10/01/2026
Today, our building along with a majority of the commercial buildings in the village are being sold to a new owner. I was chatting with Carlene & Dick Baright this morning, Mr. Baright chatted about "the good ole days" after owning properties in Red Hook Village for over 60 years.
I told Carlene how much I appreciate being the third generation of women to own a business in Red Hook Village, and having the Baright family as the landlord for my business. Carlene of course was gardening in front of a store as we were chatting about everything! Her husband Dick said to me "it's been a good run".
Every time I think of Red Hook, I think of the Baright family. Carlene pulling the weeds from the store front flower beds, Dick walking behind her with his hands folded, Todd running down the sidewalk with his pressed button-up shirts and his tool bag, or blowing the leaves with a perfectly white shirt on and dress pants. During the holidays he'd stop in the store with his Santa hat, just the little things that make Red Hook like a little Hallmark town.
I often express to Carlene (Baright) how much I love Red Hook, and how much it feels like home to me. I love Red Hook, volunteering with Red Hook Responds, helping with the Christmas decor in the village, planning small events, being on the Hardscrabble committee, helping organize the Repair Cafe...Needless to say I am EVERYWHERE!
I told Carlene a few weeks ago how last year my love for Red Hook was questioned by a two individuals and how terrible it made me feel...Today, as Carlene loaded browning plants into the trunk of her car she said to me.."You're one of the best things that happened to Red Hook". But, in my eyes the Baright family is truly one of the best things that happened to Red Hook
So, to end my babbling post...Thank you again to the Baright family, it's been a "good run". 🪝❤️
