In the 90s, the Hudson Valley had an uptick in, what was at that time modern, housing developments. Culs-de-sac consisting of modular homes and townhouses were the wave. Those neighborhoods were full of the very kids that I went to school with.
I remember one particular group of girls from school that lived in one of these new-ish circular neighborhoods.
They really had it all.
They rode the bus together, trick-or-treated together, loved the movie Grease (Which was not current. Even back then.), played street lamp tag, they were oddly all in the same grade, and were best of friends.
Most importantly, they were raised with community.
I, on the other hand, lived at the end of a dead-end road in the woods, in an old apple orchard, next to a river. Sort of a menagerie with an expansive view of farm land and mountains.
My closest neighbors were down the road, they did not have children, and they were not friendly. We did not watch musical remakes together……
If you are local to Kingston, or are an in-the-know Hudson Valley coffee shop/book store aficionado, you may have heard that Rough Draft will be moving to our event venue, Senate Garage , in 2027.
Which means big changes for both them, as a small business relocating, and us, as we work to make the space fitting for the new tenant.
And whether you’re a kid in the 90s or a modern day business owner, having the support of your community is crucial as you shift and evolve.
From the outpouring of kind words, uplifting messaging, and the many MANY recent articles – it’s good to know that the support and excitement is there.
So, with open arms, I welcome Rough Draft to our building aka cul-de-sac. I naturally rock 90s vibes, the perfect street lamps are just outside to light a solid game of evening tag, and I’m always up for a rewatch of Grease. It’s been awhile.
Much love –
Melanie, Operations and Community Manager