In just a few days students in the Red Hook School District will be heading back to school.  This would be a good time to look over the School Calendar and note important days such as open house and school closing. It is also a good time to take note of changes  to the school bus schedule.  Because of hurricane Irene, modification was made to the following routes due to road and bridge closures. Linden Avenue Middle School and Red Hook school bus routes  13,14.15 and 19 Mill Road School bus routes 3,6, 15 and 16 If your child is on one of these bus routes you should  contact the transportation department at 845-758-2241 ext. 3262 for updates.  Keep in mind that information regarding transportation is not posted on the School District website for security reasons. So students when you ... 09/04/2011

Hurricane Irene might be gone but it sure left much destruction behind.  Thankfully in Red Hook it was not anywhere as bad as it could have been and trust me on this, I have lived through many real hurricanes. However some of our neighbors in Ulster, Greene and Delaware Counties felt the brunt of the storm.  Homes were washed away, road and bridge demolished and many were cut off from other parts of the counties. In a situation like this there is great need for shelter clothing water and food.  Many of us want to do what we can to help.  Today I received an email requesting clothing, so residents of Red Hook here is an opportunity for you to give. I am sure if most of us look around our closets or in boxes nicely stored in our basement we will find items we can part with.               ... 09/02/2011

On Sunday the double rainbow and wind post-Irene was a real treat after a day couped up in the house with no electricity. Even at such a time nature still displays lovely eye candy. Since I did not have electricity I could enjoy the moment as I was unaware of the misery my neighbors to the west were enduring. Irene might not have lived up to the hype but that's what storms do, they are unpredictable. Who would have thought Vermont would have gotten hit so hard? This was just a reminder to us all that there are things we have no control over. Anyway, I hope you enjoy the double rainbow, nature's eye candy, as much as I did. 08/30/2011

Yesterday I held an Open House at 7 Fir St, Red Hook NY, and Steve Weiss a Mortgage Originator with Residential Home Funding Corp co-hosted and provided the refreshment. I did not know at the time that Steve was an AR member, it looks like he joined earlier this year. Anyway we were sitting there and I had my camera ready to take a video of the home when I suddenly came up with the idea to interview Steve.  He was game so I turned on the camera. '       Please stop by Steve's blog and say hello. 08/18/2011

You can participate in an art celebration in Red Hook August 19-21.  This event is hosted by the Red Hook Community Arts Network.  Yes Red Hook is home to many artists, and they are an important part of making the Red Hook Community an interesting one.  The celebration will be at the Old Soap Factory which has been renovated in to a special space for exhibition of visual arts, theatre and musical performances, crafts and much more.  This space will be known as the EMPORIUM.                                                   Old Soap Factory now renamed The Emporium                                                      7392 South Broadway, Red Hook NY 12571 Event August 19-21 Friday August 19 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM Saturday August 20  1:00 PM - 8:00 PM Sunday August 21 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM For mor... 08/16/2011

The Red Hook real estate market for July showed 5 homes sold in the town and 1 in the village, an improvement of 2 sales over July 2010.  It was also noted that the  average sale price this year was $382,700 much higher than the $226,000 last year. It is good to see some activity in the price ranges that were seeing little activity.  There was a sale in the 400's and another in the 600's.  Of the 6 homes sold 5 had price reductions before getting an offer and the average days on market was 137. Included in homes with contracts or offers is a historically interesting house from 1733 listed for almost 2 million dollars and another more modern home for over $800,000. Below you will find a more detailed report.   Single Family detached inventory for Red Hook NY in July    Active 15 New 2 Av... 08/06/2011

  This specific home was on the market for one year and it sold for $253,500 -- 39.6% lower than the original list price of $419,900. The source for this information is data provided by the Mid –Hudson Multiple Listing Service Inc (MHMLS).  These figures do not represent the total real estate sales in Dutchess County. They do reflect the sales activity of the MHMLS, which comprises the largest sales volume sampling.      08/02/2011

I was happy admiring this orange colored bloom and then the heatwave struck. Yes, this was my last bloom; now the garden beds are dry. I tried watering, but, it was a scorcher like I have never seen and the plants wilted.  Will the flowers come out to play again? Or, is this going to be the shortest blooming season I have seen in a while?  In that case, I had better enjoy the last bloom just before the heatwave.   Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved- Speechless Sunday July 24, 2011:Last bloom before the heatwave 07/24/2011

Back in 1812 Red Hook and Rhinebeck parted ways and Red Hook became an independent town.  There are currently plans underway to celebrate the Red Hook Bicentennial in  2012. The Red Hook Bicentennial Celebration Committee is busy putting activities together and preparing for the kickoff scheduled  for Hardscrabble Day on September 24, 2011. Here is a partial list of what to expect between 2011-2012 Fundraising activities to fund the celebration Barn Dance Commemorative magazine Musical at Bard College House Tours Special Commemorative Quilt Puppets Community Day Red Hook illustrated Oral History Website dedicated to Bicentennial It is going to be fun learning about what life was like back then.  If you have old photos or documents pertaining to Red Hook this may be information that coul... 07/21/2011

The real estate market for Red Hook during June 2011 showed 2 sales; one in the $200's and the other in           the $600's.  In the coming months more homes will sell since 6 properties have offers and 5 others are in contract. The age range of the 15 active listings during the month ranged from 1820-2011, and priced from $199,900-$2,279,000. When compared to same time last year, the Red Hook real estate market for June 2010 showed 11 homes sold between the town and village a big contrast to only 2 this year. Single Family detached inventory for Red Hook NY in June   Active 15 Offer 1  Average List $552,433 Average List $198,500 Average DOM 28 Average DOM 38 Average SQFT 2591 Average SQFT 1008 Average $/SQFT $213 Average $/SQFT $197                 Offer CS 5 Contract 4 Average List $... 07/16/2011

Red Hook Community Arts Network is setting up an art gallery in donated space next to Flatiron. This group came together from a brainstorming session of the Red Hook Chamber of Commerce; as it looked for ways to attract visitors to the Red Hook area.  The idea was to make the area an arts destination since there are many artists in the area, as well as Bard College a big supporter of the arts. Over the last few days I have seen activities in the space, as the artists are busy hanging paintings for the big opening this Friday July 15, 12PM -9PM.  And on Saturday July 16 from 6PM-8PM there will be an opening reception. Regular gallery hours are:  Thursday and Sunday 12PM-5PM and Friday and Saturday 12PM-9PM. Location  7490 South Broadway next to Flatiron To get a peek at the artists hangi... 07/14/2011

Today was rather hectic,  however on my way home I enjoyed the evening sky over Red Hook NY.  The Catskill Mountain as a backdrop  and the open field certainly completed the scene. So no matter how crazy our days might get, there is always a moment or a scene to provide a pleasant distraction; if only for a few moments. Have a great week.   Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved-Speechless Sunday-Evening sky over Red Hook NY 07/10/2011

The Red Hook Central Schools consist of 3 schools and serves students in Red Hook, parts of Milan as well as some Southern Columbia communities. Elementary school is located on Mill Road Middle School on Linden Avenue High School on West Market Street. Yesterday was the end of school, so I hope both students and staff will have a terrific summer. Today is graduation for The Red Hook Central Schools Class of 2011.  Congratulations and best wishes for the future.  Parents, having had two children graduate from the Red Hook Schools I can understand how proud you must be today. Mr. Finch the Superintendent shared some of the Red Hook Central School academic accomplishment in his blog.  The community should be happy the students are doing so well.   I espcially like the fact that so many hav... 06/25/2011

  It is  Wild Raspberry season in Red Hook NY.  The first time I saw these berries I would not touch them, I didn't know what they were, so as far as I was concerned they were poisonous.  My young son on the other hand was always picking berries and I was terrified he would be poisoned, so I kept the poison control number close by. One person told me if the birds eat the berries then it was okay for human, seem there was some truth to that statement. I was happy to finally learn that these berries were wild raspberries and could be eaten. So what do I do now when it is Wild Raspberry season in Red Hook NY?  I walk the perimeter of my property collecting these berries which are really very good. Here are some of the ways I used these berries: I use the berries in pancakes I make wild ras... 06/24/2011

A small change can make a big difference.  During the spring the periwinkle ground cover pops up and the carpet of green is lovely.  This scene is further enhanced when the little blue-violet flowers covers the greenery. The same is true in the case of a home, a small change can make a difference.  Sometimes we get bored with the color of a certain room, applying a fresh coat of paint will make a big difference.   This is also true if you are selling your home; changing paint colors could mean more money in your pocket. 06/19/2011

Do you ever have a week that follows a theme?  This week seems to be my farm week. I saw this goat and kid at the end of the young farmers event I attended a week ago.  It made me recall an incident when  as a  child a goat came up behind me and knocked me of a step.  One of those memories that stays with you.   06/14/2011

A week ago I attended a Young Farmers event at nearby Greig Farm.  Most of us give very little thought to how the food we eat gets to the dinner table. At the event it was brought to our attention that the average age of a farmer in the US is 57 so in the next 20 years many will be retiring.  The question is who, will fill the gap? Young farmers. Easier said than done because of issues facing the present young farmers.   The major issue is that of land ownership.  Many of them cannot afford land and have to resort to renting which has major drawbacks such as the fact that if the land is rented the young farm cannot put in any permanent infrastructure since they don't own the land. Ben Shue, the speaker at the event is one such young farmer.  Ben Started Hearty Roots in 2004 as a CSA(com... 06/13/2011

  Both young and old baseball lovers welcome any opportunity  to learn more about the sport.   This Sunday June 12th in Red Hook, there is such an event.  John Thorn who is an Official Major League Baseball Historian will give a talk. This is a Red Hook Library sponsored event to be held at the Red Hook Fire House Admission $20 for adults and $10 for children 15 and under. Baseball Team Members are encouraged to wear their uniforms. If you arrive by 2PM you might get the opportunity to test your pitching speed   John Thorn will give a talk at 3 PM and after that he will be signing his book "Baseball in the Garden of Eden" you will get $5 off the purchase price of the book by showing  your admission ticket. Tickets on sale at the library Call Sandy for more information 845.757.3031     ... 06/10/2011

  In Red Hook, during the month of May, 1 single family home sold; and unlike last month the average sale price was above $200,000.  So, how did this May compare to last May?  The market last year was stronger; there were 4 sales ranging from $217,000-430,000. The tip I gave back then is still relevant so I will repeat it. If you are thinking of selling your home make sure it is priced right from the start. In this buyer's market this is the single most important factor that could lead to a successful transaction. Single Family detached inventory for Red Hook NY in May   Active 11 New 1 Average List $418,709 Average List $339,000 Average DOM 24 Average DOM 7 Average SQFT 2597 Average SQFT 2022 Average $/SQFT $161 Average $/SQFT $168               Offer 3 Offer CS 1 Average List $273,518... 06/09/2011

Recently I was looking at my plants when I noticed a spider sitting on one of my sedum.  Unfortunately for him he forgot to put out the DO Not Disturb sign. So, I took out my camera and started taking a couple of shots.  He was not pleased and so quickly scurried away. I suppose he was trespassing by landing on my plant, so, I was in the clear:)   Copyright © by Jennifer Fivelsdal, all rights reserved-Speechless Sunday-Do Not Disturb 06/05/2011