It’s the economy: The grapes look to China
Representatives of a handful of Hudson Valley wineries sat in a brightly lit classroom in Kingston this month, listening to a pitch that could help them reach the biggest market on the planet. New York has cachet in China, according to Yaxin Zhang, United States representative for the New York State Wine Outlet. The state...
Planning board in village considers three-screen cinema
A future art house for film in New Paltz will take some time to get off the ground. According to village officials, the proposed Water Street Cinema has several hurdles to clear before the box office prints Ticket No. 1 on opening night. “The benefits to the community, I think, are great here. But I...
Sunny disposition: SUNY engineering students will be learning by doing
Like Superman, Resnick Engineering Hall at SUNY New Paltz now receives power from the sun. College leaders met last week to unveil Resnick’s new rooftop solar-panel array, a setup projected to save SUNY New Paltz $1000 per year for utilities on that building. For Daniel Freedman, interim engineering dean, the project is reminiscent of his...
Main Street marketing could make or break New Paltz
To make sure they survive in an uncertain economy, Main Street businesses in New Paltz should both seek to brand themselves as one united entity and think deeply about who their customers are and what motivates them, Ulster County Planning Board Director Dennis Doyle said. Doyle urged the crowd to take a lesson from Phoenicia,...
Pantano’s branches out with beer-maker’s club
Something new is going on at Pantano’s Wine Grapes and Home Brew — a club. In the evening hours, beer enthusiasts from around the area head to the old farm market on Route 32 South to learn the tricks of the trade. Next week, the Mohonk Brewers Association — the home brewing club — prepares...
Joyce Minard retires; Chamber names Michael Smith as her replacement
There are some retirements that are hard to bear. Such is the case with Joyce Minard, president of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce (NPRCC), who is slated to leave the position as soon as she helps her replacement, Michael A. Smith, transition into the job and then moves off to Florida. “When my...
Local illustrator creates massive image search game
For more than a year, illustrator Matthew Maley has poured his soul into one single image. He worked meticulously on 5-inch-by-5-inch segments, hiding small clues and details that most eyes would just quickly scan over. He’s hidden quotes in the image as well, including an especially inspiring one by Ralph Waldo Emerson. “Adopt the pace...
Court-appointed special advocates help local children
A knock at the door … and within moments three kids are whisked out of their home. They are lucky to bring a suitcase, pillow or teddy bear as they are ushered into the back seat of a stranger’s car. Sometimes the experience is a nightmare, other times a blessing in disguise. The national Court...
Taking a peaceful stance
Three childhood friends have put aside playing Manhunt or Capture the Flag for now, and instead have put the strength of their friendship together to launch an environmental clothing line: A Peaceful Stance, sold at Mixture and Sacred in downtown New Paltz or at www.apeacefulstance.com. Brandon Storms, 24, Jeff Paine, 26 and Jason Valentino, 27...
FEMA to open mobile office in New Paltz
People in New Paltz still reeling from the flood damage caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee will get a helping hand early next week when the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Mobile Disaster Recovery Center sets up shop at Town Hall. FEMA and state officials plan to open up on Monday, Oct. 10, to...
Should all online sales be taxed?
While transactions with large companies that have distribution centers in New York State are subject to sales tax, other online sales are not. A proposed federal law would require that all online transactions be taxed. This would “even the playing field” according to its supporters, which include groups representing small businesses. “A sale is a...