This Weekend
Fun Club
The Rye library extends a warm spring welcome to ages 5 and up, Friday at 3:30 p.m. Enjoy stories about the new season and make a celebratory decoration.
Frog Calling
Learn about the Rye Nature Center’s very vocal neighbors, Friday from 6-7 p.m. Wear rain boots, as you’ll be adventuring near the pond. Cost is $5 for members, $8 non-members.
Marshlands Happenings
Lend a hand and prepare the shoreline for nesting ospreys, Saturday from 1-3 p.m. Bring work gloves; hand tools are provided.
Learn about the shells on the preserve’s shoreline and who inhabited them, Sunday at 2 p.m.
For the Birds
The Rye library invites ages 6 and up to the Project Feeder Watch program, Saturday at 2 p.m. Barbara Matthews of the Audubon Society will lead youngsters in fashioning feeders from beverage cartons. She’ll also fill them in on the many varieties of wild birds they can expect to see come by for a snack in their own
backyards.
Bring a clean half-gallon milk or juice carton. Space is limited; call 231-3162 to register.
Hoops for All
The Rye Y’s March Madness 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament (grades K-6) is set for Sunday from 1-6 p.m. Registration is ongoing at the Member Services Desk. Cost is $20 per child.
The Irish Gift for Gab
Listen to storytellers spin good yarns, while enjoying Irish soda bread, cheese, and tea at the Rye library Sunday at 2 p.m. Patrick A. Ahern, a longtime Rye resident, returns to the library for the fifth year to reminisce about his youth in County Limerick. Joining him are Marianne McShane, who’ll share folktales drawn from her Northern Ireland roots, and Dennis Winter, who will share remembrances of All Ireland Pennywhistle Champ Miko Russell.
Don’t Miss
Annual Spring Fair
The Milton School fair will spring into action March 31 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Join the Milton Parade at 9:30 in the Seaside Johnnies parking lot near the Rye Town Park Duck Pond. Participants will walk and ride from Dearborn Avenue to Green Avenue, and arrive at the school by 10:15 a.m.
All are invited to enjoy Olympic-themed games, The Fun Bus, Cake Walk, bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts, and food from around the world.
For a Good Cause
A Gala Way to Support the Arts
The Rye Arts Center will honor longtime Rye resident Barbara Elliot March 31 at its annual fundraiser at Old Oaks Country Club in Purchase at 6:30 p.m. The gala features an art exhibition, cabaret concert, and premiere of “Celebrate the Arts”, a specially commissioned video produced by Tony Coash, which focuses on the center’s extraordinary classes and programs.
To purchase tickets, visit ryeartscenter.org or call 967-0700, ext. 33.
Fab Final Four Benefit
Cheer on the Rye Y’s Strong Kids Campaign March 31 from 7-11 p.m. at Manursing Island Club. Enjoy the live action of Final Four college games on High-Def TV’s. Dress is collegiate-casual.
Proceeds benefit the Y Cares financial assistance program. Visit ryeymarchmadness.org. Tickets are $150 each.
Talks, Workshops and Just for Fun
Matinee at the Harrison Library
The Harrison Public Library offers Brown Bag Cinema March 28 at 12:30 p.m. Bring lunch and watch “Hugo”, winner of 11 Oscars.
Computer Classes at Rye Library
Learn “Desktop Publishing” on March 27 and Email Basics” March 29. “Personal Computers for Fun and Pleasure”, a two-session workshop, will be offered April 12 and 19.
All classes take place from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
RFRR Book Groups
Interested in the presidential race? Join the Current Events Group and talk about “The Real Romney” by Michael Kranishand Scott Helman, March 27 at 6:30 p.m.
“The Odds” by Stewart O’Nan is under discussion when the Friday Morning Book Café meets April 6 at 9:30 a.m.
The Thursday Afternoon Book Group will delve into “Rebel Heart: The Scandalous Life of Jane Digby” by Mary S. Lovell, April 12 at 1:15 p.m.
Thrilling Tales
Best-selling author Andrew Gross will discuss his recent thriller, “Eyes Wide Open” at the Harrison library March 28 at 7 p.m.
The gripping novel is based on two real-life experiences, the tragic loss of his nephew and a chance encounter years before with the nation’s most notorious cult killer.
Beyond Fad Diets
Gain a holistic approach to weight loss and weight management in a workshop March 31 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Rye Y. Dr. Paul Epstein will explain how and why diets don’t work and what does. Through an individualized approach, learn to stop the addiction and pattern of yo-yo dieting. Start on the road to a process of self-love, healing, and transformation.
Pre-registration is required; call 967-6080. Cost is $60 for members, $90 non-members.
Playful Prose
The Harrison library will celebrate National Poetry Month with accomplished local poets Natalie Safir, Ruth Handel, and George Kraus, April 1 at 2 p.m. Call 835-0324.
Celebrated Storyteller
Carol Birch will share stories and tips on enhancing their telling at the Rye Storytellers’ Guild meeting April 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rye library. Since she began telling stories in 1971, audiences have responded to her infectious enthusiasm and artistry.
The Cougars Are Back!
Bill Betty will give a PowerPoint presentation on cougar behavior at the Rye Nature Center April 3 and 7:30 p.m. Learn about these fascinating felines that are rapidly reoccupying the Northeast.
Teen Times
Y Nights
Grades 9-12 can enjoy basketball, swimming (swim caps required), working out, video games, air hockey, ping-pong, and socializing with friends March 23 and 30 from 7-10 p.m. At Middle School teen night, the popular Velcro Wall is back March 24 and 31 from 7-10 p.m. Admission is free for members, $5 for Teen Access members.
Smart Blonde on Stage
Ages 13-16 can have dinner and enjoy a performance of “Legally Blonde” at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford March 30. Bus departs the Rye Y at 5 p.m. and returns at 11 p.m. Cost is $80 for family/youth members, $90 non-members.
College Applications Workshop
Kaplan will host a workshop for high school students and their parents March 31 at 2 p.m. at the Rye library. Examine types of application essay topics, cover the four steps to a winning essay, and critique a sample one. To register, call 231-3161.
From Claymation to Quilting
Artist Susan Ordahl will offer two great programs at the Rye library over the spring school break. At the Claymation Workshop April 11, model clay figures and capture them with a digital camera. Bring a digital camera or phone that takes pictures. Different ways to get the animation online will be explored. On April 12, Ms. Ordahl will demonstrate how to make a quilted blue jean pillow. Basic quilting techniques will be used to transform participants’ ripped, faded, out-of-fashion, or wrong-sized jeans.
Programs run from 2-4 p.m. To register, call 231-3161.
Kids’ Corner
LEGO Mania
Grades K-5 can play with LEGO and let their creativity flow March 27 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Rye Rec. Fee is $30 for residents, $40 non-residents.
Amphibians Emerge from the Ooze
Trek through Rye Nature Center’s muddy stream banks looking for salamanders, frogs, and other springtime critters, March 28 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Bring lunch. Cost is $45 for members, $55 non-members. To register, call 967-5150.
Parents Night Out
Drop your kids (ages 5-11) off at Rye Y for a night out March 30 from 5:30-10 p.m. After dinner, they’ll take in a movie at the Port Chester Cinema. Cost is $20 per child, $15 for each sibling.
Musical Programs
The Harrison library presents “Wiggle and Giggle with Dawny Dew” April 5 at 10 a.m. This interactive program of music, puppets, felt boards, and more is geared for ages 6 months to 6 years.
Robert the Guitar Guy will teach youngsters “Moving to the Beat” April 10 at 10:30 a.m. He has developed a method of musical play, which incorporates rhythm, movement, humor, role-playing, storytelling, and props.
Jewelry and Beading Workshop
Make charms, pendant necklaces, bracelets, and key chains at Rye Rec April 6 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost is $45 for residents, $60 non-residents.
All in One Basket
Children (ages 2-grade 5) can take part in a free Easter egg hunt April 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Rye Rec Park. This popular springtime event is co-sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Rye Fire Department, the Rye Fire Department, and Rye Rec.
On the Hunt
Take part in an Old-Fashioned Easter Egg Hunt at The Osborn, April 7 at 11 a.m. The Easter Bunny promises to join you on the South Lawn, along with residents, staff, and their families. Bring a basket to collect candy-filled eggs.
For those who want to picnic on the front lawn and don’t want to bring food from home, you can purchase a quick lunch (hot dog, drink, and chips) for $3.
Scavenger Hunt
Take part in a self-guided scavenger hunt at Read Sanctuary using a nature checklist, April 14 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pick up list at the nature center.
Just You and Your Doll
American Girl Doll returns to the Square House Museum April 21 from 1-3 p.m. Girls ages 7-11 will delight in the tale of young Josephina Montoya from New Mexico. This engaging program, led by volunteer Heather Schindler, includes a weaving project and preparation of a traditional Southwestern dish. Cost is $15 per child. For reservations, call 967-7588.
The Great Outdoors
Spring Cleaning
Enjoy the camaraderie of working outdoors at a group cleanup of the Meeting House and Bird Homestead grounds, March 31 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Help gather fallen sticks and rake the grounds to prepare for the mowing season. Wear work gloves and dress for outdoor work. Bring a leaf rake if you can. All ages are welcome, and community service hours are available.
Nature Awareness Training
Deepen your understanding of nature April 7 at Read Sanctuary at 1 p.m. Great for adults and children ages 10 and up.
Next Month at the Marshlands
Help maintain the Conservancy’s beauty with various work projects April 7 from 1-3 p.m.
Travel the property and discover metamorphic rock, not the music but the geological kind April 8 at 2 p.m.
Clear the stone walls along the meadow, April 14 from 1-3 p.m. Bring work gloves; hand tools will be provided.
On April 15, volunteers are invited to help with cleanup from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. At 2 p.m., explore the creatures that live in the ever-changing tidal zone of Long Island Sound.
Family Ties
Grow Together
The Friends of Rye Nature Center and the Rye Y present a series of Family Garden Workshops at the nature center March 25, April 15 and 22 from 12:30-2 p.m. or 3-4:30 p.m. Learn about garden site selection, which plants grow well in shade or sun, what to plant in different seasons, and how to plant a seed and take care of a seedling.
The importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits will be incorporated into the events. To sign-up, call 967-5150 or e-mail marygillick@ryenaturecenter.org. No charge for RNC or Y members; $10 for non-members.
Guided Hikes
Join a Rye Nature Center naturalist and hike into the forest to explore various natural attractions, April 14 at 9:15 a.m.
Spring Vacation Camps
School may be out but have no fear; Rye’s organizations are here with wonderful programs for all ages.
Calling All Aspiring Chefs!
The Square House Museum will host three days of tasty cooking programs April 10-12 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Ages 7-11 will learn how to make an assortment of scrumptious treats and discover interesting and little-known facts about some of their favorite foods.
Did you know that Thomas Jefferson actually served macaroni and cheese at an 1802 state dinner, or that the earliest recipe for cupcakes can be found in a 1796 cookbook?
Each day of cooking features a different theme: April 10, Old-Fashioned Breakfast; April 11, Comfort Foods; and April 12, Sweet Treats. Cost is $65 for all three days, $25 for a single day. For reservations, call 967-7588.
Nature Break
Put some spring into your break by spending a day or the week at the Rye Nature Center April 9-13 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring lunch and wear appropriate outdoor clothing. The per/day cost is $60 for members, $70 non-members.
Frogs, Films, Fun & More at RFRR
Animal Embassy’s Fascinating Frogs will visit April 10 at 2 p.m. Ages 4 and up can meet a blue poison dart frog, African bull frog, and many other amphibians up close. To register, call 231-3162.
Watch “Kung Fu Panda 2” (PG) April 9 from 2-3:30 p.m., and “Hop” (PG) April 13 from 3:30-5:05 p.m.
Favorite and new board and card games will be set out April 11 from 2-4 p.m. A variety of craft projects will be available to make April 12 from 2-4 p.m.
Explore All the Arts at RAC
Drawing & Paintings (ages 6-8) runs from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Each day children will work in watercolor, pencil, and mixed media. Fee is $225.
Learn the secrets to create powerful illustrations at Manga Cartooning (ages 8 & up) from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Bring a sketch pad. Fee is $150.
Using a digital camera and the power of Photoshop, ages 9 and up will learn to develop their photographic eye at Digital Photography from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Fee is $225.
At Ceramics Workshop (ages 5-7), students learn the basics of working in clay from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Students work at their own pace, receiving individual attention in a small class environment. Fee is $165.
A ceramics camp for ages 8 and older runs from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Students will learn the basics of working in clay and pottery wheel techniques. Fee is $245.
Rye Arts Center camp runs April 9-13. Members receive a discount. To register, visit ryeartscenter.org or call 967-0700.
Stay Active at the Rec
Sports Squirts (ages 3-5) runs from 12:30-1:30 p.m. Fee is $85 for residents, $110 non-residents. At Multi Sport Camp, grades K-6 can experience 15 different sports with the US Sports Institute from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost is $150 for residents, $175 non-residents.
Rye Rec camp runs April 9-12. To register, call 967-2535.
Sporty Camps at Rye Y
At Gymnastics Camp (ages 5 & up) enjoy gymnastics drills, tumbling, and open workouts from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. or 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Basketball Camp (ages 5-11) includes two hours of instruction and games followed by one hour of free swim from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
At Fun Club, grades K-6 will participate in a variety of activities, including sports, games, swimming, arts & crafts, special events, and field trips from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
At Teen Fitness (ages 13-16) participate in cardiovascular workouts, fitness games, sports, and swim and strength training with certified personal trainers and sports nutrition specialists from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Rye Y camp runs April 9-13. Call 967-6363 for further details.
Save the Date
Aquafina Pitch, Hit, & Run
Ages 7-14 can put their baseball and softball skills to the test April 20 from 4-5 p.m. at Rye Rec. Competition events include pitching, hitting, and running. Groups are separated by age. Cost is $10 per person.
Holy Child Gala
School of the Holy Child’s annual gala and auction will take place April 21 at Westchester Country Club. This year’s honorees are Anna and Joe Houlihan. For more information, call 967-5622.
