Time Travel
This year, the Rye Historical Society’s popular fall walking tour, Sunday, October 20, will cover the area around Kirby Mill Pond. The tour starts at Tide Mill Yacht Basin, 191 Kirby Lane. Tours depart every 20 minutes, starting at 9:40 a.m., with the last tour departing at 2:40 p.m.
At the end of the tour a mini-bus will be available to return attendees to the starting point if they prefer not to walk back.
Participants will learn about the history of Rye from the time of the Native Americans through the 20th century as reflected by the development of the area around Kirby Mill Pond. Guides and docents will discuss the changes that have occurred in this area since the time of Native Americans and early settlers in Rye during the early 18th century, our role in the Civil War, Rye as a wealthy summer community in the late 19th century, the Gilded Age in the early 20th century, and the transformation of Rye into a suburb.
The cost is $30 for members, $35 non-members, and $10 students. Register for a preferred start time by calling 967-7588.
Just for Fun
Game On!
The Harrison Public Library and Rye Free Reading Room invite you to get ready for “The Game” on October 19 by entering an online quiz competition for Harrison and Rye residents alike. Each library is coming up with six questions — three on local sports and three on local history — and will be challenging residents to answer them via Facebook, Twitter, and text message during Homecoming Week, October 14-19. All correct answers will be entered into a drawing, and the winner will receive a small prize.
Visit the libraries’ homepages at ryelibrary.org and harrisonpl.org or follow the libraries on Facebook or Twitter to take the quiz.
For more information, call 231-3161.
Don’t Miss
Let’s Go Garnets!
The Rye/Harrison Football game will take place October 19 at 11 a.m. at Harrison High School, 255 Union Avenue.
This Weekend
Get Your Seed Orders In
Birdseed orders are due at the Rye Nature Center by Friday. Pick-up is October 26. Call 967-5150.
Friday Fun
Ages 5 and up can enjoy fall stories and crafts, Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the Rye library.
Volunteers Needed
Lend a hand at Volunteer Corps Workday, Saturday at 10 a.m. Help remove invasive plants, do trail maintenance, and clear trash from the beach.
A Very Special Ecology Club
Children with special needs and their families can enjoy animal programs, hikes, and other science and sensory adventures, Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Rye Nature Center. There is no fee but pre-registration is required. For more information, email christinesiller@ryenaturecenter.org.
A Taste of Turkey
Enjoy a three-course sampling of a Turkish meal, Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Rye library. The tasting, which is presented by the Turkish Cultural Center of Westchester, includes an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Water, juice, Turkish tea and coffee will also be provided. To register, call 231-3161.
Y Nights
Teens in grades 6-8 can hang out with friends and enjoy music, Xbox games, racquetball, and swimming October 12 and October 19 from 7-10 p.m. at the Rye Y. And they can also enjoy air hockey, pool, ping-pong, and foosball in the Game Room. Free for members, $5 non-members.
On October 26, enjoy a Halloween Themed teen night. Cost is $5.
Our Beautiful Marshlands
The annual Marshlands Conservancy photo exhibit opening reception will take place Sunday at 2 p.m. “Pictured Memories” features photos that were taken at the sanctuary by amateur and professional photographers and visitors of all ages. The exhibit runs through December 8.
For a Good Cause
Revelry Awaits
Join the Rye Nature Center for hops, vines, and delicious food at their annual Oktoberfest celebration, October 18 from 7-10 p.m. Proceeds will go toward exciting and educational family programming at the Center. For tickets, email info@ryenaturecenter.org or call 967-5150.
Snap to It for Your Holiday Card
Get a jump-start on your holiday cards while supporting the good work of The Woman’s Club of Rye Children’s Philanthropy’s at Family Portraits sittings at Rye Town Park October 13, 14, 20, and 27. Proceeds benefit children’s programs in Rye.
Go to signupgenius.com. Cost is $95.
Masquerade Ball
Dress up for Wainwright House’s annual benefit, October 26 from 6:30-10:30 p.m. Enjoy cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a musical performance by the gifted young artists of The Mannes College and The New School for Music.
Wear a mask and cocktail attire. Tickets start at $125.
Zebra Soiree
The Jay Heritage Center’s annual benefit will take place October 29 from 7:30-11:30 p.m. at American Yacht Club. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, dancing, and an auction. For more information, call 698-9275.
Arts and Entertainment
Clay and Community
The board of directors of Clay Art Center invites all to “Hand in Hand,” a celebration at Community Synagogue October 17 from 6-9:30 p.m. The honoree is Reena Kashyap, whose leadership enabled the Center to evolve and become a nationally acclaimed facility for the advancement of ceramic arts. The special guest is Janet Langsam, CEO, ArtsWestchester.
Enjoy tastings from local restaurants, live and silent auctions, jazz, and dessert. Proceeds will benefit Clay Art Center’s programs, youth scholarships, and artists-in-residence.
For tickets, call 937-2047 or visit www.clayartcenter.org.
Aria Italiano
Celebrate Italian Heritage Month at a concert lecture at the Rye library October 19 at 3 p.m. Speaker and lyric soprano Alessandra Gaudio-Tamerin will perform a program of classic Italian operatic arias and popular songs and talk about the origins of traditional Italian music and opera.
Name That Tune
SPRYE will hold a tribute to American Musical Theater, October 27 from 3-5 p.m. Enjoy a sing-along featuring all-time familiar favorites from 20th-century musicals. Location to be announced. For more information, email director@sprye.org.
Annual Display of Artistry
The Woman’s Club of Rye’s annual Beaux Arts Exhibit is on view at the Rye Free Reading Room through October 24. The professionally juried show includes an impressive variety of works in oil/acrylic, watercolor, pastels, mixed media, graphic arts, photography, and portraiture, all created by area artists.
A Landscape Built on Love
A retrospective of works by Howard Bratches is at the Rye Arts Center through October 26. Bratches, who passed away earlier this year, created enduring symbols of the town he lived in and loved for over 50 years. He painted the landscapes and prominent landmarks of the town, including Rye Beach, Rye Town Park, the Marshlands, the Rye Free Reading Room, The Rye Smoke Shop, The Rye Arts Center (their official portrait), and numerous private homes.
A commemorative set of his artwork has been made into note cards and is available for purchase at the Arts Center.
Talks and Workshops
King for a Day
The Harrison Library and Rye Free Reading Room invite you to a visit with author A.S. King that will take place via Skype at the Microsoft Store at The Westchester, as well as in the libraries, October 15 from 6:30-8 p.m.
King, who has written a number of popular novels for young adults and is a Michael L. Printz Award honoree, will talk about her writing process and “Reality Boy,” her new book coming out this month. Gerald Faust, the “reality boy” of the title, is now a teen-ager whose childish misbehaviors were broadcast years ago on a nanny-parenting show and who, years later, is still dealing with assumptions people make based on the television show footage.
Conflict on Camera
News and documentary cameraman Anthony Forma discusses shooting video in areas of conflict, October 16 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Wainwright House. The program is sponsored by SPRYE. Refreshments will be served.
Creative Parenting
This entertaining and highly information “play-shop” will guide parents in raising confident and creative children, October 16 from 7-8:15 p.m. at Wainwright House. Using the Whole Mind Approach. Discussion and hands-on experiential learning, including home-play assignments, make learning fun.
Cost is $85 for member parent couple, $95 non-member parent couple; $65 for single members, $80 single non-members. For more information, visit wainwright.org.
Stay Tuned with RyeTV
This fall, RyeTV is offering several free classes in the Rye High School TV studio.
On October 16 and 17, from 6-7:30 p.m., they’re offering Advanced Final Cut Pro Video Editing. Space is limited. To sign up, call 967-7242 or e-mail rtv@ryeny.gov.
High School students, bring your electric guitar or use keyboards and mics to create music with Garage Band software. The workshops will be offered November 4 and 6 from 6:30-8 p.m. and November 18 and 20, same time.
Word: Beyond the Basics
Learn features of Microsoft Word you may not currently use, October 17 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Rye library. Cover how to prepare documents with advanced editing tools such as page numbering, adding borders, and turning on or off auto functions such as capitalization and spelling-grammar. Sending documents directly by email will be covered, as well as using the Quick Access Tool Bar to add or remove functions. Basic computer knowledge is necessary.
Collegial Discussion
The Current Events Group meets October 22 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rye library to discuss “Is College Worth It?” by Dr. William J. Bennett & David Wilezol.
Tricky Transition
Purchase resident Susie Orman Schnall will speak on the subject of mothers returning to the workforce, October 24 at 9:30 a.m. at the Rye library. This often-challenging transition is, as it happens, also the theme of “On Grace,” her debut novel.
Once children are in school full-time, moms often take the opportunity to reinvent themselves and use their brains in different ways. Schnall will draw on her own life as a writer and discuss how the issues her heroine faces relate to each of us.
A Little Milton History
Howard Husock will present a lecture entitled “From Mission to Meeting House: A Changing Chapel and the Lost Village of Milton,” October 27 at 4 p.m. at the Meeting House.
Hear about a time when the Milton area was a bustling port, when Milton Road was named Main Street, and when the building we know as the Meeting House was Grace Chapel, affiliated with Christ’s Church. Learn about multiple generations of the Wainwright family, prominent and wealthy congregants of Christ’s Church who took a special interest in the welfare of the little chapel.
Wine and cheese will be served following the lecture. Cost is $10 per person.
For more information, email birdhomestead.meetinghouse@gmail.com.
Family Ties
Garden Together
Discover the evolution of the Colonial and indigenous gardens at The Knapp House, October 17 at 5:30 p.m. Learn about those who grew vegetables and perennials on the property during the past 300 years, including the Knapp, Halstead, Ford, Taylor, and Stigdon families.
Participants will also learn about the seed harvesting practices used for over 20 years, help plant garlic for harvest next year, and taste delicious and healthy Knapp House greens planted this past July.
For more information, contact Douglas Carey at to=Rye1904@yahoo.com<;/a>” data-mce-href=”https://mail.google.com/mail/h/mswnjayecwro/?&v=b&cs=wh&Rye1904@yahoo.com or 305-1721.
Open That Pumpkin Wide
Create lasting memories at the Square House Museum’s annual Family Pumpkin Carving Day, October 19 from 1-4 p.m. After carefully choosing just the right fruit (it’s not a vegetable!) from the Square House Pumpkin Patch, families can carve their very own masterpiece. Children will also be able to enjoy a selection of fall-themed crafts.
The cost is $20 per family and includes pumpkin, carving tools, and crafts. Reservations are suggested; call 967-7588.
Wild and Wonderful Read Fall Fest
Discover a hidden jewel of Rye, the Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary, October 19 from 12-5 p.m. Head to the pumpkin patch, watch live animal workshops, take part in a hiking or camping clinic, try your hand at seascape painting, listen to live music, enjoy story & craft time, a balloon artist, and more.
Admission for families is free with a new annual membership to Read Sanctuary for $50. Otherwise, it is $10 for adults, $5 for children.
For more information, visit friendsofreadwildlifesanctuary.org.
Goblins, Ghosts, and Ghouls
The Woman’s Club of Rye, Children’s Philanthropy will sponsor a Bake Sale during Rye Rec’s Halloween Window Painting, October 20 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. For more than 60 years, children have decorated storefront windows around Rye with fun and spooky Halloween themes. Head on over to Purchase Street to see the works in progress and enjoy the many treats offered up and down the street at several bake sale stations and the hot dog stand.
Proceeds from the Bake Sale are used to fund children’s programs at Rye Rec, Rye Free Reading Room, Rye Youth Council, Rye Arts Center, Kids’ S.P.A.C.E., Rye YMCA, Rye Nature Center, and Rye Historical Society. Children’s Philanthropy also assists families in need during school breaks and awards grants that help support summer camp scholarships.
The Arcadia Jazz Trio will perform from 10-11:30 a.m., and the Dragon Coasters from 12:30-2 p.m.
While you’re there, enjoy face painting, a bounce castle, ghosts, and a magician specializing in balloon art.
Spooky Stories
Bring a flashlight, hot dogs, and your courage to Ghost Stories by the campfire, October 25 at 6 p.m. at the Rye Nature Center. Listen to tales and poems about Westchester’s haunted forests, houses, and caves. Marshmallows will be provided. Cost is $10 for non-members.
Hiking Club
Grab your boots and explore the Rye Nature Center forest, October 26 at 9:15 a.m. Cost is free for members, $10 for non-members.
Happy Haunting
Come in costume and enjoy games, healthy refreshments, prizes, and lots of haunted fun at the Rye Y October 27 from 2-4 p.m. All ages are welcome. Cost is $2 per child.
Teen & Tween Times
Getting Started on That College Essay
Marek Fuchs, an author and former New York Times columnist who is on the Sarah Lawrence writing faculty, will lead a fun, informative, but relaxed college essay workshop, October 15 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rye library. Asking adults to write with context and insight about their own life is problematic, but a 17 year-old? The problem is getting it done and the sooner, the better. Learn tips about successful topics and troublesome ones and then brainstorm, pick a topic, start writing and get a bead on revising.
To register, call 231-3172.
Got Game Time?
Play Wii and X-BOX games on the Rye library’s big screen, October 18 from 3-4:30 p.m. Whether you’re a sports, action or karaoke fan, the library has lots to choose from, or you can bring your own. Snacks are provided.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Take practice ACT and SAT exams before walking into the real thing at the Rye library. A mock ACT test will be given October 19 from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., followed by a practice SAT test, October 26 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The trial exams will be administered by Applerouth Tutoring and free detailed score reports highlighting personal strengths and weaknesses will be available on their website a week later. Test takers should bring water, a snack, pencils, and a calculator.
Register at applerouth.com/signup. Call 914-371-8000 for help or with questions.
Children’s Corner
Still a Few Kindertime Spots Left
Kindertime at the Y is an afternoon enrichment program especially for kindergartners in the Rye City Schools. Activities include swimming, arts and crafts, music, sports, outdoor play, computers, and gymnastics. Children register for three afternoons a week (on the days that they have a half-day schedule at their school.)
The program fees are $370/month for members and $407/month for non-members. The Y provides bus transportation from all three elementary schools. For information, call 967-6363.
Grab Your Paintbrush
Head to the Rye Y and paint your own pumpkin just in time for Halloween, October 17 from 6-7 p.m. All ages are welcome. For Family members only.
Room on the Broom
Listen my children, ages 5 and up, and you will hear tales of ghosts and goblins at the Rye library October 25 at 3:30 p.m. Children will also make a crafty craft.
Save the Date
Avian Artistry
The Bird Homestead will hold an opening night fundraiser November 16 for “On the Wing: Birds of the Bird Homestead and Meeting House,” an exhibit of 55 photographs by Nadia Valla.
Valla has photographed almost all the bird species, which have been documented by naturalist Alison Beall on the two sites. Valla often captures her subjects from a kayak, where she can photograph wading birds and swimming ducks at eye level. Sometimes, she prints her photos on watercolor paper and reworks them with pastels or watercolors. This technique transforms her already beautiful photos into exquisite works of art.
The Bird Homestead and the Meeting House are not only historic sites, but the two properties on the Blind Brook estuary are also a haven for more than 50 species of birds. These range from elegant white egrets that wade and fish in the estuary to the brightly colored warblers that pass through during their migration.
The nonprofit’s mission includes conserving the coastal habitat and biodiversity of the adjoining properties, while inspiring an appreciation of the natural world. The event will take place at the Meeting House, and proceeds will benefit both properties. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres will be served.
Tickets start at $75 per person; a portion of which is tax-deductible. For more information, email birdhomestead.meetinghouse@gmail.com or call 967-0099.
