Courtesy Of The Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors

Westchester and Putnam Counties, New York

http://www.WestchesterCountyRealEstateMarket.com

The surge of sales activity in 2010 resulting from the stimulus of the federal home buyers tax credit program failed to spill over into 2011. Rather, in Westchester County last year, as reported by Realtor brokerages participating in the Empire Access Multiple Listing Service, the total 6,194 closed residential sales were 6.0% fewer than in 2010. Single family house sales were off by 4.4%, condominiums by 10.9%, and cooperatives by 8.5%. Putnam County house sales differed by only one unit from 2010.

Considering the fourth quarter of 2011 alone, there was a marked increase in the sales volume for co-ops which was up 20.1% from last year, but the single family house sector continued to disappoint with a volume 5.0% below last year’s sales. Seasonally adjusted

the fourth quarter’s rate of overall residential sales was 4.9% slower than the third quarter’s rate, and within the single family house sector, 11.0% slower.

Prices trended downward, too. The fourth quarter median

sale price of a single family house in Westchester was $525,000 - 8.9% lower than a year ago, and the lowest median for any quarter since 2002. Some of that decrease in the median was attributable to a fall-off in the proportion of high-end ($1,000,000+) sales which accounted for only 13.7% of total sales whereas 16% or more has been the fourth quarter norm of the past several years. Most of the decrease, however, was simply the result of weak demand that prompted price concessions from sellers.

The largest fourth quarter price decrease took place in the cooperative unit sector, where the median sale price of a Westchester co-op was $146,000, down 15.2% from a year ago. But as noted above, the co-op sector also enjoyed a large increase in the number of fourth quarter sales, suggesting that this sector may have finally found the price points that generate traffic.

That conjecture is bolstered by the fact that co-ops were the only residential sector to post a year-end increase in inventory, albeit a small one at 2.7%. Typically in this region, an improving market encourages potential sellers to list their properties, and thus contrary to classic supply and demand theory, inventory actually increases even as sales volume increases too.

The opposite happens when the market is seen to be uncertain or soft: sellers withdraw their listings and inventory decreases as a result. Unlike the co-op sector this year, the single family, multifamily and condominium sectors all posted reduced inventories from 2010, suggesting a continuing lack of enthusiasm by consumers to enter the real estate market, at least not for these more expensive housing types.

The reported fourth quarter closings largely reflected listing and marketing activity that took place in the summer and early autumn months of 2011. Some of the major forces affecting real estate at that time were pushing in different directions – and still are. For example, mortgage interest rates in mid-2011 were trending downwards and had dropped below an average 5.0% rate for 30-year conventional loans.

That average just recently dipped below 4.0% and in theory should be making housing much more affordable, especially for moderate income and first-time buyers. Yet there is convincing anecdotal evidence from Realtors in our region that the benefit of low rates is increasingly negated by tougher qualification ratios, required higher credit scores, and slower processing by lenders. Overly conservative appraisals are said to be impairing transactions too.

Consumer confidence in the economy also plays a major role in the decision to buy or sell real estate. In July and August of 2011 consumers were confronted with a scary display of extreme volatility in the equity markets, largely brought on by a sovereign debt crisis in Europe, a surprise circumstance that probably had not been on the average person’s economic worry list. Will there be more of that?

Another confidence-sapping economic condition is the painfully slow improvement in the job market. Westchester and Putnam Counties are among the six counties with the lowest unemployment rates in New York, around 6.3%. But at the same time, the improvement over the course of 2011 was only around three-tenths of a percent – hardly enough to impart a sense of economic security for households contemplating a home purchase.

Perhaps the greatest erosion of confidence is of political origin, in the sense that there are no undisputed plans in place as to how the economy is to be managed, hence consumers don’t know what to expect, and they hunker down, postponing any decision making of consequence such as home buying.

If that is true, then we’ll have to wait for elections to establish a firm action agenda for recovery, and the local real estate market in 2012 will look pretty much like 2011 as to sales volumes and prices, unless still deeper price reductions bring on a burst of sales such as appears to have been the case with co-ops in the fourth quarter.

The Empire Access Multiple Listing Service, Inc. (EAMLS) is a subsidiary of the Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors, Inc., the latter of which is pending a name change to Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors, Inc. EAMLS serves more than 880 real estate offices having listings in Bronx, Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess Counties. All data tables refer to Westchester County sales unless expressly noted otherwise. The reported transactions do not include all real estate sales in the area or all sales assisted by the participating offices but they are fairly reflective of general market conditions.

EAMLS does not provide data on sub-county geographic areas. Persons desiring sub-county data are invited to contact participating real estate offices in the desired areas. Any text or data from this report may be reprinted with attribution to Empire Access Multiple Listing Service, Inc. as the source. Prior reports dating back to 1981 are available on the Realtor Association’s website, www.wpar.com; click on Market Statistics. A membership directory searchable by municipality is also available on that site.

1

The seasonally adjusted rate is an annualized rate for a given quarter. It represents what the total sales volume would be for the whole year based on the quarter’s customary share of total annual sales.

2

The median sale price is the mid-point of all reported sales, i.e., half of the sales were for more than the median price and half were for less. The median is not affected by unusually low or high sale prices. The mean sale price is the arithmetic average, i.e., the sum of all sales prices divided by the number of sales. The mean does reflect the influence of sales at unusually low or high prices.

Anybody can sell cupcakes but it's what makes yours stand apart from the rest that counts.Welcome to the "sweetest" place in Rye, 350 Classic Bakeshop.Founded by Rye resident and veteran chef Keyes Clemmer, 350 Classic Bakeshop is a culmination of her dreams and lifelong goals.The space is located at 30 Elm Place, Rye NY 10580 914.967.2379 and boasts a clean, chic interior & facade. Once you enter, Keyes infectious smile welcomes you and then the aroma of her scrumptious offerings sets in. The bakeshop staples "Classic Vanilla", "ClassicChocolate", "350 Velvet", "350 Kids", and "Sweet Birthday" are always on hand.In addition there are daily special such as "Banana Caramel, "Chocolate fudge Marshmallow, "Peanut Butter Nutella, and my personal favorite..."Banana French Toast w/ a Blueberry Reduction & Cream Cheese Frosting"!

To find out what the daily specials are "Like"the 350 Classic Bakeshop Facebook fan page or visit the website.The staff is personable, friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help with a smile.They truly embody what exceptional customer service is all about.

All Cupcakes are baked on the premises and if you feel like having a small birthday party there you can. Please keep in mind, as much advance notice that you can give the shop will only help them serve you more efficiently.Keyes has taken the shop concept one step further and added a cozy party area for the kids or adult kids to bake and decorate their own goodies. Cooking Classes, fun Novelty Items, and off-site Party Catering are also available. For more info on menu, pricing, and complete list of services please visit www.350classicbakeshop.com.350 Classic Bakeshop is not just a cupcakery but a complete experience!

Since my real estate office is in Tarrytown I often get asked about the proposed Tappan Zee Brige project. There have been may ideas tossed around and I felt the need to attach the initial Environmental Impact Statement for your reading pleasure. This statement examines the impact of the plan on the areas involved and ways to mitigate the problems. You can either click on the link below or copy/paste the URL in your browser to open the statement. If you have any other questions regarding the Tappan Zee Bridge Project pleasse feel free to reach out to me directly.

http://www.tzbsite.com/tzbsite_2/deis_2.html

Selling a home in Westchester County? Here are some tips that will make your life a little easier when listing, presenting, and showing your home.

1) Hire A Professional - Most people selling a home in Westchester Countydon't know where to begin. Working with a professional will lighten your load and ensure the property will be properly marketed and priced. Selling on your own can work, and does, but there are many important marketing tools you will miss out on. Websites such as Realtor.com and the local MLS are extremely important because the local agents will most likely not know about your property if it's not in the MLS. Another important factor is understanding how and where buyers search. If you don't know this information how can you effectively market your home?

2) Detach Your Emotions - This is tough because most people selling a home in Westchester County are attached to it. If you have made the conscious decision to sell then you are halfway through the process of detaching. Don't be offended if buyers have negative things to say, everybody has an opinion. Instead try to take the feedback and see if there is anyway to improve the home. The sales activity in your immediate marketplace plays a big part in what a buyer will most likely offer on your home. We can't avoid the facts, so hopefully the state of the market will work for you rather then against you. Keep this in mind and hopefully the next buyer will love the home as much as you do.

3) Be Honest & Disclose Where Necessary - Some sellers make the mistake of trying to hide things. Work with your professional to understand what needs to be disclosed by law and what doesn't. If you think something might be an issue before listing your home then correct it. The less you give buyers to gripe about in the beginning the better. Make sure any and all work permits are in order if you've done work to the home otherwise it will haunt you in the end and could stall your transaction.

4) Don't Hover When The House Is Being Shown - Many sellers want to stick around to see what a buyer is saying about their home. Give the buyer space, if they get uncomfortable it can end the showing abruptly. You want to the buyer to spend as much time as possible getting a feel for your home, buying a home is an emotional experience. That takes us to our fifth and final tip

5) Stage Your Home - You get one chance for a first impression. When a buyer enters a home they go on how it makes them feel. If the home has a consitant flow then it will be more inviting. Keep the senses in mind, pleasant smells, appealing to the eye, and flow are most important. There are simple fixes that can make a world of difference and cost nothing!

New York City restaurant week is right around the corner, Jan 16th-Feb 10th 2012 (Mon-Fri). Be sure to take advantage of some great deals in the many restaurants participating. Here is the link to the complete guide http://www.nycgo.com/restaurantweek. Hudson Valley Restaurant week begins March 18 and ends March 31st, 2012.

January tour Dates - 6th, 13th, 20th, & 27th.

Raw Life Food Co-op (913 South Street, Peekskill, NY) is a member owned and operated store, in order to join you need to meet one of our guides. They are usualy avalaible on Friday at 11 am and 5.30 pm at the store. For any other time or day, please email touring@rawlifefoodco-op.com. For more info before your visit look at our web site www.rawlifefoodco-op.com.

Originally started in the basement of a founding member, Raw Life is a cooperative, a member-owned and operated food store.Members pitch in and perform the necessary jobs to run the coop (only 3 hours per month – less than one would imagine) so that prices stay affordable.They strive to provide the highest quality organic and natural foods, at the best possible prices, and are looking to reach out to Peekskill and surrounding communities.More members will allow Raw Life Food Co-op to grow their fresh produce and grocery options and increase the savings for all members.

As of Friday these places still have availability....Nothing is guaranteed though...

Chappaqua. Crabtree's Kittle House. Main Dining Room. 914-666-8044. www.kittlehouse.com.Five-course tasting menu with lobster and truffles, oysters and caviar, filet mignon and venison. Will run through midnight with open bar and music. Live music, dancing, midnight champagne toast. Seating at 9:30, 9:45 and 10 p.m. Prix-fixe cost including petits fours and coffee: $125 per person.

Chappaqua. Crabtree's Kittle House. Atrium Carriage Room. 914-666-8044. www.kittlehouse.com.Theme: Studio 54 today. Buffet dinner featuring classic dishes from great New Year City restaurants of the 1970s and 1980s. Disco dance music by D.J. Brendan of '70s and '80s. Open bar, wine and champagne, midnight champagne toast. Seating at 9 and 9:30 p.m. Prix-fixe cost: $125 per person.

C

ortlandt. Cortlandt Colonial. 914-739-3900. www.cortlandtcolonail.com. Five-course dinner including filet mignon and stuffed shrimp Newburg as main courses. Open bar. Viennese table. Coffee, tea and pastries. DJ: Ricardo Music Productions. champagne toast at midnight. fron 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Buffet breatfast at 1 a.m. Prix-fixe cost: $110 per person.

Dobbs Ferry. Half Moon. 914-693-4130. www.harvest2000.com.60-minute cocktail reception, four-course dinner including grilled filet mignon, crabmeat-stuffed sole filet and roast rack of lamb, open bar, live band, midnight champagne toast, continental breakfast to go. 8:45 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Prix-fixe cost: $150 per person.

Dobbs Ferry. Harper's. 914-693-2306. www.harpersonmain.com. Last seating will be at 10:30 p.m. The regular menu will be available plus specials. No entertainment is planned.

Dobbs Ferry. Orissa. 914-231-7800. www.orissany.com.A midnight champagne will be provided gratis. No entertainment. Last seating time: 10:45 p.m. Closing at 12:30 a.m. Regular dinner menu (modern and diversified Indian cuisine) is offered. Newly constructed bar and lounge. Regular menu available.

Dobbs Ferry. Sushi Mike's. 914-591-0054. www.sushimikes.com. Will stay open past midnight. Last time for dinner service is 12:30 p.m. Guests will receive a complimentary glass of champagne during dinner. The regular Japanese/sushi menu will be offered.

Hastings-on-Hudson. Chutney Masala at The Riverview. 914-591-5500. www.chutneymasala.com. "Hollywood Style New Year's Bash." Open bar/international cusine. Buffet, DJ. Dancing starts at 8 p.m. Prix-fixe cost: $70 per person (advance payment).

Hastings on Hudson. Harvest-on-Hudson. 914-478-2800. www.harvest2000.com.45-minute cocktail reception, four-course dinner including scaloppini of venison, wild black sea bass, and roasted rack of lamb, open bar, live band, dancing, midnight champagne toast, continental breakfast to go. 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Prix-fixe cost: $175 per person.

Irvington. Chutney Masala. (See listing under Hastings on Hudson above.)

Mohegan Lake. Augie's Prime Cut. 914-743-1357. www.augiesprimecut.com. Dinner, live music, midnight champagne and jeep give-away. We have received word that this restaurant is near to being fully booked for New Year's Eve.

Mohegan Lake. Piazza Roma. www.piazza-roma.com. Champagne toast. Buffet appetizers. Entrees include rib eye with stuffed shrimp and stuffed lobster tail. Dessert display at midnight. Cappuccino and expresso included. DJ: Hudson River Entertainment. Prix-fixe cost: $79.95 person.

Mount Kisco. F.A.B. www.fabbistro.com. Four-course dinner. Seating is available at 8:30 p.m. Midnight champagne toast, music and dancing. The Blond Ambition (band) will perform. Prix-fixe cost: $75 per person.

Peekskill. 12 Grapes. 914-737-6624. www.12grapes.com. Dinner and show includes a three-course prix fixe menu, three hours of live music and dancing and a Prosecco toast. Entertainment is provided by Duchess Di & the Distractions, an 8-piece band. 8:30 p.m. Prix-fixe cost: $95 per person.

Peekskill. Birdsall House. 914-366-7911. www.birdsallhouse.net. Prix-fixe tasting menu includes risotto, poached shrimp, poached sausage, pork roast, and chocolate truffles. Complimentary beer toast at midnight. From 10 to midnight: Draughts at $5 and well drinks at $5. Prix-fixe cost: $65 per person.

Peekskill. Peekskill Brewery. 914-734-2337. www.thepeekskillbrewery.com. the regular menu will be served followed by the "I Love the 90s Party." Dancing beginning at 10 p.m. DJ Anthony L provides entertainment. No cover charge.

Sleepy Hollow. Moon River Grill. 914-909-5380. www.moonrivergrill.com. Four-course, prix-fixe dinner includes appetizer, salad, entree and dessert. Appetizers: shrimp cocktail, oysters Florintine, vegetables Napoleon and coconut shrimp. Main courses: filet mignon, lobster tail, rack of lamp and cornish game hen. Last seating at 10:30 p.m. Prix-fixe cost: $65 per person.

Tarrytown. Chiboust. 914-703-6550. www.chiboust.com Prix-fixe menu. Live jazz with Chris Riesing beginning at 8 p.m. Champagne toast. Open to midnight. Prix-fixe cost: $85 per person.

Tarrytown. Equus at The Castle on the Hudson. 914-631-3646. www.castleonthehudson.com. A six-couse prix-fixe tasting dinner will be served to include tuna tartar, Langoustine, salmon trout, tenderoin "rossini," strawberry mousse and chocolate fondant. single seating at 8:45 p.m. Prix-fixe cost: $120 per person.

Tarrytown. Ruth's Chris Steakhouse (Westchester Marriott). 914-631-3311. www.ruthschris.com. The restaurant's "Classics Special' menu will be offered. Seating available beginning at 10:15 p.m. Last seating time: 11 p.m. Open past midnight. Prix-fixe cost: $40.95 per person.

Tarrytown. SB&G (Tarrytown Sheraton). 914-332-7900. www.sheratontarrytown.com.Traditional tavern food including steaks, seafood and burgers. Wood-burning fireplace. No entertainment. Meal service will be available until 11 p.m. Last call at the bar is at 1:30 a.m., closing time is 2 a.m. Regular menu available.

Tarrytown. Sunset Cove. 914-366-7889. www.sunsetcove.net. Regular menu available. Last seating: 10 p.m. No entertainment.

White Plains. Benjamin Steakhouse 914-428-6868. www.benjaminsteakhouse.com. Four-course dinner, live band and dancing. Open bar and midnight toast. Regular menu at regular prices is also available. Seating available at 9:30 p.m. Prix fixe cost: $195 per person.

White Plains. Black Bear Saloon and Wicked Wolf Tavern. Black Bear: 914-422-3270 and www.blackbearwp.com. Wicked Wolf: 914-428-3144 and www.wickedwolf.com. Doors open at 9 p.m. Open bar from 10 pm. to 1 a.m. Complimentary buffet and midnight champagne toast. Advance tickets no longer available via Internet. Tickets cost $50 per person. More tickets expected to be sold at the door. Check on availability.

White Plains. Elements Food & Spirits. 914-358-4930. www. elementswhiteplains.com. Open from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Food and drinks (except shots) included. Close to sold out. Tickets cost $65 per person.

White Plains. The Brazen Fox. 914-358-5911. www.thebrazenfox.com. Forty seats were left as this article was posted. Appetizers and snacks will be served from 9 to 11 p.m. Open bar with drinks served from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Location: downstairs party room. Cost: $75.

White Plains. The Melting Pot. 914-993-6358. www.meltingpot.com/whiteplains.Four-course dinner includes fondue selections. Entrees include filet mignon and surf (lobster tail, sesame Ahi tuna) and turf. Choice of single champagne toast or bottle of champagne or wine from list at $10 discount, framed free photo. Meal service: 5 p.m. to midnight. Prix-fixe cost: $80 per person.

1) Cookies and Clydesdales

When/Where: In front of Sleepy Hollow Village Hall, 28 Beekman Avenue. 6 to 8 p.m.

Why go? Clydesdale horses giving wagon rides and cookies and milk with Santa!

Price: Free.

2) Fairy Tales Come Alive at Lyndhurst

When/Where: Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown from 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Why Go: Twelve of the historic mansion’s 17 rooms will be decked out in fairy tale splendor—displays include “Beauty and the Beast,” “Cinderella,” “The Little Mermaid,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “The Wizard of Oz” and “The Nutcracker.” There will also be live music, free cookies and cider.

Price: Admission is $15 for adults and seniors; $6 for children ages 3-12; children under 3 are free. Call: 914-631-4481 x43234 for reservations, there is a $2 surcharge for purchasing tickets at the door.

3) Shopping at the The Winery at St. George in Mohegan Lake

When/Where: Thursday, December 15 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Winery at St. George, 1715 E. Main Street (Route 6), Mohegan Lake

Why Go: The Winery at St. George and Events To Remember have teamed up to create a fun and convenient shopping experience where you can get gifts for your loved ones as you enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres, tapas, music and wine tastings, along with complimentary door prizes. Some of the merchants include Doc James Cigars & Golf, Big Dog Sports, Pure Physique, Le Petite Spa, Premier Designs Jewelry, Laura Timmons presents Designer Handbags & Accessories, Yorktown Jewelers and Thyme Restaurant.

Price: Admission is free; open to everyone 21 and older. For more information call: 914-396-7664

4) When/Where: Friday, December 16, 6:30 p.m. at John Jay Middle School’s theater in Cross River

Why Go: This concert, organized by middle school teacher Jesse Weiss and Katonah Elementary School teacher Craig Jettelson, with support from the middle school and the PTO, benefits the Killian Mansfield Foundation. The foundation works "to empower children with cancer and other serious illnesses through integrative health care." Rock out with Jettelson and Weiss’ band, “Halfway to Sanity,” and hear vocals and instruments from 30 middle school students.

Price: Tickets $10

5) Tribes Hill’s 10th Annual Solstice Show

When/Where: Sunday, December 18, 3 p.m. at Beczak Environmental Education Center in Yonkers

Why Go: Celebrate the Winter Solstice with an interfaith gathering to mark the axial tilt of the earth’s polar hemisphere being farthest away from the sun (this year’s actual solstice is on December 22). This is a party with friends, potluck food and free beer from Captain Lawrence, the sponsor of the event. Enjoy musical performances by Tribes Hill, a nonprofit organization uniting musicians of the lower Hudson Valley.

Price: $10.00 suggested donation. Bring your own mug and a snack or contribution. For more information call: 914-377-1900 ext. 12

6) Candy Cane Run - Croton Falls Fire Department

When/Where: Sunday, December 18 from 12 noon-4 p.m.

Why Go: Santa will come to you! The Croton Falls Fire Department will be hosting its first annual Candy Cane Run where the man in red will be riding through town on one of the fire department's fire trucks, making many stops in the community. Santa will be available to greet kids and hand out candy canes.

Listen for the sirens at the times listed below for your street. 12:00-12:30 - Daniel Road, Sunset Drive, Ridgeway Ave, Alice Road, Westview Ave, Westview Cross Road 12:30-12:50 - Whip Mill Lane, Trotter Drive, Livery Lane, Cider Mill Lane, Horse Shoe Lane 1:00-1:20 - First Street, Main Street, Spur Street 1:30-1:50 - Fox Den Lane, Deer Run Court 2:00- 2:20 - Hill Top Drive, Raymond Road, Hunt Lane -2:30-2:50 - Bonnieview Street, Lake Street 3:00-3:20 - Lakeside Drive, Blackberry Hill Road, Rodeo Drive 3:30-3:50 - Delancy Road, Lakeview Road, Elizabeth Drive, Spring Hill Road -4:00-4:20 - Sun Valley Drive, Sun Valley Heights Drive

Price: Free

7) Santa Comes to Bedford

When/Where: Saturday, December 17, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m at Bedford Historical Society in Bedford

Why Go: Stop by the 1787 Historic Court House for a photo with Santa. Learn more about traditional ornaments and create your very own vintage ornament to take home while enjoying hot chocolate and homemade cookies.

Price: $10 fee per child includes all craft materials. Advance sign-up requested: 914- 234-9328

8) Cats

When/Where: This weekend: Friday, December 16 at 8 p.m. Saturday, December 17 at 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday, December 18 at 2 p.m. at The White Plains Performing Arts Center

Why Go: Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit musical "Cats is the holiday show of The White Plains Performing Art’s Center. The beloved production ran on the London stage for 21 years and for 18 years on Broadway. Take the family to hear songs like the mega-hit “Memories.”

Price: Tickets are $40

9) Spin and Knit In

When/Where: Saturday December 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center in Yorktown Heights

Why Go: Bring your knitting basket and join seasoned spinners and knitters to share tips and spinning stories, project ideas, and visit with friends new and old. All levels are welcome.

Price: Free, registration is required by contacting Teresa at Hayslope@optonline.net

10) Tea & Tour at Muscoot Farm

When/Where: Saturday, December 17 and Sunday, December 18 from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Muscoot Farm in Somers

Why Go: Stay cozy with a formal tea in the living room of the main house of Muscoot Farm after a tour of the upstairs.

Price: $15 per person, pre-registration required

11) No Child Left Inside

When/Where: Saturday, December 17 at 10 a.m. at Croton Point Nature Center in Croton-on-Hudson

Why Go: Westchester County Parks Department asks kids who might otherwise be indoors playing video games to come walk along the Hudson River.

Price: Free

12) Brunch with Grandma at The Big Apple Circus

When/Where: Sunday, December 18, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Lincoln Center Plaza in Damrosch Park, to the left of the Metropolitan Opera House

Why Go: It is holiday fun, circus style. Dine with Grandma the Clown from the Big Apple Circus while enjoying hilarity with clowns, let a face painter turn your cheeks into works of art and walk away with your very own Grandma Goody bag.

Price: $50, click for tickets and more information

13) Staged Reading of Dickens’s A Christmas Carol

When/Where: Sunday, December 18, 6-8:30 p.m. at the Katonah Museum of Art

Why Go: Holiday spirits seen and unseen will make their voices heard as the Katonah Museum of Art welcomes actors from the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival for a special staged reading of Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol. A post-Dickens feast and libations will follow the telling of this classic story about one Ebenezer Scrooge.

Price: Tickets are $50 and $35 for seniors and children under 12. Seating is limited and reservations are required

14) Handel Messiah Sing & Play Along in New Rochelle

When/Where: Sunday, December 18, 2 p.m. at the Holy Family Parish Church in New Rochelle

Why Go: For this annual sing and play along of Christmas Oratorio from Handel's Messiah, the Sound Shore Chorale—under the direction of Richard Slade—invites all singers and musicians who can read the score to bring their instrument and join in. Bring your own score, get it from the internet or use the music score that the chorale will provide.

Price: Admission is free. If you are a musician and intend to come, please call 914-636 1583 or email:soundshore@optonline.

15) Peekskill’s Pub & Grub Crawl

When/Where: Saturday, December 17, 7.p.m.-11:45 p.m. “Stella” the trolley will start pick-ups at 6:30 p.m.

Why Go: Peekskill businesses are inviting the community to eat, drink and be merry as part of the Peekskill Business Improvement District’s “Peekskill Makes Me Merry” campaign, of which thirty downtown stores, restaurants and bars are taking part.

On Saturday evening, revelers with a “Peekskill Makes Me Merry” button will enjoy discounts on food and drinks. (Pick up your button at the Chamber of Commerce.) Anyone dressed as Santa may receive additional discounted drinks, so dress in your Christmas best. And don’t worry about driving because Peekskill’s trolley Stella, all decked out for the occasion will play holiday music and is providing free transportation from stop to stop. For full Pub & Eat Crawl schedule, click here.

The home energy tax credits allowed by the government will expire December 31, 2011. Congress has not approved any extensions so take advantage of this while you still can.

The allowance for the tax credits that home owners may be eligible for include:

• $300 for electric heat pump water heaters, electric heat pumps, central air conditioners, biomass stoves, and natural gas, propane, or oil water heaters.
• $150 for natural gas, propane, oil furnace, or hot water boilers.
• $50 for advanced main air circulating fans.
• 10% of the cost of insulation and sealing materials, exterior doors and certain types of energy efficient roofs.
• 10% of the cost, up to $200, of exterior windows or skylights.

The New York State Association of REALTORS Housing Opportunities Foundation is once again offering $2,000 grants to first-time homebuyers for closing costs and/or down payment assistance. For an application and more info you can visit the link below. IKf you can't click on it just cut and paste it into your web browser.


http://www.nysarhousingfoundation.com/content/housing/GrantOpportunities.htm