Country Postman waves flag for Ukraine

SALT POINT — Blue and yellow flags seem to be popping up all over Millbrook lawns like sunflowers in the summertime these days, the national flower of the Ukrainian people the flags represent. They are especially prevalent along Franklin Avenue, as well as in the nearby village of Millerton and throughout the Harlem Valley.

Many of the symbols showing solidarity with the war-torn nation were created at The Country Postman in Salt Point, a hamlet of Pleasant Valley that is as much a part of Millbrook as any other community.

The copy shack and shipping center has been operating for more than 15 years from the Washington Hollow Plaza at 2517 Route 44.

Recently, much of the business’ time and energy has been redirected to fulfill needs beyond copying and shipping.

A frequent customer who preferred to remain anonymous recently approached store owner Ralph Simmons and front of the store manager Shyla Winter with a special request. She asked to print Ukrainian flags to place on local lawns to show support for the embattled nation.

The customer originally ordered 10 flags, upped the order to 20 and it’s grown from there. She’s had neighbors and friends place orders, too. Simmons extended her a large discount. Since then, many others have ordered the flags, said Simmons.

The blue and yellow flags are painted with the Ukrainian flag and come with or without an image of a sunflower. They’re 24-inches by 18-inches and include a metal stake to plant in the grass. They cost $14.98 with a percentage of the sales going to help Ukraine.

Simmons is donating part of the proceeds to the Afya Foundation, a nonprofit that collects unused but still viable medical supplies and equipment from the New York to send where it’s needed most. Currently, those supplies are going to Ukraine.

“I think there’s such a desperate need just now,” said Simmons. “I wish everyone would do this. It’s a small effort compared to what they actually need.”

By Saturday, March 26, 539 flags were sold, and $2,500 donated to Afya.

Afya Foundation estimates that 90% of its funding goes to direct aide.

Simmons is originally from Millerton and expanded his shipping business at the plaza through the years, building up to a staff with 12 employees.

The Country Postman ships everything from small books to fragile antiques to large furniture, all around the country and even abroad. The store is also copy and print shack and even restores old photographs. It also offers a courier service.

Simmons has contributed to charities before, such as Lucky Orphans and Angels of Light.

He said he “believes in doing good for humanity.”

To contact The Country  Postman, call 845-677-1076 or go to www.countrypostman.com.