Twenty-seven years ago, the organization known as Pet Rescue was founded by Sue Kamill and a few other volunteers who were distressed by miserable conditions in animal shelters and thought they could do better. In 2008, this group, which has grown to more than 50 volunteers who donate their time, talent, homes, and love of animals placed almost 900 dogs and cats with local families.Their work is accomplished without a shelter building, through dedicated families who open their homes to foster the animals, nurse them back to health, socialize them, and then carefully place them in “forever” homes, with the guarantee that if for any reason the placement doesn’t work out, they will take the animal back.

For anyone who would like to join in this effort, there is always a need for donations, pet supplies, volunteers, and foster homes. There is an ever-growing group of local children who have held fundraisers, donated their birthday money to Pet Rescue, or participated in the organization with their parents. These children are learning that they can make a difference in the quality of an animal’s life, which is a valuable life lesson.

If you are considering obtaining a pet, you can see the wonderful cats, kittens, dogs and puppies available for adoption at the Pet Rescue Website: NY-PetRescue.org.

Posted By: Marjorie Weschler

My newest listing offers tremendous value in the heart of Larchmont Village. This lovely home is conveniently located close to the train, shops, restaurants, schools and parks, and offers five bedrooms, three new baths, all new windows, central air conditioning, and much more!

Special touches include stenciling on the risers of the staircase, beautiful dentil moldings, hardwood floors, a working fireplace, and a steam shower in the master bath. Ideal for someone who wants a true “in town” location, with all the charm that makes Larchmont so special.

Larchmont is a beautiful waterfront community on the shores of Long Island Sound. It offers excellent schools, beautiful tree-lined streets, exciting recreation opporunities and a pleasant,relaxed lifestyle–all within a 35 minute commute to Manhattan.

Posted By: Marjorie Weschler

Rye City is one of the greatest little cities in New York! Ideally situated on the Sound Shore of Long Island, many neighborhoods enjoy extensive Long Island Sound frontage. Many homes boast water views and beaches! Rye’s downtown boasts a Currier & Ives shopping district with some of the best restaurants in Westchester County, all within 2 blocks. From Ruby’s Oyster House to Morgan’s Fish House, you can find oysters and clams galore in a casual yet sophisticated dining atmosphere. Frankie & Johnnies Steakhouse, sushi at Koo, Asian style at Water Moon and the ever popular Rye Bar & Grill which recently reopened after undergoing a total renovation is a favorite for locals, are all within walking distance of the train and town. Great pizza and salads at Al Dente and there is even an ice cream shop, Longfords, who make their own ice cream. Rye has wonderful clothing shops for kids and adults and unique gift shops for even the most discerning buyer. Rye is home to Rye Playland or Playland Amusement Park which is a National Historic Landmark as of 1987. It is the only government owned-and-operated amusement park in the United States and has been featured in several movies and is open from May – September. Rye truly is a gem.

One of the most exciting transactions that I have ever been involved in happened this year on a property located in Rye City with beautiful views of the water. This 80 year old coveted home was lovingly restored by the former owner with every modern amenity and technology imaginable yet its elegance and architectural integrity were carefully retained. Situated on the Mill Pond which has always been a treasured enclave in Rye, this area is private and tucked away with a bird sanctuary and beautiful wildlife just a stone’s throw away. This property had not been offered up to the market, but Rye being a wonderful small community, I was able to quietly find out about this property that had been spotted by my clients from afar. It was love at first sight and a meeting of the minds was accomplished. Unique water front properties such as this one are available in Rye City as well as unusual unique properties such as an old carriage house that has been converted for today’s living and brand new homes that are ready to move into.

Posted By: Nancy Lawton

Weekend walks in Pound Ridge are wonderful! We have 2 Golden Retrievers who love to run and swim so Pound Ridge New York is the perfect place for that! Since my husband and I are early birds we start our walks before most people are awake. We let the dogs run and romp off leash on weekends. The dogs have developed a pattern of hitting every swamp and marshy area, then running back to us before taking off through the woods the other direction and into the next wet area. Although they are off-leash on weekends they always come and sit next to us when called, if we hear a car. After we’ve walked about 2 miles, we are near a nice deep pond and then it’s time for a running leap and splash down! Before reaching the pond, the dogs are two toned and often look more like a black labs than Golden Retrievers. The pond is great for washing off most of the black mud they have collected up to that point. They love water and it’s a race between them to see who can get to the stick, ball, or ducks. Check out my video to see the happy dogs swimming:

From there it’s time to shake and hook up (that’s dog speak for sit, and wait for the leash to be put on) for the walk home where they get hosed off and a quick shampoo. It is delightful to see running dogs so happy! Summer is not the only time they run and romp; it’s a year round activity only in the winter I have to use warm water to thaw the icicles that form on their fur after swimming. They are water dogs after all, so they don’t care.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

When we first moved to Pound Ridge I really enjoyed being in the woods and seeing the deer. It didn’t take long to realize they are not enjoyable to have around at all. Many of my neighbors completely fenced their yards, which makes mine the easy target for vegetation devastation. I now refer to the deer as Westchester rats! Although I have planted shrubs and flowers they aren’t suppose to eat, it doesn’t matter, because depending on how cold it is, and the lack of other things to eat, they still devour everything that’s not protected with a spray or fence.

Last fall I received a survey in the mail from the town asking how many deer we saw in a week. I kept track, filled out the survey and sent it back. A week later I had a list of bow hunters I could call that would like to hunt on our property. I didn’t think too much of it and never got around to calling, but this spring a nice couple came to our door and asked if they could hunt on our property and I said sure! They are licensed bow hunters and apparently there is a large organization of active bow hunters. They left a brochure and said they’d call and set up an appointment to talk about the process, which they did. We discussed the best place to park, when they would be arriving, and where they would exit with any deer.

I decided to do some research about the deer situation in my area as I am always concerned by the number of dead deer on the road side in addition to my plants being eaten. Westchester’s deer population is 2.5 times greater than the habitat can support. A healthy average is 12 – 15 deer per square mile and in Westchester it is closer to 30 – 50. This leaves the deer subject to starvation and disease unless controlled. Bow hunting is a very safe way to reduce the population since there are not enough natural predators. NY bow hunters have donated over 500,000 lbs. of venison to the Venison Donation Coalition which feeds New York’s homeless.

Bow hunting season starts October 15th and I am hoping my bow hunters will be successful and there will be more food for the homeless and more leaves on my trees and shrubs.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

While showing homes in Katonah and South Salem to a Russian couple, we drove by Cameron’s Deli, where they are famous for their Cluck’en Russian sandwich. I thought it would be of interest to my clients since they are Russian so I told them my story about the deli’s famous sandwich.

When my sons were in High School they would drive 20 minutes out of their way with their friends any time of day or night to Cameron’s for their favorite sandwich, the Cluck’en Russian. Turns out, my children were not the only ones who would make the trek to Cameron’s, which is why it is famous. This deli is open 24 hours, 365 days a year and is located at 890 Cross River Road in Lewisboro, NY. It is a short distance from the John Jay High School and Middle School and is in an area where most stores and restaurants close early, and that makes Cameron’s the hot spot in the area!

After my son went to college, my husband and I would stop by Cameron’s on our way to see his Lacrosse games and pick up a Cluck’en Russian and surprise him and his roommate. I wish we had taken a picture, to see their faces light up at the sight of their favorite sandwich was priceless! After having dorm food for 8 months one bite was all it took to send them to heaven and back. Eating the sandwich on the bus ride back to the College caused quite a commotion as all the players were wondering where they could get one. After much gratitude for the sandwich, a confession came out. I was informed that when they were in High School my boys would often sneak out of the house in the middle of the night and risk being grounded if caught, for this famous sandwich.

My Russian clients gave it a try and said it reminded them of a traditional Russian chicken meal they prepared except they did not serve it on a roll. The sandwich is made with a warm chicken cutlet, topped with melted Muenster cheese, bacon and Russian dressing. Cameron’s now has another lover of the Cluck’en Russian, my clients. So if you want something special and unique, stop by and give it a try. There are also many other wonderful sandwiches and hot meals to choose from but none are as famous as the Cluck’en Russian.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Oftentimes, one equates great sushi to the city restaurants but we’ve got a gem right here in Westchester County, NY. It’s gotten to the point that my husband will no longer eat sushi anywhere else. Haiku Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar has three Westchester locations – Bronxville, Mamaroneck and Cross River. The latter being the one we drive to - 20 miles from home no less!

My favorites are the spicy salmon roll and the unicorn roll which is shrimp tempura on the inside and spicy salmon on the outside. If raw fish is not your thing there are plenty of great Pan Asian entrees to choose from. It seems to be a favorite with kids too. They serve the fancy Japanese soda with a ball in the bottle that kids love. For the adults they have some fun martinis such as the pomegranate martini and the white cosmopolitan and of course a great selection of sake.

According to their website www.haikuasianbistro.com they have a location opening up in White Plains soon. Hmmm – that’s not too far from my office. I hope they’ll be open for lunch!

Posted By: Elizabeth Nunan

Looking for Value? Here it is! Enter through stone pillars to this elegant 4200 square feet stone and shingle home built in the tradition of an English Country House. The interior features state of the art amenities, custom millwork, cherry cabinets and granite gourmet kitchen with Bosch dishwasher, Sub-Zero refrigerator. The master bedroom suite has his & her closets, bathroom with dual sinks, cherry cabinets, tumbled marble, and a whirlpool tub. There is also a princess suite with a private bath. The setting is dramatic and private (no nosey neighbors looking at you) with a heated Gunite swimming pool that is large enough to swim laps. It has been professionally landscaped with stone walls and has in-ground lawn sprinkler system, so your lawn and shrubs thrive in the hot summer months. I love this house and you will too! For a private showing, contact Sonja Lovas at www.houlihanlawrence.com/sonjalovas or 914-232-1212 x 214

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

While I was at the Bedford Free Library to pick up a book I had ordered on line, I was talking to the librarian about the summer schedule. She said they are busier this year than ever before, and when I took a look at all the programs and opportunities for children and adults I knew why.

The schedule includes a variety of activities like reading games, book buddies, Mother Goose Story times, book groups and more. There are 18 different programs just for children, and additional programs for adults and families. Their shelves are full of great movies and audio books, which is what makes the Library a happening place to visit all summer long! Participating in the library programs keeps the kids busy in the summer with fun learning activities and adults can enjoy it as well.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

First there was a blossom, now there’s a small green tomato! My worst fear of having no tomatoes from the 100 seedlings I started has been eliminated. I am watching with interest the development of my plants, based on their location in the yard, planting container, and the soil used. For now, I am expecting some red, juicy tomatoes by August, despite the cooler summer weather.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

You have heard of Soho and TriBeCa and even NoHo in New York City.

Well, here in Katonah, New York we have NoKa. When I first walked into NoKa a few years ago - at that time only a stylish gift shop on the second floor of a beautiful Victorian at 25 Katonah Avenue - I asked the engaging owner, Jennifer Cook, what that meant. “We are on the NOrthern end of KAtonah! Hence NoKa!”

Did I call it just a “stylish gift shop”? I was wrong! You will not walk in and get hit by the scent of scented ANYTHING! What you will find is the most amusing yet intelligent selection of gift items. Most of which will give you a giggle if not a full out belly laugh. Also the items are very unique as well as affordable. One would think they were created exclusively for the store. They will also do a great job of wrapping it.

If you love Retro, you will love NoKa’s! As soon as you step in onto the linoleum floors you are whisked back to the days of Ozzie & Harriet and the beloved tales of Dick & Jane and their Dog Spot. Many of the furniture pieces are for sale as well since they find unique pieces on Ebay for the store and take pieces on consignment.

Since that time,when the shop below vacated, Jennifer conquered that as well with NoKa Joe’s! They bravely meet the morning commuters (the steps to Metro North are across the way) at 5:50 in the morning with fair traded coffees and teas. They are also known for their delicious fresh Winter Soups. During the Summer they are serving Soft Serve Ice Cream as well as their many delicious lattes, cappuccino’s and imported Italian sodas until 9. A great way to stroll Katonah Avenue, sit on the benches and have a friendly chat. They also have a wide array of fun retro candies including everyone’s favorite Jelly Belly flavors.

And just for a goof, NoKa Joe’s sponsors a few funny events each year. In the fall they have their SPAM carving contest that is judged during the Fall Festival. This spring NoKa Joe’s invited friends to be extras at the Harrison Ford movie filmed at the Muscoot. Those that attended spent a creative day decorating cabbages for the ‘cabbage festival’ (and watching Harrison Ford and Rachel McAdams run their lines!)

This store is full of fun, upstairs and down. The gifts are terrific. The food is of the highest quality. The prices are great! Aside from fun, when you spend over 20 dollars, one dollar will be contributed to three local charities - your choice - actually that is MY idea of FUN!

NoKa Joe’s is open 7 days a week, opening a little before 6 am as mentioned for the commuters Monday - Friday, at 8 on Saturday and 9 on Sunday.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Recycling has an important purpose and in our area, recycling is still pretty easy. You divide your garbage in three ways. Plastic, glass, and cans are the first group. The next one is paper and cardboard, and everything else in just garbage. For more information, see the 2009 Garbage, Rubbish, Recycling Collections Brochure and Calender on: TownofMamaroneck.org.

However, having grown up in Europe, there are even more ways in which to divide your garbage. I still remember how my mother used to divide a two-layer wrapping foil into plastic and paper, or how she would dishwash empty yogurt containers and jam jars before they went into the recycling bags.

Where I was raised, garbage and recycling collections are not even being paid through the property tax, but is determined on a volume basis, meaning by the size of the standard garbage cans you have and the number and size of garbage bags.

One of my foreign clients, Heinke B., gave me an update recently. She was surprised that in her new American kitchen there were only two garbage containers. She told me that in Europe they have four. One for paper products, one for plastics, one for “bio” garbage (biodegradable, anything that can be composted) and one for whatever garbage is left. Glass product are a totally separate issue. Glass is not collected, but the responsibility of each citizen. In every neighborhood you can find three huge containers where people drop off their empty bottles and jars. One for green glass, one for translucent or white glass, and one for brown glass. What do you do with blue glass? No one seems to know. Of course, there isn’t that much glass since most products have a deposit of about $0.30 on each item. And for thirty cents a bottle, people do return them to the stores (beer and soda cans have a deposit of about ten cents).

Although Germany is almost extreme, to become eco-friendly, it is not enough to recycle. On the other hand, one can also use recycled products, such as paper towels and toilet paper which can be bought 100% from post-consumer recycling at places like Trader Joe’s. They might not be as absorbent as other brands, but at least you can be sure that you didn’t kill a tree in the process.

Recycling might be a pain, but once you’re used to it, it becomes easy and something to be proud of.

Posted By: H. Juergen Hess

Want a Special Staycation? The days of Summer are fleeting and to have a memorable time on your own or with others (it’s a great family event) come to Katonah Sales Days!

Katonah invites you to one of their great traditions. The Katonah Sidewalk Sale sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. I do not know what surprises they have in store this year but they have had great raffles throughout the day, fashion shows and even a dunking tank in the past!

One year I was looking for my then Middle School son and I suspiciously spied his glasses on one of the Chamber Tables. I looked up and there he was willing to get dunked to raise money for a good cause.

It is a great way to meet the vendors of the charming shops of Katonah and get some great values. I used to get great gifts to tuck away for the Holidays & Birthdays. In between shopping, enjoy a meal at one of the local eateries in downtown Katonah. Perhaps visit our lovely Library and pay Tina the Turtle a visit!

It is over 110 years since the great Victorians were moved into their new location so take a walking tour - there is a program available and enjoy our heritage nestled into the green spaces established by the firm of Frederick Law Olmstead of Central Park fame.

A special thanks to Sidewalk Sale Signature Sponsors, Forbes Insurance and Morris Media Group. For more info call 914-232-2668 or go to KatonahChamber.org.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

What was it that was so bad about 2002? Does anyone remember? How about your home value? Did you feel pretty good about it? Any anxiety?

Well, this puts into perspective today’s real estate market. Data shows that homes at this time, on average, are worth about the same as seven years ago.

Let’s all remember why it is we bought our homes in the first place instead of say, more stock or gold, or mutual funds. We wanted a place to live and raise our families. Perhaps, we wanted a yard for the children to play in, a kitchen and dining room where we could share family holidays or perhaps even a swimming pool for summer fun. We wanted a home.

Even if stocks are down, and Madoff made off with his clients savings, when you wake up in the morning, your feet find the floor next to your bed. Darn it if the kids aren’t in front of the TV in the family room and the dog isn’t begging for scraps in the kitchen. The school bus still comes 180 days a year. That’s why our homes and real estate are real. I am not an economist and am not going to bandy the virtues of whether or not a home is a good investment. But I will say that it’s a fabulous shelter from the weather and that no matter what the DOW is doing you still can sit at the breakfast table, read the paper and enjoy that cup of coffee. Your home doesn’t shrink, disappear or run away.

Home ownership is a part of our life cycle, and where our own memories of childhood lie, at first for us, then for our own children and so on. It’s our friends, our community, our schools and houses of worship. The reality is that the dollar value of a home only comes into play at three events; when it is bought, refinanced or sold. The ups and downs in between may cause angst or pride. The shifting barometer of values at some points affects every asset. But a home offers so much more!

Posted By: Jacqueline Dzaluk

I have always agreed that “you are what you eat” and that “fish is brain food.” Now, after submersing myself in the material for the latest show at the Katonah Museum of Art I truly believe that “you are what you wear.”

When I heard the new show at The Katonah Museum was going to be about “Dress Codes” - I quickly thought - that will be easy - I wore uniforms to school for 12 years! I, unlike my many counterparts that attended Catholic Schools, LOVED my uniforms. I felt that it showed purpose, school spirit, and I could obsess about my studies rather than what I was going to wear the next day. Since then perhaps I have obsessed about clothes but that came from a Mother that went to The New York School of Needle Arts - (later renamed FIT) - and we used to obsess together over Vogue patterns and fabric finds!

During my college days, when I thought I was wearing just jeans and sweaters, a roommate of mine declared that I always dressed in costumes. Guess it must have been the matching hair ribbons and Pappagallo shoes! Later as I presented my food products to country clubs, fine restaurants or resorts, I found that it served me well to dress as their top clientele, even if it meant a quick change from my smokehouse clothes.

Clothing does not only protect us, make us modest and acceptable but also presents our view of ourselves to the world. Clothing also has always declared gender, age, cultural identity, and class differences.

Pushing this envelope we see 36 artists that hail from 14 countries and work from the 1990s expressing themselves in many mediums: Power Ranger cards, embroidered PVC, knitted Mylar, discarded clothing and shoes, feathers and even pennies and dollar bills.

This show is NOT about fashion. Their themes are: Moods and Memories, Race and Ethnicity, Gender, Communities, International & Political Topics, Migration and Globalism, War, Terrorism and Natural Disasters.

We see contemporary concerns. Is there really a “Happily Ever After” as we view the caged and exploded Barbie Wedding Dress by E.V. Day - “Bridal Supernova” (2006)? How best does a woman in the Military protect their pregnancy but with a lucite dome over a camouflage maternity dress by Mimi Smith (2004). To die for? I bet the women that were on that plane that landed in the Hudson wish they had Yael Mer’s “Evacuation Dress” (2006) which she designed after Hurricane Katrina. Just blow and go! I think they should sell it at the Airports! Wang Jin and Cat Chow explore the transformation of women in Chinese Culture. Maureen Connor explores anorexia in “Thinner Than You” (1990) and the saying “You can never be too rich or too thin” comes to mind. The Black Urban Male takes refuge and racial anonymity in the “Soundsuits” of Nick Cave and “The Ghettobird Tunics” of Sandford Biggers. There is even a ruse played upon Walmart once again as when a young woman took up residence there in “Where the Heart Is.”

Each of the 36 pieces are fascinating in their execution and relevance to society. How many of these pieces could we wear or do we wear in some “fashion” in our daily lives…The Katonah Museum has once again outdone themselves!

For further information on this exhibit plus the others that are currently there in the additional galleries and outdoor sculpture garden, plus hours and admission, go to their website KatonahMuseum.org.

Tours are given at 2:30 each day the Museum is open. I hope to see you there!

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Return to Caramoor or immerse yourself for the first time - sublime in any event - with an Evening Soiree at the Rosen House.

Nestled in the 100 acres which is home to the Annual International Music Festival, this is the birth place of all we cherish here on Museum Mile in Katonah (Town of Bedford). Built between 1929-1939 (a “scaled down” version of their dream palazzo due to the times) this was the Rosen Home. They lived in comfort with their collections from the Italian Renaissance. Their love of art, music and beauty is in evidence throughout the property.

Relive this lifestyle and enjoy cocktails in the cloisters off the Spanish Courtyard, then proceed to the magnificent Music Room, which also served as their living room, for a brief presentation on the Rosen Family. You will then be entertained by Thom Holmes on the Theremin - one of the first electric instruments invented by Leonid Theremin and enjoyed by Mrs. Rosen who performed with it in over 300 international concerts, many with the Philadelphia Orchestra.

You will then be whisked away to a lovely sit down dinner on the East Porch. After your al fresco dinner you will enjoy your prime seats at the evening performance in the Spanish Courtyard. July 9th - Violinist Ayano Ninomiya, July 16th Pianist Jorge Luis Prats.

These were sold out events last summer - make your plans now!

Tickets are $65.00. Call the Box Office - 914-232-1252. Or order online. The website is Caramoor.org.

Once you do fall in love with the area - let me show you the fine homes that are currently on the market in the immediate area plus the surrounding neighborhoods of Bedford.

Call me at Houlihan Lawrence Real Estate 914-232-1212 x342 or email: KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

I love the Fourth of July! I used to watch “Yankee Doodle Dandy” on Million Dollar Movie over and over again for those patriotic classics of George M. Cohan.

For the first time Caramoor Center for the Arts in Katonah will be having fireworks as part of their “Pops, Patriots & Fireworks” Program on Saturday, the Fourth of July.

I am thrilled! I grew up on the Hudson River in Tarrytown and when I was small we were able to see them over the Hudson from the porch roof of our Dutch Colonial. Years later I used to return to Tarrytown and have my Dad treat us to dinner at the Tarrytown Boat Club with fireworks right overhead. I then took my young children to the family friendly programs on the Fourth at Washington Irving Junior High.

Now that I live in Katonah, to have them less than a mile away is such a treat. The musical program is lead by Caramoor’s Michael Barrett with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s. American Classics loved by the whole family - what should be the part of any musical education - include Alan Menken of North Salem’s hits from beloved Disney films, along with Gershwin, Ellington & Sousa Marches. I certainly hope they play Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue”….

Entry starts at 5 with picnicking available on the grounds. Bring your own basket or the Great Performances Catering Company of New York will be having Barbecued favorites available for purchase. The concert is at 8 with fireworks right after at about 9 pm.

There are still tickets available. Go to Caramoor.org or call the box office (recommended if there are children in the party) - 914.232.1252.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom