Compiled by Janice Llanes Fabry
A Bear, A Mouse, and a Forever Friendship
Children 5 and older are welcome to watch “Ernest and Celestine” today at 3:30 at the Rye Free Reading Room. The sweet and charming animated movie, rated PG, tells the story of Celestine the Mouse, who nearly ends up as Ernest the Bear’s breakfast. After that first scary encounter, they form an unlikely friendship that youngsters will love.
Join the Jay Heritage Center for guided tours of the 1838 Jay Mansion on June 29, July 6, and July 13 from 2-5. The Jay House is the boyhood home of John Jay, America’s first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and author of The Jay Treaty. It is located on the historic Boston Post Road, where mile marker “24” out of 230, designated in 1763 by Jay’s colleague Benjamin Franklin, is set into the perimeter wall.
A National Historic Landmark, the 1838 Greek revival mansion with soaring Corinthian columns was built by Peter Augustus Jay atop the footprint of his grandfather’s original home. Visitors will see layers of history unfold before their eyes.
Mother/Daughter Art
The paintings of Henny Johanna and the photography of Cheryl Selinka will be on display at the Rye Free Reading Room from July 5 through August 29. A reception will be held July 26 from 1-3 to celebrate the mother and daughter’s collaboration, “Treasures In My Own Backyard.” Guests will recognize their wonderful depiction of local landmarks, from Rye Beach and Playland to Purchase Street.
Rye Town Park’s series of free Tuesday night concerts at the Park’s south pavilion from 7:30-9 will continue with Soul Train on July 1; Reddy Valentino Orchestra on July 8; The Urban Coyotes on July 15; Billy the Showmen on July 22; The Derivatives on July 29; and The Angelo Rubino Band on August 12.
Some seating is available, but everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Concerts are held rain or shine, except in the case of thunderstorms, for which a couple of rain dates have been scheduled. The series is partially supported by Active Energy Drinks, Rye Ford-Subaru, Ruby’s, Morgan’s, and Rye Grill and Bar.
“Doctor Who” Fans Unite
If you are one of the millions of fans of “Doctor Who,” BBC’s hit TV show of yesteryear, join other diehard devotees at the Rye Free Reading Room on July 8 at 6:30 for a Silver Anniversary celebration. Upon first hitting television screens in the fall of 1963, “Doctor Who” became a worldwide phenomenon. Long before there were videotapes and DVR’s, tweens and seniors alike tuned in each week to enjoy the doctor’s latest exploits as he traveled through time and space warding off aliens.
The anniversary presentation, designed for both new viewers and avid fans, will use video and PowerPoint to explore colorful on-screen and behind-the-scenes histories and highlights. Let’s not forget a quote from season 2, when Doctor Who proclaimed, “You want weapons? We’re in a library. Books! The best weapons in the world!”
Pillow Paws
Join fellow animal lovers at Wainwright House in making beds, pillows, and toys for dogs and cats at Westchester County Animal Shelters on June 29 and July 27 from 10:30-1:30. You can also help by donating sewing machines, fabrics, bed fillers (Poly Fil brand, at least 5” thick), pins, scissors, and measuring tapes. For more information, email Reikipawsandyou@aol.com. To register, call 967-6080.
Read, White, and Blue
The Storytelling Guild invites adult storytellers to share their personal tales and trade tips on storytelling techniques at the Rye library July 1 at 6. In time for the Fourth of July, the meeting will focus on “stars and stripes” and wherever that takes one. The Guild meets on the first Tuesday evening of every month. Listeners, as well as tellers, are always welcome.
Food, Glorious Food
The science of food is on the menu for adults this summer at the Rye Free Reading Room. On July 1 at 7, one of the baking professionals from Le Pain Quotidien will provide details about the science of baking bread. From crispy crust to slicing perfection, learn about the various types of flour and dough.
On July 15 at 7, Chef Diane, owner and chocolatier of Blue Tulip Chocolates in town, will share the fascinating history of fondant and give a hands-on demonstration of its wonderful complexities and use in decorating. Participants will get to practice their own skills with this amazing sugar product on mini-cakes to take home and enjoy.
Adults and Teens’ Camp
Why should kids have all the fun? During the summer, adults and teens will have the chance to gather weekly at the Rye Free Reading Room on Thursday mornings. At the first session, on July 10 from 10-11:30, participants will learn to embroider with Sew Happy Sewing. Bring a light colored woven pillowcase, tea towel, or the like and learn simple, but versatile embroidery stitches to add a decorative touch.
On July 17 from 10-11:30, “campers” can create their own greeting cards for all occasions with Mary Soto. Make some in class and gain the know-how to make more on your own. Embossing and other techniques will be demonstrated. Space is limited. Sign up for individual programs in person or call 231-3161.
Summer Reads
The Rye library’s summer selections are in! The Thursday Afternoon Group will meet July 10 at 1:15 to discuss “A Thousand Acres” by Jane Smiley. The Friday Book Café will meet offsite July 11 at 9:30 to discuss “The Aviator’s Wife” by Melanie Benjamin. Call 231-3161 for the location. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk, and everyone is welcome to join the discussions.
A New Chapter: E-Books
This summer, instead of heavy books, save room in your tote bag for sunscreen or souvenirs. Learn to download library e-books to your mobile device at the Rye Free Reading Room on July 17 and August 21 at 10. Library staff will provide instruction and technical assistance, familiarizing participants with finding popular titles on the Overdrive catalog and downloading them in a Kindle or Adobe format. Accessing them on your mobile device will become as easy as turning a page.
Wainwright House is featuring an inspiring program, “Answering a Call to Wholeness,” July 20 from 10-5. Futurists from New York City’s major spiritual, holistic organizations will take participants from isolation to co-creation. They will explore the power of wholeness, personally and globally. The interactive event will include sound meditations, live music, and audience participation.
Among the speakers are J.J. and Desiree Hurtak of the Academy of Future Science; Jodi Serota, Founder of The Meta Center NYC; Mitch Rabin, founder of “A Better World;” and Ron Friedman, co-founder of Vistar Foundation.
Register online at www.wainwright.org. Fee: $25 for members, students, and seniors; $30 for non-members before July 1.
Family Fun Night
Thursday nights at the Rye Free Reading Room promise to be fun-filled all summer long for children ages 5 and up and their grown-ups. Each evening’s program follows the library’s summer scientific reading theme, “Fizz Boom Read!”
On July 10 at 6, science teacher Johnda Ferrari will conduct a workshop on rocks and minerals. Attendees will explore and conduct tests on a variety of “treasures of the earth” and take home mini-rocks and gemstones to begin a collection all their own. Space is limited, so pre-registration is required. Stop in or call 231-3162.
On July 17, the library will present “Walking with Dinosaurs” (PG). The story of an underdog dinosaur that triumphs to become a hero for the ages will bring smiles to the whole family. No pre-registration is necessary.
Start Playing the Market
The Rye Free Reading Room invites teens that have dreams of making it big in the stock market to play the MarketWatch Virtual Stock Exchange Game July 10 at 7. In this teen-led program, participants will learn the basics of investing money and will test their investing prowess by buying and selling stocks in a lifelike Internet simulation of the New York Stock Exchange. Space is limited, so call 231-3172 to register.
Mock College Entrance Exams
Don’t walk into the real thing cold! Take practice ACT and SAT exams at the Rye Free Room beforehand. A practice SAT test will be given on July 12 from 10:30-2:30. A practice ACT test will be given on July 19 from 10:30-1:45. Detailed score reports highlighting personal strengths and weaknesses will be available at www.applerouth.com the Friday after the test.
Both the exams and reports are free. Bring water, a snack, pencils and a calculator. Space is limited. Register at www.applerouth.com /signup. Call 371-8000 for help or questions.
The Bumbling, Bungling Dr. Gravity
Children entering grades K-5 will enjoy the slapstick comedy of Dr. Gravity, aka David Engel, at the Rye library on June 30 at 3. The kids will get a kick out of Dr. Gravity’s slightly scientific antics, from bubbles bouncing to boomerangs flying.
The event kicks off the library’s summer reading program, “Fizz Boom Read.” To sign up, school-aged children may visit www.ryelibrary.org. Sponsored by the Auxiliary Board of the Rye Free Reading Room & The Woman’s Club of Rye, Children’s Philanthrophy, the program is designed to motivate kids to maintain and improve their reading skills during the summer. Kids will keep track of their reading and will be able to participate in an array of activities. Maybe they’ll even earn the program’s incentive prizes!
Summer Blockbusters
The Rye Free Reading Room will celebrate the beginning of summer vacation with a trio of movies for ages 5 and up. On July 1, “A Tiger’s Tail” will be shown from 2-3:30. It’s about a boy’s adventure of a lifetime when Luna, a baby tiger cub, escapes from an animal sanctuary and follows him home.
On July 2, “The Pirate Fairy” will be screened from 2-3:20. The swashbuckling new adventure from the world of Peter Pan will delight kids with tales of pixie dust, fairies, and pirate ships.
Disney’s ever-popular “Frozen” will captivate the kids on July 3 from 6-7:45. The sweet, magical film employs great music, enchanting characters, and striking effects to spin a fairy tale about overcoming obstacles and the power of true love.
School’s Out for Summer Science
The Rye Free Reading Room is offering a series of Science Club Fridays, conducted by the Westchester Children’s Museum’s “Museum Without Walls” program. On July 11, children entering kindergarten through second grade may come in at 3:30 for a “Save the Earth: Recycling and Composting” workshop. Third through fifth graders will start at 4:30 and learn about “Wright Stuff: Wind-Air Inventions and Explorations.”
On July 18, same times, the workshops will cover “Simple Machines” for the younger set, and “Solar Powered Cars” for the older kids.
Calligraphy for Tweens and Teens
The Rye Free Reading Room invites ages 10 and up to enroll in a Calligraphy Workshop on Mondays at 4 from July 14-August 4. Learn a stylized (and stylish) way of writing from calligraphy artist and teacher Mary Jackson. Snacks and supplies will be provided. Space in the workshop is limited, so call 231-3172 to register. The workshops are sponsored by the library’s Auxiliary Board.
Rye residents will have a rare opportunity to hear a leading voice in ecology at The Meeting House on July 26 at 4. Dr. Eric W. Sanderson, Senior Conservation Ecologist at the Wildlife Conservation Society, and author of the acclaimed book, “Mannahatta: A Natural History of New York City,” will discuss “Hurricanes, Nature, and the Future of New York City.”
The program is part of the Bird Homestead nonprofit’s lecture series, “After the Storm: Toward a more Resilient Shoreline,” funded partially by a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Admission is free but donations will be gratefully accepted. For further information, contact birdhomestead.meetinghouse@ gmail.com.
At Rye Recreation, specialty camps abound. There are ramp and various sports camps, from field hockey to baseball. In a 3-day golf clinic in August, kids can Tee It Up With The TGA to learn swing fundamentals, rules, and golf etiquette. In July and August sessions, a RyeTV camp will teach kids ages 12 and older video basics, production, and editing. There are also engineering, fashion, and magic camps. www.ryeny.gov/recreation.cfm, 967-2535
Rye Nature Center’s educational summer programs for children entering preschool through eighth grade offer adventure, ecological exploration, and hands-on activities. The focus is on connecting children to nature with fun themes, which include Geology Rocks, Snazzy Science, and Stories in the Land. There is even a brand new Nature at Night program available the week of August 11. www.ryenaturecenter.org, 967-5150
A myriad of camps are available at the Rye Arts Center. A few of the offerings include ceramics, photography, drawing, painting, and music. There are new writing, computer programming and animation camps. While a Summer Pop Ensemble in July will have kids playing Top 40 and classic rock with fellow music students, Stomp It Up will allow kids to cut loose with rhythms by using trash cans, basketballs, sticks, and lots more. In addition, tweens can utilize the coolest technology in STEM classes with an arts twist.www.ryeartscenter.org, 967-0700
It’s not too late to enroll children ages 7-13 in the Rye Historical Society’s annual History Summer Colonial Camp. Campers can spend three fun-filled weeks immersed in colonial history at the Square House Museum July 8-25. Boys and girls will experience what life was like more than two centuries ago through hands-on activities, including painting portraits and landscapes, learning about colonial gardens and food, and playing old-fashioned games. Weekly sessions and rates are available. www.ryehistory.org, 967-7588.
— Janice Fabry
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