January 2026 Newsletter
Published on January 05, 2026
Download the January issue of our newsletter, The Buzz
A Message from the Office for the Aging Director
Dear Older Ulster Adults!
January is upon us! A new year begins! I hope everyone had a safe and happy Holiday Season! The good thing about January is… the days start getting longer again — not noticeable at first, but gradually, it’s later longer!
We are planning our year, trying to make sure what we do is feasible with our staffing and resources. 2025 was extremely busy, lots of changes (good ones!) happening, and this year will prove again to have a lot to offer. We tried live online tours and plan to find others in the coming months. We have several social events planned, including bingo several times throughout the year, movies, holiday events, lunch and learns, and educational seminars (what would you like to learn about??) That is in addition to the regular services we offer such as case management, personal care, emergency response systems, home delivered meals, legal assistance, Medicare counseling, Medicare Savings Plans, NYConnects assistance, and chore help in the home.
We still have volunteer opportunities, especially with office work for our driving program, driving your neighbors, warm calling, and help in our respite program (now there are two respite programs we helped establish!)
Please note that we will also have another full year of Tai Chi (in both Kingston and Saugerties), we will offer more Fall Prevention, our regular exercise classes in the Hub for Yoga, Zumba, light aerobics, chess, games, crafts and we hope to be able to offer more online events through GetSetUp, and other online free services for older adults to take advantage of.
Groups of older adults who are still struggling with your technology can come to our Tech classes any Thursday and learn how to better protect yourself, your information, and use the wonderful tool that fits in the palm of your hand. Just call and register. Still looking for tech teaching volunteers!
A reminder — whenever we have events where we serve food, it is imperative that folks respond to our confirmation calls. If we do not hear from you, can’t get ahold of you because you have not set up voice mail, or you do not call us back and confirm, we will assume you aren’t coming. We pay for every meal, served or not. Let’s please give our staff the courtesy of knowing that you are definitely attending. If you cannot, please also let us know that —many of our events have large and long waitlists for folks hoping to go. We’d like to give them a chance if possible.
Stay warm in the winter months!
Susan Koppenhaver
Director, Ulster County Office for Aging