Events Calendar
Rudolph Rocs New Ro
December 4 from 3 to 5pm, Ruby Dee Park
Walk of Fame Ceremony at 4pm
Come celebrate the beloved holiday classic and the legacy of New Rochelle’s Robert May, who brought Rudolph’s story to life. There will be arts and crafts, gingerbread bounce house, holiday gift making, live DJ & Dance Party, dress like a Reindeer (antlers and red nose provided). Followed by the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce Holiday Lighting at Memorial Park Plaze at 5pm.
Birds and Biodiversity
December 7 at 7pm
Lenoir Nature Center, 19 Dudley Street, Yonkers
Joshua DiPaula, Natural Resources Specialist at Rockefeller State Park Preserve, will talk about the initiatives taking place at the Preserve to conserve and improve habitats for birds and wildlife. Masks required. For further information, email rdeford@post.harvard.edu
Music at Asbury Free Concert Series: God Bless Us, Everyone
December 11 at 4pm
Asbury-Crestwood United Methodist Church, 167 Scarsdale Road, Tuckahoe
Asbury-Crestwood United Methodist Church is delighted to present an encore performance of last year’s popular free holiday program, “God Bless Us, Everyone,” part of its Music at Asbury series. The show is a staged reading of Dickens’ classic holiday story, A Christmas Carol, complemented with songs by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens, Alan Silvestri and Glen Ballard, and a selection of familiar Christmas carols for the audience to sing along. This is a 75-minute program with no intermission. Reservations are strongly suggested. Reservations can be made online at http://www.musicatasbury.com/UpcomingEvents.html or by calling the church office 914-779-3722 and leaving a message with name, phone number, email address, and number in your party. All reservations will be confirmed by email or phone.
Christmas Concert
December 18 at 2pm
West Center Congregational Church, 101 Pondfield Road West, Bronxville
Kelly Guerra Sedgwick (mezzo soprano) and ERIC SEDGWICK (pianist) will give a Christmas Concert at West Center Congregational Church and include the singing of familiar carols, led by John Strybos, the organist & director of music at West Center Church. There will be a reception with holiday goodies immediately following the concert. The concert is open to all, and there is no charge.
Gingerbread House Decorating Party
December 10 from 2:30 to 5pm
Westchester Italian Cultural Center
One Generoso Pope Place, Tuckahoe
Join in for some Gingerbread Fun & Holiday Cheer! Includes: Gingerbread House, Icing, Decorating Candies, Drinks, Snacks, and Treats plus a raffle ticket for a holiday prize. Ticket only required for each child participant. Parent/Guardian entry is included and must accompany child. This is not a drop-off event. Register at https://www.wiccny.org/event-details/gingerbread-house-decorating-party
Songcatchers 26th Annual Concert for Peace
December 11 at 3pm
Frank J. Auriana Theater at The Ursuline School
1354 North Ave., New Rochelle
Sing along at this wonderful holiday concert! Enjoy the harmonies of Songcatchers’ intergenerational Concert Choir and Ensemble as they perform secular and interfaith carols, songs of peace, and multicultural songs of the holidays. Don’t miss this beautiful afternoon of music — fun for the whole family. Join in and sing for peace in our world! There is no charge for admission; donations will be gratefully accepted. For more information, call (914) 654-1178, email info@songcatchers.org, or visit songcatchers.org
Origami Holiday Tree
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West and Columbus Avenue, NYC
An annual feature of the Museum and a unique New York City holiday tradition, the delightfully decorated Origami Holiday Tree is 13-feet, filled with Beautiful Bugs, featuring specially created models inspired by the upcoming Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium in the Museum’s new Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation, which will open February 17, 2023. The insectarium is the first Museum gallery in more than 50 years dedicated to the most diverse—and a critically important—group of animals on Earth. Visit amnh.org for complete details.
40th Annual Senior Hall of Fame (Virtual Event)
December 2 at 11:30am
Join Westchester County Executive George Latimer in honoring the achievements of 51 senior citizens from throughout the County at the 40th Annual Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Awards Virtual Celebration on Friday, December 2 at 11:30 a.m. This year’s program names Sarah Bracey White of Ossining and Frank Williams Jr. of White Plains with top honors, and will honor 51 seniors across 27 municipalities. The 40th Annual Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Awards Celebration will be held virtually and streamed from the Westchester Public Private Partnership for Aging Services website at www.westchesterpartnership.org. This year’s event is sponsored by: Gold Sponsor – Wartburg; Silver Sponsor – CenterLight Healthcare PACE, and NewYork-Presbyterian; Bronze Sponsor – The Village of Bronxville and the Senior Citizens Council. Additional local senior residents honored for 2022 include: Stephen Alan Mitchell, Bronxville; Diane Guernsey, Elaine Hutchins, Maggie Klein, Arlene Evelyn Salman and Louise Shepherd of New Rochelle; and Lisa Marville, Joan O’Donnell of Scarsdale.
All programs take place in the meeting room/Theater at the New Rochelle Public Library, unless otherwise noted.
Yoga and Meditative Arts Workshop
Thursday, December 15 from 6 – 7:30pm
Join in for a 45-minute Gentle Yoga class with Breathing (Pranayama) and Movement (Asana) followed by a 45-minute Artistic Meditation (Pratyahra) with specific creative exercises including writing prompts, vision collage and mandala coloring. Appropriate for teens aged 16+ through adults of any age. Free. Space is limited. Registration is requested at bit.ly/NewNRPLCalendar or phone 914-813-3706
Westchester Breathes (Virtual)
Fridays, December 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from
9:30 – 10:30am
Participate in a program of gentle movement, breathing and relaxation exercises that reduce the experience of stress and anxiety. Come to this program to learn simple, proven exercises that can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. Get ready for the next moment from a place of calm and clarity. Registration required at bit.ly/WestchesterBreathes_Fall_2022
Friday Night Concert Series: Harlem Blues and Jazz Band
Friday, December 2 at 7pm
The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band was founded in 1973 by Dr. Albert Vollmer. He chose the best sidemen of the 1930’s and 40’s who played with such bands as: Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Fats Waller, Lionel Hampton, Benny Carter and others. They began to tour internationally in 1976 continuing to the present with tours in Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Norway. The Harlem Blues and Jazz Band has been coined as “The Best that America has to offer”. Registration requested at bit.ly/HarelmBlues_12_2022 or call 914-813-3706. This is an after hours event at the New Rochelle Public Library. All attendees must enter/exit via the entrance on Memorial Highway.
NRPL Film Series: Two Films by Ida Lupino
Saturday, December 3 at 1pm
New Rochelle librarian and film historian Chris Poggiali will introduce and discuss two films directed by actress and pioneering independent filmmaker Ida Lupino. 1:00 PM: Outrage (1950) starring Mala Powers, Tod Andrews. 2:30PM: Hard, Fast and Beautiful! (1951) starring Claire Trevor, Sally Forrest. Registration requested at bit.ly/LupinoFilm_12_2022 or phone, 914-813-3706
Chair Yoga
Mondays, December 5, 12, 19 from 12:30 – 1:30pm
Wednesdays, December 7, 14 from 12:30 – 1:30pm
Wednesday, December 21 from 1 – 2pm
Conquer stress and fatigue and bring renewed energy and focus to your day with a gentle yet invigorating session of chair yoga. No need to change clothing or lie on a mat. Free. Space is limited. First come. First served. No registration required. Made possible by the Friends of the New Rochelle Public Library and participants’ donations.
Rudolph Rocs New Ro
Sunday, December 4 from 3 – 5pm
Come celebrate the beloved holiday classic with arts & crafts, a dance party, holiday gift making, a gingerbread bouncy castle, and more. We will also honor the legacy of New Rochelle’s own Robert May who brought Rudolph’s story to life. As part of the festivities, Mr. May will be inducted into the New Rochelle Walk of Fame at Ruby Dee Park with a ceremony at 4:00 pm. Location: Ruby Dee Park at Library Green. This celebration is a joint program of New Rochelle Public Library, New Rochelle Parks & Recreation, The New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce, The City of New Rochelle, The New Rochelle Walk of Fame and the New Rochelle Downtown Business Improvement District.
Knitting Workshop
Tuesdays, December 6 & 13 from 10am – noon
Professional knitter, Esther Sussner, is holding drop-in workshops for knitters of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Feel free to bring your work in progress. Supplies will be provided for absolute beginners.
Board Game Mania
Wednesday, December 7 from 2 – 3:30pm
Join in for a special program on this half day of school for New Rochelle public elementary school children. No chance of being bored with board games around! Challenge friends, family and even kids you just met at classic and new board games! Ages 5 to 12 yrs.
Art Exhibit: Creativity in Art
through December 10
Featuring a range of work by artist Patricia Frankel, from colored pencil drawings to oil paintings, covering realistic, impressionistic and abstract art. Patricia Frankel is both an artist and art instructor who has been drawing since the age of five. Patricia studied at Pratt and Institute of Visual Arts followed by a 30-year career as a graphic designer. Location: Lumen Winter Gallery.
New Rochelle Art Association Holiday Market
December 11 from 1:30 – 4:30pm
The New Rochelle Art Association will host a holiday market in the lobby featuring local artists’ artwork and crafts available for purchase. Location: Lumen Winter Gallery.
Art Exhibit: New Rochelle Art Association Adolf Grant Award Show
December 11 – January 8
The New Rochelle Art Association has a long tradition of promoting and supporting artists and the visual arts. Since its informal inception in 1912, the association has included among its membership many talented and internationally known painters, illustrators and sculptors. The NRAA sponsored its first annual juried show to celebrate the opening of the new city library. Some of the noted participants in that show of 140 entries included: sculptor Robert Aitken, painters G. Glenn Newell, Remington Schuyler, A.G. Heaton and illustrators Norman Rockwell, Joseph C. Leyendecker and Victor Forsythe. Location: Lumen Winter Gallery
New Rochelle Plays Hollywood: Edge of the City
Sunday, December 11 at 2pm
New Rochelle Plays Hollywood is a new film series presented by the New Rochelle Public Library. Prior to the screening, film aficionado Les Srager will introduce the history of the film and its creative personnel with a discussion period following the screening. The fall series features films of New York. Edge of the City (1957) Starring Sidney Poitier, John Cassevetes, Jack Warden, and Ruby Dee. Directed by Martin Ritt (85 min.) Rarely seen, Poitier’s fourth movie and the first to demonstrate the Poitier charm particularly when contrasted with the intensity of Cassevetes. Ground breaking in depicting, without emphasis, a “black-white” friendship. First film directed by the man who went on to direct, for example, “Norma Rae”, “Hud”, and “Hombre”. Registration requested at bit.ly/EdgeofCity_12_2022, or phone, 914-813-3706.
Grades 4-6 Club Book Discussion
Tuesday, December 13 from 4 – 5:30pm
The Grades 4-6 Club will meet to discuss When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamieson. Registration required (registration begins 11/8). The first ten registrants will be given a free copy of the book! Grades 4 to 6. Location, Children’s Room. Registration required. Email nrplkids@wlsmail.org, call 914-813-3716, or ask at the Desk in the Children’s Room. When the books are available, we will email to arrange pickup; list an email address when registering.
Women and Money Roundtable (Virtual)
Wednesday, December 14 at 1pm
The Women and Money series is a virtual, monthly financial literacy program designed to educate women of any age about the financial matters that affect their lives. The program provides information, resources, learning activities and moderators to educate and create a safe and welcoming place for women to learn, share their experiences, and ask questions. Registration required at bit.ly/MoneyRoundtbl_10_2022 or call or phone 914-813-3706
Registrants will receive a ZOOM link to the program a few days before the event.
Magic Show with Joseph Fields
Wednesday, December 14 from 2:15 – 3:15pm
Join in for a special program on this half day of school for New Rochelle school children. Add more than a touch of magic to your afternoon with Magician Joseph Fields as he displays amazing tricks and illusions that are sure to wow! Ages 4 to 12 yrs.
Brown Bag Book Discussion: Dr. Zhivago by Boris Pasternak
Tuesday, December 20 at 12:00pm
A librarian-led book discussion. Bring a lite lunch. Newcomers welcome. A supply of the book to be discussed will be available to borrow from the first floor hold shelf approximately 2 months before the meeting date. Drop in. No registration required.
America’s Favorite Holiday Movie: A Look Inside It’s a Wonderful Life (Virtual)
Thursday, December 22 at 7pm
Voted the most inspirational movie ever made by the American Film Institute, Frank Capra’s It’s a Wonderful Life has been a beloved Christmas classic for many generations. This virtual talk will examine the fascinating story of It’s a Wonderful Life, looking at the challenges of how it was made, its surprisingly dark portrait of small-town life, and how it became the ultimate portrayal of holiday goodwill and cheer. Registration required at bit.ly/WonderfulLife_12_2022
Children’s Vacation Week Programs
All vacation week programs are drop in.
Winter Ornament Making
Tuesday, December 27 from 10:30 – 11:30am
It’s not too late to add a little sparkle to your home with this seasonal craft! Select from a wide variety of shapes to create a little more end-of-the-year, holiday cheer. Ages 3 to 8 yrs.
Gingerbread House Workshop
Tuesday, December 27 from 2 – 3pm
Build your own candy home with sweets and treats you’ll be tempted to eat! Ages 5 to 12 yrs.
Snow Buddies Puppet Fun
Wednesday, December 28 from 10:30 -11:30am
A winter wonderland of animal friends abound in this special snow-themed puppet performance. Craft time immediately follows where kids create their own puppet snow creature. Ages 2 to 5 yrs.
“Spin, Pop…Boom!” with Mad Science!
Wednesday, December 28 from 2 – 2:45pm
Are you ready for some fun science??? Witness amazing feats of chemistry as we explore all sorts of spectacular reactions. Marvel at demonstrations as they release genies from bottles and spew massive columns of foam! Get ready to be amazed while you learn, because at Mad Science, all education is entertaining! Ages 5 to 12 yrs.
Let’s Go Legos!
Thursday, December 29 from 2 – 3pm
It’s a free-build block party with the ever-popular Legos! Larger Duplo building blocks will also be provided for smaller children. Ages 2 to 12 yrs.
Family Movie: The Bad Guys
Friday, December 30 from 10:30 am – 12:10pm
The infamous Mr. Piranha, Mr. Snake, Mr. Shark, Ms. Tarantula, and Mr. Wolf find their lives of crime coming to an end as they face imprisonment. Determined to retain their freedom, the criminals band together to boost their public image and prove their goodness to their community with the help of their esteemed mentor, Professor Marmalade.
Running time 100 minutes. Rated PG
For further details, visit nrpl.org