Arts & Entertainment

Dystopian “Divergent”

Loved the book? Enjoyed the movie? Celebrate the new blockbuster at the Rye library Saturday at 2 p.m. Dress as your favorite faction from the popular novel by Veronica Roth. Test your trivia knowledge and receive a henna version of your faction’s symbol from artist Margie Nugent. Signed parental permission is required. Slips available at the Teen Reference Desk. Limited space. To register, call 231-3172.

 

Poetic Chairs
“Edge of the Seat” at the Rye Arts Center runs through May 17. Curated by local artist Jim Langley, the exhibit showcases the work of 14 contemporary artists, all of whom have been inspired by the chair. Their innovative two-dimensional and sculptural works have seized the familiar and captured allusion and metaphor in the chair in original and imaginative ways.

 

How Those Daffodils Do Grow
The Little Garden Club of Rye is holding its annual Daffodil Show April 24 at the Jay Heritage Center from 1:30-4. Hundreds of daffodils will be showcased, competing for best bloom in one of the twelve divisions, from trumpet and large and small cup to split coronas. All will be displayed inside the Jay’s sunny carriage house. A walk through the show is an education in the variety of the flower that is synonymous with spring.

Anyone can enter daffodils in the show, “Golden Gaze.” Adult entries will be received that morning between 8-10:15. Help will be available for identification and grooming. Judging will take place from 10:45-12:30, at which point winners will be selected. Youth entries are encouraged and will be received from 3-5. Admission is free for garden lovers of all ages.
The Little Garden Club of Rye is a member of The Garden Club of America.

 

A Striking Canvas
Harriet Sadow’s bold paintings will be on display at the Rye Free Reading Room through April 29.  Having been featured in both solo and group shows throughout New York and Connecticut, Sadow notes, “Inspiration comes from many sources, sometimes visual or auditory, other times from the written word.” The artist admits she usually starts with a doodle that leads her to “a land of endless possibilities.”

 

Poker Night

Try your hand with a professional card dealer and enjoy a cigar on the porch at The Square House on April 25 at 8. The Rye Historical Society is offering a night out with the boys that includes spirits, smokes, snacks, and spoils. Sip a scotch or one’s libation of choice in the Square House Tavern, c. 1730. Fee: $60, chips included

 

Clap Your Hands, Stomp Your Feet
Poor Old Shine, a roots/Americana band, is coming to the Jay Heritage Center for a benefit concert on April 26. Doors open at 7 p.m., performance at 8 p.m. The band, which performs in bluegrass festivals and rock clubs, will be playing a washboard, musical saw, and a scrap-metal drum set, along with their guitars and banjos. Poor Old Shine mixes original with traditional folk music. Put on your blue jeans and enjoy an informal and intimate evening with easy eats and spirited drinks. Tickets are $75, $125, and $200.

 

Talks & Workshops

Book Club Bonanza
The Rye Free Reading Room book groups have announced upcoming discussion dates.

The Current Events Group will exchange views about “Cartels at War” by Paul Rexton Kan, April 22 at 6:30 p.m.; the Thursday Afternoon Group will discuss “The End of the Point” by Elizabeth Graver, May 8 at 1:15 p.m.; Friday Book Café will feature “Bossypants” by Tina Fey, May 2 at 9:30 a.m. Call the library at 231-3161 for this Friday meeting’s offsite location. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. All are welcome.

 

Safe Food, Air, Water, and Soil
Food activist Dr. Susan Rubin will be discussing ways to keep our environment free from pollutants at the Rye library on April 23 at 7:30 p.m. The health professional and mother of three will share her experiences with school food advocacy, climate change, building local food systems, composting, and radiated food.

 

Enlightenment at Wainwright
Experience soul teachings and heart-opening connections with the authentic self and one’s spiritual guides at Wainwright House April 25 from 7-9, and April 26 from 10-5. Awakening The Untethered Soul will start you on your journey. Facilitator Valerie Croce Stiehl was taught by the Lakota Sioux and is the co-author of “Spirit Speaks Are You Listening?” Bring a journal, an item to be charged by spirit, and lunch to the Saturday program. Fee: $175 for members, $210 for non-members.

 

Coexisting With Coyotes
Frank Vincenti, director of the Wild Dog Foundation, will be at the Rye Free Reading Room on April 26 at 11 to present “Urban Coyotes Ecological Recovery or Conflict in the Concrete Jungle.” Did you know that coyotes are found in many large American cities? Did you ever consider that they are one of nature’s most intelligent, adaptable animals? Learn about their natural history and ability to thrive in urban environments, and get tips on how to live with them. The Foundation is a non-profit wildlife group that offers free public education.

 

Synagogue Open to All
Community Synagogue of Rye, in partnership with Congregation KTI, will host “Homosexuality and Halakah (Jewish Law)” on Sunday, April 27 at 12:30 as part of a weekend-long speaking tour by Rabbi Steve Greenberg.

Rabbi Greenberg, an award-winning author and teacher and openly gay Orthodox rabbi, is known for making Orthodox Judaism more open, inclusive and accepting of homosexual members. He currently serves as co-director of Eshel, an organization working toward the integration of Orthodox LGBTQ Jews into their families and communities.

Community Synagogue’s Men’s Club is kindly providing lunch for this event. Registration by April 25 is encouraged, but not required. RSVP to Pat Rind at prind@optonline.net or visit http://rabbigreenbergatcsr.eventbrite.com. 

During the weekend of April 25-27, Rabbi Greenberg will also speak at Temple Israel of New Rochelle, Beth El Synagogue Center of New Rochelle, and Temple Israel Center of White Plains (in collaboration with the JCC of Mid-Westchester). Additional weekend sponsors include Westchester Jewish Community Services, the Westchester Jewish Council, and Mosaic of Westchester (a new nonprofit initiative created to fully integrate LGBTQ Jews into Westchester Jewish life). For a detailed schedule of events, visit www.mosaicofwestchester.org.

 

Discovering Oneself
On April 27 from 2-4, Wainwright House is offering Awakening Through Kindness Workshop. Facilitator Eileen Marder-Mirman will take participants on a journey to leave their preconceptions behind and explore what actually is, leading to healing and awakening. Marder-Mirman has specialized in integrating spirituality and healing in her psychotherapy practice.  Fee: $28 for members, $32 non-members.

 

Steward of Culture and History
A John Jay Lecture, sponsored by Pace Law School and Jay Heritage Center, will address “Stewardship of New York’s Cultural and Natural History” at the Jay Estate at 5 on April 29 with a reception to follow. Keynote speaker Hon. Rose Harvey, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner, will be honored. Under her leadership, the Trust for Public Land’s Mid-Atlantic Region designed and developed over 300 city parks, gardens and playgrounds, and purchased over a billion dollars of conservation lands to help create or enhance another 500 state, regional, rural and metropolitan parks. All are welcome.

 

French Cinema
Interfaith Congregational Laymen’s Committee of Harrison presents “Joyeux Noel,” the absurdity and futility of war, at the Harrison Public Library on April 30 at 7:30. The film, in French with English subtitles, is based on the true story of three armies in the bloody trenches of World War I and the miraculous Christmas Eve truce they unexpectedly forge. All are welcome.  Refreshments will be served. For info, call Lola Geiger at 939-7066.

 

Family Ties

Put on Your Hiking Boots
Join the Family Hiking Club at Rye Nature Center on April 26 at 9:15. Slipping on your boots and exploring the forest is always fun for the whole family. Free for members free, $10 for non-members.

 

Fun at the Fair
Don’t miss the Midland Fair April 26 from 10-3. This year, it’s hitting the Big Apple. Start spreading the news about the fun inflatable rides, carnival games, and great prizes. Families may scale the rock wall or take a whirl at the dunk tank. Look for the Rye Nature Center’s table to pet live animals and look through a microscope. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere — so come join the fun, rain or shine.  

 

A Centennial Derby to Remember
The Rye YMCA’s Rye Derby celebrates 100 years with annual races and a Healthy Kids Day on April 27. The 5-mile and 5 K races start at 10:15, and the fun run starts at 12:15. Healthy Kids activities begin at 10:30. Register on-line for all races and the fun run at www.ryeymca.org. For more activities or volunteering information, contact Margaret Mead at margaretmead@ryeymca.org or call 967-6363, ext. 403.

 

 

Teen Times

Calling All Jane Austen Fans
“Scents and Sensibility” (PG) will be shown at the Rye library April 21 from 3-4:30. True to its namesake, it’s about two modern-day sisters, who have to make their own way in the world after their father is imprisoned. The stuff of romantic fiction, indeed.

 

Everything You Wanted to Know About College…
… And aren’t afraid to ask, you’ll find out at the Rye library on April 24 at 6:30. A strategies seminar will help teens and their families effectively navigate the college admissions process. Discover how to make an application stand out and how to achieve top scores on the admissions exams. Find out what admissions officers are looking for and all about merit scholarships and financial aid. To register, log on to www.applerouth.com/ signup or call 371-8000.

 

Children’ Corner

Walking on Egg Shells
‘Tis the season and birds and eggs are hiding everywhere. Join Rye Nature Center for a morning bird hike and egg hunt on April 21 from 10-noon. Explore the center’s backyard forest at 10 a.m. and then join in on a springtime egg hunt at 11 a.m. Bring your own binoculars, as well as baskets to collect the eggs. Bird Hike is free; Egg Hunt is $8/child members, $10/child non-members.

 

On Your Mark, Get Set, Slow!
The Rye Library’s Fun Flick is available for kids, ages 5 and up, on April 25 from 3:30- 5:05. “Turbo,” rated PG, is about a freak accident that might just help an everyday garden snail achieve the dream of his life, winning the Indy 500. Slow and steady wins the race!

For the Love of Storytelling
A sensory storytime program for children with special needs will be held at the Harrison Library at 2 Bruce Avenue on April 26. Children ages 3-5 are welcome at 9:45; ages 6-8 are welcome at 10:45. Sponsored by a partnership between the Rye Free Reading Room and the Harrison Library, the program will feature specialized techniques to provide a safe and fun reading environment for children and their families.

 

Special Ecology Club
Children with special needs are invited to bring a family member with them to the Rye Nature Center April 26 at 10 for animal programs, hikes, and other fun science and sensory adventures. Email Christine Siller (christinesiller@ ryenaturecenter.org) for more information. The program is free but pre-registration is required.

 

Save the Date

A Good Laugh, A Good Cause
Don’t miss Wainwright House’s “Laughter For The Soul” with Marion Grodin (yes, Charles’ daughter) May 1 at 6:30. Marion is a favorite at New York City’s top comedy clubs and has been a frequent guest on NBC’s “Late Night” and ABC’s “The View.” She has an affectionately edgy style that has become her trademark.

Co-chaired by Michele and Robert Flood, the evening promises hold-your-side-laughter. Comedy Central’s Danny Cohen is the opening act. Enjoy cocktails and a light dinner, too.  

Tickets are $62 members, $68 non-members. Reservations required. Go to www.wainwright.org or call 967-6080.

 

Arts on the Sound
Rye Arts Center is holding “Sitting Pretty” on May 3 at 7 at Shenorock Shore Club. The spring gala will benefit the center’s art education, outreach, and scholarship programs.  Honorees will include Laurie Platek, Peter Sinnott, and the Famous Artists program. Co-chaired by Julia and Richard Burke and Suzanna and Andrew Keith, the benefit promises to be a memorable evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, light supper, and live and silent auctions. Ticket prices: $175/$250/ $500. For tickets and further information, contact bridgetmurphy@ryeartscenter.org.

 

Vroom Vroom
The annual Vehicle Fair to benefit the Rye Free Reading Room will be held Sunday, May 4 from 11-2 on the Village Green and City Hall parking lot. The fun-filled family event promises to be an exciting day with trucks and cars to climb, ride and explore. Also on the schedule: bouncy houses, an all-aboard train, face painting, arts and crafts, tattoos, a live DJ and raffle with lots of great prizes for kids.

Sponsored by the library’s Auxiliary Board, tickets may be pre-purchased on-line at www.ryelibrary.org for $35, including one free raffle ticket per family, or $40 at the gate. Rain or shine.

 

Designing Women Celebrates its 10th
The Woman’s Club of Rye is holding its tenth annual spring boutique sale at Apawamis Club May 7 from 10-8, just in time for Mothers’ Day. Co-chairs Christa Liddy, Faiza Imam, and Fiona Dogan are delighted to present a selection of the event’s most successful and popular vendors, alongside some bright and exciting new wares. Designer merchandise will be available from jewelry, clothing and scarves to beauty products, chocolates, and eyewear.

Afterwards, don’t miss Girls Night Out from 6-8 p.m. Cash bar. Twenty percent of sales will go to benefit Rye non-profit organizations.

 

Better Than Bingo
What could be better than bingo? Tingo, of course. Join Rye Recreation at the Damiano Center on May 16 from 6:30-8:30 for Tingo Night, where families will enjoy a taco dinner while playing bingo with other families and friends. Fun prizes on hand, too. Kids from first grade on up are welcome. Seats are limited, pre-register in advance by calling 967-2535. Cost: $14 per person includes dinner.

 

Stewardship of the Earth
A special concert will kick off the Bird Homestead lecture series at the Meeting House on May 17 at 4. John Scardina and Friends will perform songs of peace and hope in “Building an Environmental Movement through Music: a Tribute to Pete Seeger and the Clearwater.” The musicians will illustrate how music can inspire environmental activism. The lecture series will bring leading experts in environmental protection. Free admission.

 

Awesome Adventure
Kids ages 12 and up can hop on the Rye Recreation bus and spend the day at the Adventure Park Ropes Course at the Discovery Museum in Bridgeport, May 27 from 9-3:30 p.m. Participants will have the opportunity to try different rope courses of varying levels. Chaperones, transportation, and a pizza lunch provided. Bus leaves Rye Recreation at 9 a.m. sharp. Fee: $70 residents only. For more information, call 967-2535.

 

Pulitzer Prize Winner
Wainwright House is presenting “Driving Miss Daisy” on May 18 at 4. A Small Town Theatre production, the 1987 play traces the relationship between an elderly white southern school teacher and her African-American chauffeur. Both touching and humorous, the drama mirrors the social events of the country between 1948 and 1973.
Tickets are $15 for members, $18 non-members.

 

Spring Awakening
Wainwright House’s second annual spring luncheon will be held May 20 from 12-2:30. The Fonrose Wainwright Condit Heart and Soul award will be introduced. Honorees include Dinah and Jim Howland, Catherine Parker and David Walker, and Patti and Doug Wood.