Compiled by Janice Llanes Fabry 

This Weekend

Ducks Get Top Billing 

Head to Read Wildlife Sanctuary Saturday at 10 to learn more about the ducks that winter on Manursing Lake. There are many species of ducks and diving birds that congregate in large numbers during the winter season. They eat and socialize on the protected, unfrozen lake while waiting for spring.  

Dress warmly, take a walk with the experts, and learn to identify these delightful.  

Wildflowers in Winter 

Look for green plants hugging the cold earth at Read Sanctuary on Saturday at 1. Learn to recognize last year’s plants by their “skeletons”.  

Weather-permitting. For more information, call 967-8720. 

Mindfulness Begins at Home 

Wainwright is offering a meditation class specifically designed for families with children 8 and up on Sunday from 5-5:30. Mindfulness begins with learning to pause, listening deeply, and responding to each other with love and compassion. Participants will discover how to stay connected as a family in an increasingly distracted and chaotic world. 

Families will also learn to develop a home meditation practice. There’s a $5 drop-in fee. For Wainwright’s full schedule of meditation and affinity groups, visit wainwright.org.  

<<Arts & Entertainment>> 

Captions 

Rooftop landscape by Tova Snyder 

Roadscape by Nestor Madalengoitia 
 

Portraits, Roofscapes, and Murals   
 
The works of two artists with unique views of the world will be on display at The Rye Arts Center January 24 through March 2. Nestor Madalengoitia and Tova Snyder present their vision in this collaborative retrospective, “Up and Down: Global Visions”. An opening reception will be held January 24 from 5-7. 

Snyder was born in New York City and was raised in Israel, Provincetown, and Rye. She graduated from Yale University and received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Tyler School of Art.  

Madalengoitia hails from Lima, Peru. He was educated at the Catholic University of Lima-Peru and SUNY New Paltz. He currently lives and works in Poughkeepsie.  

For more information, visit ryeartscenter.org.  

Loosen Up and Paint 

 
Join The Rye Arts Center and BYOB for an evening of self-expression through paint January 24 from 6:15-9. No paint-by-numbers, no pressure to be perfect. Start with a simple still life and progress from there.  

Participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace and in their own style. No experience necessary.  
 
The fee is $65 per workshop and all supplies are included. Register at ryeartscenter.org.  

Both Sides Now 

LawnChair Theatre and The Rye Arts Center present a benefit cabaret, “All I Want: Joni Mitchell’s Music”, on January 24 and 25 from 8-9:30. The show is a curated conversation of the 1960s-70s folk singer’s music and lyrics, sung and spoken by LawnChair performers.  

Conceived by Artistic Director Peter Green, the show’s Musical Director is Keith Levenson, fresh from his stint as conductor of the national symphonic tour of “Tommy”. 

 
Tickets are $35, cash bar. 

With photo of Jane Condon 

Laugh More, Live Longer    

In partnership with the Rye Brook Senior Center and the Knistrom Foundation, SPRYE presents “An Afternoon of Comedy with Jane Condon” at the Rye Brook Senior Center January 27 from 1-2.  

Condon, an audience favorite from NBC’s “Last Comic Standing”, has appeared on “The View”, “Girls Night Out”, and the series finale of “24”. 

Jams at Jay 

Chase away the winter blues at a bluegrass concert at the 1907 Van Norden Carriage House of the Jay House February 1 from 7-9:30. The historic structure has great acoustics and is the perfect venue for the sounds of the Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective, a vibrant group of musicians. 

The first set starts at 7:15, the second at 8:45. The fee is $20 for Jay Heritage Center members, $25 general admission. Seasonal beverages and bites will be served. 

This is the first in a series of three concerts. The Margaret McDuffie Trio will perform on March 1 and Ken Dircks and Friends on April 5. Sign up in advance for all three evenings of music and receive a discounted rate. For more information, visit jayheritagecenter.org. 

<<Talks, Workshops, & Just for Fun>> 

Tuning In  

Learn the value of being in the moment at Wainwright’s Introduction to Meditation class on January 23 from 7-8:30. Instructors Jackie Berner of the Buddhist Shamatha tradition and school psychologist Beth Gallos will help participants gain a clearer awareness of their thoughts and emotions.  

Drop-in fee is $40. For more information, visit wainwright.org.  

Meeting of the Minds 

Interested in a venue for corporate events? Wainwright is holding an Open House January 23 from 8:30-10. The holistic center is launching Wainwright Corporate Events for those who want to connect, collaborate, create, renew, and grow in a beautiful environment.  

Market-Savvy Women  

The Rye Library presents a talk on “Women’s Financial Literacy: What is Going on in the Market” January 24 at 11. Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Advisor Julia Strayer and Financial Analyst Liz Maccarone will hold an easy-to-follow, interactive discussion on the financial markets and a look ahead through 2019.   

The library’s new financial literacy series educates women of every age about financial matters that affect their lives. This installment will reveal what’s been moving the markets and why. Strayer and Maccarone will also share secrets for positioning one’s portfolio in these uncertain times. 

(Hem, can you get book cover of “The Wartime Sisters”) 

Good Read, Good Talk 

Next up in the Rye library’s “Read in Rye” series is Lynda Cohen Loigman, author of “The Wartime Sisters” on January 24 from 7-9. Get to know the author in a conversation with Annabel Monaghan and Susie Schnall as she discusses her new novel about two sisters, each with a deep secret, working in a World War II armory.  

Parental Consent 

Holistic Moms presents a talk entitled “The Psychiatric Drugging/Labeling of Children — What Is Informed Consent” at the Rye library January 24 from 7:30-9. Sheila Gallo of Ablechild.org will speak about the right of parents to refuse to administer psychiatric medication to their child if they don’t feel they need it, as well as the risks of mandatory mental health screening. 

Protecting Senior Assets 

The Rye library is offering an elder law asset protection seminar January 26 from 11-12:30. Participants will learn how to leave their assets to family and protect them from nursing home costs. Discover the three most important legal documents needed to protect an estate and how to qualify for government-paid home aides.  

The seminar is presented by Pat Micek, Esq. Call 358-4235 to reserve a seat. 

Nip it in the Bud 

An introduction to Holistic Herbalism at Wainwright House on January 27 from 1-5 is a multi-sensory workshop about treating the whole self with medicinal plants. Sacred Warrior founder Vanessa Chakour will share herbal infusions and tinctures. Participants will learn to tap into the language of New York’s wild plants and explore the root cause of health challenges. 

Chakour’s Sacred Warrior approach is a culmination of her background in personal training, professional boxing, meditation, Tibetan Buddhism, Taoism, and plant spirit meditation.  

The fee is $125 for members, $135 non-members.  
 

The Heart of Her Work  

Join the Rye library for an informative talk on Mary Oliver’s poetry January 27 at 4. Yale senior associate dean Mark Schenker will lead an insightful and lively discussion on the Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet. 

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To RSVP, email Allen Clark at amcrye@gmail.com. Refreshments will be served. 

Parenting Generation Z  

The Rye Free Reading Room is hosting “Heard in Rye’s” next two conversations on parenting on the morning of January 31 from 9-10:30 and the evening of February 6 from 7-8:30. Author Denise Clark Pope will discuss her project Stressed Out Students (SOS). 

Pope’s award-winning book “Doing School,” which focuses on a generation of stressed, materialistic, and “miseducated” students, will be available for purchase. Admission is free. 

Here’s to the Non-Snowbirds 

Join Read Wildlife Sanctuary for a winter birding program on February 2 at 10. Take a brisk walk around the property to see how our feathered friends are faring.  

<<Family Ties>> 

Let it Snow 

Explore the science of snowflakes at the Rye Nature Center on January 26 at 1. Ages 5 and up will enjoy making their own snow. The fee is $5 per person for members, $8 non-members. 

Year of the Pig 

Celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Rye library with an exciting new bilingual story time on February 2 from 11-11:45. Join Pam Jianhong to hear New Year stories and learn some Chinese words. A fun craft, appropriate for all ages, will follow.  

Old-Fashioned Winter’s Afternoon 

Warm up at the Rye Nature Center’s 43-year-old traditional community event February 2 from 12-3. All ages are welcome for an afternoon of log-sawing contests, marshmallow-roasting, hiking, maple sugaring, and more. 

Punch cards will be available for purchase. Cash only.  

<<Teen Time>> 

ACT Now 

Take a practice ACT test before walking into the real thing at the Rye library on February 2 from 10:30- 2:45. This mock exam comes with a free detailed score report that highlights personal strengths and weaknesses. It will be available at www.applerouth.com the Friday after the exam.   

Both exams and reports are free. Bring water, a snack, pencils, and a calculator. Register at www.applerouth.com/signup. Questions? Call 371-8000. 

A Song to Remember 
 
On February 2 from 2-4, Rye Arts Center is hosting a songwriting workshop for ages 9-12. It is designed for songwriters of all levels who want to harness their melodies and lyrics into a great song. Professional songwriter Nina Ossoff encourages writers to bring in finished works and ideas for critique and discussion. Song forms of all genres will be analyzed for greater insight.  
 

Ossoff is a multi-platinum writer with many successes to her credit, some of which have appeared in movies — “Miss Congeniality” and “Bring It On” — and on TV talk shows — “The Letterman Show” and “Good Morning America”.  

You Light Up My Life 

Ages 9-12 are invited to create unique cards at a Valentine’s Day workshop at Rye Arts Center February 2 from 3-4. Instructor Nicole Zahour will teach teens how to use markers and collages, as well as how to wire small electrical tape, batteries, and LED lights to make a unique light-up card. 

The $20 fee includes all supplies. Register at ryeartscenter.org. 
 

<<Children’s Corner>> 

Reading Partners 

The Rye Free Reading Room is recruiting students from kindergarten to third grade for a Reading Buddies program at The Osborn on January 25 from 3:30-5. 

Pairing young readers with older listeners helps children strengthen their reading skills by improving vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension. They will also acquire reading and public speaking confidence. Seniors benefit by engaging in personal interaction and different experiences.  

Contact the Children’s Room at 231-3162 to sign up. 

Get a Kick Out of Mat Ball 

Rye Recreation is holding a Mat Ball night for grades 5-7 on January 25 from 6:30-8 at the Rye Middle School gym. This indoor version of kickball keeps all participants involved in the game. 

The fee is $15. The program is for residents only. Register at ryeny.gov.  

Will You Be Mine? 

 
Ages 5-8 will create heart pendants and Valentine’s Day cards at a Rye Arts Center workshop February 2 from 2-3. Instructor Nicole Zahour will have students working with polymer clay, mixed media, and paint.  
 
The fee is $10. All supplies included. Register at ryeartscenter.org. 
 

<<Save the Date>> 

In Your Wildest Dreams 

Creativity is a perfect tool for inner exploration. Artist and career fulfillment coach Kori Burkholder will guide you at a workshop at Wainwright House February 3 from 1-4. Participants will get closer to their dreams through vision crafting, guided meditation, journaling, and moving through internal blocks.   

Burkholder is co-founder of VitaminR, a well-being and creative innovation company. The fee is $175 for members, $190 non-members. Register at wainwright.org.  

Honestly Abe 

Popular storyteller Lou Del Bianco will perform “Abraham Lincoln: From Rail-Splitter to President” February 6 from 4-5 at The Osborn. 
 
Fully dressed and in character, Del Bianco tells stories from the 16^th president’s childhood and shares some of the struggles Lincoln faced. The program ends with a dramatic reading of the Gettysburg Address.  

RSVP at 925-8218 or rsvp@theosborn.org. 

History Comes to Life 

The Jay Heritage Center presents “The Kept Private”, a Storyhorse Documentary Theater production, on February 9 at 3 and 6:30 and February 10 at 3. This stage production is based on the 1835 Revolutionary War pension application of a 93-year-old black farmer named Andrew Frazier. 

Created by actors/directors Jeremy Davidson and Mary Stuart Masterson, Storyhorse uses transcribed conversations with community members, historical documents, and other primary sources from the Hudson Valley to weave compelling narratives. 

Seating is limited to 150 guests. Email bjsjhc@gmail.com to reserve seats. Free for Jay Heritage Center members, students, and educators. General admission is $10.