The Westchester View » Sleepy Hollow

Westchester Events – Hudson River EagleFest – Feb. 4, 2012

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:18:54 +0000

Yes, I know – everyone is gearing up for the Superbowl. But there are many who would like to share in outdoor activities this weekend.

For the past 8 years the Hudson Valley has celebrated the renewed presence and vibrancy of our national bird in the Hudson Valley. Many are too young to remember, but in the 1970s the American bald eagle was an endangered species. Now they are thriving and I have witnessed their presence on more than a couple of occasions. The photo at the right is one I took at Kingsland Point Park about a year ago. Apparently, the majestic soul in the portrait was watchful but not fearful of me or my telephoto lens….But the photo shows that my presence did not pass unnoticed…he was well aware of me and watching my every move – with his eagle eye!

This post is more than a bit tardy – and for that I apologize. The bus tour is sold out. However, there are still ways to participate and learn more about some of our most majestic birds of prey.

The event is hosted by the Teatown Reservation but the epicenter is at Croton Point Park – There are many ways to participate:

Eagle Theater Schedule:

10 AM, 11AM & 12 PM - Close Encounters with Wintering Eagles and Owls
1 PM, 2 PM – Exclusively Eagles
3PM – Flight of the Raptors

Advance Ticket sales are $5.00/person and $10/person when purchased at the door.

Eaglet Stage Schedule:

These shows are free of charge!

9 AM – Eagle Identification Tips
10:30 AM & 2:15 PM – Jonathan Kruk – Master story teller
12 PM – Teatown Birds of Prey Program
12:45 – Physics of Flight – Beyond Feathers
1:30 – Birding Optics

Additional eagle viewing sites along the Hudson River…

Each area is staffed by eagle experts with spotting scopes.

Croton Boat Ramp at Croton-Harmon Train Station
George’s Island Park – Montrose
Riverfront Green Park – Peekskill
Kathryn W. Davis Riverwalk Center – Sleepy Hollow
New Croton Dam – Cortlandt
Bear Mountain State Park Trailside Museums & Zoo.

Westchester Events – Holiday Edition – Christmas Eve Services at Union Church – Pocantico Hills

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 04:18:42 +0000

Union Church of Pocantico Hills has a rich history. Part of the Historic Hudson Valley – the church has is closely associated with the Rockefeller family. It is also very famous for its stained glass windows by Matisse and Chagall. From the outside, the church is a chapel-sized field stone structure. Something of a classic Tudor. But the interior windows are simply breathtaking. The rose window by Matisse, was his last work of art. The Chagall windows came later. All were commissioned by the Rockefellers as memorials to family members.

The Christmas Eve services are a way for families to come together and get away from the Christmas materialism. Its a wonderful time to reflect about what Christmas really is all about. Something that quite honestly seems to get lost in the process of our mall -crazed month of shopping. The services themselves are marvelous with a mix of music, scriptures and carols and a short sermon. The church is non-denominational and welcomes one and all. There are three Christmas Eve services, at 3:30, 7:30 and 11 PM. The latter two services are candlelight services.

Before I sold real estate – I actually sang in that church choir. Unfortunately working on the weekends and attending a church nearly 30 minutes from my home an office does not mix well, but I have a tremendous affinity and affection for this church and try to get there whenever I can – which sadly is not often!

The Event – Christmas Eve Services at Union Church
The Place - Union Church of Pocantico Hills 555 Bedford Rd., Tarrytown NY
The Time - Dec. 24 at 3:30 7:30, and 11 PM

Fotos on the fly – Hudson River Sunset on the River Walk – Sleepy Hollow NY

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 04:49:36 +0000

Hello everyone – I was lucky enough to have my camera with me for a beautiful fiery sunset on the Hudson. The sun just seems to set so fast at this time of year. But it does bring to mind that for those thinking of living on or near the Hudson – that one of the perks is a brand new sunset served up every evening. So if you are interested in living along the river…. a complex like Hudson Harbor or Ichabod’s Landing or a single family home with westerly views – will give you a front row seat for this type of nightly display. There is something very refreshing and invigorating about simply being able to take in such sight. It refreshes the mind and soul.

Westchester Events…Dickens’s Christmas Carol at the Old Dutch Church

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 08:00:01 +0000

Lower Westchester has a rich history that dates back to well before the American Revolution. The Historic Hudson Valley has done a wonderful job of bringing that history to life – particularly for Halloween since the Legend of Sleepy Hollow lends itself to quite a celebration in that season. However, this year, they have engaged master story teller Jonathan Kruk to recite Charles Dickens – A Christmas Carol. The recitation comes complete with musical accompaniment. The event takes place in the Old Dutch Church in Sleepy Hollow on Route 9. There is complementary hot chocolate, cider and cookies are available at nearby Philipsburg Manor.

The Old Dutch Church

Events like this are marvelous for the entire family. Families can spend some quality time together away from the TV and computer while enjoying the season. The Old Dutch Church is a landmark in the area. And if you come early, you can see the famous cemetery. This is a great way for everyone to get in touch with our rich local history while enjoying a classic Christmas tradition.

The Date: Sat Dec. 10 & Sat Dec 17
The Time: 4, 5, 6, & 7 PM
The Place: The Old Dutch Church – Sleepy Hollow NY (Route 9)
The Price: Adults - $16 – Children under 18 - $12, Members get a discount of $5

Get your tickets online by following this link: Historic Hudson Valley. Or call 914-631-8200

The Westchester RiverWalk along the Hudson River

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 06:53:28 +0000

Westchester NY – particularly southern Westchester is surrounded by water. On the south-eastern border up to the southern tip of Connecticut, the Long Island Sound dominates the area. The entire span of the western side of the county borders the Hudson River.

The Westchester RiverWalk is a 51.5 mile planned pathway that lies parallel to the river and will – when completed span the entire county. The walk itself will actually span 14 different municipalities and will connect village centers, many of the historic sites along the route, trills such as the Croton Aqueduct trail, as well as esplanades and boardwalks.

I have walked portions of RiverWalk with camera in hand including the areas of Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow just north of the Tappan Zee Bridge as well as the downtown Yonkers waterfront. The slide show my vision of what the RiverWalk is all about – as seen through the lens of my camera…which is often my friendly translator!

For a GoogleEarth Virtual Tour of the RiverWalk - click here.

Fotos on the fly: Mallards making waves….

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:43:47 +0000

Every once in a while I get an opportunity. I was supposed to be working into the evening on Saturday, but a last minute cancellation freed me up unexpectedly. So I decided to enjoy the last afternoon of daylight savings at the Rockefeller Preserve with Jade & Tundra in tow. We had a nice walk around Swan Lake. I was trying to take photos with two dogs on leashes….to say this looked clumsy was an understatement. But I did get a couple of nice pictures that I decided to post right here.

The duck population was hard at work preparing for the cold months ahead.

This Mallard was “making tracks” or “waves” in a very purposeful way….

The pair of ducks were making a few waves of their own as they swam towards the middle of the lake:

Westchester Events – Halloween Happenings – From the Historic Hudson Valley

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 04:42:48 +0000

Historic Hudson Valley is always full of action during Halloween. I’ve already posted the big events that everyone talks about – The Jack O’Lantern Blaze and Horseman’s Hollow. But there are more events on the calendar for the Halloween season….most notable:

Irving’s Legend:

Master Story Teller Jonathan Kruk tells the Legend of Sleepy Hollow as only he can at the Old Dutch Church on Route 9 in Sleepy Hollow. This popular event is selling out fast and is offered at hourly intervals from from 5 to 7 or 5-8 PM depending on the night…For details click here for Irving’s Legend.

The Time: October 16, 21-23, 27-30 at hourly intervals starting at 5PM to 7 or 8 PM depending on the date.
The Place: The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow
The Price: Adults – $16, Children under 18 – $12
Suggested for ages 10 and up.

Legend Celebration:

At Washington Irvings’s Home at Sunnyside. This daytime celebration is for all ages. You can listen to ghost stories, hear live musicians, take part in old-fashioned games from the 19th century and make your own scarecrow. For details click here for the Legend Celebration.

The Time: October 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 from 10 -4 PM
The Place: Washington Irving’s Sunnyside
The Price: Adults $12, Children under 17 $6, children under 5 are free

Westchester Events – Halloween Happenings – Horseman’s Hollow

Ruthmarie Hicks — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:45:10 +0000

One of the most active months in the Westchester calendar of events is the month of October. Halloween is big news particularly in Sleepy Hollow and up the line along the Hudson River.

Horseman’s Hollow at Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow NY was a smashing success last year. It received great play and great reviews. Now it is back this year – bigger and better than ever. By popular demand it has been extended to 12 evenings. It started last week but there is still time for a good scare before Halloween.

This is perhaps one of the “darker events” that is not for the faint of heart and probably not suitable for small children. It takes place at the historic Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow off of Route 9. There are creatures of all kinds – earthly and otherwise and costuming that is one of a kind according to friends who went last year. Of course you will meet the famous horseman. I was driving by the other day and saw the horse right off the property eagerly getting ready for his performance!

Where: Philipsburg Manor – Sleepy Hollow NY – off Route 9

When: October 14-16, 20-23, 27-30 - 7 PM – 9:30 PM at 30 minute intervals

The Price: $20 weeknights – $25 weekends

Tickets are going fast so sign up ASAP - Click Here for Horseman’s Hollow

Fotos on the Fly – The Monarchs of Sleepy Hollow…

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 09:10:27 +0000

I know – we don’t have Monarchs in the United States of America. But we do have Monarch butterflies! Recently I had a problem with my back yard “containment system” for my dogs and that has sent me to the Sleepy Hollow Dog Park (in Kingsland Point Park) more often than usual. While watching my guys play I noticed butterflies busily flying around a bush in the park. Fortunately, I had the camera in the car. So I was able to get a couple of shots. The butteflies were a bit photo-shy and didn’t hover around all that long for the photo-shoot. But I hope they appreciate how photogenic they really are!

Fotos on the Fly: Camouflage in nature…

Ruthmarie Hicks — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 02:12:52 +0000

Today I was reminded that nature sometimes clothes it creatures in the most remarkable ways. I was at the Dog Park at Kingsland Point Park and was admittedly on poop patrol – cleaning up after my dogs. While I was looking in the brown leaves on the ground…one of the leaves suddenly started hopping along the ground. There it was ….. a tiny frog….so well camouflaged that I would never have seen it if I hadn’t been really focused on the ground. I only had my phone camera – but here it is…can you even see my little amphibian friend?