
CSEA’s Southern Region covers seven counties across the greater Hudson Valley area, representing workers in state government, local government, school districts, libraries, public authorities, and the private sector. The region has approximately 37,000 members across the following counties: Orange, Ulster, Sullivan, Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester, and Rockland.

Dutchess County Unit member is inaugural winner of memorial award
MELODY NEWTON WINS THE DOUG MORRISON PERSON OF THE YEAR AWARD
Dutchess County Unit member Melody Newton was recently announced as the first recipient of the unit’s Doug Morrison Person of the Year Award. Unit officers presented Melody with her award on Jan. 24. Joining CSEA in giving accolades was Dutchess County Executive William F.X. O’Neil and Dutchess County Clerk Bradford Kendall.
Newton was selected for the honor after unit leaders solicited nominations from the membership. The award honors the memory of longtime CSEA Labor Relations Specialist Doug Morrison, who passed away last year after a battle with cancer.
Unit President Andrew Calamari said that Newton more than met the criteria of the award, which sought nominees who shared Morrison’s positive attitude, selflessness, and willingness to go above and beyond to help people. Newton is a 30-plus year county employee who currently serves as the greeter in the county’s 22 Market Street building in Poughkeepsie. She is beloved by employees and members of the public for her effervescence and willingness to help anyone coming in to do business with the county.
Support CSEA’s fundraising efforts for Special Olympics!

Even if you missed the Fishkill Polar Plunge, you can still support Special Olympics New York by attending one or both of these upcoming fundraisers! Click on the fliers for full details. Those with additional questions may call Jane Meunier at (914) 204-4797.
- March 24th: Dance Party at Mahoney’s in Poughkeepsie, sponsored by Dutchess County Education Local 867
- April 2nd: Cornhole Tournament at the Carmel Sports Club in Carmel, sponsored by Putnam County Local 840
If you’d like to support Special Olympics but can’t make it out for these two events, click on our team below where you can make a tax-deductible donation!
Click here to check out our team page and make a tax-deductible donation.
Region conference dates for 2023 announced

- Spring Conference: June 9-11 at the Surfside on the Lake resort in Lake George
- Fall Conference: October 26-29 at the Kartrite Resort & Waterpark in Monticello
Croton library workers organize with CSEA

Please join us in welcoming Croton Free Library workers to CSEA!
Workers voted overwhelmingly in October to join our union via a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) election. Members of the Croton Free Library Organizing Committee said they choses to organize with CSEA to have a voice on the job, to ensure they’re treated with dignity and respect, and to be able to provide the best possible service to library patrons.
“We are thrilled to welcome Croton Free Library workers into our union family,” said CSEA Southern Region President Anthony M. Adamo. “I’ve been so impressed by the vast knowledge and diverse experience that these workers have, as well as their dedication to creating a welcoming environment for library patrons. The workers at Croton Free Library are part of a national movement of cultural workers standing up for better working conditions and fairness on the job through the union organizing process.”
We appreciate the support the workers have received from community members, including strong public support from Croton-on-Hudson Mayor Brian Pugh.
Pictured here are CFL Organizing Committee members Marion Callis and Gillian Rothchild.