Best of Hudson Valley: Community

Preservers of HistoryBannerman Castle Trust, BeaconRather than let a piece of history die, the Bannerman Castle Trust went to work stabilizing the crumbling towers of Bannerman Castle, which once held court over the beautiful and mysterious Pollepel Island. Volunteers revived lush gardens, West Point cadets built a sturdy new footbridge, and the Bannermans’ former home was carefully fixed up and opened this year as a visitor and education center. The island now? It flourishes. We encourage you to take a tour and see for yourself (hurry — they normally sell out).855.256.4007; www.bannermancastle.org
Most Innovative Social InitiativeEco Shrimp Garden, Newburgh Shrimp…from an abandoned factory basement…in Newburgh. Seriously! After tasting shrimp straight from the source during a Brazilian excursion, owner-founder Jean Claude Frajmund became determined to bring a fresh, sustainable seafood option to restaurants and urban centers. Unique organic compounds and innovative water-circulation technology now allow him to operate a series of tanks from which he fosters a naturally raised, chemical-free food source.   845.561.2048; www.ecoshrimpgarden.com
Most Take-Charge CharitySparrow’s Nest, Wappingers FallsTo defray the havoc that accompanies cancer treatment, this organization delivers two delicious homemade meals weekly to children who are diagnosed and their patient caregivers. Eligible families live within 20 miles of the commercial kitchen that loving neighbors use in meal preparation. This heart-warming group is dependent on dedicated volunteers and donations of money, labor and supplies, but people don’t seem to mind giving, because they exemplify caring, love, and community spirit.845.204.9421; www.sparrowsnestcharity.org

photo by John Morzen
Artist Tarryl Gabel Tarryl Fine Art 845.452.8715; Poughkeepsie - Advertisement -   Author Linda Zimmermann 845.469.7529; Blooming Grove   Celebrity Paul Teutul Jr. Motorcycle fabricator Paul Jr. Designs 845.769.7362; Montgomery   - Partner Content - Your Official Hudson Valley Fall Dining Guide How to spruce up your outdoor space Entrepreneur Donna Williams Field Goods 888.887.3848; Athens   High School Teacher Sarah Combs Arlington High School Lagrangeville	Local Musician/Band Soul Purpose 914.489.8391; New Paltz   Politician Dutchess County Executive Mark Molinaro Poughkeepsie - Advertisement -   Pro Golfer Andy Crane West Point Golf Course West Point   Radio Personality Joe Daily Q92.1 FM Poughkeepsie   Weather Reporting Hudson Valley Weather Kingston