Parry Teasdale is reporting for The Columbia Paper after 10 years of service as Columbia County Director of Community Services, Michael Cole has announced he will retire on September 1. “It’s been a blessing. It’s been a gift to me to meet so many wonderful people and to help,” said Cole. As director, Cole is responsible for the administration and planning process for the delivery of local mental hygiene services. He is a licensed clinical social worker, and has lived in Red Hook for 45 years. Cole took on the Columbia County job after more than 30 years of experience working in behavioral health. “I really enjoyed working with the talented staff of this department and the community,” including those outside the department who are part of a “continuum of services." Cole said as far his retirement plans, he will be open and “see what comes my way.” A search is now underway for his successor. Asked if he had advice for the successful candidate, Cole recommended, “Be patient, ask for help.” He said, “It’s a tough time to come in, but no time is a good time. He or she is going to have to respond to funding cuts. These will affect people’s lives, just at a time when people need emotional support.” Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.