Bottom Line - December 2015

Bottom Line

DECEMBER 2015

DUTCHESS COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The

Students to share holiday cheer at Breakfast With performances by the Poughkeepsie High School Choir, Roy C. Ketcham High School Choir and the Arlington High School Brass Choir, as well as the annual Hudson Valley Fresh chocolate milk

toast, our shared Christmas cheer is sure to drown out even the loudest “Bah, humbug!”

In addition to enjoying the festivities, all attendees are asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift to donate to the Hudson Valley Young Professional’s Holiday Toy Drive.

All donations will benefit local kids and teens served by House of Hope and Mental Health America.

While all toys are graciously accepted, items for teens are especially encouraged. Look for the marked Guardian Self Storage boxes upon entry at the Poughkeepsie Grand. For more info, see page 13.

Paul Effman Music will present

The Chamber Foundation with a donation of $750 collected at last year’s Hudson Valley Saxophone Orchestra Concert. For more details, see page 4.

The December Contact Breakfast is sponsored by the Poughkeepsie Journal. Thanks also to the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel for providing the students’ breakfast.

Nonprofit members from The Arc of Dutchess and Dutchess Day School will also be in attendance.

Tickets are $25 for members in advance or $30 at the door. Nonmembers can attend for $35. To RSVP, call (845) 454-1700, ext.

1000 or visit dcrcoc.org.

Contact Breakfast sponsored by

Networking abounds at River Station After Hours

D

ecember’s Business After Hours will be held from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, December 9, at River Station, 1 Water Street, Poughkeepsie.

Both Chamber members and guests are welcome to attend this networking event featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

Networking make you nervous?

Attendees are invited to come at 4 p.m. to participate in the Business Education Committee’s complimentary workshop on Networking how-tos and then stay for the Business After Hours. The seminar is sponsored by Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond.

The After Hours is sponsored

by Riverside Bank, a subsidiary of Salisbury Bank and Trust, Co. and

Business After Hours sponsored by

EmbroidMe, In December, last year, Riverside Bank and Salisbury Bank and Trust merged.

They are pleased to offer the added convenience of an expanded branch network and additional online services.

When it comes to money, you can count on them to help manage challenges and reach goals.

When EmbroidMe opened its doors in 2005, local residents Diane and Scott Pawenski had no idea of just how successful their new franchise would become.

Firmbach & Firmbach Certified Public Accountants

WINTER WEATHER POLICY: In the event of inclement weather, visit the Chamber’s website and Facebook page by 6:30 a.m. for updates regarding events and committee meetings.

The status of afternoon meetings, ribbon cuttings and events will be posted accordingly.

Message From The Chair ........................... 2 Message From The Chamber President ........... 4

Member News........................................ 5

Upcoming Events ...................................11

Workforce news .....................................14

Foundation news ...................................15

Nestled in the Poughkeepsie Plaza, EmbroidMe has become the region’s premier provider of decorated apparel and high-quality promotional products.

To register, call (845) 4541700, ext. 1000 or visit dcrcoc.org.

A Fa mily A cc ou n tin g p rac tic e Our family has been serving the Hudson Valley’s Accounting needs for the last 50 years.

Call and ask for Karl or Rudy 845-454-5440 w w w . F i r m b a c h C P A s . c o m

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et in the holiday spirit and revel in the sounds of the season at the December Contact Breakfast on Wednesday, December 16 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel.

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DECEMBER 2015

Officers Joseph Bonura Jr., Chair ........................................Bonura Hospitality Group John Davies, 1st Vice Chair......................................................Riverside Bank Rita McPeck, 2nd Vice Chair ............................................................KeyBank Pierrette Ruhland, Treasurer ............................................... Red Cap Cleaners Jeffrey Senft, Secretary................................S & O Construction Services, Inc. Ori Brachfeld, Past Chair .......................................Dash Lock & Key Service Stephen E. Diamond, Of Counsel ...... Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond LLP Directors Jan Dewey .....................................................................Poughkeepsie Journal Jennifer Dunn ...................State Farm Insurance - The Jen Dunn Agency, Inc. Ron Flaherty ........................................................TEG Federal Credit Union Bill Francis ....................................................Fortress Financial Advisory LLC Lauren Gillett....................................................................Chazen Companies Paul Hochenberg ... MidHudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center Dr. Christine Huebner Caridi .................................................. Marist College Kimberly Hunt Lee ..................................................... McCabe & Mack LLP William Lessner ............................................................Adams Fairacre Farms James Letterio Jr. ...................................................Sedore & Company, CPAs Patrick Moore...................................................... Antalek & Moore Insurance Michael Mullaney............................................. Hudson Cadillac Buick GMC Scott Pawenski .............................................................................EmbroidMe Stewart Petrovits.................................................Blacktop Maintenance Corp.

David Ping .................................................................................Health Quest Vincent Ricotta ........................................ Mercedes-Benz of Wappingers Falls Mary Schoonmaker .......................................................................... TD Bank Mike Spinelli..........................................................................The Brake Shop Denise Doring VanBuren .................. Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp.

Jennifer Van Tuyl............................................................ Cuddy & Feder, LLP Tina Walz................................................................................... M & T Bank Tom Weddell................ Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP Eben Yager .............................................................. Hudson Valley Renegades Associate Board Members James Lentz ...........................................................TEG Federal Credit Union Daniel Lepore........................................................................ LCS Companies Chamber Staff Frank Castella Jr. ................................................................. President & CEO Audra B. Gerty.............................................Executive Vice President & CFO Rich Kleban .................................................... Senior Vice President & COO Pamela J. Balga................................................. Director of Member Relations Loren Hoffman ........................Communications and Marketing Coordinator Elena McPhee ........................................................... Director of Membership Josely Millington ............................................................ Assistant to the CFO Carrie Nealy ....................................................... Director of Member Services Chelsea Schwarze .......................................... Community Relations Specialist Angela Signor ..........................................................Director of Media Design Carmela Spreer ......................................................... Vice President of Events Workforce Development Center Staff Louise McLoughlin ....................... Vice President of Workforce Development Stephanie Seymour .................................... Director of Workforce Operations Maryann McKenzie ............................................... Director of Youth Services Elizabeth Kwant ................................................ Supervisor of Adult Programs Jesse Crisalli ................................................................ Director of Work Now Diane DeDominicis .................................... Director of Employment Services Margaret S. Inge..................................................Workforce Training Director Andre Richards...................................... Director of Youth Education Services Karen Williams..................................................................Work Now Mentor Career Action Center Staff Katrina Gobins.............................................Director of Career Action Center Kadiyah Lodge ..............................Assistant Director of Career Action Center The Chamber Foundation Staff Nicholas Shannon .............................................................. Executive Director Nancy DeWitt...................................................................................Associate Youth One Stop Staff Jessica Vitolano.................................................. Youth One Stop Coordinator Rosemary Grabowska ................................ Youth One Stop Services Specialist Rachel Bassett .................................................Youth One Stop Case Manager Dylan Miyoshi ................................................Youth One Stop Case Manager Ashley Wright..................................................Youth One Stop Case Manager

The Bottom Line is a monthly publication of : The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce One Civic Center Plaza • Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 33 Henry Street • Beacon, NY 12508 845-454-1700 • Fax: 845-454-1702 The Bottom Line • Volume 32 • Number 12 Annual Chamber membership includes a 1-year subscription to The Bottom Line POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, One Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Online at www.dcrcoc.org, developed by Design Intervention Studio

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A privilege to serve as the Chair

A

s we near the end of the year, I must think back on my tenure as Chair of the board of directors for the Chamber. I am proud to have had this opportunity to work closely with the members and staff of this great organization. This has been a year full of making new connections, reconnecting with old friends, attending many events and witnessing a consistent level of excellence in all things. I am honored to have been a part of it all.

This year also saw a lot of changes at the Chamber. It was a pleasure to work with new

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR:

Joseph Bonura Jr.

President & CEO, Frank Castella, Jr. as well as the other new staff members. Through their hard work and dedication and with Frank’s exceptional leadership and willingness to collaborate, we have seen many impressive changes. Membership has in-

creased, innovative ideas on how to promote the Chamber and our members have been implemented, and the Workforce Development Center and Youth One Stop have advanced significantly, all while remaining true to the core mission of being an advocate for the business community and the region’s economic health.

Thank you for the privilege of serving as your board chair this year. I’d like to wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season and would raise a toast to an excellent—and prosperous— New Year.

Small Business Partner of the Month

The Pines at Poughkeepsie 100 Franklin St., Poughkeepsie • 845-454-4100 • pinesatpoughkeepsie.com

The Pines at Poughkeepsie provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term skilled nursing care. They deliver customized care specific to their patients’needs. Their Passport Rehabilitation Program includes occupational, physical, speech language and respiratory therapies incorporating the latest techniques and treatments. The Chamber’s Small Business Partner of the Month offers small businesses with 12 employees or fewer direct advertising to members and the community through print, electronic and radio media. If you are interested in this program, contact Carrie at (845) 454-1700, ext. 1012.

DECEMBER 2015

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10 ways to stay fit, avoid weight gain through the holidays

W

ith Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other major holidays just around the corner, many of us are looking forward to spending time with family and friends and indulging in the wonderful delicacies that only come once a year. What most of us aren’t looking forward to is the associated weight gain and deconditioning that comes with it.

Here are 10 tips to stay fit and avoid weight gain through the Holidays and the long Winter: 1. Limit tastes while cooking and baking. If you do a lot of cooking during the holidays, watch how much you taste food during the process. Tasting during preparation can lead to multiple calories added to your daily diet before you even sit down to eat!

2. Use the mall for fitness, not just shopping. Use the mall to your advantage and WALK!

Walking the mall to get in some exercise while browsing and shopping—or even parking your car farther from the doors—is a great way to get in some exercise.

3. Use smaller plates at your holiday gatherings. Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomachs and a larger plate can lead to massive servings of our favorite foods. Use smaller plates to force you and your family to be aware of the amount of food they are eating.

4. Exercise doesn’t require weights‌ just your body. You don’t need weights to build muscle and get a good workout. All you need is your body and some floor space to get your muscles pumping and heart rate up. Functional exercises such as squats, push-ups, bridges, and jumping jacks can make even the biggest weight lifters exhausted.

5. Go to holiday parties to socialize‌ not eat. Enjoy friends and family during the holidays through socializing, talking, and even dancing. Don’t focus on just the food and drink at holiday

Health

& Wellness

gatherings.

6. Schedule holiday activities with family and friends. Holiday activities such as ice skating, skiing, sledding, and even building snowmen are forms of exercise, but also allow you to spend quality time together.

7. Drink water. Drinking water throughout the day should not be isolated to the holiday season; it should be part of your daily routine. Drinking water before and during meals helps you feel full.

8. Watch TV. Yes, you can watch TV and stay fit during the holiday season. Pop in an exercise/fitness DVD and commit to 30-45 mintues of exercise.

Benefit from mobile security system

T

he relevance of having mobile access to a security system is at an all-time high when you consider 85 percent of business owners use a smartphone, and that number continues to grow. Now consider that up to 30 percent of businesses fail due to criminal activity and four burglaries happen every minute. Having the proper security measures in place to protect a business location—whether you are there or not—is nothing to take lightly, and adopting the proper measures will actually help businesses thrive. Here are some key benefits to think about:

Increased flexibility

You’re always on the move, and when you employ security management applications on your

smartphone, you have the freedom to manage almost all of your security controls as if you were onsite.

Be more productive

Having the ability to view and manage multiple locations from a single device can save time and assist in effectively allowing you to distribute personnel on the fly when issues needing immediate attention arise.

Security awareness equals peace of mind

Email or text alerts can be configured to provide notifications immediately in the case of a problem or emergency. In some cases, applications can even display a live video feed to help you assess the situation and take prop-

er action; all from the convenience of your mobile device.

Increased work-life balance

Small-business owners are no strangers to long hours, and even after a long day, it’s hard to leave.

Using the right security management application can help you feel connected while giving you the peace of mind that your systems are always ready, even if you are enjoying time with family or friends.

This article was provided by Jaime Butler, business development specialist at Integrated Enterprise Solutions, Inc. For more information about IES, visit www.ies-ny. com or call 845-226-9983.

9. Bring your own dish or dessert to the party. You cannot control what foods will be at a holiday party, but you can control what foods you bring. Bringing something homemade that is low-calorie to share and enjoy is one alternative to some of the heavier dishes that may be available.

10. Find a fitness buddy.

Sometimes, working with a partner can help keep you motivated, maintain a consistent exercise routine, and find other methods of exercise. Find a friend or family member you can buddy with to keep you healthy and active.

There are numerous ways to stay healthy and enjoy the holiday season without having negative effects on our bodies. For more information regarding health and wellness, contact our doctors at Moriarty Physical Therapy online at moriartypt.com.

John Moriarty is the owner of Moriarty Physical Therapy in Poughkeepsie and a member of the Health & Wellness Club of the Chamber. Reach him at john@ moriartypt.com

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4

DECEMBER 2015

Message from the

Chamber President Frank Castella Jr.

Think and Give Local First

I

n November, we pushed the Small Business Saturday initiative as hard as ever, driving consumers to our small business Members who were open the Saturday after Thanksgiving and accept American Express. We even partnered with Heartland Payment Systems to send out special posters to all our retail members to help promote their participation. However, Think Local First is not a once-ayear holiday, but a lifestyle we at the Chamber have embraced. Think Local First doesn’t just encompass our spending habits, either, but our giving habits, too.

I encourage you to think local not only when shopping, but also when giving. Donate your time at a local food bank or soup kitchen. Donate your talent to a local nonprofit in need of a service you could provide or volunteer to help in another way. Donate your treasure to a local organization that serves this beautiful community we live, work, and thrive in. Together we can help the people in need in our own backyards to have a warmer,

brighter, and better holiday season and 2016.

When buying gifts for your family, consider picking out an extra something special and donating it to the Hudson Valley Young Professionals’ Annual Toy Drive, which this year will benefit children and teens receiving services from House of Hope and Mental Health America.

Or consider participating in our Workforce Development Center’s Adopt-A-Family program, where you or a group can purchase gifts for a whole family in need.

For more information on the Toy Drive or the Adopt-a-Family programs through the Chamber, visit dcrcoc.org Let’s all work together to finish the year strong and make the Mid-Hudson Valley community an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

Have a great holiday season, and remember to Think and Give Local First.

Sincerely,

Frank M. Castella Jr. President & CEO

“EVERY BUSINESS HAS A STORY...

WE CAN HELP YOU TELL YOURS.” – Tom Martinelli

Print•Online•Social Media 3.

www.MartinelliCustomPublishing.com • 845.462.1209

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Concert raises funds for Foundation

T

he Hudson Valley Saxophone Orchestra will host its fourth annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 20 at the Cunneen-Hackett Arts Center, 12 Vassar Street, Pougkeepsie with two performances at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

The concert is free to attend, but a suggested donation of $5 will be accepted to benefit The Chamber Foundation’s Charles S. North Music Scholarship and the Hudson Valley Saxophone Orchestra Scholarship at Dutchess Community College. Proceeds from CD

sales at the event will also benefit the scholarships. Chamber member, Paul Effman Music, supports the concert.

This is the fourth year the orchestra has raised funds for the scholarship and, at the Contact Breakfast on December 9, Paul Eff-

man Music will present the Chamber Foundation with a donation of $750, which was collected last year.

“The Chamber and its Foundation have a history of supporting the arts and music,” said Frank Castella, Jr., President & CEO of the Chamber and Chamber Foundation. “This concert is a great tradition and a wonderful way to bring some holiday cheer to the neighborhood and local shoppers.”

A preview concert will be held at the Poughkeepsie Galleria on Sunday, December 13 from 1-4 p.m.

Chamber VIPs, Superintendents chat

The Chamber held an exclusive forum of Superintendents and heads of schools following our November Contact Breakfast.

Panelists answered questions concerning their districts’ needs and challenges as well as their ongoing relationships with the business community. Thank you to our sponsor, Rose & Kiernan. Panelists: Superintendent Jose Carrion from Wappingers Central School District, CEO Dr. Jeffery Fox of Abilities First, Superintendent Dr. Greer Rychcik of Hyde Park Central School District, Superintendent Michael Tierney of the Dover Union Free School District, Superintendent Dr. Barbara Walkley of the Beacon City School District, and Superintendent Dr. Nicole Williams of the Poughkeepsie City School District. Moderators: Rose & Kiernan Executive VP Charles Daniels and Chamber President and CEO Frank Castella, Jr.

A Special Thank You To Our 2015 Corporate Sponsors LEADERS:

PARTNERS: Bonura Hospitality Group • COBESO, Inc. • DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota Hudson Valley Audio Visual • Integrated Enterprise Solutions, Inc. • M&T Bank Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies, Inc. • Rose & Kiernan, Inc. SUPPORTERS: EmbroidMe • Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union • Hudson Valley Renegades LCS Companies • Marshall & Sterling Insurance • Meyer Contracting • N&S Supply Orange County Trust Company • Rhinebeck Bank • Riverside Bank – A Division of Salisbury Bank Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP • TD Bank • TEG Federal Credit Union Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home • Ulster Savings Bank Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs MEDIA PARTNERS: Fox Radio • HVNN.com • iHeartMedia • Media 276 • Poughkeepsie Journal Radio Woodstock 100.1 • Townsquare Media COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Associa New York • Dutchess County Department of Community and Family Services Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP

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DECEMBER 2015

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MEMBER NEWS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Powered by Integrated Enterprise Solutions, Inc.

United Way participates in Read Across the Globe Day

United Way of the DutchessOrange Region joined thousands worldwide to promote literacy during Read Across the Globe Day on Oct. 19. Presented by Points of Light Foundation, one of the goals of Read Across the Globe Day was to break a Guinness World Recordâ&#x201E;˘ for the most children reading with an adult in 24 hours. United Way hosted three reading events where board members and employees volunteered to read to more than 150 children in Dutchess and Orange counties.

For more information on Points of Light Foundationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Read Across the Globe Day, visit www. pointsoflight.org/readacrosstheglobe. For more information about United Way programs and initiatives, visit www.uwdor.org.

Associate attorney joins Poughkeepsie law firm

The law firm of Lewis & Greer, is pleased to announce Dylan C. Harris, Esq. has joined the firm as an associate attorney. Harris graduated from SUNY Oneonta with a bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s degree in English in 2010, and received his juris doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 2014.

Harris will focus on tax certiorari; business, commercial, and construction law; and trust and estate matters.

For more information, contact Lewis & Greer at (845) 454-1200.

Abilities First Honors Rose & Kiernan

The Abilities First Signature event held in October honored David and Lynn Melby as the 2015

Ulster insurance services executive wins award

Ulster Insurance Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Ulster Savings Bank, is pleased to announce Rose Forte-Piccoli, an Insurance Account Executive, was recently awarded the Five Star Home/Auto Insurance Professional award from Five Star Professional.

Forte-Piccoli, a resident of Kingston, is an insurance industry veteran of nearly 25 years.

Five Star Professionalâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;founded in 2003 and based in Minneapolis, MNâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;conducts extensive market research to identify excellent service professionals. The award program has been recognizing outstanding insurance professionals for more than six years.

Coppolas collect cans in memory of Claudio

Each year on Claudio Coppolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s birthday, the Claudio Cares Foundation, supported by Coppolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ristorante, honors the memory of owner Luigi Coppolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s son through Claudioâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Can Drive.

They recruit young people to assist in collection, organization and distribution of non-perrishable food items in hopes of instilling the selfless qualities that Claudio possessed.

This is the fourth year of the drive and over 110,000 lbs. of food items has been collected to be distributed to 8 local food pantries.

This year was called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Drive to 95â&#x20AC;? with an initial goal of collecting 95,000 lbs.

Collection is still ongoing and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at Coppolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ristoran-

te through December 17. raiser for the Fishkill Food Pantry For more information, visit will be held at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, claudiocares.com 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill on Sunday, December 13 at 4 p.m. featuring the Marvelous Musical Martins/Peace Bell Foundation.

Hudson River Housing program will also feanames new exec. director tureThe the Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, Adult and Bell Hudson River Housingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Choirs with special guests. Light Board of Directors is pleased to refreshments will follow. So far this announce the selection of Sean event has raised over $65,000 for Robin as the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new execu- the pantry the past 19 years. tive director. Robin will succeed Ed Murphy, who will retire this December.

Robin, a native of New York Ulster Savings Charitable City, has been a frequent traveler Foundation awards grant to the Hudson Valley. Trained as to Newburgh Armory a city planner, he has worked in The Ulster Savings Charitable many capacities within the New Foundation recently awarded a York City Administration and $10,000 grant to the Newburgh Ararea nonprofits, promoting com- mory Unity Center, Inc. in support munity revitalization and neigh- of the expansion of their â&#x20AC;&#x153;Literacy borhood well being. Robin is also Together: For Families, By Famithe founding editor of Indigenous liesâ&#x20AC;? program.

Planning Times, a publication The program includes a series promoting multiculturalism in the of workshops designed to give field of urban planning. Robin re- parents the necessary tools needed ceived his bachelorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s from Cornell to become more actively engaged University, and his masterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s of city in developing their childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s planning from MIT. Robin will start at Hudson River Housing on Dec. 7.

early literacy skills. For more information about the Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation, please call MaryRose Warcholak at (845) 338-6322 ext. 3626.

Nominations accepted for Excellence in Nursing Awards Hudson Valley Magazine is now accepting nominations for its ninth annual Excellence in Nursing Awards. These awards recognize the dedication and service displayed by the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nurses and the importance they play in the health of Hudson Valley residents. A special awards celebration will be held on May 11, 2016 at The Grandview.

Nursing supervisors, doctors, hospital, and school administrators are encouraged to nominate nurses. For more information contact Barbara Begley at (914) 345-0601 or call bbegley@ westchestermagazine.com.

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Feldman announces Injury Prevention Clinic

Feldman Physical Therapyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; a total body treatment, injury prevention and functional movement practice with two locations in the Hudson Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;announced it has introduced a new service designed to keep youth and collegiate athletes on top of their game: The Injury Prevention Clinic. Small group sessions of one to four individuals will be offered by Dr. John Nunez in the practiceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s location inside Goldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gym in Fishkill.

For more information, call Dr. Nunez at (845) 478-5922 or email john@ feldmanphysicaltherapy.com or visit feldmanphysicaltherapy.com.

20th annual Christmas Concert Fundraiser set

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MEMBER NEWSLINE

Outstanding Volunteers and Rose & Kiernan, Inc. as the 2015 Outstanding Community Leader for their commitment to volunteer work and philanthropic support of Abilities First programs and services as well as bringing heightened awareness of the organization within the region.

For more information, visit www.AbilitiesFirstNY.org.

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DECEMBER 2015

Thursday, December 3

Monday, December 14

4 p.m.

4274 Albany Post Road Hyde Park

4 p.m.

200 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie

Brooklyn Brothers Clothing

UPCOMING

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Develop network at Connections

C

hamber Connections helps members get to know each other and develop professional relationships that can help with business and potential referrals.

The next Chamber Connections event will be on Tuesday, December 1 from 4-6 p.m., at

Sponsored by:

Paintbrushes & Party, 702 Freedom Plains Road, Poughkeepsie.

There is no cost to attend, hors d’oeuvres are complimentary and a cash bar will be available.

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union is proud to sponsor this event.

Chamber Connections is a speed-networking event that allows members the opportunity to deliver a strategic two-minute promotional pitch to all participants.

It’s fast, it’s fun and, most importantly, it produces results. Make sure to bring plenty of business cards and your best elevator pitch.

To reserve your spot, call (845) 454-1700 ext. 1000 today, as this event is industry exclusive and strictly limited to 40 participants.

Wednesday, December 2

Abilities First 4 p.m.

24 Firemens Way Poughkeepsie

Join us to celebrate the opening of the new Abilities First School.

Refreshments will be provided.

Thursday, December 3

☑ Tax Services

2600 South Road Poughkeepsie Join us to celebrate the opening of Phenix Salon Suites. Refreshments will be provided.

We have the ONLY Certified*

☑ Merchant Services ☑ Remote Deposit ☑ Payroll Services

Workers’ Comp Advisor Agency in the Hudson Valley.

☑ Insurance Services ☑ ... and of course Business Banking!

Invested in our community. Invested in you.

866-440-0491 • ulstersavings.com *Certified by the Institute of WorkComp Professionals

Tuesday, December 8

JD’s Pub N Brew 4 p.m.

347 Hooker Ave. Poughkeepsie

Join us to celebrate the grand opening. Refreshments will be provided.

Phenix Salon Suites Friday, December 11 1 p.m.

Chateau Beacon Poughkeepsie Plaza

Our line of business products is as diverse as the businesses we service! ☑ Business Loans

Join us to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Brooklyn Brothers Clothing with the Chamber.

Refreshments will be provided.

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Investment, Tax, Payroll and Insurance products and services available through Ulster Insurance Services, Inc. and Ulster Financial Group, Inc., subsidiaries of Ulster Savings Bank, are NOT FDIC INSURED.

4 p.m.

37 Lamplight St. Beacon

Join us to celebrate the grand opening. Refreshments will be provided.

Bottomless Belly Deli

Join us to celebrate the grand opening. Refreshments will be provided.

Friday, December 18

Advance Auto Parts 4 p.m.

3999 Albany Post Road Hyde Park

Join us to celebrate the grand opening of Advanced Auto Parts.

Tuesday, January 5

All-Star Family Dentistry 4 p.m.

2 Jay Lane Hopewell Junction

Join us to celebrate All-Star Family Dentistry’s one year anniversary.

Refreshments will be provided.

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DCRCOC Member Nonprofits

Arts & Crafts

Fiber Flame Studio Cafes

Anniversaries

NorMet Hospital Association Bridges to Community

Restaurants

Tea Talk

Churches & Synagogues

Changepoint Church Electronic Repairs

Northwestern Mutual (Alex Tronco)

Hardware & Paint Stores

Poughkeepsie Tennis Club Vassar College

Valpak of Mid Hudson Valley Cafes

Lola’s Cafe

Construction Management

Turner Construction Davies Hardware, Inc. Company Health Insurance Plans

Fidelis Care Nonprofits

ASQ Section 302 Restaurants

The Mill Restaurant and Bar

H.G. Page & Sons, Inc.

Contractors - General

Peak Construction Farming & Agriculture

Hudson Valley Fresh Dairy LLC

Fitness Clubs and Services Funeral Homes

McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc.

Colleges

* Membership renewals received October 22 - November 16, 2015

For information contact Chelsea at (845) 454-1700 ext. 1000 or chelsea@dcrcoc.org

Dowser Spring Water Schools - Public

Arlington Central School District

25 Years

Engineering and/or Surveying Services

The Chazen Companies Fitness Clubs and Services

Mike Arteaga’s Health & Fitness Centers

Heating Oil & Gas Companies Nonprofits

Petro

Five Years

Prevention of Child Abuse

95 Years

Check out our website for links to the Chamber radio shows each week!

Office Water & Coffee Service

American Cancer BurgerFi Information Technology Services Society of the Hudson Integrated Enterprise Valley Solutions, Inc. Schools - Private Banks & Banking Associations Cardinal Hayes Nonprofits Sawyer Savings Bank Home for Children The Center for the Contractors - General

Building Materials & Supplies

Country Curtains

Window Treatments

Items & Services

Forté Capital LLC

Miller Funeral Home

Funeral Homes

20 Years

10 Years

Farm Credit East

40 Years

Table Talk Diner

CPR (Cell Phone Repair) Advertising/Promotional Wappingers Falls Financial Services

15 Years

DCRCOC

Thirty Years

J.C. Millbank Construction Co., Inc. Real Estate Agencies & Brokers Business Products Financial Services Hudson Commercial Empire Business Real Estate Corp.

Thrivent Financial Forms, Inc. T H A N K YO U F O R YO U R S U P P O R T !

3.

One Year

7

DECEMBER 2015

PCAs/HHAs/LIVE-INs IMMEDIATE OPENINGS!

All shifts Available Dutchess & Ulster Counties Certified, own car/phone. ∙ Competitive wages ∙ Weekly pay.

To join our team call Krystal Mon.- Fri. from 9am – 3pm (845)331-1966 Home Health Care & Companion Agency, Inc. EOE

3.

CUSTOM DESIGNED BURGLAR AND FIRE ALARM SYSTEMS Licensed by NY /LFHQVHG E\ 1<6 Department of State /,&

CCTV, CARD ACCESS

845.471.1830

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PAT.ROSE@APAROSESECURITY.NET

PAT ROSE

“Securing the Hudson Valley”

3.

8

DCRCOC.ORG/SHOPSMALL

DECEMBER 2015

#ThinkLocalFirst

DECEMBER 2015

Support your fellow Chamber members this holiday season!

PRINTED MEMBER

NOV 28

SHOP SMALL FOR THE BUSINESSES YOU LOVE 速

DIRECTORY Business

DIRECTORY FALL/WINTER 2015

ONLINE MEMBER DIRECTORY AT

DCRCOC.ORG

AND THE PLACE YOU CALL HOME

FIND OUT WHERE AT DCRCOC.ORG/SHOPSMALL #ThinkLocalFirst #SHOPSMALL

FOR ALL

COUPONS

WEB.DCRCOC.ORG/COUPONS DCRCOC.ORG

速

9

10

DECEMBER 2015 goosesdiesel.com Contact: Michael Bucey Full-service truck repair shop.

MEMBERS WELCOME NEW ACCOUNTANTS & BOOKKEEPING SERVICES

The Back Office Team, LLC 145 Route 22, Suite 205 Pawling, NY 12564 (845) 289-0386 Email: info.tbot@gmail.com Web: www.thebackofficeteam.com Contact: Darren Higgins Assists small to mid-sized companies in growing their businesses and flourishing.

ADVERTISING/PROMOTIONAL ITEMS & SERVICES

CharlieDog Advertising

5 Falls Crossing Woodstock, NY 12498 (201) 606-3810 Email: lynn@ charliedogadvertising.com Web: www.charliedogadvertising.com Contact: Lynn Herring Provides expert brand identity, website design and development.

AUTOMOBILE SERVICES, REPAIR & MAINTENANCE

R.G. Auto Maintenance

PO Box 254 Rhinebeck, NY 12572 (845) 264-0055 Email: rgautomaintenance@ gmail.com Web: www.rgautomaintenance.com Contact: Roberto Gonzalez Auto Maintenance at your door step or wherever is most convenient for you 24/7, including holidays.

Goose’s Diesel Truck Parts & Service LLC 1931 Route 44, Unit A Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 (845) 635-1314 Email: goosesdiesel@

BAKERS & BAKERIES LaCakes & Cafe

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

Email: mwainwright@optimum.net MAGAZINES & PUBLICATIONS Web: www.wainwright financialsolutions.com True Super Star Magazine Contact: Maria Wainwright PO Box 61 Bookkeeping and financial Beacon, NY 12508 management for small (845)505-2317 businesses and nonprofits.

Email: terrellolin@truesuperstar.org Web: www.truesuperstar.org GOVERNMENT Contact: Terrell Olin

415 Route 376 Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 (914) 519-6044 Email: LaCakesbyMaria@gmail.com Town of Pine Plains Web: www.lacakesbymaria.com 3284 Route 199, PO Box 955 Contact: Maria Amodeo Pine Plains, NY 12567 Serves food as well as baked (518) 398-8600 goods.

Fax: (518) 398-0092 Email: supervisor@ CONTRACTORS - CARPENTRY pineplains-ny.gov Web: www.pineplains-ny.gov Hudson Valley Drywall Contact: Brian Coons 135 Belvedere Road Beacon, NY 12508 INFORMATION (845) 202-7745 TECHNOLOGY SERVICES Fax: (845) 202-7747 Email: Hudsonvalley drywall1@gmail.com Ariston Tek Contact: Vincent Kelly 2537 Route 52, Suite 1 Specializes in metal framing, East Fishkill, NY 12533 drywall, acoustical ceilings, (212) 217-9770 doors, hardware and more.

Email: IMarks@Aristontek.com Web: www.AristonTek.com DELICATESSENS Contact: Isaac Marks

Bottomless Belly Deli

200 Hooker Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 (845) 471-4755 Email: bottomlessbellydeli@ gmail.com Web: www.bottomlessbellydeli.com Contact: Charles Sauders A full service deli with daily specials, paninis and catering.

DENTISTS - GENERAL

All-Star Family Dentistry PC 2 Jay Lane Hopewell Junction, NY 12533 (845) 592-7170 Fax: (845) 592-7173 Email: DrKristen@allstardentistry.com Web: www.allstardentistry.com Contact: Kristen Vilardi-Shanley

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Wainwright Financial Solutions 312 Titusville Road, Suite B Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 (845) 464-1208 Fax: (845) 849-3224

INSURANCE AGENCIES & BROKERS

New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association

155 Myers Corners Road, Suite 200 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (212) 208-9897 Fax: (212) 344-9676 Email: daustin@nypiua.com Web: www.nypiua.com Contact: Dane Austin A true residual market mechanism, responsive to the varied needs of the insuring public.

JEWELERS/JEWELRY STORES Hannoush Jewelers

Poughkeepsie Galleria 2001 South Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 298-8599 Fax: (845) 298-8541 Email: mhalpy@hannoush.com Web: www.hannoush.com Contact: Michael Halpy

MARKETING SERVICES

Community Services Programs, Inc.

5 Givans Avenue Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (845) 297-2080 Fax: (845) 297-2080 Email: csphvhdfinc@aol.com Contact: Margaret O’Leary Nonprofit housing and community development agency.

EquiNorth

2699 Route 22 Dover, NY 12522 Ready To Run Designs (845) 416-8583 3 Neptune Road, Suite A9 Email: Deanna@EquiNorth.org Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Web: www.EquiNorth.org (845) 242-2993 Contact: Deanna Mancuso Fax: (845) 223-7269 A nonprofit organization using Email: info@readytorundesigns.com Equine Assisted Psychotherapy Web: www.readytorundesigns.com for a variety of mental emotional Contact: Ross Hardisty struggles.

Local online marketing firm specializing in web design, SEO, RESTAURANTS social media and graphic design.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELORS Lexington Center for Recovery, Inc.

41 Page Park Drive Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 (845) 486-2950 Fax: (845) 486-2999 Email: rjoselit@lexingtonctr.org Web: www.lexingtonctr.org Contact: Rosann Joselit

MUSIC STORES & SERVICES Cruise Control Band

25 Scarborough Lane, Suite C Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (845) 901-0396 Email: cruisecontrolbandhv@ gmail.com Contact: Mike Lerario

Last Chance Bar and Grill

946 Route 376 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (845) 214-0248 Email: mvrotundo@gmail.com Web: www.lastchancebar andrestaurant.com Contact: Michael Rotundo A sports bar and grill with burgers, dining area as well as quick draw and hosts events and corporate lunches.

RETAIL

Studio at Crystal’s Closet 1081 Route 55 LaGrangeville, NY 12540 (845) 471-4700 Fax: (845) 224-7508 Email: info@crystalscloset.com Web: www.crystalscloset.com Contact: Belinda Wilkinson

NONPROFITS

SECURITY, SURVEILLANCE AND/OR ALARM SERVICES

55 Noxon Street Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 471-2550 Email: info@barrettartcenter.org Web: www.barrettartcenter.org Contact: Joanna Frang Exhibits held in the home of its founder, Thomas Weeks Barrett Jr. (1901-1947) continuing his vision.

PO Box 10 Stormville, NY 12582 (845) 223-1628 Fax: (845) 223-7030 Email: khourihan@ cyberhomeinc.com Web: www.cyber-technologies.biz Contact: Kevin Hourihan Integration company serving the tri-state area for over 15 years.

Barrett Art Center

SEE COMPLETE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ONLINE!

Cyber Technologies

DECEMBER 2015

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG Sunday, December 6

EVENTS

UPCOMING

Tuesday, December 1

Chamber Connections

4 - 6 p.m.

Paintbrushes & Party 702 Freedom Plains Road Poughkeepsie A speed-networking event in which 40 business representatives from noncompeting categories will be seated at tables of four and deliver short pitches about their businesses before changing tables. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served, and there will be a cash bar.

Sponsored by Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

MEMBERSHIP REFERRALS Refer a new member today!

CALL THE CHAMBER AT

845-454-1700 EXT. 1009

Wednesday, December 9

Pigskins and Pints - Business Education A Wing Fest Event Seminar 12:30 - 4 p.m.

4 - 5 p.m.

Union Tavern River Station 51 Market Street, Poughkeepsie One Water St., Poughkeepsie Join The Chamber Foundation for a day of football, wings, beer and fun while watching the New York Giants vs. the New York Jets - plus all other NFL games. Prizes, games and music in a casual atmosphere. $30 per person includes food and select domestic draft beers. Proceeds benefit The Chamber Foundation, Inc. This event is proudly supported

by Leadership Dutchess.

For more info and sponsors, see page 15.

Tuesday, December 8

Educational workshop on networking by Marybeth Cale of Cale Communications. Plan on staying for the Business After Hours afterwards to practice what you learned.

Sponsored by Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP

Wednesday, December 9

Business After Hours 5 - 7 p.m.

River Station One Water St., Poughkeepsie

New categories for Headliners

T

he Headliner Awards Members of the community Committee announced including employees, customers, two new categories for the friends, neighbors or the organiseventh annual awards. New this zations’ leaders are encouraged to year will be The Best make nominations.

2016 Place to Work and Nominations will a revamped Green HEADLINER be accepted January and Lean category.

1 through FebruAWARDS Created to recary 22, 2016. Winners will be chosen ognize and celebrate COMING SOON! outstanding compaby a committee of nies and nonprofit organizations Chamber members and are salutin Dutchess County, winners will ed at the April Contact Breakfast. be selected from those found to To learn more about the different be exemplary in the following cat- awards categories, visit the Headlinegories: The Best Place to Work, ers Committee page at www.dcrcoc.

Green and Lean, Leadership, org. For more information, contact Outside-the-Box Innovator, and Loren Hoffman at (845) 454-1700 Customer Service. ext. 1020 or lhoffman@dcrcoc.org.

The Chamber’s monthly networking event featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

Sponsored by: EmbroidMe and Riverside Bank, a division of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company.

HVYP Wine and Food Pairing

5 - 7 p.m.

VinoVin Wine and Spirits 2656 East Main St. Wappingers Falls

CR Properties Group, LLC

Wednesday, December 16

The Hudson Valley Young Professionals annual tasting of gourmet food and drink from local sources. Wine experts will educate Young Professionals about wine pairing. Wine bottles are available to be purchased.

Space is limited, register soon!

Sponsored by M&T Bank

11

Available Positions

Contact Breakfast 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel 40 Civic Center Plaza Poughkeepsie

3.

Monthly contact breakfast featuring holiday performances by local schools.

Sponsored by the Poughkeepsie Journal

A) Executive Secretary B) Marketing Assistant C) Licensed Sales Agent Phone: (845)485-3100 Email: resumes@crproperties.com

www.darcangelo.com Audit & Accounting Employee Benefits

Poughkeepsie 845-473-7774 | Millbrook 845-677-6823

Castaldo’s Route 9 Deli 845-298-1000 route9deli.com

3.

1839 South Road, Wappingers Falls

PK-0000206523

Each month Flavor of the Month features a great Hudson Valley restaurant. If you would like your restaurant featured, call Carrie at 845-454-1700 ext. 1012.

3.

Income Tax Estate Planning

12

DECEMBER 2015

RIBBON CUTTINGS

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

Rita’s Ice of Wappingers Falls

Hand in Hand Marketing

Congratulations to Rita’s Ice of Wappingers Falls on their grand opening! Stop in to their new location at 968 Route 376 for some ice custard happiness.

Congratulations to Hand in Hand Marketing on the launch of their business!

Subway

Paintbrushes & Party

Congratulations to Subway at 2507 South Road, Suite 102, Poughkeepsie on their grand opening!

The Chamber cut a ribbon to celebrate Paintbrushes & Party’s second anniversary.

Stop in at 702 Freedom Plains Road in Poughkeepsie to experience some painting, sipping and partying.

Embassy Travel, Inc.

Heritage Executive Suites

Congratulations to Embassy Travel on their 30th anniversary! Visit them for all your travel needs at www.embassytravelonline.com

Congratulations to Heritage Executive Suites of Heritage Square on their grand opening!

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Peachwave of LaGrangeville

Congratulations to Peachwave of LaGrangeville on a great ribbon cutting to celebrate new ownership! Check them out by Arlington High School at 1097 Route 55.

Friends of the Poughkeepsie Library Book Store

DECEMBER 2015

13

Get hands-on networking tips before After Hours

T

he December Business Education with other Chamber members and guests.

The Business Education Seminar series is Seminar is scheduled for Wednesday, December 9 from 4-5 p.m., sponsored by Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diaimmediately before the monthly Business mond. The firm takes a different approach After Hours networking event at River to the practice of law. While many clients want advice about classic Station, 1 Water Street in Poughkeepsie. legal issues, some clients Business Education Seminar The topic of the seminar require an attorney who Sponsored by: will take the time to fully is Networking and will be presented by Marybeth Cale research their case and of Cale Communications. to develop creative legal strategies that will protect The best way to create and build quality relationtheir interests. ships with real people is by meeting and talkWhether you want an aggressive lawyer ing face-to-face. But for some, the thought skilled in the area of personal injury, famof walking into a room full of people they ily law, estate planning, real estate, business don’t know and striking up a conversation agreements, elder law, municipal and adcreates fear, anxiety, and sweaty palms. At ministrative law or general litigation, you this hands-on workshop, we will discuss and can count on Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diademonstrate easy to use and follow tools, mond to represent you. strategies, and techniques to create and mainThe firm has offices in Wappingers Falls tain connections at events, mixers, and even and Poughkeepsie. Visit srddlaw.com family functions. Attendees are encouraged to To register visit dcrcoc.org or call (845) stay for the Business After Hours and network 454-1700, ext. 1000.

Congratulations to the Friends of the Poughkeepsie Public Library on the grand opening of their book store at 141 Boardman Road!

DONATE A TOY AND RECEIVE A RAINEx COMPLETE CAR WASH FOR FREE! An SBA preferred lender, KeyBank provides investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance, and investment products and services to individuals and companies throughout the Hudson Valley. For more information visit www.key.com or call Vice President/SBA Specialist Fred Swint at 845-483-3031.

Limited to one per customer.

TOY DRIVE LOCATIONS:

Foam & Wash Laundromat • 1520 Route 9, Wappingers Falls (two boxes) Foam & Wash Mobil Mart • 1942 Route 9, Poughkeepsie

Foam & Wash – Oil Change Plus • 1942 Route 9, Poughkeepsie Foam & Wash – Oil Change Plus • 778 Route 9, Fishkill Foam & Wash Car Wash • 20 Merritt Blvd., Fishkill

Foam & Wash Car Wash • 15 North Grand Ave, Poughkeepsie

14

WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER

DECEMBER 2015

Make A Difference Day is more than just one day a year

By Louise McLoughlin and Dylan Miyoshi

E

ach generation looks on the next and talks about how times have changed and how the youth today have it so easy. Maybe this is true, or maybe not, but there is a fool proof way to instill “your” generation’s values in a young person: through mentoring. Just one hour once a month is enough to make a lasting difference in the life of a young person in our community.

Mentoring helps keep students in school, improves their self-confidence, helps to set career goals and create action steps to see their goals to fruition, and provides cur-

rent, real world knowledge about careers and the workplace. If you are interested in sharing your business knowledge and/or life experiences, you are in luck. The Workforce Development Center is seeking volunteers to work with youth in a controlled, yet fun and casual setting through two new mentoring programs.

JuMP407

Share your knowledge and experience through our new Junior Mentoring Program ( JuMP407).

Program staff will design

MP Ju407 Junior Mentoring Program

activities for you and one or more young people to participate in. Activities might be sharing hot chocolate while you teach a small group how to play your favorite board game, or popping some popcorn and watching a short movie, followed by a discussion of the movie’s theme. Or, since our young people want to work, you may find yourself giving interview pointers, helping to fill out an application or participating in mock interviews.

Write Now - A Creative Writing Project

Another opportunity is our Write Now program, which will offer a chance for you to get in

touch with your artistic side while mentoring a young person! Youth will participate in an eight-month writing workshop culminating in the publication of their work. Youth will write, illustrate and edit the projects with your help. Project one will include writing a group of short stories for second grade readers. Project two will have participants write a collection of short stories, poems and essays. When the books are completed, we will host readings at local schools, libraries and book stores. If you are a writer at heart,

or are just good with words, consider joining this program.

No matter which program you think suits you best, the important thing is, you will be spending time with and paying attention to youth in need of guidance and support. Your interactions, over the course of time, will have a lasting impact.

Louise McLoughlin is the Vice President of Workforce Development, email her at louise@dcrcoc. org. Dylan Miyoshi is a Youth One Stop Case Manager, email him at dmiyoshi@dcrcoc.org.

High school students give back

O Adopt-A-Family inspires generosity

A

By Louise McLoughlin

s the holidays approach, I find myself wondering how Adopt-A-Family was named. The name was chosen before my time here at the Chamber and I am curious why they chose the word ‘adopt.’ There are many programs assisting our neighbors during the holidays including Toys for Tots and Holiday Helping Hand in Dutchess County. But why ‘adopt?’

When I Google the word I find words such as safe, loving, commitment, opportunity and attention and, honestly, our families feel all of those things

after receiving their holiday gifts.

I am often asked if we are offering a handout versus a handup? That is a tough question to answer, because it is both. The focus of the giving is the children.

The families we choose would not receive gifts this holiday season and, while the children do not have to do anything to get these presents, their parents do.

The expectation is that the parent is in a class or training of some kind and/or working, and next year will be able to continue the holiday tradition on their own.

We believe giving is as important as getting and therefore we initiate

service projects in our community year-round. Our program participants have sung Christmas Carols at area nursing homes, decorated cards for local veterans and helped clean up neighborhoods. Focusing on the needs of others opens people outwards and increases tolerance. It also instills a feeling of gratitude for what we already have.

It is important this time of year to support programs such as Adopt-A-Family, because it shows our less-fortunate neighbors that their efforts to improve their family’s financial situation is supported by a network of caring people.

Louise McLoughlin is the Vice President of Workforce Development at the Chamber. Reach her at louise@dcrcoc.org

By Kadiyah Lodge

n October 24, 2015 Career Action Center students from Poughkeepsie High School participated in Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County’s Third Annual Make A Difference Day, sponsored by Thrivent Builds. More than 300 volunteers worked on homes in the downtown Poughkeepsie area.

Students sipped on hot chocolate and mingled with other volunteers before heading to their work sites. Our team, the “Water Crew,” delivered water to volunteers, visiting several work sites throughout the morning.

“It was a great experience to go

out and help,” Jessica Thompson, a Poughkeepsie High School senior, said. “We need to come together more often.”

For lunch, students enjoyed a variety of food donated by members of the community and several local restaurants. After the hearty meal, students were assigned a large painting project. Students were provided with painting suits and plenty of painting supplies.

Tamika Mincey, a student, said, “I enjoyed painting. I thought it was super relaxing!”

It took our team more than two hours to paint the deck of a home.

Josiah West, another senior, said, “Make A Difference [Day] was an amazing event! I felt a sense of accomplishment because I had the opportunity to help someone in my community.”

Kadiyah Lodge is the Assistant Director of the Career Action Center, email her at klodge@dcrcoc.org.

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