Short and Simple - a quick walk around Katonah on a Saturday has its special delights. I first stopped into the Katonah Village Library to see the endeavors of Bedford’s Hopp Garden Club and pick out a new Summer book having finished the Katonah Museum of Art Selection. I was astounded at the creativity and the work that was put into the installation - for only two days of exhibition time!

Then around the corner I found a sign attached to the venerable sign of Kelloggs & Lawrence Hardware Store which was quite techy for a hardware store that also features an old fashioned barrel of peanuts for your enjoyment!! “Visitor ‘i’ Information Center - The Katonah Chamber of Commerce” was the sign. I popped in and found proprietress Diana Tyler at the counter and she was pleased to show me a rack which holds the various brochures about Katonah and our local institutions such as The Katonah Museum, Caramoor and a historic village walking tour. The Katonah Chamber of Commerce has deemed it a central location for visitors and residents alike for info regarding new exhibits, locations and events.

So pop into Katonah, enjoy the sites, the Victorians that were moved into the green space created over one hundred years ago and have some fun, enjoy the unique shops and some great food at our many eating spots. The village is right at the train station so a ride from the City or other points is very easy! 

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

Live Like A Star!

Yes, indeed, about a hundred years ago Broadway Actress Bessie Tyree had married James S. Metcalfe, theater critic for “LIFE” Magazine, and they had an estate in the early 1900s on the current site of the Bedford Hills Memorial Park and the luxury condos of “Lakeside at Bedford.”

Bessie Tyree was one of the Founding Members of the American Theater Wing. A group of seven prominent Broadway Actresses met when the first storm clouds were gathering for what became known as The Great War - WWI. They formed to aid in the war effort. They enlisted help from all of Broadway – from actors to stagehands to wardrobe mistresses. Stage Women’s War Relief provided free meals and entertainment to soldiers in the heart of Broadway. These venues became known as The Stage Door Canteens. They also travelled to entertain the troops. They used their public speaking abilities and star power to raise seven million dollars in War Bonds - a tidy sum at the time.

Bessie summered with her husband on Lake Marie. She also was one of the first members of the Bedford Garden Club. She used her talents and organizational skills to raise money for the building of the Bedford Hills Community House. She organized plays as fundraisers and her two-day Harvest Fairs became an annual tradition to maintain and support programs at the Community House.

You can live today on this beautiful spot overlooking Lake Marie in the condos of Lakeside at Bedford. This small complex of Condos on Lake Marie Lane are walking distance to the Bedford Hills Train, Town and the Bedford Hills Memorial Park which provides swimming, tennis and day camps. It is a minute away from the Saw Mill River Parkway and 684. The hamlet of Bedford Hills has a Post Office and many chic shops, eateries and services. I love to get off the Train and tuck into a table for a great meal at Nino’s Restaurant which is just steps away. Bedford Hills is in between the other local attractions of Katonah and Mt. Kisco. A ride across Bedford Center Road takes you into Bedford Village which also has the makings of a great Movie Night - Meetinghouse Restaurant and The Bedford Playhouse. The precursor to the station car was the stagecoach route that carried residents to and from the new train line. The Katonah Museum and Caramoor are also close - home of The International Music Festival – which provides concerts, lectures, exhibits and activities for all ages…

My Listing on Lake Marie Lane, one of the largest units with over 3000 sq ft., is at the best location, boasts a two-car garage, is an end unit with a private entrance, has gleaming hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms and four baths. It has 4 levels of living space. Each level has a view of Lake Marie including 2 decks. The eat-in kitchen offers a charming spot for meals. There is a large formal dining room and living room complete with a marble fireplace. The master suite with luxury bath, has a large finished loft that can serve as an ideal home office. There is a large family room with sliders out to a patio area on the lower level with a half bath and laundry. There is a great deal of storage space.

This is a great transitional home from city to suburb for young couples, plus an alternative for an empty nester/down-sizer with great quality of life and space without having to leave the area. Easy Condo Living with low taxes. Once again - walk to train, town and park!

If you have any further questions please contact me at or 914-232-1212 x342

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

Sunday was the second of the summer series of trail rides sponsored by the North Salem Bridle Trails Association (NSBTA). In spite of the light rain, about 20 riders enjoyed the 1 1/2 hour rides: “fast pace with jumping,” “medium pace with jumping optional,” and “walk & talk.” I led the Medium ride, which was the most popular!

The riders met on Baxter Road in North Salem, at The Old Race Track. This is a most gorgeous area of open meadows, stone walls and a lake that is surrounded by what used to be an unofficial horse racing track. Today it is one of the most popular of the North Salem Open Land Foundation properties. From the Race Track, one can ride on trails for miles in all directions! This treasure of days gone by is part of what makes North Salem such a beautiful and enjoyable place to live, whether one is interested in horses and horse properties or not.

Also on Baxter Road (one of several dirt roads in the town) are the kennels and clubhouse of the Goldens Bridge Hounds. Yes, it’s a real foxhunting club, but all the members are quick to say that the fox is NOT killed as it is in England and Ireland. GBH meets from mid-August until April 1, weather permitting.

Upcoming events for NSBTA and GBH are the North Country GBH Hunter Pace in Amenia, NY, on August 15. The third of the NSBTA trail rides in North Salem is Sunday, August 29, location to be announced. On September 12, GBH will hold their annual Hunter Trials at The Old Race Track. This is a fabulous event to watch as well as to ride in…riders dressed in formal attire jumping the stone walls and man-made fences, and also riding on the flat, with a great Luncheon under the tent…featuring a Puppy Auction!!

For more information about any of these great activities and organizations, please feel free to contact me…914-282-2548 Cell or

Posted by:  Anita Zander

Is the enthusiasm to head to camp or the pool beginning to wane? Well, take your children and go “Make a Splash & Read!” at The Bedford Hills Free Library! At the Bedford Hills Free Library there is “Wacky Wednesdays” for those aged 4 and up at 4 pm - just when we all begin to fade on these hot summer days. Enjoy a story, a game or a craft. Knowing the storytellers at the Library, they are in for a treat!

Then there is a “Summer Reading Game” which continues until August 13 with the promise to take a folder of good reads back to school in the Fall! There are reading incentives, prizes and a wrap-up with an end-of-Summer Party. Contact the Library for more enrollment information: 914-666-6472 BedfordHillsFreeLibrary.org

Read more about the happenings at the Katonah Library and even more at the Bedford Village Library.

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

Horses used to live here, but they were evicted from this fabulous 1840s barn before it was moved and renovated to its present location in 1982.

Some might think it is the perfect weekend house, although I would love to live there year round. It has been restored and maintains its authenticity and original New England character. There is an updated, tasteful kitchen with a granite island and modern appliances. There is a two-story beamed Great Room with a stone fireplace, 200-year old hand-crafted Shaker doors, cedar shake roof, wide plank floors, and a new Master Bath. The property is absolutely breathtaking on 4.4 acres of meadows, lawn, pond, gardens and an in-ground heated lap pool. You can forget all your worries when you step through the doors of this barn, you can now call home. Offered at $1,100,000 it won’t last long. It’s the kind of house you’ll fall in love with as soon as you see it.

For a private showing, call Sonja Lovas at 914-552-0242 or send me an email .

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

The award winning Hopp Garden Club of Bedford will have their show “It’s Written in The Stars” at The Katonah Village Library on Friday, July 23 from 2-4 pm and Saturday, July 24 from noon until 5.

With a zodiac theme, the members have undoubtedly planned very original pieces representing the signs of the zodiac with the use of both fresh and dried flowers.

There will be classes offered and other activities.

It is open to the public and admission is free!

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

When purchasing a home every dollar counts so any way to reduce closing costs is important! What most buyers don’t know is that all title companies in New York charge the exact same price for title insurance except, Thoroughbred Title. Unlike car and homeowners insurance with annual premiums, title insurance is a one-time premium payment that is paid at closing. So here’s my tip on how to reduce your closing costs, use Thoroughbred Title and save approximately 10% on your title insurance premium. Depending on the purchase price of the home and mortgage amount, using Thoroughbred Title could save you over $1,000.00!

Thoroughbred Title is an exclusive agent for EnTitle, who recently requested and received approval from the New York State Insurance Department for a 10% reduction on premiums for title insurance sold through their exclusive agents (Thoroughbred Title). Their request was granted and they are passing the savings on to buyers.

Home buyers don’t pay much attention to the cost of title insurance and most are not even aware they actually have a choice. That’s because the buyer’s attorney has been the person who selects the title insurance company they want to work with. EnTitle who operates in 35 states and the District of Columbia is changing that by actually providing the buyers a choice on saving money on their closing costs through reduced premiums.

Everyone needs Title insurance, which is an insurance policy that protects the new home buyer from a financial loss on a property that might occur as a result of previous defects in title (Such as liens, clerical errors, misrepresentation, forgery, or fraud, etc.).  In addition, all mortgage companies require buyers to purchase title insurance for the amount of the mortgage to insure them from the same losses.

Thoroughbred Title is a Houlihan Lawrence affiliated business and as an agent with Houlihan Lawrence I am able to offer buyers reduced title insurance rates. Most buyers feel every dollar counts so this is another way I provide my buyers reduced closing costs when purchasing a home. If you would like to save money on the purchase of your next home, give me a call and I will show you how.

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

Based on the success and great interest of one of my last posts on the programs that are offered for children from tots to teens at the Katonah Village Library,  I thought to see what the Bedford Village Free Library had to offer!

For the youngest members of the community (12-30 months) there is still time to register for “Musical Mother Goose.” The next session will start Wednesday, August 4. The program is at 10:15 in the morning. I remember reading when I had my own children that Nursery Rhymes are important because they have their own rhythm and it leads to a love of reading - combine this with music and I am sure you have a winner!

For the age 4 - 3rd graders there is “Story & Craft Time.” They are broken up in age groups. They meet on Wednesday afternoons. “Beach Bingo” sounds like a great deal of fun!

There is still time to quickly call and get included in the following programs :

• Tuesday, July 20, join the New Canaan Nature Center when they visit the Library with their “Slimy & Scaly” friends. Age 5-3rd grade.
• There is an Origami class on Tuesday, July 27 at 4pm. This is for 4th & 5th Graders.
• On the Friday the 30th of July, at 4pm there is a digital camera class for 4-5th graders.

Call to Register: 914-234-3570

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

Save the dates and plan to visit the charming historic town of Katonah NY, Saturday/Sunday, July 31 and August 1 for their Sidewalk Sale Days. It’s a great time to stroll through the town, meet the merchants and find great back-to-school bargains as well as great food. The town starts to buzz around 10:00 am and continues until 5 pm. While you’re here be sure to stop by Houlihan Lawrence and pick up the new map created by the Katonah Chamber with a list of all the merchants and points of interest in the surrounding area.

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

Have a child or teenager that is tired of waiting for the next big movie to open or the latest game to come out? Reintroduce them to the Library! Besides the joy of walking out with an armload of books, programs include:

• Summer Pre-School Story Times: Splish Splash Book Bash, Baby Lap Time, Mother Goose, Toddler Time, Stories and crafts
• Water, Water Everywhere - A Photo Contest for ages 11-18 in age appropriate groups
• Poetry Writing Workshop for ages 7-10
• Book, Snack & Chat - 10-12 years
• Watercolor Painting for Teens
• Iced Tea & A Book - a Teen Time Program

You also may have a chance to still join a Chess Class!

If you want to learn more ways that we “keep our cool” in the Town of Bedford feel free to contact me. There are some homes on the Market within walking distance to the Library and the Parks and pool! Enjoy your Summer!

The Katonah Library - 914-232-3508 www.katonahlibrary.org

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

When you hear the first strains of “Pomp and Circumstance” your heart quickens and there is an instant lump in your throat. For several of the local high schools such as John Jay, Fox Lane and North Salem High Schools, the venue is Caramoor. When I saw the John Jay purple and white robes beginning to descend the stairs, I welled up.

I have “graduated” both of my children now and once again I am full of thought. I hope that these graduates realize that although they are leaving for colleges across the country, they may feel that they are headed for a better place, that their home base has had so very much to offer them. As I wrote to my daughter in her graduation card - “do not forget all of the wonderful things in your life that brought you to this moment.”

On July 4, my newly graduated daughter Allison and I attended the “Pops, Patriots and Fireworks” concert at Caramoor. It featured The Orchestra of St. Luke’s with Michael Barrett as Conductor. We enjoyed the traditional Star Spangled Banner, for which we all stood and sang along and a piece from Danbury, CT native, composer Charles Ives.

A new addition was Rob Schwimmer on the Theremin. The Theremin is a very Caramoor instrument. It was the first electronic instrument which was invented by Leonid Theremin. Lucie Rosen, wife of Walter Rosen, owners of Caramoor and founders of the Music Festival, met him and Lucie was mesmerized by the Theremin. She learned to play it with such proficiency that she performed worldwide with symphony orchestras. There are two on display in the Music Room of the home and is a part of the docent tours. It deals with sound waves and it also produced what was known as ether music.

Rob Schwimmer played the Scene d’Amour from the Hitchcock film “Vertigo.” I had known before that Hitchcock enjoyed the voice, the eeriness of the theremin and I include that mention in my tours. (it was also included in “Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys!) When the string section started up you knew the moment of the film in which the obsessed Scottie Ferguson (Jimmy Stewart) is enthralled by the duplicitous Madeleine (Kim Novak). It was perfection due to the use of the theremin. The theremin then added the female voice to the two Gershwin classics : “The Man I Love” and “Summertime.”

The fireworks were over the top wonderful but my true happiness came when upon our return home, Allison went through my classic movie collection and found “Vertigo” to enjoy with her friends. She had seen it before but now the theremin was “new” to her.

That is how life is here on Museum Mile. On the same day at the John Jay Homestead they had fife and drum groups and the reading of the Declaration of Independence. Alan Weinreb, the curator and director added that the resolution to become the 13th state to endorse the Declaration was written by John Jay and the document was then signed in White Plains since New York City, the then Capitol of the state was under siege by 10,000 British soldiers. Spectators were then invited to sign a copy to perhaps sense the importance, the feeling of signing it.

The Katonah Museum now has me deep into the book of their first exhibit-related Book Club. The Exhibit is “Cuba Avant - Garde, Contemporary Cuban Art from The Farber Collection” and the book is “Telex from Cuba” by Rachel Kushner. I actually did not go to a Second Saturday Cocktail Party since I had just been to another Open to the Public lecture there. So much a girl can do!

To live your life, grow up or to raise a family in this environment, along with the happenings in town, the Schools and the wonderful Libraries is to live a very enhanced life.

If you would like to further explore your options to live in this area, please contact me: 

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

Last Thursday evening at the KMA there was the lecture “Utopia/Dystopia: The Politics of Art in Cuba” by Dr. Damien Fernandez, Provost of SUNY Purchase. Dr. Fernandez who is Cuba-born was also the Director of The Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University.

Dr. Fernandez gave his talk appropriately against the backdrop of Tonel’s “Self Portrait of a Ship (Four Pyramids)” - a sinking ship bearing both the likeness of Tonel and Mother Cuba. The four pyramids on the bottom of the sea upon which the ship rests allude to the ancient lost Atlantis and perhaps the hope that it will also be discovered once again.

Cuba was discovered by Cristobal Colon/Christopher Columbus in 1492. Therefore it has the same “start time” as the U.S. The people of Cuba always had the firm belief that they were always the greatest island in the Caribbean. They were “simply the best.” They were the biggest island with the biggest dreams. Even the talk was big. Think of Castro and his speeches. Their National Identity was the search for a Cuban Utopia. The lofty goals were to achieve The New Man & The New Woman living in Heaven on Earth. It is always a case of Utopian Dreams not fulfilled, therefore the Dystopia.

Cuba had a very lively artistic community involved with art, music and poetry. Their Conservatory was held in high regard worldwide. Cuba hit the wall economically with both their sugar and tobacco trade. There was little room for growth and expansion. This dissatisfaction was strong also among the many university educated young people. This dissatisfaction and the corruption of the Battista Regime led to the Revolution in 1959. The artistic community backed the Revolution at the time.

What they did not see coming in 1961 was Fidel Castro’s turn to Marxist/Leninist Ideals.

Then the U.S. blockade came….which is still in place today. State Control was enforced then on every aspect of Cuban life. Once the Soviet Union fell in the early 90s and they lost their subsidies it became known as “the Special Period” - a time of great scarcity and decay. Artists were known to use scavenged cardboard for their canvases. The Farbers found pieces of art not matted and framed and on display but rolled up and in someone’s attic. Their culture became duplicitous. There was a dual morality. There was one thing they could express in public and another they would share in only the privacy of their homes. It was the politics of location. Artists were by then out of the political game. The State did not approve of any depiction of sex, homosexuality, religiosity or Afro Cubanism. This was against their goal of everyone being Cuban, the same. The hero was dead.

Dissident artists were put in the sugar cane fields, were not allowed to produce records or display their art in galleries. They became personas non gratis. They were eliminated from lists of organizations and curriculums in schools and colleges.

The country is in ruins from their former Paradise. There are several pieces in the exhibit that depict that decay plus the effects of the blockade. The blockade is felt internally as well as externally - down to the core of the Cuban people. These works would not be shown in The Cuban Museum.  Over time, Museum heads and Librarians have begun to aid artists. Many have expatriated to other countries. The Farbers, among others have had to devise ways even if through the Ministry of Culture with their requisite seal to procure these pieces of art.

The question now - where do we find redemption for this Nation? Are there new Possibilities? This show at the Katonah Museum is therefore a very brave show and something indeed very special. The exhibit will be in place until September 19, 2010. Go to www.KatonahMuseum.org for more information and the many activities linked to this exhibit - including a new exhibit-based Book Club!

Posted by:  Karen Benvin Ransom

A previous post about the Independence Day Celebrations provided a list of venues to attend. My family loves to participate at the Pound Ridge Town Park where we meet with friends for a barbeque before and then head to the park and wait for the show to begin. We have never been disappointed and this year was no exception. I decided to take some video to give a better perspective of the sea of people that gather well before the show begins with their picnic dinners and favorite beverages. I was also able to capture part of the fireworks show itself, which is really fun to see.  With this celebration and the others in the area it’s so great living in Westchester.

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

You found the perfect house, the contracts have been signed, the closing date has arrived and the final step prior to closing is the walk-through, so now what do you do?

The walk-through before closing is your final opportunity to see the house and make certain everything is in order and that the property is in the same condition as when you made your offer. It is also important to inspect any repairs that were agreed on in the contract and to make certain nothing has substantially changed since you last saw it. The day of closing is often very hectic as you are preparing to move, getting the checks from the bank, but it is never a good idea to skip the final walk-through.

Many times your home inspection report will contain a list of items to check at the final walk-through. They will most likely include but are not limited to these items:

• Start the dishwasher when you first arrive
• Turn on every faucet, hot and cold, then look under the sink for signs of any leaks
• Flush all the toilets
• Turn on the shower and open and close tub stopper
• Turn on light switches, and bring a tester to check electrical plug outlets
• Turn on all the burners on the stove, oven, fan and light
• Check to be sure the refrigerator is cold
• Start the washer and dryer
• Check the heating and air-conditioning
• Open and shut garage doors and look for remote controls
• Open and close all the windows and sliding glass doors
• Check in the basement and attic to be certain all debris is removed
• Check for owners manuals and any warranty for appliances and heating and air conditioning
• Check for a carbon monoxide detector, and test the smoke alarm. Move in day is a good day to change the batteries
• Check to make sure all the light fixtures and window coverings included in the sale are still there

If there are any issues, they can be addressed at closing and money set aside in escrow. It would also be helpful to take a photo of any item or issue and bring it to the closing. While at the closing, it is a good idea to get the seller’s new phone number, and/or email address in case there are any questions about the house. I also recommend getting a list of companies who have provided service on the house since they will be the most familiar.

After the walk-through is completed, it’s time to head out for the closing where you will receive the keys to your new house after all the paperwork for the transaction is completed.

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

At long last, thanks to the efforts of the Westchester Land Trust, the property located west of 41 Ridge Road in Katonah, New York will remain open space and be preserved in perpetuity! The O’Donnell estate had originally wanted the property to remain undisturbed but the tax burden on the land portion of the estate was just too great. The property adjoins land owned by the Department of Environmental Protection and is next to the reservoir so it made a lot of sense to preserve it. Nevertheless, back in August of 2007 the O’Donnell estate placed the 13.5 acre parcel on the market for sale with Sonja Lovas at Houlihan Lawrence as a single building lot. There had been a lot of controversy surrounding the property the previous year (2006) with the family’s attempts to subdivide the track into three building lots but the town would only approve the division as one building lot.

The neighbors were still unhappy with the approval for the single building lot and that’s when the Westchester Land Trust came up with a plan to create a partnership between the Town of Bedford, Westchester Land Trust (on behalf of the neighbors) and the State of New York’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). The Land Trust submitted an offer on the property and after a full year of negotiating the contract, appraisals, Town of Bedford board approvals, and the NY DEP evaluation, a contract for sale was drafted and approved between the three parties. From the time of contract signing it took another 18 months before it closed and became reality on June 22, 2010. Although it took nearly three years, the property will now remain as open space and be preserved in perpetuity thanks to the efforts and funding by the neighbors, town, and New York State working together.

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas

Summer camp started June 27 and it was a perfect summer day! 82 degrees, not a cloud in the sky, hot and humid, just like summer is supposed to be.

A previous post about summer camps outlined of some of the activities at the camp and now that camp has started you can see the fun in the sun at Bedford Memorial Park. This is the first day of summer camp at Bedford Memorial Park:

Posted by:  Sonja Lovas