Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Green House Tour For Two Good Causes

The Kennedy name has long been associated with devotion to service, good health, and intellectual excellence. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. lives up to his heritage, and makes a strong contribution uniquely his own with his devotion to living a green lifestyle. Kennedy's wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, is an accomplished architect and designer; it was she who is responsible for the energy efficient home, which sacrifices nothing in graciousness and comfort.

On Tuesday evening, the Kennedy family opened their Bedford home to the media to promote their environmental cause and to provide a venue for the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester Youth Of The Year Award. This was the first event held in the newly renovated house.

After a devastating flood, the Kennedy family discovered that their residence was infected with toxic black mold, which made the children ill. Very little could be saved, so a plan was put into action to completely redo the old farmhouse. What was once an eyesore covered over with aluminum siding in the 1950s has become a lovely, traditional-looking red brick dwelling and a real showcase for advancing the green style of living.

Kennedy himself guided the journalists on a tour, starting outside in the backyard. "Those are solar panels," he informed us. "The house is at 59 degrees, winter and summer. We rarely need to heat or cool it beyond the energy we get from the panels." He then led us through the house, pointing out the unique features along the way. Most of the materials in use were salvaged by his wife. The large glass countertop in the kitchen, the wood on the floors and even the marble in the bathrooms. All are seamlessly integrated, and none are recognizable as recycled.

What was very understandable is that this is by no means a sterile lab, but rather a warm, lived in, joyful home. Kids were playing on a trampoline outside, a computer screen was in use in the playroom and a friendly mini dachshund cheerfully joined the media tour. There were the usual bangs, scratches and scrapes, and the white duck coverings on the sofas showed signs of use by less than pristine young hands.

The award ceremony celebrated not only the outstanding youngsters, but also the great work accomplished by The Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester in Mount Kisco. This refuge for so many inspired recipient Andrea (Mishel) Alarcon. She spoke movingly about her situation of being an undocumented alien, the importance of being accepted, and how she found the joy of helping others. Mount Kisco Mayor J. Michael Cindrich is a strong supporter of both Alarcon and the program. Also adding praise was bandleader Paul Shaffer from The Late Show With David Letterman.

The food was provided by Crabree's Kittle House. Chef Brad McDonald showed the style and artistry that has justifiably made him one of the most respected chefs in our area. Managing partner Glenn Vogt effortlessly coordinated the cocktail hour and meal time, presenting an elegantly delicious repast.

It would be impossible to leave this house without being thoroughly impressed with the Kennedy legacy. There is a hallway wall filled with the pictures and autographs of all the presidents. "Except Grover Cleveland," laughed Kennedy. "He got lost in the move." Campaign posters and memorabilia are displayed in abundance.

Lest anyone forget the seriousness of the environmental crisis facing our country, Kennedy brings the point home. "We have to stop relying on coal and nuclear energy. We must understand that our dependency on oil makes us go begging to Saudi Arabia and other countries that are not traditionally all that friendly to democracy."

The Kennedys would like their house to become an educational resource. Seeing what they've accomplished, and listening to the passion of long time environmental lawyer and activist, we all left their home feeling invigorated and inspired.