December 2015

COO Retires, Two VPs join Senior Leadership

Earlier this month, RUPCO said goodbye to its Chief Operations Officer of nearly 16 years. Kathleen M. Leahy retired on December 11 and plans to spend most of her time with husband Bill, her extended family and dance partners. Check out our staff well wishes and final words in this video.

Kathy's successor is Sheila Kilpatrick who brings to the Vice President of Operations position oversight experience

Joseph Eriole _ Sheila Kilpatrick at Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress 50th Anniversary Party

from her time at Hudson River Housing and the McDonald's franchise.

Joseph P. Eriole also joined RUPCO last month in a newly created position, Vice President of Real Estate Development. Former Ulster County Deputy Comptroller, he brings experience working in planning, municipalities and law.

RUPCO continues to add strength, character and expertise to its staff across all programs and services. See Spotlight on Staff below for more new faces.

HCV Program Moves Greene County Offices Effective January 4

New home of HCV Program Greene County_ 408 Main Street_ Catskill

RUPCO is closing its Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) offices at 8 Thompson Street, Catskill as of December 23, 2015 and opening a new location at 408 Main Street, Catskill effective January 4, 2016. The move provides improved client areas such as a dedicated conference room for confidential meetings and a waiting room. Emails, telephone and fax numbers all remain the same. Read more on the Housing Choice Voucher Program location change here.

Two Lace Mill Awards in One Week

On behalf of The Lace Mill residents, development team, funders, partners and construction crew, we're honored to accept TWO awards for the historic preservation of this incredible building. On November 4, Chief Executive Officer Kevin O'Connor accepted the prestigious Project of the Year Award for the Upstate Region from NYSAFAH (New York State Association of Affordable Housing) at The Yale Club, New York City on November 4. The honor recognized The Lace Mill is the pinnacle of housing construction completed in 2015 throughout New York State.

Friends of Historic Kingston Historic Preservation Award for Lace Mill

On the local front, on November 6, Friends of Historic Kingston presented Kevin O'Connor with its 2015 Historic Preservation Award. Friends recognized RUPCO and The Lace Mill for the transformation of the building from derelict warehouse/factory to creative placemaking of 55 units preferenced for artists. Architect Scott Dutton received an Historic Preservation Award too for his work associated with The Lace Mill and other buildings he's worked on in the Kingston area. The third award went to the documentary, The Lost Rondout; RUPCO is one of the film's executive producers. The film recounts the systematic demolition of Kingston's downtown in the name of urban revitalization. (We'll announce screenings of this film in 2016.)

Thank you to all who have contributed to the success of The Lace Mill and to your vision that awaits on the drawing board.

Art Exhibits at RUPCO Properties

Artist Laura Katz and her work

"Experimentation" - a collaboration among Women's Studio Workshop and Kingston High School students -- is on display through January 31 in The Senate Room at The Kirkland, 2 Main Street, Kingston. Come by Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and you can enjoy the art show at your leisure.

The work of artist Laura Katz is on hand at Woodstock Commons Community Room. Her mixed-media exhibit has been on display since November. On January 4, artwork from B. Schacker will be hung; come meet the artist at a public meet-and-greet with the artist on January 4 from 3-5 p.m. Prudence Nelmes' show is in March/April 2016; Avigyail Landsman shows in May/June 2016.

Give a Gift of Home

Making Home a reality for just one person can change the course of that person's life, if not history. Join us in making change and history in 2016 by creating homes, supporting people and impacting communities. Give YOUR Gift of Home today!

Spotlight on Staff

Property Management Assistant Lindsey Wygant joins the Property Management team at 37 John Street, Kingston.

Eilish Johnston_ housing Choice Voucher Program Specialist

Eilish Johnston helps RUPCO clients with rental assistance as a Specialist in the Housing Choice Voucher Program.

Maintenance Technician Jeff Olen is one of the behind-the-scenes crew who keep RUPCO's properties operational.

Thank you for reading. Now please pass it on. We all know someone who could use a hand or lend a hand. Whether you pass this on to a potential client or a potential donor, the simple act of passing it on creates a positive impact on your community!

RUPCO | 289 Fair Street | Kingston, NY 12401 | www.rupco.org