Sunday, December 14, 2008

Welcome to our blog!

Now that the storm has left us with a beautiful coating of ice on our world and a lot of time to stay indoors, it's the perfect time to launch the Schuylerville Chamber of Commerce's new blog. We hope this will be a place where you can read news about our area, contribute news of your own, or just comment about life and events around town. We will soon have jazzier graphics, and a photo gallery on the website for your enjoyment too.

The Chamber held its annual meeting last Tuesday at the new town hall. Members reveled in the afterglow of the wonderful St. Nicholas Day events - and the wine and warm cider enhanced the glow. President Dave Roberts reviewed the signature events sponsored by the Chamber throughout the year, starting with the enormously well received Gardner's Weekend and lilac festival in the spring, an event which actually make money. The Turning Point Parade in August has gotten bigger and better every year, as has the former Dutch Christmas, now St. Nicholas Festival.

Other events that brought visitors to Schuylerville were the nationally renowned Mettowee Players' performance at the Schuyler House in July, the Art Walks, and Music on the Hudson, which was not as well attended this summer as it had been in the past. Local musicians were the biggest draw, leading to the conclusion that more of the same is in order.

Annual meetings mean elections, and the Chamber's election resulted in the election of Dave Roberts as President, Bob Foster and Mike Dudley as Vice-Presidents, Dave Penzer as Treasurer (now there's a surprise), and Mary Lynn Tedder as Secretary.

So much for official business. There are many current issues that are fodder for bloggers: start by checking out Andrew Cuomo's remarks in today's paper about consolidating the proliferation of small local governments. And winter activities abound: basketball games at the high school, Christmas concerts, skiing and snowboarding at nearby ski ares, and of course shopping, shopping, shopping. Our local shops have unique treasures, so always look here first. And when you come home to check your e-mail, check out our blog and offer your comments. We'll be looking for you!