Saugerties, the village, the town and hamlets like Malden-on-Hudson, is at a constant crossroads, balancing ambitious potential development with a desire to maintain its small-town character. But Saugerties is already on the map, a destination for leafers, antiquers and equine enthusiasts from New York City and beyond. Saugerties played host to Woodstock ’94, which is generally revered historically and unlike Woodstock ’99 hasn’t been the subject of two investigative TV documentaries and a podcast. It welcomes thousands of garlic lovers into its sprawling athletic complex each and every year. And yet it still remains Saugerties. Its people are welcoming and open, but also devoted to keep it from becoming an oversaturated distant suburb of New York City. They know why people love it there, and they’d like to keep it that way.
What is something you are looking forward to in 2025?
Aimee Richter, matrimonial and family law attorney: Taking on new challenges in my career and pushing myself to grow professionally.  With the opening of my Saugerties office, it is an exciting time to explore new opportunities, meet new people and make a positive impact in my community.
Molly Mackaman, artist: I’m working on a solo art exhibition at a very cool event space in Saugerties, hopefully for early spring.
Gilda Riccardi, attorney: I am looking forward to continued good health, more time with family and friends and more travel.Â
Paul Andreassen, building inspector: In 2025, I look forward to good health, good weather, outdoor activities, travel, special events, catching up on a to-do list, more laughs, less drama and peace in the valley.
What is the best thing about the community you live in?
Aimee Richter: If you allow yourself to become a part of this community, you begin to feel like you are part of something bigger than yourself. Whether it’s volunteering at the Saugerties Animal Shelter, wrapping Christmas gifts for community children, cheering for the Stallions, or simply chatting with people at the Saugerties Farmers’ Market, there is a shared feeling of pride and connection that makes our town unique.
Molly Mackaman: I love Saugerties because it’s real and unpretentious, and because it’s home to all sorts of interesting people from all walks of life.
Gilda Riccardi: I am fortunate to live in Malden-on-Hudson where our close community is truly family.
Paul Andreassen: Friendly faces on the streets, in the shops, in the post offices, and generally a good vibrant mix of people with a variety of interests, backgrounds, accomplishments, goals and desires
What are the issues facing your town in 2025?
Aimee Richter: Residents face challenges with the rising cost of living, high property taxes and the inability for people to find affordable places to live. We need to come up with new solutions to these persistent problems.
Molly Mackaman: I think Saugerties faces a challenge in striking a balance between growth and development and preserving its natural beauty and small town character.
Gilda Riccardi: In my opinion, the biggest issue is the high taxes we pay here and disparate assessment of property values.
Paul Andreassen: The issues facing the town are managing the influx of tourists and development simultaneously, providing a path for growth while protecting the historic characteristics of the town. Improve infrastructure such as traffic lights at key intersections, balance budgets without raising taxes and reduce spending on projects that do not benefit all members of the town and village.
What changes would you like to see made in the community you live in?
Aimee Richter: One of the simplest yet most impactful changes we can make is to be kinder and more respectful toward one another.  Let’s make a conscious effort to recognize that everyone has something valuable to offer. Celebrating the contributions of all residents — whether they’ve lived here for decades or just moved in — can create a more vibrant and united town.
Molly Mackaman: I would love a public swimming pool! But beyond that, I’d like to see more acceptance across the political spectrum for people with differing viewpoints. We don’t have to agree, but we do need to treat each other with respect and courtesy.
Gilda Riccardi: I would like to see taxes come down so people can still afford to live here.
Paul Andreassen: Evaluate each property and assess the values equally across the board. This process needs to be transparent and every property owner, no matter who they are, must pay their fair share. Nothing irks the public more. Term limits for all elected officials.
What’s one goal you are setting for the year?
Aimee Richter: This year I intend to continue my focus on improving my physical health. My goal is to explore and enjoy the outdoors by hiking our beautiful scenic trails and spending time in nature.
Molly Mackaman: I’d love to create a body of work that people can relate to and feel moved by.
Gilda Riccardi: Volunteering with national organizations upholding the rule of law and learning to play castanets. I know, that’s two! Â
Paul Andreassen: One goal for the year, maybe more, is to exercise and laugh more.
If you could run away today and do anything you liked, what would you do?
Aimee Richter: I would create a sanctuary where every cat, whether feral or domesticated, could find comfort love and a fresh start. Â My ultimate dream would be to ensure that no cat has to face a life alone, neglected or unloved.
Molly Mackaman: Great question! First, I don’t want to run away because I love it here, but if I did I’d pack up my sketchbooks and watercolors and spend a month or two drawing and painting in Spain or Italy.
Gilda Riccardi: I would divide my time between my home, the beauty of Italy, the white sand beaches and turquoise waters of Puerto Rico and the vibrancy of NYC arts and culture. And of course orchestrate world peace, if only I could.
Paul Andreassen: Get a suite at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz for six months, travel throughout Europe for two months, return for a few weeks, travel to South America, visit Machu Picchu, return and gather all the grandkids for a two-month tour of Australia, New Zealand and other notable locations. We would bring our favorite books and stay away from the news and any sign of negativity. Life’s too short.
Join the family! 
