I often shop at the Callicoon Pantry located within the Callicoon Marketplace on Main Street right next to the post office. This marketplace features many different and diverse vendors who never fail to deliver the best hospitality and customer service. And here’s why…

At the Pantry, I regularly buy one hundred percent cacao, Medjool dates, and olive crackers. But this time I can’t find my favorite cacao bar; a dark baker’s chocolate. No sugar. Not too bitter. 

Dania (pronounced Dan as in Danny and ya as in ya), the proprietor, just ran out to the bank and so Kendra, owner of The Herbal Scoop, helps me. “Whether you’re a pro or just starting an herbal practice, The Herbal Scoop has something for you. Look through the herbal wall, curated teas, and other herbal goodies and find what best fits your wellness goals. The Herbal Scoop has something for everyone!” informs the Scoop’s website and, indeed, it’s true. Plus, there’s Kendra, Herbalist, Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Coach, and self-proclaimed “all around Witch” who really knows her business and maybe even grows or forages some of the herbs in her shop. 

It’s not enough that Kendra is covering for Dania, she also remembers my name. Alas, my favorite bar seems to be out of stock. So I choose another brand and while Kendra rings up my sale, Dania comes through the door. 

“You love that one!” says Dania as she passes by. 

“I do?” I ask having no memory whatsoever of ever buying it.

“Yes! You’ve bought it before and you love it!” Now that’s customer service. I trust her memory more than my own. Dania mentions that she has just gotten the gluten-free buckwheat I asked for, but hasn’t unpacked it, yet. That’s okay because I have to leave anyway. She can take her time.

Before I go, I grab some homemade pesto from Channery Hill Farm. Always fresh; a staple in our home. The maker, Jen McGlashen, is a farmer, a mom, a jeweler and a sewist. I don’t know how she has the time to do all that she does, but then again, I suppose some people might say that about me? 

On my way out, I notice, Lela from Wool Worth. BTW, Wool Worth specializes in local, breed-specific yarns from the region, knitting tools, vintage sewing supplies, and needlework classes, and is well worth the visit just to squeeze soft-scanes of yarn. It’s said that needlework is a relaxing occupation and so I ask Lela, “What are you doing?” 

“Stitching the bridges of Sullivan County,” she says.

“What?” I say as she lifts into view her handiwork along with photos of several bridges she plans to render in thread including the Stone Arch, Narrowsburg, and more. 

“I’m making kits,” she continues.

“Kits?” I say.

“Yes, wouldn’t anyone want to stitch the bridges of Sullivan County?” 

I think about what she just said as I saunter toward the front of the store and gaze for a while at Colleen’s collection of Catskill Vintage Art. I love each and every piece. Then I swing around and check out Grizzly Bagels; sold out of course, and then I leave.

As I walk across the Callicoon Bridge I suddenly find myself inexplicably drawn to the idea that I may have to stitch a bridge or two. It’s symbolic, I figure, of our tight knit (pun intended) community plus it’s one of those moments that tend to escape me. Like the time Steve Maas offered me the job of audio engineering because he was opening a club on White Street and I turned him down by saying, “No one will ever go there because it’s too far downtown.” That idea turned out to be the Mudd Club. And that’s just one example of a long list of “what do I know?” I think “stitching the bridges of Sullivan County” just may turn out to be another. 

RAMONA JAN is the Founder and Director of Yarnslingers, a storytelling group that tells tales both fantastic and true. She is also the roving historian for Callicoon, NY and is often seen giving tours around town. You can email her at callicoonwalkingtours@gmail.com.