Table of Contents

Welcome to Greene County, New York 3

Greene County Chamber of Commerce 8

Greene County Offices 9

Chamber Programs 

Seasonal Recreation and Lodging 

Living the Good Life 

Your Biggest Day, Just as You Dreamed 

Wine (or Beer) the Great Northern Catskills 

Celebrating Visual and Performing Arts 

Seeing Growth in Greene 

Demographics 

Art History and Heritage in Greene County 

Greene County Food and Agriculture 

A Look at the Real Estate Market 

Chamber Partners 

Town Villages Information 

Map 

Buyer’s Guide 

Greene County Chamber of Commerce

327 Main Street, PO Box 248

Catskill, NY 12414

p: (518) 943-4222

f: (518) 751-2267

This is a MetroMedia, A Town Square Publications Company, publication created and produced for the Greene County Chamber of Commerce

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Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication. The Chamber and MetroMedia assume no responsibility for misinformation. Please contact the Chamber with any additions or corrections. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission of the Chamber and MetroMedia is prohibited.

Managing Director | David Small

Director of Production | Ryan Moore

Pre-Production Manager | Stefanie Nugara

Design Project Manager | Katharene DeLorenzo

Editor | Mia Katz

Sales | Tyler Busby

Cover photo by:

Nancy Nosiglia,
Inset photo’s – Greene County Tourism

Welcome to Greene County,
New York

The Greene County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to present this guide to the many excellent members of the business community of Greene County and its surrounding area. Within this directory you will find a wide array of quality businesses ready to meet the needs of every resident and visitor alike. We hope that you will find it useful throughout the year and share it with others.

Greene County’s unique blend of commerce ranges from a thriving tourism industry to quality manufacturers and top-notch retail and service providers. Whether you are looking for a place to stay and play, acquire a product you need, or just get some personal attention, it can all be found right here. The diverse cultural and historic heritage of the region is woven into the fabric of our community’s friendly, welcoming nature, making Greene County a special place to visit or just a great place to call home.

The Chamber of Commerce is committed to serving as a resource, advocate, and promotional source for our business members. We are focused on fostering both economic growth and a strong, vibrant community. Through our many Chamber programs, advocacy, events, and seminars we provide numerous opportunities for businesses to grow, network, expand their profile and prosper.

Greene County is a wonderful place to live and work. Its many businesses offer something for everyone, and we are pleased that you have chosen to meet your shopping or business needs in our community.

The Greene County Chamber of Commerce thanks you for choosing to do business here!

Chamber
Staff

Pamela Geskie

President/Executive Director

Beth Stewart

Membership Director

Nancy Petramale

Operations Director

Officers/Executive Committee

Chair:
Nicole Bliss

National Bank of Coxsackie

Vice Chair:
Joey LoBianco

Rip Van Winkle
Brewing Co.

Secretary:
Rachel Puckett

Mid-Hudson
Cablevision

Treasurer:
Randall W. Squier

Coxsackie-Athens Central School District

Immediate Past Chair: Florence Ohle

Community Action of Greene County

2023 Board of Directors

Anthony DeSantis

NY Properties -ADS

Dr. Carlee Drummer

Columbia-Greene Community College

Karen Gallo

Karen’s Flower Shoppe

Blake Garrison

Garrison Fire & Rescue

Ryan Hastie

Pardees Insurance Agency

Randy Lent

C.A. Albright & Sons

Rhonda Makoske

Columbia Memorial Health

Geri Marino

Snow Bird Ski Shops

Joseph Rothrock

The Bank of Greene County

Stephanie Siracusano

Sawyer Chevrolet

Randy Squier

Coxsackie-Athens Central School District

Mark Vinciguerra

Capital Region Independent Media

Greene County
Chamber of Commerce

• • The Greene County Chamber of Commerce is a 501c(6) – Not-for Profit corporation.
  
• • The Chamber is owned, operated and governed by its member businesses.
  
• • The Chamber’s Board of Directors is made up of representatives from its member businesses.
  
• • The Chamber receives no government or public funding of any kind.
  
• • The Chamber is entirely funded through revenue received from membership investments, sponsorship opportunities, events, and proceeds from other chamber benefit programs.
  
• • The Chamber has grown from under 300 member businesses at the beginning of 2013 to nearly 500 member businesses today.
  
• • 63 percent of consumers are more likely to do business with a business if they know they are a Chamber member.
  
• • The Chamber operates daily with just a staff of three: President/Executive Director, Membership Director and Operations Director.
  

The Greene County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to advancing the prosperity of our members by fostering economic growth and stronger communities throughout the Greene County region.

At the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, we are in business for your business. As Greene County’s largest commercial organization, we’re dedicated to advancing the prosperity of all of our member businesses from not-for-profits and sole proprietors to small, medium and large corporations.

Our strength lies in our membership – a valuable pool of resources from which our businesses can draw ideas and energy to grow their organizations and improve their bottom lines. From direct business referrals to discounted goods and services, we help our members help each other.

We are proud of our region’s historic past and natural beauty, which make it a great place to live and work. We are sensitive to intelligent growth and planning, helping to foster environmentally feasible economic development that preserves what makes our region special.

So whether you need to build awareness for your organization, introduce a new product or are looking to increase sales, we look forward to working with you to make the most of your Chamber membership investment through programs, consultation and services that translate into success.

Think of the Chamber as a tool box for your business. Just reach into the Chamber at any time you need a tool to achieve your greater success.

Greene County Offices

BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 518-719-3250

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION 518-719-3775

COMMISSIONER OF JURORS 518-625-3190

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 518-719-3270

COUNTY ATTORNEY 518-719-3540

COUNTY CLERK 518-719-3255

DEPARTMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES 518-719-3280

DISTRICT ATTORNEY 518-719-3590

BOARD OF ELECTIONS 518-719-3550

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT,
TOURISM & PLANNING 518-719-3290

EMERGENCY SERVICES 518-622-3643

EMERGENCY CONTROL CENTER 518-622-3548

E-911 COORDINATOR 518-622-2739

FAMILY COURT CHIEF CLERK 518-625-3180

FAMILY PLANNING 518-719-3580

HEAD START PROGRAM 518-622-8382

HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT 518-943-4600

HISTORIAN 518-320-8545

HUMAN RESOURCES 518-719-3775

HUMAN SERVICES (AGING & YOUTH) 518-719-3555

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 518-719-3260

LEGISLATURE 518-719-3270

Cairo 518-622-9864

Catskill Director 518-943-4230

D.R. Evarts (Athens) 518-945-1417

Greenville 518-966-8205

Heermance Memorial (Coxsackie) 518-731-8084

Mountain Top 518-589-5707

Palenville 518-678-3357

Windham 518-734-4405

MENTAL HEALTH 518-622-9163

PROBATION 518-719-3200

PUBLIC DEFENDER 518-719-3220

PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENT 518-719-3600

PUBLIC HEALTH, EARLY INTERVENTION 518-719-3617

PUBLIC HEALTH, PRESCHOOL
SPECIAL EDUCATION 518-719-3638

PURCHASING 518-719-3270

REAL PROPERTY TAX SERVICES 518-719-3525

SHERIFF 518-943-3300

SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSIONER 518-719-3700

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION 518-622-3620

SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT 518-943-4600

STOP DWI PROGRAM 518-943-3300

SUPREME & COUNTY COURT
CHIEF CLERK 518-625-3160

SURROGATES COURT CHIEF CLERK 518-625-3150

TREASURER 518-719-3530

TOURISM (VISITOR CENTER) 518-943-3223

VETERAN’S SERVICE AGENCY 518-943-3703

Chamber Programs

The Greene County Chamber of Commerce offers a wide range of programs and services designed to meet the needs of businesses and help them achieve greater success.

The Greene County Chamber of Commerce is the place where new opportunities are born. The Chamber is where you connect to a strong, vibrant business community with limitless possibilities. Take advantage of the Chamber’s many networking opportunities, educational programs, consulting services and high-profile events designed to grow your business and increase earnings. We provide the tools to help inspire and strengthen your business for the benefit of all of Greene County. Make a sound investment! Join the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, because when new connections are made, anything is possible.

• • Advocacy: The chamber works every day to represent the interests of the local business community through its ongoing work with our elected officials.
  
• • Career Connections: A partnership between the Chambers and Economic Development Corporations of Greene and Columbia Counties and Columbia-Greene Community College which educates high school students on the workplace opportunities and skills necessary to succeed in our local businesses including hands-on internships and preparation for a potential college degree plan.
  
• • Greene County Now! Chamber Magazine. The Chamber’s digital magazine that features news, information, business profiles and Chamber updates every Spring, Summer, and Fall.
  
• • Health Insurance: Available through the chamber as part of a benefit package – offering more choices for quality, affordable health care.
  
• • Leadership Columbia-Greene: A dynamic, community-based program for professionals from across Greene and Columbia counties designed to develop informed, action oriented leaders to meet the future challenges of our area.
  
• • Marketing Opportunities: Every Chamber member can promote their business through the Chamber weekly E-newsletter, Chamber Mailing List or on the Chamber Website.
  
• • Chamber Directory: The annual directory of member businesses is distributed throughout the region as a printed magazine, with a digital component and can be viewed on greenecountychamber.com.
  
• • Member to Member Discounts: Find the products and services your business needs while saving money and making a great new connection.
  
• • Special New Member Welcome Benefits: New members of the Chamber can take advantage of free advertising on iHeart Radio stations 98.5 the CAT, WHUD & Oldies 93.5 as well as display ads from Columbia-Greene Media in the Catskill Daily Mail and hudsonvalley360.com; and a special offer from the Ravena News Herald and the Greenville Pioneer. New members also are announced on the Chamber’s website, weekly e- Newsletter and on Chamber social media.
  
• • Annual and Event Partnerships: Chamber members can promote their business through numerous sponsorship opportunities of Chamber events and programs.
  
• • Business Education: The Chamber offers opportunities throughout the year for members to learn more about subjects that can help grow or affect their business.
  
• • Economic Development Partnerships: The Chamber works with numerous organizations helping to develop programs that help attract new business, develop and attract workforce, create long term economic plans and nurture and grow existing businesses and communities.
  

• • Business After Hours Networking (BAHN): A great way to connect with other chamber members and the business community while enjoying a fun and festive evening at a local area business or restaurant.
  
• • Ribbon Cuttings and Open Houses: We celebrate with and show our support to new members and their businesses by welcoming them to the community.
  
• • Women In Business: This special event is featured four times each year and is tailored toward today’s businesswomen and professionals. Enjoy a networking dinner or lunch and great camaraderie along with a special guest speaker.
  
• • Network Before Nine: A networking event welcoming our newest members while creating an opportunity to learn about these new members and their unique businesses.
  
• • Greene Gets Creative: A partnership with CREATE that celebrates the vibrant creative economy of Greene County with performances, artistic displays, local food and drink and a wonderful networking opportunity for businesses and creators.
  
• • Greene County Restaurant Week: This annual event showcases the incredible culinary offerings of Greene County’s restaurants with specially designed multi-course prix fixe menus.
  
• • Best of Greene County Awards: Each year Greene County’s shoppers get to vote for the best businesses in over 50 categories. It all culminates in celebrating the finalists and the winners at an exciting awards presentation gala.
  
• • Annual Greene County Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament: Each spring the Chamber visits one of the county’s many exceptional golf courses for its annual tournament.
  
• • Annual Recognition Gala: The Chamber honors the significant accomplishments of local businesses and individuals at this special banquet. Come celebrate the Business Man and Business Woman of the Year as well as the Large and Small Businesses of the Year and the Not-for-Profit of the Year and Distinguished Service Honoree.
  
• • Nine & Dine: Each year golfers of all abilities come out to enjoy an evening of 9 holes and a tasty dinner while making great new connections.
  
• • Annual Chamber Holiday BAHN: Join the Chamber as it celebrates the year that was and looks forward to a prosperous new year while enjoying great food, friends and cheer.
  

To learn more about these many programs and services, or to join the Chamber, call 518-943-4222 or visit greenecountychamber.com.

Seasonal Recreation and Lodging

No Matter the Time of Year,
You’ll Find Paradise Here

One of the truly great things about the Great Northern Catskills is that there are opportunities for adventure, entertainment and relaxation year round.

When the sun is shining and the weather’s warm, hit the water for boating, kayaking, rafting, tubing, paddleboarding and more. Greene County’s natural beauty includes not just the Hudson River but also North-South Lake and Dolan’s Lake.

All that water, of course, means plenty of fish. In fact, the Catskills region offers some of the very best fishing in all of New York. Guides are available to help you find the most legendary spots.

Golfers regularly rave about our collection of courses. From challenging championship layouts to casual 9-holers, you won’t find a destination with a better combination of breathtaking views and world-class courses.

And when the snow starts falling, the Great Northern Catskills transform into a winter wonderland. Greene County is the perfect place for a ski or snowboarding vacation. If downhill is too fast for you, discover our network of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking trails. Be sure and check out what the mountaintop has to offer - for every kind of outdoor winter adventure!

From A-frame lodges to bed and breakfast venues, Greene County has a place for you to comfortably lay your head.

Enjoy easy access to hiking trails, wilderness, waterfalls, swimming holes and more with pet-friendly/welcomed environments.

If you’re looking for an all-inclusive getaway, Greene County offers a large selection of family resorts with a variety of rates and packages to fit whatever your interests are! You’ll find no shortage of options. 

Whether you appreciate a generously sized suite or the simplicity and practicality of a simple motel, hotel or rented house, you’ll find something that suits your preference and need.

Living the Good Life

The Catskills region is renowned for more than just its natural beauty. After all, the most breathtaking views are best enjoyed with the most soul-satisfying food.

Greene County boasts incredible culinary variety. From chef-driven fine dining to casual pubs and everything in between, you’ll find local specialties that will be just as memorable as our beautiful views and charming communities.

Start your day with coffee and pastries, enjoy lunch at the many eateries, diners, cafes - you’ll find your favorites throughout Greene County, from Catskill, to Cairo, Coxsackie, Athens, Greenville, up to Windham, Hunter mountaintop and in every little corner!

You’ve picked the right destination; Greene County offers the finest in dining - visit the local restaurants from high-end eateries offering the best in Old-World inspired traditional classics and modern masterpieces - to a playful twist on local cuisine inspired by the rich and diverse offerings of the Catskills!

Just be sure that you’re hungry when you visit.

Greene County is the perfect place to find a unique gift. Our boutique shops feature everything from vintage toys to handmade soaps and more! You’ll enjoy the rustic charm as you stroll our quaint streets, taking in beautiful scenery and discovering things you won’t find anywhere else.

From Catskill to Prattsville and beyond, you’ll find hand-printed textiles formed into pillows, furniture, unique cutting boards, sculptures, one-of-kind quilts, fine jewelry, candles, handmade soaps, pottery, art and other locally made treasures!

You can find a list of our Greene County Chamber Member Businesses on our website at
www.greenecountychamber.com.

Your Biggest Day,
Just as You Dreamed

A wedding in the Catskills means picture perfection. Whether mountaintop, riverside or in the quaint, idyllic setting of one of our charming resorts or B&B’s, you can be married in surroundings that will make the best pictures and memories.

Envision your mountaintop wedding. Imagine making your entrance at the summit via a scenic skyride. And picture the look on your guests’ faces when you and your newly wedded spouse arrive at the reception by zip line.

Or maybe your dream setting is by the water. Rent the historic Hudson-Athens Lighthouse to enjoy panoramic views of the Hudson River with a backdrop of the Catskill Mountains. Or enjoy a one-of-a-kind view of the water and mountains at Historic Catskill Point, located at the intersection of Catskill Creek and the Hudson River.

Whether you want traditional or cutting-edge, indoors or outdoors, big or small, the Catskills have a place to match your dreams.

The Catskills region includes so many perfect venues and settings for your special day. And we have an array of experienced professional vendors to help turn your dreams into reality.

Wine (or Beer) your way through the Great Northern Catskills

Whether you’re with a group or just enjoying some time away as a couple, a self-guided beverage tour (with a designated driver, of course) is the perfect way to enjoy our area’s rich assortment of wineries and breweries.

Experience a tranquil mountaintop setting with a working vineyard as a backdrop as you sip wines produced throughout the mountaintop region.

You can also head down the mountain and visit the many craft and cider breweries located throughout Cairo, Catskill, Athens, Coxsackie and beyond!

Depending on how thirsty you are and how much time you have, you can build a beverage itinerary that easily includes more than a dozen worthwhile stops. Cheers!

Imbibe in the industrial charms of a historic tasting room at Left Bank Ciders in the vibrant village of Catskill. Tucked between the Hudson River and the hills of the Great Northern Catskills, this New York State cidery makes inventive, small batch ciders that celebrate apples in their environment.

Crossroads Brewing Company, with locations in charming Athens and Catskill, offers a wide selection of award-winning brews and tasty bites. And no beverage tour would be complete without a stop at Rip Van Winkle Brewing Company. Their lager won Gold at the 2021 Great American Beer Festival!

No matter where you are in Greene County, you’re never far from a delicious glass of local beer, wine, or cider. Explore our area’s different beverage venues, brew style ingenuity, and beautiful landscapes along the way.

Be sure to check out our list of Greene County Chamber Restaurants, Breweries, Wineries and Cideries on our website.

Celebrating Visual and Performing Arts in
Greene County

By Elena Ferrarin

The preeminence of creativity and artistic expression in Greene County, New York and its surrounding areas is evident in the abundance of arts, live theater and performing arts throughout the region.

Besides being home to Thomas Cole, the British immigrant known as the “Father of American Art,” there is an abundance and variety of theaters and support for artists.

Noted theaters in the area include Lumberyard Center for Film and Performing Arts (www.lumberyard.org/) and Bridge Street Theatre (https://bridgest.org/) in downtown Catskill, among others.

Lumberyard is a non-profit performing arts and film campus with a state-of-the-art facility just blocks from Main Street in Catskill. The nonprofit serves as a residency for performing artists, and rents its 12,000-square-foot space to film and television production companies. Proceeds are invested into programs like providing free dance education for students in low-income communities, intervention for incarcerated teens, and summer jobs and workforce development training for youths.

Bridge Street Theatre started in 2013, when John Sowle and Steven Patterson, who had been producing live theatre together since 1986, purchased a run-down industrial building across the creek from Catskill’s historic Main Street, and converted it into a small-scale performing and visual arts complex.

It has since become one of the most exciting and respected small theatre companies in the region, producing an annual five-play mainstage season and hosting an eclectic mix of small theatre, music, dance, magic and other programming The majority of its work emphasizes new and neglected plays that are quirky, actor-driven, and with a relatable, empathic human focus.

Since its opening, Bridge Street Theatre has collaborated with numerous other Arts organizations including the Guggenheim Museum, Lumberyard, Catwalk Institute, Concrete Temple Theatre, Blue Horse Repertory Theatre and Round the Bend Theatre.

During its fall 2022 season, the company presented the world premiere of its first ever play commission, and the U.S. premiere of an award-winning play from Canada. Its 2023 season potentially includes another world premiere, two regional premieres, a brilliant but neglected play by one of America’s finest playwrights, and another small-cast American classic.

The nonprofit Catskill Mountain Foundation (www.catskillmtn.org) was founded in 1998 to bring arts performances to the entire community, with a core belief that art can transform the lives of those it touches.

The Catskill Mountain Foundation is located in three towns in Greene County: Hunter, Tannersville and Maplecrest.

The Doctorow Center in Hunter is a multi-arts complex home to Mountain Cinema; the CMF Piano Performance Museum, featuring the Steven E. Greenstein piano collection; and the Evelyn Weisberg Concert Hall, a 165-seat performing arts center that hosts dance, theater and music performances.

The Orpheum Performing Arts Center is a 12,500 square foot, 245-seat theater in Tannersville with a large stage for dance performances and more. The theater was designed by architect Hugh Hardy.

The Sugar Maples Center for Creative Arts is located in the picturesque hamlet of Maplecrest. It is a center for the study of studio arts and natural agriculture, and it offers a delightful mountain setting for artist retreats.

The nonprofit CREATE Council on the Arts (createcouncil.org) —known as the Greene County Council on the Arts until 2019 —has been around for 47 years and serves Greene, Columbia and Schoharie counties in the upper Hudson Valley. The nonprofit provides essential services to artists, arts organizations, cultural and educational institutions, civic groups, community agencies and the general public.

CREATE advances the regional arts and cultural community with grants and other creative resources, and celebrates artistic and cultural diversity that inspires creative engagement.

The nonprofit presents year-round gallery exhibitions, offers free technical assistance workshops on a variety of topics, and holds special events celebrating regional culture.

Seeing Growth in Greene: Greene County Demographics and Economic Development

By Mia Katz

James Hannahs, Director of The Greene County Department of Economic Development in Greene County, New York, shares that the news is positive as it relates to job creation, average wages, home sales and area median income in the region.

“Greene County’s economy is comprised of a diversified set of variables that has shown growth in job creation, average wages, home sales, and area median income while maintaining steady tax levies and consistent year-over-year (YoY) increases in sales tax receipts,” Hannahs says. Greene County’s economy has reportedly grown more quickly than most Upstate New York counties since the Great Recession of 2007-2009, with one factor for the growth believed to be the area’s strong regional tourism market.

Hannahs noted, “Much of the county’s economy is reliant on tourism-based activities. Greene County is home to two major resort mountains, spurring ongoing development in the lodging/hospitality, food services, and retail trade industries.” In addition, “In 2021, Greene County realized its twelfth consecutive year of increased sales tax receipts, which has largely helped the County to stabilize its levy base for several years. The County plans to continue this trend for the near future.”

Hannahs shares that as of Q2 2022, Greene County hosts 1,307 total businesses, with retail trade and accommodations and food services business encompassing a combined 367 (28 percent) total businesses. Together, semi-annual countywide sales tax figures are $17,948,970, outpacing Year over Year (YoY) figures by 24 percent.

The County’s total available workforce is approximately 20,300 as of Q2 2022, representing roughly 42 percent of the population. Total unemployment figures estimate 700 individuals are available to work, but remain unemployed. When compared to Q2 2021, Greene County’s unemployment rate is 3.6 percent, a YoY decline of 150 basis-points, and below national unemployment figures.

2022 Greene County employment data suggest leading sectors are Government, Retail Trade, and Accommodation and Food Service workers, together making up roughly 52 percent of the total workforce. Greene County employment sectors are listed on page 30.

Average earnings across all listed sectors equated $68,891 as of July 2022, representing a 24 percent increase since 2018. The 2022 fiscal year annual median income is $79,000, 35 percent higher when compared to 2021 ($58,500).

Hannahs shares the total closed home sales in 2021 rose 0.2 percent to 893 YoY while the same year’s median sales price rose 19.5 percent to $287,325, keeping on track for statewide growth in median sales price. The full value tax rate in Greene County dropped from 4.55 percent in 2020 to 4.31 percent in 2021, with 2022 decreasing further to 4 percent.

Demographics

According to Data USA, in 2020, Greene County, New York had a population of approximately 47,300 people with a median age of 46.7. Although population had a slight decrease between 2019 and 2020, median household income grew 5.75 percent – and went from $53,601 to $56,681. The five largest ethnic groups in the region are White (Non-Hispanic) at 84.6 percent, Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) at 5.48 percent, White (Hispanic) at 3.9 percent, Two+ (Non-Hispanic) at 2 percent and Other (Hispanci) at 1.01 percent.

In 2020, The American Community Survey, or ACS, provided the following economic indicator statistics for population, labor, employment, lifestyle and loans, industries.

Hannahs explains the mission of The Greene County Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Planning is to advance sound, orderly and sustainable economic and physical development of the County in order to increase prosperity and improve the quality of life for all Greene County residents. More information can be found at www.greenegovernment.com.

Unearthing the Roots of American Art History and Heritage in Greene County

By Mia Katz

The area surrounding Greene County, New York has a foremost place in the history of art in the United States. The region is home to the Hudson River School of painting - an outgrowth of the Romantic movement depicting wilderness and renown as the country’s very first major art movement.

Among noteworthy Hudson River School artists who found inspiration in the scenic Hudson River and Catskill region of the American landscape were Thomas Doughty, Asher Durand and artist and environmentalist Thomas Cole (1801-1848) – identified as the founder of this new style of art and “school of thought.”

Today, the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill, New York offers visitors and historians a unique place to learn more about Thomas Cole and discover the origins of this unique time in America’s past.

“Greene County is where U.S. art history began and the Thomas Cole National Historic Site is the place to go to learn about it,” explains Elizabeth B. Jacks, Executive Director at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Jacks shares that it was Thomas Cole who founded the Hudson River School of landscape painting which she explains as “an art movement in the United States that transformed the natural scenery of this region into an iconic symbol of American beauty.”

“The Thomas Cole National Historic Site preserves and interprets the home and studios of Thomas Cole,” Jacks continues. “Cole’s profound influence on America’s cultural landscape – and the full historic context of his work - inspires us to engage broad audiences through innovative educational programs that are relevant today.”

Beyond Thomas Cole, Jacks encourages art history lovers to research other artists of the region, including Thomas Cole’s sister, Sarah Cole (1805-1857) and his daughter, Emily Cole (1843-1913).

Jacks explains Thomas Cole’s work “informed the identity of the young nation, when people were looking for something that would distinguish us from other countries. He argued that it is the incredible natural beauty of this country that makes it unique, giving rise to the notion of ‘America the Beautiful’ and urged us to better appreciate and preserve its beauty before it is too late.”

Those interested in learning more about how to support the Thomas Cole National Historic Site can visit http://thomascole.org/membership and http://thomascole.org/donate/.

Greene County Food
and Agriculture

According to the New York Farm Bureau, in 2017, New York’s Top 10 agricultural products were milk, corn for grain, hay, cattle, apples, floriculture, cabbage, sweet corn, potatoes and tomatoes.

Agriculture represents an important economic sector in Greene County. Farms create direct economic benefits, provide residents with fresh local foods, support other local businesses across many sectors, and preserve the rural character that residents and visitors value so highly.

In the region, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) connects communities with Cornell research and expertise to enrich and empower New York State neighbors, local businesses, towns, and cities.

While agricultural education is an important part of the statewide mission of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) across the state, CCE also has a local association that offers further support.

“At our local association, CCE of Columbia and Greene Counties, we can provide direct support for our local timber and logging industries, businesses and farms interested in agroforestry and environmental resiliency, and support new landowners through the Master Gardener and Master Forest Owner program,” says Deven Connelly, spokesperson for the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Columbia and Greene Counties.

Connelly shares that additional support is provided by connecting businesses to CCE regional and statewide programs. CCE Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture addresses issues that impact the vegetable, tree fruit, small fruit, and grape industries. Harvest NY develops projects in the farm and food industries of rural and urban New York.

“CCE of Columbia and Greene Counties also supports the marketing efforts of local businesses by managing the Taste NY Market at the Capital Region Welcome Center located on 1-87 Northbound between Exits 21B and 21A. Local producers with products made in New York State can apply to have their products sold at the market - grabbing the attention of hundreds of thousands of thruway travelers and tourists,” Connelly says. Applications can be found at ccecolumbiagreene.org/tastenyapp.

Another resource to producers and consumers is The Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University (IFS@CU) – an educational research center with a goal to conduct research to support the food industry in reducing foodborne illness risks “from farm to fork.”

Among its endeavors is New York State Grown & Certified … the first statewide, multi-faceted food certification program designed to strengthen consumer confidence in New York products, address food product labeling, and assist New York farmers so they can take advantage of the growing market demand for foods locally grown and produced to a higher standard. IFS@CU also offers training to fresh fruit and vegetable growers, farm workers, processors, packers, regulatory personnel and extension educators help reduce food safety risks.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension at Columbia and Greene Counties and the diverse programs offered, visit http://ccecolumbiagreene.org/. To learn how to buy fresh, local food and agricultural products, or to have your food and agricultural products become “New York State Grown and Certified,” visit https://certified.ny.gov.

Town Villages Information

TOWN OF ASHLAND

AshlandNY.com

Supervisor

Richard E. Tompkins 518-734-3636

Justices

Patricia E. Lawyer 518-734-4760

Kristen Leach 518-734-4760

Councilpersons 518-734-3636

Cathy Aplin

James Lawrence

Scott Tuttle

Jeff Gonzalez

Animal Control Officer

518-589-6155

Assessor

518-734-3636

Clerk

518-734-3636

Code Enforcement

518-734-3636

Collector

518-734-3636

Highway Superintendent

518-588-3443

Historian

518-734-3636

Regular Board Meeting:

2nd Monday of each month 7:30 pm

Ashland Town Hall

TOWN OF ATHENS

TownOfAthensNY.com

Supervisor

Michael Pirrone 518-945-1052 x2

Justices

Constance Pazin 518-945-3360

E. Timothy Mercer 518-945-3360

Councilpersons 518-945-1052

Mary Brandow

Anthony Paluch

Michael Ragaini

Shannon Spinner

Animal Control Officer

518-322-9783

Assessor

518-945-1044 x 5

Attorney

518-756-6700

Clerk/Collector

518-945-1052 x2

Code Enforcement Officer

518-945-2430 x 4

Health Officer

518-731-9000

Highway Superintendent

518-945-1299

Historian

518-945-1012

Regular Board Meetings:

1st & 3rd Mondays of each month

6:45 pm, at Town Clerk’s Office,

unless otherwise advertised.

VILLAGE OF ATHENS

VisitHistoricAthens.com

Mayor

Amy Serrago 518-945-1551

Trustees 518-945-1551

Robert Scott

Josh Lipsman

Nancy Poylo

Gail Lasher

Animal Control Officer

518-322-9783

Assessor

518-945-1044 x 5

Attorney

518-758-8034

Code Enforcement Officer

518-945-0601

Clerk/Collector

518-945-1551

Highway Superintendent

518-945-2618

Regular Board Meetings:

2nd and 4th Wednesday of

each month 6:30 pm.

TOWN OF CAIRO

TownOfCairo.com

Supervisor

Jason Watts 518-622-3120 x113

Justices 518-622-3120 x 251

Tanja Sirago

Joan VanDenburgh

Councilpersons 518-622-3210

Michael Flaherty

Debra Bogins

Mary Jo Cords

Tim Powers

Animal Control

518-947-1198

Assessor

518-622-3120 x252

Building Inspector

518-622-3120 x253

Clerk

518-622-3120 x250

Code Enforcement Officer

518-622-3120 x253

Collector

518-622-3120 x110

Highway Superintendent

518-622-3120 x129

Historian

518-622-2945

Regular Board Meetings:

Meeting: 1st Monday of each month

7:00 pm Town Hall

TOWN OF CATSKILL

TownOfCatskillNY.gov

Supervisor

Dale Finch 518-943-2141 x8

Justices 518-943-2142 x2

William Jacobs

Richard Paolino

Councilpersons 518-943-2141

Dawn Scannapieco

Patrick McCulloch

Jared Giordiano

Paul Vosburgh

Animal Control Officer

518-322-9783

Attorney

518-943-2141 x3

Assessor

518-943-2141 x7

Building Inspector

518-943-2141 x4

Clerk

518-943-2141 x3

Highway Superintendent

518-943-3591

Receiver of Taxes

518-943-2414 x5

Regular Board Meetings:

1st Tuesday & 3rd Wednesday of each month

6:30 pm Town Hall

VILLAGE OF CATSKILL

VillageOfCatskill.net

WelcomeToCatskill.com

President

Peter Grasse 518-943-3830

Trustees 518-943-3830

Joe Kozloski

Jeff Holliday

Natasha Law

Jamie Mitchell

Animal Control Officer

518-291-0705

Attorney

518-943-1060

Building Inspector

518-943-6564

Clerk Collector

518-943-3830

Health Officer

518-943-6800

Highway Superintendent

518-943-5505

Planning/Zoning/Comm. Dev.

518-943-7117

Regular Board Meetings:

2nd & 4th Wednesday of each month

7:00 pm Senior Center

TOWN OF COXSACKIE

Coxsackie.org

Supervisor

Richard K. Hanse 518-731-2726

Justices 518-731-6934

Joseph Warren

Wanda Dorpfeld

Councilpersons 518-731-2727

Thomas Burke

Patrick Kennedy

Michael R. Veeder

Linda Wilkinson

Assessor

518-731-6893

Attorney

518-758-8034

Building Inspector

518-965-3628

Clerk

518-731-2727

Collector

518-731-7313

Dog Control Officer

518-322-9783

Health Officer

518-731-9000

Highway Superintendent

518-731-6535

Historian

518-810-5293

Regular Board Meetings:

2nd Tuesday of each month 7:00 pm

VILLAGE OF COXSACKIE

VillageOfCoxsackie.com

Mayor

Mark Evans 518-731-2718

Trustees 518-731-2718

Katlyn Irwin

Rebecca Vermilyea

Donald Daoust

Stephen Hanse

Animal Control Officer

518-322-9783

Building Inspector

518-731-2718

Clerk/Collector

518-731-2718

Health Officer

518-731-9000

Highway Superintendent

518-731-8788

Historian

518-731-9509

Treasurer

518-731-2718

Regular Board Meetings:

2nd Monday of each month

7:00 pm Village Bldg., Board Room

TOWN OF DURHAM

DurhamNY.com

Supervisor

Shawn Marriott, Jr. 518-239-6122

Justices 518-239-8260

Michelle DeCarlo

Raymond Kennedy

Councilpersons 518-239-6122

Joan Breslin

Scott Hulbert

Edward Kerrigan

Lisa Cirillo

Assessor

518-239-8362

Attorney

518-239-6122

Building Inspector

518-239-6987

Clerk/Collector

518-239-6122

Code Enforcement Officer

518-239-6987

Court Clerk

518-239-8260

Highway Superintendent

518-239-4501

Regular Board Meetings:

1st & 3rd Tuesdays of each month

7:30 pm Town Building

TOWN OF GREENVILLE

TownOfGreenvilleNY.com

Supervisor

Paul Macko 518-966-5055 x2

Justices 518-966-4873 x6

Kevin Lewis

Alois Kraker

Councilpersons

John Bensen 518-966-4346

Richard Bear 518-966-4360

Travis Richards 518-966-5055

Joel Rauf 518-966-5055

Animal Control Officer

518-322-3607

Assessor

518-966-5055 x3

Clerk

518-966-5055 x5

Code Enforcement

518-966-5055 x27 or x29

Collector

518-966-5055 x5

Health Officer

518-966-5055

Highway Superintendent

518-966-8160

Historian

518-634-2397

Regular Board Meetings: 3rd Monday of

each month 7:00 pm Pioneer Hall

TOWN OF HALCOTT

TownOfHalcott.org

Supervisor

Innes Kasanof 518-265-4581

Justice

Kenneth Williams 845-399-3145

Councilpersons

Alan Reynolds 845-254-4522

Judy DiBenedetto 845-254-4009

Erick Fronckowiak 845-254-9927

Samantha Bouton 845-720-0057

Assessor

845-254-4233

Attorney

845-586-0507

Clerk

845-254-6441

Collector

845-701-1364

Enforcement Officer

845-586-2074

Highway Superintendent

845-254-5736

Historian

845-254-5348

Planning Board

[email protected]

[email protected]

Regular Board Meetings: 3rd Monday of each month

7:15 pm Town of Halcott Grange Hall

TOWN OF HUNTER

TownOfHunterGov.com

Supervisor

Sean Mahoney 518-589-6150 x312

Justices 518-589-5882 x305

Kimberly Prince Walsh

William Simon

Councilpersons 518-589-6150 x300

Dolph Semenza, Sr.

Raymond Legg

David Kukle

Ernest Reale

Animal Control Officer

518-589-6155

Assessor

518-589-6209 x309

Attorney

518-734-4344

Clerk/Collector

518-589-6150 x311

Enforcement Officer

518-589-6209 x307

Health Officer

518-589-6150

Highway Superintendent

518-589-7017

Historian

518-589-6151

Regular Board Meetings: 3rd Tuesday of each month

7:00 pm Town Hall

VILLAGE OF HUNTER

VillageOfHunterNY.org

Deputy/Acting Mayor

Michael J. Papa 518-390-5830

Trustees

Benjamin Sommers 518-263-4065

Michael J. Papa 917-697-1913

Animal Control Officer

518-589-6155

Attorney

518-758-8034

Clerk-Treasurer

Kathleen Hilbert 518-263-4020 x4

Enforcement Officer

518-263-4020 x1

Health Officer

518-589-6843

Highway Superintendent

518-263-4690

Regular Board Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month

8:00 pm Village Hall

TOWN OF JEWETT

TownOfJewett.com

Supervisor

Greg Kroyer 518-263-4646 x2

Justice

Stephen Canfield 518-263-4626 x5

Councilpersons

Carol Muth [email protected]

James Pelliteri [email protected]

Marianne Romito [email protected]

John Giordano [email protected]

Animal Control Officer

518-589-6155

Attorney

518-458-8333

Assessor

518- 263-4646 x3

Building Inspector

518-263-4646 x4

Clerk/Collector

518-263-4646 x1

Health Officer

518-589-6843

Highway Superintendent

518-263-3756

Historian

TBD

Zoning Officer

518-263-4646 x4

Regular Board Meetings: 2nd Wednesday of each month

7:00 pm Municipal Bldg.

TOWN OF LEXINGTON

LexingtonNY.com

Supervisor

JoEllen Schermerhorn 518-989- 6476 x107

Justices

Devon Russ 518-989-6303

Steven Rossignol 518-989-6476 x105

Councilpersons

Michael Barcone 518-989-6462

Bradley Jenkins [email protected]

Bennett Wine 518-989-6568

William Pushman 518-989-6873

Animal Control Officer

518-589-6155

Assessor

518-989-6476 x104

Building Inspector

518-989-6476 x102

Clerk/Collector

518-989-6476 x101

Health Officer

518-965-3545

Highway Superintendent

518-989-6626

Historian

518-989-6476 x106

Regular Board Meetings: 1st Tuesday of each month

6:00 pm Town of Lexington Municipal Bldg

TOWN OF NEW BALTIMORE

TownOfNewBaltimore.org

Supervisor

Jeff Ruso 518-756-6671 x7

Justices

James Huff 518-756-2079

Councilpersons

Bill Boehlke 518-469-0031

Charles Irving Jr.518-756-3205

Kelly Downs 518-396-9255

Shelly Van Etten 518-756-3517

Animal Control Officer

518-291-0705

Assessor

518-756-6671 x8

Clerk

518-756-6671 x5

Highway Superintendent

518-567-4961

Historian

518-943-1060

Regular Board Meetings: 2nd Monday of each month

7:00 pm New Baltimore Town Hall.

TOWN OF PRATTSVILLE

Supervisor

Greg Cross 518-299-3125 x2

Justice

David Rikard 518-299-3125

Dan Peckham 518-299-3125

Councilpersons 518-299-3125

Joyce Peckham

Crystal Cornell-Soule

Eli Martin

Andrew Rikard

Animal Control Officer

518-299-3375

Assessor

518-299-3125 x3

Attorney

518-758-8034

Building Inspector

518-755-9785

Clerk

518-299-3186

Collector

518-299-3542

Health Officer

518-299-3125

Highway Superintendent

518-588-6345

Historian

518-299-3125

Regular Board Meetings:

2nd Monday of each month

7:00 pm Town Hall.

VILLAGE OF TANNERSVILLE

TannersvilleNY.org

Mayor

Lee McGunnigle 518-589-5850

Justice

George Bain Jr. 518-589-7168

Trustees 518-589-5850

David Kashman

Kim Thompson

John Gallagher

Animal Control Officer

518-589-6155

Attorney

518-589-7700

Building Inspector

518-589-5850 x2

Clerk/Collector/Treasurer

518-589-5850

Highway Department

518-589-5919

Health Officer

518-589-6843

Regular Board Meetings:

2nd Tuesday of each month

6:00 pm Village Hall.

TOWN OF WINDHAM

TownOfWindham.com

Supervisor

Thomas Hoyt 518-734-4170

Justices 518-734-3431

Maureen McCarthy

Carol Stevens

Councilpersons 518-734-4170

Ian Peters

Wayne Van Valin

Kurt Goettsche

Steven Walker

Animal Control Officer

518-589-6155

Assessor

518-734-4566

Attorney

518-255-9140

Clerk

518-734-4170

Collector

518-734-6309

Health Officer

518-734-3260

Highway Superintendent

518-734-4244

Historian

[email protected]

Regular Board Meetings:

2nd and 4th Thursday of each month

7:00 pm Town Hall.

Map