Chronogram Conversations: Hudson

In anticipation of the Hudson and Catskill Community Pages section (page 38), we held a Chronogram Conversations event in partnership with Basilica Hudson, Riverkeeper, Scenic Hudson on August 1 at Basilica Hudson. While there was much to celebrate on this day—the very same that New York State Assemblymember Didi Barrett and Hudson Mayor Tiffany Martin Hamilton accepted a $10 million funding award from Governor Cuomo to revitalize downtown Hudson—the focus of the evening was more cautionary in tone. September 1 was the end of the public comment period for citizens to voice their disdain at the Environmental Protection Agency’s shirking of its duties regarding General Electric’s cleanup of PCBs in the Hudson River.

Speaking to the subject in an informative panel setting were co-sponsors of the event, Riverkeeper president Paul Gallay, Assemblymember Didi Barrett (D-Columbia, Dutchess), Scenic Hudson Public Policy Director Andy Bicking, filmmaker Jon Bowermaster, Stair Galleries owner and artist Colin Stair, and Greene County Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Liz Kirkhus. Chronogram Editor Brian K. Mahoney moderated. Prior to the panel, attendees viewed a short film by Jon Bowermaster detailing the as-yet-unfinished cleanup effort. Participants from the audience asked questions and added commentary to the discussion, many of whom were business owners, artists, and environmentally concerned residents of Hudson and Catskill.

Chronogram Conversations is a monthly salon series that brings regional and local communities together to discuss important issues in a social setting. The events are sponsored by local artists, musicians, food and beverage makers. In Hudson, guests were treated to a variety of beer samples from Catskill Brewery. They also sampled three variations of 1857 vodka made from Catskill mountain-grown potatoes at Barber’s Farm. The spirit was mixed with locally made syrups produced by Maya MacLaughlin. She brought her Pear Ginger and Watermelon Hibiscus syrups, as well as the limited edition Elderflower syrup (found under the “Maya’s Jams” label).

Musicians and Hudson shop owners Carolyn Mix and Darcy Doniger played music before and after our panel session, taking a brief time out from their Warren Street apothecary, 2 Note, where they sell music-inspired fragrances and body products. Agrisculpture owner Amy Sweetman showcased her reclaimed farm machinery artwork at a sponsored table, sharing with attendees her educational efforts as well as imagery of other large-scale sculptures.

Guests were ignited to take action as the Riverkeeper team explained letter-writing campaigns, social media takeover opportunities, and other ways concerned citizens can engage the government to ensure they do their part in returning the river to health.

Our event series is both an opportunity for Chronogram and Luminary Media to engage with the communities we editorialize—but also for business owners within them to market their brands to enthusiastic and engaged audiences. We offer a variety of marketing opportunities; in our publications as well as digital outlets, events, or through expansive business development and strategic marketing services. E-mail marketing@chronogram.com for more information on how best to market your business. The next event will be in New Paltz in September.

This article appears in September 2017 Issue.