Daniel Saya and Wes Norton, both 9, at the New York Botanical Garden
If kids needed a reason to get outside, it’s arrived, in the form of the Winter Outdoor Fun Passport. Created and coordinated by the Rye Y and the Rye Nature Center, the program is designed to get kids doing a wide range of outdoor activities.
The program’s sponsor is the Kids Outdoors Committee, which was established last fall. The committee consists of over 30 people, representing a cross-section of the community.
After a brainstorming session at their first meeting, two projects were settled upon – a monthly listing of currently offered programs and the development of a new program for winter.
The Passport program, the committee’s first, is comprised of five different activity categories: pretend, search, be creative, get active, and play. Children can also make up their own activities within those themes.
Among the suggested activities are: you are a squirrel and need to collect as many acorns as you can; have a snowball race roll; build a rabbit refuge; and create a miniature Stonehenge.
Rye mom Ellen Saya is enthusiastic about the project. “It’s great to see organizations like the Y and the Nature Center helping kids find ways to unplug and just play and explore. My children are using the passport daily, and inventing their own games, too.”
Participants have until March 31 to complete at least ten activities within the five challenge categories. Completed passports should be brought to the Rye Nature Center or the YMCA.
Children can claim their reward — jump ropes and pedometers — when they drop off their completed passport.
Winter passports are available at the Rye Nature Center, Rye Y, Rye Arts Center, Rye Free Reading Room, and Sheldrake Environmental Center. They can also be downloaded at ryenaturecenter.org/#/public-programs/4547824204.
– By Bill Lawyer
Rye’s Magic Carpet Sale
The Woman’s Club of Rye will hold its annual rug sale, in partnership with Caravan Connection, a fine rug purveyor, February 9 and 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Rye Middle School.
Mike McRee and his wife Mary Lynn will be on hand to offer their expert advice on style, type, and size of rug. The rugs are of high quality, mostly hand-knotted, in styles ranging from contemporary and transitional to traditional.
Give a Pint, Get a Pound
Participate in the Rye Y’s blood drive to benefit White Plains Hospital, February 9 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. When you donate a pint of blood, you’ll receive a pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.
On the Big Screen
Ages 5 and up can see “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days” (PG), Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the Rye library. Everybody’s favorite wimp, Greg Heffley, is back for three times the fun in the latest film based on the popular book series.
DJ Dance Party
Sixth graders can join their friends on the dance floor at DJ Night at Rye Rec, Friday from 7-8:45 p.m. Also, enjoy playing pool and Guitar Hero.
Refreshments will be served. Cost is $20 for residents, $25 non-residents.
On the Beat
Take a crash course in beat-boxing and vocal percussion techniques, Friday from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Rye Arts Center. Evan Feist (vocal coach for NBC’s “The Voice”) and Andrew Fox will teach teens how to craft an improvisational performance-ready jam on the spot. Fee is $30.
Build a Brand
Ages 8 and up can learn how to create the words, product name, advertising, and packaging that sells products, Saturday from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Rye Arts Center. Participants will create promotions for their favorite products or their own invention. Fee is $15.
Deerly Beloved
Horticulturalist Ruth Rogers Clausen will give a talk on “Coping with Deer in the Garden and Landscape” Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Meeting House. Clausen is the author of “50 Beautiful Deer-Resistant Plants: The Prettiest Annuals, Perennials, Bulbs, and Shrubs that Deer Don’t Eat”. She will offer expert advice on how to have a successful garden, while coexisting with deer.
Admission is $5 per person at the door. For more information, email birdhomestead.meetinghouse@gmail.com or call 967-0099.
Honor Thy Neighbor
The Rye Youth Council’s Most Valuable People Gala will be held Saturday at 7 p.m. at Westchester Country Club. Joe DeRuvo, Rev. Dan Love, and Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. will be honored for their generous and ongoing contributions to Rye youth. For more information, call 967-3838 or visit ryeyouthcouncil.org.
CBS correspondent and Rye Free Reading Room trustee Anthony Mason will interview best-selling author and special guest Nelson DeMille after the library’s Annual Meeting of its members on Sunday. The brief business meeting, which will include the election of officers and trustees, begins at 3:30 p.m. Only members of the Rye library may vote, but everyone is invited to attend the social hour and conversation about a writer’s life that follows at 4 p.m.
DeMille is the author of “The Panther”, the latest in his John Corey series, and “The Gold Coast,” “Up Country,” “Night Fall,” “The Charm School,” and “The General’s Daughter.”
A native Long Islander, DeMille often sets his stories in nearby locales (“Plum Island” for one). As an Army First Lieutenant, he saw action in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader. He is a member of The Authors Guild, the Mystery Writers, and Mensa.
“The Panther” finds Anti-Terrorist Task Force agent John Corey and his wife, FBI agent Kate Mayfield, posted overseas to Yemen to hunt down the mastermind behind the USS Cole bombing. (It’s worth noting that during Hurricane Sandy, dozens of people are reported to have read DeMille’s latest by candle or flashlight.)
PowerPoint 101
Get started with Microsoft PowerPoint during a free workshop, January 31 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Rye library. Create a new presentation, add slides, import a design template, indent text, and insert graphics. Previous computer experience is required.
Care for the Caregiver
The Rye Y and Wainwright House co-sponsor a support group for family caregivers. The next meeting takes place February 2 from 6-8 p.m. at Wainwright. The monthly meeting offers guidance, healing, and hope on how to make the most of the experience without losing yourself in the process. Each meeting includes a guided relaxation meditation and stress-release exercises.
Cost is $10 for members, $15 non-members. For more information, call 967-6363.
Landscape Over Lunch
The oldest man-managed meadow in all of New York State is right here in the lower Hudson Valley, overlooking Long Island Sound. Learn about the future of the historic Jay mansion meadow at landscape architect Larry Weaner’s talk, “New Life for An Old Meadow – Replacing Invasives with Natives,” February 7 from 12-2 p.m. at the Jay Heritage Center.
Tickets range from $50-$65 for the talk and a box lunch. The Jay mansion will open at 11 a.m. so that participants can view the meadow from the veranda.
RSVP to Heather Craane at 698-9275 or jayhc@earthlink.net.
Common Threads
Hallie Bond will give a talk on quilts of the Adirondacks, February 10 from 3-5 p.m. at the Jay Heritage Center. Do you have a family quilt you’d like to learn more about? Bring it with you and Hallie will help expand about the history of its maker or the subject that is depicted.
This free event is co-sponsored by the NY Council for the Humanities.
Marshlands Artwork Sought
It’s time to submit paintings, sculpture, drawings, and other artwork inspired by the Marshlands Conservancy or created at the preserve for entry in the annual exhibit, “A Different Point of View.” Works can be brought to the park office February 2 and 3 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Artists of all ages are welcome to submit a maximum of three works, which must be framed and ready for hanging. Please note that photography is not included in this exhibit.
“A Different Point of View” will open February 10, with a reception from 2-5 p.m. For more information, call 835-4466.
Figurative Drawing Class
Adults and teens will learn to draw the human form in a workshop at the Rye Arts Center, February 9 from 2-5 p.m. Learn to focus the eye, enhance hand-eye coordination, and develop composition and perspective skills.
Bring charcoal, pencil, eraser, and large sketchpad. Fee is $75.
A Noteworthy Brunch
At the next Jazz Brunch at Wainwright House, February 10 from 12-3 p.m., enjoy the sounds of The Ron McClure Trio. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Corner Stone Caterers and Wine at Five have the food and wine covered.
Tickets are $45 per person. Reservations are required; call 967-6080.
Give Her the Scouting Life
A Girl Scout Open House night will be held at Rye Recreation January 30 from 7-9 pm. Everyone is welcome to stop by and find out more about what the Girl Scouts do.
Mixed-Media Monsters
Young artists (ages 6-9) will use a variety of materials to realize a fantastic creature from their imagination, February 2 from 9:30-11 a.m. at the Rye Arts Center. The workshop is designed to foster a sense of creativity and problem- solving through techniques learned from the Guggenheim Fostering Creativity Program. Fee is $15.
Rye Y summer camp registration is ongoing.
February vacation camp registration opens February 6. For a complete list of camps, call 967-6363 or visit ryeymca.org.
A Lovely Afternoon
Ages 5 and up can listen to stories for Valentine’s Day and make something special for someone they love, February 8 at 3:30 p.m. at the Rye library. Call 231-3162.
Join the Parade
Ages 4 and up are invited to celebrate Mardi Gras with beads, masks, and music, February 9 at 2 p.m. at the Rye library. Decorate scrumptious green, gold, and purple cupcakes, make celebration masks, and parade through the library in true carnival style.
Pre-registration is required; call 231-3162.
Be My Valentine
What better way to say, “I love you” than with a homemade Valentine? The Rye Historical Society is offering a special program for ages 3-5 to do just that at the Square House, February 12 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Little ones can create their own whimsical cards from red and pink paper, pretty ribbons, and fancy stamps to give to Mom, Dad, and the whole family.
The per-child cost is $5 for members, $10 non-members. Morning breakfast treats and juice will be served. Reservations are suggested; call 967-7588.
Winter Vacation Workshop
Looking for something fun and creative for your children to do over winter break? The Square House Museum will have a one-day craft program for ages 7-11, February 19 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. In celebration of President’s Day, participants will create a miniature figure of George Washington, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, or any one of their favorite Presidents using Styrofoam and fabric. They will also decorate papier-mâché masks and boxes.
The $15 fee includes all supplies and a snack. Bring a bagged lunch. Reservations are suggested; call 967-7588.
Put on Your Game Face
Play Wii games on the Rye library’s big screen February 1 from 3:15-5 p.m. Whether you’re a sports, action, or karaoke fan, the library has lots of games to choose from. Snacks will be provided.
Y Nights
Grades 6-8 can hang out with friends and enjoy a variety of activities including a bouncy house, basketball, Wii/Xbox games, and racquetball, February 2 and 9 from 7-10 p.m.
Applying Those College Application Skills
Geoffrey Stearns, a partner at Educational Futures, will give parents and high school students an overview on preparing for applying to college, February 5 at 7 p.m. at the Rye library. Stearns will discuss trends in college admission, what classes to take in high school, types and timeline of testing and applications, varieties of scholarships and financial aid, and the college interview.
There will also be a Q&A session. For more information, call 231-3172.
Portrait Painting
Ages 13 and up will learn mixing techniques and color theory in order to create tints, shades, and hues at a workshop at the Rye Arts Center, February 16 from 2-4 p.m. The class is open to beginners, but basic color mixing and drawing skills are a plus. Fee is $35.
Watch, Dine, and Swim
Enjoy a concert by Graham Clarke, followed by a healthy dinner and family swim, February 1 at 6 p.m. at the Rye Y. Cost is $5 per person. Registration is required; call 967-6363.
Back-to-Basics Yoga
Explore the fundamentals by breaking down poses and receiving detailed feedback, at the Rye Y Thursdays beginning January 31 from 10:35-11:35 a.m. The class is perfect for beginners, as well as those with experience who want to spend time developing proper form.
Super Spin Ride
Take your workout to another level with a 90-minute spin ride at the Rye Y February 2 and 16 from 12-1:30 p.m. Instructor Ken will lead participants through a challenging ride to energetic music. Free for members.
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