learn and engage this spring

Libraries, community centers, health organizations… programs abound across Westchester to learn, engage, get healthy, stay busy. Read on for where to go/ what to do.

MARCH 2, APRIL 6 & MAY 4: 10AM
KEEPING MEMORY ALIVE
This is for older adults in good cognitive condition who want to maintain their healthy brain. It is important for individuals to fire up their neurons often to keep a strong cognitive health. Join us for this new program with educational information, fun exercises, and stimulating activities to keep your brain active and sharp. Phelps Hospital, 755 building, 4th floor, Family Medicine Residency Conference Room, 701 North Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; 914-366-3937 or email Vitality@northwell.edu; phelps.northwell.edu/events

MARCH 7: 10AM
TEALIGHT CANDLEHOLDERS
Use easy paper folding and cutting to make stunning tealight candle holders! (LED candles only.) All materials and one LED tealight candle will be provided. Rye Arts Center, 51 Milton Rd, Rye; 914-967-0700; ryeartscenter.org

MARCH 11 & 25, APRIL 8 & 22, MAY 13 & 27
MEDITATION
Meditation is one of the best tools we have to balance our emotions, deal with physical and psychological distress, and promote the peace of the present moment. Family Medicine Residency Conference Room, 4th floor of the 755 building. Phelps Hospital, 701 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow; 914-366-3937 or email Vitality@northwell.edu; phelps.northwell.edu/events

MARCH 12, APRIL 9 & MAY 14: 8:30AM
THE BREAKFAST CLUB
A series of free breakfast meetings designed especially for seniors and their health and wellness concerns. Each one includes a free breakfast, a presentation on a healthy lifestyle topic and a light exercise program to improve strength and balance. Phelps Hospital, 701 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. Register with Ellen Woods at 914-366-3937 or email Vitality@northwell.edu.

Learn, engage, socialize, try a fitness class and more at the May 3, 2020 Booming BETTER Expo in Purchase, NY. Roster of talks includes Brain Health, Heart Health and Best Exercise Practices, Using Food to Heal Your Body, Estate Planning Tips. Plus meet our wonderful vendors, enjoy a free lunch, enter to win $500. Click here to register for this free event.

MARCH 12: 7PM
THE SECOND FOUNDING
The 13th, 14th and 15th Amendments abolished slavery, defined birthright citizenship, and prohibited denial of the right to vote based on race. Eric Foner, the DeWitt Clinton Professor of History at Columbia University, and winner of the Pulitzer, Bancroft and Lincoln Prizes, explores the circumstances under which these Amendments were passed, and the ways in which they’re being interpreted still. Iselin Wing at John Jay Homestead, 134 Jay St (Rte 22), Katonah; 914-232-5651; johnjayhomestead.org

MARCH 14: 1PM
WOMEN’S LIVING HISTORY
Commemoration of Women’s History Month, featuring a living history presentation by a re-enactor portraying Deborah Sampson, the woman who disguised herself as a man and fought credibly for the American army in the Revolutionary War. St. Paul’s Church N.H.S., 897 S. Columbus Av., Mt. Vernon; 914-667-4116

MARCH 16 & APRIL 20:
COLOR FOCUSED PAINTING
Two-hour long workshop, for adults over 55, will use the works of Danish artist Laurits Andersen Ring as inspiration for a deep dive into the emotional effects of color in painting. Led by Corinne Flax, the tour will be followed by a 90-minute painting workshop led by teaching artist Eddie Nino. All materials provided, light refreshments will be served. Reservations required. Bruce Museum, 1 Museum Dr., Greenwich, CT; 203-413-6741; brucemuseum.org

MARCH 18 & 19:
CREATIVE ARTS
WORKSHOPS
The Greens at Greenwich is partnering with the Bruce Museum for two creative and interactive eveings; tap into your creative selves through music, art, drama and dance. Art and drama on the 18th; Music and danc/movement on the 19th. Held at the Bruce Museum, One Museum Dr., Greenwich, CT. Reservations req: Maria Scaros: 203-531-5500 or mscaros@thegreensatgreenwich.com

MARCH 18, APRIL 15, MAY 20: 9AM
HOLISTIC PAIN MGMT
Free program for people suffering from chronic pain, no matter how big or small. Information and workshop topics include exercise, nutritional guidance, expert advice and complementary medicine practices such as Tibetan Singing Bowls and Aromatherapy. Phelps Hospital, 701 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow. Meeting in 755 building, 4th floor in the Family Medicine Residency Conference Room. Contact Ellen Woods at 914-366-3937 or email Vitality@northwell.edu.

MARCH 18 & APRIL 8: 1PM
WRITE WITH THAD
Are there stories surrounding a special object (a book, a piece of furniture, or a heirloom) in your current or childhood home that you want to tell but don’t know how to make them alive? Join Resident writer, Thad Rutkowski, to create memorable pieces in these warm, fun, and inspiring workshops. Registration required. Harrison Public Library, The Halperin Building, 914-835-0324; 2 Bruce Ave, Harrison; harrisonpl.org

MARCH 19, APRIL 23
& MAY 21: 11:15AM
ZUMBA GOLD
Zumba Gold classes with instructor Diane Sorg. Beginners welcome. Part dance/part fitness program for adults looking for a modified zumba class that recreates the original moves you love at a lower intensity. Come ready to have fun in a non-judgmental zone! Registration required. Harrison Public Library, The Halperin Building, 914-835-0324; Harrison; harrisonpl.org

MARCH 19: 6:15PM
LOOSEN UP & PAINT:
A BYOB NIGHT OUT!
Come for an evening of self expression through paint! No pressure to be perfect – workshop starts with a simple still-life and progress from there. Participants will be encouraged to work at their own pace, and in their own style. No experience necessary; if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, make this the first time! All supplies included. (remember, BYOB!). Rye Arts Center, Rye; 914-967-0700; ryeartscenter.org

MARCH 20, APRIL 17
& MAY 15
SENIOR SOCIALS
Enjoy an afternoon of art viewing and socializing, led by an expert docent. Stroll the galleries, learn about the exhibition on view, then mingle with other like-minded art enthusiasts over coffee and treats. Free with adm. Katonah Museum of Art, 134 Jay St (Rte 22), Katonah; 914-232-9555; katonahmuseum.org

MARCH 21: 11:30AM
JAPANESE TEA
CEREMONY DEMO
Japanese tea ceremony represents the essence of the traditional Japanese culture in many ways. Come immerse yourself in the world of “harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility” of tea ceremony. Also enjoy the taste of high-quality matcha green tea and Japanese sweets! Seats are limited. Somers Library, Reis Park on Rte 139; Katonah; 914-232-5717; somerslibrary.org

MARCH 24, APRIL 28 & MAY 26: 10:30AM
CURRENT EVENTS WITH DAVID CHENEY
Topics include the U.S. political campaign, Israel, Brexit, the Syria war, corruption in the world. David M. Cheney is a consultant to international economic institutions, including the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, European Stability Mechanism, Inter-American Development Bank, China’s Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and Caribbean Development Bank. Shames JCC, 371 S. Broadway, Tarrytown; 914-366-7898; shamesjcc.org

MARCH 30: 6:30PM
DECORATING YOUR HOME TO SELL OR DWELL
Whether you’re a home seller or simply enjoy interior decorating, come learn the tricks of the staging trade with home staging expert Susan Atwell as she teaches you how to outshine the competition, accentuate your home’s most attractive features, and do it all lightning fast. Somers Library, Katonah; 914-232-5717; somerslibrary.org

APRIL 11: 10:30AM
SEASONAL FLORAL DESIGN
This is a beginners friendly hands-on course. Instructor Wendy Podell will show you how to achieve and create beautiful floral arrangements using basic techniques and tools. Easy and fun, you’ll learn floral tricks for keeping flowers alive and healthy even if you don’t have a green thumb. Somers Library, Reis Park on Rte 139; Katonah; 914-232-5717; somerslibrary.org

STARTING APRIL 18
UNTERMYER GARDENS
Public guided tours are given by docents on Sundays beginning in late April and ending in late October. Tours will alternately focus on history and gardens. Additionally, our president will lead premium tours one Sunday every month. 945 N. Broadway, Yonkers; untermyergardens.org

MAY 2: 11:30AM
THE SPACE RACE:
1957-1975
The Soviet Union stunned the world in 1957 by putting the first artificial satellite into Earth orbit. In May, 1961, President John F. Kennedy announced his daring plan for the American space program: landing a man on the Moon before the end of the decade. This presentation is packed with historic photographs and vintage concept art. Somers Library, Katonah; 914-232-5717; somerslibrary.org

MAY 3: 10:30AM–4PM
BOOMING BETTER EXPO
Created especially for ages 55 and better! Come for a fun day of learning, socializing and expanding horizons. Activities include fitness classes, quickie makeovers, 5-minute massages and more! Presentations and experts in health and wellness, meditation, beauty and style, finances, legal, technology. Talks include stem cell therapy, our legal eagle on various issues including trusts, and brain health panel (what you should be doing now!). Empower yourself to create your best and strongest life! It’s all entirely FREE. Registration required to receive free lunch ticket. Come and enter the raffle to win $500.Reid Castle at Manhattanville College, 2900 Purchase St, Purchase; register at: boomingbetter.com; susan@boomingbetter.com

MAY 27: 11AM
THE HEALING POWER OF MUSHROOMS
Presented by physician and best-selling author Andrew Weil, M.D., is a leader in the fields of health, wellness, and integrative medicine. NYBG, Ross Lecture Hall, 2900 Southern Blvd. Bronx; nybg.org

SECOND MONDAY
MONTHLY: 11AM
TAI CHI FOR BEGINNERS
Learn the basics of Tai Chi, which is one of the most effective ways to improve balance. The practice of the slow, graceful movements of this Chinese martial art also increase strength, stamina, flexibility and cognitive focus. Yonkers Public Library, Riverfront Branch; 914-457-1377; ypl.org

MONDAYS: 6PM
MIXED MEDIA MONDAYS
In a relaxed, no pressure atmosphere, the gallery curator will lead participants as they explore and make glue books, slam books, journals, collage, memoir boxes and much more. This is a free, adults only program. Yonkers Public Library Riverfront Art Gallery, Yonkers; 914-457-1377; ypl.org/artgallery; Haifa@ypl.org

MONDAYS: 2PM
MAHJONGG
Play and practice with other Mahjongg enthusiasts. All ages and skill levels welcome. Walk-ins encouraged. Mahjongg kits provided by the library. Warner Library, 121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown; 914-631-7734; warnerlibrary.org

MONDAYS: 7PM
MEDITATION MONDAYS
Experience peace within at the Warner Library. Free classes. Join for all or any of the sessions. Warner Library, 121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown; 914-631-7734; warnerlibrary.org

TUESDAYS & FRIDAYS: 8AM
WALK THE MALL
Window shop as you get and stay in shape with indoor walks. Special guest speaker first Friday each month at 9am (on Level 1 Nordstrom E-bar seating area). Adm. and parking free for members of mall walk program. Sign up at horse fountain near Crate & Barrel, Level 2, Tuesday and Friday mornings during program. Westchester Mall, White Plains; 914-231-4645.

THURSDAYS: 6:30PM
BACKGAMMON NIGHT
Meet in the Audubon Room to play with other local Backgammon players. Backgammon game night is organized by a local member of the US Backgammon Federation. Beginners welcome. Warner Library, Tarrytown; 914-631-7734; warnerlibrary.org

YEAR ROUND
BALANCE TRAINING: TAI CHI,
MATTER OF BALANCE
Everything from tai chi, line dancing, zumba, chair yoga, ballet for balance, pilates and private sessions. StepWise Now, 325 S. Highland Ave., Suite 109, Briarcliff Manor; 914-292-0602; stepwisenow.com

YEAR ROUND
CHEF PETER X. KELLY TEACHING KITCHEN
Cooking classes held throughout the year such as Plant-Based Meals and Quick Seafood Supper. Programs include Physician in the Kitchen, co-hosted by physicians from the NY-Presbyterian Medical Group Hudson Valley and Chef Emilie Berner, Healthy Heart Program and Integrative Therapies for Cancer Patients. Dempsey House Teaching Kitchen, 1992 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor; 914-734-3780; nyp.org/hudsonvalley

YEAR ROUND
THE WELLNESS CENTER
A variety of classes including stretching, zumba, Feldenkrais, beginning yoga, chair yoga, Hatha yoga, cardio rock, balance and more. NY-Presbyterian Hudson Valley Hospital, 1980 Crompond Rd, Cortlandt Manor; 914-737-9000; events.nyp.org/group/the_wellness_center

YEAR ROUND
VARIOUS LOCATIONS/TIMES
MEDICARE & SENIOR BENEFITS COUNSELING
Topics include Part A and B coverage, Medicare Advantage, supplemental and drug plans, and cost-saving programs. Upbeat, free workshops run by the Westchester Library System in single sessions at Ossining, Eastchester, Montrose, Pleasantville, Irvington, Yonkers, Pelham, Shrub Oak, Harrison, West Harrison, Lewisboro, Katonah and Armonk libraries, as well as Phelps and community centers in Ardsley, Mount Kisco, and Croton. Full listing at westchesterlibraries.org/westchester-seniors-out-speaking/. Pre-reg. requested at 914-231-3236, but walk-ins welcome.

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