Welcome to KingstonCitizens.org’s “Stop, Shop and Get to Know”

KingstonCitizens.org invites you to get to know your local businesses! Get to know our local gems by reading bios and  fun facts. Be sure to shop local and take advantage of their generous promotions offered here at KingstonCitizens.org.

STOP, SHOP and GET TO KNOW asks the residents: to STOP and ask “can I get what I need today locally?”; to SHOP at a local business; and GET TO KNOW your neighbors who frequent the joint; and those who have invested in our community by locating their business here in Kingston.

Local Craftsmanship: HUGH NAME IT Builders

Welcome to KingstonCitizens.org’s STOP, SHOP and GET TO KNOW.

This week, July 3rd – July 10th we are featuring local craftsman Hugh Cummings of Hugh Name It Builders working out of the city of Kingston.

Hugh Cummings was a gold mine find and  is someone who I have personally gotten to know over the years through a plethora of projects. As the steward of an older home, it matters to me who comes in to work on it. Hugh is not only sensitive to the need to be green (by working towards his LEED certification), he cares deeply about his work, and those he contracts in to work with him. From the smallest of tasks – to building a home, I highly recommend he be your first call for a free estimate.

Hugh is also responsible for building the Victory Garden raised bed at Kingston’s City Hall. The beautiful cedar logs were locally harvested and lovingly assembled.

Let’s keep Hugh walking to work. If you have an older home here’s an idea:  consider discussing weatherproofing by caulking all the cracks (like we did!). It’s a simple measure that can save energy and money. Hugh can also install a rain barrel at your home to harvest stormwater to use in your garden. All simple thoughts to help save you money while making our city a more sustainable one — one house at time.

Keep it local…

Rebecca Martin

 

HUGH NAME IT 
Kingston, NY
845/331-HUGH (4844) 
hughnameit@yahoo.com 

Building with pride. Professional Craftsmanship for all phases of construction

For a free estimate, call Hugh at the number above.

Kid Stuff: POPOROPO TOY STORE

Welcome to KingstonCitizens.org’s STOP, SHOP and GET TO KNOW.

This week, June 5th – June 11th, we are featuring Poporopo Toy Store in the Rondout section of Kingston.

Poporopo is the most charming little store for children….and adults. The selection of toys are impressive that include many thoughtful collections made by small domestic companies that use green materials to retro toys such as linkin logs and the original play-doh kits.

Stop in, say hello – and have a ball!

Keep it local…

Rebecca Martin

 

POPOROPO TOY STORE
35 Broadway
Kingston NY 12401
845.331.3005
  

 

SPECIAL OFFER ! 
Mention KingstonCitizens.org and receive 5% off of a total bill greater or equal to $10.00.

Poporopo is a toy store where new and vintage-era toys collide to provide fun opportunities for the young and the young at heart.  As a child, my dream was to own a toy store.  When the opportinity offered itself to me, I worked diligently to provide my community an organized, spacious, and tranquil toy store. I sell some of the same toys that inspired me as a child. Poporopo Toy Store opened its doors to the residents of Kingston in July, 2008.
 

I BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW…

1. Poporopo means popcorn in my native Guatemala.

2. I have the largest selection of Hello Kitty merchandise in the area.

3. I offer collectible toys from tin-toys to star wars figures.

4. I sell wooden, green, and organic toys.

5. I hand sew my own line of plush dolls that I only sell at the store.

6. I sell plush dolls made by KHS students.

7. I have numerous educational toys.

8. I offer retro toys.

9. I sell toys for any age!

10. The store’s window display changes every major holiday. 

Holy Smokes!: UPTOWN CIGAR

Welcome to KingstonCitizens.org’s  STOP, SHOP and GET TO KNOW.

 

This week, May 15th – May 22nd we are featuring Uptown Cigar in our beautiful Uptown, Kingston.
 

About 8 years ago now, when I rolled into town – I was quite intrigued to find this business on the corner of John and Fair Street.  It had a real inviting ’local hang’ vibe that makes a place unique, and was one of the many stores in Uptown then that made me fall in love with Kingston.  A family establishment since 1996, this IS the place that is home to the Brooklyn Cigar! What is a Brooklyn Cigar you ask? Visit their website to learn more.

Keep it local.

Rebecca Martin 

 

Uptown Cigar
32 John Street
Kingston, NY  12401 
845/340-1142
877/238-1172 
 

Uptown Cigar Company opened almost 13 years ago, in 1996, and remains a family owned, full service, customer oriented establishment.  While we are a true neighborhood cigar store, (the “Cheers” of cigar stores) we also ship our products world-wide.  Israel, our resident cigar guru, is the “go to” guy for any cigar question or recommendation.  Diane, Dennis and Zoe are our other knowledgeable and friendly staff, and each will provide you with the best service available: in- store, by phone or email.  Our extensive selection of cigars will delight and impress even the most discerning smoker, and any cigars you want shipped will arrive in perfect condition, carefully packed and properly humidified.

 For our local and visiting customers, we offer the perfect place to unwind.  Uptown Cigar Company boasts a large smoking lounge with leather couches, two walk-in humidors, a big screen TV,  and a full service coffee/espresso bar.  You will appreciate our warm and welcoming atmosphere immediately.
 

I bet you didn’t know…

 

 

 

 

1.  Uptown Cigar Company is owned solely by a woman.

2.  Many women smoke cigars!

3.  Uptown Cigar Company is located in the original, historic Kingston Opera House.

4.  At the turn of the 20th century, Kingston was the 2nd largest cigar manufacturing city on the Eastern seaboard.

5.  There were also a few cigar box manufacturers in Kingston at that time.

6.  Uptown Cigar Company is one of the leading “bricks and mortar” retail establishments in the cigar industry.

7.  More than 200 pairs of hands will touch the tobacco in a premium cigar before it is smoked.

8.  Many cigar companies are still owned & operated by families.

9.  Smoking cigars is recommended to relieve stress, calm nerves, and is still highly popular (and legal).

10.  YOU DO KNOW SOMEONE WHO SMOKES CIGARS!!

Local Markets/Organics: KINGSTON NATURAL FOODS BUYING CLUB (KNF)

Welcome to KingstonCitizens.org’s STOP, SHOP and GET TO KNOW.

This week, May 8th – May 14th we are featuring Kingston Natural Foods Buying Club in the Rondout section of Kingston.

Founder and President of KNF and Holistic Nutritional Counselor Jennifer McKinley-Rakov started this very exciting community business in the city of Kingston. Buying Clubs (and in this case, a fully organic one) for those who are not familiar – allow a person to buy items in bulk with other members – saving everyone a bundle. I’ve found at times that I’ve saved up to 30% on many items. In a little over a years time, there are more then 120 members and now she runs one of the top buying clubs in the nation.

Stop by and visit — and become a member!

Keep it local.

Rebecca Martin

Kingston Natural Foods Buying Club
33 Broadway
Kingston, NY
914/474-2676

SPECIAL OFFER!

TBA

Kingston Natural Foods (“KNF”) is a natural foods buying club offering members a chance to purchase high quality natural foods and products in bulk every month at affordable prices. Our mission is to educate our community on the benefits of supporting businesses that embrace the concepts of clean food and ecologically sustainable farming practices. KF&G naturally lends itself to fostering a deeper sense of community and education of how purchasing, preparing and eating healthy, foods supports our own health and the health of the planet.

I bet you didn’t know….

1. A Certified holistic nutritional counselor, Jennifer McKinley founded KNF because she’s passionate about making healthy foods available to everyone at affordable prices. Want to kick the sugar habit? Find out how by visiting Nutrition Street.

2. The buying club’s first delivery in October of ’07 was $1,700 and weighed 769 lbs and was delivered to the end of Jennifer’s driveway!

3. Last month KNF bought nearly $5,400 worth of food and the delivery weighed 2282 lbs!

4. The club now receives its monthly deliveries at its new home, 33 Broadway on the Rondout in Kingston.

5. Members come from as far as Wappengers Falls, Accord, Rhinebeck, Woodstock, New Paltz, Phoenicia, Glenford, Marlboro and Olivebridge to pick up their orders!

6. Kingston Natural Foods ranked 137 out of 2,400 UNFI buying clubs in the nation and receives generous additional discounts each month for being in the top 250.

7. KNF offers produce shares through a new local distributor committed to supporting organic and biodynamic farming practices.

8. Jennifer’s husband Paul makes beautiful local bees wax candles available for sale at the store.

9. The buying club hosts regular intimate concerts in their store space – as well as hang local artists work on the walls that routinly changes. (Want to have your work featured? Contact us!)

10. Jennifer loves to surf!  Though she can’t do so on the Hudson River, she tries to get back to the Jersey Shore each year where she was born and raised.

11. Jennifer and Paul are raising their 3 year old son Ian in Kingston – and Ian loves brocolli!

12. In the last year, Kingston Natural Foods Buying Club has donated over 1500 pounds of organic beans and grains to  Queens Galley and Chiz’s Heart Street. Plans are in the works to expand the program to help to support all of our local soup kitchens every month.

Good Eats: DOMINICK’S CAFE

Welcome to KingstonCitizens.org’s STOP, SHOP and GET TO KNOW

This week, April 17th – April 24th we are featuring Dominick’s Cafe located in Uptown, Kingston. Dominick is dedicated to being open 7 days a week to accomodate our locals and visitors alike. You will always find great food, a great cup of coffee or espresso and a warm atmosphere at a convenient location. Being that Dominick houses much more than a Cafe (it’s a hair salon and fitness center too!),  we will create another entry in the coming months on their other businesses….so stay tuned.

Visit Dominick and the family and enjoy all the great services they bring to Kingston!

Keep it local…

Rebecca Martin

 

Dominick’s Cafe
34 North Front Street
Kingston, NY
(845)  338-4552

 

Authentic, Home-style cooking; A cozy cafe cornering the busiest section of Uptown Kingston…..watch the world go by while savoring anything from “the best coffee in town” with a flavorful biscotti to a hearty meal that could include a build your own panini, sandwich, or the daily special. All created right on the premises by Dominick’s own family recipes rich in old world flavor and fresh, quality ingredients. “If my grandmother wouldn’t serve it, you won’t find it here.” (Taken from Reward’s Network. Link to this site is above).

 

I Bet You Didn’t Know…
 

1. “If my grandmother wouldn’t serve it, you won’t find it here!”.  Dominick’s features NY Italian Style recipes passed down many generations. The popular ‘Six Sisters’ Sandwich uses only traditional family ingredients. Try it and see why it’s all the rage!

2. On any given day, you will hear the music of Jerry Vale and Frank Sinatra throughout the cafe.

3. Dominick’s Cafe is open seven days a week helping to revitalize our Uptown Kingston neighborhood. Their hours are Monday – Saturday  7:30am to 7:00pm;  Sundays from 9:00am – 4:00pm.

4. Family is important to Dominick’s Cafe. You will meet many generations on an given day working to make your experience not only tasty, but a comfortable family affair as well!

5. Hailing from the New York City area, the family moved to Kingston and have had a local business in the area since the 1970′s.

6. Dominick’s Cafe is happy to help you in your catering needs. Give the a call to learn more.

7. Breakfast items are available all day long.

8. Dominick’s is proud to avoid items high in fructose corn syrup. 

9. Payment options include American Express, Discover, Mastercard and Visa.

10. Dominick’s offers affordable breakfast, lunch and dinner options.  You can find something delicious at any time of the day for under $10!

Alternative Health Care: NEW LEAF CLINIC

Welcome to KingstonCitizens.org’s STOP, SHOP and GET TO KNOW.

This week, April 10th – April 17th  we are featuring local naturopaths from the New Leaf Clinic in the Rondout section of Kingston.

I am a strong advocate of preventative measures for a healthy mind and body, and have always sought out those who offer alternatives. Kingston and all that surrounds us has a plethora of healers unlike any place I’ve ever seen. Except, perhaps, for Ashville, NC. 

It’s Kingston’s good fortune to get to know the great works of locals Ileana Tecchio and Glenn R. Finley, the practitioners of New Leaf Clinic.  I refer to them both as compassionate masters of health.  They can expertly help you and your family on a range of issues that include: women, children and men, gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, skin and mental and emotional.  All under one roof.  

Give them a call and start living better today.

If you are a local business in Kingston or the immediate surrounding area and would like to be featured, contact me at  info@kingstoncitizens.org .

Feel free to post a review in the comment section of all of our local businesses featured here.

Keep it local…

Rebecca Martin
KingstonCitizens.org

 

New Leaf Clinic
31 Broadway
Kingston NY 12401
845.331.2235

 

SPECIAL OFFER!
Mention KingstonCitizens.org and receive 20% off your first visit!

The New Leaf is a multidisciplinary health care business where alternative health care professionals guide clients towards optimal health by integrating the benefits of scientific knowledge, with natural, non-invasive therapies.   We attempt to remove potential obstacles that may inhibit the body’s innate ability to heal. The modalities available are gentle, non-invasive and effective which  include: naturopathy, chinese medicine, acupuncture, homeopathy, hydrothrapy, therapeutic massage, western and eastern botanical medicine, and nutraceuticals.  Our goal is to provide the residents of the Hudson Valley region,  a holistic approach towards health that will complement conventional health care. We also strive to explore steps needed to implement a preventative-based medical approach toward disease, while teaching clients to be responsible for their health. 

 

I BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW….
 
1.   Our clients range from two-months to ninty-five years young.

2.   We provide a free lecture series about alternative health care every other Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30.
 
3.   In the spring and summer, we collaborate with Mudita Yoga Center to offer a two week comprehensive detoxification     
       program. 

4.   We like to be “old school,” and offer home visits.

5.   Naturopathy is based on six principles which are: First Do No Harm, The Healing Power of Nature, Identify and Treat the 
       Cause, Treat the Whole Person, Prevention, and Doctor as Teacher.

6.   There are four  Naturopathic Medical Schools in the United States.

7.   Naturopaths and acupuncturists are integral components to  many  Complimentary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
       programs throughout the United States.

8.   The “New Leaf” name was inspired by our desire to provide clients guidance towards a new beginning in their health.

9.   On the premises, we have a comprehensive apothothecary  including teas, homeopathy, and herbal tinctures.

10. We like to  walk to work.