Gardiner NY is a spectacular place overflowing with reasons to celebrate the neighborhood, it's businesses, and the people that support it's growth.
One of our favorite reasons? Business members whose mission begins at the heart of the community. The businesses that we highlight in this issue all have something in common: they celebrate the community by giving back.
Mountain View Farm: A New Home for Abandoned Animals
Nearly 24 years ago, Bonnie Lanier founded Mountain View Farms; an equine facility offering training and riding lessons in Southern Ulster County. Something that may come as a surprise however, is that many of Mountain View Farm's show horses and ponies have been rescued from otherwise grim circumstances. The facility has worked with both Equine Rescue Resources, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, and nearby farms to provide homes for neglected horses and ponies as well as those destined to be slaughtered. As Bonnie explains "We’ve gotten very much involved in horse rescue in the Tri-state area, and there’s no reason we can't save young horses and turn them into an excellent show horse or give old horses a life of luxury." In fact, many of Bonnie's horses have gone on to champion local shows as well as prestigious competitions. Integrating the business further, Bonnie became a founding member of the Ulster County Horse Council which hosts several events throughout the year, including trail rides and horse shows, which are held in Ulster County. Bonnie hopes that her efforts convey a message and she goes on to explain, "people think that horses are just animals, but they aren’t. I've seen them in a very different light. They have emotions and feelings and fears, and they should never have to live out their fears." And if Bonnie has anything to do with it, they won't. If you're looking to ride with a mission, Mountain View Farm is a great choice. To learn more about Mountain View Farm, click here.
Uptown Attic: A New Life for Unused Garments
Jodi Whitehead opened the doors to Uptown Attic eight years ago and since, her high-end consignment shop has offered stylish looks that range in casual flare to professional trends for every season. But, if you think it's your average clothing shop, think again. Uptown Attic works with locals consigners for locals to provide beautiful, gently used (to brand new) clothing and accessories. In addition to running a boutique that brings the community together by-design, Jodi works extensively with local businesses and non-profit organizations to provide for people in need. Since it's opening, Uptown Attic has supplied hundreds of bulk donations to Family of New Paltz of up-cycled, high quality clothing items that simply don't sell within a 90 day period. Jodi notes that she enjoys giving to Family of New Paltz because when people come to the organization, "some just have the shirt on their back and it's like a shopping experience for them, and everyone deserves to have that experience." Furthermore, Jodi offers discount incentives throughout the year at special "Ladies Night Out" events to contribute school supplies and canned goods to the organization's bank, most recently teaming with Gardiner Liquid Mercantile for a discount encouraging shoppers to 'imbibe'. Uptown Attic will also donate to local non-for-profits, including Gardiner Library, throughout the year for fundraising events. So when you shop local at Uptown Attic, you support local businesses who support local businesses that support local people in our local community. To learn more about Uptown Attic, click here.
The Inn at Kettleboro: Joining the Community for a Cause
Most people stay at a bed and breakfast when visiting a town for a wedding or special occasion, but more and more folks are coming back to The Inn at Kettleboro for a rejuvenating stay. Why? It could have something to do with the ownership. Robert Witkowski, long-time resident of Gardiner and owner of The Inn at Kettleboro has integrated himself into the community in several ways, and offering a caring, thoughtful stay is just one way he welcomes locals and out-of-towners alike to our community. As Vice President of The Board of Wallkill Valley Land Trust, Robert focuses heavily on preserving land in Southern Ulster County through fundraising efforts throughout the year. The trust will be celebrating it's 30th year this year and since Robert's eight-year tenure, the Inn has been one of the first houses on their House Tour. Robert also lends his efforts to the Dorsky Museum in New Paltz, donating stays at the Inn as part of a silent auction to raise funds. Robert explains that in the community "My focus is really on the fundraising side" and he's further maximized his efforts at the museum by joining the auction committee. And we certainly think a stay hosted by Robert is a great way to support and be welcomed into our blossoming community. To learn more about the Inn, click here.
Sunflower Art Studios: Art-portunities for Youth and Beyond
Liz Glover Wilson opened Sunflower Art Studios in 2015 with a very clear mission: "to bring visibility and accessibility to the arts without economic division." The heart of Sunflower Art Studios' vision came to life in 2015 with the Sunflower Art Festival; a free event celebrating the life of Liz's sister, Esther, and her love for community and artistry. In a short span of just two years, the studio has seen substantial growth and intertwined it's efforts to benefit the arts, local businesses and families. In fact, the non-profit organization now offers scholarships to it's after-school art program for kids K-6th grade and provides low-cost events, led by local artists, that celebrate children's creativity. In addition to functions held for children, Liz also offers several avenues for adults to explore locally. Sunflower Art Studios offers a unique take on yoga classes; a donation based course accepting $1-$15 per class for attendees held each week inside DM Weil Gallery (yes, please to all of the above!). The Studio also hosts several noteworthy "Sippin' Creative" courses with local restaurants that encourage adults to express their artistic side (with the added bonus of alcoholic refreshments). And we can't forget the studio's pop-up shop that displays the work of over 30 local artists and artisans just in time for the holidays each year (as if you needed another reason to shop). To learn more about Liz's studio and how you can get involved, click here.
And to all of our businesses who donate their time and efforts to GAB, we thank you. You support the community in an incredible way and we look forward to working together for many more years for a cause.
Pictures and Article by:
Lucia Civile
LACE Photo Media