The Eastwick Press Newspaper

Eastern Rensselaer County's Community Newspaper

Small Business Saturday Takes Center Stage In Petersburgh

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By Doug La Rocque

Around the nation, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is known as Small Business Saturday.  While the major chains and large commercial outlets shine on Black Friday, the following day is a time for the smaller businesses to highlight their products and services.  To that end, the Petersburgh Veteran’s Memorial Community Center (PVMCC) held its annual celebration of Small Business Saturday with the theme shop locally this holiday season.  [private]

Dan Schnoop’s table full of his hand-crafted wooden creations. Photo by Doug La Rocque
Dan Schnoop’s table full of his hand-crafted wooden creations.
Photo by Doug La Rocque

The hall was full of venders displaying mostly handmade crafts and gifts.   One of those was Dan Schnoop of Petersburgh, who said he started whittling as a youngster and his passion for woodwork continued to grow.  He now spends a lot of his free time making handcrafted bowls, stemware, and the like.

Pam Gerstel offers her folk art gifts at PVMCC Holiday Fair. Photo by Doug La Rocque
Pam Gerstel offers her folk art gifts at PVMCC Holiday Fair.
Photo by Doug La Rocque

Pam Gerstel of Berlin was there to display her Folk Art paintings on a variety of pieces, many she said she picks up at yard sales.  Like Dan, this has been one of Pam’s passions, so much so that she not only designs and paints her own pieces, she teaches Folk Art painting as well.

The small business theme also extended to some of the smaller crafters.  Young Karley of Brunswick was there with her hand decorated coffee cup sleeves.  Using yarn and other trinkets, she turns the plain old piece of cardboard into individual pieces of art.  A great way to always know it’s your cup of coffee.  So appealing were Karley’s creations that that those around her said she was making all the sales.  The event was well attended, by both vendors and patrons, some of those coming from as far away as Keene, New Hampshire and Vermont.  Also well represented was Hay Berry Farm of Hoosick Falls.  Lawrie Nickerson took the time to explain to all about the art of growing blueberries and displaying all the different products they now offer.

Boy Scout Troop 222 of Petersburgh had a large number of Christmas wreaths on display.  The scouts, who are chartered by the PVMCC, were also there to help the organization with set up and clean up after the event.[/private]