Compiled by Janice Llanes Fabry

<<This Weekend>>

Daddy’s Turn

Rye Nature Center welcomes fathers and their children ages 3-7 on Saturday from 9:15-10. Enjoy the morning’s animal adventure. No pre-registration is required.

The fee is $10 per family for members, $15 non-members.

Once Upon a Time

Ages 3½ and up and their grown-ups can enjoy story time and themed crafts at the Rye library Saturday from 11-12 and again on March 18. The fun morning activity is a great way for youngsters to start developing pre-literacy skills and open up to a world of reading.

Brainstorm with fellow writers at the Rye Free Reading Room on Saturday from 11-12:30. Share your work-in-progress in a welcoming environment. Discuss potential topics, as well as the individual joys and challenges of writing.

Planting the Seed

It’s about that time to start planning a spring garden and the Rye Nature Center will be able to help on Saturday at 1. Whether starting from scratch or looking to add something new, naturalists will guide you in selecting vegetables, perennials, and wildlife.

Suggested for ages 10 and up. The fee is $10 per family for members, $15 non-members.

Room Service Extra

Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary will help visitors “Build a Beneficial Bug Hotel” for their gardens on Saturday at 1. Wildflowers and gardens around your home need a variety of insects in order to be productive and healthy. Learn to support your plants by making simple accommodations for one’s garden guests.

With 2 photos

Crossing the Lines Through Art

An opening reception will be held for an exhibit of the work of award-winning artist Robert Cotnoir Saturday from 2-4 at the Rye library. The show runs through March 30.

The native New Yorker’s paintings blend the traditional with his contemporary vision. As Cotnoir himself offered, “Experimenting with technique, light, color, structure and form stretches my vision. I push myself by always testing my skills.”

<<Arts & Entertainment>>

with 3 black and white photos

Street Smarts

An opening reception for The Rye Arts Center’s new photography exhibit, “A Way of Seeing: The Street Portraits of Cal Swanson,” will be held March 11 from 1-3. The exhibit runs through April 8.

The artist captured people’s life stories as they wandered the streets of New York City’s midtown through the 1970s and 80s. Curated by Patrick J. Cicalo, the exhibit offers a powerful and honest look at human expression.

Top of the Morning

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a musical brunch at Wainwright House on March 12 from 11:30-2:30 with singer/songwriter Christopher Brown. He will perform his unique blend of folk, country, and rock musical styles while guests enjoy the culinary delights of Corner Stone Caterers, along with brunch cocktails.

A founder of the popular Bookends band, Brown is a master storyteller who has released several albums of original music. He is also an accomplished artist, sculptor, and graphic designer. His sports and political caricatures are featured in the Gannett Westchester Newspapers.

The fee is $50 per person. Space is limited. Reservations required at wainwright.org.

Thursday Night Live

The Rye Arts Center’s Coffeehouse series continues at Le Pain Quotidien March 16 from 7-10. Guests will be introduced to new singers, songwriters, and and bands as they enjoy the eatery’s specialties.

The cover charge is $10 for advanced tickets, $12 at the door plus food and drink. Visit ryeartscenter.org for more information

Divine Comedy

On March 16 from 7:30-9, Wainwright House is hosting a comedy show with a talented line-up. The audience is sure to laugh heartily as stand-up comedians Shaun Eli, Jane Condon, and Jon Fisch take the stage. All have performed on late night television or Comedy Central.

Admission is $30 per person. A wine and cheese reception starting at 6:15 is an additional $15 per person. To purchase tickets, log on to wainwright.org.

Nature in Art

The Rye Nature Center is offering a discussion for adults on nature-inspired art and artists on March 17 from 9:45-10:45. Take a look at how some artists mimic nature or take visual cues from actual forms in nature.

Registration is required by March 15 at 12. The cost is $30 per person.

SPRYE and Spies

SPRYE and the Rye Free Reading Room will be screening the acclaimed film, “Bridge of Spies,” March 18 at 2:30 at the library. The movie, starring Tom Hanks, is based on John Donovan’s true account of his 1960s Cold War experiences related to the Russian capture of American U-2 pilot Gary Powers. Members of Donovan’s family, including Rye resident Trish Muccia, will lead a discussion.

The event is free and open to the public. Drinks and snacks will be served after the movie.

Field Trip

The Rye Arts Center is offering a special Eye On Art tour in Greenwich on March 24 from 10:30-12:30. Start at the Corrugated World at the Greenwich Library’s Flinn Gallery, then head to the Bruce Museum to explore their collections, where a highlight is the new exhibit on Impressionist master Alfred Sisley.

The fee is $35. Sign up at ryeartscenter.org.

A Toast to French Wines & Cuisine

Wainwright House is hosting a reception and wine pairing dinner on March 25 from 6:30-10:30 at its historic waterfront mansion. Renowned wine expert and event host Joern Tittel will pour a special selection of the artisanal wines of France paired with a sumptuous French dinner.

The cost is $160 per person. Reservations are required, as space is limited.

<<Talks, Workshops, & Just for Fun>>

Women Empowered

The Rye Arts Center will hold a discussion by Women in Innovation to celebrate International Women’s Day March 8 from 6:30-8. Women who are leaders in their fields will discuss the trends of innovation technology.

Moderated by Women in Innovation co-founders Grace Fedele and Suzanna Keith, the panel includes Fran Hauser of Time Inc. Digital; Monica Issar of JP Morgan; Cori Lathan of Anthro Tronix; and Amy Wilkins of Smithsonian Enterprises.

Tickets are $5. Sign up on-line at ryeartscenter.org.

Spring Cleaning

Edith Read Sanctuary is calling all volunteers on March 11 at 10, weather permitting. Help with invasive plant removal, trail work, beach cleanup, and plenty more.

A Good Impression

Lean all about the many faces of Impressionism at the Rye library’s Armchair Art Tour lectures on March 11, 25, and April 1 from 10-11:30. Former Metropolitan Museum of Art educator Dr. Michael Norris will cover different topics each morning. He has been giving art history lectures for over 20 years.

Say No to Toxic

Learn how to reduce exposure to toxic chemicals at the Rye Free Reading Room on March 11 from 11:30-12:30. Plant-based living educator Jeanne Schumacher will offer an eye-opening presentation that will help all modern consumers shop smarter, live greener, and feel better.

Chakras, Color, and Creativity

Wainwright House is offering a workshop on March 11 from 1-4 that will balance your energy and create harmony in body, mind, and heart. Using the ancient chakra system as a guide, participants will create watercolor paintings with a focus on color and energy.

The fee is $50 for members, $55 non-members. Cost of materials included. For more information and to register, visit wainwright.org.

Dance Like Nobody’s Watching

A restorative yoga class and Nia dance/mindfulness class awaits at Wainwright House on March 12 from 1-3. Rejuvenate the body, strengthen the immune system, soothe the nervous system, and quiet the mind.

The fee is $32 for members, $35 non-members. For more information and to register, visit wainwright.org.

Food for Thought

A nutrition education seminar at the Rye YMCA, March 15 from 11:30-12:30, is open to all members of the community. Learn to practice healthier eating habits with shopping, cooking, and food preparation guidelines. Participants may also measure their blood pressure with coaching for proper measuring techniques from a Healthy Heart Ambassador.

For more information, email tanya@ryeymca.org.

Spread Your Wings

Join SPRYE at a special afternoon with Corporate Angel Network (CAN) co-founder Priscilla “Pat” Blum 15 from 3-4:30 at Wainwright House. The 97-year-old Osborn resident and licensed pilot was inducted into the Pioneer Hall of Fame and received the Katharine Wright Award from the National Aviation Association.

CAN is a not-for-profit charity that arranges free treatment-related travel for about 3,000 cancer patients per year. Although Blum retired in 2000 at age 80, her ideas and vision continue to transcend time. 

Parents: Engage Thy Children

Adam Cox, Ph.D. will discuss “Understanding Effort, Motivation, and Purpose: Why Kids Try and Why They Don’t” at the next “Heard in Rye” program, March 15 at 7:30 in the Rye Middle School Multipurpose Room.

Learn to create an atmosphere of engagement and immersion in your family, so that your child is more inclined to work hard and carve a meaningful role for him/herself in the world.

For more information, visit heardinrye.org.

Wake-Up Call

Learn all the new iPhone features at a workshop at the Rye library on March 16 from 10-12. Former IBM executive Mike Negrelli will teach participants how to use the new camera app, the Safari Internet browser, You Tube, the iCloud, and more.

Cordially Invited

SPRYE is holding an informational Open House March 16 from 10:30-12 in Port Chester at 55 S. Main Street (1 Gateway Plaza) on the third floor. Whether looking for a volunteer opportunity, just curious about its offerings, or are a current member, all are welcome.

SPRYE’s mission is to enable adults 60 and older in Harrison, Port Chester, Rye, and Rye Brook to live in their own homes and remain actively engaged in their communities for as long as possible.

Light refreshments will be served. RSVP by calling 481-5706. For more information, visit sprye.org.

A Delicate Balance

Certified classical homeopath Janice Solomon will present “Three Keys to Transform your Health” at the Rye library March 16 from 7:30-9. The program, hosted by the Holistic Moms Network, will address effective and lasting relief for anxiety, depression, hormonal symptoms, and ongoing physical problems.

Creature Connections

Discover how animals and their habitats are linked at Edith Read Sanctuary March 18 at 1. Sponsored by the Friends of Read Sanctuary, the live animal program will explore the food web, life cycles, and predator-prey relationships.

Workshop Worth 1,000 Words

For those who would like to brush up on using MS Word features, a workshop at the Rye Free Reading Room will be held March 23 from 10-12. Former IBM executive Mike Negrelli will focus on preparing documents, advanced editing features, auto functions, and spell check. The Quick Access tool bar will also be covered.

Lighten Up

Wainwright House is offering laughter yoga and mindful Tai Chi on March 25 from 1-3. Participants will reap unique health benefits with these mindful breathing and expressive movement practices.

The fee is $35 for members, $40 non-members. For more information and to register, visit wainwright.org.

With bookcover

La La Land

Take a long-zoom approach to Steven Johnson’s “Wonderland,” a lushly illustrated history of popular entertainment, at the Rye library’s Current Events Book Group meeting on March 28 from 6:30-8:00. Moderated by John Dolan, the discussion will revolve around the author’s view that cutting-edge innovation stems from people striving to keep themselves and others amused.

<<Family Ties>>

All Aboard

The Rye YMCA’s Cardboard Boat Regatta is back by popular demand for the fourth year in a row. On March 10 from 6:30-8, families will be challenged to design and create boats made of cardboard and duct tape at home, then bring them in and race them, human-powered only.

No fee for family members, $10 per boat for youth or non-members. For additional guidelines, email familyfun@ryeymca.org.

Miners 101

Families with kids ages 7 and up can take a peek inside the earth at the Rye Nature Center on March 18 at 1. Learn what the center’s quarry is made of. The fee is $5 per person for members, $8 non-members.

 

<<Teen Time>>

Fashion Runway

The Rye library will present a fashion arts/illustration workshop for tweens and teens March 16 from 4-5. Ying Su, an adjunct professor at both the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons, will offer step-by-step guidance as participants attempt a fashion drawing of their own design.

Space is limited. Registration is required at ryelibrary.org.

Bears, Lava, and Dinner for Two

Parents can enjoy a night out while the Rye YMCA provides a safe and fun environment for the kids on March 17 from 6:30-9. Storybook activities revolving around “Brown Bear, Brown Bear” are in store for ages 3 months to 5 years, while grades K-6 will build and erupt a volcano.

The fee for ages 3 months to 5 years is $15 per child for family members, $20 for non-members, including a snack. For grades K through 6, the fee is $20 per child for family members, $27 for child members, $36 for non-members, including a light dinner.

For more information, email kellylewin@ryeymca.org.

Spies Like Us

In a joint program, the Rye Free Reading Room and the Rye Historical Society will lead teens on a journey to the Square House Museum on March 18 at 1. Participants will become spies in Washington’s Army and uncover clues and solve mysteries at the spot where George Washington himself spent the night.

Register at ryelibrary.org.

<<Children’s Corner>>

Sweet as Sugar

Before the maple sugaring season ends, preschoolers through fifth graders can still see sap flowing and learn to tap a sugar maple at the Rye Nature Center, March 10 from 9-1. Kids will also get to taste maple syrup and learn to recognize the other trees within the forest.

The fee is $70 per child for members, $80 non-members. Register at ryenaturecenter.org.

A Night of Their Own

On March 11 from 7-10, middle school students can enjoy a night of their own at the Rye YMCA. The teen staff will supervise an evening of activities, competitions, games, food, and camaraderie.

Registration is required at ryeymca.org. Free for members, $5 non-members. For more information, email Kathy@ryeymca.org.

Win the Battle of the Buzzer

Grades 5 and 6 can participate in Battle of the Books at the Rye library on March 18 from 3-4. Read “Behind the Canvas” by Alexander P. Vance and come ready to hit the buzzer and answer questions pertaining to this story of a girl who enters a wondrous and terrifying world of a painting.

For more information and to register, go to ryelibary.org.

Sweet Dreams

Ages 3 and up and their grownups can enjoy Pajama Storytime with stories, songs, and a bedtime snack at the Rye library on March 23 from 6:30-7. The kids can wear their PJ’s and bring their favorite blankets and teddy bears.

Rise and Shine

Preschool through fifth grade kids will discover animals waking up after a long winter’s nap at the Rye Nature Center on March 24 from 9-1. Learn how some animals slow their heart rate to save energy, while others bundle up for the long, cold winter.

The fee is $70 per child for members, $80 non-members. Register at ryenaturecenter.org.

With bookcovers

Rollicking Romps

Grades 1 and 2 are invited to the library’s new STEAM Lab on March 25 from 3-3:45. The new space is where literacy meets STEAM activities, as the kids will read “Anything But Ordinary Addie: The True Story of Adelaie Herrmann” by Mara Rockliff and then build a cannon or catapult.

Grades 3 and 4 can head to the STEAM Lab from 4-4:45 to talk about “Bon Appetit: The Delicious Life of Julia Child” by Jessie Hartland. They will then make butter in a jar.

Children do not have to pre-read the books. For more details and to register, visit ryelibrary.org.