POUGHKEEPSIE – Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro has announced $150,000 in one-time grants has been awarded to 11 local non-profit veteran’s organizations to enhance activities and programming that address veterans needs and recognize the service of local veterans through the County’s inaugural Veterans Microgrant Program.
Dutchess County’s Veterans Microgrant Program provided grant awards up to $15,000 per organization or municipality to be used for building repairs, purchases or needs, including resources or other one-time expenses to help enhance program offerings, as well as make the program more accessible for veterans.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 666 (Beacon), Kitchen project – $14,000
Funding will be used to purchase new appliances for kitchen used to prepare meals for veterans during meetings for various veteran organizations within the Veterans Memorial Building; upgrade lighting, provide counter-top space for food preparation and cabinet space for storage; floor will be replaced to enable better cleaning; stainless steel sink is needed to accommodate large pots; ceiling tiles need replacement due to water damage.
American Legion Post 1758 (Hopewell Junction), Improving services to East Fishkill and area – $12,500
Projector for veteran training and meetings; pop-up tents for use at Legion events; flags for veterans graves; holiday party for veterans; certificates, folders, medals, plaques and bugle for cemetery services and other Legion events; Veterans Day Breakfast; replacement for damaged headstone of Revolutionary soldier buried in East Fishkill.
East Fishkill Veterans Committee (Hopewell Junction), Veterans’ Memorial Park monument – $15,000
Building a war monument that will complement the town’s new Veterans Memorial Park and will help represent the commitment and sacrifices performed by service members.
Millbrook Memorial VFW Post 9008 (Millbrook), Veteran recruitment and recognition, as well as parade and Honor Guard enhancements – $12,000
Upgrading ceremonial gear (uniforms, flags and holders, bugle); hiring a marching band for Memorial Day; hosting recruitment events; recognizing members for their service; and purchasing and installing Hometown Hero banners.
John Livingstone American Legion Post 1466 (Poughkeepsie/Hyde Park), Historical War Monument relocation – $14,000
The funds will be used to construct a new monument base; hired a company to relocate the monument to the post’s property; masonry work will be needed to repair any damage found after the transportation of the monument; an ADA walkway will be constructed out of Memorial brick pavers and with two sitting benches; landscaping will be done to include “Rosie the Riveter” rose bushes, which is a National recognized program; fencing, blacktopping and dedicated walkway lighting will be installed to protect the monument.
Montgomery Post 429, American Legion (Rhinebeck), Upgrade HVAC system – $15,000
Install insulation in Legion’s Post building; replacement of boiler with a modern HVAC system.
Guardian Revival (Stormville), Companion Dogs for Dutchess County Veterans – $15,000
Funds will cover three companion dog packages, which include the dog and care packages, professional training sessions, veterinary coverage, pet insurance, food, toys, leashes and other essential care equipment for up to a year.
Veterans of a Foreign War Post 5913 (Wappingers Falls), Mitigate bats and other animals from the attic – $15,000
The funds would be used to hire an exterminator to relocate the bat population to a new location, allowing for the future cleaning of the attic of the building and prevention of further damage to the historic school building; additional funds may also be used to seal the entrances and exits from the attic to prevent future occupation of the attic.
American Legion Post #427 (Wappingers Falls), Legion Hall renovations – $15,000
Exterior painting of post building by a contractor, all supplies to be included in price; purchase and installation of a new aluminum flagpole, with lighting.
Tivoli American Legion Post 524 (Tivoli), Post Roof Replacement – $15,000
Replace existing roof in dire need of replacement.
Town of Hyde Park (Hyde Park), Banners to Honor Hometown Heroes – $7,500
The Town would like to offset the cost to support its “Banners for Our Hometown Veterans” Program, reducing the cost for those families who would like to have the memory of their veteran loved ones honored but may not have the financial means to do so. The funds will be used to help offset the cost to print, install and maintain banners that will be displayed throughout the town.
