Sandra Nartowicz

This interview was conducted in The Bee’s Knees children’s store in Hudson, New York. Born in Copake, New York, Sandra Nartowicz has lived in Columbia County most of her life, with the exception of her time spent in Albany, New York pursuing an education in nursing. After a long and distinguished career as a nurse, Sandra left her work to assist her daughter, Amanda, with running The Bee’s Knees, a store supporting natural parenting and products along with toys designed to engage the imagination. In the interview, she discusses her Childhood and experiences growing up on a farm in Copake, New York, where her father was a farmer, police chief, fire chief, and supervisor of the town. She gives insight into the evolving and ongoing changes in Columbia County, highlighting the differences between past and present. As a non-resident, she describes the effects of development and resulting challenges for Hudson and surrounding communities along with perceived improvements. As a self-identified country girl, she reflects on the importance of appreciating everyday things, simplicity, and family. She speaks about the significance of sharing life stories and preserving family memories to create a legacy. She narrates several family memories, ranging from stories captured in her Grandmother’s journal to accounts dictated by her father shortly before he died.

This interview may be of interest to those who wish to learn about the experience of growing up in a farming community; the preservation of family history and how to create a meaningful legacy; the development and change of Columbia County overtime, highlighting Hudson; personal and professional transitions; and the joys of being a Nana.