Around the turn of the 19th Century, John Lamphere Dodge, a young man whose first job was in a New York City pharmacy, became fascinated with chemistry and pharmaceuticals and teamed up with a chemist named Bell to create a natural remedy for indigestion.

Bell-ans was born, named after the chemist and the main ingredient - "pa-pay-ans" which means relief from indigestion.

Add an "e" to the end of Bell, and a new meaning is created - from the French Belle Ans translates into "beautiful years..."

Given the amazing year we have had here on the property, the exhibitions, events, the exciting new tenants we have welcomed, and all the art, innovation and services our community members have created - we can say with certainty that despite challenges and disappointments in the world at large, we've had a "beautiful year" in our green and peaceful place.

James and I and the Bell-ans team are grateful for your support, for the continual embrace of our extended community, which reaches beyond Orangetown into all of Orangeburg - Snedens Landing, Tappan, Sparkill, Pearl River, the Nyacks, Piermont, Grandview-on-Hudson...

From Clausland Mountain to the Hudson River, we are grateful to be part of this community graced by artistic and bohemian traditions, and excited to contribute to the next generation of people who understand that without the arts, without entrpreneurship, without an appreciation of creativity, courage and community capital, life is not lived as fully as it can be.

James and I are grateful and a great big thank you for those of you who have cheered and supported our efforts in 2016.

Here's to a great new year together - a more peaceful, prosperious and continually inspiring 2017!

With loving gratitude,

Phyllis