Compiled by Janice Llanes Fabry
This Weekend
Soul Reflections
Connect with your inner wisdom at Wainwright on Saturday from 10-1. Psychotherapist and healer Monique Lang, above, will use a combination of mindfulness practices, writing, and group sharing during this powerful and revealing workshop.
The fee is $54 for members, $60 non-members. Register at wainwright.org.
Recess for Grown-Ups
Find your silly side at Wainwright House at a one-day retreat on Saturday from 9-6. Psychotherapist and artist Sherri Snyder, along with improvisational artist and dancer Amy Kirkpatrick, will provide participants with plenty of fun activities that will tap into their playful natures. Think lively games, laughter yoga, and creative self-expression.
The cost is $150 for members, $165 non-members. To register, call 967-6080 or visit wainwright.org.
Paper Trails
Try your hand at creating art with a torn paper painting technique at the Rye Free Reading Room. The first part of the workshop on Saturday will be devoted to preparing papers of all types to include in your unconventional painting collage. The second session on July 25 will have participants creating beautiful art pieces. Both run from 11-1.
Arts & Entertainment
Artists Al Fresco
On August 9, Wainwright House is offering plein air painting lessons with award-winning artist Linda Richichi from 9-4:30. Attendees will be challenged to create in oil, pastel, or acrylic what they feel in nature. Understand how to make good value and color choices, while adding life to your work.
The cost is $150 for members, $165 non-members. Bring your own lunch and email Linda@lindarichichi.com for supply list.
Capturing Cultures
A unique exhibit that highlights animal masked dancers at West Africa’s Burkina Faso will be displayed at the library from August 5-29. Photographer Barbara Paul’s work includes fascinating rituals and ceremonies of many other African and Asian countries as well.
Local Color
Stop by the Rye Free Reading Room to see the colorful local scenes and florals of Rye artist Heather Patterson. Her vivid paintings in acrylic and oil are worth the visit to the library gallery. The exhibit ends July 29.
Talks, Workshops, and Just for Fun
Estate Straight Talk
The library is holding an estate planning session for seniors on August 1 from 11-1. Presented by Patricia Micek, Esq. of McMillan, Constabile, Maker and Perone, the discussion will cover protecting your assets and not losing them to a nursing home. There will be a Q&A in plain language, that is, no “legalese.”
Nash Hash
The Rye Storytellers’ Guild, which meets at the Rye Free Reading Room one Tuesday a month, will meet next August 4 at 6. The theme will be celebrating the birth of Rye native, humorous poet Ogden Nash in 1902. As always, traditional and personal tales and trade tips on storytelling techniques will be shared. Listeners, as well as tellers, are always welcome to join the Guild members.
Steady Beat
Learn how to use a variety of timbal instruments in a circle of rhythm and soul at Wainwright House on August 14, 7-9 pm. Trained facilitator Damon Jackson will cover the benefits of group drumming in a fun way as a way to reduce stress, boost the immune system, and gain intellectual stimulation.
Register by calling 967-6080 or visit wainwright.org. The cost is $20 for members, $22 non-members.
Ahead of Her Time
“Mary Rutherford Jay: Garden Architect” is open to the public at Jay Heritage Center through September 27. The great, great-granddaughter of American Founding Father John Jay grew up in Rye, studied at Harvard and MIT, and went on to become one of the few female landscape architects of the early twentieth century. Her rich history includes being a vocal advocate for horticultural education and a volunteer nurse during World War I.
The exhibit illuminates her education, first commissions, and her distinguished service. Not only will visitors enjoy the ancestral landscape that served as Ms. Jay’s inspiration, they will catch a glimpse of the ongoing $1.5 million transformation of the historic Jay Gardens.
For a Good Cause
Dog Days of Summer
Join the Rye Free Reading Room on July 23, from 11-2:30, to meet and greet adorable canine friends up for adoption. The expert staff and volunteers of For the Love of Dogs Rescue Center will be on hand to answer questions and determine which dog best suits your family.
Gift of Life
The Rye YMCA is holding a Red Cross blood drive August 1 from 9-2 in the Child Care Room. For more information, contact pennycozza@ryeymca.org.
Family Ties
Moving Through Stories
Master storyteller and yoga teacher Elisha Simpson will take children of all ages and their families on a journey of exploration July 25 at 11 at the Rye Free Reading Room. Folktales from around the world are interpreted through yoga to give kids a way to connect and discover their inner world of creativity, body, and imagination. A simple craft will cap off the event.
Superheroes Unite
The library has planned a series of Family Fun Nights for ages 5 and up and their grown-ups every Thursday at 6 throughout the summer. All pertain to the Summer Reading Program theme, “Every Hero Has a Story.”
Enjoy “Rye’s Own Superheroes” with a local firefighter, police officer, and EMT on July 23; “Superhero Art” with modern pop artist Michael Albert on July 30; “Heroes of the Animal Kingdom” with Animal Embassy on August 6; and family movie “Big Hero 6” on August 13. Check ryelibrary.org for sign-up instructions.
Spanish Spoken Here
Bilingual Birdies, a foreign language and music program, will be at the library August 1 at 11 for a blast of culture and music en Español. The whole family will enjoy learning songs, rhymes, and stories.
Teen Time
Supercalligraphilistic!
Teens may enroll in a Calligraphy Workshop at the library on July 20 and 27, from 4-5:15 pm. They will learn stylized writing from calligraphy artist and teacher Mary Jackson. Snacks and supplies will be provided.
Space is limited; pre-register at ryelibrary.org.
Calling All Cartoonists
Westchester artist Susan Darwin is presenting the concepts of animation, cut-up magazines, and images to create Monty Python-esque films in the manner of Terry Gilliam. This three-part workshop will be held at the library August 6, 13, and 20 from 6-7:30.
Check out Gilliam’s “Miracle of Flight” on YouTube. Feel free to bring your own images, from photos and magazines to posters and newspapers. Bring a smart phone or digital camera to test your animation. Participation in all three sessions is recommended. Limited space; pre-register at ryelibrary.org.
Children’s Corner
Summer Science Amusement
For children entering third through fifth grades, the Rye Free Reading Room is offering a Science Fun Club on Friday afternoons from 4–5 with hands-on activities, experiments, games, and crafts. Headed up by Science teacher Johnda Ferrari, “For the Birds” will be presented on July 24 and “It’s Magnetic” on July 31.
The Westchester Children’s Museum will lend the library a hand on August 7 for “Earth Rocks: Take a Look Inside” and on August 14 for “Sharks Up Close.” Pre-registration at ryelibrary.org for each one of the four programs is required and opens a week in advance of the program.
Go Lego
The Rye Recreation Center will have robotics Lego Mindstorms camps from August 10-14 at the Damiano Recreation Center from 9-12 for kids entering grades K-2 and 3-8. The younger group will concentrate on building and learning to operate their Lego creations using a laptop. The camp for the older group will offer design challenges, programming, and amusement attractions. The fee is $270 for residents, $300 non-residents. Call Rye Recreation Center at 967-2535.
Rye Rockin’ Readers
The library is holding a snack and chat for children entering second and third grades on July 25 at 3. Kids will enjoy reading and discussing “Ivan: The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla” by Katherine Applegate. Sign up at ryelibrary.org.
Tee it Up
Kids entering grades K-8 can join Total Golf Adventures in a three-day camp at Rye Recreation Park August 24-26 from 9:30-12:30. Learn swing fundamentals, rules, and golf etiquette while using technologically advanced, safe training balls and junior clubs. All skill levels welcome. The cost is $190 for residents, $215 non-residents. Call Rye Recreation Center at 967-2535 for more information.
Fashionably Chic
Learn how to make unique fashions and your own outfit at Hobby Quest’s fashion design camp at Damiano Recreation Center August 24-26 from 9-12. Kids entering grades 2-5 will create shirts, skirts, dresses, shorts, or shrugs. No sewing experience necessary. Call Rye Recreation Center at 967-2535 for more information. The fee is $110 for residents, $125 non-residents.
Abra Cadabra
With a little hocus pocus, kids entering grades K-5 can learn an entire show’s worth of magic tricks in a mini-camp at the Damiano Recreation Center from August 24-26 from 12:30-3:30. Learn all the secrets that magicians have been keeping safe for centuries! Call Rye Recreation Center at 967-2535 for more information.
Coed Hoops
Kids entering grades 4-8 can practice basketball skills and drills from August 24-27 at Recreation Park from 5:15-7:15. Games and scrimmages are part of the fun. The cost is $140 for residents, $165 non-residents. Contact Doug Scott for more information at dscott@ryeny.gov or 967-2535.
The Sounds of Summer
Rye Town Park’s annual Tuesday night concert series continues at the South Pavilion. The free concerts feature local bands playing a wide range of popular music ideal for singing and/or dancing along. The fun begins at 7:30 and ends around 9.
Some seating will be available, but people are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs or blankets. Picnicking is welcome, and dining or take-out is available at nearby Seaside Johnnie’s restaurant.
The upcoming concerts are:
>July 21 Billy & The Showmen
Founded by Billy Frenz, this Greenwich-based band has earned its reputation as one of the most enduring Rhythm & Blues bands, featuring soulful vocals, along with strong horn and rhythm sections.
>July 28 The Derivatives
These Derivatives are definitely not “toxic assets.” The Rye-based band has been part of the Rye Town Park Concert Series for many years. Bring the family and dance the night away.
>August 11 The Angelo Rubino Band
The six-member band features lead singer and sax player Angelo Rubino. Thy performs wide range of musical styles from the 1940s to the 90s – everything from “In The Mood” to “I Will Survive
