There were no empty tables in the main dining room at Larry’s Chinese American Restaurant and the buffet in the middle of the room was brimming with a selection of traditional menu favorites. Members of the Pine Bush Area Chamber of Commerce gathered for their annual membership meeting, August 23, and President, Brenda Otto greeted everyone as they entered.

After reviewing the struggles many local businesses faced during the past 18 months due to the Covid pandemic, especially those in hospitality related and retail service fields, Otto explained how First Friday events began in July of last year.

“The First Friday events allow members of the Chamber who may not have brick and mortar stores, to have a presence on Main Street,” she explained and thanked Ellen Quimby for her work on the FirstFridays.com website.

These events are held on the First Friday of each month from May through December on Main Street. Artists, musicians, crafters, and others gather between 4 – 7 p.m. to showcase their talents and offering their products or services for sale to the public.

Ida Brown was a volunteer on the initial First Friday’s committee and continues to be a valued contributor who is instrumental in organizing the Chamber booth every month. Brown’s efforts were recognized with applause as Otto presented her with the volunteer of the year award.

New board members, Marcy Cleveland, Realtor at Keller Williams Realty Hudson Valley United and Alayne Eisloffel from the Tri-County Community Partnership were introduced and warmly welcomed.

Barbara Carr and Bobbi Vasile were among those in attendance and represented Catskill Veterinary Services. Carr shared, “We enjoyed attending the Business Showcase this past Spring. It was a great turnout and everyone in the Chamber is very helpful and friendly.”
Upcoming Chamber events include a mixer and ribbon cutting on September 9 at Creative Touch Landscaping, a fall clean-up on Main Street, and a mixer on October 14 at the new Pine Bush Sandwich Shop. Watch the Pine Bush Area Chamber of Commerce’s Facebook page for more details.