First New Ro Runners North Avenue Mile – New Rochelle, 6/9/2013

DSC01738New Ro Runners merged in 2012 with the Sound Shore Runners  together with the Multi-sport Club under the New Ro Runners name, and their mission is to basically bring together all levels, all ages, and to create a healthy and happy running environment.

Today was the first ever North Avenue Mile “How Fast Can you Run a Mile Race?” which started at Paine Avenue and went to City Hall.DSC01773

 

There were approximately 320 athletes who had entered the race, and there were 6 ‘waves’ of runners (different age groups) which included:  Under 8  (Family walkers), 8-11 year olds, 12-19, 60 Year Olds +, Women 20-59, and Men 20-59. There was a great atmosphere there this morning, and while I was only able to stay for the first ‘wave’ to start, I certainly got caught up in the excitement, bringing back my own running days. Mayor Bramson was on hand to offer a few encouraging words, Mr. Katz sang the National anthem, and it was very well organized – I have to say. I loved the motto on the back of the shirts “Changing the Shape of the Community one mile at a time”.

New Ro Runners – you are off to a great start!

New Rochelle is GREAT

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One Fatt Calfe! New Rochelle’s History commemorated 6/9/2013..

DSC01793The French Huguenots, in seeking religious freedom came to the Americas in the 17th Century  after having been denied protection by King Louis IVth….  but where to live? The  Governor of New York, Jacob Leisler, acted as the agent on behalf of the French Huguenots, and appealed to John Pell to see if he would sell 6000 acres to the Huguenots. In 1688, the Huguenots began settling in what became New Rochelle and so named after their French town of “La Rochelle.”

“A condition in the sale was that Leisler or his heirs would provide “John Pell his heirs and assigns, of the said Manor of Pelham … as an Acknowledgement to the said Manor one fatt calfe on every fouer and twentyth day of June Yearly and Every Year forever (if demanded),” as included by Swiatek and Breen.”

Today marked a momentous occasion. The Pell family reunited this weekend, and visited the Thomas Paine Cottage and Museum today for a special ceremony. Direct descendants of the original Huguenot settlers were also on hand today, together with Barbara Davis, New Rochelle Historian, delegates from “La Rochelle” France, Mayor Noam Bransom,  John Wright, the Director of the Thomas Paine Cottage & Museum,  and a very special calf! One of the Pell family members (and they seemed to  bridge 4 generations) gave to our Mayor a genealogy chart of the Pell family.DSC01846

After the ceremony, the family, (both Pell and Huguenot descendants) and the French delegates adjourned to the Jacob Leisler statue here there was a great photo op for all.

A wonderful event. A great idea. Another great event commemorating New Rochelle’s 325th Anniversary  year long events

New Rochelle is GREAT!

 

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Public Open House today at 370 Pinebrook Blvd, New Rochelle – 1-3 p.m. 6/9/2013

Located away from the street on a 0.36 of an acre flag lot, this 1824 square foot, 2 bedroom, 2 bath ranch with newly lowered taxes ($13,575) has much to offer! The central air conditioning is approximately 7 years old, and the exterior of the home was painted just a few years ago. This home is a great alternative to a condo but with land! Come visit between 1-3 p.m. today, and view for yourself this charming home offering tranquility and charm. Being offered at $475,000. 370 Pinebrook Boulevard, New Rochelle.

New Rochelle is GREAT

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New Rochelle’s Farmer’s Market – Saturdays commencing 6/1/2013

  The Farmer’s Market is now open for business!  Called ” New Rochelle Downtown Grand Market” there will be alternating and special featured vendors each week at the Library Green, New Rochelle. Today, for instance, Coromandel was the featured restaurant.  There is a calendar on the web site for the weekly vendors. Today’s vendors included:

Newgate Farms, Pain Le Bris, Breezy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill, New York State Vineyards, Coromandel, The Iron Tomato, The Migliorelli Farm, Gaby’s Red Coral Seafood & Co. and more! The market was officially opened last Saturday with Mayor Noam Bransom in attendance, and will be open through October 26th 9-2 p.m.

Since it was lunch time while I was there, I was so tempted to purchase a dish called “Ragada” from Coromandel ( love that restaurant),  spicy chickpeas, potato pancakes, a little touch of onions and more… simply delicious….  They were quite busy while I was there.. A great success. Everything looked so fresh throughout the market.  A great way to spend some time on a Saturday… A great city in which to spend some time on a Saturday.

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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New Rochelle’s 325th Anniversary Gala Dinner Dance –

   A picture says a thousand words!  Yesterday evening marked the momentous occasion of New Rochelle’s 325th  Anniversary with a Gala Dinner Dance.  The event took place at the Glen Island Harbor Club, and it was received with rave reviews!   There was an open bar, many food stations (  smoked salmon being served with iced vodka or champagne if desired, a pasta station,  roasted meats – lamb, chicken, beef, salads galore (a delicious seafood salad),  fruits, shellfish and more pasta… something for everyone).  So many familiar faces, and all having a good time.

Approximately 600 guests were in attendance, and as we were asked to venture up to our tables and to the dance floor  (and more open bars), there was also a nice selection of items on hand for silent auction. Yours truly bid on 4 items, but did not acquire them.. sigh… I tried… (but felt I could only overbid $100 or so more than the item was worth).

The food was delicious. A choice of either salmon, chicken or filet for the choice of entrees, and I was so surprised that when the food arrived, it was cooked perfectly. I had ordered the filet, and it was so tender, and not overcooked at all. The tables were elegant, the flowers lovely, and my fellow table guests were charming and great! What more could you wish for but good company and good food in a  festive setting!

Mayor Noam Bramson was on hand of course,  Marianne Sussman who spearheaded the entire year’s events, and also  Mayor Maxime Bono from “La Rochelle” of France was there too to offer his greetings. We had an auction also, with the auctioneer being Debbie Nigro, well known WFAS Talk Show Radio host. Did I mention the band? The Lester Lanin Orchestra was tremendous. They were so versatile, and kept the floor crowded with their great ensemble and music choices.

My one regret? I was there having fun, and could only take a few photos…My little video represented my evening, and by no means represented the fun attained by all who were present. So many different people present, from so many different cultures – but that is New Rochelle, and what makes us great.

New Rochelle- Queen of the Sound – just 325 years young!

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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New Rochelle’s 325th Gala Celebration this evening at 6:30 p.m! 6/6/2013

banner 325 New Rochelle is commemorating its 325th Anniversary –  and why not!    Huguenots fleeing  Catholic pogroms in France found their way to America in 1688,  and  since many were originally artisans and craftsmen from the French town of ‘La Rochelle’, decided to call their new town “New Rochelle”.

Over the years and centuries, many different  immigrants with different cultures and traditions have settled in our great city, and former city councilwoman Marianne Sussman,  has spearheaded a year of different events for all to partake and enjoy. Tonight is the Gala Dinner Dance and the tickets have all sold out! Starting at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, with dinner following at 7:30 p.m. at the  Glen Harbor Island Club. The Lester Lanin Orchestra will be performing, there will be a Silent Auction, as well as  an auction with the Auctioneer  being DEBBIE NIGRO, WFAS Syndicated Talk Radio Personality.

I will be there with my camera and friends…. It should be a GREAT evening!

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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Success! The 2013 Larchmont Historical Society Spring House Kitchen Tour

Larchmont Historical Society 001Since no photography was allowed, you will have to rely on my descriptions of the foods I tasted yesterday  – those tasty tidbits  that awaited every person who  purchased a ticket for just $45 for members and guests $55, and that also benefited the Larchmont Historical Society.

I had conducted a public open house at a Larchmont property earlier, and so since I was a docent from 3-5 at 2 Dawes Place, I only had 20 minutes or so to tour 2 homes out of the 8 homes featured on the tour prior to my duties commencing!  I visited 1 Rochelle Road where a beautiful, new and  large  spacious kitchen awaited… along with mouth watering tempting treats from the Coriander Restaurant  located on Larchmont Avenue. Described as a common street dish, it was anything but…a wrap containing tandoori chicken, coriander, spices and totally delicious. While I do not see it on their menu, it makes me want to go and taste the other modern Indian cuisine featured there.Coriander Restaurant

From Rochelle Road, I visited 58 Mountain Road which was highlighting a brand new kitchen, proudly represented by the home-owner, and that showed beautifully… granite counters,  spacious  and highlighted here was the Crush Bar, and since no alchohol was served, there was a tasty deviled egg  for all who visited.

I was one of the docents  at 2 Dawes Place –  a simply spectacular kitchen. and in which the Espana Tapas Bar was serving a very tasty vegetarian paella.  It  seemed that  at least 60 people ventured in during the 2 short hours I was there… and everyone oohed and aaahed over the home, the kitchen, and the aroma of  garlic, and those Mediterranean flavors. Rich, the chef of Espana was a charming host, and kept everything moving beautifully.espana tapas

While I wasn’t able to visit the other homes and taste the other foods, I heard great reviews from all. ‘Delicious”, “outstanding”,  “great idea for a home tour”,  and “hope they do it again”.DSC01558

The other restaurants and stores featured were:  Plates, Anna Maria’s Restaurant, Vintage 1891, Wasabi and the Larchmont Meateria. The afternoon ended at the Flower Bar on Addison Street where there was a wine and cheese reception.

The idea for the afternoon came from our very own Suzanne Moncure – GREAT idea Suzanne!

Larchmont is great!

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Larchmont Kitchen House Tour Sunday 6/2/2013

raspberriesThe Larchmont Historical Society is hosting another great event today. The Larchmont Kitchen House Tour! Their theme of  ” heart of the home” is “What’s Cooking in Larchmont?”  Fabulous local restaurants have teamed up with the Historical Society where they will cooking up a storm in the various homes selected for this year’s tour. As a docent at one of the homes, I can’t wait to help and assist in this great event.

“Chefs from Anna Maria’s, Coriander, Crush, Espana, Meateria, Plates, Vintage 1891 and Wasabi Restaurants prepare and serve delicious selections in eight historical Larchmont kitchens!”

To make it even more interesting, there will also a silent auction in each of the homes .

Tickets may be purchased at the Real Estate offices of Coldwell Banker, Houlihan Lawrence, Julia B.Fee, Sotheby’s and Weichert.

“Pick up tickets or buy them on the day of the tour at 150 Rockingstone Avenue, Larchmont NY. We will be selling and distributing tickets starting at 1:00 pm.”
House Tour and Reception: Members $45, Guests $55

Larchmont is GREAT!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Larchmont Historical Society is hosting another  great event today –  the Larchmont Kitchen Tour!

 

 

 

 

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$190 Million in Connecticut or $5.4 Million closer to New York City?

aerialI had the privilege this afternoon to being invited to a beautiful home in Greenwich that is priced at $190 Million. The listing agent is David Ogilvy & Associates (please contact them for more information), and I wish them a speedy sale… (sort of what is like a Realtor’s version of ‘break a leg” is to actors). At approximately $4 Million an acre, the home is expensive by all accounts. The view of the Long Island Sound is a $2 Million view… The property is splendid, and as the brokers walked through the enclosed sun porch area, and were offered iced tea with mint, Perrier and cheese straws,  while not champagne –  there was a subtle elegance implied.. There is an in-ground pool, 12 bedrooms, 7 baths and 10 fireplaces… Ceilings were high and rooms large. I particularly loved the water hoses in the event of fire (such as you would find in office buildings), the canning room in the basement complete with a pickle barrel, the coal room, the wine cellar with 3 bottles of  1979 Chateau Laffite Rothschild (but no refrigeration! ouch!)..the old laundry room still had an an old vintage pressing machine  – for those countess bed linens and shirts…The kitchen was somewhat smaller… in fact the original kitchen was housed in the basement where it would have been cooler, etc.

I loved seeing the 6 or wild turkeys on the 50 plus acres….

It made me think of 10 Sheldrake Lane, located in New Rochelle, overlooking a lake (Sheldrake Environmental Center), designed by Mckim, Meade & White for one of its attorneys, and offering 6 fireplaces, 7 bedrooms, 7.2 baths, an outdoor basketball/sports court, an indoor half basketball court, a huge gym all with views of the beautiful lake. The home features an infinity pool that blends seamlessly with the lake, a waterfall, a putting green, and did I mention the master bathroom and huge office/family room features radiant heated floors? Kayaking, swimming, fishing and non-motorized boating all available at the lake, and of course there are no storm surges as there are no tides to contend with –  just the tranquility and privacy of the location.

444575-1024whSoon to be featured in the Journal news Real Estate Section, and on LXTV Open House on Channel 4, this home, located on 1.79 of an acre (including riparian rights), is listed at 5.4.Million. Just 30 minutes to New York City, and beautifully renovated….

http://loginlax.rapmls.com/Menu.aspx?hidMLS=WCTY&SID=efd6182a-29c8-4681-aae2-0e0bd33ce8d5

New Rochelle is GREAT!

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Mark the Date! PAWS for a HEART – June 13th, 2013 – New Rochelle Humane Society Fundraising Event

paws for a heart 001

The New Rochelle Humane Society’s Fundraising event this year will be at the Glen Harbour Club, Glen Island Park , 299 Weyman Avenue, New Rochelle on June 13th.  Starting at 6:30 p.m.  for Hors D’Oeuvres and cocktails, a Silent Auction, with dinner commencing at 7:15  with a live auction & Support the Help Heal Fund.

While entitled the New Rochelle Humane Society, did you know that the shelter offers animal rescue services to  19 communities  in Westchester County  including Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Elmsford, Greenburgh, Harrison, Hartsdale, Hastings, Irvington, Larchmont, Mamaroneck, Town of Mamaroneck, New Rochelle, Pelham, Pelham Manor, Rye, Rye Brook, Scarsdale and Tarrytown? Only 50% of the Humane Society is funded, and so it has always relied upon the good will and nature of others to make donations, and assist in fund raising.

This no-kill shelter offers love, training and compassion to these wonderful animals and just seeks to find them all their forever home with a loving family.  “It offers a transitional home for stray, lost, abandoned, injured, and abused animals, until they can ultimately be placed in loving permanent homes” as quoted from the Human Society’s web site. I adopted a dog (Binky) last year, and I can attest to the fact that our little pooch has brought us so much joy in our home.Binky

It promises to be a fun event, a great evening, and is honoring Animal Advocate and Today Show Correspondent , Jill Rappaport. I hope to see you there!

Westchester is GREAT!

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