2019 Health Ulster County Week Runs from May 3 – May 12, Features Over 30 Activities, Events and Special Promotions Aimed to Encourage Healthy Living
HIGHLAND, N.Y. – Acting Ulster County Executive Adele B. Reiter was joined on Thursday by Dr. Carol Smith, Commissioner of Health and Mental Health and several Ulster County businesses and community organizations to announce the official schedule of events and promotions that will comprise the 9th Annual Healthy Ulster County Week, May 3, 2019 – May 12, 2019. The event was held at the Highland Public Library to emphasize the wide range of partners who have joined with the Acting County Executive and the Ulster County Department of Health to provide special events, services and promotions that contribute to a healthier Ulster County.
The calendar of events for the 2019 Healthy Ulster County Week is available on the Ulster County website (www.UlsterCountyNY.gov), the Ulster County Tourism website (www.UlsterCountyAlive.com) and the Healthy Ulster County website (www.HealthyUlsterCounty.net).
“Healthy Ulster County Week has grown into a County-wide celebration of healthy living, and it is truly helping to create a culture of health here in Ulster County,” said Acting County Executive Adele B. Reiter. “We are fortunate to have such outstanding partners, many of whom have stepped up to offer special events or discounts that I urge all of our residents to enjoy. I am especially grateful to the Highland Public Library for hosting our kick-off event and for showing how community organizations like libraries, schools and municipalities can join us to help people live more healthy lives. Dr. Smith and her amazing team of professionals also deserve praise for their daily efforts to promote health here in Ulster County and for helping to organize and promote Healthy Ulster County Week. Thanks to their work, this year’s calendar is filled with great opportunities to learn about health, to eat healthy food, or to enjoy a fun and healthy activity. So I encourage all of Ulster County’s residents to take part in this year’s week of healthy offerings, and in doing so, to help us make Ulster County the healthiest county in New York State.”
“Healthy Ulster County Week showcases our community's rich diversity of resources dedicated to improving the well-being and quality of life of residents and visitors alike,” said Dr. Carol Smith, Commissioner of Health and Mental Health. “Here in Ulster County we have an abundance of options for staying fit, eating healthy, and having fun. Our County is rich in resources such as beautiful trails, walkways, bicycle paths, and waterways. Farm markets, featuring an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables, are accessible and conveniently located throughout the County. Our tobacco free cafes and restaurants offer healthy and affordable dining experiences. We very much appreciate the ongoing support from the County Executive's office, our business community and all of our community partners as we acknowledge and celebrate all that Ulster County has to offer.”
“Highland Public Library has been a proud participant in Healthy Ulster County Week since Ulster County Executive Mike Hein initiated it,” said Julie Kelsall-Dempsey, the Library Director at the Highland Public Library. “We are thrilled to provide Healthy programs and resources to all our community members, encouraging them to bike, walk, run and explore the Rail Trail and Walkway over the Hudson.”
“I have participated in Healthy Ulster County Week since the beginning, and I really believe in this program to the fullest,” said Austin Benjamin, Owner and Trainer at Essential Fitness in Port Ewen, NY. “At last year’s event, County Executive Hein shared his distress about the rising opioid epidemic in our County, and since then I have opened my door to young adults in recovery to offer free classes and training to help them get on the right path. The number of people who responded was overwhelming, and I’m proud to report that 18 of the 22 people who walked through my doors last year are still here or are actively participating at another gym. This initiative is a wonderful contribution to the health of our community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to participate.”
Additional information about Healthy Ulster County Week activities can be found at https://ulstercountyny.gov/hucw or by calling at 845-340-3800. # # #
Photo 1) Acting County Executive Reiter with participants of Healthy Ulster County Week.
