You’ve heard of educational programs that are on the cutting edge of innovation? The Red Hook Technology Department is there in a literal and very practical way. Red Hook High School is adding the subject of laser cutting and engraver technology to multiple classes in their curriculum. Students who sign up for technology or art classes, such as sculpture or design, will have access to this “cutting edge” equipment purchased through a grant from RHEF. With training, the equipment will also be available to clubs and any other district department. Students who use the equipment will discover how to turn their computer-generated concepts into working prototypes in ways that match the needs of industry today.
Red Hook Student Councils Host Leadership Conference
The combined student councils of Linden Avenue Middle School and Red Hook High School have been awarded a grant to host a leadership conference for students from Westchester, Ulster, Putnam and Dutchess counties. The grant will support the development of the conference and allow students from fifth through eighth grades to attend two workshops presented by local high school student council members and to hear from a professional motivational speaker. The high school students presenting the workshops will sharpen their leadership skills by planning and presenting the workshops.
An Evening with Amy Helm Supports RHEF
Thank you to everyone who came out for An Evening with Amy Helm in support of the Red Hook Education Foundation — we had a sellout crowd! Helm’s concert was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
Additional thanks to the underwriters and sponsors of the event. Their generosity ensured that 100% of the ticket sales went directly to funding the projects and programs of the Red Hook Education Foundation.
Underwriters:
| Beth Goldberg and Steve Appenzeller | |
| Michelle Platt and Francesco Buitoni | Julia Crowley and Art Carlson |
| Lisa and Art Chandler | Odile and Reverend B.D. Chilton |
| Trisha and Paul Finch | Jeanne Donovan Fisher |
| Debra Blalock and Russell Frehling | Alison and Robert George |
| Sarah and Chris Gilbert | H.H. Hill Realty |
| Maura Sullivan and John Horiszny | Teresa and Steven Hughes |
| Burton Kassell | Evelyn Krueger and Frank Knobloch |
| Christine and Matt Kurlander | Katy Walsh and Wil LaBossier |
| Law Office of Susan Von Reusner | Alison and John Lankenau |
| Linda and Shelton Lindsay | Liz Cullers and Arlene London |
| Michelle and Jeffrey Martin | Sharon and Steve Maurer |
| Dwayne Resnick and Mark McDonald | Nora and Edward Mercier |
| Migliorelli Farms | New Leaf Design |
| Paula Redmond Real EstateTricia and Foster Reed | Susan and John Pelosi |
| Sarah and Peter Sweeny | Tivoli Mercantile |
| Illiana van MeeterenThe Valley Gardener | Illya Szilak and Chris Vroom |
| Marla and Brian Walker | |
Sponsors
| About Town | |
| Bard College | Baright Enterprises, Inc. Foam & Wash |
| Celso Celeya Landscaping, Inc. | Chronogram |
| J. Ettenson Realty | Mansfield, Gautier & Rosenthal, LLP. |
| Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union | Oblong Books |
| The Palombo Group | Red Hook Chamber of Commerce |
| Red Hook Observer | Richard B. Fisher Center for Performing Arts |
| Riverstone Wealth Management | Ruge’s Subaru |
| Trustco Bank | Watertight Plumbing & Heating |
| WDST | WKZE |
About Amy Helm
Amy Helm’s deep musical roots were enriched by a lifetime of exposure to the finest expressions of American musical tradition. Combined with her stunning vocal and other creative gifts, those roots have grown up to reveal a spellbinding artist who moves easily through a broad range of musical styles.
The daughter of music legend Levon Helm and singer/songwriter Libby Titus Fagen, Helm wields a powerful voice that can both stir and soothe, whether she is singing traditional gospel, blues standards or her own heartfelt compositions. She is a gifted musician on both mandolin and drums, and has clearly absorbed the lessons of the many other accomplished artists with whom she has shared stages, including Mavis Staples, Emmylou Harris, and Joan Osborne as well as other uniquely American performers like Dr. John and Hubert Sumlin.
A founding member of the roots band Ollabelle with whom she has recorded three CDs, Helm has also performed live with scores of notable musicians like Warren Haynes, The Wood Brothers, and Donald Fagen, and her distinctive voice can be heard on recordings by artists ranging from Mercury Rev to Marc Cohn.
Her lengthy resume is highlighted by many years of singing and playing alongside her father, with whom she conceived, launched and perfected the Midnight Rambles, intimate performances held since 2004 at his home and studio in Woodstock, N.Y. The musical chemistry, affectionate humor and family pride that Amy shared on stage with her father helped shape the Midnight Ramble as it evolved into a musical event that still attracts fans and musicians from around the world. She co-produced Levon Helm’s 2007 CD Dirt Farmer, which won the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album, and she is prominently featured on the Levon Helm Band’s Electric Dirt and Ramble at the Ryman Grammy-winning albums.
Helm continues to perform with the Ollabelle, the Midnight Ramble Band and the Dirt Farmer Band. She is poised to release her first solo album later this year.
Mill Road Primary “1,000 Books Kids Club” Program
The 1000 Books Kids Club program, funded by a mini-grant from the Red Hook Education Foundation, targeted the families of preschool aged children, and offered them the opportunity to borrow age-appropriate books as a way to enhance pre-literacy skills, as well as make an initial positive connection to their school.
In the spring of 2013, the program began lending bags of 10 books to families, and has already been infused with additional support. Daniel and Jill Pinkwater have generously donated over 250 books to support this project, and a number of Red Hook families have offered both books and monetary donations to further support this important program.
At the time of this post, eleven families had already registered for the program. For more information, you may contact Barbara Shoemaker, Mill Road Primary Librarian, bshoemaker@rhcsd.org.
Middle School Class Visit to Bard’s Kayden Science Center
The Red Hook Education Foundation donated funds to the Bard Center for Civic Engagement, to help underwrite a portion of the expense for the Linden Avenue Middle School’s 8th Grade Field Trip to Bard College’s Reem Kayden Science Center, October 4 and 6, 2011.
New Shed Built for the Mill Road Outdoor Classroom
High School students from the Residential Structures class built the Mill Road Elementary School students a shed for their outdoor classroom. The Red Hook Education Foundation provided the funds. You can learn more about the garden here.
Career Fair 2012: A Resounding Success!
With over 60 Careers and Trades, 20 Regional Colleges, and numerous community organizations presenting, it was a high-impact and well-attended event. Over 500 community members, including more than 360 students, as well as a number of parents, attended this event. Originally conceived in an effort to provide Red Hook students with a much needed opportunity to explore various career options in a hands-on manner, the Career Fair has achieved a momentum of its own.
The parking lot was full; walking up to the school one could hear and feel the vibe of engaged youth, enhanced by some great music, including an impromptu performance in the front hallway by a great local student violinist. Delicious, healthy food was provided by one of our local food gurus, Joe Baldwin of Earth to Table. It was great this year to see many students from the Middle School participate in the Career Fair. It’s never too early to begin the long and important process of career exploration and choice. A panel discussion regarding “Owning Your Own Business” was also offered. A number of local business owners shared their perspectives on the rewards and challenges of starting a business. County Executive Marc Molinaro also participated in this panel.
Another great dimension of this career fair is the multitude of parents who generously offered their time to share their passion for their chosen professions with students. One presenter whose booth generated a lot of student interest was Helena Hobson, a physical therapist with a practice in Rhinebeck. What a rich resource this community has in its parents and other adults who show their commitment to our students by offering their time and presence. One freshman commented on the fair, “It was a great opportunity to learn more about things we are interested in, and see what careers paths we could take to fulfill our interests.”
A huge thank you goes to Tara Sullivan, who spearheaded this event, as well as all the volunteers who created a seamless experience for the attendees.
Sponsors of this event included the following:
TD Bank
Professional Computer Associates
The Palombo Group
Williams Lumber
Ruge’s Subaru
Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation Red Hook Chamber of Commerce
Bard College
Northern Dutchess Hospital
Ulster Savings Bank
Red Hook Education Foundation
Bard College
Red Hook Central School District
Red Hook Parent Teacher Student Association
RHEF looks forward to seeing you next year! Meanwhile, if you have feedback about how we could improve this venue, we would welcome your ideas and input. Please contact us at info@redhookeducationfoundation.org.
2nd Annual Bard 5K for Red Hook Schools
The 2nd annual Bard 5K Run To Support Our Schools was a success!
On Sunday, April 22nd, in spite of the chilly Spring weather, over 75 folks came out of their warm homes to help the RHEF in its mission to support Red Hook Schools. There were runners of all ages and speeds, as well as a number of walkers this year. The course, which winds through the Bard campus, was well-marked and showed off the campus in Springtime. It was nice to see a number of entire families walking or running the course together! After the run, there were winners in many categories, and participants were happy to receive their prizes of tickets to Bard Summerscape. What a great way for a community to join together, with an invigorating walk/run while supporting Red Hook Schools! Thanks to all who helped organize this annual event, and to all who participated. RHEF is donating half the profits from the race to the Red Hook Sports Boosters Club.
Top 5 winners are as follows:
Jim McNulty 23:32; Sally Dwyer McNulty 24:18; Christina Beal 24:29; Jenny Carpenter 24:35; Aiden Hackmeyer 25:20.
Our First National Grant! (It’s for the School Garden)
On March 15, 2012, Red Hook Central Schools received word that they had been selected to receive a $500.00 grant to support the Garden at Mill Road; the first grant written by the Red Hook Education Foundation Team! This particular grant was offered by Annie’s, Inc., as part of their “Grants for Gardens” initiative to fund small grants for community or school gardens that connect children directly to real food. A small group of committed community members who happen to be skilled at grant-writing have been collaborating for just a few months, and have another grant currently under review as well.
This particular grant will facilitate the second phase of the garden; specifically the creation of cold frames to protect hardy greens and herbs into the late Fall, and then again in early Spring in order to extend the growing (and learning!) season of the garden.
As Tricia Paffendorf, horticulturist and coordinator of the Garden at Mill Road aptly put it, “Thanks so much … for all of your contributions in landing our very first grant. You all took action after one meeting not too long ago, rocked on a couple grants, and now…Yippee!”
Our 1st Mini-Grant Recipients
All recipients in this first round are Red Hook Central School District teachers. The mini-grant program is designed to support innovative educational programming that enriches student learning.
- $1,000 awarded to Kim Goldhirsch, at Linden Avenue Middle School for the Mid-Level Leadership Conference.
- $1,000 awarded to Lydia Cordier for the Garden at Mill Road.
- $275 awarded to Eleanor Lydon-Clements at Linden Avenue Middle School to help support the Medieval Times field trip.
- $665 awarded to Steven Hughes at Linden Avenue Middle School to help support the First Lego League Robotics Competition.
- $1,000 awarded to William Decker at the Red Hook High School to support the Model United Nations.
We encourage students, faculty, and staff members of the district to submit an application to the next round of mini-grants for future funding consideration. Perhaps you have a good idea. Think outside the box. The possibilities for innovation are endless!
