Where are you from originally?
I was raised in Napanoch in lower Ulster County, and lived there until moving northward to the Kingston/Saugerties area five years ago. I attended the Ellenville Central Schools, Ellenville High School and Ulster County Community College in Stone Ridge.
What do you find unique about Rosendale?
It’s the combination of the beautiful setting, the quaint buildings and the truly unique, creative, open-minded, friendly and spirited people that are drawn to this community. Getting to know Rosendale is like finding this beautiful stone, cracking it open and finding its ever-sparkling inner self. And just when you think you know that sparkly inner space, you discover a new sparkle right there again. That’s what keeps drawing people back. That’s Rosendale.
Favorite hangout:
I am still discovering Rosendale. But I have to admit my favorite hangout is Planet Pet Grooming. I love coming to work each day. I love the dogs I work with, and the people I meet and am growing to know. I love the creativity I now have in taking over ownership and the opportunity to grow. And I have and am devoting myself to creating a pet and show dog grooming salon as unique as Rosendale itself.
Tell us something that we would never have guessed about you.
Besides my extensive pet and show dog grooming and international dog artwork experience through the years, I also had a long career as an area news reporter: about five years as a correspondent for the Kingston Daily Freeman and 12 years as a daily news staff writer for the Times Herald-Record.
What keeps you here?
I truly love the Hudson Valley. I have traveled a lot through the years, but my heart belongs in this beautiful Hudson Valley area. It’s the inspirational scenic surroundings, being on the river, gems like Rosendale and its annual Street Festival and other events, Woodstock, the UPAC theater in Kingston, annual dog shows in New Paltz, HITS international equestrian jumping series in Saugerties, creativity unlimited in area events, stock car racing in nearby Middletown and Accord, Bethel Woods in nearby Sullivan County and the opportunity to be in that awesome musical wonderland, featuring live top musical giants. What a mix!
What would you change?
I am enjoying the unfolding adventure I’ve discovered in Rosendale with this Planet Pet Grooming opportunity. The changes I desire will come along the path. Whatever is best for my clients and their pets will reveal themselves along the way.
Where would we find you on a Sunday morning?
You might find me knee-deep in paints and creating; or spending time with my son or daughter’s families; or at a dog show with my artwork booth; or showing and learning more; or out on the beautiful Hudson River with friends; or on the rail trail with my sheepdog, Ryder; or online buying tickets for concerts at Bethel Woods in Sullivan County.
What other profession would you like to try?
None. I have had a very interesting life, between grooming, showing, creating artwork and years of news reporting and writing, as well as the people I have been blessed to meet through them all.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here?
I don’t have one most interesting person that I’ve met, but meeting celebrities in your shop can take your breath away.
Perhaps the most interesting grooming story I can give so far is the mastiff I recently groomed, who looked so much like Hooch. This gentle giant would start up the stairs to the walking tub, then balk back with all her muscle might. But she was good in walking around with me when I asked, sitting when I asked. Taking a closer look in one strong balk, her eyes looked so scared. So I said, “Come on, I’ll go first!” in a really cheery voice, and I walked up the steps into the tub. It took her studying about three trips up and down for me, and she happily followed in, tail wagging! Gotta love it!
Favorite Motto:
“Don’t think you are; know you are.”
Good job Ma’am. Keep it up.. (y)