Thank you for your support

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As the year draws to a close, we want to sincerely thank everyone who has helped with our fund raising campaign for Bob and Sandy Kiley and RSK Farm! We are thrilled that we were able to raise just over $10,000 to help the Kileys with their rebuilding efforts. And although the official campaign will end tomorrow on December 31st, we are still looking for a few “angels” who may come forward with a large donation that could make all the difference for their stream remediation efforts. They still need significant funds to secure the stream bed so their land won’t get washed out with the next big storm. If YOU are one of those angels, or you know someone who would like to provide continued support, it’s not too late to donate!! There’s close to 24 hours left!!

And again, we so appreciate every single one of the fans of “Potato Bob”! As I said before “What a guy!” Looking forward to eating and sharing his delicious potatoes next summer thanks to all of you – and the amazing spirit of determination that the Kileys have shown in the face of extreme adversity. We applaud them and wish them a fulfilling and abundant New Year!

 

Update from Bob and Sandy

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In the beginning of November, a local contractor did a tremendous amount of work on our property. The stream bank which was distroyed by Hurricane Irene was built back up with gravel. The work was about 50 percent complete when the funding we had was exhausted. We are currently exploring a new program which is being developed for stream bank restoration. The stream bank is currently new gravel and needs large boulders to stabilize it.

Some of the gravel that was deposited on our field was used to build back the stream bank. There is still a lot of gravel on the property which needs to be removed.  We are starting to see that there is five or six acres that can be reclaimed with some time and a lot of work. There is some light at the end of the tunnel, it’s dim but it is there.

Thanksgiving was very difficult for us this year but we are extremely thankful to all of you who have expressed your support and generousity. We are deeply humbled.

Our sincere thanks – Bob/Sandy Kiley – /RSK Farm

Fundraiser at Bistro-to-Go was a huge success!

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Last Saturday October 15th, thanks to the enthusiasm of everyone in our community, we raised a total of $2,835.52 which has now been donated to Bob and Sandy Kiley – to help them in their efforts to keep their beautiful farm alive! Bob brought us a box of his extraordinary Carola potatoes (harvested before Irene hit) and our chefs steamed ‘em, roasted ‘em, and mashed ‘em! And our lucky customers that day had the pleasure of eating them!!

I’ve tried to put my finger on what exactly it is about the Carolas that is so delicious, and the best words I can use to describe them is : buttery, rich, and sensual! Once you’ve tasted a Carola, you’ll forever be spoiled – other potatoes just taste flat.

I asked Bob why you don’t see Carolas in the stores and he said they tend to grow in odd sizes, and as a crop – it’s not a particularly high yield variety. But being a man of discerning taste, Bob has chosen quality over quantity when it comes to growing potatoes – and this is just ONE of the reasons that we’re devoted to helping him purchase his seed potatoes for next year and get back on the tractor!

Many many thanks to everyone who has helped in the fundraising efforts so far: Jen and Ric Dragon for their stellar social networking skills, Dave Leonard for spinning great tunes to keep us all dancing on Saturday, Chester Perchick for the gorgeous banner, everyone on the Bistro-to-Go staff for their hard work and devotion, and to Roy Gumpel for the lovely photo on the header.

Here’s a snapshot Richard took of Bob, Sandy and me eating a bowl of Carola mashed potatoes on Saturday!

Fundraiser for RSK Farm at Bistro-to-Go Sat Oct 15th!

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On Sat Oct 15th Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go on Route 28 is using Farmer Bob Kiley’s delicious  potatoes harvested BEFORE Hurricane Irene and the Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go chef’s will bake them, roast them, boil them, mash
them for sale to help RSK Farm. Sales on that day will go help the
Kileys buy seed potatoes for next years harvest and help their farm
recover from the storm

Bob Kiley will be in the store from 2:30 – 5:00 if you’d like to meet
him and show your support. Your from purchases made on Sat or by donation on this website will go directly into Bob and Sandy’s Paypal account and help them immediately. No donation is too small!

Please help us support the Kileys by coming in next Saturday and get
some delicious food for your weekend!

For more info, Contact:
Mary Anne and Richard Erickson
Blue Mountain Bistro-to-Go
948 Rt 28, Kingston, NY 12401
            845-340-9800      
http://www.bluemountainbistro.com

Update from Bob and Sandy

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September 27, 2011

Four weeks post Hurricane Irene the shock is wearing off and reality is setting in.  Thankfully our house was not damaged and neither was the farm stand.

We had just started digging potatoes with the harvester the week before the storm, so we have a small supply.  We have had to stop selling to most of our restaurant customers and focus on selling at the farm stand ( weekends only) and the Kingston Farmer’s Market.

Our first concern is getting the stream bank repaired so we don’t suffer any further flooding in the future.  We’ve been working with Greene County Soil & Water to come up with a plan to get this accomplished.

As for the future, the land that we have been renting adjacent to our property has been damaged but not heavily eroded.  It will take a few days work to clean up and be ready for next year.

Another neighbor has graciously offered the use of his land to help us sustain in this business.

We know too well how quickly life can change in a split second.  It would be easier to just quit but we have had an enoromous amount of support and kindness surround us by our customers, friends and strangers that it has renewed our determination to go forward.

We cannot thank you all enough – THANK YOU!!  Bob and Sandy Kiley

Before and after photos

Gallery

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before

This gallery contains 8 photos.

The tragedy of the Kiley’s loss becomes much more real when you see the stark contrast of their beautiful rich farmland before, and what remains after the Schoharie Creek surged through their property – taking all their land. What remains … Continue reading →

Before Hurricane Irene….

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Farmer Bob of RSK Farm before Hurricane Irene destroyed his land

We always welcome our weekly delivery of potatoes from the guy we affectionately call “Potato Bob” (aka Bob Kiley) from RSK Farms in Prattsville, New York. In the winter months Bob draws from his store of carolas and fingerlings that were harvested last fall. Now that we’re nearing spring he’s getting ready to start planting all over again. I asked Bob what he has planned for this year’s growing season and here’s his list: Carola, Red Norland, Green Mountain, Adirondack Blue, Adora, two types of fingerlings = Russian Banana and Laratt, Austrian Crescent, Rose Finn Apple, New York 118, and Keuka Gold. And that’s just potatoes! This spring he’ll begin planting my personal favorite mesclun salad greens, and later in the season pumpkins, winter squash, sweet corn, string beans, tomatoes, and peppers.

Bob is what I would consider a farmer out of the old tradition – no corporate farming going on here! He and his family started their farm in Ashland, New York in 1984 with 40 milking cows – selling their raw milk to the Dairylea Cooperative. In 1998 they decided to switch over to growing vegetables “because they’d lose money slower with vegetables”!!! Over the years he’s developed a wholesale customer base of local restaurants, the Kingston and Woodstock Farmers’ Markets, and the Culinary Institute of America in Poughkeepsie.

His favorite outlet, however, is still his own personal farm stand in the front yard of his home. If you want to go for a visit, you’ll find his delicious produce on Route 23A in Prattsville, New York. Best time to visit would be late summer!

by Mary Anne Erickson

article courtesy of BlueMountainBistro.com