Bird Homestead workshop on worm bin composting
In a closed, compact space, worm-bin composting produces nutrient rich compost for gardens and breaks down green kitchen scraps faster than anyone can imagine. Ann Marie Cunningham, executive director of Science Friday Initiative, will demonstrate the process at an outdoor workshop at the Bird Homestead on Saturday, Aug. 28 at 3 pm. Admission is free.
A worm bin is a covered, ventilated plastic box about the size of a file bin. Cunningham will explain how to harvest the finished compost while keeping the worms in the bin to work on the next batch. She will discuss the science behind what seems like alchemy -- turning kitchen waste into something gardeners call “brown gold.”
Science Friday Initiative (SFI) is the non-profit partner of National Public Radio’s long-running science news/talk program, Science Friday. SFI’s Down to Earth program works to inform students K-12 of the considerable science all around them when they are involved in community or urban gardening. The Bird Homestead and SFI work together to bring these programs to Rye.
In case of rain, the workshop will be held the following day, Sunday, Aug. 29, at 3 p.m. The Bird Homestead is located at 600 Milton Road. For further information, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 914-967-0383.

Host families needed
ASSE International Student Exchange is now accepting applications from host families for the 2010-2011 academic year. By hosting a foreign exchange student from Germany, France, Spain, Mexico, Scandinavia, Portugal, Czech Republic, China, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and former Soviet Union countries, you provide a rewarding opportunity to a special teenager. These personable and academically select exchange students are bright, curious and anxious to learn about this country through living as part of a family, attending high school and sharing their own culture and language with their newly adopted host family. All students are well screened, insured, speak English and come with their own spending money. The students arrive from their home country shortly before school begins and return at the end of the school year.
Host families provide room and board and guidance for their new son or daughter while experiencing the joy of watching a child grow academically and culturally. Each exchange student expects to bear his or her share of the household responsibilities as well as be included in normal family activities. When sharing your home with a student from another culture, your lives are enriched forever by your new lifelong friendship!
Couples, single parents and families without children are encouraged to apply. For additional information about hosting an ASSE exchange student call Amy at 1-800-677-2773. Also, visit www.asse.com for additional opportunities through ASSE!

Designer Showhouse benefiting CPW postponed
The Designer Showhouse of Westchester presented by Cerebral Palsy of Westchester will be postponed until spring 2011.
The Showhouse will now take place in spring 2011 in Westchester County. Confirmed date will be released later this year. Proceeds will benefit Cerebral Palsy of Westchester, Rye Brook, NY.
The Designer Showhouse of Westchester will feature over 30 of America’s top designers and decorative artists to create a design masterpiece.
For more information, contact Stephanie Russo, (914) 937-3800 ext. 411, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit
www.cpwestchester.org.

25th anniversary celebration at La Panetiere
Join La Panetiere, 530 Milton Road, to celebrate with a 5-course tasting dinner and a complimentary glass of champagne with dessert on the night of your choice starting through Sunday, Aug. 29.
The price per person is $72 and optional wine pairing is available; RSVP by calling (914) 967-8140.

Children’s open auditions for “Nutcracker”
Boys and girls ages 5-13 are invited to audition on Saturday, Sept. 11 and Sunday, Sept. 12 for roles in the Purchase College Conservatory of Dance production of Nutcracker ’10. Auditions will be held in Studio E of the Dance building at Purchase College throughout the day according to the schedule below. The campus is located at 735 Anderson Hill Road, Purchase.
Children who audition should have some previous dance experience and be no taller than five feet. Dance attire or sweatpants should be worn to audition. Boys are encouraged to audition. Some dancers may be requested to remain for the next audition group or return for a callback audition on Sunday Sept. 12.
Rehearsals will begin Oct. 5 and will vary from one to three rehearsals per week, depending on the role in which the children are cast. A parents meeting will be held on Sunday, Sept. 26 at 2:30 p.m. in the Dance Building to announce casting decisions, discuss Nutcracker ’10 policies and register dancers. A parent /guardian of each dancer selected must attend this meeting.
The audition schedule is as follows:
Saturday, Sept. 11
Group 1 (7-8 yrs old as of Sept. 1, 2010)
Registration 9:15 a.m. - audition 10 a.m.-noon
Group 2 (9-10 yrs old as of Sept. 1, 2010)
Registration 12:30 p.m. – audition 1-3 p.m.
Group 3 (11-13 yrs. Old as of Sept. 1, 2010)
Registration 2:45 p.m. - audition 3:15-4 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 12
Group 1 (5-6 yrs old as of Sept. 1, 2010)
Children attend one of three ½ hour sessions
Registration 12:30 p.m. - audition 1-3 p.m.
Callback audition
Registration 3 p.m. – audition 3:30-4:30 p.m.
For further information call the Nutcracker’10 hotline at 914-251-6803.

HPCW to celebrate 18th anniversary
Hospice & Palliative Care of Westchester’s (HPCW) Ninth Annual Gala Cocktail Reception, “In Celebration,” will take place at Westchester Country Club, Rye, on Tuesday, Sept. 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
HPCW will honor Michele and Terry Geller, D.D.S., of Hastings-on-Hudson; William A. Martimucci, M.D., Medical Director of The Osborn and Founding Member of Westmed Medical Group, Rye, for their commitment to and support of HPCW. Mrs. Anna L. Shereff of Bronxville will be recognized for her longtime commitment to HPCW.
White Plains resident William F. Flooks, Jr., owner, Beecher Funeral Home in Pleasantville; and Darien, Conn. resident James P. O’Toole, HPCW Board Chair will co-chair the event.
Grand Sponsor of the event is Anna L. Shereff, and the Sponsor is Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation. The following organizations are Co-Sponsors: Amoruso & Amoruso, LLP; KeyBank; Schoeman, Updike & Kaufman, LLP; The Osborn; Visiting Nurse Services in Westchester; White Plains Hospital Center; and White Plains Radiology Associates, P.C.
Funds raised at the event will support The Anna and Louis H. Shereff Caregiver Program, which was established 15 years ago by Mrs. Anna L. Shereff. Tickets cost $200, and additional sponsorships are available. For reservations/sponsorship/journal information, contact Holly Benedict at 682-1484, ext. 122 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Fall classes at New Rochelle YMCA
The fall class session at the New Rochelle YMCA begins Monday, Sept. 13. Classes are offered in Aquatics, Fitness and Youth Sports. Registration for the classes began on Aug. 9.
Fall swim classes are offered for all ages beginning with parent and child programs 6 months and up. Classes are held during the week and on Saturdays. Adult and teen swim lessons are offered at several times during the week. The New Rochelle YMCA Sailfish Swim team begins this September. Interested parties should contact the YMCA Aquatic department, 914-632-1818 ext. 14.
Adult aquatic fitness programs are offered throughout the week. Classes include aquacise, water walking and the Arthritis Foundation Aquatic program. Adult fitness classes are offered at several convenient times.
Youth sports programs include karate, basketball and indoor soccer.
Additional information about these programs can be received by calling the YMCA at 632-1818.

Sound Shore Writers Group
The Sound Shore Writers Group meets at The Rye Arts Center every other Thursday evening and now has openings for new members. If interested or for more information, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Donate art, music supplies to the RAC
Is your house filled with art supplies you never got around to using? Have your children lost interest in playing an instrument? Do your shelves groan under the weight of so many art and music books? Are you getting ready to move?
Now is your chance to conquer the clutter! Bring your new and gently used art and music supplies, instruments, art and music books, CDs, and DVDs to The Rye Arts Center’s Main Office by Wednesday, Sept. 8. Your donation is tax-deductible.
Items collected during the drive will be sold at Festival @ 51 on Sunday, Sept. 12. Proceeds will benefit The Rye Arts Center’s scholarship fund.
For donation guidelines, visit
ryeartscenter.org.

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