Friday, October 30, 2009

Weekend Picks

Haunted happenings and other activities and things to do this holiday weekend in Northern Westchester

Halloween Tales Storyteller Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi performs  tales of goblins, ghosts, and the witch who puts the happy into Halloween. Friday, 4:00 pm. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Lasdon Costume Party Pass the welcoming committee of ghouls and enjoy live music, refreshments, and an astronomy program. Friday, 6:00 to 10:00 pm. Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

The Overlook Hike to the Overlook to enjoy the view and a tasty snack of fruits and cheeses. Saturday, 1:00 pm.  Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Scales and Cold Blooded Tails Learn about the wonderful world of reptiles. Saturday 1:00 pm. Croton Point Park Nature Center

Halloween Parade and Carnival The annual Yorktown Halloween parade kicks off at the corner of Commerce Street and Underhill Avenue. Kids will march to the Yorktown Community and Cultural Center for carnival rides, a costume contest, games, and pumpkin decorating. Saturday, 3:45 pm.

Exploring the Underworld Beneath the leaf litter is a world of mysterious creatures. Find out who is lurking under rocks and leaves. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Teatown Lake Reservation

Seeing Stories A uniquely spooky workshop where young children will listen to not-too-scary stories from around the world and tell and act out their own haunted tales. Animated movies and an activity using the green screen will round out this exciting program. Saturday, 10:00 am. Jacob Burns Media Arts Lab

Something Wicked This Way Comes This adaptation of Ray Bradbury's dark fantasy stars Jason Robards and Jonathan Pryce. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

Haunted House Teachers, students, and community volunteers join artistic forces to create a night of ghoulish fun for all ages. Saturday, 5:00 to 10:00 pm. Katonah Art Center

Frankenstein with Live Music Catch the classic horror film, "Frankenstein" on the big screen with the original score performed live by the BQE Project chamber ensemble. Saturday, 8:00 pm. Paramount Center for the Arts

Susan Kane Singer-songwriter Susan Kane shares tunes from her second album, Highway Bouquet. Sunday, 1:00 pm. Peekskill Coffee House

At the Heart of Brahms Some of Brahms' most enduring and powerful chamber music is performed by Trio Solisti. Sunday, 4:00 pm. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Thursday, October 29, 2009

where no one can hear you scream

Give your Halloween some zing with the ultimate scary two-fer—Ridley Scott's Alien and James Cameron's Aliens. And feel free to scream. Thursday, Alien at 5:15, Aliens at 7:45. Jacob Burns Film Center

Towering Victorian



Year Built: 1902
Square Feet: 2,760
Bedrooms: 4
Property: 0.47 of an acre
Location: Katonah, in a lovely spot smack in the center of the village and close to all.
Best features: The grand old house retains vintage charm and details and looks to be in great condition. The exterior is stunning and there's a lovely porch from which to view the large front lawn and village life.
Downside: The location is attractive, but may be too central for some since it is on busy Bedford Road. The square footage is per the listing agent, but other sources peg it at 2,352.
Taxes: $14,298
Asking Price: $1,185,000
Agency: Ginnel Real Estate 
Maps: Google Map, bing Map

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Mozart's Mind

What made Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart tick? Concert pianist and psychiatrist Dr. Richard Kogan looks at the impact of Mozart's complex personality on his creativity—and whether he might have suffered from bipolar disorder, Asperger's Syndrome, or Tourette's disorder. Dr. Kogan will even perform some of Mozart's music. Thursday, 11:00 am. Caramoor Center for the Arts

The Power of Color

In his talk “Painting is Pure Magic,” artist Brian Rutenberg will show images and discuss his richly colored compositions. Thursday, 7:30 pm. Katonah Museum of Art

Food on Film

Frank Bruni, the former New York Times restaurant critic and author of the new memoir Born Round: The Secret History of a Full-Time Eater, will screen the movie Moonstruck and then discuss the role of food in cinema with New York Times film critic Janet Maslin. Thursday, 7:30 pm.  Jacob  Burns Film Center

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Ooh, La La



Year Built: 1928
Square Feet: 4,000
Bedrooms: 3
Property: 0.37 of an acre
Location: Ossining, on the northern edge of town.
Best features: Which is better, the house or the view? Or, perhaps, the price? The French Country house is brimming with 20's grace and style, from the casement windows to the arches to the spacious rooms. There's loads to love inside—and outside there's a large terrace and great river views. 
Downside: The kitchen might need some updating. Other than the terrace, there's doesn't appear to be much yard. Also, some sources list the square footage at 3,500—less than what the realtor has listed.
Taxes: $16,181
Asking Price: $629,999
Agency: Judith Guzzi & Associates
Maps: Google Map, bing Map

Locovore Feast

Liz Johnson's Small Bites blog reports that the Flying Pig restaurant in Mount Kisco will have a 12 course tasting on Wednesday with 90% of the ingredients coming from nearby Cabbage Hill Farm. While enjoying the farm's lamb, chicken, and beef, diners can the learn about their sustainable practices. There will also be trout, tilapia, bass, and greens produced in the farm's aquaponic greenhouse (which was featured in Scientific American).

Monday, October 26, 2009

Thanks for the Feedback

A heartfelt thanks to everyone who completed the survey. Since I first posted it last Monday, 20% of unique visitors have taken the survey. It has already provided some interesting insights into what you want and I'll be reporting on the results soon. If you haven't done so yet, there's still time to...
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Seasonal Sights



Colorful reflections on the Croton Reservoir in Yorktown.
Photo by richdrogpa.

Friday, October 23, 2009

Feeback, Please!

My tracking data can only tell me so much, so help me make this a better blog by taking less than 2 minutes to fill out this easy survey. The more I know about what you want, the more likely you are to get it.  Thanks to those who've already answered the survey!
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Weekend Picks

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester 

Halloween Night Hike Take a short hike through the spooky forest to discover tricks and treats left by trolls. Then enjoy cider, games, and a costume contest. Friday, 7:00  pm (kids under 7) and 7:30 pm (kids 8 and up). Westmoreland Sanctuary

Vampires in New England  The documentary by Lalie Madriguera explores New England folk beliefs that flourished for over 100 years. Friday, 7:30 pm. Croton Free Library

Nature Journaling for Kids Turn a hike in the woods into a long-lasting memory by making a nature journal from recycled materials and filling it with sketches and observations. Saturday, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Teatown Lake Reservation

Spooks ’n Spirits in the Wine Cellars Come to the park's historic wine cellars for an extravaganza of haunting tales about wine making and tasting in the days of old. Saturday, 2:00 pm. Croton Point Park Nature Center

The Sippy Cups The national kid-rock sensation The Sippy Cups perform original material from their new CD, as well as cult classics from the likes of The Beatles and The Ramones. Saturday, 1:00 pm. The Tarrytown Music Hall

Mushroom Hike A prominent mycologist and botanist leads a walk through Westmoreland Sanctuary. A communal lunch and a mushroom identification session will follow. Saturday, 9:30 am to 12:00 pm. Bedford Audubon Society

The Blues Buddha Enjoy an evening of classic blues at its best with Tommy Blues Buddha. Saturday, 9:30 pm. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar
 
Kathleen Madigan An American Comedy Award winner, Kathleen Madigan is guarenteed to make you forget the week. Saturday, 8:00 pm. The Tarrytown Music Hall
 
More of The Old Put Author Joe Schiavone will discuss his latest book, “More of the Old Put,” and share information on the old Putnam railroad line. Sunday, 1:00 pm. Yorktown Museum

The Comic Novel Take a comic turn with readings by Christine Lehner, author of Absent a Miracle, and Ed Park, who’s first novel, Personal Days,  lampooned work life. Sunday, 4:o0 pm. Hudson Valley Writers Center

Newfound Treasure and Timeless Classics A performance of works by Mendelssohn, Mozart, and Brahms, presented by the All Seasons Chamber Players. Sunday, 3:00 pm. Ossining Public Library

Story Sunday: Leaf Jumpers Kids will enjoy this story about fall--and a fun leaf-related craft. Sunday, 11:00 am. Teatown Lake Reservation

The Ruins Part of the "Jonathan Demme's Rarely Seen Cinema" series, The Ruins is based on the best-seller by Scott Smith. After the screening, host Jonathan Demme discusses it with the Academy Award–nominated author and screenwriter. Sunday, 5:00 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Rubber Soul

 

Discarded rubber tires find new form and meaning in the sculptures of Chakaia Booker. Through March, 2010. Katonah Museum of Art

Spinning Spooky Tales

Get into the spirit with "Shivers & Giggles" as several renowned storytellers tell spooky stories for school-age kids—and their parents. Thursday, 7:00 pm. Ossining Public Library

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Laugh Riot

Comic genius and living legend Lily Tomlin brings the funny to the stage. Thursday, 8:00 pm. Paramount Center for the Arts

Kitchen Inspiration



The latest issue of Westchester Home magazine features this "dream kitchen" in Chappaqua. The 330 square foot space serves as a family kitchen but also functions as the headquarters of Marissa’s Kitchen, doing duty for cooking classes and catering. The cabinets are bamboo and the counters are Firelslate.
Images: Westchester Home

Local Cheese Tasting

TABLE Local Market's resident cheese maker shares her knowledge and offers a selection of local cheeses with suggested wine pairings. Wednesday, 5:30 to 7:00 pm.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Classic Colonial



Year Built: 1928
Square Feet: 2,068
Bedrooms: 3
Property: 0.23 of an acre
Location: Peekskill, less than a block from Depew Park and close to the train and to the artists' district.
Best features: The center hall colonial has great details—check out the living room fireplace and ceiling—and original charm. The kitchen has been renovated and the yard has a lovely terrace.
Downside: One word: Aluminum. Also, the kitchen reno is pretty standard.
Taxes: $11,986
Asking Price: $425,000
Agency: Coldwell Banker
Maps: Google Map, bing Map

The Food-Finance Connection

The reading series "Reflections on Food and Capitalism" explores the relationship between agriculture, food systems, and capitalism. Moderated by the author of This Organic Life, Joan Dye Gussow, Wednesday's session discusses Bill Logan's Dirt: the Ecstatic Skin of the Earth. 6:00 pm. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture

Monday, October 19, 2009

Rough Waters

The documentary A Sea Change tracks retired educator Sven Huseby as he learns about ocean acidification. The film will be followed by a Q&A with the director, Barbara Ettinger. Tuesday, 7:30 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

Friday, October 16, 2009

Weekend Picks

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester
 

Verdi’s Macbeth Verdi’s operatic rendition of Shakespeare’s tragedy is performed by The Taconic Opera. Friday and Saturday, 8:00 pm; Sunday, 2:00 pm. Yorktown Stage

The Enchanted Cottage Part of the Maryknoll International Film Festival, catch the The Enchanted Cottage (1945) from director John Cromwell. Friday, 7:30 pm. Maryknoll Society Center

The Ya Yas A quirky blend of personalities and musical influences, the Ya Yas perform tunes from their latest album. Friday, 7:30 pm. Beanrunner Cafe

Open Mike Night Calling all poets, fiction writers, essayists, and other writers! Friday, 8:00 pm. Hudson Valley Writer's Center

Teatown Fall Festival Celebrate fall with eco-crafts, hayrides, farm animals, music, pumpkin carving, scarecrows, and much more! Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:30 pm. Teatown Lake Reservation

Brick Making Bonanza Croton Point was known for its brick making operations throughout the ninteenth century and early twentieth century. Relive this tradition by preparing clay and molding it into bricks. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Croton Point Park Nature Center

Our Changing Fields and Forests Take an informative hike to discover the changes around us. Saturday 1:00 pm. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Farm Chores Pitch in and lend a hand with family-friendly farm chores like collecting eggs or tearing out a bed in the greenhouse. Saturday, 10:00 am and 1:00 pm. Stone Barns Center For Food and Agriculture 

An Evening with T. Coraghessan Boyle Award-winning American author and Peekskill native T. Coraghessan Boyle will participate in a Q&A at the Field library, followed by a book-signing and cocktail party in the theater lobby. The evening will end with the theatrical showing of The Road to Wellville, based on a Boyle novel. Saturday, 7:30 pm. Paramount Center for the Arts

Michelle LeBlanc Enjoy the sounds and songs of Michelle LeBlanc and her jazz quartet. Saturday, 7:30 pm. Croton Free Library

The Straight Up Dirties Three accomplished musicians, The Straight Up Dirties deliver classic Rock with style and showmanship. Saturday, 9:30 pm. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Raptor Migration at Hook Mountain A thrilling experience awaits you watching the beautiful raptors soar and glide over and along the side of the mountain.  Sunday, 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. Bedford Audubon Society

Autumn Celebration Music, hayrides, pumpkin picking, fall crafts, games and a whole lot more. The Model A Ford Club will also have their antique cars on display. Sunday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Muscoot Farm

Hawk Watching Enjoy the sights of hawks, eagles and vultures soaring through the sky on their journey south for the winter. Sunday, 1:00 pm. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Curator Talk The curator of the exhibition "Bold, Cautious, True," Kevin Sharp brings the current exhibition to life as shares the history behind the art. Sunday, 5:30 pm Katonah Museum of Art

Historic Haunts and Horrors

In addition to The Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor, the area has many other ghoulish goings-on this spooky season:

Legend Nights Lit by candle lanterns and bonfires, and inspired by The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Philipsburg Manor transforms into a haunted landscape filled with goblins and ghosts from Hudson Valley folklore. October 17-18 and 24-25. Philipsburg Manor

Legend Daytime at Sunnyside Enjoy ghostly tales, magic, crafts, games, music, and a spooky woodland walk. October 17-18 and 24 -25. Sunnyside 

Legend Daytime at Phillipsburg Manor  Enjoy a rustic celebration with pumpkin carving, spooky storytelling, open-hearth cooking, and colonial games. October 17-18 and 24 -25. Philipsburg Manor

Halloween Show The main house will be decorated for the season with a huge "Eerie Railroad" Lionel train display surrounding the House on Haunted Hill. Audrey 2 from the Little Shop of Horrors will be showcased, along with tributes to other Hollywood botanical monsters. October 17-18, 24 -25, and 31. Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial 

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Psychedelic Nature



Can you name that fruit? Yes, it's a pomegranate. The photographs of Simon Neri take fragments of nature and shuffle them in fascinating ways. The exhibition "Sequential Beatuy" is on view through December 6 at Lot 84.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Power to the People

The documentary Pray the Devil Back to Hell tells the true story of the group of ordinary women who somehow brought down Liberia's leader Charles Taylor. The film will be followed by a Q&A with the director, Gini Reticker, and the producer, Abigail Disney. Thursday, 7:30 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

Artist Tour

Join Edward Tufte for a look at his exhibition Seeing Around. The artist will discuss his work, which is in the sculpture garden and inside the museum. Thursday, 2:00 and 3:15 pm. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Fall Music

Catch the autumnal spirit at Caramoor as singer Jody Sandhaus and pianist Pete Malinverni perform Jazz standards with a seasonal slant. Then tour the Rosen House and enjoy a delicious lunch. Wednesday, 11:00 am. Caramoor Center for the Arts

There's no Place Like Dome



Oh, give me a dome—especially a funky one on 1.95 acres of woods in Bedford. Built in 1978, the 2,304 square foot home has 3 bedrooms and a very cool 'great room.' The interior looks like it could use some spiffing up, but the exterior has oodles of style. At $12,757, the taxes are on the low side. $621,000
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map, bing Map

Monday, October 12, 2009

A Hitchcock a Week

Catch a classic Hitchchock flick every Wednesday at 7:30 pm from now until December 16 at the Paramount Center for the Arts. This Wednesday you can enjoy Rebecca on the big screen.

Food Buzz

Some choice words about the Peekskill Brewery, which just marked it's first anniversary:

"[The Brewery] explores the taste connections between beer and food. The delicious, melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly appetizer is slow-cooked in dark beer. Mussels are steamed in a creamy Belgian ale broth to tasty effect... There’s even a list of dessert beers." 
 The New York Times, which gave the restaurant a "Good" rating.

 
“The bar is a little bit rock ‘n roll, the dining room is a little bit country.”
–Keith Berardi, co-owner of the Brewery, as quoted in Eater, Westchester Magazine’s food blog.
Image: Eater

Friday, October 9, 2009

Weekend Picks

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester

Kazi Oliver Enjoy the African drumming of Kazi Oliver. Friday, 8:00 pm. Peekskill Coffee House

Leaves for Little Ones Kids can collect and create collages with different sizes, shapes, and colors of leaves. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Croton Point Nature Center

How the Algonquins Discovered Henry Hudson Author Evan Pritchard, discusses his new book Henry Hudson and the Algonquins of New York. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Scarecrow Invasion Walk among 500 scarecrows representing famous artists and historical figures. Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 am to 3:30 pm. Lyndhurst

Anne of Green Gables Film and Discussion Watch the classic film about a spirited red-headed girl—and then join a talk about the movie and the book that inspired it. Bring a copy of L. M. Montgomery’s novel and receive a free child’s ticket. Saturday, 12:00 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

Autumn Leaves Kids can learn what happens to leaves to make them change color as they hike on the Waterfall Trail. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Teatown Lake Reservation 

Great Big Sea The sea shanty tradition of Newfoundland is fused with the spirit and energy of contemporary rock and popular music by Great Big Sea. Saturday, 8:00 pm. Tarrytown Music Hall

Mala Waldron Enjoy a night of soulful jazz with the Mala Waldron. Saturday, 7:30 pm. Beanrunner Cafe

Rain Gardens Rain gardens are an environmentally friendly way of dealing with storm-water runoff and wet areas in your yard. Join the horticulturist on this tour. Sunday, 2:00 pm. Lasdon Park, Arboretum and Veterans Memorial

Pumpkin Pickin' Take a hayride to the farm's pumpkin patch and pick the perfect pumpkin. Sunday, 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Muscoot Farm

Farm to Table Learn how to use the freshest farm grown, sustainable food available to prepare delicious, beautiful dishes that excite the senses! Sunday, 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Hilltop Hanover Farm

ArtCollective An exhibition and sale of paintings and photographs by an international group of young and dynamic artists. Sunday, 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. ArtCollective

World View in a Paper Cut Artist Dylan Graham discusses his two-dimenional paper-cut sculptures. Sunday, 4:00 pm. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Running Water



Year Built: 1954
Square Feet: 2,940
Bedrooms: 4
Property: 0.53 of an acre
Location: Croton, on the banks of the Croton River.
Best features: This is a unique and appealing house in a great spot. Designed by Aaron Resnick—one of the architects who worked on Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian homes—this mid-century house boasts walls of glass, interesting angles, and lovely woodwork. The house is perched over the river and has stairs down to a private beach.
Downside: The kitchen is way cool, but may not meet everyone's standards. It's hard to tell from the photos, but some of the "Wright" detailing looks wrong (and not original).
Taxes: $18,755
Asking Price: $869,000
Agency: Houlihan Lawrence
Maps: Google Map, bing Map

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

A New Spot for Organic Breads

The blog Katonah Green recently discovered Ross's Bread in Ridgefield. The new bakery and coffee house makes a large variety of breads, all using organic ingredients. Sounds yummy.

Guitar Heroes

Guitarist and songwriter Loudon Wainwright III and Richard Thompson–whom Rolling Stone proclaimed one of the "World's Top 20 Guitarists"–start their first North American tour together. Thursday, 8:00 pm. Tarrytown Music Hall

Pick of the Pickles

"The pickled peppers are a special treat — tart and sweet, crunchy yet yielding..." 
—The New York Times on the Patterson Pickle Company's goods, which are available online or at the Croton farmer's market through November.

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Conversing on Conservatism

Sam Tanenhaus, the Editor of the New York Times Book Review, talks about his newest book, "The Death of Conservatism." There will be a viewing of Richard Nixon's "Checkers Speech," followed by a discussion of the modern history of the conservative movement. Wednesday, 7:30 pm. Jacob Burns Film Center

September Sales and Deals

The local market never had the usual summer slump, but it appears to have not had a fall bounce yet, either. The number of properties going to contract in the towns this blog covers dropped a little bit in September from the (relatively high) figures of the summer. Only two previously-featured Hot Properties found would-be buyers, and both of them were on Crow Hill Road (although in different towns and school districts). As for the two that sold, both got their last asking price. 

Contracts signed on single-family homes 
August: 79
September: 71

Hot Properties that went to contract

Location: Yorktown 
Featured: July 16, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $895,000
Last Asking Price: $895,000

Location: Mt. Kisco 
Featured: March 31, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $639,000
Last Asking Price: $599,000


Hot Properties That Closed

Location: Montrose
Featured: June 16, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $525,000
Last Asking Price: $525,000
Sold for: $525,000

Location: Bedford
Featured: April 7, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $895,000
Last Asking Price: $849,000
Sold for: $849,000

Monday, October 5, 2009

Book Party and Reading

Author Mary Caroll Moore will read from her latest book, Qualities of Light. An instructor at the center, Ms. Moore also has an interesting blog on writing and publishing. Tuesday, 7:00 pm at the Hudson Valley Writer's Center.

Views of the River



The stunning  Peekskill Bay is just one of the photographs by Joseph Squillante shown in the exhibit "Icons of the Hudson: Portrait of a River" at the Field Library gallery through October 25.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Weekend Picks

Activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester

Poetry Reading Colette Inez, Gretl Clagget, and Alison Woods read from their works. Friday, 7:30 pm. Hudson Valley Writer's Center 

Indgo Girls Amy Ray and Emily Saliers—better known as Indigo Girls—sing tunes from their new album, Poseidon And The Bitter Bug, as well as some favorites. Friday, 8:00 pm. Tarrytown Music Hall 

400 Years on the Hudson The Hudson River Ramblers perform tales of the mighty river’s creation and colonists, sloops and steamboats, pirates and patriots, plus three revolutions! Friday, 7:30 pm. Croton Free library

Peekskill Rotary Horse Show & Country Fair Enjoy pony and hay rides, bounce and slide rides, horse-riding competitions, a craft fair, and a food tent. At the Blue Mountain Reservation. Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Peekskill Rotary

Stone Barns Harvest Fest Festivities will include live music, farm market, hayrides, and games. There will be kid's workshops on cooking, gardening, bees and honey, kestrels, and more. Adults can learn about cooking and gardening. Everyone can enjoy the Pie Bake-Off! Saturday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture 

Teatown History Hunt Using a map and clues, discover fascinating facts about the local landscape. Saturday, 10:30 am. Teatown Lake Reservation

Rock and Rollover Explore nature's "art of the ground," where kids will explore under rocks and logs to discover earth's small creatures from within. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Croton Point Park Nature Center 

Birds of Prey A Teatown naturalist will share fascinating facts about birds of prey native to New York and how their bodies are adapted for survival in the wild. Saturday, 1:00 pm. Yorktown Library

Legends of the Little People Storyteller Jonathan Kruk tells tales of leprechaun lairs, elfin dens, faerie eyries, and a troll bridge. Saturday 2:00 pm. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Nature Journaling Using simple techniques, participants will learn how to keep an ongoing nature journal. Saturday, 1:00 to 3:00 pm. Teatown Lake Reservation

Tarot Reading Start the new (Jewish) year with a reading from Hudson Valley Tarot. Saturday, 4:00 to 7:00 pm. Peekskill Coffee House

Two Guitars Brian Conigliaro and Gus Wieland perform as Two Guitars and play a mix of blues and jazz fusion. Saturday, 7:30 pm. BeanRunner Cafe

Music from Copland House Catch a performance by musicans from Copland House. Sunday, 3:00 pm. Merestead

Stephen Clair Self-proclaimed "urban roots troubador" Stephen Clair performs. Sunday, 1:00 pm. Peekskill Coffee House

Rabbit Hole M & M Production performs the life-affirming play “Rabbit Hole.” Sunday, 2:00 pm. Hendrick Hudson Free Library

Poetry Reading Join the poets and editors of Toadlily Press for the launch reading of BY WAY OF, the fifth book of the Quartet Series. Sunday, 6:00 pm. Katonah Museum of Art

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Just Boo-tiful!



It's that time of year again. This weekend is the opening of the Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze. With more than 4,000 individually hand-carved, illuminated jack o’ lanterns magicly spread across the grounds of Van cortlandt Manor. The pumpkins (some real, some artificial) form snakes, a spider web, a coral reef, dinosaurs, pirates, and—of course—ghouls and ghosts. This year there is also a beehive, a UFO, sunflowers, and a replica of Henry Hudson’s Half Moon! Assorted dates from October 3 through November 1. The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze