By Cathy DeDe, Chronicle Managing Editor

They lost their big promotional weekends due to the coronavirus shutdown, but maple syrup producers still tapped trees for sap and boiled it into syrup.

“It’s short of a full crop but all excellent syrup, good quality and flavor, so I’m not going to complain,” said Randy Galusha of Toad Hill Maple Farm in Thurman.

“The biggest impact so far was the cancellation of …

[mpoverlay] How hard will it hit us? Their 4-month cruise cut short. Rep. Stefanik on coronavirus: The Chronicle’s interview. Arnolds’ produce farm is thriving on direct sales. Don Lehman says thanks after leaving Post-Star. Phyllis Hudson, YMCA aquatics mainstay, retires after 36 years. Transfer stations now mornings only. Glens Falls: No lawn waste pickup; move bags. Argyle Cheese to open store now at former Lewis Super, Hudson Falls. Music, art,…

Paul & Sandy Arnold’s not quite excellent adventure

By Cathy DeDe, Chronicle Managing Editor

Drama is not a thing, typically, for farmers. They tend to be even-keeled, riding the waves and the seasons as they come.

So, a hastily arranged 45-hour journey from Dubai back to Argyle that cut short a world tour, racing back as ports even in their own homeland threatened to close against them was not what …

Chronicle Managing Editor Cathy DeDe writes: “We are happy that New York feels farmers markets are valuable and essential,” says Sandy Arnold. “Some states are banning them, like Vermont.”

Mrs. Arnold and her husband Paul operate Pleasant Valley Farm in Argyle. While they were off on what was supposed to be a four-month worldwide cruise, their adult children were running the farm.

“Our son Robert is super techie,” said Mrs. …

By Sandra Hutchinson, Chronicle Chief Operating Officer

Phyllis Hudson served in a number of roles at the Glens Falls Family YMCA since joining the staff over 36 years ago. But more than anything, she is associated with the swimming pool and aquatics program.

Last week, she wrote what she calls the most difficult letter of her life. She sent 300 e-mails and 40 letters on paper advising her students and …