! Mayor Steve Noble has pledged the support of the City of Kingston to collect filled bags immediately following the event.


If you who would like to join us, please email Anna at abrett1@verizon.net.

13th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep

Join us for the 13th Annual Riverkeeper Sweep, a day of service for the Hudson.


When: May 4, 2024: 9:00AM to 4:00PM

Where: Locations throughout New York City and the Hudson Valley

To Attend: Find a location near you and register

View and select from our list of Ulster County Sweep sites here!



more info:

https://www.riverkeeper.org/news-events/events/rvk-events/13th-annual-riverkeeper-sweep

Volunteering at the LGBTQ+ Community Center

Volunteers have long played a key role in LGBTQ+ community centers around the country. Our community center is no different. Almost twenty years ago, it was a small, determined group of volunteers that founded the organization. That people power has been part of the Community Center since.

Right now, there are two opportunities. The first, staffing our front desk and welcoming guests, is essential for us to expand the hours we’re open to the public. The second, “Giving the Building Some Love,” is an opportunity to participate in tending to the curb appeal of 300 Wall Street in conjunction with Kingston Clean Sweep on Saturday, May 4th.


If you’d like to volunteer for the front desk, please email richard@lgbtqcenter.org. If you’re interested in joining us for “Giving the Building Some Love,” please email Michael Erp, our Building Manager, at michael@lgbtqcenter.org. Stay tuned for more details about May 4th and other opportunities to volunteer at the Community Center, which will be on our website in the coming weeks.

Upcoming Repair Cafes

Kingston Repair Cafe

Saturday, May 4, 2024, 11am-3pm

Redeemer Lutheran Church

104 Wurts Street, Kingston


Woodstock Repair Cafe

Saturday, May 11, 2024, 10am-2pm

Mescal Hornbeck Community Center

56 Rock City Road, Woodstock


New Paltz Repair Cafe

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 10am-2pm

New Paltz United Methodist Church

1 Grove Street, New Paltz


Rondout Valley Repair Cafe

Sunday, May 19, 2024, 10am-2pm

High Meadow School

3643 Main Street, Stone Ridge


Esopus Repair Cafe

Saturday, May 25, 2024, 10am-2pm

The Reformed Church of Port Ewen

160 Salem Street, Port Ewen

A Repair Cafe is a free community event. You bring your broken but beloved items and together with volunteer repair coaches, WE FIX THEM! People bring all kinds of things to a repair cafe: clocks and other mechanical items; chairs, frames, and other wooden items; electrical items and small appliances; digital devices; clothing and textiles; dolls, stuffed animals, and toys, tools in need of sharpening; jewelry and watches; and so much more! Most items get fixed, and even when they don’t – we have a good time trying!


We are looking for “Repair Coaches” to guide people in fixing all kinds of things. Repair coaches bring their own tools and supplies and offer repairs at no cost. If you would like to volunteer, the commitment can be on a per-event basis.


Questions? Contact suziefromer@gmail.com or visit www.repaircafehv.org.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Saturday, May 11th, 2024


Each year, letter carriers across the country head out on their routes on the second Saturday in May to collect donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States.


The need is great, but you can help. We invite you to join letter carriers and our partner organizations in the fight to end hunger in our communities by participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.


Simply leave your donation of non-perishable food in a bag near your mailbox on the second Saturday in May, and your letter carrier will do the rest.

People who have questions about the drive in their area should ask their letter carrier, contact their local post office, or go to nalc.org/food or facebook.com/StampOutHunger.


Volunteers are also needed Saturday May 11th from 2:30 to approximately 6:30pm on the loading dock of the Cornell St Post Office in Kingston to assist with the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive sorting & distribution to local pantries. If you can help out, please email volunteer@ulstercorps.org or call/text 845-481-0331.


Click here for a list of local food pantries, most of which are always looking for more volunteers!

10th Annual

Kingston Earth Fair

when: May 11th, 2024, 11am - 5pm

where: TR Gallo Park

30 Rondout Landing, Kingston


The City of Kingston is currently seeking volunteers for the 10th Annual Kingston Earth Fair on May 11th from 11am to 5pm at TR Gallo Park. Volunteer shifts are from 10:00am to 1:30 pm or from 1:30pm to 5:00pm. Volunteer jobs include helping with children’s activities, zero waste stations, parking, event photography, the exchange store, and more.


Please contact Julie Noble at JulieLNoble@kingston-ny.gov or 845-481-7339 for more information.


Thank you!

American Red Cross Shelter Fundamentals Training

when: Wednesday May 22nd, 2024, 6-8pm

where: Esopus Town Hall


Shelter Fundamentals is a basic level course that introduces the guidelines and procedures for setting up, running and closing a shelter during a disaster. This will include sheltering entire families, including pets. Referencing shelter checklists, participants will work on a case study that takes them through four of the six phases of the Sheltering Cycle: Opening, Organizing, Operating and Closing.


For more information contact max.sanchez@redcross.org

Mayfest 2024

when: Memorial Day Weekend,

May 25, 26, & 27, 2024

Saturday/Sunday 12-5pm, Monday 11am - 4pm

where: Walkway Over the Hudson and

Hudson Valley Rail Trail

Over 190 local Farmers and Makers vendors will set up along the Hudson Valley Rail Trail and the parking lot. There is a small general admission ticket of $5 per person, children under 12 free and Walkway Members for free. 100% of proceeds from this event assist all programs that are held for free at the Walkway – including the children’s Walkway Explorer Program and assist our ADA Compliant tram to off free rides to the elderly, disabled and veterans.


Volunteers are needed to assist with parking, answer questions, be present at the entrances and exits to the tasting area, assist with registration, will monitor traffic flow on the rail trail and with event setup and breakdown. Help is needed Friday, May 24th; Saturday, May 25 & Sunday, May 26th, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm & 2:30 pm -5:30 pm & Monday, May 27th, 10:30 am – 1:30 pm & 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm


In appreciation of your time, every volunteer will receive a general admission pass for use either the day before or after your shift. To register contact the Walkway via volunteer@walkway.org or 845-454-9649, ext. 110.

Esopus Family Fun Day, Car Show and 5K

when: Sunday, June 2nd from 10-3pm

where: Ross Park, 208 Bowne Street, Port Ewen


The Esopus family fun day, car show and 5K Fun Run is an annual fundraiser hosted by Esopus Community Foundation to raise money to send local kids to summer camp. We need lots of volunteers to help out with timing and traffic control for the Fun Run, helping out with free kids games, and set up. It’s a great family day outing with lots of vendors, organizations, food and music.

If you can help out please contact esopuscommunity@gmail.com

5th Annual Caribbean Carnival

when: August 17, 2024, 12-7pm

where: Cantine Field, Saugerties


The 5th Annual Caribbean Carnival returns to the Hudson Valley on August 17, 2024. Mark your calendars for a day filled with celebration, learning, and togetherness as the community comes alive with the spirit of Caribbean culture.

Hosted at Cantine Field Saugerties, this much-anticipated event promises a day of excitement and cultural immersion for attendees of all ages. From 12pm to 7pm, guests will have the opportunity to partake in a variety of festivities, event is FREE of charge.


You Can Make a Difference!

Our Caribbean Carnival is made possible by the generosity and support of people like you. Join our team as a volunteer and play a hands-on role in ensuring the event's success. To sign up or for more information email info@seasonedgives.org.

Long-Term Volunteer Opportunities:

Esopus Fire Department

The Esopus Fire Department is always accepting new members and no experience is required. Memberships may be either for active firefighting or on a social level in the department.


Positions Available:

Interior Firefighter

Exterior Firefighter / Scene Support

Auxiliary Members

Fund raiser organizers

Volunteer Benefits:

10% savings off property tax or a $200 state income tax credit

Tuition Reimbursement Program through FASNY

Training stipends for certain classes range from $500 to $1,250

Cell phone discounts through Verizon and AT&T

Access to workout room facilities at firehouse


Application Requirements:

Applicants must fill out a membership application with a copy of their NYS DMV ID or NYS Drivers License and be a fire district resident or live in Ulster County within 5 miles of the Esopus Firehouse. Active firefighters must pass a firefighter physical and drug test. Applicants can be as young as 16 and need legal guardian consent.


Download Application:

If you would like to fill out an application you may access an online version of the application here:

https://www.esopusfd.com/volunteer/

Woodstock Land Conservancy Land Steward Volunteer Internship

Woodstock Land Conservancy seeks a summer land steward volunteer intern for a part-time internship equalling 15-20 hours per week. The land steward intern will assist the Stewardship Manager, working collaboratively and independently. Primary activities will include field work and

office work. Field work will include invasive plant species management and trail maintenance/creation. Office work will include scanning/copying, writing, GIS (Geographi Information System) mapping. Candidates must be self-directed, independent, team minded, energetic. WLC’s office is based in Woodstock, NY.


A detailed Internship Description can be found here. To apply

please send a cover letter and resume to melissa@woodstocklandconservancy.org with Land Steward Internship in the subject line.

Help Us Build Futures!

Are you interested in helping local families gain strength, stability, and self-reliance through homeownership?


VOLUNTEER WITH ULSTER HABITAT AND HELP BUILD HOMES


Volunteers are needed on our construction sites. Building opportunities are available Wednesday through Saturday. No construction experience necessary. You must be 18 years of age or older to help on our construction sites. To find out more call 845-340-0907 x 105 to speak with our Volunteer Coordinator.

For more information about Ulster County Habitat for Humanity, please visit our website at https://ulsterhabitat.org/volunteer/ or email volunteers@ulsterhabitat.org.

Ulster County Office for the Aging

Seeks Volunteers

Ulster County Office for the Aging seeks volunteers in the following areas:


  • Volunteers willing to assist as shoppers or with grocery pickup, chore doers, light maintenance volunteers for area seniors
  • Warm Callers – folks who are willing to call isolated seniors regularly so they hear a friendly voice, have someone to speak to
  • Volunteer drivers for our Neighbor to Neighbor Medical appt driving program
  • Help at various pantries like Angel Food East, People’s Place, Rondout Valley Food Pantry
  • Drivers for those pantries, maybe cooks
  • Caregiver group respite
  • Help at area nursing home for transporting, activities, companionship
  • Volunteers willing to be trained to be ombudsmen in nursing homes
  • Coaches for evidence-based programming which help folks learn to live more safely and wholly


To learn more please contact Sue Koppenhaver at skop@co.ulster.ny.us or 845-340-3456.


https://ulstercountyny.gov/aging/volunteer-program

Gratitude

Thank you to everyone who participated in the

14th Annual UlsterCorps Service Summit!

The 14th Annual UlsterCorps Service Summit was held Wednesday April 17th, 2024 from 8:30am – 12:30pm at SUNY New Paltz and was co-sponsored by the Center for Student Engagement, the Benjamin Center for Public Policy at SUNY New Paltz and Ulster Savings Bank. The focus for the 2024 Summit was environmental issues and sustainability, specifically ways that young people can and are making a difference.


Speakers & Shared Resources included:
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