The Westchester View » Tarrytown

Westchester Events – Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester – July 30 – August 5

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 09:00:30 +0000

It’s the weekend again – and the Westchester events calendar is once again up for your convenience. Once again, there are plenty of Westchester County events to pick from. Sure, the city is just a train ride away – but there is plenty to do in your own back yard.

EVERYDAY EVENTS:

Open Gym

The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing 6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all

Westchster County Center

198 Central Avenue White Plains, NY 10606

(914) 995-4050

Friday, July 30

New Rochelle Farmers’ Market

Huguenot Street and Lawton Street

FRIDAYS 8:00 AM TO 3:00 PM

Playland’s famous fireworks display
Friday 9:15 p.m. – Parking $5

Playland Parkway  – Rye, NY 10580
(914) 813-7010

Saturday, July 31

Tarrytown Farmers Market
Next to the Tarrytown Public Library,
121 N. Broadway  8:30 AM – 1:00PM

Larchmont Farmers Market
Metro North Parking Deck #3 just off Chatsworth Ave.
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Scarsdale Farmer’s Market

9 AM – 1:30 PM 1 Christie Place – Scarsdale Hartsdale Farmers’ Market
Hartsdale Train Station 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr.
1 PM – $38.00 – Tarrytown Music Hall – Tarrytown NY

Midsummer Night Music with Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra

Featuring the “Immortal Beloved”

Saturday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. but park opens at 5 PM for picniking

$17 Adults; $12 Senoirs; $7 Children 5-12; under 5 free.
Net proceeds to Conservatory fund.
Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial Route 35 – Somers 914- 864-7268

Sunday, August 1

Rye Farmers Market
Parking Lot 2 on Theodore Fremd Ave.
Behind the Purchase St. Stores. 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

Seining In Milton Harbor
Walking in the water with seine nets to catch and release the fish and crabs that are caught. Wear cloths that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy.
10 AM
Marshlands Conservancy – Route 1 Rye, NY 10580

Yiddish Heritage Celebration
Ethnic music with singing, and dancing
5-8 PM

Kensico Dam Plaza – Bronx River Parkway, Valhalla, NY
914-864-PARK

Monday, August 2

Concert in Memorial Park – 7 PM –
Memorial Park – Mamaroneck NY

Wednesday, August 4

White Plains Farmers Market
8 AM – 4 PM
Court & Quarropas St. White Plains

Playland’s famous fireworks display
Friday 9:15 p.m. – Parking $5 Playland Park Playland Parkway Rye, NY 10580
(914) 813-7010

Dancing Under the Stars – California Beach Music
7-9 PM
Renaissance Plaza – White Plains

Thursday, August 5

Noon Day Concert:
Renaissance Plaza White Plains NY
12 – 2 PM

Free Band Concert in Chase Park

Performed by the Westchester Band conducted by Alan Hollander.

The concerts consist of a variety of genres from classical to show tunes to more traditional band music.
Bring chairs or blankets. No rain date – alternative location at Edgemont High School.
8PM

Chase Park – Scarsdale, NY

Tarrytown NY – 3rd Friday – Great for kids & adults alike…

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 02:16:06 +0000

Tarrytown NY is one of those river towns in Westchester that has a vibe all its own. The streets are not rolled up at 6 PM – a night life exists. No – its not the dynamic city-style nightlife of Manhattan or even downtown White Plains, but the village has plenty of fine dining and activities that keep people on the streets well after dark.

One of the listings on my calendar of events Westchester NY was Tarrytown’s 3rd Friday. Yesterday was, of course the 3rd Friday of July and in spite of the blistering heat and humidity – this unique Tarrytown monthly event was well attended. 3rd Friday is a way for merchants to market their wares – offer specials and for vendors to set up booths and for everyone in general to have fun. There is face painting, and activities for the kids, while the adults can dine or check out any number of booths that offer plenty of variety. Jewelry at one booth, tote bags at another. At the other end of the spectrum, Westchester For Change was in evidence for those looking towards the fall election and for initiatives such as an energy policy. In short it offers something for everyone and was well attended this time.

In spite of the heat – I ended up bringing my constant companion – Jade. She was very popular with the younger crowd most of whom were sporting some fancy face painting.

Here are a few photos from the event. Work kept me away until later in the evening. But 3rd Friday’s begin at 5 PM and end at 9 PM. The location is Main St. in Tarrytown right off of Broadway (Route 9).

Westchester Events – Calendar of Events for Lower Westchester

Ruthmarie Hicks — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 22:18:03 +0000

Here is your weekend Westchester events calendar. There is certainly plenty to do this considering that it is a relatively quiet summer weekend. Westchester county events always have something for everyone.

Everyday Events:

Open Gym
The County Center is open to high school students for basketball, foosball, board games, knock hockey and general socializing
6 p.m. to 10 PM – Free to all
Westchester County Center
198 Central Avenue
White Plains, NY 10606
(914) 995-4050

Thursday July 15:

Flint Park Concert
July 15, 2010, 7:15pm–9:00pm
Flint Park, Bronson Ave & Locust Ave, Larchmont

Wine-coupled dinner
July 15, 2010, 7:00pm
Plates Restaurant, 121 Myrtle Blvd, Larchmont

Friday July 16:

New Rochelle Farmers’ Market.
Huguenot Street and Lawton Street
FRIDAYS 8:00 AM TO 3:00 PM

Tarrytown Third Friday.

An opportunity to explore this unique River Town in lower Westchester. Stores offer specials and there are often special booths and tables. Fun for the whole family. Website: http://www.tarrytownthirdfriday.com

Playland’s famous fireworks display.

Friday 9:15 p.m. – Parking $5
Playland Park
Playland Parkway
Rye, NY 10580

(914) 813-7010

Renaissance, a 1970s rock band and the Steve Hackett Trio will be performing separate sets.
Tarrytown Music Hall

http://www.tarrytownmusichall.org
Phone: (877) 840-0457
Price: $45 – $70
Main St & N Broadway, Tarrytown, NY 10591
5:00pm–9:00pm

Saturday July 17:

Tarrytown Farmers Market.
Next to the Tarrytown Public Library, 121 N. Broadway
8:30 AM – 1:00PM

Larchmont Farmers Market.
Metro North Parking Deck #3 just off Chatsworth Ave.
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Hartsdale Farmers’ Market.
Hartsdale Train Station
8:30 AM – 1:00 PM

White Plains Clean & Green.

A collabortion with White Plains Mayor Bradley and the BID (business improvement district) will showcase environmental technologies and initiatives.

11:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Mamaroneck Ave – between Martine & Main St.

Sidetrack Jazz at Cafe Mozart.

7:30-10:30 PM – 308 Mamaroneck Ave. Mamaroneck NY

Midsummer Night Music with Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra.

Featuring the “Fabulous Strings.”

Saturday 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. but park opens at 5 PM for picniking

$17 Adults; $12 Senoirs; $7 Children 5-12; under 5 free. Net proceeds to Conservatory fund.
Lasdon Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial
Route 35 – Somers
914- 864-7268

Sunday July 18:

Rye Farmers Market.
Parking Lot 2 on Theodore Fremd Ave. Behind the Purchase St. Stores.

8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

New Rochelle Humane Society Dog Wash.

10:00 AM –3:30 PM
70 Portman Rd, New Rochelle, NY

Lots of fun – for pampered pooches including microchipping and clipping. Ask the trainer booth, food, Good Citizen Canine test offerred and a mobile vet. There is also a police dog demonstration. Rain date July 25.

Farm to Table: Fruit.

Stone Barns Center for Food & Agriculture, 630 Bedford Rd, Tarrytown

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Harvest berries and herbs from the terrace garden. See the hens to collect eggs and then cook everything as a fresh snack in the Resource Center. Recipes provided. 914-366-6200

Polish Heritage Celebration:

12:00-6:00 PM Kensico Dam Plaza

Ethnic food, music, dance and general entertainment

Bronx River Parkway – Valhalla 914-864-PARK

Family Fun Night.

Stephen E. Johnston Beach – Harbor Island Park – Mamaroneck

7:00-10:00 PM

Dance under the stars – live music. Kayaking, volleyball, food available and a sprayground and smores for the kids.

Events Calendar – What to do in Lower Westchester NY

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 10:27:47 +0000

Want to know the latest Westchester Events? There is plenty to do and see so planning your calendar for Westchester County events is challenging because there is such a wealth of things to choose from – Here is a list to get you started.

Friday July 9

Build a Boat/Construya un Bote
2:30pm
Warner Library, 121 N Broadway, Tarrytown

“Living with Art Collecting Contemporary in Metro New York” 12- 5 PM
Contemporary works of art -from six metro-New York private collections. Including work from emerging as well as established artists/
$5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors
Neuberger Museum of Art – Purchase College
735 Anderson Hill Rd.
Purchase NY
914-251-6100

Friday Night Jazz 7:30-10:30 PM
Al DiMarco Quintet
Free
Marianacci’s
24 Sherman ST.
Portchester, NY
914-939-3450

Playland’s Fireworks -9:15 PM
$5 -Playland Parkway
914-813-7010

Saturday July 10:

“Living with Art Collecting Contemporary in Metro New York” 12- 5 PM
Contemporary works of art -from six metro-New York private collections. Including work from emerging as well as established artists/
$5 for adults, $3 for students/seniors
Neuberger Museum of Art – Purchase College
735 Anderson Hill Rd.
Purchase NY
914-251-6100

Peter Pan – 6 PM
Westchester Broadway Theater
$40-$55
1 Broadway Plaza
Elmsford NY
914-592-2222

Midsummer Night Music with the Ridegefield Symphony Orchestra 6-8PM
Features “Broadway with Debbie Gravitte” Park opens up at 5 PM for picnics. You need lawn chairs or blankets. Limited refreshments for sale.
$17 adults; $12 seniors; $7 children 5-12; under 5 free
Net proceeds to conservatory fund.
Ladson Park, Arboretum & Veterans Memorial
Route 35
Somers, NY 10589
914-864-7268

Westchester Broadway Theater: 6:45 PM
Gallagher – Adult Comedy followed by dancing to music by Jump Street
1 Broadway Plaza
Elmsford NY
914-592-2222

David Janeway Trio – Jazz 8:30 PM
Watercolor Cafe
2094 Boston Post Rd.
Larchmont NY
914-834-2213

Sunday July 11:

Peter Pan – 12 PM
Westchester Broadway Theater
$40-$55
1 Broadway Plaza
Elmsford NY
914-592-2222

Irish Heritage Celebration: 12-7 PM
Ethnic food, Music & dance with entertainment, arts & crafts – $5
Ridge Road Park – Ridge Rd – Hartsdale NY
914-864-PARK

Italian Heritage Celebration 12-7PM
Ethnic food, Music & dance with entertainment, arts & crafts – Free
Kensico Dam Plaza – Bronx River Parkway – Valhalla NY
914-864-PARK

Wed July 14:

Playland’s Fireworks -9:15 PM – $5
Playland Parkway
914-813-7010

Dancing under the stars – 7 -9 PM
Renaissance Square – featuring Salsa
Renaissance Plaza – White Plains NY

Thursday July 15

Noon Day Concert 12-2 PM
FDR – Funk, Dance Rock
Renaissance Plaza WHite Plains NY

Neighborhood Nights – Childrens Theater – 7-8 PM
Gardella Park, White Plains NY
Friday July 16

Playland’s Fireworks -9:15 PM
Playland Parkway – $5
914-813-7010

For a Fabulous 4th of July – Check Out the Following Lower Westchester Events & Stay Local

Ruthmarie Hicks — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 08:31:43 +0000

Last year I wrote a post about the 4th of July events in Lower Westchester and it was a huge success. I even had people calling me for directions. Although going to the city is great – the Westchester to NYC commute can be painful on a busy holiday. And there really isn’t any need -there is plenty to do right here in Westchester. Soooooo….here’s the list for 2010.

Wednesday June 30:

Fireman’s Parade – Mamaroneck NY – Rain date – July 1

Begins at 7 PM starting near the Mamaroneck Ave. School and includes 30-40 fire departments. www.villageofmamaroneck.ny.us

63rd Annual Fireman’s Carnival – Mamaroneck NY – June 29 – July 5 – 7 PM – Midnight

This can be somewhat pricey but very worthwhile. If you plan to attend for more than one day you might consider buying an armband that covers you for every day.

Thursday July 1:

Fireworks at the White Plains High School: 7- 10 PM (Rain date July 2)

Located near the corner of North St. and Bryant Ave.

Face painting , magic, games and rides for the kids. At 7:30 the West Point Black Knights Sports Parachute Team will make a jump onto the school grounds. The evening will end with traditional fireworks.

Friday July 2:

Fireworks begin at Playland: – Rye Playland off of the Playland Parkway

July 2 @ 9:15
July 4 @ 9:30
July 5 @ 9:30

www.ryeplayland.com

Saturday July 3:

Concert & Fireworks @ Kensico Dam – Vallhalla NY – located at the end of the Bronx River Parkway

6 PM Pre-concert entertainment with the Wanderers performing oldies but goodies.
8 PM performance by Gerard Carelli Orchestra.
Traditional fireworks begin at 9:15

Carpooling suggested – you will need lawn chairs or blankets for seating purposes. GET THERE EARLY – Been there, done that on getting there after 7 PM!

Sunday July 4:

Flint Park – Races & Games – Larchmont NY

Begins at 10 AM – with races and games for the kids long with free hot dogs & drinks.

Washington Irving’s Sunnyside, Independence Day 1850 - 10-6 PM

Tour Washington Irving’s historic home near the Hudson River and enjoy the presentations.
Picnics area allowed although you can buy your lunch on-site. http://www.hudsonvalley.org/

Stone Barns Picnic – Sleepy Hollow NY – off route 448

The famous Stone Barns Center will offer a picnic on July 4th. Great place for a walk – enjoy the grounds and walk the farms . Cold drinks will be for sale, bring your own food – no alcohol please.

Harbor Island Fireworks – Mamaroneck NY

Harbor Island Park – you will need chairs or blankets and your own food. http://www.village.mamaroneck.ny.us

Manor Park – Concert & Fireworks: 7:15-9 PM

Patriotic concert by Dixie Dandies. No picnics allowed…A great park for a walk – so eat at one of the restaurants on Chatsworth Ave or Boston Post Rd and walk off your dinner. Then enjoy the music.

Sleepy Hollow/Tarrytown Fireworks Display – 9 PM

The two villages have combined forces to put on a great display that can be viewed from Kingsland Point Park in Sleepy Hollow and Pierson Park in Tarrytown. Enjoy some fine dining in downtown Tarrytown or Sleepy Hollow and enjoy the display.

So there you have it – a new list for 2010…Enjoy

Westchester New York River Towns – Housing and market statistics for 1st Quarter 2010

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sun, 30 May 2010 09:29:31 +0000

The River towns of Westchester NY run along the eastern side of the Hudson River. The area being covered is largely in the town of Greenburgh and includes the villages of Hastings-on-Hudson, Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley, Irvington, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow. Sleepy Hollow is actually located in the town of Mt. Pleasant, but Sleepy Hollow shares the 10591 zip code and a school system with the village of Tarrytown. The Westchester to NYC commute is extremely easy from these locations. Each village boasts an Metro North Westchester train station with a commuting time of less than 45 minutes to Grand Central Station. The area is serviced by Metro North’s Hudson line.

The fact that these are commutable villages with walkable neighborhoods, makes these areas very desirable for New Yorkers looking for a nice bedroom community with amenities such as fine dining and entertainment, along with charm and a lower cost of living than can be found in NYC.

Like other parts of Westchester NY – sellers with homes for sale in the River Towns have been hit hard by the down turn in the housing market. Some sectors have fared better than others. But all in all, this is still a buyer’s market.

Single Family Homes in the River Towns:

Single family home prices continued to decline. When comparing the 1st quarter of 2009 with Q1 of 2010, prices were down 9.3% with an average sales price of $686,000 down from $756,000 the year before. Part of this drop might be due to the fact that a few very expensive homes sold in Q1 of 2009 – skewing the results slightly upward for that quarter.

However, the inventory and sales volume suggests a market that is still trending down – though no longer in a free-fall. Using the current inventory along with contracts and pendings as a guide, there is at least a 10 month supply of housing currently on the market. Since not all contracts actually close, the inventory is probably closer to a year than 10 months. Nevertheless, the sales volume is up about 50% over the previous year, which is a step in the right direction.

Condominiums in the River Towns:

Condominium sales prices are down significantly from the Q1 of the previous year. The average sales price of a condo in the River Towns covered was $404,000 down a staggering 29% from $567,000 in Q1 of the previous year. Since sales volume was light in both 2009 and 2010 for the first quarter – it is easy for a couple of units to have skewed these results.

Certainly the presence of upscale condo communities such as the Riverton Lofts in Hastings, Hudson Harbor in Tarrytown and Ichabod’s Landing in Sleepy Hollow can create shifts in price averages because they are at the higher end of the price spectrum. These complexes – many of which are adjacent to the Hudson River Walk project represent a new level of high-end living for the area. Since the Hudson River is being reclaimed from its industrial past to a residential and public oasis, it is not unexpected that sales in these communities could create issues with statistics when sales volumes are low. Volume overall remained flat from 2009 and current contracts/pendings indicate a near 8 month overhang on the market – putting condos in buyer’s market territory.

Cooperatives in the River Towns:

Unlike the eastern portion of the county, cooperatives are not as common in the River Towns. Prices were up significantly, but once again low volume may have skewed the results. Further most of the sales this year were of 2 BR units whereas last year 1 BR units prevailed. The average price was $238,000 for Q1 of 2010 – technically up 40% from Q1 of the previous year – until one accounts for the 1 BR vs. 2 BR preference which makes this market largely flat price-wise. The fact that 2 BR units are preferred is an indication of an improving economy and a stabilizing market. Contracts and pendings indicate a six month overhang of inventory, making this market fairly balanced.

Further Reading:

Westchester New York River Towns – Housing and market statistics for 4th Quarter 2009

Housing and Market Statistics for the Westchester NY River Towns – Second Quarter 2009

Housing and Market Statistics for Tarrytown & Sleepy Hollow NY – First Quarter 2009

Westchester New York River Towns – Housing and market statistics for 4th Quarter 2009

Ruthmarie Hicks — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:24:14 +0000

The river towns comprise the towns/villages in Westchester that are located along the Hudson River. This blog covers the lower Westchester region primarily in the town of Greenburgh. Sleepy Hollow is included since it shares a school district with Tarrytown. Initially I ran these statistics on Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow, but the sales volume was too low to create reliable statistics.

In general, prices in the river towns such as Tarrytown NY showed some signs of stabilization in the river towns. Certainly the area has been badly beaten up over the past few years, so it was good to see a slowdown in declining prices.

Cooperatives:

The pricing for cooperatives was dicey because during the 4th quarter there were practically no 2BR sales. This skewed the price point dramatically downwards. Although the number indicates a decline of over 34% from the previous year, this market is nowhere near that unstable. Because of the unusual sales pattern decent sales figures were almost impossible to come by. However the increase in sales volume of 120% indicates a recovering market. The 6 month inventory reflects a slowly declining market. So the numbers indicate a level or slightly declining market creating some good news for buyers and sellers a like.

Condominiums:

Condos went up in price quite dramatically. But that increase doesn’t impress me so much because it probably reflects the sale of high end units at Hudson Harbor in Tarrytown – skewing prices northward. However sales volume for the river towns is up 67%. There is considerable inventory on the market indicating that although sales are up – price declines may continue for a while.

Single Family Homes:

Single family homes showed 5.5% declines over 2008 which is far less severe than in previous years. There is still an 8 month inventory hanging over the market, but sales volume was up 31% over the 4th quarter of 2008.

Keep Coffee Labs of Tarrytown NY Pet-Friendly…

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 11:01:35 +0000

Over the past couple of years, I’ve written several blogs about local businesses. One of my favorite haunts has been Coffee Labs of Tarrytown NY. Coffee Labs was established in 2002 and for seven years has roasted and served wonderful coffee drinks and freshly roasted coffee to brew at home. Coffee Labs was named for the owner’s chocolate Labrador Retrievers. During tht time, Mike and Alicia have established Coffee Labs as a eco-friendly and pet-friendly coffee shop. Since they don’t prepare food on-site, they had an arrangement with the health department that allowed patrons to bring their dogs into the shop. The dogs had to be properly leashed and be well-behaved. I even wrote a blog about how Jade and I often spent mornings at Coffee Labs while I completed correspondence and some work realted activities – including market reports and blog articles.

But it only takes one complaint to ruin something that has worked well for years. Apparently one person complained to the health department and that has put the entire pet-friendly nature of the coffee shop “on hold.” The coffee shop is applying for a variance so that the patrons can bring their pets back. But positive public opinion on this matter can only be helpful. So I ask all pet-owners everywhere to feel free to comment on this blog and add your support by joining the discussion on Facebook. As one dog-owner and patron said to me last evening – “If you don’t like the fact that dogs area allowed – go somewhere else! There are plenty of coffee shops in Westchester if you don’t like dogs.”

Westchester Happy New Year!

Ruthmarie Hicks — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 09:50:12 +0000

Happy New Year Everyone…

Westchester is one of those places where there is a New Years celebration to fit any mood. To prove the point, during the course of the day and evening I decided to keep a photo journal of sorts of my New Year’s Eve. I pulled my favorites for posting. For those who prefer a more contemplative mood, there was plenty to do and see in lower Westchester. You could walk the trails, take a drive, wonder around the towns and villages. For those who prefer to party – downtown White Plains had its annual ball drop and New Year’s party. My personal preference leans towards the more quite and reflective celebration. But that didn’t stop me from attending the annual ball drop and fire works in downtown White Plains. Unfortunately, my camera didn’t catch the fireworks – let’s just say my camera picked the wrong time to need a change of batteries. Too bad too, because the show lit up the sky to the point where it was almost like daylight for a moment. Hopefully, you will find a picture to suit your mood….

Walking on the wild side at the Rockefeller Preserve – Fall Foliage in Sleepy Hollow

Ruthmarie Hicks — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 08:34:53 +0000

Autumn in lower Westchester NY is a very colorful event.

There is something about the color of the leaves and how it lights up the sky that I find very compelling. Forget leaf peeping in Vermont – our season peaks later, but the foliage is just as amazing. At this time of year, people flock to parks in Westchester NY for the foliage and crisp weather.

This week had been particularly stressful – so Friday afternoon I escaped to the Rockefeller Preserve in Sleepy Hollow to regenerate. Among the many things to do in Westchester, this is among my favorite places to decompress and get back in touch with what it is all about. Although the leaves were more than half gone, the color of the sky and the sunlight caused the remaining leaves light up the sky with a full fall fire. Jade and Tundra – my faithful Huskies accompanied me and enjoyed the blustery cold air. We also ran into a friend from my brokerage – Monique another avid walker, arrived just as I was leaving.

Here are a couple of the photos I snapped along the way. As a nature Preserve, you get to see the beauty of nature’s wild side.

The video was created from still shots that I have collected during the fall of 2009 with a few from 2008 thrown in for good measure. For the stills used to create the video – go to my Flickr Feed and enjoy!