Compiled by  Janice Llanes Fabry

This Weekend

Jazzy Brunches    
Wainwright House’s jazz series starts this Sunday with drummer extraordinaire Joe Corsello. Having worked with Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman, the accomplished artist will surely rid us all of the winter blues. In addition, guests will enjoy a scrumptious Corner Stone brunch. The program runs from 11:30-2.
The cost is $40 for members, $45 non-members, and $15 for children under 12. Reserve by visiting www.wainwright.org or calling 967-6080.

 

Hit the Pool Deck
The kids are off from school, and kindergarteners through sixth graders can enjoy a day chockful of fun at the Rye YMCA January 19 from 9-4. Pack a lunch, a towel, swimsuit, and cap. The cost is $65 for members, $80 non-members. Extended hours are available. Register at www.ryeymca.org or email yanique@ryeymca.org.

 

Snow Tubing
Join the Rye Y staff at Powder Ridge Mountain Park in Middlefield, Conn., January 19 for a fun outdoor adventure. The Park offers multiple tubing runs that are perfect for sixth through eighth graders.

Meet at the Y by 9 and return by 4:30. Fee includes transportation, mountain entry, tube, helmet, and lunch. The cost is $115 for members, $135 non-members. Register at www.ryeymca.org.

 

Save the Date

Old-Fashioned Winter Afternoon
Family crafts and activities will warm everyone’s hearts at the Rye Nature Center February 7 from 12-3. The traditional event is a real crowd pleaser as grown-ups and children of all ages are treated to a complimentary afternoon of fire-roasted marshmallows and log-sawing contests. It’s the perfect antidote to winter!

 

Descendants of Rye
The Rye Historical Society is hosting a special preview reception for members on February 7 from 6-8 to unveil “Immigration in Rye”. Opening to the general public on February 10, the new exhibit chronicles the role immigration played in Rye’s rapid population growth and the impact mass migrations of the 19th and 20th centuries had on the community.

Through archival documents, photographs, and artifacts from the Society’s collections, and items on loan from local families, the exhibit also examines the back-stories of various groups and how they shaped the history of Rye.  

Arts & Entertainment

 

Abstract with an Italian Accent         
An exhibit of new works by Joseph Blumstein opens at the Rye Arts Center January 31 with a reception from 3-5. The show runs through February 28.
After having spent an extended time in Italy, Blumstein returns with a unique perspective on the Italian cultural scene. The show reveals the artist developing through several periods and experiences with an attempt to translate his theme of positive/negative space to three-dimensional pieces.

Capturing the Essence   
An exhibit of portraits by contemporary artist and Rye resident Alex Davitt will be on display at the Rye Free Reading Room February 3-26. Specializing in both people and animals, Davitt has exhibited in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont.
As the self-taught artist noted, “Using acrylic on canvas, my portrait process requires breaking down the whole to isolate those features that capture the candid, the intense, and the quirky.”

 

 Talks and Workshops

Get Your Creative Juices Flowing      

Wainwright House is holding an Artist’s Way workshop for anyone and everyone who yearns to be more creative. Vallerie Huyghue will facilitate the six-week session, which runs January 20 to March 3 from 7-8:30. Whether you want to paint or play the piano, begin a book, a blog, or a new career, this course will inspire. No artists’ credentials required.

All participants must bring a copy of “The Artist’s Way Workbook” by Julia Cameron and read the introduction and first chapter for the initial session. The fee is $125 for members, $138 non-members.

 

Tickle Your Fancy on Paper
A comedy-writing workshop will be held at Wainwright House from January 20 to March 3 from 10-12. Maureen Amaturo’s Writing for Laughs will open up a whole new funny world for participants. The class will focus on using humor for punchier writing, wittier creativity, and developing a more amusing outlook on any situation.
The fee is $142 for members, $154 non-members, and $25 for a one-time audit.

 

Lightness of Being             
Eve Silver is bringing the Alexander Technique to Wainwright House with a series of workshops beginning January 21. The technique is a method of movement and re-education that teaches us to recognize and change long-term postural and movement patterns that interfere with our natural ability to move with ease and fluidity.
The program will be offered Wednesday mornings, and Thursday evenings. Pre-registration is required. The fee is $75 for members, $83 non-members. Call 967-6080 for a complete schedule.

 

Food for Thought
SPRYE presents “Keeping Your Brain Happy and Healthy” at Wainwright House January 21 from 3-4:30. Greenwich Hospital Medical Director Stephen Jones will be heading the discussion. Refreshments will be served. The program is free.

 

Herbal Remedies
Holistic Moms of Westchester is hosting a discussion on herbs versus pharmaceuticals January 22 at 7:30 at the Rye library. Certified herbalist Bonnie Rogers will explain the benefits of herbs in balancing and infusing the body with minerals and nutrients, and as daily tonics. In her practice, Rogers creates custom formulas for teas, tinctures, oils or pills that alleviate conditions such as GERD, IBS, colitis, anxiety, insomnia, or menopausal issues.

 
Rules of Engagement
Best-selling novelist J. Courtney Sullivan will offer an in-depth look at marriage, love, and diamonds as revealed in her latest book, “The Engagements,” at the Rye Free Reading Room January 25 at 4, right after the library’s annual meeting. 

“The Engagements” was one of People Magazine’s Top Ten Books of 2013 and an Irish Times Best Book of the Year. It is soon to be a major motion picture produced by Reese Witherspoon and distributed by Fox.  Sullivan is also the author of The New York Times bestselling novels “Commencement” and “Maine”. Copies of her books will be available for purchase and signing.

 

From Turning to Swiping Pages
Learn how to download library e-books to your Kindle at the Rye Free Reading Room from 10-11 on January 22 or February 5. See how to use the Overdrive catalog to find popular titles, download them, and access them on your mobile device. Library staff will lead the workshop and provide advisory and technical assistance. Some experience with computers is required.

 

Fault in Our Stars                   
Certified astrologer Pamela Cucinell will demonstrate the relevance of the ancient art of astrology in contemporary life at Wainwright House January 28 from 7-8:30.

To receive a printout of your unique horoscope, register with your birth date, and time and place of birth at www.wainwright.org. The fee is $30 for members, $33 non-members.

 

Up for Discussion
The Rye Free Reading Room’s Current Events group is reading “The News: A User’s Manual” by Alain de Botton for its meeting on January 27 at 6:30.

The Friday Book Café will discuss “Aunt Dimity and the Wishing Well” by Nancy Atherton February 6 at 9:30. Call the library 231-3161 for this meeting’s offsite location.

The Thursday Afternoon Book Group will read “The Road From Coorain” by Jill Ker Conway for its next meeting, February 12 at 1:15 p.m.  

 

Trim Down in the New Year
At his next “Healthy You” talk at the Rye library, January 29 at 10, Dr. Kurt Waples will offer advice on how to lose those extra pounds and improve your health.

America is getting bigger with two-thirds of the population projected to be overweight or obese by 2020. Along with extra weight comes a host of medical issues, including diabetes, heart disease, increased risk of cancer, and high blood pressure. A chiropractor, kinesiologist, and natural medicine practitioner, Dr. Waples specializes in complex autoimmune cases.

 

Tales of Groundhogs and More
The Rye Storytellers’ Guild meets at the Rye library one Tuesday evening a month to share traditional and personal tales and trade tips on storytelling techniques. The February 3 meeting at 6 will feature animal stories to celebrate Groundhog Day. Listeners, as well as tellers, are always welcome to join in.

 

The Journey Just Got More Interesting                   
Join Wainwright House for a Medicine Wheel Ceremony February 7 from 3:30-5:30. Susan Wright, author of “The Chakras in Shamanic Practices: Eight Stages of Healing and Transformation,” will take participants through a prayerful journey and all the elements of life’s challenges and power. The fee is $25 for members, $30 non-members.

Family Ties

Shake It Off
The Rye YMCA continues its First Family Fridays February 6 from 6:30-7:30. Children’s music performer Graham Clarke will entertain parents and kids alike with songs, humor, stories, and games. Admission is free for Family members, $10 for Youth and non-members. Space is limited.  

 

Heartfelt Confections
Chocolatier Diane of Blue Tulip Chocolates will show ages 5 and up (and their grown-ups) how to decorate Valentine’s Day mini-cupcakes at the Rye Free Reading Room February 5 from 6-7:30. Use professional tools and techniques to design and decorate your own special creations just in time for the holiday. Space is limited. To sign up, visit www.ryelibrary.org and go to Programs and Events. Registration opens January 29.

 

Teen Times

Mock ACT
Take a practice ACT test at the Rye library January 24 from 10:30-1:45.  The test comes with a detailed score report highlighting personal strengths and weaknesses, and is available at www.applerouth.com the Friday after the test. Bring water, a snack, pencils, and a calculator. No fee; space is limited. Register at www.applerouth.com/ signup or call 371-8000.

 

College Checklist

Keith Berman of Options for College will reveal “What Counts in the College Admissions Process” at the Rye library January 29 at 6:30. His informative presentation will cover finding the right match, an overview of the admissions process, and what students have done in the past to get in and get the most out of college. And he’ll disclose how to remain calm throughout the entire process, too.

Berman, who holds degrees from Harvard, Yale, and Bank Street College, founded Options for College in 2005. He has worked in the Admissions Offices at Yale and Harvard.

 

Children’s Corner

 

Amazing Afternoon
Join the Rye Arts Center for their high-tech and high-touch Maker Day on January 24 from 1 and 4. The highly interactive afternoon will feature workshops, as well as demonstrations of both adult and children’s classes. Come see 3D printing, get lost in an amazing maze of lasers by LazeAmaze, build with Construction Kids, and go mobile with the DAE’s Digi-Van. Free.

Kindergarteners interested in the RAC’s own half-day Maker programs can register for the new eight-week pilot, which launches January 29 from 12-12:45. Children will use simple to high-tech tools to create and build. For more information, email anne@ryeartscenter.org.

Introducing an Afternoon Delight Early
Did you know that in 1903 what is now the Square House Museum was a tearoom run by Rye resident Mrs. Curtis? On January 24 from 1-2:30, Mrs. Curtis’ Tea Room will re-open for children ages 7-11. The Rye Historical Society is giving children the opportunity to learn afternoon tea customs, where tea comes from, and what life was like in the early 1900s.

The $15 fee includes, tea, juice, and an assortment of delicious snacks. Participants will also paint their very own teacup to take home. Reservations are suggested, as space is limited. Call 967-7588.

 

The Beat Goes On
Children’s entertainer Graham Clarke will have youngsters movin’ and groovin’ to the beat at the Rye Free Reading Room’s Musical Tuesdays, January 20 from 1-1:45. He never travels alone, so guitar friends Delores, Cinnamon, and Bluebelle will be strumming along, too.

 

Checkmates
The Rye Free Reading Room will hold a chess tournament for ages 6 to 14 of all skill levels on January 31. Register the same day at 10:15 and start playing beginning at 10:30. Tom Levine, who has conducted the tournament for many years, will referee the round-robin play and award book prizes to the top three players.  
Participants should bring a chess set and snack and expect to play four rounds. For more information, visit www.ryelibrary.org or call 231-3162. No pre-registration required.