SUSAN ANN's Blog

GIGANTIC HOME FOR RENT/TOWN OF NEWBURGH

2008-09-24T19:44:24Z

LANDLORD PAYS HALF THE REALTOR FEE!! Located in the Valley Central School District, this gigantic home boasts 4/6 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, large eat-in kitchen, dining room with hardwood floors, screened-in porch and deck, washer/dryer, wall-to-wall carpeting. All this and a large flat yard perfect kids/pets/entertaining. Only $1,900 per month. Call Susan Mohart @ RJ Smith Realty, 845-781-0706.

ENDLESS MOUNTAIN VIEWS/FABULOUS RANCH HOME

2008-08-18T20:29:06Z

VISIT WWW.MYWALLKILL.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION AND PHOTOS!!

One level living at its best. Gorgeous year-round views. This immaculate home features 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, laundry area with half bath, marble floors in foyer, new hardwood floors, fireplace in family room, large eat-in kitchen with island. Full finished basement features kitchen, bedroom, full bath and living area. Sit on your gigantic front porch to watch the sunrises and enjoy your morning coffee or on your private back deck. JUST UNDER 2,500 SQ. FT.!! An absolute must-see home!!

GORGEOUS COLONIAL/WALLKILL SCHOOLS

2008-07-31T21:49:22Z

VISIT WWW.MYWALLKILL.COM FOR MORE PICTURES OF THIS GREAT HOME!!!!

MINT CONDITION COLONIAL ON OVER AN ACRE IN WALLKILL SCHOOL DISTRICT. 4 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS, FORMAL DINING ROOM, FAMILY ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, CENTRAL AIR, CERAMIC TILED EAT-IN KITCHEN WITH ISLAND AND FRENCH DOORS, MASTER BEDROOM, LARGE MASTERBATH WITH SOAKING TUB. FABULOUS PATIO FOR BACKYARD ENTERTAINING WITH HOT TUB. ALL ON A LARGE LEVEL BACKYARD WITH TWO SHEDS. BEAUTIFULLY MATURED LANDSCAPING ADDS TO THIS GREAT HOME!! LOW TAXES!! ONLY $369,900.

1 Bedroom Rental/All Utilities Included

2008-06-20T20:38:04Z

Handicap accessible apartment with private entrance. 1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, Living Room and Kitchen. All utilities are included. Pets are on a case-by-case basis. Only $850 per month. One month's rent, one month's security and realtor fee due at occupancy. Call Susan @ RJ Smith Realty. 845-781-0706. Ready for July 1st occupancy.

PENNY SOCIAL

2008-05-26T19:19:57Z

I just wanted to thank everyone who gracioiusly gifted tons of items for me for the Penny Social at the Union Presbyterian Church. It was our first time trying a Penny Social and we were rather successful. We raised $2,000. Not bad for a first try. Our fundraising committee is always looking for ideas to raise money for the Christian Education Fund. Any ideas out there? Thanks again - Susan

6TH GRADE GRADUATION DANCE

2008-05-26T19:17:10Z

We will be having a 6th grade graduation dance for all of the kids at Ostrander Elementary on Friday, June 6th at 6:00 p.m. at the Wallkill Corrections Club House. DJ Freddie will be playing all kinds of music for the kids. We would like to close the doors at 6:30 so please arrive as close to 6:00 as possible. There will also be a sign-in sheet, but if you would like to stay that would be great. All parents are welcome to chaperone. Contact me at 895-1698 for more information. Thanks and good luck graduates.

3 Bedroom Townhouse/Maybrook

2008-04-28T10:56:16Z

This townhome features a new roof and new furnace, 3 bedrooms and 1.5 baths with an EIK. Close to schools and is in a great commuter location.

Colonial - Strawridge Road - Wallkill

2008-04-15T13:10:45Z

5 BEDROOM COLONIAL PATIO

BARN WITH 6 STALL AND 4 PADDOCKS

GREAT KITCHEN AREA

FABULOUS OPPORTUNITY FOR HORSE LOVERS OR INVESTORS! 5 BEDROOM COLONIAL WITH 2.5 BATHS, L SHAPED DINING ROOM, MASTER BEDROOM AND MASTER BATH, INLAW SUITE WITH LOFT BEDROOM. ALSO INCLUDED IN THE SALE ARE TWO SEPARATE FULLY ENGINEERED LOTS READY TO GO. ONE LOT HAS A BARN WITH 6 STALLS, 4 LARGE PADDOCKS WITH ELECTRIC AND WATER. OTHER LOT IS ALSO FULLY APPROVED FOR A 4 BEDROOM HOME AND IS WAITING FOR YOU TO BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME.

Colonial - Strawridge Road - Wallkill

2008-04-15T13:10:34Z

5 BEDROOM COLONIAL PATO IN REAR YARD, ABOVEGROUND POOL

BARN WITH 6 STALL AND 4 PADDOCKS

NEW LISTING - 3 BEDROOM ELLENVILLE RANCH

2008-04-03T17:12:12Z

Great ranch home on 2 acres. Owner was in process of finishing this home. Large eat-in kitchen has new hickory floors, hickory cabinets, new appliances, corian sink and new countertops. Huge wrap-around deck with Trex decking that overlooks large yard. French doors from MBR also leads to deck. All new windows. Giant 32x52 pole barn w/2 car garage and workshop. All this home needs is just a little more effort to finish it off. BRING YOUR BUYERS! A RARE OPPORTUNITY!

NEW LISTING - WHISPERING PINES PARK

2008-03-30T20:54:49Z

Why rent when you can own? This home is a very well maintained mobile home in Whispering Pines Park featuring 3/4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, eat-in kitchen with refrigerator, gas stove, diswasher, formal dining room, living room with built-in book case for your knick-knacks and TV, large master bedroom, skylights, ceiling fans, separate laundry area with washer and dryer, shed on a nice-sized corner lot. This home is located in Bloomingburg and is in the Pine Bush School District and is on a double lot. Call today for an appointment.

WWW.MYWALLKILL.COM

2008-03-30T20:42:06Z

I AM SO EXCITED TO LET EVERYONE KNOW ABOUT MY NEW WEBSITE, WWW.MYWALLKILL.COM. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO VISIT AND GIVE ME ANY THOUGHTS OR IDEAS. I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU. I WILL BE ADDING A NEW FEATURE, WALLKILL BUSINESSES, IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE.

ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE

2008-03-13T11:59:52Z

The St. Patrick's Day Parade in Shawangunk will be March 30th @ 2 pm. Bring your families, kids and pets. Don't forget to clap really loud for all of the parade marchers, especially all of the volunteers who give so much of themselves. See you there!!!

Shawangunk Web Site

2008-03-08T11:14:17Z

Visit www.shawangunk.org for all the latest information about the village.

Baseball Try-Outs

2008-03-03T14:30:11Z

Sorry for the inconvenience, but due to the inclement weather baseball was cancelled last Saturday. The last day for try-outs, pending the weather, will be this Saturday, March 8th. Please visit the Web site, www.wallkillarealittleleague.org for the times. Times are based on age and birthdate. Hopefully the try-outs will take place and then the teams will be selected.

PENNY SOCIAL - UNION CHURCH

2008-03-03T14:24:48Z

PENNY SOCIAL - FRIDAY, MAY 9th, 2008

6:00 PM

I am on a committee at my church to hold a Penny Social on Friday, May 9th, 2008. The doors will open at 6:00 pm at the Union Presbyterian Church in Balmville, New York. If anyone has any "gently used" items, or new items that you would like to donate, please let me know. I would be more than happy to arrange to pick the items up at your home or office. Feel free to contact me with any questions - Susan

WALLKILL YOUTH FOOTBALL REGISTRATION

2008-02-28T11:58:23Z

WALLKILL YOUTH FOOTBALL REGISTRATION

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

REGISTRATION:

Registration will be at the Wallkill High School

March 1, 2008 - 1 pm

March 3, 2008 - 8:30 pm

March 11, 2008 - 6 pm - 8:30 pm

ATTENTION FOOTBALL COACHES:

We have been given free passes to the Glazier Clinics from Riddell Sports. The Board of Directors of Wallkill Youth Football league encourages you to attend. Visit riddell.com for a complete list of dates and speakers.

GREAT WEB-SITE

2008-02-28T11:41:40Z

I wanted to let everyone know about a great new web-site. You can gets things absolutely FREE!! If you have a need for an item, take a look at this site. Or if you have something at your house that you don't use anymore, you can advertise the item for free and give it away to someone who actually needs. This is a great way to get rid of the items in your basement or attic, without throwing them away at the dump. Check out www.freecycle.org.

PLATTEKILL ARDONIA ROAD RENTAL - WALLKILL SCHOOLS

2008-02-28T11:32:13Z

Great rental on Plattekill Ardonia Road with 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, living room with fireplace, dining room and kitchen, central air, central vacuum, all on a very nice piece of property. A truly move-in condition place. Landlord will do a one-year lease and will accept pets on an individual basis. CALL NOW FOR AN APPOINTMENT!!

WALLKILL BASEBALL

2008-02-28T11:21:12Z

This Saturday, March 1st, will be the last day for baseball try-outs. If your son or daughter is interested, please go to www.wallkillarealittleleague.org and see what time your child should go. It is done on an alphabetical and birthdate basis. After Saturday the coaches will decide what team the kids will be on.

WALLKILL HOME SALES IN 2008

2008-02-27T14:04:53Z

I thought I would share the residential sales information in the Shawangunk area since January 1st of 2008. There have been fourteen residential sales, the lowest price home being $157,900 and the highest being $449,900. There were only two sales right in the hamlet of Wallkill. If you would like further information, feel free to contact me. Thank you - Susan Mohart

OSTRANDER ELEMENTARY NEW YORK STATE ASSESSMENT SCORES - 2007

2008-02-27T11:41:16Z

Grade 3

English Language Arts
70% (2007)
62% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 67% in 2007.

Math
90% (2007)
84% (2006)
The state average for Math was 85% in 2007.

Source: NYSED, 2006-2007

Grade 4

English Language Arts
60% (2007)
66% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 68% in 2007.

Math
91% (2007)
84% (2006)
The state average for Math was 80% in 2007.

Source: NYSED, 2006-2007

Grade 5

English Language Arts
68% (2007)
56% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 68% in 2007.

Math
65% (2007)
55% (2006)
The state average for Math was 76% in 2007.

Source: NYSED, 2006-2007

Grade 6

English Language Arts
50% (2007)
58% (2006)
The state average for English Language Arts was 63% in 2007.

Math
51% (2007)
55% (2006)
The state average for Math was 71% in 2007.

Source: NYSED, 2006-2007

About the Tests

In 2006-2007 New York used the New York State Assessments to test students in grades 3 through 8 in English language arts and math, in grades 4 and 8 in science and in grades 5 and 8 in social studies.
The results for English language arts and math are displayed on GreatSchools profiles.
The tests are standards-based, which means they measure how well students are mastering specific skills defined for each grade by the state of New York.
The goal is for 90% of students to meet or exceed grade-level standards on the tests.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILDREN

2008-02-27T11:28:41Z

Choosing the Right School
for Your Children

For many families, a move to a new state or community means making difficult choices. Choosing from among the wide array of options of appropriate day care for younger children or schools for the older ones can be a complex and time-consuming chore. Parents need to examine their own basic values, their child-rearing and educational philosophies, and each child's needs when making decisions that will affect their child's future.

For many parents, choosing the best schools for their children determines other life choices. Newcomers usually investigate the public school systems thoroughly before selecting an area in which to settle. Each school district determines its own curriculum, requirements, and special programs. However, individual schools within a district can differ because of variations in student bodies, individual principals and teachers, and parental involvement. Neighborhoods with higher income levels and percentage of parents with college educations generally have schools with better test scores and a larger percentage of students going on to college. Real Estate agents are a good source of information in this area.

In comparing school districts and individual schools within each district, the following general questions should be asked:

Is the physical location of the school adequate and secure?

What is the school's teacher/student ratio?

What teaching methods (traditional, open classroom, team-teaching, etc.) are used?

Observe classes if possible.

What arts programs are offered?

What are the special education facilities and programs in each school/jurisdiction?

Is homework given and, if so, how much each night?

Is there an adequate sports program?

What extracurricular clubs and interest groups exist?

Parents of elementary school children should ask other questions:

Can a young child walk to school safely without crossing main roads?

Is transportation available?

Is there sufficient space for recreation and adequate playground supervision?

Are there after-school and extended day programs? Parents can use school profiles and interviews with principals or counselors to answer the following questions:

Does the school have a good orientation program for new students?

What courses are included in the basic curriculum?

What elective courses are available?

What Advanced Placement courses are offered?

Is there vocational education for those students wishing to take a trade, skill or career course?

How have students scored recently on standardized tests (such as the S.A.T.)?

What percentage of high school students go to college? How are college and career counseling handled?

Private schooling is another option to be considered Classes are usually smaller, children may receive more individual attention, and college-bound students are given more personalized counseling. Schools sponsored by religious organizations are often less costly than other independent schools, but their classes tend to be larger.

Students interested in private schools should begin the application process early as the most competitive schools have February deadlines. Since many of the most selective schools require interviews, families should consider scheduling interviews before a formal application is made. It is unwise to apply to only one school. Because of space limitations, many bright children are denied entrance to the more popular schools. Some Catholic schools give priority to families that are members of the parish. Applying to four or five schools should prevent disappointment.

HISTORIC POSTCARDS

2008-02-22T21:25:46Z

Hi, everyone. I wanted to let you know that if you are looking for historic postcards in the Orange, Ulster and Sullivan counties, just go to www.realesolutions.com. Once there, click on historic postcards and search for the town name you would like. These postcards are really great. They would make a nice gift for someone who grew up in the area. They might remember the picture on the postcard and tell you an interesting story about it. If you have a town that is not on our list, let me know and I will see what I can do to add it.

A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT SHAWANGUNK

2008-02-21T21:23:51Z

Shawangunk is a town in Ulster County, New York, United States. The population was 12,022 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from native words. The Town of Shawangunk is in the southwestern part of the county. Like the neighboring mountain range, the name is sometimes pronounced "Shongum" by local residents.Shawangunk was first settled by Europeans around 1670. The region was organized as a precinct in 1743, and became the Town of Shawangunk in 1788. The name is a Dutch transliteration of the indigenous Munsee Lenape "Scha-WAN-gunk." The Lenape linguist Raymond Whritenour reports that, "Schawan" is an inanimate intransitive verb meaning 'it is smoky air' or 'there is smoky air.' Its noun-like participle is "schawank," meaning that which is smoky air.' Adding the locative suffix gives us "schawangunk" ('in that which is smoky air' or, more simply, 'in the smoky air')[1]. Like the nearby Catskill Mountains, which are referred to as the "Hidden Mountains" at Olana, the Shawangunk area can be noted for the heavy humidity and atmosphere caused by the mountain ridge running southwest to northeast partially blocking the prevailing west to east wind. Whritenour suggests the name derives from the burning of a Munsee fort by the Dutch in 1663 (a massacre ending the Second Esopus War) beside the creek later named the Shawangunk Kill, near the western terminus of what is now Old Fort Road. Nearly a dozen three-syllable variants of Shawangunk appear on the earliest land deeds adjacent to the massacre site and across the basin. The name spread to the nearby ridge in the early 1700s. Residents, rather than describing themselves as living in Shawangunk, more commonly refer to their residence as either Wallkill, Pine Bush or Walker Valley, depending on which part of the town they live in. [edit] Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 56.5 square miles (146.4 km²), of which, 56.2 square miles (145.6 km²) of it is land and 0.3 square miles (0.8 km²) of it (0.55%) is water. The south town line is the border of Orange County, New York. The Wallkill River flows through the eastern half of town and lends it its name, which it flows through, while the western (Walker Valley) half climbs the slopes of the eponymous mountains. Demographics, As of the censusof 2000, there were 12,022 people, 3,433 households, and 2,557 families residing in the town. The population density was 213.9 people per square mile (82.6/km²). There were 3,754 housing units at an average density of 66.8/sq mi (25.8/km²). The racial makeup of the town was 86.49% White, 8.14% African American, 0.26% Native American, 0.92% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 2.86% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.96% of the population. There were 3,433 households out of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.5% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.5% were non-families. 20.2% of all households were made up of individuals and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.21. In the town the population was spread out with 22.4% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 38.3% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 134.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 144.3 males. The median income for a household in the town was $52,366, and the median income for a family was $59,975. Males had a median income of $40,967 versus $29,608 for females. The per capita income for the town was $19,402. About 4.4% of families and 13.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 10.5% of those age 65 or over. [edit] Communities and locations in Shawangunk Awosting -- A hamlet in the northwest part of the town. Bruynswick -- A hamlet near the north town line on County Route 7. Crawford -- A hamlet in the northwest part of the town, south of Awosting. Dwaarkill -- A hamlet north of Red Mills, located on County Route 7. Galeville -- A former hamlet in the eastern part of the town, north of Wallkill. Galeville is on the west bank of the Wallkill River. Once home to Galeville Army Air Base, now Shawangunk Grasslands National Wildlife Refuge. New Hurley -- A former hamlet on Route 208. Pine Bush -- A hamlet in Orange County; the ZIP Code extends into much of western Shawangunk. Red Mills -- A hamlet at the south town line and north of Pine Bush. Rutsonville Shawangunk Kill -- A small stream in the town. Ulsterville -- A hamlet west of Pine Bush, located on Route Walker Valley -- A hamlet in the southwest part of the town on Route 52. Walker Valley is west of Pine Bush. Wallkill -- A hamlet at the east town line. Shawangunk Correctional Facility -- A New York State prison, north of Wallkill. Wallkill Correctional Facility -- A state prison north of Wallkill.