Rita’s Ice in Middletown collaborated with the Elant Foundation’s Goshen Renewal to treat Elant at Goshen [...]]]>

The Elant employees lined up to enjoy a free Rita’s Ice, compliments of the Elant Foundation’s Goshen Renewal and Kellie Lynch of Rita’s Ice, Middletown, who personally scooped the choice of flavor for each employee to enjoy.

Rita’s Ice in Middletown collaborated with the Elant Foundation’s Goshen Renewal to treat Elant at Goshen employees to a free Rita’s Ice on Wednesday, July 20. Rita’s donated a portion of the product and personally scooped a treat for each employee, as well as donated a free sample coupon for all to enjoy.

“This is one way Elant and businesses in the community are working together to benefit others” said Melissa McCoy, Director of Corporate Initiatives for Elant and the Elant Foundation. “It was great to see the employees enjoying a break together, with smiling faces and enjoying their ice. Just perfect on a 100-degree day!”

Hudson Valley Ribfest

Kingston, N.Y.

(July 21, 2011) – Six diverse food festivals, which regularly draw more than 100,000 people combined, are quickly approaching in Ulster County. “If you love food, you will enjoy Ulster County’s great summer festivals,” Ulster County [...]]]> Get your appetite ready: Events set for August and September

Hudson Valley Ribfest

Kingston, N.Y.

(July 21, 2011) – Six diverse food festivals, which regularly draw more than 100,000 people combined, are quickly approaching in Ulster County. “If you love food, you will enjoy Ulster County’s great summer festivals,” Ulster County Executive Mike Hein said. “While the delicious food is the highlight of these festivals, we are also excited about all of the other family-friendly activities being offered.”

The Shawangunk Mountain Wild Blueberry and Huckleberry Festival in Ellenville kicks off this summer’s delicious festivities on August 13. Early risers can enjoy a homemade blueberry pancake breakfast, served by Pioneer Engine Company No. 1 on Center Street, between 7:30 and 11 a.m. The festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Canal Street and Liberty Square, celebrating the Shawangunk Mountains, its history, lore and, of course, blueberries. Other highlights include great music and entertainment all day, an art show, crafts, games, a children’s area, a variety of great foods, a blueberry pie baking contest and blueberry pie sale.

The 31^st annual Hurley Heritage Corn Festival is set for August 20 in the Town of Hurley and the Highland Rotary Club’s Hudson Valley Ribfest will be taking place on August 20-21 at the Ulster County Fairgrounds in New Paltz. Guests at the Corn Festival will be treated to steamed, barbequed and raw corn along with craft vendors, food, children’s activities, craft demonstrations and cooking contests. The popular Hudson Valley Ribfest is the place to be for rib lovers and the two-day festival is actually two events in one – a food festival and a sanctioned barbeque contest where winners can advance to the national finals in Kansas City!

Festivals in Ulster County continue in September with Taste of New Paltz at the Ulster County Fairgrounds on the 18th of the month and the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival in Saugerties on September 24-25. The Hudson Valley’s renowned wine and cuisine are on display with Taste of New Paltz, the flavorful annual opportunity to sample generously portioned samples of the best mouth-watering fare from the region’s finest restaurants, caterers, farmers markets and wineries. The adventurous gourmet will find bold and appealing delicacies. For the more traditional diner, there’s still pizza, hot dogs, beer and cheesecake. While food is the primary focus of the event, Taste of New Paltz also offers a variety of fun activities, including kids’ games and music for the whole family.

More than 22,000 revelers attended last year’s Hudson Valley Garlic Festival. The event continues to grow and is now the second largest garlic festival in the U.S. This year’s festival features over 60 varieties of garlic grown and sold by farmers from the Northeast. From garlic chowder to garlic-dipped funnel cakes to garlic sausage, the festival features every garlic creation imaginable. Live music provides an excellent backdrop for the festivities all day.

The Jennie Bell Pie Festival will be September 24 at Kelder’s Farm in Kerhonkson. From noon to dusk it is all things pie related with the centerpiece being a pie sale and contest. The festival is named for pie maker extraordinaire Jennie Bell, locally renowned for her baking prowess. It’s a fun-filled day on the farm with you-pick items, food and craft vendors, music and fireworks and even a carnival. Children can enter a talent contest in the hopes of winning a prize or play Homegrown Mini-Golf. (And see the garden gnome, formerly known as the world’s largest!) Parking by donation will benefit a local organization.

Shawangunk Mountain Wild Blueberry and Huckleberry

When: Aug. 13 (rain or shine)

Where: Ellenville (Kicks off with pancake breakfast at 7:30 a.m.; Festival runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Admission: Free

For more information: 845-340-3010.

The 31^st annual Hurley Heritage Corn Festival

When: August 13 (rain or shine)

Where: Hurley Reformed Church, 11 Main Street, Hurley (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Admission: Adults $3; children 12 and under are free

For more information: 845-338-1661; www.hurleyheritagesociety.org

Hudson Valley Ribfest

When: August 20-21 (Aug. 20: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Aug. 21: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Where: Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz

Admission: Adults $5, children 12 and under are free

For more information: www.hudsonvalleyribfest.org

Taste of New Paltz

When: September 18, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Ulster County Fairgrounds, New Paltz

Admission: Adults $7, children 12 and under are free

For more information: 845-255-0243, e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org.

Hudson Valley Garlic Festival

When: September 25-26

Where: Cantine Field, Saugerties

Admission: Adults $7, children 12 and under free, 65 and older $3.

For more information: 845-246-3090; www.hudsonvalleygarlic.com

Jennie Bell Pie Festival

When: September 24, noon-dusk

Where: Kelder’s Farm, Kerhonkson

Admission: Free

For more information: 845-626-7137

 Vallone, a prominent figure in the Sullivan County business community, said, “We plan [...]]]> Roscoe, N.Y. – July 21, 2011 – The Dimifini Group, an entity controlled by Phil Vallone of Roscoe, N.Y., formally announces the purchase of the old Roscoe firehouse. Vallone hopes to repurpose the structure to complement existing businesses in the town.

 Vallone, a prominent figure in the Sullivan County business community, said, “We plan to develop the property to complement existing businesses in town and projects that are proposed by others. The building is a top prospect for a micro-brewery – featuring beer produced using water for the famed trout streams to produce the brew.”

 The purchase was approved through a public bidding process and made possible after the Roscoe/Rockland Fire District purchased the Kirchner Chevrolet auto dealership property on the corner of Broad Street and Old Route 17, and moved its operation there.  

 There is a similar project being proposed in Livingston Manor and Vallone feels an additional operation would help create a microbrewery destination in the town of Rockland, NY.

 “Roscoe, famous for its Roscoe Diner and its OUTDOOR activities – most notably fishing in its crystal clear streams, was recently named 2011 Ultimate Fishing Town USA by the World Fishing Network. The town’s waterways could be adequately tapped, with minimal invasion, to further supplement a variety of business models. We encourage potential business owners and current business owners looking to relocate to choose Roscoe, N.Y. and the Town of Rockland in Sullivan County.”

 Interested parties can contact Phil Vallone at (845) 434-0511.

More than 50,000 households within [...]]]> Poughkeepsie, N.Y. (July 20, 2011) – Five financial consultants with HVFCU Financial Services at Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union were named a top advisor in the June issue of Hudson Valley Magazine. HVFCU Financial Services honorees include Lynda Beisner, Chris Cantele, Joe Carbo, Carol Felter and Ilske Veringa, CFP®.

More than 50,000 households within the Hudson Valley area were surveyed. Less than 5% of the 4,500 financial advisors in the Hudson Valley earned the distinction of being named a Five Star Wealth Manager. 

The Hudson Valley 2011 Five Star Wealth Manager independent survey measured local residents’ overall satisfaction with their financial advisor based upon the evaluation of nine criteria including service, integrity, knowledge/expertise, communication, value for fee charged, meeting of financial objectives, post-sale service, quality of recommendations and overall satisfaction. The overall evaluation score is based on an average of all respondents and may not be representative of any one client’s evaluation.

About HVFCU Financial Services:

HVFCU Financial Services provides independent and personalized financial planning strategies. The financial consultants at HVFCU Financial Services are a local resource for comprehensive portfolio review, income planning, retirement planning, wealth accumulation, tax planning, asset protection, college planning and estate planning. For more information about HVFCU Financial Services, their products and services, visit hvfcu.org or call 845.463.3366.

About LPL Financial

LPL Financial is one of the nation’s leading financial services companies and largest independent broker/dealer (based on total revenues as reported in Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2011*).  Headquartered in Boston, Charlotte, and San Diego, LPL Financial and its affiliates offer industry-leading support to more than 12,000 financial advisors and over 750 financial institutions who, in turn, provide independent financial guidance to Americans.

* Based on total revenues, Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2011.

Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investement advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance products offered through LPL financial or its licensed affiliates. Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union and HVFCU Financial Services are not registered broker/dealers and are not affiliated with LPL Financial.

About HVFCU:

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union is a community-chartered credit union providing personal financial services to more than 244,000 members. HVFCU offers savings and loan programs to people who live, work, worship, volunteer or attend school in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster and Putnam Counties. With more than $3 billion in assets, HVFCU serves its members through 20 branch locations, a nationwide network of more than 72,000 surcharge-free ATMs, Internet Banking, online bill payment and 24-hour account access by telephone. HVFCU is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). For more information, visit hvfcu.org.

SnowEast readers recognized Belleayre’s efforts over [...]]]> Highmount, N.Y. (July 20, 2011) – The results are in and Northeast skiers and riders have spoken. With over 6,000 votes counted in the 2011 SnowEast Reader Survey, Belleayre Mountain ranked in the Top 3 in Overall Favorite Eastern Resorts, behind only industry powerhouses Killington and Mount Snow.

SnowEast readers recognized Belleayre’s efforts over the past decade of growth, placing Belleayre in the top 10 favorites in several categories. Belleayre has become renowned for its expanded snowmaking operation and expert grooming and the voters responded recognizing Belleayre as 6th in Favorite Snowmaking and 5th in Favorite Grooming.

“Belleayre is a jewel in Ulster County,” said County Executive Mike Hein. “We are happy and proud of everyone at the resort for making it so successful. Belleayre has always been enjoyed by residents of the county and region, but now people are coming from New York City and further south and from as far east as Boston. The resort is an economic engine of Ulster County, drawing people here who are then able to enjoy the county’s many beautiful outdoor vistas, tourism destinations and lodgings.”

Having opened in 1950 with the first chairlift in New York State, it’s no surprise that Belleayre was voted 3rd in the Favorite Classic Resort category behind Mad River Glen. Belleayre opened with a temporary base lodge and parking for 300 and has grown over the past 60 years to 171 skiable acres serviced by 8 lifts, with 55 trails, terrain parks, and extensive glades. With Belleayre’s expanded glade skiing, it is no longer necessary for expert skiers and riders to make the four-hour drive to Vermont to get a taste of the trees. Belleayre employees’ hard work, dedication and teamwork have helped Belleayre to prove itself to be a leader in the ski industry. This is evidenced by the fact that over the past decade Belleayre has grown from 70,000 skier visits to an annual average of 170,000 skier visits.

Belleayre Mountain would like to thank the skiers and riders who took the time to recognize the efforts that go into making Belleayre Mountain such a special place. This honor is another triumph for Belleayre adding to a long list of recent accolades such as being voted in the Top 10 Eastern Resorts by the readers of the Long Island newspaper Newsday the last four years in a row, voted Best Place to Learn to Ski by readers of Skiing magazine, and recognized locally by the Ulster County Chamber of Commerce and Ulster County Development Corporation as the 2009 Ulster County Tourism Business of the Year.