Picks for the Week

Some noteworthy cultural offerings this week in northern Westchester:

The Artist in the Mirror: Reflections of Change In a series of three one-hour presentations, Marcy B. Freedman surveys the art of self-portraiture from the 15th century to the present. The first session, "From Humble Craftsperson to Respected Master," looks at the change in how artists where viewed from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance and Baroque eras. Tuesday, 7:30. Katonah Museum of Art

Crude Independence Through revealing interviews and breathtaking imagery of the northern plains, this documentary is a rumination on the future of small-town America. After the film there will be a interview with filmmaker Noah Hutton by New York Times critic Janet Maslin. Tuesday, 7:15. Jacob Burns Film Center

Reading the Forested Landscape Ecologist and author Tom Wessels discusses how he uses evidence such as the shapes of trees, scars on their trunks, the pattern of decay in stumps, the construction of stone walls, and the lay of the land to unravel complex stories etched into our forested landscape. Wednesday, 7:30. Bedford Audubon Society

Karl Rove, I Love You In this wry mockumentary, character actor Dan Butler decides to create and star in a one-man show as infamous Bush right-hand man Karl Rove but finds himself helplessly falling for the man he had sworn to destroy. After the film, Dan Butler will be interviewed by Jonathan Demme. Wednesday, 7:15. Jacob Burns Film Center

Poetry Reading Two poets read from their work. Kate Light is the author of three volumes of poetry. Matthew Schwartz is a poet, teacher, and editor. He published his first book of poetry in 2008. Friday, 7:30. Hudson Valley Writer's Center

Eye Candy

Main Street, Ossining. Photo by JMS2.

Weekend Picks

The best activities and things to do this weekend in northern Westchester:

Breakfast with the Birds Join the first bird walk of the year to search for a number of species and keep an eye out for any early spring migrants. Saturday, 8:00. Westmoreland Sanctuary

The Class Based on François Bégaudeau’s autobiographical novel, the movie chronicles the life of a classroom as a microcosm of modern France. Winner of the Palme d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. Saturday and Sunday, multiple showings. Jacob Burns Film Center

Madeline Peyroux Self-styled "song interpreter" Madeleine Peyroux (above) doesn’t simply interpret songs, she possesses them. Saturday, 8:00. Tarrytown Music Hall

Second City Improve Comedy Laugh along as the Second City Touring Company spreads the funny. Saturday, 8:00. Paramount Center for the Arts

Eagles Out! Catch one last glimpse of wintering eagles before they leave for their northern home! Meet at the Croton Boat Ramp and be prepared to travel to other sites along the river. Sunday, 9:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Maple Sugaring Finf out all there is to know about making maple syrup. Sunday, 11:00. Muscoot Farm

Five Women Wearing the Same Dress An irreverent and comical play about five bridesmaids who have nothing in common except their dislike of the bride! Sunday, 2:00. John C. Hart Memorial Library

Baroque Music and Dance Enjoy the music of the Rebel Ensemble for Baroque Music and the art of baroque dancers. Sunday, 4:00. Bedford Presbyterian Church,

One Act Play The Peekskill Performing Arts Collective performs “The Tram,” a one-act play. Sunday, 3:00 to 5:00. The BeanRunner Cafe

Village Cutie

If you're searching for a modestly priced home in a pleasant, walkable setting, this could be worth a look. Located in the Sunset Park area of Croton, this 1930 home is pretty sweet. The 3 bedroom abode is relatively small at 1,450 square feet, but the rooms look well-proportioned and pleasant. The kitchen could use an update, but the basement has been finished and the 0.16 of an acre lot has a good-size yard. With annual taxes of $9,101, this strikes me as the type of listing that will attract attention even in the current market. Agree? $459,900
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map, Live Search Map

In Flight

The exhibition “Taking Off!!” showcases new paintings and prints by Kevin Kall. Through April 26 at the Flat Iron Gallery.

Brick and Shingle

Built in 1939, this 2,300 square foot, 3 bedroom abode has lots of appealing details and nifty nooks. The home boasts a renovated kitchen which appears to have managed the difficult feat of actually blending into the house nicely. Located in a lovely part of Mt. Kisco, south of the town, the 2.5 acre property is very nicely landscaped. On the con side, the land is sandwiched between two roads. On the pro side, the taxes are relatively low at $10,507. This home was on the market last summer and was recently relisted. $929,000
Vincent & Whittemore Real Estate, Google Map, Live Search Map

February Deals

Perhaps it was the sense of hope and possibility emanating from the White House—or maybe it was the smell of blood and the hunger for bargains. Whatever the reason, more would-be buyers signed on the dotted line in the towns this blog covers in February than in the past few months.

Contracts signed on single-family homes:
January: 34
February: 49

Hot Properties that went to contract:

Location: Montrose
Featured: January 22, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $1.599,000
Final Asking Price: $1,599,000


Location: Ossining
Featured: October 28, 2008
Asking Price When Featured: $349,000
Final Asking Price: $349,000


Location: Peekskill
Featured: October 7, 2008
Asking Price When Featured: $299,000
Final Asking Price: $254,900

Weekend Picks

The best activities and things to do this weekend in Northern Westchester:

Create Your Own Habitat Study the importance of different animal habitats and then build your own habitat. Saturday, 1:00. Croton Point Nature Center

American Indian Sugaring Discover how Native Americans developed the maple sugaring process. A few fireside stories will warm you up before you tap some trees the modern way. Saturday, 1:00. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Bluebirds in New York The Saw Mill River Audubon presents a multimedia program about the Eastern bluebird and its current status. Saturday, 2:30. Ossining Public Library

Cold Frame Construction Join Brian the farm carpenter and learn how to build a cold frame so you can start your growing season early. Saturday, 10:00 Hilltop Hanover Farm

Marcia Ball and BeauSoleil Grammy-nominated Marcia Ball and BeauSoleil (above) celebrate Mardi Gras at the Paramount with their infectious Cajun tunes. Saturday, 8:00. Paramount Center for the Arts

Taconic Opera Enjoy a performance of the Faure Requiem and Cherubini Requiem at the historic United Methodist Church in Ossining. Sunday, 3:00. Taconic Opera

Winter Tree ID Learn to identify common trees found in the Hudson Hills and Highlands using their twigs, buds, and bark. Sunday, 10:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

70's Fever Catch a free showing of this documentary which uses rare footage and a period soundtrack to deconstruct the decade. After the film, the writer and filmmaker Andreas Killen answers questions. Sunday, 3:00. Paramount Center for the Arts

On Top of Mount Airy

With 4.7 acres in one of the highest points of Croton's lovely Mt. Airy section, the best features of this listing are the land, location, and great views. Which is saying a lot, since the house has plenty to offer on it's own. Built in 1925, the 3,500 square foot abode has 5 bedrooms and a number of large public areas. While some of the original detail and character appears to have been lost in previous renovations, the house has nice bones and plenty to work with. At $22,533, the taxes are nothing to sneeze at—but the price strikes me as reasonable considering the whole package. What do you think? $950,000
Coldwell Banker, Google Map, Live Search Map

These Are Not Shoes

The show "Barefoot and Illiterate: An Exhibition of Not Shoes and Not Books" is a collaborative work by the Cathouse Associates, which includes Marcy B. Freedman, Dana DeVito, and Carla Rae Johnson. The exhibition runs through March 31, at Rutheny's Brook Street Gallery.
Photo: Croton Council of the Arts

Little, but Lofty

This studio loft fits a fair amount of character into it's 923 square feet. While the kitchen could use a makeover, the space has definite potential–not to mention soaring ceilings and three massive windows. Located in the Villa at the Woods in Peekskill, the loft is in the wonderful 1926 main building and has use of the complex pool, tennis courts, and other facilities. The taxes are $2,600 and the monthly charge is a quite reasonable $64. All in all, not bad for a cool space close to downtown. $165,000
ReMax Classic Realty, Google Map, Live Search Map

Inventory Up, Prices Down

Sunday's New York Times had a series of articles looking at the real estate market in Westchester and other parts of the region. Not surprisingly, the upshot was that few properties are selling even though asking prices have dropped. (I knew that.) One of the homes profiled was the stunning farmhouse (right) in the Huntersville section of Yorktown which I featured in June and which has had it's price cut from $1,195,000 to $999,000. (The home is now listed on www.forsalebyowner.com.) Why is inventory in Westchester up 14.5% from last year even though asking prices have dropped? One of the agents who was interviewed stated that the lack of sales is due to continued overpricing by owners. But the general thrust of the Times articles was summed up in the following excerpt:

Conventional wisdom holds that well-priced, attractive and aggressively marketed homes will sell. Now that is not necessarily true, said Cynthia Lippolis, principal broker with River Towns Real Estate in Croton-on-Hudson. “I have some good listings that are priced very well and attractive, yet they are sitting there,” she said. “The economy is holding everyone back.”

So, the big question is: Will reluctant buyers bite if prices drop a bit more, or has the state of the economy simply scared everyone into waiting? And, if people are waiting, when will they stop? Until then, we'll just have to enjoy the hunt—which is always the best part anyway.

Weekend Picks

The best activities and things to do this weekend in northern Westchester:

Children's Hike We’ll explore the forest and the edge of the pond for early signs of spring. Saturday, 10:00. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Tracking and Tracing Learn how to identify tracks, what they tell us, and where they take us. Kids can make a plaster track and an animal print booklet. Saturday, 1:00. Croton Point Park Nature Center

Sankofa Celebration The spirit of "Sankofa" is about learning from the past. Join us to celebrate the African American spirit with drumming and storytelling. Saturday, 6:00. Ossining Public Library

Sugaring Season Begins Come help tap a tree and learn where real maple syrup comes from as we kick-off the sugaring season. Saturday, 1:00. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

A Hole in a Tree A hole in a tree is more than what it seems. We’ll take a hike and look at holes made by the carpenter of the woods–the woodpecker! Saturday, 11:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Kirikou and the Sorceress Michel Ocelot's wondrous fantasy based on a West African legend tells the tale of a rambunctious little boy who must outwit an evil sorceress and her minions. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00. Jacob Burns Film Center

Classical Guitar Recital In the first event of the Emerging Artists Series, Matthew Holmes-Linder (above) presents an eclectic mix of the styles that make up "classical guitar." Sunday, 2:00. Croton Free Library

Stephen Clair Singer-songwriter Stephen Clair performs. Sunday, 1:00. Peekskill Coffee House

Acoustic Showcase Three acoustic performers take the stage: Joseph Melillo, Abby Payne, and Anthony Melillo. Sunday, 6:00. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Colonial Charm House

See that photo of the bedroom on the bottom right? I'm not sure why, but it makes my heart skip a beat. Older homes are like that—they can grab you without your even understanding how. One of the upsides of the current real estate market is the surfeit of wonderful older homes in the area for sale at prices that are relatively "reasonable" (or at least not totally out of the realm of comprehension). One of my favorites is this gorgeous 1800 colonial set on 4 acres in Bedford Corners, just outside of Mt. Kisco. The 2,400 square foot home has 3 bedrooms and more than enough original character to charm anyone. There's also a nicely updated kitchen and central AC. Outside, the 4 acre property boasts a heated pool and a 4 stall barn. The taxes are not too surprising at $24,536, and the asking price is less than I would expect, even in the current market. What do you think? $1,395,000
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map, Live Search Map

Meditations on Sky

If you're like me and can happily spend time staring at the sky, you'll probably enjoy the paintings of Kevin Kearns. Through March 1 at the Garrison Art Center.

Mail Order and Made to Last

One could argue that the original Sears homes were the equivalent of much of the new construction that was built in the recent boom. But it is hard to imagine any of the latest crop of construction looking nearly as good in 96 years as this Sears house looks now. Built in 1913, the 1,350 square foot abode has 3 bedrooms, a lovely front porch, and plenty of original woodwork. The kitchen and bathrooms have been "updated," as they say. The small, 0.08 of an acre lot is located in Ossining, a short walk to Main Street and the train station. At $6,994, the annual tax bill is relatively reasonable. What do you think of the price? $392,000
Prudential Rand Realty, Google Map, Live Search Map

Enjoy the Day Off

Even though the snow just melted, today's a good day for a walk somewhere gorgeous, such as Ward Pound Ridge Reservation (above).

Weekend Picks

The best activities and things to do this weekend in northern Westchester:

Native American Toys Corn-husk dolls (or warriors) were a staple of Native American childhood. Kids can learn how to make their own creations to add to their toy chests. Saturday, 1:00. Croton Point Park Nature Center

Great Backyard Bird Count Learn the art of watching birds while helping us to get counts of the numbers of birds visiting our feeders. Saturday, 9:30; Sunday, 1:00. Westmoreland Sanctuary

Valentine's Day Dance Come kick up your heels with The Moonshiners and benefit the Peekskill Education Foundation. Saturday, 7:00 to 10:00. Peekskill Coffee House

A Celebration of Hope Celebrate Valentine's Day with jazz great Kirk Whalum. Join us for this unforgettable benefit concert in support of the Stroke of Hope Foundation and its work to support stroke survivors. Saturday, 8:00. Paramount Center for the Arts

Night Hike Bring a special someone for a night hike that is sure to warm the blood and open your eyes to nature at night. Join us for mulled cider afterward in the Nature Center. Saturday, 7:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Casablanca Start off your romantic evening with one of the greatest love stories of all time. We’ll have Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s pure onscreen electricity—and a champagne and cheese reception after the screening. Saturday, 5:00. Jacob Burns film Center

Duchess Di and the Distractions Enjoy the blues and swing of Duchess Di and the Distractions. Saturday, 9:30. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Story Time at the Farm Kids can enjoy a good yarn as they learn about the animals. Sunday, 1:00. Muscoot Farm

For the Love of Art Catch the opening reception of the exhibition at the Hat Factory. See Wednesday's post for details. Sunday2:00 to 5:00. For the Love of Art

Pleasantly 50's

I've never featured a home in Pleasantville before, but I'm low on choices and I just love this listing. Built in 1955, the 2,800 square foot, 4 bedroom home represents one of the high-points of suburban architecture. The structure is lovingly nestled into 2.95 acres of rocks and woods and the interiors celebrate the landscape with lots of windows and natural materials. The home has tremendous light, spacious rooms, and great flow. While the kitchen looks a little too 1950's for most tastes, the retro bathrooms are hot again. The house is located within walking distance of the town's "old village," not too far from the train and most stores. The annual taxes are high at $25,718, but this house is pretty neat, as they used to say. $998,000
Prudential Holmes & Kennedy, Google Map, Live Search Map

What the World Needs Now is...

And art, too. Fortunately, there will be plenty of both at the new exhibition "For the Love of Art" which open this Sunday in Peekskill. The show marks the 10th anniversary of Yamet Arts, and is a collaboration between the gallery and The Hat Factory, the Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art, and a number of other players in the Hudson Valley art scene. Occupying over 7,000 square feet of the Hat Factory, the show features works by masters such as Picasso, Rembrandt, and Warhol, as well as those by a large number of contemporary Hudson Valley artists. According to the New York Times, visitors will experience "a confluence of contrasts" at the exhibition, which includes works that "run the gamut from painting, drawing, sculpture and photography to installations, collage and video." Check out the website for details on the participating artists. The opening reception is from 2:00 to 5:00 on Sunday, and the exhibition runs through March 15. For the Love of Art
Image: Yamet Arts