Saturday, November 28, 2009

Local Interests!

We thought we would take a minute and introduce you to some of the other websites and blogs that are helping to keep Hillsdale and Columbia County connected!


Let's start with


CoCotodo is an events calendar exclusively for Columbia County, NY. Events are entered by the site's users. To enter an event, register and log-in, follow the "add event" link and submit the form. I'm eager to hear your feedback and suggestions for improvement. I hope you find it easy and useful.

Posting events to CoCotodo is free. The site is supported by small text ads at the top right of each page. Advertising on CoCotodo is affordable, locally targeted, good for your search engine ranking and shows your support of this resource.

- Christy Collins

The next site we found is:

CommunityWalk is a website that is dedicated to providing a powerful yet simple and easy to use interface for creating informational, interactive, and engaging maps.

Map_view

The Beginning
CommunityWalk began as a site for mapping communities. I thought it would help my mother, a realtor, sell homes. It quickly became evident, though, that CommunityWalk was really much more than this. With a simple and generic interface CommunityWalk quickly became a great site for creating incredibly interactive maps of anything.

Sat_view

The Present
With the ability to show photos, add comments, display interactive media, hide and show categories of locations, explore hundreds of fantastic maps of anything and everything, and so much more, CommunityWalk is fast becoming the destination site for creating and exploring the most interesting maps on the Internet.

Zoomed_out_map_view

The Future
CommunityWalk is evolving at a rapid pace, with new functionality added to the site daily. You can read more about the ongoing development on the CommunityWalk Blog. We are always open to suggestions for new features or on how to improve the existing features. We are also very appreciative when people report bugs. So please email us at general@communitywalk.com!

Another site we Love:


Who is Rural Intelligence?

Rural Intelligence is the brainchild of journalists Marilyn Bethany, who lives full-time in Columbia County, NY, and Dan Shaw, who lives full-time in Litchfield County, CT. They have both worked as editors and reporters at The New York Times and New York Magazine, where they met 20 years ago.

They created Rural Intelligence because they recognized the need for a reliable information source for people like themselves, who routinely do business and seek recreation and entertainment in four counties—Berkshire, Columbia, northern Dutchess and northern Litchfield—that are spread over three states. This sprawling region, they believe, is not well-served by mainstream media, which tends to hew to conventional jurisdictional and geographic lines. They have taken their combined forty years of experience in print journalism with the technology of the day to create this Rural Intelligence, which treats this uniquely sophisticated region as one big neighborhood. Their hope is that sharing information will foster a sense of community that transcends county and state boundaries. Rural Intelligence is the place where full-time residents and weekenders can come together to share their passion for culture and country life.



Marilyn Bethany (near left at the Taking Woodstock premiere) has been the design editor of The New York Times Magazine and New York Magazine. She was the executive editor of Los Angeles Magazine and the editor-in-chief of Buzz, an award-winning city magazine for Los Angeles. She has written for Vogue, Town & Country, Elle Décor, and Architectural Digest.. She is married to the writer Edward Tivnan. They have two grown daughters, Maisie and Nell.



Dan Shaw (with his former boss Oprah Winfrey) was a founding editor of the The New York Times Sunday “Styles” section. He has been features editor of House & Garden, as well as deputy editor of HomeStyle and O at Home magazines. He has written for publications that include Berkshire Living, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, O: The Oprah Magazine and Real Simple. For four years, he regularly wrote the Habitats column for The New York Times Sunday Real Estate section. He is also the founder of The Falls Village Blog. He has co-written several coffee-table books on design including In the Pink: Dorothy Draper - America’s Most Fabulous Decorator and Class Act: William Haines - Legendary Hollywood Decorator




This is another great site to see what's happening in Columbia County!

WHAT IS ccSCOOP?
ccSCOOP is committed to providing an alternative news source for the people of Columbia County and for people interested in Columbia County, using the latest web technologies to achieve this. Our goal with ccSCOOP is to celebrate what makes Columbia County unique—to promote local agriculture both to local people and to the urban markets in New York City, to explore the county's agricultural and industrial past and scrutinize the plans being formulated for its economic future, to report on the character-altering land-use issues that face the county, to cover our area's growing arts and cultural scene, and to promote the Internet as a source of information and Internet access as a critical part of the infrastructure for the county.

Our target audience is the people of Columbia County—those who have been here for generations, those who have chosen to settle here in recent decades, those who own second homes in the county, and those who may be interested in visiting or settling here. We attempt to have crossover appeal with our extensive coverage of local high school athletics on our Sports page, our emphasis on using local produce on our Food & Wine page, our coverage of the local cultural organizations and venues on our Arts page, and the attention we will pay to meetings and issues of very local interest on our News page and our developing Town pages.

WHO IS INVOLVED WITH ccSCCOP?
The principals of ccSCOOP are William Parker and Edwin Pawling. Bill has an extensive background in theater, film, and photography and an avid interest in politics. The combination makes him committed to exploring the potential of technology and the Internet to communicate information and bring people together. Bill is also passionate about food and brings his vast restaurant and food experience to his role as food editor for ccSCOOP. Edwin had a long career as a financial writer and a securities analyst and serves as the watchdog of the business’s finances. He also been an ardent scholar of the Shaker experience.

Our editor, Carole Osterink combines an extensive background in educational publishing—both print and electronic—with more than a decade of community activism in Hudson. Her familiarity with the issues and the people throughout the county makes her a perfect person to identify the stories we pursue and recruit the people to help us develop them.

In addition ccSCOOP has a diverse team of reportors, photographers, and designers who contribute to ccSCOOP.

Did you know the Town of Hillsdale has a Website?

Welcome to the Town of Hillsdale, NY
Founded in 1788

The Town of Hillsdale is located in the eastern portion of Columbia County, bordering western Massachusetts. It is approximately
2 hours north of New York City and 3 hours west of Boston.

Hills and dales are prominent throughout the Town,
from which the name Hillsdale is derived. Its open spaces, rural
character and scenic views, along with the charming Bed and Breakfasts, Ski Areas, Horse and Cattle Farms and Friendly People attract many visitors each year. So come, discover Hillsdale.

Visit Us.

And Finally you all know Bob Sacks!

Bob Sacks is a veteran of the printing/publishing industry since 1970, Bob Sacks was always an innovator. Even back in the 70s he followed a more creative path than usual. He started his career where some people end -- with the founding of his own weekly newspaper in the metro New York area. After several years in the alternative press publishing newspapers in New York and Tucson, Az., he went on to become one of the founding fathers of High Times Magazine. Since then Bob has held positions that include Publisher, Editor, Freelance Writer, Director of Manufacturing and Distribution, Senior Sales Manager, Circulator, Chief of Operations, Pressman, Cameraman, Lecturer, and Developer of web site companies. Bob’s resume lists directorships at such prestigious companies as McCall's, Time Inc, New York Times Magazine Group, International Paper, Ziff-Davis, CMP, and Bill Communications (VNU).

That's it for now! If you have a site that you use to keep in touch with Columbia County Happenings, let us know and we will add it!

Happy Holidays from Ken and Kevin


Monday, November 16, 2009

Holiday Cards!

There are so many Holiday Cards out there!
How do you choose?
Recycled? Christmas? Holiday? Blank? Glitter? Funny? Christian? Hannukah? New Years? Help!!


Believe me, it was difficult for us as well!

Here are some of our favorites!

Let's start with PaPaYa!


"Christmas Child"

This card is beautiful! The colors are brilliant!


In 2003 PAPAYA! was founded by Gina & Anahata Katkin. A mother/daughter team armed with a vision of Creative Abandon and a heap of determination. PAPAYA! started with just 20 blank greeting card designs in a southern California dining room. Many of the designs originated from Anahata’s handmade art journals and were adapted for print. Knowing they wanted to share a visual perspective of global culture, brave imagery, and powerful color, PAPAYA! was born. Today, PAPAYA! is celebrated all over the world by retailers and fans alike. PAPAYA! is now a thriving manufacturer enjoying a constant stream of new ideas, inspirations, materials, and added artists.

"Great Life"

"Butterfly Greetings"

"Merry Christmas Jesus"

"Don't Worry"


"Peace Birds"

"Snuggle Bunny"


We also Love this Compendium Product..."Positively Green".
They are Printedon Recycled Papers Using Soy-based inks.

The ornament of a house...

The sentiments are amazing!

We often stand at the rack and read them when no one is looking.

I will honor Christmas...

Compendium creates warm and wonderful greeting cards that touch the heart and lift the spirits. Our greeting card line includes the best-selling and popular Positively Green line, winner of "best card" at the prestigious LOUIE Awards.

Celebrate the most important people in your life and help the environment at the same time. Beautiful illustrations combined with inspiring quotations in cards that are “green manufactured.” And—best of all—a portion of your purchase goes directly to organizations that protect the environment. This years’ recipients are Conservation International and Climate Solutions.

Every heart comes home...

  • Cards measure 4-1/2” wide x 5-3/8” high
  • Printed with soy ink on Forest Steward Council certified 100% recycled stock
  • Each card has a different environmental tip on the back
  • Envelopes are plain white

  • Open your mind...

    Compendium is a Seattle-based company that creates and distributes a fresh, design-rich line of inspiring gift products.

    Since 1985, Compendium has had a talent for turning everyday items into extraordinary gifts, and everyday occasions into memorable events. They help you foster deeper relationships with your most important contacts, and show you what it truly means to “live inspired.”

    And the song...

    The next Company we fell in Love with was Punch Studios. Their cards made from Kraft Paper with Foil Printing are wonderful!!!

    Green Holiday Tree

    Blue and white foil Ornaments

    They also have dimensional greeting cards. They are Lovely! They are layered and glittered and beautiful!

    Flora and Fauna

    Of Course, we saved our favorite for last! Ken's Kards!

    "Snow Day in Central Park"

    Ken's Kards
    are individually printed by hand using archival inks. They are printed on a watercolor paper, bleeding off of a hand-torn deckled edge. Ken's Original Photographs help make these notecards unique.

    The Photos on these cards were taken in our back yard or on our walks or in our travels.
    Always at the ready when something beautiful caught our eye!

    "Angel Statue"

    "Trio"

    We think we have chosen well. We would love to hear what you think!

    Happy Holidays from Ken and Kevin

    Wednesday, November 4, 2009

    More shots of the Shop!


    We Love these tealights from Jim Marvin. They are a beautiful shade of Blue. Blown Glass with a crackle finish. The Blue felted Chrysanthemum nest to them is from Nepal. It can be used as a wall hanging or a Centerpiece on the Dining Table.



    These Frosted Berry Rings can be used as Candle Rings or as Ornaments. The Clusters of tiny little Berries catch the light beatifully.
    We have a smaller version that fits around a Taper Candle.


    Adorable! How else can you describe these Felted Snowflake Ornaments.
    These remind me of something you would see in Martha Stewart. It also comes in a sweet little Christmas Stocking. Perfect for a Cottage Christmas.


    Our Shelves are full! As you can see, we have plenty of items for this Holiday! We have chosen carefully and we think you will be thrilled with the selection. Here you can see Cards from Papaya, Lampe Berger, Votivo, Pre de Provence, Punch, Himilayan Handicrafts, Vance Kitira, Fringe Studios, and much more! You'll have to stop in to get the full effect.


    These soaps by Primal Elements smell amazing!
    They are made from Vegetable Glycerin and Pure essential oils
    and Natural Botanicals. We hand slice them to order!


    This is a fantastic Gift idea! This Scarf from Nepal is rolled and Placed inside of a Pencil Holder from the Spiral Foundation. It looks amazing and it's a Gift that gives back!!


    That's it for now! Ken and Kevin, Passiflora, in Hillsdale NY!

    Monday, November 2, 2009

    Holiday Has Arrived!



    Well...I was going to take this Blog through the Progression of passiflora,
    but We are too excited about our Holiday arrivals!

    We have spent months trying to find Unique and Beautiful Ornaments, Wreaths, Decorations, Gifts, Candles, Jewelry, and Cards just for You!


    We have also started decorating passiflora with Holiday! I thought we had a charming little Shop, but now that we have started decorating, it is beautiful! The Ornaments hanging from our tree are magnificent! Everything you can imagine and more!


    We have gorgeous Holiday Cards by Papaya,

    Punch Studios,


    and Positively Green.


    We have handblown glass Ornaments by Jim Marvin,


    felted Ornaments by Seasons of Canon Falls,


    Wreaths and Garland by Raz Imports,

    some of the most beautiful Vases, Soaps, and Candles by Fringe,


    gorgeous Candles from Votivo (Red Currant and Amberwood are our Favorites),


    and adorable Handmade Soaps by Primal Elements.

    You can also stop across the street and say hello to Tony, Mindy, and Megan at B&G Wine.


    They have some of our Favorite Wines and if there is something you don't see, chances are Tony can get it for you. The Gourmet Shop next door has great local products.
    Our Favorite is the Pumpkin Tart!

    If you are Hungry for Lunch you can stop by the Mt.Washington House (We love the Beer Battered Onion Rings...the Best!!) or the Hillsdale House next door (We love the Pizza)!

    We are so excited to share this Holiday Season with our Friends!

    It has been such a Pleasure being in the Village Square of Hillsdale. Everyone has been so supportive and kind to us.
    We couldn't feel more Welcome as the Holiday nears.


    Here are a few photos of the Shop and the Products we carry.
    You will not find everything on the Website!
    You must stop in and say hello and see everything in person.
    You will be glad you did!


    One of our Planters that Willa did for us.
    Thank you Willa!
    They are gorgeous!!


    That's it for now! Ken and Kevin, Passiflora, in Hillsdale NY!