In these uncertain times, we are inundated with horror stories created by the set of circumstances we see ourselves in at the present. We are under a constant deluge of images and news stories of bread lines, death tolls, unemployment rates, and businesses shuttering their doors -some for good- to protect the community they live and serve in. Amid the dark and depressing, we find the beams of hope and humanity: the good, the inspired, that can be lost, hidden in the horrible. A reputable quote from our dear Mr. Rogers said, “Look for the helpers.” Look for the people who are adapting and helping, then use them to anchor us in these turbulent times.
Some local entrepreneurs have done just that and have risen to the challenges of today. They have changed and adapted their business models to help their employees and their communities, and we are pleased to share their stories.
Hudson Valley Distillers, owned by Chris Moyer, is a maker of spirits like vodka, gin, brandy, and whisky. Since 2014, they have sourced the ingredients for their products mostly from a farm a mile down the road in Germantown. In addition to sourcing materials for his own product locally, Chris stocks his bar with bottles and kegs from a dozen local wineries and breweries. Even the bar snacks are all sourced from the Hudson Valley Region.
Now, though the tasting room is closed, Hudson Valley Distillers is still open for business, and not just manufacturing the alcohol we dearly enjoy. The company, and its owner, switched tack, and now manufactures and sells hand sanitizer to the surrounding community. They use the World Health Organization (WHO) recipe, and the hand sanitizer is made with ethanol and is 80% alcohol by volume, in compliance with FDA guidance. As of today, they have hand sanitizer in 8oz, 64oz, and 74 mil. They have pick up and shipping options available. They are also trying to support and supply local essential businesses and medical facilities with bulk purchasing.
Bram Kincheloe, partial owner of the Bad Seed Cider Company and Director of Sales & Marketing, cited the handcrafted favorite as the beverage that changed the taste that we desire from our go-to beer. The first truly dry cider drinks much more like a glass of apple champagne or prosecco and will change your expectations for hard cider from the first sip forward.
While sales and orders are down due to the closure of all the restaurants, Bad Seed Cider is still open for business. Where can you find Bad Seed? The flagship dry is in 7 states with 10 distributors (5 of which were obtained in the past year). 4-packs are available at some Hannaford’s, Tops, and Whole Foods grocery stores. They have also been delivering cider 7 days a week within a twenty-mile radius of their cidery.
In 2005, Bashakill Vineyard opened its doors and started serving hungry and thirsty locals at their location in Wurtsboro. they invite people to their place on their website with “Come stay, sip, play some ping pong, enjoy the live music, grab a bite, go on a hike and enjoy our vineyard and winery where we work, live, love, and call home.” While it is not possible during PAUSE NY to accept the open invitation, Bashakill quickly adapted to a new way of doing business by offering a 100% no contact wine pickup. Samara Ferris has even better news for wine drinkers, “We have lowered all of our prices by 25% to help everyone to save money yet still obtain the wine that helps us all stay sane during this crazy time!” As if offering a discount wasn’t enough, Bashakill is working with SALT (Sullivan Agencies Leading Together) to not only raise money but donate a portion of their earnings each week to help provide, and deliver, fresh foods and pantry staples to those in need. Samara went on to say, ”We’re honored to be a part of this incredible effort and look forward to more and more local fundraising to be able to increase our umbrella! “
Farmers markets are not to be left out of the story either. Mamakating Farmer’s Market has linked Sullivan County farms to sell their wares via Catskills Food Hub. Orders made through the website are delivered to the market every Thursday where volunteers put the box of local goods in your trunk. Wallkill View Farmer’s Market has limited the amount of people in the store, disinfected surfaces more often and increased space between registers. The Kingston Farmer’s Market is offering pre-orders options online through Facebook.
Through-out the Hudson Valley region local businesses have changed with the times. From restaurants to manufacturers, farmers’ markets to distilleries, our entrepreneurs have adapted their practices to keep their doors open and the needs of the community filled.
As the days go by with seemingly no end in sight, we can look to these companies and the hundreds of others in our country as an example of the resilience of our spirit, and a promise that regardless of the challenges faced, life will go on.