About Christine Bates

Christine S. Bates is a contributing writer for the magazine. Her focus is in the business, finance and real estate related fields, not to say that she won’t cover some of the fun and quirky, too!

The Sultans of Soot: Robert Keller, Master Sweep

Above: Rob Keller (right) has been the Sultan of Soot for the last 30 years. Tucker Shearer (left) is a sultan in training. Photo by Christine Bates.

When should homeowners call you about cleaning their chimney?

It’s based on how much wood you burn in your stove or fireplace. It’s like changing your oil based on mileage. […]

By |2025-07-30T09:19:26-04:00July 30th, 2025|Business|

Premium ice cream on Route 7: Lee and Raven Krueger, owners & operators of the Modern Milk Bar in Sheffield, MA

Above: Modeled after the counter and stools in the former F2 Ice Cream Bar, the home of the Modern Milk Bar was designed and built by Lee Krueger. Photo courtesy of the Kruegers.

How did a couple from eastern Long Island seeking a place to retire create an ice cream shop in Sheffield?

Raven: We were contemplating […]

By |2025-06-27T14:08:10-04:00June 27th, 2025|Business, Food|

Why buy agricultural real estate?

Above: The 5,000-square-foot renovated horse barn on Hammertown Road in Salisbury, CT, is on the market for $5,490,000 with 12 acres and additional barns and outbuildings. Photo by Brian Wilcox courtesy of Elyse Harney Real Estate.

In Dutchess County, where large tracts of agricultural land are more available than in neighboring Litchfield County, agricultural “farm” […]

By |2025-04-28T13:00:54-04:00May 1st, 2025|Real Estate|

Environmental Home Review

Water, air, and soil – The invisible threats

Understanding indoor and outdoor air, water, and soil characteristics has never been more critical. Environmental dangers, often invisible, can affect your health and the value of your real estate and, except for radon and smoke detectors, are not part of typical home inspections. How often have you […]

By |2025-03-25T09:56:32-04:00March 27th, 2025|Real Estate|
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