f b l u e s t o n e A C U P U N C T U R E pllc Clinic and Herbal Dispensary
hours T U E S D AY THURSDAY SATURDAY
christie barner
L.Ac. MSTOM 44 West Street
9
Warwick, NY
by appointment 9
10990
Free Consultation
B L U E S T O N E A C U P U N C T U R E . C O M
community pages: warwick + chester + sugar loaf
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Hair Studio 8 WeSt Street WarWick, NY 10990 845-987-1150
hair cutting . colour . waxing . facials . massage therapy
39 Main Street, Warwick, NY 10990 845.986.4544
High Fashion for a Fraction at
Savvy Chic Consignment Boutique!!
women
&
teen girls
Visit us at www.MySavvyChicBoutique.com 26 R.Reagan Blvd., Warwick,NY 10990 Merchant Square Shopping Center Call 988-CHIC (2442) No Appointment Necessary! Open Monday-Friday 11-6, Saturday 11-5, Closed Sunday
62 warwick + chester + sugar loaf ChronograM 2/13
Locally Crafted In fact, every facet of the region’s progress seems to stem from both a proud sense of tradition and a forward-thinking commitment to enhancing the local quality of life. A deeply ingrained respect and regard for the past continues to promise a bright future, with light enough to spare. There is no better example than Chester’s hamlet of Sugarloaf, known as a haven for notable craftspeople as far back as the 18th century. Today, it remains a dedicated community of artists and artisans, and a premiere destination for those who appreciate all manner of carefully crafted quality. Those “in the know” won’t miss a chance to visit resident leatherworkers Elie and Paula Aji’s Into Leather for a glimpse of their latest creations; and no mention of “Sugarloaf ” and “light” is complete without noting 40 years of candlecraft courtesy of Peter and Amy Lendved’s Sugar Loaf Candle Shop (where Peter’s signature farewell of “enjoy the light” is as appealing as his specially scented recipe). It was that same combination of community and country that convinced Sugarloaf’s Rosner Soap owners, Kiki and Yaron Rosner, to relocate to the area, and handmade soap enthusiasts remain thankful that they did. Formerly living in France, and then Israel, the leap for the Rosners and their children to Sugarloaf required more than just faith, but the collective appeal that the community provided. Joining the involvement and dedication of the community has proved a successful choice, says Kiki Rosner. “We came here precisely for that quality of life,” Rosner explains. “There is a special energy here that creates possibility. Most of the artisans do live and work here, and that is an unusual thing to find. You wont find another community like this on the east coast.” Of course, that spirit of artistry and craftsmanship translates beyond the tangible, and the richness of Sugarloaf is exemplified by far more than what can be purchased on its shelves. Sugarloaf’s Seligmann Center for the Arts, once the home of renowned Surrealist artist Kurt Seligmann, is now a cultural hub as well as a far-reaching community development, hosting the Orange County Citizens Foundation, the Orange County Land Trust, as well as film screenings, live performances, and art exhibits. For longtime resident Russ Layne, the Seligmann Center provided just the right inspiration for him to rejuvenate his Sugarloaf Music Series. Soon after moving to the area 30 years ago, the former Paterson, NJ, schoolteacher began his folk-and-jazz-centered concert series, drawing a growing number of well-known names and providing great entertainment for what was once a limited musical landscape. After closing a successful 25-year run two years ago, Layne is now planning a more intimate “Salon” series at the Seligmann Center, beginning this fall and featuring the likes of folk artist John Flynn and incomparable jazz guitarist Vic Juris. “There’s a lot of great energy here,” says Layne, “and we are definitely hoping to keep it going.” And the Winner Is... There is certainly no shortage of that “great energy” at the core of what makes the Warwick Valley run.The roots of Warwick’s constantly evolving vitality can be found both in the celebration of its storied past and in the fresh energy of its new arrivals, the combination of the two garnering palpable results. For instance, in the recently-posted Times Herald-Record yearly “Best Of ” competition—a solid barometer for the finest favorites in the region—Warwick’s dominance is reminiscent of a Peter Jackson jaunt to the Oscars. In the case of Al and Judy Buckbee’s Bellvale Farms, that commitment can be traced back to founding of Warwick itself, with the farm now under the care of 9th and 10th family generations (with 11th generation also assisting!). The now 450-acre dairy and vegetable farm also features the ice cream shop that is a perennially award-winning favorite. Since 2006, a conversation about Warwick’s favorite institutions must include the village’s own Tuscan Café—not only a true herald of the region’s burgeoning art and music scene, but simply the ideal picture of a warm, welcoming place to eat, sip, and relax. As much as co-owners Cristie Ranieri and Kristen Ciliberti take pride in the well-deserved accolades they have earned (among them, the Record’s “Best Cafe” and “Best Small Music Venue” this year, along with a few more), it is the family-like sense of connection they have brought to the community that they cherish most highly. “I get thanked for existing,” Ciliberti says, humbly. “I also get thanked for my cookies. Both hold value,” she adds with a smile.