Compiled by Janice Llanes Fabry
<<Arts & Entertainment>>
Cartoonists Take Stock
The Rye Free Reading Room’s first exhibit of the New Year, “Not OK”, showcases a sampling of terrific cartoons that didn’t make the cut at The New Yorker. It runs from January 3-31.
On January 27 at 4, illustrator and cartoonist David Oslow will moderate a discussion with fellow artists Jason Adam Katzenstein, Amy Kurzweil, Maggie Larson, and Ellis Rosen on their favorite works and experiences with the storied magazine.
The Lass and the Sailor
Gilbert and Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore” is the first in the Rye library’s
new “Midday at the Operetta” film series, January 8 from 12-2. The time-tested classic delights audiences with its rollicking farcical story, endearing characters, and memorable tunes.
‘Tis the Season
Paint a winter scene at The Rye Arts Center January 9 from 9-2. Instructor Larry D’Amico will explore the colors and tones of winter.
The workshop is open to all levels. Bring a canvas and an acrylic or oil paint set to class. The fee is $105, less for members.
A Slow Burn
“Some Like It Hot”, The Rye Arts Center’s upcoming exhibit, runs from January 13 to February 17, with a reception January 20 from 5-7. Curated by Katharine Dufault, the art show features work in encaustic, a process that requires the heating of beeswax, resin, and pigments.
In an effort to introduce the community to this kind of painting, free workshops will be held the morning of January 20 from 10-12:30 and the evening of February 1 from 6-8:30. There will also be a curator’s talk on the history and techniques of the medium February 8 at 6.
For more information and to register, visit ryeartscenter.org.
Paint the Town Red
Loosen up and paint at The Rye Arts Center’s BYOB Night January 18 from 6-9. Instructor Laura Anechiarico will start the workshop off with a simple still life and progress from there, so participants can work at their own pace and in their own style.
No experience is necessary and all supplies are included. Everyone must be over 21. The fee is $65, with a discount for members.
<<Don’t Miss>>
Arts Festival
All ages can embrace the full spectrum of the arts at The Rye Arts Center on January 13 from 12-3. There will be fun activities in music and theater from improve to singing and instrument workshops. Everyone will have a chance to dabble in a range of artistic media, as well as in STEAM programs, from painting and ceramics to 3D printing and creative building.
Visitors with small children can enjoy an Open House, Half Day for Half Pints in order to learn about the center’s pre-K creative arts programs. Early registration is available. For more information, call 967-0600.
All-American Holiday
The Jay Heritage Center will hold a literary celebration and tea with the American Women of African Heritage January 15 from 2-5. The occasion showcases the works of writers from diverse backgrounds and honors Martin Luther King Jr., whose birthday is celebrated nationwide that day.
For more information, call 698-9275.
<<The Great Outdoors>>
All Hands Needed at Edith Read
Join the volunteer corps at Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary January 6 at 10 to assist with invasive vine cutting, trail work, beach clean-up, and more. Dress for the weather.
Sitting Ducks
Take a walk at Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary on January 13 at 1 to learn all about the ducks and diving birds of Manursing Lake. By journey’s end, you’ll be able to identify many of the species that congregate in large numbers there during the winter season. Dress for the weather.
<<Talks, Workshops, & Just for Fun>>
Multi-Tasking at its Best
The Rye library’s “Spin a Yarn” afternoons will be held December 26, January 2, 9, and 16 from 2-4. Bring your needlework and other fabric projects while you work and chat.
(need book jackets Hemna)
Love Stories
The Rye Free Reading Room’s Thursday Afternoon Book Group is reading “I Always Loved You” by Robin Oliveira. The discussion will be held January 4 from 1:15-2:30. The novel recreates the world of Belle Époque
Paris and focuses on the great romance of Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas.
The Friday Book Café is reading Alice Hoffman’s “The Rules of Magic” and will meet January 5 from 9:30-11. The spellbinding prequel to “Practical Magic” takes place in the 1600s and revolves around the Owens family curse. The protagonist is charged with witchery for loving the wrong man.
Sweeping Views
The Little Garden Club of Rye invites you to meet Nancy Berner and Susan Lowry, authors of “Gardens of the Hudson Valley”, at the Rye Free Reading Room January 9 from 10:30-12. They’ll focus on the historic landscape between Yonkers and Hudson, including famed estate gardens open to the public, such as Kykuit, Boscobel, the Vanderbilt Mansion, and Olana, as well as private gardens that combine panoramic views and lush plantings.
Core Connection
Breathe deep and feel connected to your inner spirit at a yoga workshop at Wainwright on January 20 from 2-4. Instructor Sandhi Ferreira’s lesson will include poses, pranayama, and affirmations. Ferreira is a certified Jivamukti yoga teacher.
The fee is $35 for members, $40 non-members. Register at wainwright.org.
Foreign Affairs
The next selection of the library’s Current Events Book Club is “The Impossible State: North Korea, Past and Future” by Victor Cha. The work offers a portrait of the isolated country’s society, economy, politics, and foreign policy. The author is the former Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council. The meeting is January 23 from 6:30-8.
<<Especially for Seniors>>
In for the Long Haul
SPRYE is present a free lecture on Planning for Longevity January 17 from 3-4:30 at Wainwright House. Ted Roman will address the importance of ensuring one’s financial house is in order.
Elder Care Without the Legalese
Patricia Micek, Esq. of Estate Planning & Elder Law Associates LLP in White Plains, will lead an informative talk for seniors on how to protect your assets and not lose them to a nursing home. The discussion will be held at the Rye library on January 20 from 11-12:30. A Q & A will follow.
<<Family Ties>>
Muppet Mania
The whole family will enjoy the antics of Jim Henson’s remarkable puppets when the Rye library features lunch at the movies December 26, 27, 28, and 30 from 1:30-3.
Bah, humbug, no more as “The Muppet Christmas Carol” brings the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future of the Dickens classic to life on December 26. Kermit the Frog is the star of “Muppet Treasure Island” on December 27. Kermit and Miss Piggy find success in Hollywood in “The Muppet Movie” on December 28. They try their luck on Broadway in “The Muppets Take Manhattan” on December 30.
Bring a bagged lunch. Snacks and drinks will be provided.
Break the Ice
Join Rye Recreation for a free open skate and gym at Rye Country Day School January 15 from 2:15-4:30. Participants must bring their own skates. Children 16 and under must wear helmets.
<<Teen Time>>
Energy, Launchers, and Claws, Oh My
The Rye library is offering STEM workshops from 4:15-5:30 with instructor Irum Khan. On January 11, teens will learn about kinetic and potential energy and design their own projectile launcher. On January 18, they will design and build a hydraulic claw.
Register at ryelibrary.org.
Wednesday Night Live
In a Live Webinar presented by the Rye library January 17 from 8-9, Dr. Tony Di Giacomo will discuss how decisions made by students in grades 6-12 impact college planning. The CEO and Founder of Novella Prep will demonstrate how students can avoid stress, while at the same time improve study skills, scholastic and standardized test performance.
The online event can be accessed anywhere that you have internet by registering with the library. For more information, call 967-0480.
<<School Break Activities>>
Campin’ Around
Kids can make the most of their December break with Rye Recreation’s new camps. Register at registration@ryeny.gov.
From December 26-29, grades 2-5 will experience live action at a Star Wars camp from 9-12 and at an Animation Flix camp from 1-4.
The fee for each is $155 for residents, $180 non-residents.
From December 27-29, ages 6-12 can enjoy Winter Wonderland Cartoons from 9-12 and Video Games/Favorite Apps Art from 1-4.
The fee for each is $110 for residents, $135 non-residents.
And a Cherry on Top
Rye Recreation is also offering plenty of free programs to keep kids of all ages busy. On December 27 and 29, there will be a family Open Skate and Gym at Rye Country Day School from 2:15-4:30. Participants are required to bring their own skates and helmets.
On December 27 at 3, it’s all about basketball at Rye Country Day’s Dribble, Dish, and Swish contest.
A Mad Science workshop will be held at Rye Recreation December 28 at 1:30, and top off the afternoon with an Ice Cream Social at 2:15.
Shock it to Me
Grades K-4 can take part in Mad Science Workshops at Rye Recreation from 9:30-12:30. On December 27, participants will learn about the world of circuit electricity and on December 28, they can explore energy and chemical changes by creating a special snowball that will never melt.
The fee for each is $55 for residents, $65 non-residents. Register at
registration@ryeny.gov.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Rye Nature Center is offering a bundle of outdoor activities for children in pre-school to fifth grade from 10-12.
On December 27, kids will develop team-building skills at the center’s Con Edison STEM challenge course. On December 28, they’ll explore what lies beneath the frozen pond. On December 29, evergreens rule as kids will learn how they survive during a white winter.
The fee for each is $70 for members, $80 non-members. Register at ryenaturecenter.org or by calling 967-5150.
Cupcakes and Cocoa
Grades K and up can head to the Rye library for post-holiday cupcake decorating December 29 from 2-3. All the fixings, as well as hot chocolate, will be provided. Register at ryelibrary.org.
Take a Spin
Ages 9-12 can create their own 3D printed fidget spinners at The Rye Arts Center January 10 from 3:30-5. They will learn to work in CAD design and to incorporate mathematics and design concepts.
The creations will be printed after class and will be available for pick up a week later. The fee is $20 and all supplies are included.
Hands-On
Grades K-2 are invited to join the Rye library STEAMers January 12 from 4-5. Discuss a book and work on a related activity that involves inquiry-based learning in the STEAM Lab.
Piece Together
The Rye library is presenting the Great Library Escape for Little Kids, grades K-2, and for Big Kids, grades 3-5, on January 13, from 2-3 and from 3-4. All will work in teams to solve puzzles using critical thinking skills.
For more information, call 967-0480.
<<Save the Date>>
Sunday Brunch
The Gary Adamson Trio kicks off Wainwright House’s music brunch series on January 21 from 11:30 to 2:30. Enjoy a variety of sounds in a beautiful setting overlooking Milton Harbor. Corner Stone Caterers will provide a scrumptious champagne and wine brunch.
The fee is $55. Register by calling 967-6080.
Let it Flow
Have your wine and yoga, too, at Wainwright House on January 25 from 7:45-9:45. Instructor Sam Woodruff will offer one hour of yoga, followed by a wine tasting.
The fee is $25 per person and free to those participating in Wainwright’s MOVEmber Challenge. Register at wainwright.org.
