Community Heartbeat

Palisades, formerly known as Sneden’s Landing, is a charming hamlet in the town of Orangetown in Rockland County. Approximately 30 minutes from Manhattan, it is the southernmost community in the county.

This hamlet has a registered national historic district known as the Closter Road-Oak Tree Road Historic District which contains residential, commercial, religious, and civic properties of architectural and historic significance dating from the end of the 18th century to the first decade of the 20^th century.

The Washington Spring Road-Woods Road Historic District located in a valley west of the hamlet, also contains residential and religious properties of architectural and historic significance dating from the 18^th century to the 20^th century.

The Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, located in Palisades, is one of the world’s leading research centers seeking knowledge about the origin, evolution, and future of the natural world.

As a member of the Earth Institute at Columbia University, more than 300 research scientists and students study the planet on every continent and in every ocean.

Amongst many major achievements, Lamont–Doherty scientists provided the first evidence that the earth’s inner core spins faster than the rest of the planet. They were also the first organization to systematically study and create a global topographic map of the oceans.

Palisades has a great deal to offer their community. On Saturday, June 2 and Sunday, June 3, from 9 am- 3 pm, a large Community Flea Market will be held at the Palisades Community Center located at 675 Oak Tree Road.

On Saturday, June 9, at 2 pm – 6pm, the annual Strawberry Festival will be celebrated at the Palisades Presbyterian Church. Rain or shine, this event with will be enjoyed by adults and children.

Rhinebeck, a beautiful rural village located in the town of Rhinebeck in Dutchess County, is one of the largest historic districts in the United States. Known as the “Sixteen Mile Historic District”, it has over 430 sites listed on the National Historic Register.

Three U.S. presidents have passed through the town, including Franklin D. Roosevelt, who chose the design for a new post office during the 1930’s and spoke at its dedication.

The Benner House, the oldest house in the village, was built in the 1730’s. It is a rare example of a stone house built to German traditions. Local lore suggests that the house was a stopping point for soldiers during the American Revolution.

Year round events and well-known sites of Rhinebeck include: The annual NYS Sheep and Wool Festival held in October at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds; The Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome, famous worldwide for its daredevil sky show and vintage World War I planes and museum; and the Dutchess County Fair, a craft fair held at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds on June 23 -24 and September 29-30.

On May 19, 2-4pm, the Museum of Rhinebeck History located at 7015 Route 9, will hold an opening reception free to the public, which will include photographs, written documentation, architectural elements of an actual violet greenhouse, and other objects related to violets in Rhinebeck.

This exhibit coincides with local cinematographer Tobe Carey’s production of Sweet Violets, a documentary on the history of the violet industry in the Rhinebeck area.

Rhinebeck residents are proud of their village and town as a National Landmark District, one of the largest and most prestigious in the country