Don’t Miss
Checkmate, Kids
The Rye library will host its annual chess tournament for ages 6-14 on March 23. Registration begins at 10:15 a.m. and play begins at 10:30 a.m. Tom Levine, who has conducted the tournament for many years, will once again referee the round-robin play and award book prizes to the top three players. Participants should bring a chess set and snack and expect to play four rounds. Players of all levels are welcome.
For more information, call 231-3162.
Register Now
Rye Y member registration begins April 3, April 5 for non-members. Visit ryeymca.org.
This Weekend
Magical Milton Spring Faire
Partake in games such as Quidditch and The Happy Medium, as well as bouncy castles, face painting, cake walk, and arts and crafts, Saturday from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Milton School. Snack on pizza, hotdogs, and delicious Japanese food.
Art Opening
The works of artists Kathleen Joyce, Shirley Wolf, Doris Peet, and Terry Eppridge are on exhibit at the Rye library. A reception for the local artists will be held Saturday from 2-4 p.m. The women are members of The Greenwich Art Society and study with Professor Enzo Russo at the GAS Studio School. The exhibit runs through April 1.
There Once Was a Man Named O’…
The Rye Storytellers’ Guild presents Irish Tea and Tales, Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Rye library. Enjoy Irish soda bread, cheese, and tea, while tellers share their recollections and stories. Patrick A. Ahern, a longtime Rye resident, returns with his stories of growing up in County Limerick.
The People’s Parks
Charles Mitchell will give a talk entitled, “Representing the American Landscape: The People’s Parks,” at the Jay Heritage Center Sunday from 3-5 p.m. Mitchell will explore the history of the park as a landscape, retreat, and resource.
Focusing on the parks of the Hudson Valley, learn about how parks are discovered, created, and identified — how the public has been encouraged to visit and preserve these spaces — and what the management, ecological, and other issues are that they currently face.
Refreshments will be served.
The Orion String Quartet
The Westchester Chamber Music Society presents an afternoon of music, featuring the quartets of Beethoven, Bartok, and Schumann, Sunday at 4 p.m. at Congregation Emanu-El.
Enjoy a reception following the concert. Tickets are $35, free for students.
Marshlands Happenings
Bring binoculars and go bird watching with expert Tom Burke Sunday at 7:30 a.m.
The whole family can view the breathtaking beauty of the stars in the galaxy Sunday at 7:30 p.m.
Talks and Workshops
All in the Wainwright Family
SPRYE presents a talk by Paul Hicks that delves into the history of the Wainwright family, March 20 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Wainwright House. The event is free.
My Picasa, You Picasa
Learn about Picasa, March 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Rye library. The free Google program helps you upload, organize, and share your great snapshots with friends and family.
Current Events Book Group
“Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder” by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is the title under discussion, March 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rye library. For more information, call 231-3161.
Spin a Yarn
Join The Rye Storytellers’ Guild to share traditional and personal tales and trade tips on techniques, April 2 at 6:30 p.m. This meeting’s theme is “Fools, Spring, and Rainy Days.”
To the Lighthouse
Beyond their beauty and romance, lighthouses can provide valuable lessons for rebuilding the shoreline in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. The Committee to Save the Bird Homestead presents a lecture by preservation architects Walter Sedovic and Jill Gotthelf, “Beacons of Sustainability: Lighthouses of the Eastern Seaboard,” April 6 at 4 p.m. at the Meeting House. This is the first lecture in the Committee’s new series, “After the Storm: Toward a More Resilient Shoreline.” The Long Island Sound Study in Stamford is co-sponsoring the series.
Walter Sedovic Architects specializes in sustainable preservation and has worked on the restoration of 17 historic lighthouses. Showing alluring images, Sedovic and Gotthelf will discuss what can be learned from the existence of lighthouses in harsh coastal conditions.
The lecture series will bring leading experts in environmental protection, historic preservation, and science to the Meeting House to explore ways to make the Sound shore more resilient and sustainable.
For more information, email birdhomestead.meetinghouse@gmail.com or call 967-0099.
Arts & Entertainment
Hollywood Comes to Town
“Robot & Frank” (2012), starring Frank Langella, Susan Sarandon, James Marsden, and Liv Tyler, which was shot at the Rye Free Reading Room and other Rye locations, will be shown April 2 at 7 p.m. at the library.
Set in the near future, Frank, a retired cat burglar, has grown kids who are concerned he can no longer live alone. They are tempted to place him in a nursing home until Frank’s son chooses a different option and, against the old man’s wishes, buys Frank a walking, talking humanoid robot programmed to improve his physical and mental health. What follows is an often hilarious and heartwarming story about finding friends and family in the most unexpected places.
Much of Robot & Frank was shot at the library, on the Village Green, and along Purchase Street during the summer of 2011.
For a Good Cause
Volunteer Grounds Clean-Up Day
Volunteers will have an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie of working outdoors in a group at a grounds cleanup session Saturday, March 23 at the Meeting House and Bird Homestead. Starting at 10 a.m., help gather and haul fallen sticks and will rake tidal debris to prepare the grounds for the mowing season.
The clean up is scheduled to take place before the bird-nesting season begins in April. Alison Beall, Curator Emerita of Marshlands Conservancy, will lead the work.
Grass cutting at the two properties is done with reel mowers pushed by hand. No gasoline-powered machines are used in order to avoid air pollution and excessive noise.
Participants should wear work gloves and dress for outdoor work. Bringing leaf rakes would be helpful. All ages are welcome and community service hours are available for students. For further information, contact birdhomestead.meetinghouse@gmail.com or 967-0099.
Teen & Tween Times
Save the Tiger
Watch “Life of Pi” (PG) during the spring break, March 28 at 2 p.m. at the library. The award-winning film follows the adventures of young Pi Patel, who finds himself stranded on a lifeboat after a cataclysmic shipwreck with the only other survivor — a ferocious Bengal tiger. Bound by the need to survive, the two are cast on an epic journey.
Family Ties
Make it and They Will Come
Learn how to organize and prepare nutritious family dinners at a workshop with author Jenny Rosenstrach, March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Rye Y. Rosenstrach, author of “Dinner: A Love Story,” will give advice on how to make it happen regularly, and even pleasantly. This event is free. RSVP by calling 967-6363.
Spring Vacation Workshops
Rye’s organizations have a variety of workshops and classes that will keep all ages entertained over the school break.
Rye Arts Center
Explore World Rhythms
Ages 6-8 can experience Salsa, R&B, Samba, Middle Eastern patterns, and more. Various rhythm instruments will be introduced to create exciting musical compositions. Camp runs March 25-29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Fee is $50 per day, $230 per week.
Photography & Photoshop
Ages 8 and up can enter the world of digital photography, March 25-29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Using digital cameras, and the power of Photoshop, learn to develop a unique photographic eye. Gain an introduction to foundation concepts such as composition and lighting. Cost is $240.
Art Fundamentals
Ages 6-8 can explore a variety of art mediums, March 25-29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Learn the basics of art through experimentation with watercolor, pencil, mixed media, and more. Cost is $240.
All About Ceramics
Ages 8-12 will learn how to working in clay and pottery wheel techniques, March 25-29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Participants will focus on independent projects. Fee is $240.
Ages 5-7 can get creative with ceramics from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Fee is $170.
Manga Club Cartooning
Ages 8 and up will learn how to create powerful manga illustrations, March 25-29 from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Creating a manga style comic strip will also be reviewed. Fee is $160.
Members receive a discount on all classes. For more information, visit ryeartscenter.org.
Rye Historical Society
Celebrate the arrival of spring with arts & crafts and a bit of baking at the Square House. Three days of creative and imaginative projects have been planned for ages 7-11 from March 26-28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Crafting metal work pictures, painting birdhouses, and baking soda bread are just a few of the activities. Each day features a different theme: March 26, Creative Arts, March 27, Home Crafts, and March 28, Baking.
The cost is $65 for all three days or $25 per day. For reservations, call 967-7588.
Rye Rec
Children in grades K-5 can build a big bunny, a spring sign, and the Hebrew letters for Passover, at Brick Kids, March 25 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost is $30 for residents, $40 non-residents.
At Jewelry & Beading Workshop, participants (grades K-5) can create 3 items to take home: a charm or pendant necklace, a bracelet and a keychain, March 26 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost is $35 for residents, $45 non-residents.
Ages 3-5 can burn off energy at Sports Squirts Camp March 25-26 from 4:30-5:30 p.m. at Rye Rec Park. Cost is $35 for residents, $45 non-residents.
At Multi Sports Camp, grades K-6 can experience 15 different sports from around the world with the US Sports Institute, March 25-26 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Rye Rec Park. All activities take place in an atmosphere, which promotes good sportsmanship, teamwork, and most of all fun. Half-day cost is $59 for residents, $69 non-residents; full-day cost is $79 for residents, $89 non-residents.
For more information, call 967-2535.
Rye Y
Ages 12-15 can participate in cardiovascular workouts, fitness games, sports, strength training, special group classes, and swim training with certified personal trainers and sports nutrition specialists at Teen Fitness Camp, March 25-29 from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Per week cost is $255 for family/youth members, $325 non-members.
Ages 5 and up can improve their gymnastics skills through drills, tumbling, and open workouts at Gymnastics Camp, March 25-29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Participants will also have 1 hour of free swim.
Per week cost for half-day program is $215 for family members, $265 youth members, $420 non-members. Call for full-day rates.
At Soccer Camp, ages 5-11 will receive two hours of instruction and games followed by one hour of free swim, March 25-29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Children will learn soccer fundamentals and be grouped according to age and skill level.
Ages 5-7 can receive instruction and play games at T-Ball Camp, March 25-29 from 1-3 p.m. Throwing, catching, base running, and batting will be covered.
At Mix It Up Camp, ages 5-11 can enjoy two hours of different exercise activities such as yoga, cheerleading, and gymnastics plus one hour of free swim March 25-29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Per week cost for Soccer, T-Ball, and Mix It Up Camps: $215 for family members, $265 youth members, $420 non-members.
Grades K-6 can participate in a variety of activities, including sports, games, swimming, arts & crafts, science, special events, and field trips at Fun Club Camp, March 25-29 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Per week cost is $270 for members, $340 non-members.
For per day rates and to register, call 967-6363 or visit ryeymca.org.
Rye Free Reading Room
Lego fans (ages 5 and up) can build a Star Wars Universe at a Brick Kids event March 26 from 2-4 p.m. Participants will travel to the planets of Tatooine, Hoth, and Mustafar to re-create scenes from the movies and make their own light sabers.
Artist Susan Ordahl will teach creative kids (ages 7 and up) to fold 3-D objects from airplanes to origami out of flat sheets of paper taken from the recycling bin, March 27 at 2 p.m.
To register for both programs, call 231-3162.
Ages 5 and up can watch “Wreck-It Ralph” (PG) March 29 at 3 p.m. The movie is about a video game villain who wants to be a hero, but instead brings havoc to the whole arcade where he lives.
Save the Date
March Madness in April
For action-packed adult fun, the Rye YMCA’s March Madness fundraiser can’t be topped. The event, to be held April 6 from 7-11 p.m. at Manursing Island Club, helps support the Rye Y’s Y Cares Financial Aid Program, April 6 from 7-11 p.m. at Manursing Island Club. Enjoy the live action of one of the Final Four games on three high-definition TVs, passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations, wine/beer, dessert, music, a silent auction, raffles, and more.
Try your hand during the Pop-a-Shot competition and earn Top Pop bragging rights for your team. Pull out your favorite college baseball cap, T-shirt, or sports gear and get ready for a night of fun and revelry as you root for your favorite team – the Rye Y!
Dress is collegiate casual. Festive school spirit is required!
In Bloom
The Little Garden Club of Rye’s annual Daffodil Show will take place April 16 from 1:30-4 p.m. at the Jay Heritage Center.
Rye Rocks Earth Day!
A community-wide celebration to commemorate Earth Day will take place Saturday, April 20 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. The rain date is April 21. Close to a dozen local organizations are expected to take part in a variety of activities designed to promote awareness of and showcase the natural beauty found in our waterfront community.
The Rye Arts Center is taking the lead in organizing the Rye Rocks Earth Day umbrella campaign, which features an emphasis on the ‘art’ in Earth. Helen Gates, Executive Director, explains: “I was inspired by a quote that says, ‘The Earth without art is just eh.’ I believe that if we start to view the Earth and sustainability through the lens of nature’s beauty, we will begin to protect Nature’s Art — just as we would a piece of art hanging on a wall in our home.”
Rye Rocks Earth Day will promote the natural sites and sights in Rye and engage the community in exploring the natural beauty that Rye has to offer at each of the participating locations. All events are free and open to the public.
Participants include Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary, The Rye Arts Center, Rye Free Reading Room, Rye Nature Center, Rye Town Park, Rye YMCA, The Rye Sustainability Committee, Conservation Commission/Advisory Council, and Wainwright House.
The Rye Arts Center presents the exhibit, “Nature’s Art: Geodes from the Collection of Robert R. Wiener,” April 16-May 24. On opening day, take part in a geologist’s talk and children’s workshop at 3 p.m. Learn about the relationship between art and science at this unique exhibit featuring more than 200 geodes from around the world. These colorful geodes form the basis of our understanding of how nature creates and informs different forms of art.
Come explore “The Bamboo Forest: Mother Nature’s Maze” at Edith G. Read Wildlife Sanctuary. Children can play hide-and-seek in the hidden “rooms” and play follow-the-leader along the twisting pathways. Artists will enjoy the dramatic interplay of light streamers and dark shadows, open ceilings, and green cathedral arches.
Adults and children can take part in the festivities at the Rye Free Reading Room. Listen to “Go Green” stories and plant seeds to get your garden started at Earth Day Preschool Story & Craft Time.
At “Along the Coast: Lighthouses and Their Stories for Adults,” learn about the lighthouses guarding the East Coast, Hudson River, Long Island Sound, and the Great Lakes. Both events take place at 11 a.m.
The Rye Nature Center will feature an Andrew Goldsworthy-inspired sculpture created by children. The workshop will be conducted in conjunction with the Rye Arts Center and docents from its Famous Artists program. Come take a look at this work of art composed of natural materials collected from the woods of the Nature Center!
“UKIYO-Floating World,” an exhibit of sculptures by Tomoko Abe will open by the pond at Rye Town Park. A reception with activities will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The exhibit runs from April 7-May 5.
Children of all ages and their families can stop by the Rye Y for nature crafts from 1-3 p.m.
Walk Wainwright House’s “Seaside Labyrinth” April 20-21 from 12-4 p.m. Just follow the path and allow your mind to grow quiet.
On the Village Green, Sustainable Rye will be providing information on green practices in general and promoting the green-scaping themes of healthy lawns, composting and Leave Leaves Alone (LLA).
Also on the Green, meet with members of the City’s Conservation Commission and find out why wetlands are so important.
