Brenda Shufelt

Brenda Shufelt

Brenda Shufelt was born and raised in Claverack, but left home at a fairly young age for education and career with no particular intention to return.  Older, looking toward retirement, and married she found that Columbia County and Claverack were calling her back.  There aren't many places like this, are there? We talk about her background and how the things she experienced away from here gave her the self-confidence and drive to not only come home but to find ways to contribute to the town and county's future.  Brenda has been an educator, a mentor, a candidate for local government, and runs - with a team - the history room at the Hudson Library.  Lots of interesting local knowledge here - I hope you enjoy the conversation.

Sarah Katan

Sarah Katan and her family are transplants, but in the years since they arrived Sarah has become deply embedded in our community.  As an educator Sarah creates programs that connect kids (and adults) to the outdoors, to the history of the area, and - recently - to themselves. Sarah teaches personal storytelling and hosts storytelling events at the Ancram Center for the Arts, and even tells her own stories there. I admit this is a performance art that fascinates me, and I wanted to learn more about it and about Sarah. We found out we have a lot in common.  I've dropped the ball a little this spring on my usual posting schedule, so I realize it's been a minute. I spend a little time filling you in on what's been going on for me. You can forward to about 9 minutes in if you're more interested in hearing Sarah!

Max Morningstar and Maria Zordan - the MX Morningstar team

Max and Maria own and operate MX Morningstar Farm, in the heart of Claverack on route 9H.  Their farm store sells produce from theirs and other local farms, as well as food products from all over the world for those who want a one-stop store for dinner prep.  If you're a Claverackian, you know the place. We talk about how Max and Maria came to Claverack, why they're staying, the ins and outs (and economics) of modern 'mid-scale' farming.  And we talk about why they love it here and what they hope the town can become.

Vince Pomilio

Vince Pomilio is an artist who was part of the vanguard of NYC-based artists who began moving to the Hudson area in the 1970s.   He has a flawless memory for names and events, and tells stories from 1978 to the present about the fascinating characters who have been in and out of the area's transition from sleepy backwater to "destination".  I pretty much turned the mics on and let Vince go.  This one is a little longer than some other shows, but worth it if you're interested in origin stories!

Anya Bonanno and Project SCAPE

Anya is leading a project called SCAPE, Stewarding Claverack and Philmont's Environment.  This means the built environment (town, farms, history, etc) as well as the natural environment.  SCAPE (projectscape.org) ties in nicely with the efforts by our town governments to redraft their comprehensive plan, capturing residents voices and views on what matters most to them.  Lots of local residents have been interviewed, but if you check the website or attend one of the two local events in February, your voice can be heard too. SCAPE plans a chili supper 5-8 pm on February 5 at the Churchtown Firehouse, and a brunch at 10:30-12 on the morning of February 21 at the Claverack Free Library.  Free! Meet your neighbors, talk about what matters, and add your voice to the SCAPE project!