Don’t Miss
Summer Furniture Sale
Twig Antiques will be holding a sale of unique and antique porch and outdoor furniture on the front lawn of the Rye Arts Center Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Come one, come all!
Camptime
Dig in at the Jay
The Jay Estate and Heritage Center property is filled with stories dating back to the time of the Paleo-Indians. At Real Archaeology for Kids camp, July 15-19 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., participants will learn the fundamentals of archaeology alongside a professional.
Review terms and techniques, set up a grid, and dig through layers of earth to scientifically and methodically document artifacts hidden beneath the surface. Last year’s campers uncovered shards of pottery, animal bones, buttons, pieces of pipe, and other exciting objects.
Learn the techniques used for washing and categorizing finds, as well as the ways these bits of tangible history help to interpret landmark sites like the Jay. Activities such as pottery making and creating a time capsule are part of the excitement. Get ready to dig!
The Beginners Level group is suitable for ages 7-10, Advanced Level group for ages 11-13. Cost is $125 per camper. To register, call 698-9275 or email jayhc@earthlink.net.
Summer Streamin’
Rye teens in seventh through tenth graders are invited to join Joel and Audrey for one or all three weeks of moviemaking at the RyeTV Studio. Video Camp runs July 15-17, July 22-24, and July 29-31 from 3-5 p.m.
The cost is $30 per week. To sign up, call 967-7242.
Just For Fun
Twilight Concerts in the Park
Rye Town Park will be filled with the sounds of the Carlos Jimenez and Mambo Dulcet July 2 from 7:30-9 p.m., as they perform as part of the Twilight Concert Series. The popular Yonkers-based band features many styles of exciting Latin music for dancing and listening to. Carlos Jimenez is a flutist and vocalist, as well as composer, arranger, and producer. He has recorded and performed with Hilton Ruiz, Barry Harris, and Lee Roy Williams.
Mambo music was invented in 1930s Havana and made popular around the world by Perez Prado and Beny Moré. Classic songs on their playlist are “Oye Como Va,” “Tamalitos De Olga,” “Son De La Loma,” and “Descarga Cachao,” as well as originals by Carlos Jimenez and new Mambo and Salsa arrangements of Jazz tunes.
Upcoming concerts include: Reddy Valentino Orchestra (July 9), Standards & Soul (July 16), Billy & the Showmen (July 23).
Some seating is available, but people are encouraged to bring blankets or beach chairs. Bring your own picnic or enjoy takeout from the nearby Seaside Johnnie’s Restaurant.
Concerts will be held at the park’s south pavilion. Admission is free. The series is sponsored in part by Rye Ford/Subaru, Green Mountain Energy, and The Open House. For more information, call 967-0965 or visit ryetownpark.org.
The Big Read
The Rye library’s “Dig into Reading!” kicks off with a visit from Dinoman’s Dinosaurs on June 25 at 2 p.m.
Ages 4 and up can sign up via the 2013 Summer Reading Program link at ryelibrary.org. Once registered, they will keep track of their reading and listening and participate in an array of activities. For a list of the program’s incentive prizes, films, entertainment, and craft sessions, pick up a brochure in the Children’s Room or visit ryelibrary.org.
The program is designed to motivate children to maintain and improve their reading skills during the long school vacation break. It is sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of the Rye Free Reading Room and the Woman’s Club of Rye, Children’s Philanthropy.
Middle and high school students can read a book, write a review, and enter to win prizes through the Teen Reading Program “Beneath the Surface” at the Rye library.
Visit ryelibrary.org beginning June 24, click on the Teen Summer Reading Program icon and register to participate. Participants can enter as many book reviews as they like. Prizes vary but include gift passes, posters, T-shirts, and other surprises. Winners, chosen at random, will be notified at the end of the summer.
For a Good Cause
The Women of Reform Judaism Sisterhood is holding a Mah-Jongg and Bridge Fundraiser, July 18 from 12:30-3 p.m. and 7-9:30 p.m. at the Community Synagogue of Rye. Enjoy snacks, raffles, and great prizes. Cost for one session is $25, or $36 for both sessions.
For more information, email sandbuckee@aol.com or kstolzar@aol.com.
Talks and Workshops
Turn the Page
The Rye library book groups have announced the selections for their upcoming meetings. “After the Prophet: The Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split in Islam” by Lesley Hazleton is the book under discussion at the Current Events Group, June 25 at 6:30 p.m.
The Friday Morning Book Café members will discuss “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum at their July 12, 9:30 a.m. meeting. Call 231-3161 for the location of this meeting.
The Thursday Afternoon Book Group will talk about “Hunting and Gathering” by Anna Gavalda when they reconvene after a July hiatus, August 8 at 1:15 p.m.
Spiritual Sing
Take part in BlisSing, which is inspired by the ancient tradition of kirtan, or call and response chanting, June 30 from 6-7:30 p.m. at Wainwright House. Eileen O’Hare and Cat Guthrie will lead the program. Guthrie is a professional musician who has performed all over the country for over thirty years. O’Hare is a legacy carrier in Peruvian Shamanism and a priestess in the Andean Spiritual Tradition. For more information, visit wainwright.org.
Health Benefit Exchange, Anyone?
Businesses across New York will be enrolling in the New York Health Benefit Exchange starting October 1. To help navigate these changes, the Business Council of Westchester, in partnership with the Westchester Library System and the Rye library, will give a presentation at the library on July 11 at 1 p.m. explaining what local businesses can expect under the Affordable Care Act.
Following a detailed and customized explanation, a Q & A session will be held.
Summers in the City
SPRYE member Paul Hicks will give a presentation on the history of the beaches, beach clubs, and summer cottages of Rye, July 17 from 3-4:30 p.m. at Wainwright House. Refreshments will be served at 3 p.m., followed by the program at 3:15 p.m. This event is free.
Family Ties
All in the Family
The Rye library has planned a series of Family Nights Tuesdays at 6 p.m. throughout the summer. First up is “Jack and the Beanstalk” courtesy of Michael Graham’s Spring Valley Puppet Theater for ages 4 and up, July 2. Young paleontologists ages 5 and up can dig up their own dinosaurs at “Jessie’s Find a Fossil,” July 9.
On July 16, ages 5 and up can enjoy singing storytellers Uncle Eye & Julia.
Pre-registration is required; call 231-3162.
Hanks for the Memories
The Friends of Rye Town Park presents the family classic “Big” starring Tom Hanks, July 11 at 8:40 p.m. on the Great Lawn at the northeast end of Rye Town Park.
Two parts of the movie were filmed in Rye: an amusement park sequence, and the “return to Zoltar” scene near the end. “Big” was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Best Writing, Original Screenplay.
Thanks to the generous sponsorship of Carpet Trends, admission is free. There is a reduced parking rate of $5, $4 for season permit holders, after 4 p.m. People living close to the park are encouraged to walk. The rain date is July 18.
Arts & Entertainment
Cello Recital
The Rye library invites all to a cello recital by Erika Teraoka, June 29 at 2 p.m. The talented young woman will perform works for solo cello by J.S. Bach, Miklos Perenyi, and Zoltan Kodaly.
Making the Ordinary Extraordinary
Harrison Council for the Arts presents “The Contemporary Watercolors of Michael Mendel” at the Harrison Public Library, July 1-31. Mendel was born in Germany in 1934. He and his parents fled the Nazi regime of Adolph Hitler in the fall of 1938, arriving in America in 1940 by way of Holland and Cuba.
After graduating from City College of New York and a stint as an infantry officer at Ft. Benning, he made art and design his career. He opened his own graphic design studio in 1979 and became responsible for the creation of hundreds of record album covers for artists like Etta James, Tony Bennett, Gladys Knight, the New York Philharmonic, and the soundtrack albums for “The Godfather” and “Serpico.”
Mendel is a representational watercolorist, painting under the nom de plume of ZEPEL. His paintings focus on everyday objects and activities.
For more information, call 835-0324.
Lion Country
“Lions, Livestock, and Living Walls,” an artistic study of community and conservation in Tanzania, will be on display at the Rye library July 3 through August 24. Artist Alison Nicholls has lived in southern Africa and works closely with African conservation projects.
Enjoy a talk by Nicholls and reception, July 9 at 6:30 p.m. Focusing primarily on the African People & Wildlife Fund in northern Tanzania, she will discuss the organization’s work with local communities to reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Nicholls will also be at the library July 18 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and July 24, from 2-4 p.m. to meet and chat with people about her work and travels. For more information, visit NichollsWildlifeArt.com.
Bruce Tour with SPRYE
On July 25 at 11 a.m., SPRYE member and Bruce Museum docent Arthur Stampleman will lead a tour of the museum’s new exhibit, “Dürer, Rembrandt & Whistler: Prints from the Collection of Dr. Dorrance T. Kelly.”
Rye’s WWII Heroes
Make sure to view the Square House Museum’s “Rye in World War II” exhibit, honoring the 1,438 men and women of Rye who served in the armed forces. Visit the Rye World War II Veterans Project website, ryeww2.org.
NY Landmarks at Jay
The Jay Heritage Center is hosting “The Landmarks of New York” through September 1. The exhibit is touring over a dozen museums, historic sites, and galleries throughout New York State through May 2014. The exhibit is curated by preservationist and civic activist Dr. Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel, author of “The Landmarks of New York, Fifth Edition.”
Gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and Sundays from 2-5 p.m. Admission is free.
Teen & Tween Times
Tricks of the Trade
Let Jim Vagias teach you a little sleight-of-hand to wow your friends and family, June 24 at 4 p.m. at the Rye library. After a brief magic show, he’ll demonstrate how to perform half a dozen tricks, and provide participants with the supplies.
Magic can be an entertaining lifelong hobby and Vagias will hand out a list of resources to encourage further exploration.
Space is limited; call 231-3172 to register.
Scroll, Kids
Ages 10 and up are invited to take part in a Calligraphy Workshop given at the Rye library at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 9 to 30. Learn a stylized and stylish way of writing from artist and teacher Mary Jackson.
Snacks and supplies will be provided. Space is limited; call 231-3172 to register.
Doodle in Style
The Rye library invites students entering middle school and up to a Zentangles workshop, July 11 from 3-5 p.m. Zentangles are repetitive patterns that look complicated but are easy to do one simple stroke at a time. The finished designs can be incorporated into scrap booking, collage, card making, henna art, and other uses.
Local artist Lavinia Wiggins will show teens how to create the art form that is the hottest trend in decorative doodling and also a mind relaxer. No drawing experience is necessary. To register, call 231-3172.
Practice Makes Perfect
Take two free practice college entrance tests this summer at the Rye library. The SAT will be given on July 13 from 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and the ACT on July 20 from 10:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. The practice tests come with detailed score reports highlighting personal strengths and weaknesses. Both the exams and the reports are free of charge.
To register, visit applerouth.com/signup or call 371-8000. Test takers should bring water, a snack, pencils, and a calculator.
Children’s Corner
Dragons & Lanterns
The Chinese Language School of Connecticut will host two more Saturday morning programs for ages 3½ and up at the Rye library this month. The story-and-craft hour on June 22 will cover “The Dragon Boat Festival,” and the program on June 29 will focus on “Chinese Lanterns: Symbols of Celebration for All Occasions.” Both will be held at 11 a.m. For more information, call 231-3162.
School’s Out, Play’s In!
Spend the first week of summer vacation at the Rye library. On June 26 at 2 p.m., Westchester artist Susan Ordahl will show ages 5 and up how to create instant fossils using clay, bones, shells, and plants. Ordahl will lead ages 8 and up in molding and animating clay figures for a cartoon that will be uploaded on YouTube, June 27, at 2 p.m.
Pre-registration is required for these programs; sign up in the Children’s Room or call 231-3162.
Ages 5 and up can watch “The Sandlot” (PG), June 28 at 3:30 p.m.
Learn While You Lunch
Wainwright House presents an interactive environmental education series for grades 2-7 on Tuesdays in July. Sessions will be held July 9, 16, 23, and 30 from 12:15-1:30 p.m.
The program is co-sponsored by Grassroots Environmental Education. Cost is $15 for members, $25 non-members.
Craft-tastik!
As part of the Rye library’s reading program, ages 5 and up are invited to enjoy Friday afternoon programs of stories, crafts, and movies. Up first is “Let’s Garden – Dig in the Dirt” on July 12, with stories and a flowerpot craft. At “Dig It Up,” on July 19, learn how to become an amateur archaeologist in your own backyard. Both sessions begin at 3:30 p.m.
The Great Outdoors
Eco-Friendly Fundamentals
The Committee to Save the Bird Homestead presents “Composting Fundamentals: Feed Your Landscape, Not the Landfill” at the Meeting House, June 30 at 4 p.m. Learn how to compost your green kitchen scraps and organic yard waste from horticulturalist Han Yu Hung, Children’s Gardening Program Coordinator at the New York Botanical Garden, and Rye resident Anne Mottola, an instructor at New York Botanical Garden.
For two years Hung and Mottola have taught the Committee’s organic gardening program for children at the historic Bird Homestead called, “Through the Garden Gate.” Now, adults have the opportunity to learn from this knowledgeable gardening duo.
Mottola will begin with a PowerPoint presentation inside the Meeting House. Participants will then move outside, where Hung and Mottola will demonstrate the composting process. They will explain how to avoid attracting critters and unpleasant smells, which are often concerns of people contemplating starting a compost pile.
Composting can significantly reduce the amount of garbage carted to landfills. The compost that is the end result greatly enriches the soil, making it a win-win for a healthy environment and for the individual gardener.
Admission is $5 per person. For further information, call 967-0099.
Snakes, Frogs, Turtles!
Children can look for and learn about snakes, frogs, and a big snapping turtle at the Marshlands, June 29 at 2 p.m.
Save the Date
Swing for Seniors
The 24th Annual George J. Kirby Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Monday, July 22 at the Griffith E Harris “the Griff” Golf Course in Greenwich.
Every year, thanks to generous local business and individual sponsorships, over 300 Rye senior citizens are able to participate in cultural, educational and health programs plus seasonal luncheon events. You can become a lead sponsor by donating a check in the amount of $150 or more. Mail checks, payable to Rye Senior Citizens, to Jerry McGuire, 411 Midland Avenue, Rye, NY 10580.
If you would like to play in the tournament and enjoy a delicious dinner hosted by Kelly’s at Rye Recreation Park, the cost is $175. Contact Tom Maloney at 310-7631 or Jerry McGuire at 490-8641 for event sponsorship information, golf and dinner reservations.
