We are settling into our programming schedules at the schools as well as tabling and presenting our Hidden in Plain Sight mock-teen bedroom at many different venues. It has kept us very busy during this Back-to-School Season. As we come into fall and the leaves turn the beautiful colors of orange, yellow, and red, Ulster Prevention Council is going to have a very “spooky” array of October events for both schools and the community!
October 1: UPC will facilitate Hidden in Plain Sight for Kingston High School’s Open House from 6-8 pm. We will also table with resources and be available to answer any questions.
October 7: UPC will have our trunk decorated for the annual 2026 Human Services Trunk or Treat hosted by the Ulster County Department of Social Services, Office of Aging, and NY Connects. This event brings professionals and the public together to learn about agencies, support services, and area resources for children, adults, and seniors. We will have some treats for the children who come out and resources for the parents, caregivers, and guardians. This takes place at the Kingston Plaza, 151 Plaza Road, Kingston, NY.
October 14: UPC is participating in the Get to Know Us Open House for the community to get to know some of the programs that are available to help parents and youth, with over 13 different programs participating! This event will take place at Energy², 16 Cedar Street, Kingston, NY.
October 22: UPC will facilitate Hidden in Plain Sight for Rondout Valley High School’s Parent-Teacher Conferences from 6-8 pm. They will also table with resources and be available to answer any questions.
October 23: UPC will be sharing the services we provide in a 3-hour session at the Integrated Ulster Provider Roundtable hosted by the Ulster County Department of Mental Health. This event allows providers and partners to share their services and field questions about eligibility, accessibility, and more. Integrated Ulster is a partnership of organizations of all types who come together to create a system of care that is welcoming and effective in addressing the complex needs of all people in Ulster County.
October 24: Join UPC and other Prevention, Health, and Wellness providers at Ellenville Regional Rural Health Network’s Spooktacular Health Fair at Ellenville Regional Hospital on October 24 from 1-4 pm. This will be a highly-attended event with many kid-friendly activities like a video game trailer, a slime-making table, trick or treating, touch a truck (fire trucks, ambulances, and police cars), and free ice cream. For adults there will be health screenings, music, and yoga among other exciting and fun events.
Even though Halloween is a scary time of year with ghouls and goblins, it is important to know that at Ulster Prevention Council, we do not use scare tactics in the classroom. We educate with evidence-based programming to give students lessons in social and emotional skills, but also building knowledge about substances and how to make insightful decisions.
Even though it is a spooky time of year, you should not be scared to speak with your children about substance misuse, early and often. Halloween is a peak time for parties, experimentation, and ease of access. Find the right time and don’t be judgmental—it makes all the difference between a trick or a treat!
Have a Safe and Happy Halloween!