Aaaand … I’m back with more garden talk and connecting to the land. I can’t help it! Now’s the time to start thinking about the season ahead. Seed companies are already selling out of some popular varieties, but local gardeners are happy to share — and it’s free. Besides acquiring seeds, you’re bound to pick up some tips and find folks who are happy to help you. This weekend, there are two opportunities to pick up some seeds and get into the groove. You’ll find mostly vegetable and flower seeds at the Seed Swap at Westchester Land Trust, sponsored by the local Chapter of the Bionutrient Food Association (I’m part of the group) Sunday, Jan. 21, from 1 to 3 p.m., located at 403 Harris Road, Bedford Hills. For native plant seeds, there’s a Winter Seeding Event the same day at the Bedford Hills Community House, sponsored by Healthy Yards from 2 to 4 p.m., located at 74 Main St., Bedford Hills.
Anne Fernqvist and her family are connecting to the land in a global way. They don’t have to worry about the price of oil, since they don’t use any. Fired up with four wood stoves, solar panels and a couple acres of trees to use (and replant), they are committed to living a sustainable life and reducing their carbon footprint. Making the move from Brooklyn in 2011, they wanted to live walking distance from town and fell in love with an historic house that, unfortunately, leaked air like a sieve. They had to insulate, add better windows and basically plug up all the cracks. With Wittus – Fire by Design right across the street, they were immediately attracted to both the design and efficiency of the stoves. The stoves do the best they can, Anne reports, in a house that has low ceilings, small rooms and poor air circulation.
Reducing the carbon footprint is also Anne’s job at work as the sustainability coordinator for the United Nations Development Program in their global operations. Currently, she is managing 77 projects which includes placing photovoltaic panels in African communities. What’s on her list for even more sustainability? She said she still uses a car with a combustion engine, but an electric car is next for climate neutrality in her personal life. Her husband, Scott, and twins, Lotta and Hannes, 14, do what they can to keep the stoves fed. Even Kaspar, 4, has been known to help by setting down logs next to the stoves. Does this pique your interest? Scott has been involved with the Pound Ridge Energy Action Committee and they recommend getting in touch with them to arrange a home energy audit.
There’s a chance to do just that at the Wine, Cheese, and Bob event sponsored by the Friends of Pound Ridge featuring Bedford 2030 energy coach Bob Fischman. Scheduling a free personal energy coaching session with Bob could possibly result in projects like new roof insulation, duct work, installing better insulated doors or installing an electric water heater, with possible rebates for upgrades. Learn how to save energy and money while enjoying organic wines and cheeses provided by The Kitchen Table amidst sustainable floral décor by Xenia D’Ambrosi from Sweet Earth Co. Free; Thursday, Jan. 26, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pound Ridge Library.
It’s always gratifying to watch kids grow up and see them as young adults. Community members, as well as Pound Ridge Elementary School teachers, have told me they appreciate the mention of Pound Ridge students’ whereabouts and accomplishments, so here goes: The current art exhibition at the Pound Ridge Library, “As Above So Below; A Journey of Angels and Demons,” features works by Maya Kawachi (FLHS ‘11) and runs until March 4. Maya and her family were neighbors of ours practically her whole life and now she has her first solo art show after graduating from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2015. Her creations use a multitude of media, including cut paper, acrylics, watercolors, ink, and even shoe polish and eye shadow. One of her works contains the words “slow down.” “That piece reminds me to connect with myself, to take a moment to be present, take a breath,” Maya told me, adding, “Art is a rewarding outlet that allows me to play with my imagination and creativity — and be proud of myself.” Maya now lives in Pleasantville and her parents, Kim and Taka, who were active in events here in town for years, have relocated to South Salem. Check out more of Maya’s creations @kawachi illustrations on Instagram.
Even though I’m enjoying the book recommendations I get from the participants in the book club at Booksy, I’m also rediscovering the folks at our library as additional resources for book ideas. Director (and Pound Ridger) Jennifer Coulter and her staff are great to consult. Picking up a stack of books I have on hold to borrow makes it Christmas any day of the year for me. My Kindle is great for traveling, but I appreciate the look and feel of a book to get started, and it gives me a preview if I decide to buy one of them.
Please send your quips, blips and blurbs regarding town activities, nature notes, travels afar, scholastic accomplishments, sports achievements, engagements, weddings, new babies and grandchildren to esbest8@gmail.com. All topics are appropriate for inclusion in this column. Please submit items by the weekend before the following Friday’s issue, or earlier if you can. Alternatively (but not preferred), you may mail info to The Record-Review, P.O. Box 455, Bedford Hills NY 10507.
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