Left to right, P.J. Stonsby delivers to the plate for Fox Lane. Catcher Logan Mammola blocks a throw at home against Horace Greeley. Danny Spolansky connects for the Foxes. Jim MacLean Photos By JIM MACLEAN Sometimes all it takes is a little change of scenery. It certainly helped the Fox Lane varsity baseball team as the Foxes traveled to Florida for spring break to take on rival Yorktown. Fox Lane had hit a little slump; a couple of games where the bats just couldn’t seem to find that big hit when the Foxes needed it. The result was a pair of losses with just one run scored, but it was a different story in Florida. The Foxes got hot at the right time, coming through with the big hits and scoring nine runs for a 9-5 win over the Huskers to improve to 4-2 overall on the season. “A good and much needed change of scenery,” admitted Fox Lane coach Matt Hillis. “The bats came alive. Frank Salvatorelli gave us what we needed as the starting pitcher and got the win, and Brady Hopkins came in and got the save. A good sign, the bigger hits definitely came through against Yorktown. Hopefully, a sign of good things to come and we can keep it going.” Against Yorktown, Fox Lane rallied to pull out the victory over the Huskers as the lineup came alive. Yorktown had come into the game with a 4-0 record, but the Foxes were ready to bounce back and show what the team can do at the plate with a veteran lineup that includes eight seniors already committed to play in college next year. Sean Singleton had a big game coming through with two hits and driving in two runs. “He’s a gamer,” Hillis said of Singleton, and his fast start at the plate for the Foxes. He wasn’t the only one as Jackson Carroll came through with two hits and two RBI, and senior All-Section slugger Will Rudolph did his usual damage at the plate with two hits and two RBI as well. It was just what the Foxes needed after a pair of losses where they couldn’t push the runs across the plate, suffering a 2-1 loss at Mahopac and then being shut out at home in a 3-0 loss to rival Horace Greeley. At home on April 9, hosting the Quakers, it was a pitchers’ duel as the two teams battled in a 0-0 tie through five innings. Fox Lane had its opportunities, but the Foxes ran up against two star pitchers on the mound for Greeley with University of Virginia commit Ben Schulman starting it off and University of Delaware commit Zach Bond finishing off the shutout in relief. “You’re not going to have a lot of chances against Schulman and Bond, and when we had our chances they rose to the occasion,” Hillis said of the Greeley pitchers. “They both pitched well. Two quality arms and you have to cash in on them when you get the chance.” Fox Lane had runners in scoring position the last three innings but could not push a run across the plate. In the bottom of the fifth, Carroll led off with a single and Danny Spolansky followed with a perfect bunt for an infield single. Andrew Diaz then did the job with a sacrifice bunt, putting runners on second and third with one out. Baseball is a game of inches and sometimes you get unlucky, as Logan Mammola then ripped a bullet down the third base line that was caught for a double play. Hopkins was up to the challenge on the mound for the Foxes shutting down the Quakers, but Greeley broke through for a run in the top of the sixth with a double and a sacrifice fly. The Quakers pushed two more runs across in the top of the seventh for a 3-0 lead. The Foxes tried to answer in the seventh as John Czernyk led off with a walk and Carroll lined another single to make it first and second with nobody out, but Bond shut the door and closed it out for the Quakers. Fox Lane returns from Florida with a busy week ahead with four games in six days. The Foxes start the week hosting Harrison on Monday, April 21, and then traveling to Harrison on Wednesday before returning home to host Tappan Zee on Friday and Mamaroneck on Saturday, April 26.

Lewisboro Elementary School. Jim MacLean photo By JEFF MORRIS At the April 10 Katonah-Lewisboro Board of Education meeting, board President Julia Hadlock responded to comments made at the previous meeting by Lewisboro Town Board member Richard Sklarin, who had asked for public forums regarding the future of the former Lewisboro Elementary School. Her response resulted in an extended discussion about the district’s universal pre-Kindergarten program. Hadlock referred back to the board’s Jan. 16 meeting, where board member Lorraine Gallagher had reported on the findings of the LES/Shady Lane Committee, which was initially formed to determine the future of both LES and the old district offices on Shady Lane. After having recommended demolition of the Shady Lane building, its charge was extended to give LES more consideration.  According to Gallagher, the committee’s plan is to maintain a third of the building, to fulfill most of the ideas that community members had come up with. These included Universal pre-K space; keeping the gym and allowing community use; having a multipurpose room; having fields available and “great outdoor space” to use; and possible solar arrays. The next step, she had said, would be to issue a request for proposals to obtain concrete numbers on what is needed to get the retained third of the building “where it needs to be” to be inhabited and “bring in new children in our growing pre-K program.” They then planned to look at costs for the rest of the building, and come back to the full board to give final numbers based on the RFPs. The former school on Bouton Road currently houses several town departments, including building, planning, zoning, and the tax assessor, as well as being used for the justice court, hearing room, and police headquarters. The town recreation department uses the gym. As far as Sklarin’s request for joint public meetings regarding LES, Hadlock said, “My sense is we have a plan that we’re moving forward with. Depending on what comes back from our architects in terms of proposals, we may feel the need to consider the other options and perhaps change course, but until that point I would think that we’re good with moving forward with the plan around the pre-kindergarten campus.” Universal pre-K Gallagher noted there had been a lot of public interest in the universal pre-K program so far, and Superintendent Ray Blanch said well over 100 parents had already expressed interest.  “It would be great to be able to have a space for everybody that wants to be in the program,” added Julia Drake, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.  Blanch said that’s the general target. He said they currently have one section of universal pre-K and will be up to three next year; the current thinking would add an additional five sections in the new space, for a total of eight. “We’d be getting very close to what we need to offer any parent that wanted [universal pre-K] services in the district, we would be able to provide that,” Blanch said. Trustee Bill Swertfager asked about the maximum number of students per classroom. Drake said 18, but that it depends on the square footage; she said they are going to have two classes of 16 and one of 14. Blanch noted that the dedicated dollars they get from the state can only be used for universal pre-K, so it “doesn’t negatively impact the budget by any means.” Trustee Marjorie Schiff asked how many students they can fund for universal pre-K right now. Drake said they have 44 students this year, based on the availability their partner had. She said they did not go out for an RFP again because they were happy with the provider, Country Children’s Center. “We were able to get two classrooms in the Vista location, and a classroom at the White House on 35 [in Katonah], so we’re up to 44,” Drake said. Schiff asked whether if the district shows expanded interest and space to accommodate the kids, New York State will follow with the dollars. “Lisa already has it in the budget,” said Blanch, referring to assistant superintendent for business Lisa Herlihy, “We can’t access it until we show we have kids in those seats.” Herlihy said that was the confusing thing in the budget: “It looks like we’re getting more aid than we actually are; our allocation for UPK is approximately 160 school students it would fund seats for.” She said there is a set amount they are allocated per student; Hadlock confirmed 160 is the capacity they would have. Centralized location The state mandates a lottery for the pre-K program. Hadlock said over 100 people signed up for the lottery last year, and she would assume there were people who didn’t sign up but might do so if there was more general availability. “In thinking about where our current location is in the layout of the district,” said Blanch, “by having this as a very centralized space, absolutely I believe we’ll be able to drive more people to say ‘oh yeah, I’m interested for sure.’” Hadlock agreed that a central location would draw more interest. Hadlock reiterated that in terms of public conversations about the LES property, the board has discussed it, and Town Supervisor Tony Gonçalves can reach out to the superintendent. “We’ve had meetings with Tony many times in town,” said Blanch, who said they are trying to coordinate timing. “We also know that as we get closer, our team is going to want to internally go and start taking some parts of the building off line.” He said they will know more when they get the RFPs back and have a better idea of the costs. Blanch also noted that by having the building used for educational purposes moving forward, they will be able to get state aid to help with the project.

Chart shows how many minutes are lost or gained in special subjects through a change from a four- to five-day elementary cycle. The Board of Education was presented with five variations of a new fox mascot design to be used by Fox Lane sports teams, and asked to choose three finalists. The board preferred A1, B and B1. Students will vote for their choice from those three. By JEFF MORRIS The Bedford Central Board of Education engaged in discussion of Superintendent Robert Glass’s proposed budget at their April 9 meeting, which was a three-hour affair. The proposed budget totals $160,965,500. The allowable tax levy cap is 3.44 percent, and the levy increase is 2.99 percent, or 0.45 percent below cap; the use of appropriated fund balance is $464,018. While again presenting a very positive overall picture, in which he noted that the district is in a stable budget position and proposed adding components in this budget cycle, not reducing programs as they had in the past, Glass nonetheless provided a list of items that he suggested the board might consider eliminating if they were uncomfortable with the level of spending, along with the savings for each. The reason, Glass noted in his presentation, is that worldwide economic developments since the superintendent’s budget was presented may significantly impact future economic assumptions. In a more detailed explanation, he said, “Due to recent worldwide economic events or other reasons,” should the BOE deem it necessary to remove items from the superintendent’s budget to reduce the planned use of fund balance, “one sample scenario (although not recommended) would reduce the use of Fund Balance from $465K to $250K.” As in his previous presentations, Glass said he believed that in the scale of a budget of this size, they are very close to “budget even,” and pointed out they have “added to reserves by about $7M over the last 5 years.” He went on, “Recent events could play out in a number of ways that are difficult to predict, and should any challenges be extreme or prolonged, the actions we would need to take would not be sufficient within the scale of one budget cycle.” One of the items he suggested the board might choose to remove is $120,000 to change to a five-day elementary school rotation. The five-day rotation, as summarized, would provide compliance with state-mandated physical education minutes; provide an avenue for delivering more health curriculum at the elementary level by qualified health and PE teachers; provide some space for art and music teachers (split between buildings) to deliver important whole school and personalized experiences to students; result in a 20 percent reduction in total music and art classroom time; and make scheduling and coordinating with mandated services easier and more predictable. The board spent considerable time discussing this, and seemed to come down on the side of maintaining a four-day rotation, not so much because of the savings, but because of the relative merits of the elements involved in a change. During a later public comment period, several parents criticized the five-day proposal because it would reduce art and music time. Other items Glass highlighted for the board’s consideration for possible removal are $20,000 to add a junior varsity boys B soccer team, and $75,000 for a dual language bilingual education and special education review and initial actions.  There was also considerable discussion about an $85,000 expenditure, after aid, for a district safety coordinator, for which Glass suggested three options, which differ in whether there would be aid available, whether they would be civil service positions, and whether retired law enforcement officers would be likely to fill the position. Attention was again given to expending $65,000, after aid, for the Northwell Adolescent Mental Health Clinic, as well as $120,000 for an additional English for Speakers of Other Languages teacher at Mount Kisco Elementary School. Glass noted that an elementary ESOL teacher position was reduced about 10 years ago, and SOL student-teacher ratios have increased at MKES over the 10-year span; ESOL is viewed as a mandated service that must be appropriately staffed. Despite having lengthy discussions about most of these items and other possible additions, the board did not reach any definitive conclusions, though board President Gilian Klein was hoping to arrive at a definitive number ahead of their April 23 meeting, when they plan to adopt the budget. Linda Carlin, the interim assistant superintendent for business, said she could set up her computer at that meeting so that whatever choices they made would be reflected and the impact shown on various budget elements. Klein said it was important that they be able to have accurate updated figures for the budget resolution and any proposition they adopted. Possible additional board meeting The board discussed the logistics of holding an additional meeting separate from that on Wednesday, April 23, if needed. Klein said the issue is the need to have a public discussion of Phase 2 of the bond project, which she said covers roughly $30 million, and “award those contracts that have gone out to bid, as well as discuss alternatives.” Trustee Steven Matlin said they do not yet know how extensive that discussion will have to be, because they will not learn the amounts of the bids that have come in until a meeting of the Construction Committee that will take place April 21. Matlin said he thought it was safe to say they will be under the budgeted amount, “though not guaranteed.” He said it is a complicated puzzle to put together, with multiple variables involving the lawyers, contractors, and bid requirements. Klein said she saw a value in separating this out from the same meeting when they will be voting on the budget. After considering their options and figuring out every board member’s availability, they decided to schedule a meeting for Thursday, April 24, at 7 p.m., at which only four members will be present, but which will allow full attention to be paid to the issue. Whether the meeting will need to be held will not be known until after the project manager advises them of the bid situation at the construction meeting of the 21st; if the situation is not complicated, they will add it to the agenda on April 23 and cancel the next day’s meeting.

Here's a selection of area events, activities and programs of interest beginning April 18. FRIDAY, APRIL 18 “People: Looking at Representation in Art.” Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; poundridgelibrary.org . The Bruce Museum hosts this program that will explore portraiture and figural representations. Participants will explore the process from different viewpoints, experience figurative artwork and create their own self portrait. From 2 to 3 p.m. “Women Through Women.”  Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; poundridgelibrary.org . The opening exhibit brings together the work of female artists  from Westchester and Connecticut, honoring the power of the female form. From 3 to 5 p.m. Through May 10. Cydney Chase.  Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org . A performance by singer-songwriter and Cydney Chase; 7 p.m. Paul Revere’s Ride.  Rochambeau Farm, 214 West Patent Road, Mount Kisco; johnjayhomestead.org . Commemorate the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s ride with a reading of Longfellow’s “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere.” Family-friendly event with pizza, beverages, and 18th-century games. From 5 to 7 p.m. SATURDAY, APRIL 19 Rochambeau Farm Easter Egg Hunt. Rochambeau Farm, 214 West Patent Road, Mount Kisco; rochambeaufarmny.com . Music, food, photos with the Easter bunny, and more. Various age group slots from 10 a.m. through noon. Sakura Celebration. Hammond Museum & Japanese Stroll Garden, 28 Deveau Road, North Salem;   hammondmuseum.org . Celebrate the cherry blossom trees, hear and write poetry inspired by them and learn about their meaning in Japanese culture. Lewisboro Bunny & Lion.  Lewisboro Town House, 11 Main St., South Salem; lewisbororecreation.com . Stop by to visit, grab a photo and goodie bag. From 12:30 to 1:30. Cold Reads & Coffee.  Arc Stages, 147 Wheeler Ave., Pleasantville; arcstages.org . “Rotterdam,” a queer play reading circle; 11 a.m. Town of Bedford Shredder.  343 Railroad Ave., Bedford Hills; bedfordny.gov . The company can shred paper, paper clips, rubber bands, staples, and black clips. They cannot shred three-ring binders or anything that is non-paper. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Demystifying Medicare.  Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahlibrary.org . Help for anyone trying to navigate Medicare for yourself or others. From 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Birch Beer Make & Taste.  Hilltop Hanover Farm & Environmental Center, 1271 Hanover St., Yorktown Heights; hilltophanoverfarm.org . Learn how this old-fashioned soda gets made, starting with the tapping process, and try some farm-fresh birch beer in this interactive program. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Dreamgirls.”  White Plains Performing Arts Center, 11 City Place White Plains; wppac.com . A Motown girl’s group rise to stardom; 7:30 p.m. Through May 4. Egg Hunt for Wolves .  Wolf conservation Center on Sunday, April 20. SUNDAY, APRIL 20 Egg Hunt for Wolves.  Wolf conservation Center, 7 Buck Run, South Salem; nywolf.org . L earn about the mythology, biology and ecology of wolves in North America and then join in an egg-hunt with a twist. Instead of looking for eggs, guests will enjoy watching Ambassador Wolves Nikai and Silas eat eggs. From 2 to 3:30 p.m. MONDAY, APRIL 21 A Mother Earth Day Celebration.  Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville; burnfilmcenter.org . This special event honoring the planet and its stewards brings together environmental changemakers, thought leaders, and artists for a night of short film screenings, panel discussion, love music and a cocktail reception; TUESDAY, APRIL 22 The Science Behind Climate Change.  Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem; lewisborolibrary.org . The Lewisboro Sustainability Committee leads this presentation on the science behind the current climate change, followed by a Q&A. From 7 to 8 p.m. Poetry Reading.  Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org . Join us for an evening of readings and conversation with writers as they share their work and discuss their process. The event begins with a wine and cheese reception at 6 p.m., followed by the readings and a Q&A session. “Screenagers Next Chapter.”  Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, CT, ridgefieldplayhuse.org . Addressing mental health in the digital age. Following the screening, a panel will discuss the film and provide insight; 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23 Climate: How We Got Here. Bedford Playhouse, 633 Old Post Road, Bedford; bedfordplayhouse.org . Author Bob Reiss will share his stories and thoughts on global warming and take questions; 7 p.m. CPR Workshop for Bystanders . Lewisboro Library, Designed for individuals with no prior medical experience, this hands-on session will teach participants how to recognize cardiac arrest, perform CPR, save a choking person, and respond confidently in emergencies; 7 p.m. Open Mic Night.  Bedford Hills train station, bedfordny.gov . Choose your time slot, show your talent; 7 p.m. Jewish Film Festival.   Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville; burnfilmcenter.org . Opening night of the film festival presents “Elie Weisel: Soul on Fire.” Followed by discussion and cocktail reception; 7 p.m. Festival runs through April 29. THURSDAY, APRIL 24 “Shirley Valentine.” Whippoorwill Hall, North Castle Library, 19 East Whippoorwill Road, Armonk ; katonahclassicstage.com .   Shirley is an unassuming housewife who dreams of escape and wonders what happened to the cavalier girl she once was. Performances through May 4. Community Blood Drive.  South Salem Fire Department at 1190 Route 35, South Salem. Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps is teaming up with the SSFD to encourage community members to roll up their sleeves and donate blood to help save lives. From 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Craft and Connect: Experimental Painting. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St., Katonah; katonahmuseum.org . KMAA artist Allyson Montana leads this painting workshop introducing tools and techniques to transform familiar images into abstracted compositions, inspired by the artworks of Ali Banisadr. From 5:30 to &;30 p.m. Community Table.  The Meadows, private residence, details provided at registration; mountkiscofoodpantry.org . The Mount Kisco Interfaith Food Pantry’s signature fundraising event,   The Community Table represents our collective intention to come together in support of those facing food insecurity. From 6 to 9 p.m. FRIDAY, APRIL 25 Katonah Chili Cook-Off.  Bedford Hills Community House, 74 Main St., Bedford Hills; katonahchamber.org . The 16th annual event for the entire family. From 6 to 9 p.m. Fourth Fridays.   4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill; peekskillpride.org . The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Hudson Valley hosts a  free monthly social group for LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies  in grades nine to 12. Dinner, games, activities, new friends in a relaxed and safe space. From 5:30 to 7:30. SATURDAY, APRIL 26 Earth Day Festival with Bedford 2030. Bedford  Village Memorial Park, Greenwich Road, Bedford; bedford2030.org . Music, food, nature, crafts and full for the whole family. From noon to 4 p.m. Favorite Poem Day.  Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahlibrary.org . Listen to local luminaries celebrate National Poetry Month; 1 p.m. An Adventure in Verse with Ira Joe Fisher . Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; poundridgelibrary.org . Fisher will read from his latest book of poetry, “The Birth of Snow,” but also will include poems from other poets. From 3 to 4 p.m. Katonah Spring Art Walk.   katonahchamber.org . Live music in the town gazebo, stroll the art galleries and shops. From 3 to 7 p.m. Spring Into Nature.  Darien Nature Center, 120 Brookside Road, Darien, Conn.; dariennaturecenter.org . A family-friendly Earth Day celebration with animals, puppets, crafts, music and more. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Ridgefield Senior Spectacular Expo.  Ridgefield Parks & Recreation, 195 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, Conn.; ridgefieldcoaseniorexpo.eventbrite.com . This event is designed to emphasize healthy aging, showcasing services and products tailored to the interests and unique needs of seniors. From noon to 4 p.m. Rosen House Tour.   Caramoor, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah; caramoor.org . Listed on the National Register of Historic Places , our guides will highlight the home’s evolution, design, rare artworks and artifacts. Tours at 11 a.m., noon, 1 and 2 p.m. SUNDAY, APRIL 27 Brentano String Quartet. Caramoor, 149 Girdle Ridge Road, Katonah; caramoor.org . The Brentano Quartet will perform Haydn and Brahms alongside the debut of a masterpiece by the Chinese American composer, Lei Liang; 3 p.m. Annual Rummage Sale . Katonah Presbyterian Church, 31 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahpresbyterian.org . Donations from noon to 5 p.m. An Eco Afternoon.  Pound Ridge Square, 55 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; poundridgepartnership.org . Live music, kids activities, food, giveaway, demos and sustainability.  Westchester Mac & Cheese Festival.  Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; countycenter.biz . For lovers of the cheese. From 1 to 5 p.m. Mark Cosgrove & Good Medicine.  Westchester Bluegrass club, 33 Lake Way, Purdys; westchesterbluegrassclub.com . Cosgrove is known for his distinctive flatpicking guitar style. Doors open at 3 p.m. Open Mic at 3:30 p.m., show at 4 p.m. MONDAY, APRIL 28 “Le Nozze Di Figaro. Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, Conn.; ridgefieldplayhouse.org . Metropolitan Opera encore in HD. Mozart’s timeless comedy; 12:55 p.m.  Annual Rummage Sale . Katonah Presbyterian Church, 31 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahpresbyterian.org . Outside sale, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. “Nickel Boys.”  Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem; lewisborolibrary.org . Based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead. From 1 to 3 p.m. TUESDAY, APRIL 29 Annual Rummage Sale . Katonah Presbyterian Church, 31 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahpresbyterian.org . Outside sale, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 2 Marc Black Band.  Jazz on Main, 37 South Moger Ave., Mount Kisco; jazonmain.com The one and only Marc Black Band, an ensemble that thrives on the fusion of diverse musical genres, electrifying performances, and a commitment to storytelling through music; 7 p.m. SATURDAY, MAY 3 Katonah Spring Clean-Up Day. Meet in front of the Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahVIS.com . Families welcome. Disposable gloves, garbage bags, vests, and route maps will be provided. Refreshments and prizes for the kids. From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Legislator Erika Pierce.  Pound Ridge Library, 271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; poundridgelibrary.org . Coffee and conversation with the county legislator. From 10 to 11 a.m. Pluck & Rail.  Lewisboro Library, 15 Main St., South Salem; lewisborolibrary.org . The Nightclub@Lewisboro presents the music of  George Gierer   and   Andrew Sussman; 7:30 p.m. LIBRARIES Bedford Free Library.  32 Village Green, Bedford; bedfordfreelibrary.org . Bedford Hills Free Library . 26 Main St., Bedford Hills; bedfordhillsfreelibrary.org . Katonah Village Library.  26 Bedford Road, Katonah; katonahlibrary.org . Pound Ridge Library.  271 Westchester Ave., Pound Ridge; poundridgelibrary.org . MUSEUMS Bruce.  1 Museum Drive, Greenwich, Conn.; brucemuseum.org . The Bruce Museum is a community-based, world-class institution highlighting art, science and natural history in more than a dozen changing exhibitions annually.  Dia Beacon.  3 Beekman St., Beacon; diaart.org . Located in a former Nabisco box-printing factory, presenting a collection of art from the 1960s to the present. Hudson River Museum.  511 Warburton Ave., Yonkers; hrm.org . The largest cultural institution in Westchester County with galleries, planetarium, amphitheater and educational spaces. Katonah Museum of Art.  134 Jay St., Katonah; katonahmuseum.org . “Jonathan Becker: Lost Time.” The exhibition commemorates 40 years of the artist’s vision, spanning Becker’s formative period in Paris as a protégé of Brassaï through his career working with the most iconic figures across contemporary culture, this exhibition provides intimate access to one of the leading figures in contemporary photography. Lyndhurst Mansion.  635 South Broadway, Tarrytown; lyndhurst.org . Lyndhurst, also known as the Jay Gould estate, is a gothic revival house that sits in its own 67-acre park beside the Hudson River.  Neuberger Museum of Art.  735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase; neuberger.org . Ongoing exhibits. Westchester Children’s Museum . 100 Playland Ave., Rye, discoverwcm.org . Interactive, with places to build, create, explore and discover. STEAM-based exhibits offer opportunities for playful learning for children of every age group and learning style. FARM MARKETS Gossett Brothers Nursery.  1202 Route 35, South Salem; gossettbrothers.com . Vendors offer farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, fish, meat, butter, baked goods, local honey, and prepared food, Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., outdoors rain or shine. Pleasantville Farmers Market.  10 Memorial Plaza, Pleasantville;  pleasantvillefarmersmarket.org . The Market hosts 60 vendors selling a variety of fresh greens, meats, dairy items, root crops, apples, prepared foods and more. Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. PARKS Croton Gorge Park.  35 Yorktown Road, Croton-on-Hudson; parks.westchestergov.com . The 97-acre park at the base of the New Croton Dam is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Croton Point Park.  1 Croton Point Ave., Croton-on-Hudson; parks.westchestergov.com . The 508-acre park situated on a peninsula on the east shore of the Hudson River is open seven days a week, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. John Jay Homestead.  400 Jay St., Katonah; johnjayhomestead.org . Visitors may explore the 62-acre park and seven gardens. Open daily, sunrise to sunset. Teatown Lake Reservation.  1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining; teatown.org . The trails on the 1,000-acre nature preserve and education center are open daily, dawn to dusk. Dogs on leashes are allowed. Ward Pound Ridge Reservation . 6 Reservation Road, Cross River; friendsoftrailside.org . The 4,315-acre park has varied terrain with miles of wooded trails. The Trailside Nature Museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays-Saturdays. Westmoreland Sanctuary . 260 Chestnut Ridge Road, Mount Kisco; westmorelandsanctuary.org . A 640-acre nature preserve with 7.5 miles of hiking trails. The preserve and Nature Center are free and open to the public seven days a week. The Nature Center has live animals, educational exhibits, with a variety of outdoor environmental education programs for all ages.

By NEAL RENTZ The Lewisboro Planning Board came to a unanimous consensus Tuesday to instruct town staff to prepare a resolution for the reapproval proposal from Copia Home and Garden. The board will consider this resolution to approve the application for reapproval of the site development plan for unfinished improvements to the existing garden center located at 475 Smith Ridge Road, South Salem, and its planting operations on an adjacent tax parcel at its next meeting Tuesday, May 20. The project was originally approved by the planning board in 2017. Architect David Coffin told the planning board that the pandemic “really shut things down.”  In his Feb. 22 letter, Coffin stated that representatives of his client met with town officials and consultants in March 2022 to discuss open work items and the need to resubmit the application to the planning board.  “Planning board reapproval was required to renew the expired building permit and complete all open work improvements,” Coffin stated in his letter. Board Chair Janet Andersen said at this week’s meeting, April 15, that the Westchester County Department of Health stated in a memorandum that the Farmer’s Grind, a take-out food establishment, with an apartment above the business, needed to address water quality issues at the site, located at 475 Smith Ridge Road. Simone Petromelis, an attorney representing the garden center, told the planning board this week that a young family currently occupies the apartment. The owner is working with the Department of Health and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to address this issue.    Coffin agreed to the instruction from Andersen to provide a floor plan of the take-out establishment, which has no seating.  The planning board agreed, with the applicant, to issue an approval addressing the nursery center, the Farmer’s Grind and the use of the adjacent parcel in a single resolution, rather than in phases. Planning board member Charlene Indelicato said she wanted the project to be approved all at once.  Town building inspector, Kevin Kelly, noted that the take-out facility received county Department of Health approval under different ownership in the 1960s, but he was not certain if that approval applies to the business today. Town staff will research to find out if the take-out facility is a change of use that would entail additional review by the planning board.  Restaurant parking plan approved Also at the meeting, the board voted unanimously to approve the proposal from Bacio Trattoria to amend its previous approval to reconfigure parking spaces on the restaurant site.   The board provided site development plan approval for the project in April 2024. The restaurant’s new plan is to reconfigure the new spaces. The request was made at the March 18 planning board meeting by Marcelo Alarcon, an engineer from Site Design Consultants.  The restaurant is located at 12 North Salem Road, Cross River. In his Feb. 25 letter to the planning board, project engineer Joseph Riina stated why his client wanted to reconfigure the new spaces.  “The changes are due to the difficulties and conditions imposed as part of obtaining the approvals from the Westchester County Department of Health,” Riina stated. “The latest parking layout reflects avoiding the approved existing septic expansion area.” The proposed changes in parking would mean his client would not require approval from the Health Department, Riina wrote.

Monday, April 7 9:13 p.m. — An officer responded to a building on Barker Street after a tenant reported a person trespassing and possibly intending to sleep in the basement. The officer located a man who is known to police and who claimed he was there to visit a friend. Due to the man’s disheveled condition, the officer offered to help him find shelter for the night but he declined any assistance and denied he was intending to sleep there. The man left the building after being advised that management does not want him on the premises. Wednesday, April 9 12:09 a.m. — A man who had driven someone to the Mount Kisco train station told police another man had thrown a rock at his passenger as they walked on the 400 block of Main Street. The intended target declined to speak with officers or pursue the matter further. 10:04 a.m. — Officers responded to Barker Street to assist a woman who was experiencing chest pains. Westchester EMS responded and transported her to Northern Westchester Hospital. 8:41 p.m. — An employee of an East Main Street gas station reported that a patron had driven off while a gas pump nozzle was still attached to the car, causing several hundred dollars of damage to the gas pump. The employee said the station owner had contacted the driver, who is a regular customer, to discuss being reimbursed for the damage. The employee asked for a report to be prepared to document the damage. Thursday, April 10 8:14 a.m. — Officers were dispatched for a smoke condition and possible manhole fire in front of 76 Kisco Ave. Power was shut down in the area due to the condition. The Mount Kisco Department of Public Works and the Mount Kisco Volunteer Fire Department also responded. Con Edison was notified. Officers remained at the scene to conduct traffic control. 2:59 p.m. — Westchester County police officers and the Mount Kisco Volunteer Fire Department responded to an activated fire alarm at a Main Street business. It was determined that dust had triggered the alarm and there was no fire. 4:41 p.m. — Officers responded to a deli on Main Street on a report of an activated carbon monoxide alarm. The Mount Kisco Volunteer Fire Department also responded and ventilated the premises. The source of the problem was identified as a faulty ventilation fan in the kitchen. The business was ordered to close until a repair was completed.  — This report was made from official reports provided by the Westchester County police.

Threats made regarding dog poop near property  On Wednesday, April 9, police were dispatched to Mark Mead Road, Cross River, for a neighbor dispute. One party said that while walking their dog, they were yelled at by a very irate person waving a stick who was yelling about their dog, despite it not being on their property. Threats were made regarding dog poop. Police contacted the irate person who was advised not to initiate arguments with people on the street.  Monday, April 7  10:08 a.m. — Police and Goldens Bridge firefighters responded to Increase Miller Elementary School for an activated fire alarm. Police say it was set off by a space heater utilized during ongoing construction. 8:04 p.m. — An officer went to a home in South Salem to serve the resident with a court order involving their unlicensed dog.  Tuesday, April 8 8:30 a.m. — A man came to headquarters to report an ongoing situation at his residential complex in South Salem where he’s been labeled as a “stalker and is afraid for his own safety.” He said a particular woman who lives in the complex has been badmouthing him. Police advised him to pay no attention. They reached out to the woman who told police she and the man had been feuding for some time. She was told to avoid all contact.  6:36 p.m.— A female was reported in need of help at the end of a driveway on Route 35, South Salem. Police say she is 25 years old and from Croton-on- Hudson and is partially blind. She was waiting for a bus to pick her up after she was dropped off by another driver. An officer stayed with her until the bus arrived.  9:34 p.m. — Police went to a residential facility on Main Street, South Salem, to check on the welfare of a teenager who failed to call his parents as scheduled. His grandmother, who contacted the police, said no one answered the phone at the facility. Police went to the location and spoke with a recovery coach who said the teen was sleeping but would wake him up to speak to his father.  Wednesday, April 9 10:28 a.m. — A caller reported an unknown party filming from the post office in South Salem. The caller didn’t say what they were filming. Police say whoever it was left prior to their arrival.  3:42 p.m. — A person, 28, gender not noted, was taken to Norwalk Hospital by Vista EMS from their home in South Salem for reported back pain.  Thursday, April 10 8:40 a.m. — A white Hyundai with only one Connecticut plate was reported as suspicious in the Lake Waccabuc and Twin Lakes neighborhood. Police looked for the car with negative results. 8:13 p.m. — A dead deer was reported on Route 35, South Salem; police saw it on the shoulder of the road. It appeared to have been struck by a car. The Wolf Conservation Center was notified to recover the carcass. Some time later a caller reported to police the deer jumped out in front of him and he struck it, but he didn’t notify police at the time because he was en route collecting his wife at the train station. No one was injured and a report was made for documentation.  Friday, April 11 8:00 a.m. — A caller reported a car that pulls into Billingsley Trail from Route 35 every morning, speeding, where children and their parents are waiting for the school bus; police arrived and patrolled the area at the time the speeder is said to be there with negative results. Parents waiting in the area provided more information about the alleged speeder.  10:18 a.m. — Police and Vista firefighters went to a home in South Salem in response to a resident who fell down and hurt their knee. She was taken by firefighters to Norwalk Hospital.  12:50 p.m. — A dog problem was reported on East Street, South Salem. The caller said a neighbor’s pit bull was blocking her from leaving her home. Police went to the area and saw the dog. They spoke to its owner who said the dog kept getting through its electric fence so he was installing a metal fence to contain the animal.  4:10 p.m. — A fire reported at an undisclosed address in South Salem turned out to be smoke from a barbecue.  Saturday, April 12 10:13 a.m. — An injured goose was reported in a yard on Lakeshore Drive in South Salem. When an officer approached, the goose flew away.  9:45 p.m. — A caller reported they drove off the road and crashed into a stone wall in Cross River. No injuries were reported. A report was made for insurance.  Sunday, April 13 10:12 a.m. — Vista firefighters transported a patient suffering from COVID-19 who was experiencing difficulty breathing to Northern Westchester Hospital.  11:40 a.m. — Police went to a home in Goldens Bridge for a domestic incident between a mother and young teenage daughter who she said kicked her and hit her. The daughter agreed to go to therapy and no further police action was required. A New York state domestic incident report was completed.  4:30 p.m. — A person was taken from the Subway restaurant in Goldens Bridge to Northern Westchester Hospital by Lewisboro paramedics after Goldens Bridge firefighters responding said the person’s blood sugar was dangerously high.  9:37 p.m. — Property damage was reported in a parking lot in Cross River after one car struck another car while backing out of a parking space.  — Eve Marx, The Recorder staff writer This report was made from official reports provided by the Lewisboro Police Department.

By MARC WOLLIN Your morning routine may vary from mine, but it likely contains many of the same elements. You get up, put on a robe and some slippers, use the bathroom, and eventually head down to the kitchen. There you either start a pot of coffee or grab a cup, then get something from the fridge or cupboard for breakfast. You likely glance at your phone to see if there were any urgent emails or texts that popped up after you went to bed, and/or what major catastrophe is challenging the world. And then you look for the one empirical piece of information that you need to really start your day: the temperature outside your window. For sure you want to know the chance of rain, how hard the winds will be blowing, if it will continue to be sunny or cloudy ... the full weather picture. But a glance at the outside world will give you the general vibe, and the only really quantifiably metric you need to know is how hot or cold it is. That determines the socks you pick out, the pants that make sense and the type of shirt to pull from your closet. Wool or cotton, short or long, heavy or light: all of those options can be sorted quickly based on that one number. In order to answer that critical question, for approximately forever, we have had an indoor/outdoor thermometer sitting on our kitchen windowsill. Long before there were more connected devices, this little readout has let us know what the outside world is up to. As technology goes it wasn’t much, a little display, a long wire that stuck out under the screen, powered by a battery that lasted seemingly for years. Yes, we have smart speakers with digital assistants, cellphones that offer the complete NOAA forecast, and now even connected thermostats that change their readouts to show the outside as I walk by. And still both my wife and I glommed onto that tiny LED the first second we came into the kitchen. That is until the outside temperature read “HH.H” I fiddled with it a bit, and integers popped back up. But as I settled it back into place the alphabet returned. More fiddling, more numbers. More settling, more alphabet. I picked it up and found two tiny screws on the back. Always up for a challenge, I took it down to my workbench and opened it up. Sure enough, you could see the lead from the probe had snapped off the little circuit board. I stripped the wire back to some copper, fired up the trusty soldering iron I had gotten when I was 13, and reattached it. That done, I snapped it back together, and reinserted the battery. The display flickered to life ... but in Celsius. Seems that when I pried it apart I inadvertently switched the units. I flipped the selector switch back and forth to no avail: it wouldn’t go back to Fahrenheit. And so until we as a country convert to the metric system (a process that has been rumored to be happening for at least as long as I’ve been alive), the device was only good if I lived in France.  Oh well. The circuit board was dated 1995, so it had a pretty good run. But then came the usual question, What to replace it with? Punch “indoor/outdoor thermometer” into Amazon, and the first handful that come up are all wireless units. On the surface, that makes a lot of sense; no need to route a wire through a closed window, the ability to put the readout anywhere. But as always, the devil was in the details. The thermometer itself says, “-40F to 140F.” More than adequate. Wireless range, “100 feet.” Way more than we would need. But the batteries?  “Battery life in sensor decreases substantially below 30 degrees.” Huh? We live in colder climes, and I don’t want to change them every week in the winter. So I guess back to what we had. I searched for a wired unit and picked one out. But then I spotted a note on the new unit: “To change the °F/°C units, take out the batteries first before switching the C/F button.” Could that be the case with the one we had? I ran downstairs and plucked it from the top of the trash heap in the workshop. I popped the battery out, slid the switch to “F,” put the battery back in and ... voila! Daniel Gabriel Fahrenheit came to life! (Well, not really. He died in 1736, but his units woke up). I raced upstairs and reinstalled our friend back to its rightful spot. And the singular piece of data that starts my day was once again available.  What’s the lesson? Don’t give up? Do things in the right order? Confirm you have the right choices in place before you give something power?  We’re talking thermometers here, but feel free to extrapolate that last one.  Marc Wollin of Bedford always has cold feet, at least in terms of temperature. His column appears weekly via email and online on Blogspot and Substack as well as Facebook, LinkedIn and X.

Deputy Mayor Theresa Flora Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich By MARTIN WILBUR Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich and the pair of village board trustees who were victorious alongside him two years ago will run on the Republican line when they seek reelection this fall. Cindrich, Deputy Mayor Theresa Flora and Trustee Angie Garcia-Guerra are also planning to return to the Village Inclusive Party line, when petitions for independent lines are due in late May. In 2023, they swept the Democratic candidates while running only on the independent line.  This year, they will oppose Democrats Tammy Brown and Heather Bryant. Village Justice Anthony Markus will also be on the Democratic ticket running for a third term for the local bench. Flora confirmed she and Garcia-Guerra had also been circulating petitions to force a Democratic primary, but she received a frosty response from the village’s Democratic Committee Chair Tom Luzio. Luzio had contacted Cindrich and Garcia-Guerra about considering the party’s nomination but not her, making them reconsider their options, Flora said. “Tom didn’t want me. He was willing to accept Angie and Mike and he just didn’t want me,” she said. “I think we made the decision to do what we did last time, and the Republicans said that they would support us. I mean it’s good to be on multiple lines.” Cindrich, who will run unchallenged unless an independent mayoral hopeful emerges, said he was mildly surprised that the Democrats declined to put up a candidate to contest him. During his Mount Kisco political career, which dates back more than 30 years, Cindrich has run on the Democratic, Republican and independent lines over that span.  Before winning in 2023, he had served 14 years as mayor as a Democrat before losing in 2017 to former Mayor Gina Picinich, who ran as an independent. He was also a village trustee before that. “I’m somewhat surprised because people have different opinions, and doing this as long as I have, I should say I’m not surprised at anything,” Cindrich said of the absence of a challenger. “I thought this would be a contested election.” Luzio had previously confirmed to The Recorder that they expressed interest to Cindrich and Garcia-Guerra in running as Democrats because they have held longtime registration with the party, but that Flora had recently changed her registration. Cindrich had not responded to the committee’s overtures earlier this year, but Luzio said he has a good relationship with the mayor even when they disagree. Brown and Bryant will run only as Democrats and not consider an independent line candidacy, he said.  “Honestly, we were a little more surprised they started the (petitioning) process by trying to get the Democratic line,” Luzio said. “But we have 14 dedicated district leaders and we have an awful lot of folks behind these district leaders that were focusing on ideas and talking about the issues, getting signatures and letting people know a little more about Tony and Tammy and Heather.” The incumbents weighed whether appearing on the Republican line in a heavily Democratic community was the right thing to do, especially with the political upheaval in Washington that is attracting so much attention, Flora said.  She and Cindrich expressed confidence that the voters can distinguish between evaluating the performance of local public servants and national Republicans. “There is a concern that people do focus on the letter, but here in Mount Kisco we’re such a small town and everyone knows us, so I’m hoping we get judged based on the amount of time, energy and effort that we’re putting in to try and make it better here,” Flora said. “I represent everybody and anybody,” Cindrich explained. “If someone calls me with a complaint, I don’t ask, are you a Republican, are you a Democrat, and I’ve been somewhat successful with that.” Despite his inclusion on the Republican line, Cindrich said he has deep concerns that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid remain intact with so many village residents depending on those programs. Luzio stated that most of the key issues in Mount Kisco — taxes, protecting local businesses, the pending reconstruction of the Preston Way bridge and safe streets — are not defined by national politics. However, depending on decisions made by the federal government, there could be impacts at the local level, including effects of tariffs on local businesses and the cutting of funding for programs that deliver services many in the village depend on, he said. “There are local issues that you’d like to think aren’t politicized, but we’re also elected politicians, and if we’re not going to stand up for what we believe in, then why are we entering this sphere? To tell other people to do our job? Sometimes we need to stand up for our citizens.”

‘These fragments I have shored against my ruins,’ (2023), oil on linen by Ali Banisadr, one of the Iranian-born artist’s works on display at the Katonah Museum of Art. JASON MANDELLA PHOTO The Katonah Museum of Art is presenting “Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist,” the first major U.S. museum survey of the Brooklyn-based Iranian-born artist, Ali Banisadr.  Curated by Michelle Yun Mapplethorpe, director and chief curator of the KMA, the exhibition encompasses nearly 20 years of the artist’s singular practice, from 2006 to the present, across the mediums of painting, drawing and printmaking.  A group of sculptures, a new direction for the artist, has been created for the KMA and is presented to the public for the first time. The exhibition will be on view through June 29. The museum said Banisadr’s biographical history growing up amidst revolution and political unrest in Iran, his emigration to the U.S., and wide-ranging artistic influences exemplify the shifting definition of what it means to be an “American artist” today. “The personal and artistic narratives across his oeuvre, distilled through a dazzling mastery of art history, philosophy, and world events, offer a nuanced perspective on human nature,” KMA said in a release. “Banisadr is a creator of worlds — intuitively and painstakingly constructed — that exude a vitality at once turbulent and revelatory. These microcosms are the culmination of a careful balancing act between chaos and composure, abstraction and representation. Expansive compositions are rich with figurative allusions, sonic recollection filtered through the artist’s synesthesia, invented stories, world history, collective memory, and mythology. The works’ syncopated rhythms echo a multitude of references across the history of art — including Mesopotamian antiquities, alchemical imagery, Persian miniatures, medieval and Renaissance art, Surrealism, German Expressionism, and Abstract Expressionism — as a bellwether of our own tempestuous times.”  KMS said that by illuminating the beauty, technical mastery, and cultural acuity of Banisadr’s vision, “Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist” aims to establish the artist’s role as a leading cultural scribe and a resonant voice in contemporary art.” “Ali Banisadr: The Alchemist”’ is a powerful reflection of the KMA’s dedication to presenting thought-provoking and transformative art. The KMA is honored to have organized this milestone exhibition championing one of the rising stars of our time,” Mapplethorpe said.

By BRIAN KLUEPFEL   Born on a potato farm near the Finger Lakes, Mary Buri began life with a strong earth connection. Later, when the family relocated to Somers, Conn., her Merchant Marine dad always kept a vegetable garden. Maintaining that cultivator culture was harder with Buri’s own family of four in urban Brooklyn, the results of a rooftop tomato plant experiment — “probably from Home Depot, grown in Miracle-Gro soil” — were disastrous. It was time to get back to the country. Buri and family moved to South Salem in 2013, giving the children space to expand — and for Buri, room to grow plants. It was an experiential education. “I learned many things the hard way,” she said. Having plants fail or get eaten by groundhogs provided hard lessons but left her undaunted. Buri is insistent that “it’s a skill — I’m not an innate gardener,” she said, “But it’s still super-fulfilling. Every time I’m out in the garden, it’s just an absolute gift.” Having left an editorial career behind to raise her family, she broke new ground in northern Westchester, opening Mars Kitchen Garden, a gardening consulting and design business, in February 2020. The pandemic proved a boon to her nascent enterprise, as people wanted to be outside, and many were marooned at home for the first time in ages. “The interest was big out of the gate,” she said. “We went from zero to 60 immediately.” Although demand was heavy, she eventually scaled back to a reasonable workforce — a building team of three and herself as the lone planter — and Mars Kitchen remains, shall we say, fruitful, entering its sixth year in business. Typically, Buri begins by surveying a property for the most crucial element: sunlight. In New York’s relatively short growing season, she feels it’s the most important aspect of successful gardening. She works with existing gardens, but can also come up with a design from scratch and build and install it. Admittedly a poor drawer, she abandoned paper-and-pencil for more accurate Adobe Illustrator plans. “Coaching means coming up with a garden plan, creating full planting plans, considering spacing, trellising options, a calendar, and crop layout,” said Buri. Also discussed are which veggies can be seeded directly into the garden, and which might need to be started indoors. “Timing is a big thing,” said Buri. “Traditionally (in New York) we go out on Mother’s Day. But really we should be starting in early to mid-April to take advantage of the cool days.” She notes, for example, if lettuce is planted in May, it will have only about one month to flourish before the summer heat wilts it. Knowing things are not always going to work is part of the process. “You practice your fail tolerance,” said Buri, “but you’re learning, and being taught continually by nature.” In the end, clients have an appreciation for the natural cycle and an educated palate that can only come from eating off-the-vine tomatoes and other vegetables.  “Harvesting itself is such joy,” said Buri. “My clients get the same feeling I have — ‘Oh my god, this works! Now we get to pick it and eat it.’” She notes there is “nothing like” the flavor of garden-fresh produce, but that the intimacy with the soil has a longer-range effect. “I work with people who don’t have a lot of time for hobbies, but when they garden, they find it grounding and peaceful.” Mars Kitchen clients also learn the responsibility that comes with growing your own, no matter the time constraints. “I remind them it’s still on them, but I’m empowering them,” said Buri. “The people reaching out to me are busy, so I’m making it doable if you only have an hour a week.” For Buri herself, the skills that she gleaned from her father, dozens of YouTube videos and various teachers along the way still produce a sensation that is “elemental and humbling. Gardening makes me feel my smallness,” she said. For more information, visit marskitchengarden.com .

By BRIAN KLUEPFEL   Now is the time for planting, and what better way to inspire ideas for your garden than by visiting a flower show or local garden? Westchester and the surrounding areas are brimming with such sites, where you can figure out what tickles your fancy and often buy the seeds, flowers or plants in the moment, all the better to take home with you to begin this year’s gardening adventure immediately. Just steps from Metro-North’s Harlem Line, the New York Botanical Garden has caught the eye of amateur and professional planter alike for more than a century. This year’s Orchid Show (through April 27) has a Mexican twist and, while you wander the grounds, you’ll no doubt stop in awe at the various shades of yellow on Daffodil Hill, the resilient Rock Garden and classic Rose Garden.  NYBG is located at  2900 Southern Boulevard, Bronx. For more information, visit nybg.org .  Katonah’s Lasdon Park & Arboretum sponsors a free one-hour Garden Highlights tour Sunday, April 20, where you’ll learn about Westchester’s public garden and its various flowering and fruiting trees, as well as annual and perennial flowers. The “What’s in Bloom” link will lead you to seasonal specialties, like orange peel witch hazel and the azalea garden’s snowdrops. In addition to the magnolia garden, Lasdon is home to towering pine and conifer collections.  Lasdon Park & Arboretum is located at 2610 Amawalk Road (Route 35), Katonah. For more information, visit lasdonpark.org . For those with a bit of a competitive spirit, the Chappaqua Garden Club hosts “Spring Awakening on the Greely Farm” on April 25-26.  The free show has competitions in design (categories include butterflies in flight, garden party, and busy bees) and horticulture (swing into spring, and tie a yellow ribbon), and an exhibit of pressed flowers by local children.  New Castle Historical Society, located 100 King Street, Chappaqua. For more information, visit chappaquagardenclub.com .   If you’re ready to start digging, a quartet of local events will get you down and dirty in no time. The Pound Ridge Garden Club  hosts its April bulb sale at The Market at Pound Ridge Square on April 26-27, from 11 a.m to 2 p.m. The bulbs, ordered in the spring, are delivered to you by a garden club member for optimal fall planting, and come in hues ranging from yellow to purple and crucially, most are deer and rodent proof.  The Market at Pound Ridge Square is located at 55 Westchester Avenue, Pound Ridge. For more information, visit poundridgegardenclub.com . Somers’ Honeybee Grove Flower Farm holds their annual u-pick Daffodil Day on Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You purchase a picking jug, grab a pair of scissors, and walk home with a unique bouquet of hand-cut stems. You’ll also get tips on handling the daffodils for maximum vase-life and to prevent damage to other flowers. Honeybee also hosts a tulip pick in the spring, as well as other flowers like zinnias, snapdragons, Gladiolus and sunflowers throughout the rest of the growing season. “It’s a great way to celebrate our spring flowers,” says Honeybee’s Sarah Coldwell. “It’s nice to start the season with flowers that we put in the ground as bulbs last fall.” The family-friendly event is free and features face-painting, music, crafts and food.  Honeybee Grove Flower Farm is located at 265 Route 202, Somers. For more information, visit  honeybeegrove.com . Ossining’s Teatown Lake Reservation holds their annual Plantfest on May 9-10, from 3 to 7 p.m Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. While you’re shopping, enjoy music, wine, hard cider, local craft beer and food. You may also want to visit the reservation’s Wildflower Island, a wildlife bonanza in the midst of Teatown Lake hosting more than 200 native wildflowers, shrubs and trees. Teatown Lake Reservation is located at 1600 Spring Valley Road, Ossining. For more information, visit teatown.org .   Lewisboro Garden Club  holds their Mother’s Day plant sale at the Gossett Brothers Nursery May 10.  “Spring is when members of the club really begin their hard work to beautify their gardens as well as those in public places,” said Robin Korman of LGC. “We educate and encourage gardeners of all levels to join us in learning more and helping beautify our community.”  And beautify they do. The  Lewisboro Garden Club designs, plants and maintains 17 roadside flower triangles, and cares for the Alice Poor Memorial Garden at Onatru Farm and manages the organic community gardens at Onatru Farm. Each spring 65,000 daffodils bloom along hamlet roadsides thanks to their Golden Roads Daffodil Program.  For more information, visit lewisborogardenclub.org . For those taking a spring field trip a bit further afield, Mohonk Mountain House radiates the Dutch spirit of the Hudson region with its annual Tulip Festival, April 28-May 9. Their mountaintop Victorian Garden will be bursting with more than 30,000 colorful tulips, and if that’s not enough sensory stimuli, they’ll be serving floral teas, cookies, local artisan chocolates and granola. Families can reserve tours to stroll through the tulips, learn how the vibrant display was planned and created, and make pressed flower bookmarks.  Mohonk Mountain House is located at 1000 Mountain Rest Road, New Paltz. For more information, visit mohonk.com .   So whether you’re planning a spring garden, anticipating fall bulbs, or just feel like wandering among various habitats and allowing the flowers to put on a show, Westchester and its array of gardens await.