HEADLINES

SPOTLIGHT ON MEMBERS

The Pottery Shack was really her idea. She would come back from different vacation spots with painted vases and plates and tell me about the great shops that offered “paint your own pottery.” We talked about how we noticed people walking around town without anywhere to sit down, relax and spend time together. Adult life is limited and this is a great way to be self-expressive. Kids, teens, and adults are coming to The Pottery Shack to decorate their own pottery and be creative.

At the studio, many people enter and tell me they are “artistically challenged” and then paint a pre-made ceramic piece and are instantly hooked. The pottery all looks good when finished. No experience is necessary. Pick your ceramic piece, select your colors, have a seat, and create your own masterpiece. There is a large selection of ceramic pieces and paint colors. Everyone can find a piece that they really want to paint.

When customers enter the cheery studio, they are wide-eyed and smiling; and when they leave, they are smiling and relaxed.

The Pottery Shack is a great place for special occasions, such as birthday parties, showers or any gathering that comes to mind. Package prices are available and refreshments can be brought in or arrangements can be made by the studio. Discounts for senior citizens are available and all ages and groups are welcome.

There will be extended evening hours soon. Call the Studio for times and rates. In addition, The Pottery Shack will include an area with beads and supplies for creating necklaces, belts, and earrings—wearable art. They are good quality beads and will give the designer in you great satisfaction and fun.

Stop by and spend some time relaxing and getting to know a side of your child, your friend or yourself that you may not have met before.

Patty Plantania
Suite #3, 41 East Market Street,
Rhinebeck, NY, 12572
845-876-1344
pattiplatania@frontiernet.net

A NOTE FROM THE PRESIDENT

With the arrival of the new season comes the roll out of the Chamber’s “new look”. I would like to thank the executive committee for the many dedicated hours that went in to reviewing ideas, prototypes and choosing the final design. They worked very hard to meld a bit of tradition with a bit of contemporary flare. I hope you all agree that the new look adds a “freshness” to our name change and overall image. I would also like to express an extra special thank you to Nadine Robbins from Namaro Graphic Design who is responsible for the creativity behind the new look. Simply stated, Nadine was a pleasure to work with!

The 2008 – 2009 visitor’s guide will also be taking on a whole new look. You will all be receiving more details within the next few weeks. Please keep in mind that we are planning to follow the same timeline for publishing and distributing the new guide. It will be extremely important to return your information forms and advertising copy as soon as you receive the materials.

Upcoming events for April will include a Business After Hours and ribbon cutting at Bread Alone on Wednesday, April 9th to officially celebrate the opening of their expanded space. Our April breakfast will be on Wednesday, April 23rd at Ramapo for Children.

The Information Cottage will be opening at the end of May for the season. We are always looking for volunteers to help staff the cottage. If you have a few extra hours a week and would like to get out and meet new people, please call the chamber office to discuss becoming a volunteer. We are a volunteer organization and welcome all the help we can get.

Respectfully submitted,
Susan M. Utter, President