Just for Fun
Old-Time Summerfest
Join Rye Rec for its annual “field day of fun for children of all ages”, September 2 from 2-5 p.m. Activities include bean-bag toss, volleyball, peanut scramble, potato sack races, 30-yard dash, fire truck spray, cupcake eating contest, and water balloon challenge. Also enjoy an historical exhibit and music from The Reddy Valentine Orchestra.
For more information, call 967-2535.
Summer Deals
Stop by The Osborn for the final Miriam’s Attic Summer Sale of the season, September 8 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sign-Up Time
Fall classes at the Rye YMCA begin September 8. To register, visit ryeymca.org.
Miles of History
The Rye Historical Society invites the community to celebrate and explore our city’s history. Their Walk Rye History self-guided tour signs — 22 in all —have been cropping up all over town, from Greenhaven to the Boston Post Road Historic District to West Rye, and downtown Rye.
On Saturday, September 8 from 9-2, head to the front porch of the Square House on Purchase Street and connect with Rye history.
An official dedication ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. From 11 a.m. on, spend time in the petting zoo with sheep, lambs, pot-bellied pigs, a mini horse, and chickens. The wild and wooly event is thanks to TD Bank. Storyteller Lou Del Bianco will lead an historic program for young listeners at 11:30 a.m. The Patriotic Brass Ensemble will enliven the event with John Philip Sousa marches. WFAS will give a live broadcast and be giving out prizes. Buy a $2 wristband and receive discounts from participating merchants: Poppy’s, Parkers, Upper Crust Bagels, June & Ho, Rye Country Store, Blush, Longford’s, Weezie D., Candy Rox, and more.
Rye Historical Society Director Sheri Jordan said, “Walk Rye History is a tremendous gift to the community. We couldn’t have done it without the support of City staff and the City Council. And the DPW guys were great. They really took pride in the project.”
Look for biking and docent-led walking tours of our history this fall.
Welcome BBQ
Meet new people and reconnect with old friends at the Rye Newcomers and Neighbors Club’s annual event, September 9 from 4-6 p.m. at the Rye Nature Center. Get information on membership and club’s activities. Enjoy tours, children’s games, and a live animal presentation.
Tickets are $50 per family, $20 per adult, and $10 per child. Tickets can be purchased advance at ryenewcomersclub.net.
A Flowering of Joy
The Little Garden Club of Rye presents a horticulture show, “Joy of Gardening”, September 11 from 12-2 p.m. at The Osborn. For more information, contact jamstew@verizon.net.
Say Cheese!
Sign-up for the Woman’s Club Children’s Philanthropy Family Portraits at Rye Rec, September 14 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and September 15 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Session dates are September 23, 26, and 30 at Rye Nature Center; October 7, 8, 14, 21, and 28 at Rye Town Park.
For A Good Cause
Boot Camp by the Beach Fundraiser
Spend a day at the beach working out while supporting a good cause September 8 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. at Rye Town Park. Proceeds benefit NYU Langone Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke Care Center. The day kicks off with a workout session led by Rye’s exuberant trainer Lee Sandford, at 9:15 a.m. At 10:15 a.m., keep your heart rate up with Dr. Oz’s celebrity trainer Joel Harper. Also enjoy a silent auction, raffle, massages, smoothies, and more.
For more information, call 924-5145.
Swing Away at the RPA Classic
The Rye Police Association Golf Classic tees off September 17 at Apawamis Club. The event benefits the RPA Scholarship Fund, which awards scholarships to Rye High School students entering or attending college.
Registration begins at 11 a.m., and the dinner reception at 5 p.m. For information, call 557-2922.
Blood Drive
Stop by the Rye Y September 22 from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and give the gift of life. The drive benefits White Plains Hospital Center.
Talks and Workshops
Spin a Yarn
Share traditional and personal tales and trade tips on techniques at the next Rye Storytellers’ Guild meeting, September 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the Rye library. Listeners, as well as tellers, are welcome.
Our Second War of Independence
The Jay Heritage Center will commemorate the Bicentennial of the War of 1812 with a free lecture by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Alan Taylor, September 6 from 6-7:30 p.m.
Taylor is Professor of History at the University of California Davis and a contributing editor of The New Republic. His previous books include “William Cooper’s Town”, which won the Bancroft and Pulitzer prizes for American history.
“The Civil War of 1812: American Citizens, British Subjects, Irish Rebels, and Indian Allies” was called “the most illuminating and original history of the conflict ever written.” Historian Gordon Wood, writing in The New York Review of Books, called it “remarkable and deeply researched,” adding, “Taylor masterfully captures the strangeness of this war.”
To make reservations, call 698-9275.
Write at Night
Starting September 6, the first and third Thursday of each month, from 7:30-9 p.m., learn to write at Wainwright House. The group is based on the book, “Writing From the Heart” by Nancy Aronie. Enjoy this safe place to write and learn without being judged or evaluated.
Call 967-6080 for further details.
Heal Thyselves
Healing Circles have been a tradition at Wainwright House for more than 15 years. Sessions will be held the first and third Wednesday of each month, beginning September 5 from 7:30-8:45 p.m. For more information, call 967-6080.
Arts and Entertainment
Scenes From an Artist’s Life
“Just a Moment” by Susan Scher will be on display at the Rye library September 4-29. An opening reception will be held September 8 from 1-3 p.m.
The artist expresses her feelings at 50 moments in time through the medium of art. During the process of choosing space, line, movement, and form to represent what she was thinking at an instant, she records change and growth as it happens.
Get Creative this Fall
The Rye Arts Center will be filled with the pulsating sounds of jazz, wildly colorful abstract art, and brand new classes beginning after Labor Day. Music classes begin September 15 and art classes October 1. Choose from an array of new classes for children, teens, and adults in the fine, music, and performing arts.
Robotics, fashion design, and recycled art are just a few of the exciting new children’s classes this fall. For experienced or just beginning adults and teens, there are great new opportunities as well. Discover watercolor, acrylic, oil, or pastel paints, this fall.
Dance for Parkinson’s Disease continues to stimulate the mind, body, and spirit on Wednesdays and Fridays, starting September 12 from 1-2:15 p.m., thanks to a grant from ArtsWestchester.
Mark your calendar for the September 28 performance of “September Sound Explosion” by the John Fumasoli/Bill Harris sextet, featuring Roger Ball, co-founder of Average White Band.
Register at ryeartscenter.org or by calling 967-0700.
Teen Times
White Water Rafting
Ages 12-15 can join the Rye Y for one last summer adventure August 30, a rafting trip on the scenic Delaware River August 30. Paddle through crystal clear water with spectacular rock formations and lush forests, as you take in the breathtaking panorama of the Catskill and Pocono Mountains.
Cost is $100 for Family/Youth members, $110 non-members. Fee includes transportation and a picnic lunch. Bus departs the Y at 9 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m.
Gaming at the Library
Play games on the big screen September 7 from 3:13-5 p.m. New games include “Sonic and the Secret Rings”, “Mario Party 8”, “Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games”, “Red Steel 2”, “Dance on Broadway”, and “Trauma Team PES 2010: Pro Evolution Soccer”. Snacks will be provided.
Kids Corner
Small Folks
Ages 5 and up can watch “The Secret World of Arrietty” (G) August 31 at 3:30 p.m. at the Rye library. Follow the story of the members of the Clock family, four-inch-tall people who live anonymously in another family’s residence, borrowing simple items to make their home.
Fall Soccer Sign-Up
Online registration is now open, for boys and girls grades K-7, for Rye Youth Soccer Fall Intramural. The season begins September 15 and runs through November 10. For complete details, visit ryeyouthsoccer.org or call 967-5273. Scholarships are available upon request.
Family Ties
New Twist on an Old Tale
Get swept up in the magic of “Mirror Mirror” (PG) August 28 from 6-7:45 p.m. at the Rye library. Families with children ages 5 and up will enjoy this hilarious take on one of the most beloved fairy tales. See Snow White and seven rebellious dwarfs engage in an epic battle of good vs. evil.
Apple Cidering and Fall Hike
Families can learn about the cidering process, press some apples of their own, and take a seasonal walk at the Nature Center September 17 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Cost is $5 for members, $8 non-members. Call 967-5150 for reservations.
On the Sound with Rye Rec
Wine on the Water
Spend time with friends while enjoying a spread of wine and cheese August 25 from 3-6 p.m. Great for first-time paddlers or the seasoned kayaker. Must be at least 21 years old. Fee is $65 per person. Call Rye Rec at 967-2535.
The Great Outdoors
Marshlands Happenings
View a variety of species, from raptor birds to warblers to shorebirds, as they make their way south, September 9 at 7:30 a.m. Bring binoculars.
Join a naturalist and study life of various forest canopy birds, mammals, and insects, September 9 at 2 p.m.
To Your Health
The Nurse Is In
A Greenwich Hospital nurse will answer health questions and check blood pressure August 27 from 9-11 a.m. at the Rye Y. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for kidney disease, coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and other serious illnesses. Community members are encouraged to take advantage of this free screening and learn their numbers.
For more information, call 203-863-4444.
Save The Date
Get Involved
The Junior League of Westchester will hold a new member information session September 19 at 7 p.m. at Rye Bar and Grill. For details, email jlowadmissions@gmail.com.
Jay Day
Step back to Colonial times and meet rare American heritage farm animals at the Jay estate September 23 from 1-5 p.m. Randall lineback cattle, American Jackstock donkey, blue rabbits and Indian runner ducks are just some of the endangered native breeds that will be on view courtesy of the Tilly Foster Farm Museum and the Whipple Foundation/Society for the Preservation of Putnam County Antiquities and Greenways.
Seasonal refreshments include cider and a New York State cheese tasting. Activities for adults and children include music on the veranda, tours by 19th century costumed docents, face-painting, and balloon animals by James Daniel Entertainment.
Children can build their own Greek revival building in a mini architecture exercise in the Carriage House. Also enjoy farmer’s market offerings from Meredith’s Bread, Hudson milk, Wingnut Farm, and more.
Swing for Good
The Rye Y’s Christopher D. Mello Memorial Golf outing will take place October 1 at 12:30 p.m. at Apawamis Club. For more information, call 967-6363.
Bird Homestead-Meeting House Gala
The Committee to Save the Bird Homestead and the Benefit Committee invite the community to Farmer’s Bounty at the Meeting House: A Farm-to-Table Gala on Saturday, September 22 from 6-8 p.m. The event will celebrate the historic roots of the Bird Homestead as an intact, small farm on the banks of the Blind Brook estuary, which is a unique survivor in our area. The property includes an 1835 Greek revival farmhouse, a 19th-century barn, woodworking shop, rope room, and chicken coop.
TABLE Local Market of Bedford Hills will cater the event, using fresh, seasonal ingredients harvested locally. The present day farm-to-table movement reflects the way the Bird family lived for multiple generations in the 19th and 20th centuries. The family grew all their own vegetables and fruit, kept dozens of chickens for fresh eggs, caught fish and crabs, and harvested oysters, clams, and mussels from Milton Harbor.
The gala will benefit both the Bird Homestead and the Meeting House, two adjacent historic, environmental, and educational sites on Milton Road. This event follows up on the very successful “Sunset at the Meeting House” fundraiser held last September.
Guests will enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres from local, organic sources, artisanal and farmstead cheeses, and charcuterie. Tickets are $85 per person. For further information see Facebook Meeting House-Bird Homestead, email birdhomestead.meetinghouse@gmail.com, or call 967-0099.
