Highland Falls’ Nancy Ryerson is on a very specific mission
The Arc Greater Hudson Valley, NY is a not-for-profit agency dedicated to providing supports to over 2000 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Sullivan, Orange and Dutchess Counties.
On a quiet weekend afternoon one driving in the Mearns Ave. area might notice a couple of signs on utility poles that say ‘Sale’ with an arrow pointing up Eagle Valley Rd. If one followed those couple of signs, they’d find themselves on a short little residential road that ends in a turnaround. As one turned around, they’d see the final sign, pointing up the driveway of the home of Nancy Ryerson.
Curiosity might force one to park and walk up that driveway, and once at the door to the Ryerson home, see a sign that says, basically, ‘welcome’ and ‘come in’. If one did go in (some might ring the doorbell first, feeling a little strange about just walking into someone’s home!) they would immediately find themselves in the midst of a true winter wonderland.
In five rooms of her home, one can shop for the sweetest Christmas ornaments and holiday (and home) decorations and whimsy holiday (or anytime) gifts. There is much to choose from Ryerson. Ryerson stays close while Adam enjoys the visit.
Ryerson and her family have lived in this home for decades. Her older son, Justin — a researcher in the field of colon cancer, which his and Adam’s father Glenn died of in 2002 — and his wife now live in Louisiana.
Glenn, community members whose children are now young adults may remember, was a school bus driver in the community in his later years. He always dressed as Santa on the last day before the school winter break, and gave out candy canes.
This year is the second year Ryerson opened her home as a Christmas shop. The burning question is why?
Adam, who is autistic, attends a day program at Arc. He is 33 years old and requires full-time care when not ‘in school’, of which Ryerson provides at their home. While he’s home, she is basically housebound, and thus the show.
All of the items that Ryerson sells are new, and prices are all in the single figure range. She’s quick to throw in ‘freebies’ … when she meets a shopper she seems to get a quick read on them and find something to gift them with.
She figures that people wonder why she doesn’t take her wares to craft shows or vendor markets, but the answer is simple. Adam. She’s there for him 24 hours a day.
“So, I made my own shop,” she said.
Shoppers will wander through her sun, dining and living rooms and ‘check out’ in her kitchen. It’s all filled to the brim with sale items.
And shoppers will meet Adam … likely in the family’s living room, sitting right next to his five colorful parakeets, with that glowing Santa across the room.
She’s happy to talk with young children about his disability, and particularly welcomes families with children with disabilities into her home. She’s available for ‘private showings’ for those who need them, or ‘sensory friendly times’ with no holiday music playing, as is typical.
“If we need to, Adam and I can even go for a ride so you’re alone,” she said.
Ryerson loves Christmas and the magic it brings — Adam does too. In fact, of the many, many Christmas items for sale in her home, there’s a large, lighted Santa face that is not for sale … he stays in place in the family’s living room year-round because he brings joy to Adam.
Back to the sale … it is a fundraiser for Arc. But … not your typical fundraiser.
“I will not be writing a check to Arc,” Ryerson said this past Saturday afternoon, standing amidst her items for sale. “I will take the money that I raise and fulfill wish lists for classrooms at Arc.”
Helping those who attend Arc programs is her passion.
Some of her recent purchases are as simple as glue sticks and construction paper, or playing cards. Some are more specific, like a device to help translate English to Spanish and vice versa. Some are fun …. “The girls and women have the opportunity to get their nails done each week,” Ryerson said. “I was there recently and one young lady had all of her nails painted a different color; it turns out they were getting short on nail polish.”
What do you think she went out to purchase after that conversation?
This year, Ryerson is thinking some purchases to benefit Arc’s outdoor spaces may also be in the works … garden supplies (Adam’s class oversees the garden), and outdoor rocking chairs.
“I will always do my best to help create the quality of life Adam, and others, deserve,” she said.
To reach Ryerson, call 845-446-0427. She is located on Eagle Valley Rd. in Highland Falls, and her last day of this year’s sale is Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. She’s also available to talk about other donations to Arc Campbell Hall.
“After that I have to get my house ready for my family’s Christmas,” she said.
Ryerson is grateful for the support she gets, and plans to open her shop again next December.
“My sale has grown over last year,” she said, “and that’s all thanks to this community.”
