Compiled by Janice Llanes Fabry
This Weekend
Cider House Tools
At Rye Nature Center at 9:30 on Saturday morning, families will have the opportunity to learn about the apple cidering process and press some apples of their own. They may also enjoy taking a seasonal walk through the grounds. The cost is $5 for members, $8 non-members.
Fall Campout
Families (children 5 and older) can spend Saturday night at Rye Nature Center and enjoy stargazing, campfire stories, roasted marshmallows, and falling asleep under the stars to the calls of crickets and owls. Dinner, breakfast, and a guided hike are included. Bring a tent or borrow one of theirs. Advance registration is required. Members only. Limited space. The cost is $30 per person.
Calling All Kindergarteners
The Rye library is hosting a K-Day Social Open House on Saturday from 2 to 4. Kindergarteners can meet and greet their fellow classmates, get their very own library cards, and take a ride on Sven the Reindeer of “Frozen” fame, and a picture, too! Refreshments will be served. Pre-registration is required. Sign up in the Children’s Room.
This Is Your Life
Ready to start writing that memoir? The Rye Free Reading Room is offering two Saturday workshops, September 13 and 27 at 11. Record your life and leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren while you’re at it. In the first workshop, author Carol Costa will lead participants gently and safely down the path of yesterday. The second will focus on structure. Bring a notebook, writing implements, and all those treasured memories.
Health & Well-Being Expo
On Sunday from 10:30-4, Wainwright House will host a remarkable day of presentations and mini-classes. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore holistic practices you’ve always wondered about. Keynote speaker Greg O’Brien will discuss his experience with early onset Alzheimer’s.
Pre-register for 35-minute classes for $5. Some of the selections include yoga, mandalas, soul vision, life transition, Native American spirituality, and the Weight is Over.
Visitors may also pre-register for 30-minute sessions with practitioners of reflexology, astrology, acupressure, hypnosis, massage, chakra, tarot, and Emotional Freedom Techniques.
Lunch by Rachel’s Gourmet is available.
Arts & Entertainment
SPRYE’s Special Soiree
Shortly before its third anniversary, SPRYE will hold its third annual cocktail party/benefit at Wainwright House. The date is September 18; the time is 6-8. This year, SPRYE is delighted to be honoring Jane and Bob Mickatavage for their commitment to community service and their support of older adults.
At the benefit, co-chaired by Tom and Emily Saunders, attendees will have the opportunity to bid on a wide array of silent auction items, from a time-share in Mexico to a week at a house on Cape Cod to meals at local restaurants.
Since its inception on October 1, 2011, SPRYE has served over 110 older adults in the communities of Rye, Harrison, Rye Brook, and Port Chester by providing essential services such as transportation, handyman help, technical help, and social and educational programs.
For tickets or more information, call the SPRYE office at 481-5706 or email director@ sprye.org.
An Artist and His Paper
The Rye Arts Center Gallery presents an extraordinary solo retrospective, debuting the paper sculptures of design genius Irving Harper. The exhibit, curated by Katharine Dufault and Jeff Taylor, will open with a reception on September 14 from 1-3.
Harper, a longtime Rye resident, is known for his iconic contributions to the George Nelson Office, including the 1949 Ball Clock, Herman Miller logo, and the 1956 Marshmallow sofa.
The exhibit runs through November 8.
Talks & Workshops
Gentle Yoga, Historic Setting
Whether an absolute beginner or a yogi with some experience, try a friendly yoga class with Cindy Cavalli at the Square House this fall. Beginning September 16, Cavalli is offering gentle classes with foundation poses and creative flows, as well as moderate classes that pick up the pace, while still focusing on posture and breath.
The first class is free. For introductory rates and schedules, contact cindyoga@gmail.com.
Learn How to Talk to the Animals
Interested in volunteering at Friends of Rye Nature Center? Ages 14 and up are invited to join them for animal care training September 17 from 4-5:30. No experience is necessary but pre-registration is required. For more information or to sign up, email jenicasinelli@ryenaturecenter.org.
Smart Meters Not So Smart
Holistics Moms Network presents a screening of “Take Back Your Power” on September 18, 7-8:30 p.m. The documentary focuses on health and privacy issues associated with “Smart” digital utility meters, which have been installed in homes. The film contends that the radiation transmitted by these meters can cause heart palpitations and sleep problems. In addition, serious privacy and cyber security risks are associated with their use.
The documentary will be followed by a Q & A with Michelle Hertz, executive producer of the film, as well as director of StopSmartMetersNY.org.
Fall for Women
The Rye Arts Center presents the first in a series of events in which women take center stage. On September 18 from 7-9, join four local authors — Kristina Bicher, Lisa Jardine, Annabel Monaghan, and Andrea Raynor — for “I’ve got a pen and I’m not afraid to use it.”
They’ll discuss the importance of finding your voice, all types of writing, and the experience of going back to school. Camille Rankine, poet and Assistant Director of the MFA Creative Writing Program at Manhattanville College, will serve as moderator.
Enjoy wine and heady conversation. Admission is $25.
Get Emergency-Ready Now
A very valuable hands-on workshop will be held at the Rye Free Reading Room on September 20 from 10-11. Learn about emergency preparedness and Family Communication Kits. Make a plan and be informed before the event.
Facilitator Jeanne Temple is an AmeriCorps Community Emergency Preparedness Member and a longtime Rye resident. She has completed Basic Community Emergency Response Team Training with the Westchester Citizen Corps Coalition.
Peace and Tranquility
Wainwright House is hosting a prayer and meditation service commemorating the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21 from 11-1. Join them for a dove release, dedication of Peace Pole in eight languages, interfaith prayers, Native American drumming, crystal bowl meditation, and Buddhist chain-ring. Walk their labyrinth by the Long Island Sound to set your intention for peace. Board member Holly Galgano will lead the day.
Autumnal Equinox
Celebrating the sacred change of seasons at Wainwright House on September 21 from 5:30-7:30. The equinox invites us to come to an awareness and a sense of balance regarding the light and dark aspects of ourselves and the rest of the world. Only when we learn to live with Mother Earth, rather than on her, can we make the world a better place.
Economy in Democracy
The Current Events Book Group, moderated by John Dolan, meets at the Rye Free Reading Room on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 8. Join the group on September 23 to discuss “The Price of Inequality: How Today’s Divided Society Endangers Our Future,” by Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz. Copies are available at the library checkout desk.
Don’t Miss
Get Your Act Together!
The Rye City Lions Club presents the second annual Rye’s Got Talent, September 27 from 7-9 at Rye Country Day School. Participants must either live or go to school in Rye. The categories are: singing, dancing, instrumental, and drama. Groups will be divided by age: grades 6-8, 9-12, and adults 18 and older. The winner in each category receives a $250 cash prize.
The application deadline is September 15! Applications are available at Rye public schools, Rye Country Day, Rye Recreation, Rye Arts Center and the Rye Y.
Proceed will benefit Guiding Eyes for the Blind and VISIONS services for the blind and the visually impaired. For more information, contact Janet Malang at 925-8276 or jmalang@theosborn.org.
Children’s Corner
Punt, Pass, Kick, Score!
Rye Recreation has teamed up with the NFL for a Punt, Pass, and Kick competition on September 18 from 4-5 at Disbrow Park. First-grade through sixth-grade boys and girls may test how far and accurate their football skills are. Kids will have the opportunity to move on to a regional competition that may lead them to the finals at MetLife Stadium. One Rye student has made it all the way in the past!
The NFL supplies the footballs, so there’s no equipment needed. Register on the field that day. No fee.
Teen Times
“Live While We’re Young”
The Rye Free Reading Room invites teens to see “One Direction: This is Us” (PG) on September 26 from 3:30-5. The film is a captivating and intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music community. Woven with stunning live concert footage, this inspiring feature tells the remarkable story of Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis, and what it’s really like to be One Direction.
Family Ties
Sole Ryeders Spread the Love
Help fight breast cancer one muffin at a time. Join Sole Ryeders & Friends for their annual Fall Bake Sale September 20 from 8-2 at the Rye Recreation soccer field. Coffee, snacks for the soccer team, as well as delicious baked items will be available. All proceeds will benefit Sole Ryeders’ local cancer-related programs and services, including The Wig Exchange, Strand Together, and Mondays with Sole Ryeders.
Be sure to stop by and feed your hungry soccer players! For more information, visit www.soleryders.com.
Ecology Club for Families with Special Needs
On September 20 at 9:30, children with special needs are invited to bring a family member to Rye Nature Center and enjoy animal programs, hikes, and other fun science and sensory adventures. For more information, email marygillick@ryenaturecenter.org. There is no fee, but pre-registration is required.
The Rye Hunt
Join the Rye YMCA for a good old-fashioned scavenger hunt September 21 from 2-4:30. Form your team of friends and family (four to six people) and test your wits and your teamwork as you search for answers to tricky and humorous questions about the places you visit and sights you discover in downtown Rye.
Hunt starts and ends in the Y parking lot and takes place within a half-mile of the Y. It’s an adventure that kids and adults can enjoy together! Register online at www.ryeymca.org.
Sunday Dinner with New Friends
The Rye Newcomers and Neighbors Club will hold its annual welcome BBQ for newcomers and members on September 21 from 4-6 at the Rye Nature Center. This popular fall event gives residents an opportunity to meet new people and reconnect with old friends. In addition, families will enjoy a live animal presentation and the beautiful Nature Center grounds.
Information on club membership will be provided at the event. For details on the BBQ, contact Carol Pouchie at carol.pouchie@yahoo.com.
RNNC is a community organization serving newcomers and residents alike in Rye, Rye Neck, Harrison, Purchase, Rye Brook, and Port Chester. Its primary goal is to enrich the lives of all its members by providing varied social activities throughout the year, promoting networking and friendships in the community. For more information, visit www.ryenewcomersclub.net.
Odds & Ends
New Screening Room
With the Harrison Library closed for renovations, the Brown Bag Cinema moves to Harrison Town Hall, 1 Heineman Place. Up next is “The Fault in Our Stars” (PG-13), which will be screened on Friday, September 19 at 12:30. Bring your own lunch; the Friends of the Harrison Library will provide beverages.
Rock on Tuesdays
Join Graham Clarke at the Rye library for “Musical Tuesdays” starting September 23. The energetic children’s music performer gets kids moving and grooving to the beat, with help from Bluebelle, Cinnamon, and Delores. Come and meet his friends Delores, Cinnamon and Bluebelle, his impressive guitar collection.
This lively program, which is sponsored by the library’s Auxiliary Board, will take place twice a month from 1-1:45 in the Community Room.
The Great Outdoors
September at the Sanctuary
Edith Read Sanctuary is alive with activities this month. On September 13, sharpen your observation skills on the Nature Scavenger Hunt at 1. Participants will be equipped with a nature checklist and map. Go at your own pace on this self-guided hunt while discovering nature’s beauty.
They’re hosting a Volunteer Corps Workday on September 20 from 10-4. Help with invasive plant removal, trail work, beach clean-up, and more. This is a great way to have fun, get some exercise, and give something back to the earth.
The same day, from 10-1, take part in the International Coastal Clean-up. During this annual event, thousands of volunteers across the globe help remove trash and debris from their local waterways and shorelines. Join Read and help make Rye’s own beach trash-free.
Save the Date
Jay Day
A fall family festival has been a tradition at the Jay Heritage Center since 1986, and it’s good to keep a good thing going. Be a part of it on September 28 from 11-3, and enjoy falconry, face painting, music, historic tours, a farmers’ market, and much more.
Admission is $40 per family, $10 per person.
Is the Nest Half-Empty
Licensed psychotherapist Wendy Aronsson will offer helpful tips to parents on dealing with life as empty nesters at a program at Wainwright House on October 15 from 10-12. Author of “Refeathering the Empty Nest: Life After The Children Leave,” Aronsson will offer practical advice on making the transition from full-time to free-range parents, while building stronger, healthier relationships with their young adults.
In her book, Aronsson highlights key advice for parents as they prepare for “the shift,” taking them from the rigors of daily parenting to a period of self-reflection and reorientation.