A Spring in her Art

Enjoy the multi-media works of Jennifer Judd-McGee at Eyebuzz Fine Art through May 8. For an interview with the artist, check out eyeblog.

More Details on a Victorian

In honor of Earth Day, I am re-featuring this Peekskill gem which I first posted back in May, 2008. Since then the asking price has been reduced from $469,900. More importantly, the new listing agent has added a plethora of photos which give a much better idea of the home's many charms. Built in 1863, the 2,500 square foot, 3 bedroom house is brimming with original detail and gorgeous woodwork. Most of the abode has been renovated—including the kitchen—while some areas still need a bit of work. But the house looks to be more than worth the effort. $399,000
Re/Max Classic Realty, Google Map, Live Search Map

Green and Yummy

Am I the only person suffering from green fatigue this Earth Day? It seems that every over-priced, unnecessary item is being marketed as "green" and somehow good for the planet. As if the conspicuous consumption of brand new items and high-rise condos can ever be sustainable. But some things are unarguably green—such as locally-grown, organic produce. The just-opened Table Local Market in Bedford Hills sells a large range of fresh produce from local farmers, "sustainably raised" meat and poultry, as well as cheeses, dairy products, and bread from local producers. The market also has an array of prepared foods for sale. While the owners were evidently too busy to respond to the emails I sent a few weeks ago, they did take the time to host The Journal News' Liz Johnson, whose blog post on the market has lots of details and photos. It all looks extremely tasty and, dare I say it, green.
Table Local Market
Image: The Journal News

Weekend Picks

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

Trek Our Trails Hike-a-thon Hike Teatown's 15 miles of trails and raise funds to support their environmental education programs, the care of the nature preserve, and regional conservation efforts. After the hike, enjoy an Earth Day celebration with music, birds of prey shows, and more. Saturday, 8:00 to 2:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Sheep-to-Shawl Explore each step in the process of turning wool into cloth using 18th-century techniques. Sheep-shearing, dyeing wool, and weaving cloth are just some of the activities. Saturday, 10:00 to 6:00. Philipsburg Manor

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughter Based on John Steptoe’s Caldecott Award winning book, this African folktale (above) is brought to life by the Dallas Children’s Theater. Saturday, 2:00. Paramount Center for the Arts

Soap Making for Adults Join Mia Camacho from the Clean Ridge Soap Company as she demonstrates soap making with the cold process technique. Saturday, 1:00 to 3:00. Muscoot Farm

Learning Trees by Their Bark, Buds, and Leaves Many trees can be easily identified by their unique markings, growth habits, leaf shape, and bark characteristics. See how many species you can discover during this informative hike. Saturday, 1:00. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

The Early Birder Is it true that the early birder gets the best birds? Meet at Cliffdale Farm to search the fields for bluebirds and early spring migrants. Sunday, 9:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Earth Day Westchester 2009 Celebrate with live music and entertainment, free “Earth Machine” composting bins, raffles for prizes like a home energy audit, Farmers Market, lawn and gardening advice, “green” exhibits, and more. Held at Kensico Dam Plaza. Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00. Earth Day Westchester

Putting the 3D in 2D Kids can rip, tear, and create space and dimension in a figurative composition using color. Sunday 1:00 to 3:00. Neuberger Museum of Art

Family Discovery Sunday Enjoy a short tour and themed activity. Sunday, 2:00 to 5:00. John Jay Homestead State Historic Site

Westchester's National Book Award Winners Enjoy readings by Young People's Literature Winner Judy Blundell of Katonah and Poetry Finalist Patricia Smith of Tarrytown. Sunday, 4:30. Hudson Valley Writer's Center

Great Artist Concert Renowned for fresh and profound interpretations, the Brentano String Quartet rounds out the Mendelssohn celebration with the composer's second string quartet and second string quintet. Sunday, 4:00. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Creating a Rain Garden Lasdon's horticulturist discusses how a rain garden works and how to create one. Sunday, 2:00. Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

Marc Von Em Enjoy the soulful, funky, sometimes bluesy, sometimes haunting sounds of Marc Von Em. Sunday, 6:00 to 9:00. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Something Old, Something New

This 1870 center-hall colonial is a true classic—with a twist. The large family room was done with great style, using stone and glass to connect to the rest of the house. The size and openness of that space should make up for the apparent narrowness of the formal living and dining rooms. The 2,000 square foot house has 4 bedrooms and a large country kitchen. The 5.6 acre property boasts lovely lawns and a very nice patio (with a "granite fish pond," no less). Located in Somers, one con is the home's location on busy Route 202. (Both maps have the wrong placement—the house is actually to the west, by Brick Hill Road.) $890,000
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map, Live Search Map

Arty Party

The Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art is launching a four part video and performance series, "Kickin' and Screenin'." The series will feature works by several emerging artists, each of which will be followed by a discussion with the creator. The first event is this Thursday, with Terror Pigeon Dance Revolt!’s so-called “interactive dance party,” and Eric Barry Drasin and Cameron Wisch's "audiovisual collaboration" involving video projections, camera tracking technologies, black lights, body paint, and "an intense drum set." The event is from 7:00 to 10:00. Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art

Giving Textiles a Second Chance

Recycling is reaching higher levels at the Arts Exchange's exhibition "Hanging by a Thread." The 51 works by 16 artists use recycled or reused textiles and household items. According to the article on the show in Sunday's New York Times, works include standing vessels woven from the plastic bags that newspapers are delivered in and a sculpture made from used pantyhose. Five of the participating artists—including Leslie Pelino, Leni Wiener (whose quilt made of throw-away fabric pieces is above), and Luis Perelman—will be on hand for the panel discussion tonight at 5:00. The show runs through May 2. The Arts Exchange
Image: Leni Wiener

Good Bones for the Bucks

This sweet 1880 front porch charmer in Ossining has some nice details and a good vibe. The home has perhaps been over-renovated, with wall-to-wall carpet and a cookie-cutter kitchen. But the big windows, nice moldings, and loads of light give the home character. The 4 bedroom, 2 bath house is relatively small at just 1,300 square feet, but the location is pleasant and close to all—and the $6,912 tax bill is not unreasonable. Overall the price, which was just reduced by $30,000, seems pretty good. Agree? $299,222
Mark Seiden Real Estate, Google Map, Live Search Map

A Year in Film

In his book Pictures at a Revolution, writer Mark Harris looks at the four Oscar nominees for Best Picture in 1967 to discuss the changes occurring throughout the country. The new series at Jacob Burns shows those ground-breaking films—"The Graduate," "In The Heat of the Night," "Guess Whose Coming to Dinner," and "Bonnie and Clyde"—and hosts Mr. Harris and New York Times film critic Janet Maslin in two discussions about the movies and their cultural meaning. The series runs from Wednesday through April 29. Check the website for details on showings and interviews. Jacob Burns Film Center
Images: Jacob Burns Film Center

Weekend Picks

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

Bunny Hop! What does it take to hop like a bunny, nose twitching, ears alert? Come to bunny school and learn the ABC’s of bunny life. Saturday, 11:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Dr. Dolittle Come see the movie classic, a good old-fashioned Hollywood musical about a cranky but lovable doctor (Rex Harrison) who can talk to animals. Saturday and Sunday, 12:00. Jacob Burns Film Center

An Afternoon at the German Opera This program features music by German composers who have greatly influenced Broadway theater, all sung by young opera singers. Saturday, 3:00. Paramount Center for the Arts

Reuse, Redesign, Reconstruct Find out how to design a handbag or tote bag using recycled materials as part of the farm’s recycled crafting series. Saturday, 11:00. Hanover Hilltop Farm

Lymelife Enjoy this movie (above) about the dark side of a 1970s suburban paradise struck by an outbreak of Lyme disease—and then enjoy hearing quests Alec Baldwin and Derick Martini be interviewed by New York Times critic Janet Maslin. Saturday, 2:00. Jacob Burns Film Center

Calligraphy Workshop for Families Let your creative juices run wild, as you learn writing techniques while using very unique pens. Saturday, 1:00. Croton Point Nature Center

Amphibians for Kids Put on your rubber boots and get a close-up look at frogs, toads, and salamanders. Learn about amphibian life cycles and adaptations, how to imitate their songs and calls, and then visit their home. Saturday, 1:00. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Chocolate Musings and History Chocolatier and Chef Oliver Kita presents a lecture and tasting that follows the journey of chocolate from plantation to the finest shops. Saturday, 2:00. Boscobel House and Gardens

Comedy Night A night of provocative and engaging comedy featuring Shang, Rich Vos, and Bonnie Mcfarlane. Saturday, 8:00. Tarrytown Music Hall

Michelle LeBlanc Enjoy the jazz vocal stylings of Michelle Leblanc. Saturday, 7:30 to 10:30. Division Street Grill

Puppet Show Enjoy Fred Greenspan's troupe of puppets perform a non-violent Punch and Judy Show. Sunday, 1:00 and 2:30. Muscoot Farm

Sweeping Stairs—and Views

When I first saw the listing for this 1968 contemporary in the hills of Croton I was very surprised by the asking price, which seemed remarkably reasonable even in the current market. Then I noticed the annual taxes: $41,544. After I had gotten off the floor, I understood why the price was relatively low. If you can see past the taxes, you may fall for this home's many charms. The 5,000 square foot abode has 4 bedrooms, a huge living room with soaring ceilings and views of the Hudson River, and a super stylish dining room. My favorite features are the sweeping metal stairs and the use of stone and wood throughout the house. The curvy pool is pretty cool, too. The house is set on 3.5 acres just north of the village. $999,000
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map, Live Search Map

Warhol's Who's Who

The exhibition Pop Politics displays more than sixty of Andy Warhol’s paintings, prints, drawings, and photographs of political figures from American presidents to queens and communist dictators. Through April 26. Neuberger Museum of Art
Image: Neuberger Museum of Art

A True Antique

Built in 1710, this Bedford beauty definitely counts as an antique—and a true "colonial." The 2,100 square foot house has lovely features like exposed beams and original floorboards, and is brimming with that old fashioned charm that simply can't be faked. The 4 bedroom abode boasts an updated kitchen, too. Set on 1.8 acres, the property includes a big red barn. The house is located in the eastern edge of Bedford and is perhaps not in the most convenient location. But the taxes are surprisingly reasonable at $12, 358, and the asking price seems quite good, too. $895,000
Renwick and Winterling Realty, Google Map, Live Search Map

Food Buzz: Interesting Italian

Sunday's New York Times gave a "good" to Via Vanti!, the relatively new restaurant in the old train station building at Mt. Kisco. Out of the "dizzying selection" of offerings, the Times hailed the Campo salad, Alfa Romeo piadina, Beatrice pizzette, lamb burger, grilled lemon pound cake, poached pear, and assorted gelati, among other dishes. Via Vanti!
SOURCE: The New York Times: A Hybrid Not to Be Overlooked
Image: The New York Times

March Deals

The number of contracts signed in the towns this blog covers was essentially flat from February to March—good news or bad, depending on your perspective and temperament. Four previously-featured Hot Properties hit the jackpot in March. Two of them found takers quite quickly, while the other two needed at least 6 months—and $100,000 price cuts—to seduce a buyer.

Contracts signed on single-family homes:
February: 49
March: 47

Hot Properties that went to contract:

Location: Ossining
Featured: February 17, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $392,000
Final Asking Price: $392,000


Location: Mohegan Lake
Featured: February 3, 2009
Asking Price When Featured: $515,000
Final Asking Price: $515,000


Location: Yorktown Heights
Featured: September 9, 2008
Asking Price When Featured: $879,000
Final Asking Price: $779,000


Location: Croton
Featured: September 4, 2008
Asking Price When Featured: $865,000
Final Asking Price: $749,000

Weekend Picks

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

Wild Food and Ecology Naturalist and author "Wildman" Steve Brill (right) leads a hunt for tasty things growing in the ground: burdrock root, wild carrots, sweet and spicy evening primrose, and lots of mushrooms. Saturday, 10:00. Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture

Ornithology Workshop for Families Come learn to identify and classify different bird families and orders. Saturday, 1:00. Croton Point Park Nature Center

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events Kids can enjoy the saga of the Baudelaire kids. After the screening an educator will lead a talk about the movie and the first book in the series. Saturday, 12:00. Jacob Burns Film Center

Draw On! Join artist Jennifer Wroblewski, toy designer David Dear, and artist Tom Burckhardt, for fun drawing workshops throughout the afternoon. Saturday, 12:00 to 5:00. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Camouflaging Creatures Now you see me. Now you don't! In this live animal program you'll discover why, where, and how animals camouflage. Saturday, 1:00. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Mendelssohn at 200 The Caramoor Virtuosi present a program of the composer's male vocal quartets, solo piano works, a piano trio, and the monumental sextet. Saturday, 8:00. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

Buried in Blue Enjoy the classic rock of Buried in Blue. Saturday, 9:30. 12 Grapes Music and Wine Bar

Vernal Pools Join the farm naturalist for a hike to the vernal pools to see the wood frogs and fairy shrimp. Sunday, 1:00. Muscoot Farm

Perennials for Sun and Shade Lasdon's horticulturist will present a slide program on terrific perennials for both sunny and shady areas of the garden. Sunday, 2:00. Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial

Lichtenstein on Film Enjoy a screening of Roy Lichtenstein, an intimate glimpse of the artist at work. Sunday, 5:30 to 7:00. Katonah Museum of Art

Josh Ritter Musician Josh Ritter plays evocative songs with a weary, melodic richness. Sunday, 7:00. Tarrytown Music Hall

Colonial, with Horse Barn and Cottage

While the listing agent is over-reaching by calling it "antique," this 1927 house certainly does have some lovely details and country charm. Located in Yorktown Heights, the 2,500 square foot abode has 4 bedrooms and a wonderful kitchen and dining room, although an appreciation for exposed brick and paneling is probably a must. The 3.3 acre property features a pool, a two-stall horse barn, and a separate 1,500 square foot, 2 bedroom cottage. On the con side, the property is pretty close to the Taconic Parkway and the taxes are on the higher side at $23,170. Nonetheless, there is definitely lots on the pro side. $975,000
Coldwell Banker, Google Map, Live Search Map

Personal Faves

"Favorite Things" is an exhibition of recent works by Ed Radford that represent stuff the artist loves—such as an iPod, skateboard, furniture, and a log. Not only does the art look interesting, but it naturally leads to a great project for the kids. The exhibition is at the Croton Free Library through April 30.

Cute Kisco Cottage

Sorry, I have a weakness for alliteration. But this 1920's house sure is cute. The 1,700 square foot, four bedroom abode boasts a lovely front porch, nicely updated kitchen, and bright, pleasant rooms. The stone foundation gets extra points for quaintness. The 0.12 of an acre lot is located on lovely Crow Hill Road, close to Mt Kisco. Two definite pluses are the low taxes of $11,765, and the fact that the house is zoned for Chappaqua schools. I think this one is pretty well-priced. Agree? $639,000
Houlihan Lawrence, Google Map, Live Search Map

This Week's Picks

A few must-do events this week in northern Westchester:

Picture This! Explore the expressive power of line, shape, color, space, and composition with Rosemary Agoglia, Director of Education at The Eric Carle Museum. Monday, 3:00 to 7:00. Katonah Museum of Art

Brandi Carlile Named one of the top ten "Artists To Watch" by Rolling Stone magazine, Brandi Carlile performs her stark, emotive vocals and finely detailed songs. Tuesday, 8:00. Tarrytown Music Hall

The Magic Lantern An evening with Marcy B. Freedman and Mark Sadan, as they share examples of their videos at the Photographers of Northern Westchester exhibit. Wednesday, 7:30. The Unitarian-Universalist Fellowship Meeting House

Turtles in Trouble Join a discussion with wildlife biologist Kathy Michell about the reasons for locally declining turtle populations, what research and conservation efforts are currently being undertaken, and what we can each do to make a difference. Thursday, 7:30. Teatown Lake Reservation

David Sedaris NPR Humorist and best-selling author of Me Talk Pretty One Day and Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim, David Sedaris shares his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques. Thursday, 7:30. Paramount Center for the Arts

An Evening with Cartoonist Matt Davies Get a glimpse inside the fascinating mind of a Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Matt Davies. Thursday, 6:30 to 8:30. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

The Mellow Hudson

Serenity reigns on the mighty river. Photo by JMS2.

Weekend Picks

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

Frog Music The sounds of spring begin with a chorus of frogs. Explore a vernal pool and watch and listen as spring explodes. Saturday, 11:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Arrowheads and Adzes Kids can learn to transform lumps of stone into elegant Native American tools. Saturday, 1:00. Croton Point Park Nature Center

Draw On! Listen to a Weston Woods Studio director share secrets of how a picture book becomes an animated short. Then watch documentaries about illustrators Eric Carle and David McPhail and animated stories by Peter H. Reynolds and Maurice Sendak. On Sunday, enjoy animated versions of twelve classic children’s picture books. Saturday and Sunday, 2:00 to 4:00. Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum

Composting with Worms Believe it or not, but worms create high quality compost in a short amount of time. Learn how to build and care for a worm bin. Saturday, 10:00 to 12:00. Hilltop Hanover Farm

Gunter Hampel Jazz musician Gunter Hampel discusses contemporary jazz and performs two solo sets. Saturday, 2:00 to 6:00. Bean Runner Cafe

Simone Singer, songwriter, and performer Simone sings from a diverse repertoire of jazz, soul, pop, rock, and funk. Saturday, 8:00. Paramount Center for the Arts

Late Night Preview Get a sneak-peak of the exhibition Lichtenstein In Process before it opens to the public. Stop by for sparkling spirits, catered desserts, and a special docent tour. Saturday, 8:30 to 10:30. Katonah Museum of Art

The Where of There Let the landscapes of Milton Avery, Marsden Hartley, Charles Sheeler and Georgia O`Keeffe inspire kids to use printmaking and collograph techniques to create their own special place. Bring a photograph of a meaningful place or create an imagined one. Sunday, 1:00 to 3:00. Neuberger Museum of Art

Mary the Muse The ensemble Charis Chamber Voices performs a variety of "masterworks inspired by the feminine divine," including works by Bernstein, Conte, Grieg, Poulenc, Schubert, and Stravinsky. Sunday, 4:00. Bedford Presbyterian Church

Children's Scavenger Hunt Kids can search for a list of natural items—and get great prizes. Sunday, 2:00. Westmorelend Sanctuary

Ariel String Quartet The Ariel String Quartet performs quartets by Haydn, Beethoven, and Brahms. Sunday, 4:00. Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts

131 Arts Day Learn about the art center and have fun participating in workshops on drawing, painting, pottery, photography, music, jewelry making and more! Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00. The Katonah Art Center

Bela Fleck: The Africa Project Musician and banjo master Bela Fleck (above) traveled to Africa, where the banjo was born, and returned with a remarkable new body of work. Sunday, 8:00. Tarrytown Music Hall

Hike the Highlands: Popolopen Torne Get a 360 degree view of the Highlands and the Hudson from a gem of a little peak in Harriman State Park. Carpool from Teatown. Sunday, 10:00 to 2:00. Teatown Lake Reservation

Great Music Series Pianist Hannah Sun performs works by Bach, Schubert, Debussy, Chopin and Prokofiev. Sunday, 3:00. Ossining Public Library

Almost Wright

Designed by a "disciple" of Frank Lloyd Wright, this 1965 home certainly has a Usonian flair. Using the master's vocabulary of rosewood, redwood, mahogany, and granite, the home has soaring spaces and loads of light. With a spacious 5,100 square feet, there are 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Located in Bedford, not far from Mt. Kisco village, the home is set on 4.5 acres and has rights (with the payment of an association fee) to a nearby 35 acre lake. At $25,462, the taxes are relatively hefty, but the asking price seems reasonable, even in this market. If memory serves, this listing was on the market last year and actually went to contract. Evidently, that didn't work out. (To find the home on the realtor's site, search by MLS #: 2907042.) What do you think? $1,395,000
Prudential Holmes & Kennedy, Google Map, Live Search Map

Quiet Women

The works of Elizabeth Solomon are on exhibit at Eyebuzz Fine Art through April 3.
Images: Eyebuzz Fine Art

Time Capsule

This 1750 dutch colonial has been remarkably well-preserved. The 2,700 square foot house has 5 bedrooms and loads of original details and character, including brick ovens in two of the four fireplaces. The kitchen has been updated with custom cabinetry made from planking taken from the attic. Located in the northern reaches of Cortland Manor, just a bit north of Peekskill (with Lakeland schools) , the house sits on a 1.2 acre lot. Pretty sweet. $599,999
Prudential Rand Realty, Google Map, Live Search Map