Meadow Pond Elementary School is located on Route 123 in the Hamlet of South Salem and in the town of Lewisboro. Take a tour of the school grounds and pay particular attention to their garden area. I will be visiting this elementary school again in the spring to see “how does your garden grow?” As always, I recommended my client to visit the school and I am thrilled they did and found it helpful. I requested the inside scoop and information about the school from a client I helped find a home who has a child attending the school. Here is what she said:

“When my husband and I began our search for our home, we put school quality at the top of the list. Of course, we also desired a community and physical environment that suited us. We found several towns in Northern Westchester that had the community and physical characteristics that we desired. Since real estate agents in New York are not permitted to discuss the quality of the schools with their clients, I began to do the research myself. I used the popular websites and methods of looking at test scores, percentage of college bound students, etc. The school districts we had selected were all at the “top of the class” so to speak. Next step was to visit the schools. I went to several elementary schools in the towns we had narrowed down to looking in – all of which were good schools. I was looking for something a little better – something special. After visiting a few nice schools in the area, I visited Meadow Pond Elementary School at 185 Smith Ridge Rd in South Salem. I felt the warmth of the school immediately. First, the principal, now retired, had agreed to sit with me and discuss the school and my concerns. Immediately upon entering the school, there were photographs of students, news about the school, artwork, colorful display boards, warm brick walls and posters suggesting positive behavior. The principal talked with me for some time about the philosophy of the school, the class sizes, the parent involvement as well as the “academics.” No other school felt quite so warm and inviting. We bought the house we had been looking for and my son started kindergarten at Meadow Pond. He is now in second grade. We have had the pleasure of knowing three of the best teachers a parent could ask for. Each one of them, and others that I have observed, are dedicated to our children’s elementary education. Many of them are helping us to create good citizens as well as academic achievers. The new principal, now in her third year, has been extremely receptive to parents and works with the PTA to accomplish mutually beneficial programs for the students. When school first started for my son two and a half years ago, I contacted the PTA and was warmly welcomed by the President. She offered me ideas of how to get involved and was always receptive and warm when we saw each other at meetings. The PTA is strong and creative at Meadow Pond. Parent involvement is positive and supportive. The PTA offers many opportunities to the parents to get involved in their children’s school. As I walk the corridors (and I do often as I volunteer as much as time allows), I see artwork on the walls and well behaved happy students all around. I see colorful happy expressions everywhere I look. The library is amazing and run by one of the smartest women I have ever met. She organizes the daily newscast (by students of course) as well – Meadow Pond Live. Meadow Pond has been a truly positive experience for my son as well as for our family. We are very happy that we made the right decision for us. We take family walks to the playground often on weekends at the request of our son and when we drive by in the car, he says “Hello beautiful school.” What better words could a mother want to hear?” – Sonta Giamber-Frindt

You can connect with me on Facebook: Facebook.com/SonjaLovas to meet other parents who have children in the school district. If you have a student of Meadow Pond Elementary and would like to share a special experience you have had at the school, please feel free to comment here.

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

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Ever since I ran the Leatherman’s Loop race in 2007, I’ve been curious about legend. When I learned there was a lecture on “The Old Leatherman” at the South Salem Library, January 31st, by author Dan Deluca, I knew I had to be there. Dan Deluca is a genealogist and Connecticut historian who has been researching the Old Leatherman for 22 years. He recently published a book documenting his discoveries and he spoke about his experiences in collecting information and details about the legendary “Old Leatherman.” It was fascinating!

I loved hearing details about the legend and the person they call the Old Leatherman. The account of his mysterious life has been pieced together through news clippings and stories passed down from generation to generation. One of the most interesting facts about the Leatherman is that in 1883 he started walking a 365-mile loop between Connecticut and the Hudson River and repeated it every 34 days like clockwork. He was seen in at least 41 towns and would sleep in caves and would only accept food from certain people in town. He never spoke, just uttered a few grunts and used gestures to communicate. He always wore his coat, pants, hat, and shoes all made of leather from discarded boots.

The book documents what is known about his life through several photographs, newspaper articles written about him, piecing together the legend and mystery surrounding this man dressed in leather. New information about The Old Leatherman continues to surface and so the mystery continues to grow and live on. The question I had for the author on a very cold January afternoon, (19 degrees and snow on the ground) was, what do you think the Old Leatherman would do on a day like today? His answer, “walk.”

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Welcome to the Twilight Open House!

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

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

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

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

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Open House Friday Evening October 16, 2009

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

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

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

The Houlihan Lawrence Autumn Tour of Open Houses was very successful. The Katonah office held 25 homes open for the public to see and each house had between 2 – 7 couples stop by, so there are buyers in the market.

I held an Open House at 56 Twin Lakes Road, with 70 feet of lakefront on Lake Oscaleta. Homes located on the other side of Twin Lakes Road are on Lake Rippowam. The two twin lakes are actually part of a three lake system linked together and are fed by springs and small streams from East Long Pond Mountain.

56 Twin Lakes Road is a 1950s expanded 3 bedroom, 3 bath home and is on one half acre of stunning lakefront property. The bathrooms have been renovated and the kitchen has granite and stainless steel appliances. There is 70 feet of lakefront with a private dock. This house offers lakefront living at its best! For a private showing, call Sonja Lovas HoulihanLawrence.com/SonjaLovas. For a view of the lake check out my video:

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Another option for fitness seekers in the Westchester area of Katonah, Pound Ridge, Mt. Kisco, Bedford Hills or North and South Salem is to hire a certified personal fitness trainer like Meg Coco. The nicest thing about working with Meg is that she comes to your home. You don’t need a home gym or special equipment for her to design a program, any room will work. Meg will review your overall fitness level, design a program specifically for you, then coach and motivate you to reach your goals. Meg is the perfect example of fitness and has always been active in tennis, biking, skiing, running, and weight training. Meg is very knowledgeable, motivating, and teaches by example.

Having a coach like Meg Coco come to your home will save you time and time is often the culprit and demise of well intended exercise programs. While the social aspect of attending a club may be appealing, the 15 – 20 minute drive to the club, 10 – 15 minute social chit chat at the club, and the 15 – 20 minute trip back home, all adds up. The extra hour added to your day might not allow your fitness plans to be successful or fit into a busy schedule. Meg has had numerous success stories she can share with you which is what makes her job very rewarding. You can find Meg on LinkedIn or contact her directly at: getfitwithmeg@aol.com or leave a comment on this post.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

Governor Patterson just sweetened the pot for first time home buyers by announcing the Federal Income Tax Credit program which gives a dollar for dollar tax credit for 20% of the annual mortgage interest amount. This Mortgage Credit Certificate program is not a one-time offering like the $8,000 Federal tax credit; it’s a gift that keeps on giving and giving, year after year for as long as you own the house and live in it. Homeowners taking the dollar for dollar credit will still be allowed to deduct the remaining 80% interest on their Federal Income Tax returns. The benefit to the first time home buyers can be huge! Click here for the term sheet.

There are of course guidelines for those who wish to participate in the tax credit program such as purchase price limits, household income limits, and there are even special target areas that provide additional incentives. The requirements vary for the different regions in the state as well. For the Westchester guidelines click here. So, first time home buyers, if you’re thinking of buying a house, get out there and find it soon because time is running out! If you need help just ask Sonja. If the house you want isn’t in Katonah, Pound Ridge, South Salem, or Somers, she’ll guide to another great Houlihan Lawrence agent in her network who can help you.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

If you are house hunting in South Salem on Sunday, June 28th, 2009 then you must stop by to see these two houses from 1 - 4 PM. They are the best value in the area in terms of price, condition, and location. So if you’d like to see two houses and only make one trip then come to 41 and 34 Cross Pond. Take Rte 124 to Cross Pond or Rte 35 to Ridgefield Ave to Cross Pond #34 and look for the signs. Hope to see you Sunday!

Sonja Lovas

Bedford Hills Memorial Day Parade
9am at Babbitt Rd & Glen to Main Street & Community House to The Bedford Hills Firehouse.
Speaker: Bedford Judge Kevin Quaranta

Katonah Memorial Day Parade
10 am - from Katonah Firehouse to Memorial Circle across from the Katonah Library - ice cream to be served to children after the Parade behind the firehouse!

Mt. Kisco Memorial Day Parade
FRIDAY, MAY 29th, 7pm from Smith Avenue to Oakwood Cemetery and then down Main Street to the War Memorial at Village Hall. It is a great night to be in Mt. Kisco- my Dad used to get us a ring side table at a restaurant along the parade route!

Somers Memorial Day Parade
10am at the Intermediate School 240 Rt 202 to the Cemetery

South Salem Memorial Day Parade & Service
12:15 from Lake Shore Drive & Spring Street to Lewisboro Town House - 11 Main Street

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Mother’s day is over which signals the end of frost danger so I’m ready to put flowers for my garden on the deck. Living in Pound Ridge where the deer love plants it seems the deck is the only safe spot for my favorite flowers.

While planning my flower garden I make sure I have lots of Impatiens (I usually buy red) to attract my favorite little hummingbirds! I don’t wait until the flowers are potted to start attracting the birds so I set out the feeders the end of April to catch the early ones. It is such a delight to see them return year after year and I can’t resist setting out new and decorative feeders. I place my feeders in places that give them room to fly up, down, and around the feeder and they are close to branches of trees that give them camouflage cover. Some feeders have a ring for them to perch and drink without using their wings, others hang and offer the option of landing or hovering.

I make my own nectar and change it frequently when the summer heats up. By the middle of summer I also hang a bee trap away from the feeders (filling that with beer) to keep the yellow jackets from attacking the birds and competing for the sweet stuff. Here’s my recipe for the nectar:

Combine 1 part white sugar (be generous) to 4 parts water. Bring it to a boil for 2 minutes to dissolve the sugar and then let cool before putting in feeders. Keep any excess in the refrigerator for refills. Never ever use honey or artificial sweeteners, and do not use food coloring! The feeders and your flowers are the magnet to attract these sweet birds.

If you live in Pound Ridge, Katonah, South or North Salem, get yourself a hummingbird feeder and enjoy these wonderful birds. Capturing them with the camera takes patience, but I wanted to share with you what I see all day, every day!

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

I love looking at the variety of stonewalls while driving through Bedford, Katonah, Somers, Pound Ridge, South and North Salem. Some of the stonewalls are historic (especially those around cemeteries) and date back to the 1600s when settlers cleared the land for farming. As the land was cleared the stones were placed around the perimeter of the property to create fences. Since small rocks or stones made plowing difficult, they were moved and placed around cultivated areas while the larger rocks were used to contain livestock in pastures. Rocks and stones were also used as foundations for barns and houses. The size and shapes of the stones are varied, as well as the construction methods used to build stonewalls.

When the water levels are low in the surrounding reservoirs you can still see the stonewalls and where they they were before the land was used for water shed.

In an effort to preserve these stonewalls, many local towns require building permits and have ordinances regulating stone walls, everything from repair, new additions, and setbacks. Here’s a little slide show with some do’s and don’ts to building stonewalls.

While there are many methods used to build stone walls, my favorite walls are always the original rather than the uniform perfectly shaped and placed stone.

Posted By: Sonja Lovas

While I spent time in Bedford Village last weekend and enjoyed the artwork on display throughout the Village I picked up a flyer of future additional Saturday Events sponsored by the Bedford Village Business Association.

Some of the Merchants include: Bedford Wines, Jewel Corner, Bubble & Tweet Kid’s Clothes, Bedford Florist, Bedford Gourmet, Perennial Gardens “Plants & Things,” Consider the Cook - Food Accessories and Near & Natural Foods. Additional Sponsors are Carol JW Kurth - AIA Architects, and Margaret Wilson & Co. Interior Design and The Bedford Historical Society.

On Saturday May 23rd - there is the “Kick Off Memorial Day Weekend w/ Pizza & Tasties” - Wood Fired pizza and various tastings around Bedford Village.

On Friday-Saturday-Sunday June 12th-14th - it will be Bedford Sales Days with sales tables from the local merchants.

On Saturday July 11th - Revisit “The Burning of Bedford” - a reenactment of an event which occurred during the Revolutionary War. Details will follow on this event. Perhaps start or end your day with a meal at Richard Gere’s restored “Bedford Post Restaurant” which is housed in the only building in Bedford that survived the fire set by the British throughout the village.

Of course it may be the perfect time to see and enjoy our entire area: Bedford Village, Bedford Hills, Katonah, Pound Ridge, Bedford Corners, Mt. Kisco, North & South Salem and Waccabuc. There are many lovely properties on the Market right now so just let me know your “Real Estate Wish List” in advance!

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom

Did you know that just outside the Town of Bedford - Northeast of Katonah - there is an enclave of homes surrounding “Lake Katonah” in the Town of Lewisboro?

Many of them were built as summer homes back in the 1930s and now have been winterized for year-round use. Over time properties were divided and new homes were built - so every era of American homes is represented there. No cookie cutter houses or McMansions! There are some especially charming ones that are very idyllic.

I was once showing my then very young children my new discovery on a Sunday ride (that sounds very 30s as well!) when we heard a distant chorus singing “The Sound of Music.” The lilting voices just traveled through the summer air. It was a private outdoor concert held at one of the homes there. Guests were seated at round tables on the various terraces and patios of the property. The chorus members were dressed in long white gowns.

Many of you by now may realize my obsession with The Sound Of Music - my trips to Salzburg and naming my small & white Bichon - “Edelweiss.” Sometimes he is “clean and bright” - and he is ALWAYS happy to greet me!

The residents are a very interesting mix of full time and weekend homeowners. Many are from New York City. There is a very charming log cabin clubhouse on the shores of the lake, a playground and a tennis court. There are day camps and activities for the children and community barbecues/get togethers for all of the residents. The clubhouse may also be reserved for private parties as well.

It is also a wonderful walking community - with or without your dog in tow.

There are some very charming homes on the market there right now - one having been an Inn and is now a wonderful 5 bedroom 4 bath totally renovated home!

The children are in the Katonah Lewisboro School district. The Metro North Station is in Goldens Bridge - the stop right before or after Katonah - and is about 1 hr to New York City. The hamlet of Katonah, The Katonah Museum of Art, plus 684 and The Saw Mill are all just minutes away.

If you would like to discover Lake Katonah just let me know!

Posted By: Karen Benvin Ransom