One reason Houlihan Lawrence is the area market leader is that agents are continually provided new information that is important for our clients, both buyers and sellers. Meet Jim Rood, certified environmental specialist with Lighthouse Environmental Consultants. Jim was our guest speaker today at the office meeting. The topic of the day was environmental and radon.

Very little has been mentioned about the new acceptable levels that were recently announced by the World Health Organization. The previously acceptable level that required mitigation was 4.0 and the new maximum radon level is now 2.7. Based on this new threshold, millions of homes will now be required to make repairs and install systems to reduce levels of this odorless, colorless, harmful gas. There are studies that estimate and show that radon is a leading cause of death for approximately 20,000 Americans each year due to exposure to radon. That’s because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer. In fact, the Surgeon General has warned that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States today.

Now that exposure to radon has been identified as a leading cause of lung cancer for non-smokers it is hoped that with the new lower levels of acceptable radon exposure that more homes and businesses will be tested and mitigated.

A word of warning to all homeowners, it is recommended that all homes be tested every other year and if your home was previously tested with levels above 2.7 a mitigation system should be installed. To see a great illustration of how radon enters you house click here.

For more information about this serious potential health problem and how it affects your home and the town where you live, give me a call. I can also refer you to a certified professional who can help test and, if necessary, mitigate this dangerous radon gas.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

We took an extra long walk this weekend because the fall foliage was so beautiful. I’ve been waiting for the peak day so I could circle my calendar. While walking, I realized that as beautiful as the trees with the changing colors were on that day, peak was probably a few days earlier, and we were past peak.

That made me think of the question everyone is asking, “Do you think the housing market will continue to go down?” Just as it is difficult to determine peak day for the fall foliage, the bottom of the housing market has a similar characteristic. You won’t really know where the bottom is until it starts going up. What I do know is that the median price of homes has declined, interest rates are low, sellers are motivated, and now is a good time to purchase a home.

Take a walk with me in Pound Ridge New York it’s a beautiful fall day.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Welcome to the Twilight Open House!

The Grande Folly Open House on October 16 was a huge success and enjoyed by all. There were 51 guests in attendance to see and enjoy this spectacular Queen Ann Victorian. As you entered through the stone pillars and gate there was Valet parking. The approach to the home was made inviting by the fall decorations, pumpkins and gourds picked from the garden. Upon entering, the beautiful and talented Yana Manovskaya was playing the Grand Piano and sound carried throughout the house. Appetizers and hors d’oeuvres were found throughout but most were in the kitchen, being a focal point for food. The longer you lingered, the more detail of the construction and design of this home resonated with everyone. The family room, breakfast area and sitting room provided a logical flow for the guests.

The very popular 5,000 bottle wine cellar and tasting room was also a main attraction and you could play a few games in the arcade on the way in or out. The exercise room with dual TV located behind the mirrors with dual headsets was not utilized, nor was the 6 – 8 person Sauna. There is also a sound proof room for children to express their wildest voices, and a private guest suite that will make your guests feel welcome.

Upstairs were the bedrooms, and a walk up to an unfinished attic space with the potential of becoming a great master bedroom/bathroom suite.

The Open House just seemed to fly by as guests arrived and departed, and it was a great evening enjoyed by all. For more interior photos, visit Flickr.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Here in Westchester, farmers markets have been growing in popularity over the last few years. Taking this concept to a new level is the international concept of “slow food”! I thought at first this perhaps referred to stews or crock pots. But the footnote on the menu before me indicated that all the products were grown or produced within a hundred miles.

Serendipitously, right here in Bedford Hills a new market called Table has recently opened. And its chef, John Pratt has been named “Green Chef of the Year” by Westchester Magazine. Now we have a year round farmers market that’s open 7 days a week! Not only are local fruits and vegetables and cheeses featured, but delicious free range chicken and grass fed beef (now featuring cow number three). Even better, you do not even have to cook to enjoy this bounty. There are a range of prepared foods to take out or you can eat right there, at the one communal Table.

A disclaimer- soon you will be able to get honey from our very own bees at Table (Chapman Farm). And there is promise that eggs will be forthcoming shortly by our happy hens (more about this in another blog). Slow food isn’t just smart; it’s a great hobby in our case, and delicious in every case.

Posted By: Jacqueline Dzaluk

With Thanksgiving a month away, I’ve decided to start preparing for the Bedford NY Turkey Trot, held this year on Saturday November 28th. www.bedfordturkeytrot.org.

It’s a 5K race, and while some may not think that’s challenging, check out the route and inclines. Before you reach the halfway point, you’ll be huffing and puffing, and most will be walking. The Bedford Turkey Trot is a very fun multi-age, event for every age, where you can run, walk, or shuffle. I love it because preparing for the race keeps me in shape before the Thanksgiving Day feast and serves as a reminder to pass up that extra piece of pie, so I can run faster.

Before running in last year, I was gearing up for race day by running and spinning. After the race I determined the only way to prepare for this race is by running the hill and so I did. I took some video along the route to give you a little more perspective of what to expect. Lace up your shoes, and I’ll see you on race day, November 28th 2009, 9:00 o’clock AM at the starting line.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

In a previous post about Salinger’s Orchard I told you about the wonderful peaches, produce and preserves. Now that it’s apple season I have made several more trips for apples. Honey Crisp and Jonagold are my favorite eating apples and I love to dehydrate Macoun and Winesap. I have been dehydrating fruits and vegetables for over 25 years and it’s one of my favorite hobbies.

I recently sent a gallon zip lock bag of my dried apples to my son Tyler, who is in Copenhagen on a semester abroad study program. No need for delivery confirmation on that package because the phone on Skype rang this afternoon when he received it, thanking me for sending one of his favorite snacks. Tyler ate half the bag before sharing with his roommates, who echoed their “thanks” in the background and told me how much they loved them. I also bring Baggies of my dried apples to the office to share.

Since many recipients of my dried apples ask how and what I do, I decided to demonstrate the process. From start to finish, one dehydrator load takes me 30 minutes to peel, and slice. My dryer will hold 11 lbs (farmers refer to that as a peck, which is ¼ bushel) the drying process takes about 12 hours and I dry over 100 lbs. a year. My apple peeler is Peel Away w/ clamp base and is manufactured by Back to Basics, it’s available at Amazon.com. My favorite dehydrator is an Excalibur 301 dehydrator, also available at Amazon.com. I hope you will give it a try and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I would also be happy to send you a list of apple varieties with description of Flavor-Texture, and which are best for eating, baking, sauce, or pie. Leave you contact info and I’ll be happy to email it to you. Having purchased over a thousand pounds of apples, I still refer to mine often.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

In this time of high foreclosures and job loss, there are many companies out there that are victimizing the already overwhelmed in need with help in their housing situations. I know of two dependable legitimate agencies that are above the rest.

Fair Housing is very important to Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate. They have Ann Seligsohn of WRO "Westchester Residential Opportunities" visit each of the offices over the course of the year and every year. The meetings with Ann are mandatory and if we miss ours we have to make it up in another office. She comes to discuss and review our role as Real Estate Agents and Brokers in regards to Fair Housing Rights whether they are in keeping or in violation of Federal, State or County Fair Housing Laws. She tells us of recent cases in order to illustrate the fact that it is a very HUMAN and ongoing situation they are dealing with. She tries to right the many wrongs that are out there either out of ignorance or lack of education and yes, even caring about our fellow man. She also brings a quiz of situations that are read aloud and we have to decide whether we feel it is in violation or not and at what level. Then we discuss and clarify the laws in each situation. We also work on helpful dialog in dealing with these situations.

A new mention was made this year of the fact that WRO, a not for profit organization, is now helping people facing possible foreclosure stay in their homes. They have 5 full time counselors from all over Westchester County that are familiar with the municipalities and banks.

WRO is a HUD-certified Housing Counseling agency. They are holding "Mortgage Default Orientation Sessions" three times each Tuesday in their White Plains office. They are held to help you understand the options and assistance they provide.

Westchester Residential Opportunities (www.wroinc.org)
470 Mamaroneck Avenue
White Plains, NY 10605
914-428-4507
housinghelp@wroinc.org

The Bridge Fund Of New York (www.thebridgefund.org)
"…One of the strongest weapons against homelessness that Westchester County has – The Bridge Fund."

Another Agency that I have known for the past several years is The Bridge Fund of New York. They now have a Westchester Division. They primarily help people facing evection from their apartments but as my Mother used to say - "Same story, different Address." They also handle foreclosures. It is still about housing whether it be for a family or individual whether you rent or own. These are people that make too much money to apply for Federal Assistance and they usually need the money for the short term and most of them eventually pay it back. It really is a shining star of an agency. There are wonderful case studies on their website.

Last year they:

• prevented 292 evictions
• helped 726 people
• issued 265 loans & grants
• handled 2,175 requests for assistance

Their Motto is:" Preventing Homelessness Among the Working Poor"

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Looking for a quality restaurant in the Broadway area of New York City? Perhaps with a touch of Paris? I recently experienced “Brasserie Cognac de Monsieur Ballon.” It is more than a touch of Paris. One would think they were on the Champs d’Elysee!

In the post after glow of our private screening of “Julie and Julia”, my honorary food, wine and hospitality society in which Julia Child was also a member, Les Dames d’Escoffier, www.ldny.org, celebrated with a French Fall Fete at the Brasserie Cognac on a perfect Indian Summer Day. Conversations while we enjoyed our baskets of warm gougeres and wine went to our own personal harvests of family, gardens, further education and travels. It was a time to reflect on the true riches of life and experience. One of the toasts claimed: “There will always be good food and wine and friends!”

    

How fortunate we are.

We had the pleasure to meet Chef Florian V. Hugo (yes, he is related to France’s greatest auteur Victor Hugo). Chef Hugo came from a family of poets, artists and intellectuals. He himself wanted to be a member of the diplomatic corps but found that he was more interested in the ceremonial dinners as part of negotiation and détente. He trained under Paul Bocuse & Alain Ducasse. What can be more artistic, poetic and challenging than running a true Brasserie in the heart of New York?

    

Le menu was comprised of all of my favorite French Comfort Foods:
Gougeres aux Deux Fromages
Terrine de Canard
Poulet Roti a la Broche
Tarte Tatin

As Julia would say: Bon Appetit!

Brasserie Cognac de Monsieur Ballon
Broadway & 55th St
(1740 Broadway - 212-757-3600)
www.cognacrestaurant.com

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

It all started five days ago when in the middle of the night Chewy, (Golden Retriever) woke me up at 3 am barking. Something wasn’t normal. This dog never ever barks at anything unless he is startled or something is out of place so I was perplexed as to what was bothering him. I got up, turned on the lights, and then he stopped. I didn’t know what got into him, and then I heard it; tweet, tweet, tweet… silence and tweet, tweet. It sounded like a baby bird calling for its mother, but at 3 am logic told me it must be a different varmint. It stopped and I finally went back sleep and forgot about it.

Then while enjoying my early morning at the computer I heard it again. It defiantly sounded like it was coming from the living room. Off I went to investigate but before I reached the room it stopped. I saw the carbon monoxide detector was plugged in and decided to change the battery thinking it might be low, but not low enough for a constant low battery signal. It stopped, mystery solved, until the tweeting started again later in the day. So here’s the mystery. Every time I hear it and start walking toward the living room it stops. My husband thought it must be the motion sensor for the alarm system. I checked the panel, no low battery signal indication, but I decided to change the batteries anyway. Silence. I was sure that was it. A twenty minutes later, started again. I checked on and under the deck to be certain no birds were left in a nest somewhere, and I’ve not heard the tweets outside. We moved the carbon monoxide detector to a different room, but the house is still tweeting.

If there were an animal in the house, the dogs would be all over it because they have a nose that can find anything. The barking has stopped because now tweeting is normal. I know Twitter is expanding by leaps and bounds, but really, do houses have to tweet? I don’t mind getting tweets on my computer and cell phone, but a twittering house is going over the edge. If you have any suggestions of what might be causing these tweets, please send me an email at slovas@houlihanlawrence.com.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Along with the beautiful fall foliage, take a look at the decorations I see on my morning walks and drive to and from work. The annuals and bright colors of summer are gone but replaced by equally beautiful reminders of the season.

If you know of any beautiful decorations and would like to share them with me, email a photo of them to me at slovas@houlihanlawrence.com.

 

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

My dogs are going nuts for the falling acorns on our morning walks in Pound Ridge. Along with the crunch of leaves, the acorns are dropping on the road and that means a daily feast for Ribbon, and Chewy, our Golden Retrievers. It’s chomp, chomp, chomp as they snatch and crack a nut to eat. Fall is my favorite time of year and our walks are longer in order to enjoy the beauty of the fall foliage. Every day seems to be more beautiful than the previous but soon the trees will be bare.

Don’t delay, if you want enjoy the fall foliage, come to Pound Ridge, take a walk and enjoy the season.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

I’m sure you are familiar with the famous book Acres of Diamonds by the author, Russell Conwell. The book details story after story of people overlooking riches in their own back yard, only to spend their time looking elsewhere.

I had a similar experience last month when 3 nieces and my sister came to visit. We stayed 2 nights in the “City” and went to see a few plays and the days were spent shopping. My nieces have young children and their mothers wanted to find a special gift or toy for them so they were always in search of the perfect prize. They came up empty handed (the children, not the mother’s) in New York City but there was more shopping to be done once they came to stay with me in Westchester.

We left early in the morning for Woodbury Commons Outlet Mall in order to begin shopping right when the doors opened. Throughout the day, the search for the perfect gift for the children was still a major objective, but never met. After 5 hours of shopping, I told them about a wonderful toy store in Katonah, Try and Buy, and the game we bought to have on hand when other young children come to visit. We found this toy when we went to Try and Buy located at 196 Katonah Ave. Katonah, New York. We talked to the owner and told him what we needed; some activities and games to keep 4 young children occupied at our house on a rainy day. The games we purchased there were a bit hit, and we pull them out whenever they come to visit, rain or shine. After learning about the game they thought that would be perfect! We called Try and Buy to make sure they still had one, and then raced back to Katonah before they closed in order to buy it, and found other treasures as well.

That’s a perfect example of Acres of Diamonds, in search of something overlooked right in our own back yard. So, remember Katonah New York is the perfect place to shop for all your needs. Be sure to visit all the local merchants because odds are they’ll have the diamonds and treasures you are looking for.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

I always have clients that are torn between a condo or a co-op. Especially, apartment buyers that are not familiar with New York and its co-op “boom” in the 1980s. What is better? Well, that all depends on what you like. Here is a short overview of the differences between condos and co-ops.

It starts with the ownership: “Because a cooperative apartment is owned by a corporation, the buyer of a co-op apartment does not receive a deed for the real estate. Instead, he or she buys shares in the corporation and receives a proprietary lease to a unit in the building. The shares are personal property rather than real property,” according to Real Estate Practice in New York.

On the other hand, the buyer of a condominium receives the title to the unit “from the plaster in” and also a percentage of ownership in the common areas. Typically these boundaries will include the drywall surrounding a room, allowing the homeowner to make some interior modifications without impacting the common area and thus, without needing permission from the board. But more importantly, the condominium owner can sell this property to whomever he or she wants without needing board approval.

Back to the co-op side: “The board of directors manages a cooperative building and is involved in any sale because they usually have the right to approve or disapprove any prospective tenants (owners),” again, from Real Estate Practice in New York. Which means, if the board believes that an offer is too low, it might not allow the sale to go through because it would lower the overall value of the building. In addition, the board may charge the seller, and only the seller, a “flip” tax at the time of the sale. Co-operative ownership is thus quite distinct from condominiums where people “own” individual units and have little say in who moves into the other units.

I am the listing agent for a wonderful condo right now. Located in New Rochelle, close to the border with Pelham, it offers the best of several worlds. Last year, New Rochelle was named the best city to raise a family by Business Week. Quite an honor. And, of course, New Rochelle is the Queen City on the Sound. The condo is located close to the water and has views of the Sound half the year. At a listing price of $383,999, this condo has everything to offer: a pool, a gym, a tennis court, in-door parking for two cars, and more. All these are included in a monthly common charge of $645, which also takes care of the common grounds (i.e. gardener, snow removal), gas, hot water and heat. With two spacious bedrooms and two full baths, it is about 1050 square feet.

This condo is also perfect for an investor. Renting the condo is no problem and does not need board approval, unlike the co-op in a building in Mamaroneck that I rented out earlier this year for the owner. There the prospective renters had to go through all kinds of hurdles, from filling out a rather long application form to a personal interview with the building’s board.

And as an end note, let me mention that we are having an Open House on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009 at this fantastic condo. If you have time between 2:00 - 4:00 pm come by 703 Pelham Road in New Rochelle and experience what condo living is all about.

Posted By: H. Juergen Hess

It’s always difficult to determine when the fall foliage will reach peak colors, but if you live and work near Pound Ridge or Katonah New York, you can pick your day. Just when I think the leaves are at their peak and most inspiring, another variety of tree changes color and the contrast and hues become more spectacular. This weekend seemed prime, but as I looked closer while walking through the Halle Ravine I noticed the variety of trees with red leaves haven’t turned yet. Most of the trees around the area are still loaded with leaves and what I love to see is the glow of the sun through the branches after more leaves fall. I guess “Peak” is subjective, and while it was an extremely beautiful day, I’ll wait to circle the calendar with my peak day; which will probably be when the maples turn red and more leaves have fallen. Here are a few of my favorite fall photos taken October 11th and to see the full album you can check out Flickr To hear and wind blowing through the trees and see falling leaves check out this video

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Open House Friday Evening October 16, 2009

You are invited to an Open house at Grande Folly located at 152 Post Office Road in South Salem, 5 – 9 pm. This fabulous house is in search of a new family to love her! Enjoy some vintage wine tastings in the amazing 5,000 bottle wine cellar/party room. Delight in the beauty of the professional chef’s kitchen, with delicious nibbles. Stroll through the glorious property and extensive perennial gardens; maybe even find a pumpkin to pick in the overflowing organic veggie garden (Gardens and decorations inspired by Blooms Unlimited/Jill).

This 1900 Queen Anne Victorian is a total WOW!!! Recently restored and expanded, with infinite style and more than a touch of whimsy! 7,500 square feet and everything is perfect! As you walk into this beautiful Victorian home you will FALL IN LOVE!!! Perfect formal rooms, new Key West style conservatory, dazzling new kitchen, huge family room with all the bells and whistles, mirrored gym, sauna/steam shower, In-Law or Guest suite with a new kitchen, heated in-ground pool, whole-house generator, gorgeous deer-fenced private property and the list goes on and on. Please bring your friends, and anyone you know who would appreciate seeing this amazing property being offered at $2,595,000. Join us and enjoy a lovely evening! RSVP required. Call 914-282-2548 or email AZander@HoulihanLawrence.com or leave a comment on the post. Hope to see you there!

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

I was driving through Mt. Kisco last week when I saw the most wonderful site. The Methodist Church always has the most wonderful pumpkin display and sale every year. What I had always wondered was how did it all happen? Who unloaded the trucks with the hundreds of pumpkins both large and small? Well, I found out - I saw rows of local teenagers all in lines passing the pumpkins down a row direct from the trucks into place on the Church lawns! It was a sight to behold.

Mt. Kisco is full of surprises. It has been voted the #1 town in Westchester. As a Realtor I also tell young families that Mt. Kisco has some of the lowest property taxes around due to its business base pitching into the Tax Rolls. The school District is Bedford Central. It is also a great transitional town for those singles and families making the change from life in Manhattan to the Country/Suburbs. There are shops, Starbucks, two Movie Theatres in the area and restaurants galore. Metro North has a station in Town as well as the adjacent stops in Bedford - Bedford Hills and Katonah.

It has been called “The Hub of Northern Westchester” - a term coined about thirty years ago when I moved from smoking trout in the backyard in Purchase to a facility in Mt. Kisco. I did it to draw people to my then new Saturday Sales. It worked! So, Mt. Kisco got a smokehouse, Homarus Inc. Yes, another surprise, Mt. Kisco is still called the Hub of Northern Westchester!

Now that the leaves are falling and the days are getting shorter it’s time to think about Halloween. The Katonah Chamber of Commerce is once again sponsoring the Halloween Parade on Sunday October 25th. The parade begins at the Fire Department and at 2 pm. Whether you are a participant or spectator, the costumes are adorable and it is a very fun event! At the end of the parade there will be cider and doughnuts and many of the merchants have goodies for the parade participants as well. So plan to start Trick-or-Treating early. Hope to see you there!

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

St. Matthew’s Church in Bedford Village, NY was the setting Saturday Sept. 26 for the internment of the ashes of the only daughter and last surviving child of Walter Tower Rosen and Lucie Bigelow Dodge Rosen, Caramoor’s founders. She had been predeceased by her brother Walter, Jr. when he was killed in action while in the Canadian Royal Air Force in WWII.

Their summer home in Katonah, Town of Bedford is now known as Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts, home of the International Music Festival. The Rosens are known for their vast collection of Eastern and Western art, ranging from B.C. to the 20th century, especially Art of the Renaissance. All are housed in their home which is now known as The Rosen House with nineteen rooms open to the public - where I am honored to act as a docent for tours of their former home. They purchased the property in 1928 and spent the next 10 years incorporating rooms from Castles and Villas from Europe plus the construction of The Music Room. Mrs. Rosen lived there until her passing in 1968. It was her daughter Anne, who worked with the Metropolitan Museum of Art to catalog the home and to organize it as a house museum which opened in 1970.

She had also overseen the sale of the four New York town homes and had a wing added to Caramoor in 1974, designed by Mott B. Schmidt. This “New Wing” displays characteristic rooms plus the main stained glass door of the Town House on West 54th Street.

In giving tours we used to say that she was in a Maine Nursing home and now are saddened to say that she passed on August 15th, 2009 at the age of 93.

After the private Family Ceremony in the Church’s burial ground for its parishioners, there was a service within the Church. Reverend Daniel Lennox led the Memorial Service. Director of Music and Organist Anthony Newman performed as did the Kneisel Hall Student Quartet.

The Homily by Reverend Lennox repeatedly described Anne as a Champion of the Arts. It was much in evidence in the Parish House where we attended a reception. There were the heads of St. Luke’s Orchestra, Kneisel Hall School of Chamber Music in Blue Hill, Maine and the head of The Brearley School of New York - a school which both Anne and her mother, Lucie, attended. They were there to honor her and show her family their appreciation for her active as well as monetary contributions.

We also had the pleasure to meet her granddaughter, Lucie - named after her great grandmother Lucie Bigelow Dodge Rosen. She also lives in Maine. We enthralled her of the many festivals, fetes, tours, lectures and concerts held at the home of her Great Grandparents. She was excited by the stories as to how we kept the memory and passions of her family alive at Caramoor.

Remarkable that as it seemed a part of Caramoor had been snuffed out an ember came to life!

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

The Fall Festival in Katonah was a huge success this year for a number of reasons. The weather could not have been better and fun activities filled the streets. There was a dog parade and most were in costume. There were two music groups that provided entertainment, and the fashion show was once again a real crowd-pleaser.

The Fall Festival organizing committee that enabled it to happen are featured here left to right: Edris Scherer, Midge Iorio, Sara Zipp, Barbara Tremain. This is an annual event for the town, by the town. They could always use more volunteers, so keep the Fall Festival in mind for next year.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Vacation – what a wonderful word. It was been a month since my wife, the two dogs and I came back from vacation on Martha’s Vineyard. It was the first time for us – and thanks to my friends on LinkedIn and Facebook, I had received all the information about Martha’s Vineyard that I needed before we left Westchester.

Martha’s Vineyard is about a four hour drive east of Westchester and a 45-minute ferry ride. The island is something special (about 87 square miles of the coast of Cape Cod) and a popular spot for vacationers from Westchester, who want to escape to a different world.

When talking about “the Vineyard” the following images come to mind: miles and miles of sandy beach (the South Beach and Chappaquiddick), watching the sunset and munching on fresh lobster at the beach in Menemsha (alas, no dogs allowed), the cliffs and the light house in Aquinnah (formerly known as Gay Head), and, of course, the Black Dog Tavern, not only famous for its great food, but also well known for its souvenir T-shirts, featuring its logo of the eponymous black dog.

There are a plethora of volunteer opportunities available here in Northern Westchester. Not only is this a wonderful way to contribute time and talent to causes for which you may have a personal interest, but it is also a meaningful avenue towards integrating into a new community. For those Interested in music and the arts there are venues such as Caramoor, the Katonah Museum and Jacob Burns. Land Preservation is represented by local Land Trusts as well as the Westchester Land Trust, the Bedford Audubon, and gardening clubs. Our town’s many committees are staffed by volunteers. There are sports teams for kids that always need coaches and schools that have very active PTAs.

In Northern Westchester, many of our local ambulance corps and fire departments are run and staffed by volunteers. A few years back I decided that I wanted to try something “different” and began riding as a crew member on an ambulance assisting the paramedics and emergency medical technicians with patient care. As my interest and desire for knowledge grew, I decided to take “the class” to become a licensed EMT. This has expanded my horizons in ways I could not have anticipated. We care for all from the withy, privileged and famous to the indigent and incarcerated. We may be standing by at a fire or giving school children a demo, or attending an accident on the highway. Some corps have non-riding members that do accounting, fundraising, maintenance and the like. And for students 16 and over with an interest in the medical field, many agencies have junior corps which provide invaluable real life hands on experience.

It’s officially fall and that means it’s apple picking time at Outhouse Orchards, in Northern Westchester. It’s easy to find, just take I-684 North to exit 8 and follow the signs (you can’t miss them). It’s about 1 ¼ miles East on Hardscrabble Road.

I absolutely love the beautiful and dramatic fall colors this time of year and one way to really enjoy them is to go apple picking. If you’re not up for picking your own the Outhouse Orchards store has apples that have been picked for you along with cider, pies, pears, peaches, jellies and fresh produce. Outhouse Orchards is also very famous for their fresh donuts made on the premises.

Kids of all ages love the pumpkin patch, and the beautiful mums and fall flowers really add to the atmosphere. In addition to the changing leaves and cool crisp days why not enjoy a day in the country and pick some apples? I always make several batches of Apple Crisp and this recipe is a favorite! Let me know how you like it.

(click the image for a larger view)

Posted By: Sonja Lovas