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

Save The Date - May 22 - The Town of Katonah is inviting all to join their party, “Spring Stroll.” Fun for all with a parade, raffles and sales sponsored by the Katonah Museum.

The Katonah Museum’s, ”Commute of the Species,” will be on the Metro North 12:48 PM, train begins at Grand Central Station and travels to the Village of Katonah on May 22. Along for the ride with the regular commuters will be puppeteers interacting among the crowd with handheld puppets and head-dressed puppets. They are this year’s addition to the outdoor fun and tag sales. The artistry of Alex Kahn and Sophia Michaahelles, will bring the same excitement to Katonah as they do to the Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village with their puppet magic.

You just might find yourself falling in love with this village!

Posted by: Renee Stengel

You found the perfect house, have an agreed deal and now the home inspection. The American Society of Home Inspections trains and informs their members of changes in individual state regulations. NACHI defines the home inspections as,

“a visual assessment of a home’s structure and systems.” And, it “should extend beyond the visual to the operations.”

A home inspection is an important part of the home buying process because it gives you an opportunity to get to know the systems of the home. And it also discloses problems that are not apparent or visible to you, the buyer. The National Association of Certified Home Inspectors (NACHI) provides its Code of Ethics to the public.

Recommendations from your attorney or friends that had a good experience with an inspector should be pursued. Here in Westchester County, I give a service providers list to my clients that contains the names of New York State licensed inspectors but I do not recommend an individual inspector. The Inspection should cover the following: the structures and systems, exterior, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating and air-conditioning, home interior, ventilation, appliances, fireplaces, additional systems (e.g. generator, etc.). Separate, but equally important, inspections for termites, radon, septic, oil tanks and water need to be added to complete a through process.

New York State requires that,

“any one to four family home, in New York State, for sale must submit a Property Condition Disclosure to the buyer prior to the signing of a binding contract of sale. The Disclosure will be attached to the contract. If the buyer does not receive the disclosure they are entitled to a $500 credit at closing. Whether the seller provides the disclosure or not, the seller is still liable for any undisclosed defects. The Disclosure form will be provided to you by your listing agent. You will be advised to consult your attorney in regards to the disclosure. Your agent can not give you advice as to whether to complete or ignore the disclosure.”

But of course, “As is,” varies and you, the buyer do not have to accept this caveat.

In today’s real estate market, homeowners may want to correct defects but are not obligated to do so.

Get what you pay for - be present during the home inspection and walk along with the inspector as he completes his work. Ask questions and take notes. Your inspector will issue a written report.

Of course, there will be things that are not up to par but prioritize the important issues. The homeowner is not obligated to correct conditions but they might want to do so if they want to sell their home.

Posted By: Renee Stengel

It was a few summers ago when I decided to find a Comedy Class to take. Usually when my children went away to visit with their Dad for August, I would clean closets, redo a bathroom, even buy and train a puppy! This year I was going to do something for myself. I went to my friend, Mr. Google, and found that the people of Caroline’s Comedy Club offered a Summer Session. So I signed up, bought a Metro card and off I went!

I learned how to navigate the subway shuttle to Times Square and find the studio. The class was taught by Linda Smith, three time Emmy nominated writer for her work for the Rosie O’Donnell Show and is now Director of New Talent at Caroline’s.
I was the oldest person in the class - let that bother me? Never! To paraphrase Kathy Bates in "Fried Green Tomatoes"- I have more "experience"!

The class was very supportive and from all walks of life. It was a major writing endeavor and we had to edit, edit, edit to get to that kernel of truth wherein lies the humor. Plus we had to try to commit it to memory and give it a good delivery. Who knew comedy was so hard? Also that it is serious business and like any skill, be it the Olympics, an ice skating competition or "Dancing With The Stars", the pros make it seem effortless.

The weeks were flying by with the stress of the writing, the performing, the memorizing and then we had our Graduation - a Matinee show at Caroline’s! The emcee of Caroline’s loved it and the whole experience was a ball! Right after my graduation performance a local restaurant wanted me to start a Comedy Night. The time was not right.

Now that my youngest is heading off to college I am itching to give it another shot. I will write from time to time and save it on my computer. Then while doing an article on the Katonah Art Center I discovered they were about to offer their first Comedy Class! It will be taught by Peggy Boyce, performer, producer, publicist and comedy coach for 20 yrs. Her "Ladies of Laughter" was founded in 1999 in order to provide funny women opportunities. The series has been produced at Caesar’s, Resorts International, Madison Square Garden and numerous clubs and casinos. Her 2004 Winner was Jane Condon who went on to become a finalist at Last Comic Standing and the Audience Favorite. Peggy Boyce has opened for Joy Behar, Brett Butler and Ray Romano. Her website is: http://www.funniestfemales.com

They claim that even if you have no intention of ever appearing on stage, learning to turn the observations and foibles of life into comedy will give you a new perspective.
The class will study other well known comediennes’ styles and will coach you to find your own comic voice. I remember a young executive in my class in New York who took the class in order to feel more comfortable speaking in front of a group.

Come have Fun! Laughter IS the best medicine. The Katonah Art Center is across from the A&P in a restored Victorian. It is close enough to the Train Station to be able to walk and there are cabs. It is also close to the Saw Mill River Parkway and 684.

Classes are held on five Thursday Evenings at 7-8:30 pm
Spring Sessions - $215 for 5 classes - April 22-May 20th or May 27th-June 24th
Summer Session - $215 for 5 classes - June 28th - September 3rd

Katonah Art Center, 131 Bedford Road, Katonah NY.

914-232-4843 www.katonahartcenter.com

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

The Metro North Harlem line is a commuter passenger rail system that runs north from New York City 82 miles to Dutchess County and has 38 stations. Access to the train and the time it takes to get to the City is often a major consideration when purchasing a home. If you don’t live close enough to walk to the train, then parking considerations are a required issue. Here’s what you need to know if you want to park in Katonah or Bedford Hills and take the train.

The town of Bedford has 9 parking lots and 3 are reserved for business only, the rest are available for business and Bedford residents. If you pay taxes to the Town of Bedford, you are guaranteed a parking space. You may not always get the desired lot when you apply for a permit, but for $350.00 you can get a permit to park in a designated lot. For example: If you live near the Village Green, you may not be assigned a space in Bedford Hills which is the closest station but will end up in Lot #3 which is located in Katonah. The permits are issued on a “date rank” basis, so as people move and/or don’t renew their permits the available slots become open and eventually you will move up to the closer lot and spots.

Individuals living in Somers even if they may have a Katonah Post Office address are not considered residents of Bedford because they pay their taxes to the town of Somers. The town of Somers receives 100 permits to park in Bedford’s lot #3 and the Town of Somers distributes those permits.

Non-residents are the unlucky ones. After the residents apply for and renew their permits the town tries to figure out how many non-resident slots will be available. That number changes every year. They are distributed on a lottery basis and you have to sign up for an email alert in order to be placed in the lottery. The cost for non-residents is $1,000.00 per year.

There are also 105 meters in lot #3 in Katonah and 35 in Bedford Hills. The cost for metered parking is $5.00 for 16 hours and $7.00 for 24 hours. My guess is, the early bird gets the meter.

Guaranteed parking makes the Hamlets of Bedford desirable, especially for people who work in the City.

Updated rates here as of 4/9/10

Check out my video of the parking locations in Katonah.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

As a Parent, I am soon sending my youngest child off to college. I have had the benefit of not only the local schools but the variety and quality of local after school activities.

As a Realtor, I very happily share these experiences with my clients coming into our area.

The popular Hub for classes in the Arts for both children and adults right in Katonah is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian at 131 Bedford Road in Katonah - across from the A&P shopping center.

There you will find both the Arts Caravan Performing Arts Studio and the Katonah Art Center.

After School Activities Part I: Arts Caravan Performing Arts Studio in Katonah, New York

Since the age of two, my daughter Allison has danced. We had tried a couple of different venues at the start but 10 yrs ago we discovered The Arts Caravan with “Miss Dana” Merritt. It is a school that is noncompetitive and is taught by dance and theater professionals. They inspire and encourage confidence. The students learn to respect and to be respected for their efforts - very important for these young students as they navigate through the teen years. In the theater classes they all have equal parts and are taught all creative aspects. They also have the experience of a final show at the end of the year. Miss Dana also had the venue of The Tarrytown Music Hall for several years so the students could enjoy performing in an actual theater - the oldest in Westchester - complete with dressing rooms!

There is also onsite character formation! They have them break out of any possible cliques and engage in a new environment. It has been said - “It takes a Village” and I do feel that if anything would have been detected during these teen years it would have been brought to my attention. The administration and faculty are very beloved by the students. One teacher is also a mother of one of their peers! Parents enjoy viewing the classes while they are in session and it is a good way to keep in touch with fellow parents - of course until their children start to drive! The year end recitals are so uplifting that I enjoy each class presentation. The costumes are festive and age appropriate - not revealing or garish - as I had seen in other schools of dance. The year end recital is also topped off with the Awards Ceremony - based upon each year of participation and done class by class - everyone gets a prized memento for their years efforts. This year my daughter will choreograph her solo “Senior Dance” - the culmination of years of study and pure enjoyment, which she will perform at the end of the program. Tears will be shed….

They accommodate each family’s needs and working families have help in that they also have a bus stop arranged within the school bus routes for after school classes. They have payment plans and also now accept credit cards.

The age range is 2 1/2 - 70 years of age! The classes include Acting, Ballet, Tap, Hip Hop, Jazz, Modern Dance, Acting, Musical Theater Workshop plus yoga for teens on Saturday… For adults there are classes in Modern Dance, Tap, Hip Hop, Yoga, Nia and hopefully Adult Ballet (since I danced until the age of 35 and I will continue to make the drive to Arts Caravan - this time for myself!).

They also offer Summer Programs including Camp “Thank You Very Much” a Fun Class in Etiquette & Manners!

If you have any other questions about after school activities feel free to contact me at KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com.

Visit the Arts Caravan Performing Arts Center website for more information or call them at 914-232-0424.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

School districts are often the driving force for parents of school aged children in determining which house to buy. To narrow the search, an examination of Elementary Schools also comes into play. As outlined in a previous post, I recommend visiting the school prior to making a decision to purchase a home. To provide you with a head start in the process, here is my Katonah Elementary School Report. I have made a video of the school grounds, and comments from a parent whose child attends the school:

“One of my favorite things: The After-School Activities and language programs that the KES PTO run. My kindergartner loved the ‘Astronomy Delight’ and ‘Loony Life Labs’ classes he took this fall ($115 each, once a week for an hour). Sign-up for the Spring semester is on the PTO website right now. He is signed up for an introduction to chess, a class called Kool Kreations that uses group Lego projects to teach teamwork and presentation skills, and another science class. One of the things we love about these activities is that they are not single age groups. He was the only kindergarten kid in Astronomy. The PTO is very careful to list the appropriate ages, so not all offerings are for all ages. Thus, the classes allow the children to engage in their interests, making school a better experience, and to work at their own level. My only complaint is that I want to take some of the classes! I wish they offered them for adults. We haven’t tried the language classes yet, but I want to sign my son up for Chinese so he can teach it to me.

I also love the feeling of community. Not only does the PTO send out emails about upcoming family events (beyond school activities–and there are plenty of those), but everyone at the school and the PTO is completely accessible. Principal Jonathan Kaplan and Assistant Principal Terrance Costin live in town, answer the phone, return emails, etc. Jonathan is out at community events with his family, so you can grab a hot cocoa with him at the town Christmas Tree Lighting. When there was a fire in Jonathan’s house recently, the PTO sent out an email asking for ties for him. And he sent every family an email expressing his thanks.

In the classroom, I’ve been very impressed with curriculum creativity. For example, this fall the kids harvested vegetables in the school garden (teamwork, following directions, etc.), then made them into soup (math, fine motor skills, etc.), learned about the nutritional value, and tasted the soup. The recipe was sent home, and many kids raved about it.” – Elena Strothenke

If you would like to meet other parents whose children attend schools in the district, connect with me on Facebook. Do you have a special experience about Katonah Elementary School? Please share it here.

Looking at a different school? Read my reports on Meadow Pond Elementary School and Increase Miller Elementary School. Stay tuned for more!

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

In December of 1680, twenty-two men from Stamford, Connecticut founded the town of Bedford. They met with Chief Katonah and purchased fur coats, blankets, and a tract of land that was three square miles. That area is known as “Hopp Ground” and is on the Mianus River. They then set out to settle, what is now known as Bedford, and built a grist mill, a cemetery, and a meeting house. There was a large area in the center known as the Village Green, which remains today, but 1/3 the size of the original Green. Many of the buildings around the Village Green are of historic value and have been preserved, adding to the Colonial charm of Bedford.

Most people are not aware that Bedford was part of Connecticut in 1697 and it wasn’t until England’s King William issued a royal degree in 1700, to settle a boundary dispute, that Bedford became part of New York.

The town continued to grow during the Colonial period and served as the Westchester County seat during the Revolutionary War. The county seat was shared with White Plains until Bedford was burned by the British on July 11, 1779. Not only were the town buildings burned, but all the surrounding houses. The Court House in Bedford Village, built in 1787 and renovated in the 1960s, is Westchester County’s oldest government building and is maintained by the Bedford Historical Society. The town of Bedford now consists of three separate and distinct hamlets, Katonah, Bedford Hills, and Bedford Village. Bedford Village is known for its elegant country estates, horse farms, community neighborhoods and weekend hideaways. It is a very desirable place to live because it has maintained its historic buildings and Colonial charm. Let me know if you would like to explore Bedford Village. SonjaLovas.HoulihanLawrence.com

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

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

You know spring has arrived in Katonah when the Magnolia blossoms burst into full bloom. To help celebrate spring the Katonah Chamber of Commerce participants are having a Spring Fling, Saturday May 16th from 10 - 2. There will be arts and crafts, demonstrations, entertainment and merchant discounts. So walk, drive, or take the train to Katonah. See you there!

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

As a Real Estate Broker, one of my favorite things to do is to tell newcomers to the area the story of both The Old & The New Katonah.

In the 1890's New York City had a need to create a reservoir system to provide a larger fresh water supply to fulfill its increasing needs. They decided to build a new dam and holding area for the water. They declared its right of eminent domain over the original Katonah and an area known as Whitlockville and intended to flood the town with the Croton River. The headlines of 1893 asked "Will Katonah Be Deserted?", "The New York Times" declared "Destruction to Katonah".

Well, the proud people of Katonah were not interested in accepting a buy out (my modern choice of words) for their property and instead contacted the Landscape Design Firm of Frederick Law Olmstead of Massachusetts ( Central Park in NYC being one of their many projects in the Country) to design a new town for them. The plan included his trademark use of green space "with center strips devoted to flowers". The Katonah Land Company syndicate bought a farm a mile south. They then lifted the homes, put them on tracks made from shaved pine trees that were rubbed down with simple yellow laundry soap. Once the horse team pulled the house the length of the rails they then had to pick them up to move them ahead and had to relubricate them with the soap.

People were living in many of the houses as they were being moved. School children would return at the end of the day and the house had moved once again! There is even a report of a wedding taking place while they were being moved. This explains the photograph with the laundry still hung on the porch! There is a wonderful display of memorabilia on the lower level of the Katonah Library. Over 55 homes, businesses and St. Mary's Church made the big move and are still in use today. When we celebrated the Centennial in 1997, there were parades with floats, a grand ball held at The John Jay Homestead and fireworks.

There is a wonderful new "Katonah Walking Tour Guide" that has just been written by the Katonah Village Improvement Society (KVIS). I learned that Katonah had a milliner's shop, a 5& 10 cent store, the Twin Porches Cafe - housed in one of the Victorians and even a movie theater that was very popular until Mt. Kisco (always the Big Town) opened a new theater that featured the "talkies."

If you are interested I would be happy to mail one to you - or just let me know when you are available to visit Katonah and I will be happy to give you the tour myself!

Posted by:Karen Benvin Ransom

Contrast! Compare!

That was the booming voice of the Art History Professor to the darkened lecture hall during an exam. Slides of art lit up the front of the classroom. In the dark we had to write madly until the next set of slides would appear.

Compare! Contrast!

Once again with the sharp staccato of a Ballet Master’s staff.

These are the voices I hear as I go through the installation of the new Lichtenstein Show at The Katonah Museum of Art, “Lichtenstein in Process.” March 29th to June 28th, 2009.

The first two things I have to compare are the differences between the two institutions of art that I lead docent tours of within the Hamlet of Katonah in the Town Of Bedford, New York.

The first is The Rosen House at Caramoor. The permanent beautiful vast collections of Renaissance and Oriental Art plus whole rooms dismantled from convents and castles throughout Europe are retrofitted into the living space created for them. www.caramoor.org. There the collection remains the same and we have the job to help people feel their love of collecting and how it was their home and their daily life. We may decide to study pieces in depth. There are also small shows within the home. “The Art of Majolica” was the last one and “The Female Deities of Chinese Art” will be opening in May. There is a lecture given on each show in advance.

The Katonah Museum of Art - www.katonahmuseum.org - on the other hand has changing shows of many periods and mediums of art several times a year! You really have to be quick on your feet (and in your mind) in order to learn the new material in time. They prepare you by holding lectures on the subject held in the Pound Ridge Library and once the show is hung or displayed you are to tour it at least once again with a Curator and fellow docents to learn it “in situ”. This happens within a day or two of the grand opening.

Then as for Lichtenstein ( pronounced “lick-ten-styne” just as in the Country) we go through his process - view his inspiration, see his sketch and then see his collage phase of the process - basically his “on canvas” workshop. Here he transferred his ideas from the sketch by drawing, painting, covering changes with pieces of paper, using strips of tape, pieces of foil to define his bold outlines and plan the execution of the final piece. The work is done in half scale of the final work. It was then photographed using a 35mm camera and then a slide was made and projected onto a fresh canvas. The final work is then painted. Also there is the use of his famous “Benday Dots” in not only his comic paintings but in his ethereal landscapes.

We are comparing and contrasting his inspiration - the work of Matisse, Picasso, Klein, ancient Chinese scrolls, illustrations from the yellow pages, cheap novellas and even Disney to his interpretation of it. Sign of the times - most asked question - was he ever sued by the Families, Foundations or Companies? He was never sued for interpreting their works.

The Katonah Museum is open Tuesday - Saturday 10-5. Sunday 12-5. Docent led tours are at 2:30 each day. There are also things for the children to do plus a Family Day will be on Sunday May the 3rd 1-4.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Thursdays are busy days for Real Estate Agent in Katonah, Pound Ridge, Bedford, South Salem, and North Salem. That’s because agents scurry from house to house as quickly as they can to see as many new listings on the market as possible. The Seller’s agent hosts the Open House to make it easy for all agents to preview the houses and hopefully, take their clients back.

So, in the span of 3 hours I previewed 9 houses, snacking and grazing on food offered by the seller’s agents offer to lure agents in. Out of the nine houses I went to there was only one I thought was prepared for sale and properly priced. It is located in Pound Ridge and the asking price is $779,000. This house is so tastefully updated throughout and fits the description of what everyone looking for a house asks for. It is clean, updated, move in ready, private setting on flat level property, has a beautiful kitchen, 4 bedrooms and 2 baths.

As for the other eight, well, their owners will learn the painful lesson of what happens when a house isn’t staged, cleaned up, presented as a product for sale, and priced appropriately. You see what sellers don’t know is that not only do the real estate agents really know what a house is worth, but by the time the buyers are ready to make an offer, they do too!

Upon returning to the office other agents’ comments validated my opinions. I doubt any seller would like to be a fly on the wall in the real estate office Thursday afternoons.

Check back next week for a hot new pick or call Sonja at: 914-552-0242

Posted By: Sonja Lovas