For a new home buyer, there are so many alternatives to evaluate… And one of the most important is Location. In my 25 years of experience, I can share with you the many reasons people choose the Katonah Area. As an aside, our point of reference is Katonah, but there are many small towns and hamlets in Northern Westchester that meet these similar criteria: desirable schools, natural beauty, recreation, proximity to trains and highways and small town charm.

The first remark often heard is surprise in regard to the beauty of the area and its country feel, all while being less than an hour from the city. Horse farms dot the countryside, old growth trees line our roads, farmers’ stone walls from days gone by meander through neighborhoods of all sorts. We still even have a few dirt roads. There are horse trails, biking trails, miles and miles of hiking trails, lakes and nature preserves. New York City reservoirs provide stunning view sheds, and act as a draw for fisherman, year round. Westchester County offers over 5,000 acres of park lands just minutes from Katonah: from an early 20th century gentleman’s farm (Muscoot Farm embracing nearly 800 acres), to an arboretum (Lasdon Park) to the extensive offerings of Wards Pound Ridge Reservation and the Sportsman’s Center at Blue Mountain. And within each of our towns are local parks which have swimming pools, tennis courts, ball fields and soccer fields, that host a wide variety of activities, teams, classes and camps.

Not into the outdoors? There is Caramoor, a center for summer music festivals, Jacob Burns, a state of the art film center in Pleasantville, the Katonah Art Museum, and the John Jay Homestead and more. And then there are our many fine restaurants. Among my favorites are those that are found in historic buildings with lots of charm and the innovative, artisanal food to match such as John Pratt’s Inn, Crab Tree Kittle House and John Michaels.

While the large malls are less than a half hour away, our towns focus on locally owned and operated businesses. You won’t find a Starbucks in Katonah, but you will find us at Perks or NOKA (North Katonah Ave) Joes. We are small and personal and like it that way! Be assured you can get what you want at competitive prices and with a high level of service, whether it be gifts at Weinstein’s pharmacy or hardware at the 100 year old Kellogg’s and Lawrence. And don’t worry one only need go as far as Mt. Kisco to hit the GAP, Banana Republic and the like.

Why Katonah? Because it feels like living in the country, yet we are convenient to all. Some move here to raise families and to have more living space, both indoors and out while others enjoy having easy access to a quiet weekend retreat. The point is, houses are for sale everywhere… They can be redecorated and updated to our tastes. What are special HERE are the settings and amenities that one can enjoy whether our houses are modest starters or mansions.

Behold the stately Bedford Oak (pictured). Over 500 years old, it has come to symbolize the town. Not only that but is a tree with a trust fund.

This beautiful photo is courtesy of Chris Primavera (see more of his work on FLICKR).

Jacqueline Dzaluk

Ticks are back! With temperatures climbing out of the 30s it’s starting to feel like spring. While taking the dogs for a walk we decided to let them off the leash to run and romp. Of course they ran through the wetlands, splashed in the pond and had a great time getting wet and dirty. While giving them their outdoor bath I found two ticks, which means it is time to be on the alert once again and continue to apply tick repellent on outdoor pets.

Here are some handy tips for tick control for people:

1. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants (tucked into socks) and hat when walking in the woods and fields. I prefer to wear white which makes them easier to see.
2. Use a tick repellent with DEET on your skin and permethrin on clothes. Make sure you read and follow the instructions on the labels.
3. Be sure to perform daily tick checks on yourself, children and pets and remove ticks properly and immediately.
4. While showering, use a washcloth, which will help to dislodge any unattached ticks.
5. If you notice any signs of an expanding solid patch often referred to as a “bulls-eye” it is an indication of a deer tick bite and you should seek immediate health care for treatment.

A guide for preventing Lyme disease and how to be tick free can be found here.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Katonah Art Center is in the same building as the Arts Caravan Performing Arts Studio that was covered in my last blog post titled ”After School Activities Part 1” at 131 Bedford Road in Katonah.

Katonah Art Center
As a Realtor I enjoy sharing the wonderful experiences I had with my children in their after school activities.

I have to admit that although I do not have personal experience with the Arts Center, I had heard rave reviews about it over the years . There is just so much a daughter and mother can do! She has friends that have taken classes there for years and now have worked as TA’s - Teacher’s Assistants! This is also an incredible institution in our area.

Loren Anderson, the Founder, started in our area 15 years ago. She has her BFA in Fine Arts from Syracuse University.

Their enrollment is half children and half adults - every day and every weekend! It can all begin with “Mommy & Me Classes” in Art & Music and go on from there.

Year Round classes include: Film & Music, Acting/Comedy, Photography/Darkroom, Clay (including Claymation!), Fine Art, Sculpture, Drawing: including Cartooning, Juggling, Illustration & Fashion Illustration, Painting, Digital Art, Sewing, Jewelry, Web Design, Pixel Art, Animation & Pottery

They have School Holiday & Winter Break Camps and Summer Vacation Camps. They even cover Birthday Parties - a real plus since I personally preferred just hauling the presents home - plus the Thank You notes of course! They have several themed parties that they will plan and run for you. They have people that will address the invitations, arrange for the food and fill the goodie bags! Why had they not been there for me?!

Summer Camp is comprised of 1 week sessions. Both a.m. and p.m. sessions are offered. Good News: The Summer Camps run from the end of the school year - May 31 for the 3 1/2 to 5 yr olds and June 28th for the older students though September 3rd!

For 3 1/2 - 5 yr olds: Art & Imagination Camp - Topics include : Jungle Safari, Castles & Dragons, A Bug’s Life, Tropical Treasures, Snugglebunnies, Dinosaurs & More, In a Little Garden, and Infinity & Beyond

For Grades 1-5: Kids Art Camp - Topics include : Sculpture. Jewelry Making, Candle Making, Nature Journals, Famous Artists, Repurposed Art, Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, World Crafts, Cartooning

For Teens: Grade 6 & Up - Fashion Illustration, Jewelry Making, Guitar, Drawing & Painting, Silkscreen/Batik & Outdoor Painting

Pottery & Photography is offered for all ages.

There are so many wonderful courses within each discipline that you really must call for a catalog or go online! I am signing up for one!

Visit the Katonah Art Center website at www.katonahartcenter.com or call 914-232-4843.

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

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

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

The Katonah Barber Shop located at 37 Katonah Ave. across from the train station is a really great place for men to get their hair cut. My son discovered this little shop two years ago when he went with one of his friends. After a few visits and great haircuts, my husband decided to check it out and now they are both regular customers. It’s not a styling salon and you don’t need an appointment, just show up and get your hair cut. There are four Barbers, and some extra chairs for clients who arrive at a busy time, but my husband has never had to wait more than 10 minutes. The best part about the haircut is they are fast, give a precision cut, and the cost is only $15.00 (plus a generous tip) So take a drive to Katonah and stop by the Katonah Barber Shop.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

In The Town of Bedford in the hamlet of Katonah there is an area known as Museum Mile. It starts with the Katonah Museum of Art at the Northern starting point on Jay Street (Rt 22) and continues south to the John Jay Homestead and on to Girdle Ridge Road where you will find Caramoor - the home of the famous International Summer Music Festival and The Rosen House Museum where concerts are given during the rest of the year. Along this path you will find some of the most special real estate of the area. The country estates of Ralph Lauren, Martha Stewart and George Soros are here, among others. The zoning in the area is strictly residential and starts at 2 acres to 4+ acres per home.

The area I live in was the northern section of The John Jay Estate and it retains the name of the earliest use of the property - The Colt Pasture. I have made my home in this most bucolic area for almost 20 years and love the location on Museum Mile - yes, I am a hop, skip and jump away from my docent tours and a very short ride to either Bedford Village or Katonah. There you will find wonderful privately owned shops, restaurants and The Bedford Playhouse for movies. You are a few minutes away from the Metro North Train, 684 and the Saw Mill River Parkway. It has been a wonderful place to raise a family since everything you need is close at hand - including the fun family events at The John Jay Homestead and the child friendly Katonah Museum of Art with their children’s hunt sheet tours and activity wing. The best of all worlds!

If you would like to know when a property in this area becomes available feel free to contact me: KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

I recently attended the first of three lectures given by the “Friends of John Jay” in the Ballroom of The John Jay Homestead. The lecture was given by Barnet Schecter, a New York based writer and Historian who is also a Fellow at The New York Academy of History.

Just when you think the Civil War is over, due to the conclusion of the Katonah Museum’s “Walt Whitman and American Art of the Civil War Era,” there was yet one more memorable event. The topic was “The Devil’s Own Work: The Civil War Draft Riots and the Fight to Reconstruct America” based on his research and the name of his book on the subject. Introduced by Melissa Vail, Chairman of The Scholars Committee, Mr. Schecter illuminated the era in yet another way to increase my understanding of the time.

It was just nine days after The Battle of Gettysburg when the riots took place on July 13 - 16, 1863.

One has Currier & Ives and Winslow Homer visions of men marching off to war proudly in their Union uniforms, yet the draft - unpopular as in any other period of History - tore New York apart at the seams. When Lincoln called for an Army of 75,000 at the start of the war, 8,000 New Yorkers signed up in the first 10 days, yet they became very War weary as it lagged on and Lee had several Victories for the South.

It was six months after the Emancipation Proclamation. The poor whites of the city were afraid that should they leave for battle that upon their return they would have been replaced by the newly freed slaves in their jobs. There was also a Commutation Fee which wealthier New Yorkers could afford to pay - 300 dollars - a tidy sum at the time, in order to avoid the draft. It was a time of great corruption in New York. There even was talk of secession so they could corner the cotton processing and export market with the South. It was a conflict over Race and Class. John Jay II informed Lincoln of the riot and pleaded with him to send a militia to stop the riots which he did. There were 175 people killed and over 2000 wounded.

The upcoming Lectures of “The 2010 John Jay Lecture Series - Through the Eyes of Three Generations of Jays” are:

• Thursday, March 18 - Cliff Sloan: “The Great Decision: Jefferson, Adams, Marshall and the Battle for The Supreme Court.”


• Thursday, April 15 - Graham Russell Gao Hodges: “David Ruggles: A Radical Black Abolitionist and the Underground Railroad in New York City.”

The lectures are $25.00 for non members and $15.00 for members. The Ballroom opens at 6:30; there is time to meet and greet fellow attendees and neighbors and the lecture begins at 7. At the end there may be a book signing but there are refreshments and discussions to enjoy!

Plus, take the time before or after the lecture to enjoy the exhibit “From Oppression to Freedom: John Jay and His Huguenot Heritage.”

For further information go to: JohnJayHomestead.org

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Clients considering a move to Katonah-Lewisboro with young children always ask about the differences in the elementary schools. I strongly recommend a personal visit to the school to meet the principal, check the statistical reports (www.schoolmatters.com) and think it’s helpful to speak with parents whose children attend the school. I visited Increase Miller Elementary School and made a video of the school grounds and asked a client to share her experience as a parent with children attending Increase Miller Elementary. Here is what she said:

“With three children, the past 7 years at Increase Miller have been really great! The school has always been a welcoming place where the children can really enjoy the learning process and are encouraged to be their ‘best’ every step of the way. The kids and I have loved all of their teachers, and the administrative staff has always been especially supportive and helpful. As I see the children grow and mature I feel very confident that they are truly receiving a wonderful education. Their art and music programs are just fantastic and I am always amazed by their output. Overall, I’ve seen a very nurturing, caring environment where cooperation and mutual respect are what makes this a really special place!” – Susan McKeon

Be sure to check back for School Reports on other Katonah-Lewisboro and Bedford Central Elementary Schools! You can also connect with me on Facebook and meet other parents who have children in the district. If you have a student attending Increase Miller Elementary, please feel free to share your special experience.

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

What do Real Estate and a crock-pot have in common? They are both on simmer. While preparing dinner in the morning for our evening meal, I couldn’t help but think of the current market as a crock-pot Real Estate market. Two years ago, when it was a hot market everything was quick and easy, just like 30-minute meals or less. It was definitely hurry-up Real Estate. Now it seems to be simmering. Buyers take longer to decide on a house to purchase, sellers have to wait longer for that right buyer, the mortgage company takes longer to process the loan and the sense of urgency has diminished. When the transaction finally closes, the process is the same, but everything just takes longer. My beef stew dinner simmered for more than 8 hours instead of a quick stir-fry. The meal was still delicious but took much longer. How do you like your Real Estate cooked?

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Traditionally, the Spring Real Estate Market has not waited for the daffodils or tulips to bloom. It was the Monday after Super Bowl Weekend!

This year, with tax incentives and lower interest rates, Buyers may be back in force before the thaw. Sellers, if you are thinking of marketing your home to enjoy the new level of home prices in a new locale or a downsizing/upsizing situation - perhaps it is your time!

For access to professional services from start to finish feel free to contact me: KBenvinRansom@HoulihanLawrence.com.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Last week I gave my last tour of the current exhibit at The Katonah Museum of Art of the show: “Bold, Cautious, True: Walt Whitman and American Art of The Civil War Era.” I get sentimental at the end of each show since the Museum provides such an in-depth education on each subject through the time of the exhibit. The Galleries become a home away from home for me as I befriend the art work. Guess I have become a Museum Brat - being uprooted from one exhibit to another several times over the course of a year!

Yet, they always have something wonderful in store for us and I look forward to the educational lectures given in order to train us, the Docents. The next show is “The Art of Contemporary Puppet Theater” from Feb. 28th-June 13th 2010.

We have a wonderful break now in February with “Young Artists 2010” February 7-14th, 2010. The art is from High School Senior Art Classes from 34 schools in five counties. The work of over 300 students will be on display. How exciting is that! As a preview, the work I have featured with this article is by Julie Safferstein of Horace Greely High School in Chappaqua. It is wonderful for family and friends to celebrate the talents, efforts and vision of our students. It is also good for the community to enjoy the excellence of the Art Programs in our Schools.

In the Project Gallery will be a smaller exhibition from a program that the Katonah Museum did in conjunction with six local Elementary Schools “Thinking Through Art.”

I am proud to say that my daughter, Allison Ransom, will have a piece on display from her AP Art Class at John Jay High School under the tutelage of Julie Evans-Kaser. The work, “Affliction 2009,” has just returned from another high school showcase at Concordia College in Bronxville, where it won an award. It is the illustration to the right.

When you see what your children can create, you see them with new eyes. Once again, “Art Makes You See.”

For further information go to the Katonah Museum website KatonahMuseum.org.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

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

As a Realtor, when listing a property, the list of amenities regarding a property includes items such as: close to schools, close to shopping, close to Railroad. Close is a very vague term so I decided to see for myself and let you decide. Take a look at my video where I measure the distance to the school using my Omron Pedometer and stopwatch. I walk the walk and talk on my way to Katonah Elementary.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

For years, I have been envisioning a glamorous makeover of my antique kitchen (actually the house is an antique, the kitchen just was very tired and dated). I pictured the Viking Range, the stone counter tops, the custom made cabinets, the farmhouse sink. But, it became apparent, I was waiting for a day that was not coming any time soon. The reality dawned that maybe I didn’t need all that to make the place cheerful and functional. A distant memory of my dad painting the kitchen cabinets came to mind. Maybe I could do something myself…It started with a visit to Katonah Paint and Hardware. I can always count on Marty for good advice. Yes, he said, it was a lot of labor to do the job, but not much money. In a few days, the kitchen was immediately transformed as the dark wood cabinets metamorphosed to a soft white finish.

Taking down the ceiling the week before Thanksgiving was a bold move, but everyone works better with a deadline. While it would have been genius to address the sagging ceiling first, it didn’t happen that way. As it turned out the “supports” holding the second floor up were shot. After we got the four new beams (which were milled by our neighbor), we added shiplap (which costs about a dollar a foot) to create a new ceiling. I did not realize how much better lighting would change the utility of the kitchen. New lights, costing $10 each, were strategically placed over work areas points of egress and the kitchen table!

You probably would not be surprised to know that while installing the new beams some of the walls came down. Not enough time to start from the beginning with new sheet rock. Up went tongue and groove pine paneling in a matter of hours, which I painted a cheerful yellow. A pitch for Benjamin Moore Aura paint required NO priming, even over bare wood. No taping, no sanding, no dust, and a much more interesting finish… Not to mention, I could get this done in time.

Wait for my next installment called “painting the kitchen floor.”

Jacqueline Dzaluk

According to Jaap Ketting in “Bedford Hills – a Brief History of Bedford Hills. Town of Bedford, NY” it took a train to make a Town.

Prior to the advent of the Train, Cherry Street was the hub of local activity in the area south of Katonah. There the needs of the residents were met by Squire Wood’s General Store. Squire Wood owned a mill, a saddling place and organized the local farmers to sell their produce to New York. He delivered it via two sloops on the Hudson from The Village of Singsing - now known as Ossining. He also served as Postmaster for many years. There was the Cherry Street School House and the older students went to Katonah for High School. School was part time so that the children could help on the family farms.

The arrival of the train in 1847 brought about the naming of the stop Bedford Station which was comprised of merely a platform for the waiting passengers and freight bound for New York City. Now farmers were able to ship produce directly from their local farms and include fresh milk. Eventually cattle cars were added to the freight trains en route to the New York City slaughter houses. The Post Office then moved to the Station in 1848. There was a stage coach that would run between Bedford Village and the Station to pick up and drop off passengers. The first station car?

The street was then known as New Street until after 1935 when it was renamed Adams Street after the “Adams Brothers General Store” the largest general store in the area. It stood along the tracks where we have the Post Office today. There also was a large Hotel run by Mrs. O’Brien where the large brick Depot Plaza Building now stands.

Bedford Station was renamed to Bedford Hills in 1910.

The Bedford Hills Station area has had a renaissance over the past few years complete with stylish shops and restaurants.

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom