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Hudson Valley Online Chat

Chat with 1,863 fellow Hudson Valley creators, professionals, and small business owners

See how people are using our Slack community to ask questions, share opportunities, find work, and make friends. Below is the full archive of content from three of our most active channels:

August 13, 2024
Vibes
Vibes 2:26 PM
I'm building this app that helps restaurants showcase photos of their food
Does anyone know any restaurant owners who'd be willing to chat?
Would love to show them and get their feedback (Not a sales pitch)
me1096
me1096 3:53 PM
Hi everyone!

I had the pleasure of attending last week’s event at CoWork Kingston, where I got to meet some of you (thanks for being so welcoming , , , , and , among others!) I’ve been meaning to introduce myself ever since.

My name’s Craig, and I moved to Kingston in January after 4.5 years in Brooklyn (a common trajectory). To paraphrase what Jordan said in his presentation last Wednesday, like many of you, I’m very much in the Hudson Valley on purpose.

I fell in love with the Hudson Valley’s creativity, energy, and history, and I try to support the people and businesses that aim to make it the best version of itself and celebrate its unique charms rather than trying to turn it into a version of somewhere else.

Most recently, I worked as a content director for a metaverse-focused start-up, overseeing a team of creatives producing blog posts, newsletters, video, audio, social media posts, press releases, and any other content the business needed.

Before that, I worked as a technology news editor and reviewer for nearly a decade, focusing on smart home gear, fitness tech, fintech services, and transportation. My superpowers are slaying typos, making stories sing, distilling complex topics for diverse audiences, and helping other writers produce their best work.

I’m excited to connect with other Hudson Valley creatives, and I’m on the lookout for editing or content roles, full-time or freelance. If you’re read all this way, thank you, and please say hi at the next meet-up if I don’t do it first!
August 14, 2024
Lorin Mask
Lorin Mask 1:18 PM
Hi everyone! Reminder that I have a free webinar on Friday, August 16th @ 11:00am! "Master Morning Madness!" see my post in !
Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUlf--tqjgiG9EUtJQEI60Nl8PH1d4KJ7u_
August 15, 2024
Bonnie Natko
Bonnie Natko 7:28 AM
Good morning! I never made an official intro here, so here it goes...

My name is Bonnie, and I moved to the Hudson Valley from Queens in 2019. Some of you may have met me at one of the meetups.

I've been a recruiter and career advisor (I worked both in big corporate, tech companies, staffing agencies, and at an art school) for the past 20 years specialized in the creative realm, including the many flavors (and ever-evolving) world of design. I've also worked in desktop publishing (talk about the wayback machine), marketing, and sales.

After a recent layoff, I'm reframing what the next chapter looks like for me as an interdisciplinary creative, and it's twofold:


I'm really looking to establish connections with folks where I can work on both. I'd love to help career voyagers at all ages and stages of their journey build their roadmap and uncover untapped skills, while also teaching the nerdy/crafty stuff.

I'm also looking for opportunities where I can take my unique skillset and bring it to an organization or company that is values-driven, that does meaningful, impactful work, and that is local and community based. After so many years of working "big corporate" this has become incredibly important to me, and I feel driven by a sense of giving back these days.

Thanks so much! This is such an incredible community and I am so happy to be here!
Jennifer Santiago, Co-Host, Valley Girls Podcast
Jennifer Santiago, Co-Host, Valley Girls Podcast 3:15 PM
Hello, ConnectHV! The podcast Valley Girls is back for a second season. Our preview episode is out today and is sponsored by ConnectHV! Thanks, ! Have a listen (it's only 5 minutes!) to find out what's coming up this season, including our newest correspondent giving us the 411 on Westchester County in every episode! https://www.valleygirlspodcast.com/episodes/season-2-preview-episode-21
August 17, 2024
Kayiu Carlson
Kayiu Carlson 3:17 AM
Hi folks! I’m new to the HV slack and want to introduce myself!

I’m Kayiu My husband and I moved from Brooklyn to Pleasant Valley about 3 years ago. I’m a UX/Product Designer at Adobe (trained graphic designer way back when) My husband is an oil painter, artist, illustrator, woodworker (kinda jack of all trades) and we’re both creative people and like tinkering in all kinds of projects!

I’m currently on maternity leave and have a 3mo old at home! Share your parenting tips in the HV too!

I have to yet join the in-person meetup that puts together but excited to connect with some folks on here digitally!

Outside of work, I’m also interested in making friends and getting to know other creative folks! Don’t be shy to say hello!
August 19, 2024
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 9:00 AM
Huge, huge thanks to and the Cidiot podcast for sponsoring ConnectHV this week (and next)!

Sponsor message:
Cidiot® is the award-winning monthly podcast about learning to live and love life in the Hudson Valley. Listen wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit Cidiot.com for links and to sign up for the newsletter for local highlights.
Mat Zucker
Mat Zucker 11:07 AM
So glad to be a sponsor of ConnectHV!
Stephen Beck
Stephen Beck 12:20 PM
Ok random question time – Can anyone recommend any great dog kennels in the Hudson Valley that you've used? We're looking for a kennel with space for dogs to run around as our Vizsla will go absolutely bonkers if she's in a cage for a whole week.
Jennifer Santiago, Co-Host, Valley Girls Podcast
Jennifer Santiago, Co-Host, Valley Girls Podcast 9:56 PM
Anyone here have a stationery business? I've been ordering from VistaPrint for business cards, thank you cards, etc., but it's not cheap and I'd much prefer to use a HV supplier! Specifically, I'd love to have some bookmarks made.
August 20, 2024
Michelle Michalko
Michelle Michalko 10:24 PM
Hello Huuuddsonnn Vallleyyyyy, I've lived here my whole life and it's great to see our environment flourish with community, innovation and creativity. The Kingston meet-up was my first and I'm excited for the next! Great to be here and hope to talk to ya'll soon. I focus on video production and social management for people who want to be the face of their company- DRA . If I'm not deep in a project I'm probably outside!
August 21, 2024
Lorin Mask
Lorin Mask 9:21 AM
Happy Wednesday everyone! My next start date for my Mental Fitness PQ Foundation Program is starting, August 31st! I'm happy to offer a 50% discount to ConnectHV folks!!! This program changed my life and I'm on a mission to share with others. Would be great to have a ConnectHV group to go through it together for support, connection and relationship building! If you want to learn more check out these two links. https://lorinmask.com/mental-fitness & https://lorinmask.com/positive-intelligence-1
Mike Schade
Mike Schade 10:45 AM
Hi all. I’m new here - just learned about the group from Beahive. My wife and I live in Fishkill. We moved up to the area from Brooklyn about 3.5 years ago after my wife got a job at Storm King (she’s now at ProPublica). I work in Newburgh for Toxic-Free Future, a national environmental health advocacy organization, where I run a national campaign holding retailers accountable for selling products with toxic chemicals like phthalates and PFAS. Locally, I’m involved in the Stewart Airport Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) engaged in the investigation and cleanup of PFAS contamination in Newburgh at the Air National Guard base. Anyways hoping to attend the upcoming event at Beahive. Hi!
Mayta Fusion Dance
Mayta Fusion Dance 2:58 PM
HI all, I have heard of ConnectHV for a while but was too busy to become a member. Now that I am at a pause from my freelance work I thought it was the best time to join. And excited to be a part of this community. I have lived in the Hudson Valley for about 20 years now and I love it. I am a small town girl doing my dance and dance teaching work. I love the beauty and the Hudson River my solace. I am a full time freelance teaching artist of Dance and choreographer, director of my dance company Mayta Fusion Dance. https://www.maytafusiondance.org
August 22, 2024
Casey Morris
Casey Morris 8:55 AM
Hello everyone! It was great to meet a few of you at the recent Kingston meetup. I grew up outside Albany and after moving 'downstate' for college, I knew I wanted to build a life in this area, but have bounced around a bit since 2020 and hope to build more of a community now that my husband and I are planting roots in Highland.

I am a self-taught graphic designer with a theater degree, using my directing background to bring a unique storytelling perspective to my brand identity studio, Callback Design. (Currently booking September and October projects if you're looking for a refresh for your business - callbackdesign.com) I also work part time as the in-house designer for Stella Adler Studio in Manhattan, recently completing a large visual identity overhaul for the organization and website update due to launch soon.

It would especially be great to connect with web designers and developers, copywriters, social media managers, and other marketing specialists and creatives to see if we can collaborate or refer business to each other!
Todd Brown
Todd Brown 2:52 PM
today’s random thought/question: what would be a fun nickname for the NYC "neighborhood" we live in? NOGO (North of Gotham)… NOFIB (North of The Five Boroughs)… NOBA (North of The Big Apple)…
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 3:24 PM
Folks, there's a sponsor slot open for the last two weeks of September! If you want your company's name shouted from the rooftops at ConnectHV for a very reasonable price, check out this page: https://connecthv.com/sponsorship

"rooftops" = Instagram, email, LinkedIn, Slack, and the online directory
Freddie at Barnfox
Freddie at Barnfox 4:08 PM
ConnectHV fam, does anyone know a sign painter? Looking to get some vintage looking signage painted on an old brick building
August 25, 2024
Laura Kandel
Laura Kandel 2:34 PM
Listen to me and ConnectHV's own on Reel to Real: The HUDSY Radio Hour TODAY (Sunday, 8/25) from 4pm-5pm on Radio Kingston 1490am 107.9FM or online at radiokingston.org (it will be available the next day to stream on demand)
August 26, 2024
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 8:54 AM
Another big thanks to and the Cidiot podcast for sponsoring ConnectHV this week (and last week)!

Sponsor message:
Cidiot® is the award-winning monthly podcast about learning to live and love life in the Hudson Valley. Listen wherever you listen to podcasts, or visit Cidiot.com for links and to sign up for the newsletter for local highlights.
Mat Zucker
Mat Zucker 11:42 AM
You're welcome and so glad to be a part of this community!
September 7, 2024
amanda
amanda 10:05 AM
Does anyone on here do “aesthetic” content creation and live near enough to Shawangunk (20 min from New Paltz) to want to work with me in person regularly?

I’m good at lots of things but creating pretty videos is not one of them. I would like to do monthly / bi-weekly shoots at my home or near me at locations where I actually go.

Feels cringe to ask but I’m launching a new concept in 2025 and it will require growing my reach.

Please email me directly [email protected] if this is your wheelhouse or you have a good LOCAL rep.

I do not need help with ideas or copywriting. I have that handled. It’s the aesthetic and filming piece where I fail
Mayta Fusion Dance
Mayta Fusion Dance 10:21 AM
I wanted to share with this community. That I am starting a 6 week virtual zoom Yoga/movement class starting Friday September 13th-October 25th no class September 20th from 10-11am. It's a basic, beginner yoga class with the emphasis on restorative, meditation and relaxation with a bit of a movement part. Pay is by donation first class is free. You are welcome to join any time during the session.
Email maytafusiondance@gmail. com if interested to get the zoom link, and for question.
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 1:52 PM
Big thanks to the Valley Girls podcast for sponsoring ConnectHV these two weeks!

Sponsor message:
Valley Girls is a bi-weekly podcast exploring everything there is to see, do, try, eat, and experience in New York's Hudson Valley by talking to the makers, the doers, the growers, the creators, and all the unique voices of the Hudson Valley. The Valley Girls are telling the Hudson Valley's story, one episode at a time. https://www.valleygirlspodcast.com/
September 8, 2024
Graham Colligan
Graham Colligan 2:23 PM
Hey y'all

I am building an app for local news + nearby events! I wanted to ask if you could join the waitlist I created for it! It already has 750+ sign ups

https://townsof.myflodesk.com/newyork
September 9, 2024
Amanda Jones
Amanda Jones 8:10 PM
Hey all! Hope your week is starting off well I'm Amanda & I'm new here.

I'm opening a space in Peekskill for artists & remote workers. There are opportunities for retail sales, hosting workshops, and building community! Kinship Co-Working opens October 1st at 116 Washington Street, Peekskill. Hope you'll check it out!

Please feel free to message me with any questions!
https://www.kinshipcoworking.com/
September 10, 2024
Domenique Osborne
Domenique Osborne 9:05 AM
Hi new friends! I'm a HV based copywriter/creative director/voiceover artist. Looking forward to connecting. my site is: domeniqueosborne.com
Marco Frey
Marco Frey 3:39 PM
Hello Hudson Valley people! I'm a marketing writer and brand strategist based in Kingston looking to build meaningful connections throughout our beautiful region. I'm also a seasoned jazz drummer, avid runner and mountain air enjoyer. Love a good pilsner.

copyfol.io/v/marcofrey
September 12, 2024
Rhonda Shade
Rhonda Shade 11:22 AM
Hello ConnectHV community! Just thought I’d introduce myself finally. I work with an agency called Newhouse doing their marketing and proposal development. I’ve been doing the same for filmmakers (pitch deck, website, social, etc.). Hope to see you at the HUDSY MashUp tonight! Please say hi if you're there!!
alex061
alex061 12:27 PM
Hi everyone. I’m Alex Williams, a designer, entrepreneur and RISD grad based in Esopus, exploring new creative ventures after founding and running a lighting company for 17 years. I’m passionate about event and retreat planning, creative consulting, and bringing people together around design, wellness, and inspiration. I'll share some upcoming events my wife and I are planning in Looking forward to connecting!
September 13, 2024
thomasbrodin
thomasbrodin 12:40 PM
Hey everyone!
I wanted to invite you to join New Paltz Outdoor Adventure Photo Contest! We’re looking for some great shots of New Paltz’s beautiful outdoors, and I’d love to see what you capture. We’ve got some sweet prizes too – a new Haro bike from New Paltz Biking, gift cards for kayaking and coffee at Village Grind, and your work will be featured in the New Paltz Photo Works newspaper.

Just send your best photos to [email protected] by September 20th. We’ll announce the winners at the Fourth Friday event on Sept 27th.

Let me know if you have any questions
https://annex.agency/new-paltz-outdoors-photo-contest/
Jesse
Jesse 7:47 PM
#seekingsublet

Hey everyone!

I am looking for a room to sublet in NYC starting in October (at the earliest) for the unforeseeable future but am very flexible! I’ll mostly be there for work during the week (Tuesday-Thursday), and am really just needing a clean space with a bed, a window, and shower! Pet friendly is a plus, but not a requirement. Ideally there is a subway close by that goes directly to Union Square.

About me: I’m a performer, UX designer, and floral designer, currently in Beacon. I love plants, have a sweet English crème golden retriever named Lily, and love hiking and dancing. I’m super clean and respectful, and being a Taurus , home is where the heart is! Aka I bring love to any space I inhabit.

Thank you in advance for any leads or if you might have an extra room I could rent!
September 16, 2024
Freddie at Barnfox
Freddie at Barnfox 4:55 PM
ConnectHV fam! Barnfox is providing a FREE PROFESSIONAL PHOTO SHOOT FOR COUPLES AND INDIVIDUALS on Monday, September 30th. We are launching a beautiful new wedding venue inside the historic Cannonball Factory in the heart of Hudson, NY and will be staging a mock wedding photo shoot with expert hair and makeup stylists. We're Seeking volunteers to dress up as Bride & Groom and Wedding Guests. You will get your own stunning photos taken for your own album! DM if you're interested in participating for more details.
#sorryifthisismeanttogointheeventschannel
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 9:25 PM
If we had ConnectHV swag, would anyone be interested?
September 17, 2024
Cat Tosiello
Cat Tosiello 12:28 PM
Hi Hudson Valley people! I'm new, but super happy to be here and e-meet you all!
My name is Cat and about 3 years ago my husband and I moved up to Wappingers Falls from Astoria, Queens. I went to SUNY New Paltz back in the day and loved it up here, so clearly I just had to come back.

I'm a Creative Director at an agency called Black Spot which offers a full suite of creative services in production and post production. We work with small or independent clients as well as larger companies and networks to produce a variety of audio/visual content ranging from graphics, billboards, podcasts, product and corporate commercials, to promos, teases, trailers, long form episodes and interview based pieces. Our team is made up of highly skilled, directors, writers, editors, producers, videographers, audio engineers, graphic designers and more.

Check out our website (linked above) to see some of our work and the other services we offer. We're always looking to expand our client base, so should you have any creative needs please shoot me an email at [email protected] and I would love to help you out! We are also often on the hunt for freelancers at different times of the year so please feel free to reach out and share your work!
Angus Glover Wilson
Angus Glover Wilson 1:05 PM
Hi all - it was great to meet some folks at the Kingston event last month, and finally introducing myself here!

I live in New Paltz for the last several years and am in the midst of a career shift from a corporate existence to entrepreneurship. Specifically, I'm looking for a small business in the HV region to buy - ideally a specialty/niche light industrial manufacturing operation but I'm not completely tied to that. If anyone happens to be aware of such an opportunity, now or in the future, I have a contact web page here www.gloverwilson.com that explains a little more how I'm thinking about this.

Thanks in advance for any ideas from this group, and look forward to seeing you at a future event soon!
September 18, 2024
tylerlindsay547
tylerlindsay547 7:36 AM
Hey everyone!

I’m Tyler, an upcoming commercial cinematographer. I’m reaching out to see if anyone needs help with creating video content.

If you’ve got a project in mind or just want to brainstorm ideas, I’d love to chat!

Thanks!
Kathryn Arffa
Kathryn Arffa 12:08 PM
Hello Everyone,

As some of you know, my usual work involves helping small businesses and start up’s in the sustainable food space launch new concepts.

THAT SAID, I am taking a hiatus from that work to focus on our general election this fall working in Voter Protection for the Upper Hudson Valley.

My Awareness Outreach/Ask is the following:

Thank you!
Kathryn
Graham Colligan
Graham Colligan 2:33 PM
Who wants to randomly grab lunch in Beacon right now?
danny
danny 2:39 PM
Congrats to the startup entrepreneurs who pitched last night at the HV Venture Hub event. Cheers to for leading the initiative in our community.
Dee Dee
Dee Dee 9:32 PM
Hi everyone. My name is Dee Dee. I'm a photographer and copywriter here in the Hudson Valley. I attended the networking event for the first time tonight and absolutely loved the energy and connections I made.

If you're ever in need of my work, you can find it all at www.thedeedeethompson.com

Have a great evening!
September 19, 2024
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV)
Jordan Koschei (ConnectHV) 10:33 AM
Had fun last night and don't want the party to end? Here's the video loop from that screen in the corner. Just turn on some Tycho or Washed Out in the background and let the Hudson Valley vibes wash over you (): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujkA-HEGBjI
Hélène Lesterlin
Hélène Lesterlin 10:48 AM
Calling all podcast producers/writers: Radiotopia has a very cool opportunity to go to Austin TX for a conference with them in November. Open application and info here: https://www.radiotopia.fm/imifest
Kayiu Carlson
Kayiu Carlson 12:02 PM
Anyone has pets? Would you want a #pets channel on here? is that do-able?
Marco Frey
Marco Frey 12:11 PM
I had fun last night! I love the idea of connecting all the towns in this constellation we call the Hudson Valley. If I didn’t get around to meeting you, reach out! I’d like to hear what’re your working on, or what’s got you excited lately.

Here’s my LinkedIn if you want to go from there.
Jennifer Santiago, Co-Host, Valley Girls Podcast
Jennifer Santiago, Co-Host, Valley Girls Podcast 12:20 PM
New episode of Valley Girls Podcast out today featuring and Angel Fonseca from Hudsy, of course with (yet another) shout-out to . https://www.valleygirlspodcast.com/episodes/ready-for-our-close-up-the-hudson-valley-in-focus-with-hudsy-episode-24
Jana Kantor
Jana Kantor 3:53 PM
Hello everyone, I’m Jana Kantor—great to meet you all!

Did you know Ulster County can cover the salary of a part-time employee for your business? It can, and it wants to.

The Ulster County Young Adult Employment Program places young adults in jobs and pays their salaries. While these roles have traditionally been in trade industries, the rise of remote creative work that aligns with young adult schedules now offers an opportunity to open career doors that might have otherwise stayed closed.

This program is ideal for businesses with 6-12 hours of consistent weekly work and a team or individual eager to mentor someone early in their career. To qualify, you must be an LLC with general liability insurance.

As a member of the Ulster County Workforce Development Board, I can answer questions and connect you with the decision-makers. Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you’d like to learn more, and please pass this along to anyone who may be interested.

Thank you!

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What is Slack?

Slack is a chat platform, similar to Discord or Microsoft Teams or old-school IRC. It's meant to be used by businesses for team communication, but we're using it as a community platform. We picked Slack by popular request and it's worked out pretty well so far.

What's the difference between the Slack and the directory?

The directory allows you to showcase your work and find local creatives and professionals. The Slack is a chat platform for the community with active conversation happening all the time. They complement each other, and both are useful!

Why should I join?

Over 1,800 local creatives and professionals are in the group, connecting with each other and sharing opportunities. People are finding work, hiring locally, sharing resources, launching new projects, and generally being a community that's authentic and human rather than the opposite.

What's the vibe?

Conversation in the Slack is casual and human. There are lots of people introducing themselves, asking for recommendations, hiring people and sharing that they're ready to be hired, and announcing new events or projects. (And it's totally fine to just lurk, too!)