The famed Sinterklaas Celebration that has drawn thousands to Rhinebeck is going Bi-coastal for the second year and coming to Kingston to thrill and delight the children and the young at heart of Kingston. In the story, Kingston will play the role of Spain as a procession of giant puppets, stars, fish, flags, boats, and the great Hudson River itself will travel down Broadway participating in the story of Sinterklaas’ arrival in the Hudson Valley.  Kingston’s Rondout plays a major role in the story of Sinterklaas! According to Legend, Sinterklaas came to Holland from Spain. In our HISTORIC RE-CREATION of the Sinterklaas myth,Kingston will play the role of Spain and Rhinecliff the arrival point in Holland!

What is Sinterklaas

We are honoring our Dutch heritage by recreating customs that the settlers from Holland brought to the Hudson Valley. The Dutch people who came to here over 300 years ago brought a celebration with them that was already a deeply rooted part of their traditions.

The ritual was simple enough. Each year on December 6 (that’s the Dutch tradition, ours begins the first Saturday after Thanksgiving as we bid farewell to Sinterklaas sailing off to the Netherlands from Spain), a town resident dressed up as Sinterklaas (that is, elegantly garbed in a bishop’s tall hat, red cape,  shiny ring, and jeweled staff). Mounted on a white steed, this Sinterklaas would ride through town knocking on doors late at night. He would be accompanied by his long-time sidekick, the Grumpus. Also known as Black Peter, the Grumpus — a wild looking half-man, half-beast character — rattled chains and threatened to steal away the naughtiest children in his big black bag. And for those “less bad” he had switches for exacting lesser punishments! And for the good children — Sinterklaas and the Grumpus would deliver a bag of goodies.

Over the years, as towns developed and houses grew closer together, Sinterklaas’ ride turned into a Parade that still happens in Holland to this day, and is the most popular of all Dutch holidays.

***SINTERKLAAS SCHEDULE***

 Crowns & Branches Workshop

Friday, November 23, 1-4pm
Saturday, November 24, 11am-3pm
Where every child becomes a King or Queen as they create their own crowns and branches.

Hudson River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing
Museum open TreeSpecial donation tree.    Bring new mittens to decorate the tree

Saturday All afternoon

11:00am-5:30pm:
Kingston Catholic School Carolers , Mid-Hudson Juggling Club, Grumpuses cavorting about, the Pocket Lady in her mysterious treasure-filled coat, face-painting, photo booth, music, and vote for your favorite decorated tree in the Rondout Tree Trail (look for the Tree Trail Handouts with a ballot to vote for your favorite tree!).

Noon -3:15pm Performances/Events/Happenings
Noon-5:00pm: Trolley & Maritime Museum
1:30-3:30pm: Roam the streets and meet Carolers, grumbling grumpuses, the town crier, pocket lady and more
3:30pm: Parade Steps off as we escort Sinterklaas down, the hill, accompanied by sparkling stars, wind wheels and undulating waves on our magical journey. Kids: wear your

Crowns and carry your Branches. Grown-ups: illuminate their way with your Sinterklaas stars! At the end we’ll bid farewell to Sinterklaas as he is launched across the mighty HudsonRiver and is taken to the Arrival Procesion in Rhinecliff!

 5:15pm: Tree Lighting at the Visitors’ Center.

 Open Houses, Business Specials, and Rondout Tree Trail

 Agustsson Gallery, 176 Broadway
2-6pm The Unveiling of our Large Scale Chess Set & Tree Trail

Arts Society of Kingston, 97 Broadway
1:30pm Storytelling by Karen Pillsworth
2:30pm The music of Los Viejos de la Torre

The Storefront Gallery, 93 Broadway
Noon-3:30pm Say Cheese at The Storefront Gallery – Open house serving Dutch Cheese and get your photo taken in a vintage style Photo Booth & Tree Trail

Don Vito’s Pizzeria, 83 Broadway
Noon-1:00pm Build a Cupcake Bar by JJ’s Rockin Cupcakes

At Home Antiques, 81 Broadway
At Home for the Holidays:
Noon-2:00pm Family Cookie Decorating with a Pro (bring your creativity to our gallery, we’ll supply the rest!!)
Noon-6:00pm OPEN HOUSE with delicious treats—Holiday Gift Sale (with something for everyone at every price range) Find antique presents with past! & Tree Trail

Mezzanine Antiques, 79 Broadway
11am-5pm Open House and Stocking Stuffer Sale & Tree Trail

TheGreenSpace, 73B Broadway
11am-5pm  Open House & Tree Trail

Karmabee, 73A Broadway
11am-5pm Open House and Holiday Card Sale & Tree Trail

Madden’s Fine Wines & Spirits, 65 Broadway
3-5pm Spanish Wine Tasting

Pat’s Tats, 4 West Union Street
noon-4pm  Open House & Tree Trail

On the Hill Antiques @ Skillypot, 41 Broadway
11am-5pm Open House & Tree Trail

Dolce, 27 Broadway
8am-4pm Restaurant open serving homemade hot cocoa, espresso drinks, homemade baked goods & more.-Tree Trail

Vetere Real Estate, 37 Broadway
11am-5pm Open House serving light pastries of Dutch delights and Netherlands Spirits! & Tree Trail

Hot Towel Barbers, 33 Broadway
11am-5pm Open House & Tree Trail

Rondout Music Lounge, 21 Broadway, 12-6pm Tree Trail
4:30pm Music by the Momma’s Boys & Tree Trail

Savona’s Trattoria, 11 Broadway
noon-5:00pm Gift Card Promotion. Buy first gift card regular price second one half off.

Visitors’ Center, 20 Broadway
5:15pm Tree Lighting Ceremony/Tree Trail and Raffle winners announced. Tree donated by David and Barbara Loeding. Lighting donated by Herzogs. Cut and hauled by Joe Russello.

Trolley Museum, 89 East Strand
Noom-4pm Museum Open and limited trolley rides 12:30-1:15pm The Old Double E performing in #358 Trolley Car at the foot of Broadway

Special Thanks to: The Old Dutch Church of Kingston sponsors the Scions of Patria as the Rondout Grumpuses! Greet the roaming grumpuses for your gift of gold – if you’ve been good.

The post Sinterklaas Schedule appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

The Kingston Farmers’Market in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County and the City of Kingston is pleased to introduce a new Midtown Satellite Farmers’ Market which opens on August 21 and runs weekly, every Tuesday from   3:00pm to 7:00 pm through October 30, 2012 at 615 Broadway, on the former Kings Inn Site in the City of Kingston. Opening day will feature live music and entertainment, face painting, and games.

 This new market, located a few doors over from the Ulster Performing Arts Center, will promote healthy local ethnic food vendors as well as fresh produce for consumers to prepare a wide range of ethnic food.

 The new satellite market is made possible through a Fresh Connect grant from the NYS Agriculture and Markets Department.  The Kingston Farmers’ Market partnered with Healthy Kingston for Kids, a program of Cornell Cooperative Extension funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, to secure the Fresh Connect grant.  Healthy Kingston for Kids aims to reverse childhood obesity in the City of Kingston.

 The mission of the Kingston Farmers’ Market is to provide an environment within the local civic community where individuals will increasingly gain an awareness of, appreciation for and participation in:

•           Supporting the community, socially, physically and economically

•           A balance of fresh produce and related products from the Mid-Hudson region

•           The maintenance of regional family farms by providing a farm market outlet

•           Provision of educational opportunities for people that visit and share in our market endeavor

•           Providing access to fresh produce to the community at large

         Interested healthy ethnic food vendors, local farmers, and musicians or performers should contact Lori Hylton of the Kingston Farmers’ Market at lori@kingstonfarmersmarket.org  or call 845-535-3185.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County’s community programs and events call 845-340-3990 or visit us online at www.cceulster.org. Follow us on www.facebook.com

The post Kingston Farmers’ Market Expands to Midtown Kingston appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

This  local treasure hunt is a city wide silent auction with a twist. When treasure hunters go into one of the over two dozen participating locations to bid they will find a QR code on the bid sheet. Use of a smart phone to scan the code for treasure reveals food and drink special offers and free items offered by local artists. Each bid sheet has a unique QR code and codes will change out during the treasure hunt to entice bidders to return to the stores.

The auction is supplemented Online.  The auction has both local treasure (gift cards to restaurants, boutique items from full circle, Bop to Tottom,) and some not so local like a guitar autographed by Cher and a first class premium package that offers Two tickets to the world series including air travel, hotel and an autographed ball from the game.

The Pirate invasion activities culminate on Sunday 1/15 in the round-out area of Kingston’s waterfront district.

4pm at ASK, 97 Broadway, is professional story teller Maura O’Meara, presenting Grace O’Malley Pirate Queen of Western Ireland – Ruler Over Land & Sea telling tales of sea adventures and 5PM Parrots of Peace demonstration by Gloria Waslyn. 6pm the finale at Dermot Mahoney’s 40 Broadway for auction winner announcements and 7pm performance by 3 Pints Shy (loud songs about rum and beer from a popular NYC native band).

Additional highlight includes a “kids food booty challenge” by 7th grader Mickey Hein (son of county executive Mike Hein and wife Christine). Mickey has sent a challenge to students at other schools to see which class can collect the most food for the kids snow day program. The food drive drop off is also at Dermot’s on that Sunday from noon through 6pm.

Queens Galley chose the day to coincide with MLK day of service, hopeful to remind people that as a nation we do the most good when we remember to do SOMETHING. 16 million kids rely on school lunch and sometimes it’s all they get. When it snows and school closes too many kids go hungry…but not here in Kingston!

The Queens Galley works with the YMCA and Boys and Girls club to bring lunch to about 100 kids EVERY scheduled snow day. The program now in its fourth year enables kids in those drop in programs to be guaranteed a meal when school is closed for inclement weather.

Diane Reeder’s husband, Jay is a participating business owner in the treasure hunt. Like many others, his store Knightly Endeavors, 319 Wall street will see a decline in foot traffic in January and welcomes the opportunity to meet new potential customers even if they are stopping into his shop just to place the free bid and to claim the secret treasure from the QR code.

Linda Scevola owner of Full Circle, another business participant says “it’s another way to get feet on the street and that’s what we as small retailers need. It’s also a really good cause and a win-win for Kingston businesses and residents”.

The list of participating businesses:

Parent Teacher Store, Blue 57, Stella’s, Full Circle, Rage Hair Salon, Deisings, Paw Prints and Whiskers, Mario’s Trattoria, Bop to Tottem, Market Basket, Knightly Endeavors, Boitsons, Tonner Dolls, Savona’s Trattoria, On the Hill Antiques, Albrechts Hair Salon, Style Fabrics, Flower Nest, Trend Salon, Mint, Rosita’s, Burgevin Florist, JK Wine and liquor, B3 Burger Bar.

The post Shiver Me Timbers! Pirate Invasion for the Queens Galley Snow Day Program comes to Kingston! appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

The storefront location is new, but Karen has been retailing her unique line of  Karmabee products since 1997.  If the simple, yet evocative, black drawings on t shirts and note cards seem very familiar, it is probably because we have seen them at the Kingston Farmers’ Market Craft Fair (and over 100 other craft fairs), at the Omega Institute, at the Cornell Studios” “Wild About Butterflies” exhibition, and on line on Etsy and at Karen’s on-line sites at karmabee.com.

People who attended the jam-packed November 5th opening got to see the wide range of available Karmabee products. The storefront features original black & white drawings printed on clothing for babies, kids and adults, as well as notecards, dog tees, winter hats, framed prints, jewelry, and other unique gifts. There are coloring books that are just the right size for tucking into a stocking, with Karen’s bold drawings to inspire original coloring combinations from young artists. For those who would like to send a holiday card that did not come in a pack of 25 identical cards from the department store, Karen’s most popular holiday themes are available in a specially priced packet.  There are also stocking caps and home decorative items.

Now that she has a retail space, Karen is also going to feature framed works and crafts by other carefully selected artists.  The shop will also feature classes, workshops, and special events.  Visitors to the store’s website can sign up for a monthly newsletter listing all the upcoming events.

Karen was born in South Africa and has traveled around the globe, and has lived in California, Costa Rica, and Washington DC before settling in the Hudson Valley, NY.  She received her Master’s Degree and spent 12 years in the field of International Development, with emphasis on development in Central America.  In 2006, she took a “short vacation” to the Omega Institute in Rhinebeck…and she never left!   In fact, she lives at the Institute during its open season!  It was at the Institute that she was finally convinced that her intricate and expressive “doodles” that she’s been doing since her school days might have a commercial future.  As an experiment, she printed a few designs on postcards, and was amazed when they sold out, at the Institute’s craft events.  Karen began retailing on Etsy in 2007.

While some designs, like a gleefully ornate elephant and a festively howling coyote, have become customer favorites, Karen is unlikely to ever run out of new designs, or new ideas for products.  Having a retail store as a “home base” is a new experience she is relishing–her operation has been developed to be portable, since she has been living at Omega from April through October, and then moving to a temporary studio, or traveling around the United States from craft fair to craft fair.  As long as she has music, and “coffee in the morning, chocolate in the afternoon, and wine at night,” she can “doodle” a seemingly endless stream of her unique images of the world around her.  Fortunately she also enjoys the production part of the business, scoring note cards, silk-screening stocking caps, and  filling computer orders.

Shoppers in the Rondout can now have the instant gratification of stocking up on Karmabee originals for the holidays without having to boot up the computer or visit a craft fair.  Karen can even accommodate special orders, for those whose gifts have to be absolutely unique!  Karmabee will be open  Tuesday to Sunday from 11am to 7pm for the holiday season!

The post ONE STOP FOR ONE-OF-A-KIND appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

Long-time Kingston residents will remember DeCicco’s Taylor Shop, run by Carmine’s father, which kept Kingston looking sharp from 1968 to 1990.   The building stood empty for twenty years, before Carmelo DeCicco noticed the spirit of optimism and innovation in Uptown and decided to open Blue 57, an upscale wine and spirits store.

Getting the store ready would have been a daunting task, if Carmelo’s brother Sal had not been a master carpenter specializing in fine cabinetry.  Together the two brothers took their dream from the blueprint to the Blue 57, which had its soft opening the first week in October.  A grand opening celebration is scheduled for November 18 with the Chamber of Commerce cutting the ribbon.

One featured wine company will be Dreaming Tree Wines, by the Dave Matthews Band and made  by Steve Reeder.  Dreaming Tree offers wines from sustainably  farmed grapes, with the cheerful philosophy, “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with collecting wine, but wouldn’t you rather drink it instead.?”  Blue 57 will also be featuring 14 Hands Wines among their many selections of wines and spirits.

On October 27, shoppers will have an opportunity to sample the above as Blue57 hosts a wine tasting from 5 to 7 pm.   It may be rather unconventional.  Dave Matthews, discussing his first taste of Crush Red Wine said, “I swallowed it before I put the glass down.  There wasn’t any opportunity to spit.”  (At traditional wine tastings, the participants do not swallow the wine, but  merely experience its flavors and bouquet.)  Since Crush Red Wine is described as having “notes of smokey berry and a pop of raspberry jam”, tradition is probably not going to be followed.

Those who want to follow Carmelo DeCicco’s investment in Kingston’s retail future can do so on Facebook, and there is an intoxicating web page in development.   In the meantime, Carmine probably agrees with Dreaming Tree that “…the best vintage is pretty much right now.”  Wine also makes the perfect holiday gift, and if one over shops, one can always sip the extras!

The post High Spirited Investment on North Front Street appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

Fresh ‘n’ Easy is a lot more than a bakery–it is a family run bistro offering breakfast and lunch specials for less than the area fast-food restaurants–while using the freshest in local and natural products in the preparation!  It redefines “family run”–while daughters Heather and Crissy offer cheerful customer service back of the counter, owner Linda Bang and her mom, Virginia John, whisk together delectable fresh baked goods in the on-site kitchen.  Other family members pitch in as needed.

The ambiance is that of  beautifully preserved country store dining–with a modern flair!   The display cases are well-maintained retro, but there is wifi available so customers can catch up with their email while relishing big hot cups of Mountain Grown coffee in a selection of flavors, including decaf.    The $3 breakfast specials can include everything from cinnamon buns still warm from the oven to eggs and cheese.

The $5 lunch menu of soup and sandwiches attracts customers that want a lunch that is affordable and portable and has the best in locally grown and natural ingredients.  There are hot and cold sandwiches on the menu, and if you want to add a slice of tomato to that pulled pork sandwich on your choice of breads, it is available–with a smile and at no extra cost!  For one-stop shopping convenience, diners can also pick up a copy of the newspaper or a bag of snacks for later enjoyment.  Of course, we can also get a bag of still-warm baked goods ranging from sinfully delicious looking cookies though muffins, crumb cake, flakey little pastries and indulgent sweet rolls. The menu is always changing as the oven wafts forth  tempting scents into the cozy, immaculately clean little bistro with its 1950′s sundae shop decor and luxurious geraniums and petunias waving to outside traffic from the windows.

Customers can also order gluten-free and sugar-free baked goods, carefully prepared from scratch. One recent morning found Linda posting the special of the day–a roasted pork loin sandwich and a sausage and kale soup featuring kale that had been in a vegetable garden that morning!

Virginia, Linda and Heather

The real “special” at Fresh’n'Easy is the genuine “friendly family service”.   Special orders are taken with a genuine smile, the food arrives fresh, hot, and temptingly plated, and the relaxed atmosphere invites lingering luxuriously over a second big cup of Mountain Grown coffee while checking what is going on in the outside world on the laptop!

Fresh ‘n’ Easy Bakery & Cafe
331 Hasbrouck Ave.
Kingston, NY 12401
ph. 845-331-2579
fax 845-331-2578
Hours: M-F 6:00 A.M.-4 P.M.
Sat.   8:00 A.M.-2 P.M.
closed Sundays

The post FRESH ‘N’ EASY–The Name Says It All! appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

695 Broadway, 1954 and Now

Drivers traveling through midtown Kingston have been noticing a pleasant change to the building at 695 Broadway, at the corner of Broadway and Liberty Street.   Not since the 1950′s when it was an Atlantic gas station has the little cement block building looked so spiffy.  On August 6, with crisp new signage announcing its services, J’s Detailing and Car Wash, Inc. opened its two bays for business.

Jamar Ashe, the owner/operator has been in the detailing business in the Kingston area since 1990.  He  had been scouting for an ideal location, when he noticed that the former car repair shop on the corner had closed.  He bought the building from Honda of Kingston in June and spent two months retrofitting it for the requirements of a high-efficiency detailing business.

As his sign proclaims, J’s Detailing will give the showroom shine to “anything with a motor,” including boats, RV’s, busses, motorcycles, and jet skis.  The varied services offered range from $14.99 to  $159.99.   Express service is a specialty.   Perfectionists in a hurry can relax in the  tidy waiting room while their vehicle is returned to showroom condition.  Vehicle drop-off service is available 24/7.  In another option, Mr. Ashe can pick up the vehicle locally, detail it, and return it.

 This is far more than a “sweep and a shine” operation.  Got a vintage  vehicle that was stored for years in a leaky barn?   Mr. Ashe’s services include mold and mildew abatement, convertible window restoration, and leather and cloth seat restoration. 

Jamar Ashe

For vehicles with a few dings and dinks, Mr. Ashe can touch up damaged paint, restore tail lights and headlights, and restore chrome and alloy wheels.  He is quick to point out that these services are as important for the family SUV as they are for a performance car on its way to the car show.  Damage to the exterior of a car, even when minor, will get worse with time, and will negatively impact the value at trade-in time.

In addition to quick cleaning, Mr. Ashe has specialized for years in fleet cleaning, with special discounts for government and law enforcement vehicles.  He also offers discounts for car dealerships, senior citizens, and emergency vehicles.   He’s detailed everything from tour busses for rock groups through 3-wheel off-the-road vehicles.  When he says “No job too large or too small” he means it quite literally.

While Mr. Ashe is slowly building his clientele he is also looking to the future. He has applied for a used car dealer’s license, and he hopes to be able to offer a few select (and very clean!) used cars by next year.  Right now, the lot surrounding the store is cleaner and tidier than it has been in many decades.

Mr. Ashe feels that having one’s vehicle detailed is not a luxury, it is an investment in preserving one’s equipment.   His undercar cleaning removes the mud, road salt, and other substances that are responsible for irreparable rust damage of cars in the northern climes.  A clean car reflects pride in ownership and  self respect.   A car or RV that is spotless inside and out reflects (so as to speak) well on the owner and the neighborhood.

J’s Detailing and Car Wash Inc. is already a great reflection on the neighborhood–and a shining example of what a great neighborhood business can do for the neighborhood!

The post A SHINING EXAMPLE appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

He stocks adult and kid sizes, with a man’s jersey priced at $60, a T-shirt for $15, and fitted cap going for $25 (the kids’ sized items sell for slightly less). He also sells sports watches for $25 and a watch-and-wallet for $50. He said his prices are less than what you’d find on the Internet, since there aren’t any shipping and handling charges.

So far, Vazquez said business has been a bit slow, but he’s hopeful it’ll pick up. His best day so far was the Saturday on which the Kingston Farmers’ Market opened for the season (on Saturdays he erects a sign on Wall Street to direct shoppers at the market to his shop). His customers aren’t just local, but include people from Boston, Connecticut and Poughkeepsie. “They’ve probably got family here and come to visit,” he speculates.

Vazquez said reasonable rent from his landlord and tips on doing business in Uptown Kingston gleaned from his sister, Linda Fusaro, proprietor of Full Circle, a gift and clothing store located on North Front Street specializing in rain gear, helped make his venture possible. His mom also helps out on occasion. Vazquez painted the walls of the rented space light blue and also spruced up the façade; he put up spiffy waterfall racks along the side walls and installed lights around the storefront windows.

The toughest part of running the business is marketing, Vazquez said. He has distributed flyers at the MAC Fitness gym and has a page on Facebook; he plans to launch a website soon. M&T Bank offers space for a free ad on the printed promotional material for its credit card, which he plans to take advantage of; customers who pay for merchandize in the shop with a M&T credit card would get a 10 percent discount. He also plans to sign up for a free service offered by Discount Blabber, which would send e-mails to people about his business for free.

After selecting a T-shirt with the logo of your favorite team, head next door to Uptown Twist for one of the most delicious ices you’ll ever have; proprietors Sean and Julie Griffin use real fruit, which they pulp and mix with sugar. Uptown Twist also serves homemade ice cream and crepes. Its booth at the Farmers’ Market was one of the busiest on Wall Street.

The post Team Spirit on Fair Street appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

Pawprints & Whiskers not only strives to raise the pet owner’s conscience, but also inspire delight: there are bowls in the shape of a bone, adorable beds with cloth pet legs and ears sewn on, innovative litter boxes and carry-alls, and cute dog and cat cards; even the plastic bags are attractive, covered as they are in black pawprints.

On a recent lunch hour owner Neil Schneider was behind the counter, describing the store’s special pet-food niche: “it’s not your standard fare but specialty food, which is natural and uses good, USDA premium quality ingredients.” While the food costs a bit more than the stuff you’ll buy at a big box store or supermarket, Schneider said in the end you’ll save on vet bills and have a longer-lived pet.

He stopped to serve customer Andy Belock, who works two doors down at the Board of Elections and had two cans of pet food on the counter. “On top of the great food selection, I like to shop locally because I get the best service and the best products,” Belock volunteered.

Schneider said he and his wife used to run a small advertising agency and graphic design firm on Broadway but started to burn out after 15 years. They finally sold the business and started selling gift baskets of pet products by mail. After they had a booth at a pet industry fair and got a great response to their products, they opened Pawprints & Whiskers in 2001, renting the space from landlord Schneider’s Jewelers next door. Schneider minds the store, since his wife has a full-time job as an administrator at the Fischer Center at Bard College.

The food product brands suggest the pet equivalent to a health food store, with names like Holistic Select, Cowboy Cookout, Wellness, Deli Fresh, Nature’s Animals, Feline Greenies, and Evo (“the ancestral diet meets modern nutrition,” the label notes, adding that Evo is “grain free” and has the “lowest carbs”). Pawprints & Whiskers also stocks “Dogtoids” to freshen a dog’s breath, along with a canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

The “emporium for cats and dogs,” as he describes it, also sells toys, leashes, collars, coats, litter boxes (with better quality litter), beds, blankets, grooming tools, and rawhide bones.

Schneider said the Kingston Farmers’ Market has helped his business tremendously on Saturdays. He participates by handing out free samples
of high-quality pet food, which helps get customers into the store. He said
since 2008, the business has “had its ups and downs. As a single independent
proprietor trying to get a niche in the pet industry, it’s a tough call,”
especially when people are having to spend their extra cash on gas.

He said that parking is a problem in Uptown—mainly perceptual, given that people resist parking around the corner even though it’s closer to the store than the parking space in the lot at the mall from the mall entrance. He’d also like to see landlords lower their rents a bit to reduce the number of empty storefronts. What would really turn Uptown around is putting in an anchor store, such as a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, at the former Woolworth’s, he said.

On the plus side, “we have a lot of customers who won’t shop at the big box stores. They want to support the little independents. I have a great nucleus of customers who come on a regular basis. The one thing I offer that the big box stores don’t is personalized attention to detail. I can say this product would be better and why. I meet and greet.” Schneider also offers a 10 percent discount for every purchase of 12 cans of food.

Pawprints & Whiskers is open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday through Saturday (to 5:30 on Friday). Oh, and by the way, Schneider and his wife are pet owners themselves, in case you’re wondering. They have a dog and are looking for a cat, following the recent death of their beloved feline.              –Lynn Woods

The post An Emporium for Fido, Right on Wall Street appeared first on Kingston Happenings.

Built in 1899 and operated as a Chevrolet showroom in the 1920s, the Millard Building is a Midtown gem with its Beaux-Art limestone façade and large windows. Set at an angle to Broadway, it is fronted by a small park, interrupting the straight ranks of buildings with a burst of green that offers rest to pedestrians.

The current owners, five partners based in Newburgh, have done a complete gut rehab, including new plumbing, electric, insulation, and re-fabricated storefronts, since acquiring the building five years ago. Their efforts landed them an award from Friends of Historic Kingston in 2008, and despite a very difficult economy, the building operates in the black, with all but one of the row of shops running along Grand Street occupied by commercial tenants; Planned Parenthood is about to move into a 4,500-square-foot space on the second floor.

Thanks to his involvement in the Millard Building, part-owner Joe Flynn, owner, with several of his partners, of Commercial Industrial Construction Corp., has gotten into the retail business. When the restaurant supply business located on the ground floor went out of business, he and his wife, Jayme, bought up the inventory at auction and reopened the store as the Culinary Warehouse three years ago. Because the front of the building is now occupied by the pizzeria and the Kingston Pharmacy, the store is now located at the back of the building; some former customers don’t realize all they have to do is walk down Grand to browse once again the great kitchenware.

Compared to the old store, a greater portion of the business is retail, with the remaining  60 to 70 percent derived from restaurants. The store stocks everything a restaurateur or serious home cook needs, from gadgets to cookware to silverware to stoves and convection ovens. Flynn said in late spring the store plans to restart its program of  cooking classes (suspended over the winter), which take place in a small kitchen on the premises and are held on Wednesday evenings. A children’s cooking class will be offered, and chefs from local restaurants will be invited to prepare their specialties. Check Culinary Warehouse’s Facebook page for updates.

The Millard Building’s other tenants represent a nice mix of businesses and include Sensational Nails Hair Salon and Hometown Beverages, a distributor of beer and soda, both along Grand Street. One 1,400-square-foot storefront is available, along with 12,000 square feet on the second floor. Flynn said CICC plans to break up the space into 15 smaller offices, unless a large tenant suddenly appears. The second floor also has four well-lit lofts, three of which are occupied. A major advantage is that there’s a large, adjacent parking lot, also owned by CICC, along with several parking spaces in front.

“We’re very lucky. We have very good tenants and are holding our own,” said Flynn. He is appreciative of the city’s support, from the mayor to the building and fire departments. “Everyone’s been wonderful. Kingston is a great place and we enjoy being here.”

The post Businesses and Architecture Find a Happy Balance at the Millard Building appeared first on Kingston Happenings.