What To Do: Winter Events 2015

Here’s some Winter Events to keep you busy from the Bedford Art Show and the Harlem Wizards to the Best of Looney Tunes. There’s the John Jay Lecture Series in Katonah and the Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden plus lots more for foodies, townies, and culture vultures.

January

Observatory Visitors’ Night: View the sky through a 22-inch research telescope, weather permitting. Special group visits can be arranged, call 203.977.6521. Program suitable for ages 5 and older. The Stamford Observatory entrance is located off Scofieldtown Road. For GPS users, enter 151 Scofieldtown Road. Fridays at 8pm. Weather permitting. (Stamford Observatory, 151 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; www.stamfordmuseum.org)

Behind the Scenes of the Auction House: Cherise Gordon, Director and Founder of Nu-Garde Gallery and former auction house employee and art historian, offers a glimpse behind the velvet curtains of Christie’s and Sotheby’s. She will discuss record-breaking sales, how artwork is priced and the impetus that drives prices sky-high. Wed, 1/7: 7pm. (Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.chappaqualibrary.org)

Rosenthal JCC Winter Carnival: The Rosenthal JCC Winter Carnival offers kids of all ages an afternoon of indoor carnival fun with lots of games and booths! Coordinated by the Rosenthal JCC Youth Leadership Council. Proceeds to benefit the Summer Smiles Scholarship Fund for Rosenthal JCC Summer Camps. Sun, 1/11: 2-4pm. (Rosenthal JCC, 600 Bear Ridge Rd., Pleasantville, 914.741.0333 ext. 15; rosenthaljcc.org)

Junior League of Northern Westchester, Playground: JLNW presents a public screening of the movie Playground that traces the epidemic of the child sex trade in the US. There will be a brief discussion with a follow up panel in February.  Mon, 1/12: 7pm. Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.jlnw.org)

John Jay Lecture Series: America at War: Managing the Message: University of Virginia Professor of History Andrew Jackson O’Shaughnessy discusses his prize-winning book The Men Who Lost America: British Leadership, the American Revolution and the Fate of the Empire. In it O’Shaughnessy argues against the popular theory that blames incompetent British leadership in favor of a thesis centered around ten British struggling with domestic politics, divided sympathies, the expense of European wars and the difficulties of maintaining an army in the colonies for Britain’s defeat. Thurs, 1/15: 7pm. (John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah; www.johnjayhomestead.org)

Jacob Burns Film Festival: We Got Game: Sports on Film: Jacob Burns presentsan array of new films and discussion on all things sports. Including: Althea – a Q&A with Mayor David Dinkins and NYT’s sportswriter William Rhoden follows the screening of this film about Althea Gibson, the sharecropper’s daughter who became the first African-American to win at Wimbledon and Forest Hills. Happy Valley – key players in the Penn State child sex abuse scandal share their stories in this look at a shaken community and the role college football played in the crimes. The 12^th Man: Football, Film and Fandom: The NFL Films produced America’s Game profile of the 1968 New York Jets. Q&A with authors Nicholas Davidoff, Sam Tannenhaus and NFGL Films producer Paul Camarata.  No No: A Dockumentary: Remember this one?Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher Dock Ellis is the only major league pitcher to throw a no-hitter and claim that he did it while he was high on LSD. Maidentrip: The tale of 14 year-old Laura Dekker who set out to become the youngest person to sail solo around the world. The Only Real Game: Men and women living in the tiny northeastern India state of Manipur defy armed conflict, drugs, gun trafficking, and HIV/AIDS through a passion for baseball.  Why Sports? A Shorts Program: A fun and spirited selection of short films examining the appeal of sports of all kinds—from boxing to synchronized swimming to competing to be the greatest record breaker ever. Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist: In 1998 star cyclist Marco Pantani won both the Tour de France and Giro d’Italia—a titanic feat of physical and mental endurance that no rider has been able to repeat. Pantani was a hero to millions, bringing joy to a sport under scrutiny for doping scandals. But less than six years later, at the age of 34, he died alone in a cheap Italian hotel room. Back on Board: Greg Louganis: In 2011 the four-time Olympic champion Greg Louganis was far from the public eye and struggling to pay the bills. And so Louganis, openly gay and HIV-positive, returned to the world of diving. Thurs-Wed, 1/15-2/25. (Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

Baseball Card Show: 350 tables of baseball cards and sports memorabilia. Modern and vintage sports cards, new and old factory/hand collated sets, hobby and waxed boxes and live signings with sports stars. On-site autograph authenticators and graders. Fri, 1/16: 2-8pm, Sat, 1/17: 10am-5pm, Sun, 1/18: 10am-4pm. (Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)

Friday Night Movies with Professor Valerie Franco at NCPL: The Hairdresser: This 2011 German comedy looks at society’s perceptions of size and style, especially how they apply to women. Fri, 1/16: 7pm. Wings of Desire: Wim Wenders’ 1989 classic about two well-meaning angels who try to provide comfort for the people of war-torn Berlin scored a 98 on Rotten Tomatoes Critics Tomato-meter. Fri, 1/23: 7pm. Seven Up Plus: Paul Almond’s film follows the lives of a group of English children every seven years from childhood, through adolescence and into adulthood. Fri, 1/30: 7pm. (North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd. East, Armonk, www.northcastlelibrary.org)

Astronomy Nights: Winter Constellations: Head to the Observatory for a real treat to explore the night sky, planets, stars, and more! Start by enjoying a presentation on Winter Constellations, followed by a visit to view the night sky through their 22-inch research telescope. The presentation portion of the program will be held rain or shine. Viewing hours are weather permitting. Fri, 1/23: 7pm.Stamford Observatory, 151 Scofieldtown Rd., Stamford; www.stamfordmuseum.org)

Bedford Art Show: The 42^nd Annual Bedford Art Show kicks off with a preview party on Fri, 1/23 that includes a champagne reception, hors d’oeuvres by Happiness Is, “small plates” donated by Happiness Is and Campagna, and desserts by La Tulipe. The show weekend continues on Sat. & Sun. featuring a mix of contemporary and traditional art, sculpture and photography. One special feature this year is a study of a painting by Stephen Hannock, titled “Northern City Renaissance: Newcastle, England,” which was commissioned by the musician, Sting. This artwork will be displayed throughout the show, and Mr. Hannock is donating 100% of the proceeds from the sale of his study to the Art Show. Sting reportedly owns a dozen of Mr. Hannock’s landscapes. Art Show co-chairs are Laura Blau of Bedford and Laurie Sturz of Pound Ridge. The show’s co-curators are Susan Grissom, Gallery Director at the Lionheart Gallery in Pound Ridge, and Inness Hancock. Show proceeds benefit local charities supported by the Women of St. Matthew’s. Preview Party: Fri, 1/23: 6:30-9pm. Show: Sat, 1/24: 10am-7pm. Sun, 1/25: 12-4pm. Sun, 1/24-25: (St. Matthew’s Church, 382 Cantitoe Street (Rt. 22) Bedford, 234-9636; www.stmatthewsbedford.org)

Harlem Wizards vs. The Chappaqua Challengers: Chappaqua school district teachers and administrators take on the Harlem Wizards in an afternoon of basketball and comedy. This event is sponsored by the Chappaqua School Foundation and benefits all Chappaqua schools. In 2014 the Chappaqua School Foundation raised over $150,000 and made 12 grants to the High School, Middle and Elementary Schools for physics and visual arts lab equipment, SMART boards and E-Readers, fitness center technology, compost tumblers and more. Sun, 1/25: 1:30pm. (Horace Greeley HS Gym, 70 Roaring Brook Rd., Chappaqua; www.chappaquaschoolfoundation.org)

Stamp, Coin & Paper Money Show: Celebrating 48 years at Westchester County Center. There will be over 100 dealer booths including stamps, coins and postcards. Fri, 1/24: 12-6pm, Sat, 1/25: 10am-6pm. Sun, 1/26: 10am-4pm. (Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)

Toy and Train Show: The largest toy and train show in the Northeast featuring more than 350 vendor tables. New & antique toys and trains – all gauges, train parts, layouts, appraisals, die cast automobiles, books, test tracks, toy soldiers, Match Box, Star Wars, Thomas and Friends, games & toys for all ages. Sun, 1/25 9am-3pm. (Westchester County Center, 198 Central Ave., White Plains; www.countycenter.biz)

Menus in the Movies: Food author and film buff Carol Durst presents The Lunchbox, about a young woman in Mumbai who strikes up a relationship with an older man when the lunch box she sends to her husband’s workplace is mistakenly delivered to him. This 2014 film from first time director Ritesh Batra received a 96% Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Homemade desserts and discussion follow the film. Fri, 1/30: 7pm. (Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.chappaqualibrary.org)

Bedford 2020 Environmental Summit and Solar Action Day: This full day event offers lectures and workshops on Energy, water, waste, food and health. It includes an Environmental Expo with over 70 vendors offering demonstrations on green products. The event is Bedford 2020’s kick off to their Solarize Bedford-Mt. Kisco campaign that runs from 1/31-6/15. Solarize Bedford Mt. Kisco’s mission is to increase the number of residential and business solar installations in the area. Bedford 2020 has identified and vetted two solar installation companies that will offer below market group rates through 5/15. Pre-registration required. (Register online at http://bedford2020.org) For more information, email Midge.Iorio@bedford2020.org or call (914) 620-2411.  Sat, 1/31: 8am-4:30pm. (Fox Lane High School)

February

KVIS Film Series, The Oscars Come to Katonah: View the 2014 Oscar nominated short films and stay for refreshments and film chat courtesy of the Katonah Village Improvement Society.  Live Action Shorts: Sat, 1/31: 7:30pm.  Animated Short Films: Fri, 2/6: 7:30pm. Documentary Short Films: Sat, 2/28: 7:30pm. (Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Rd., Katonah: www.katonahchamber.org)

Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting Dinner, Food Bank for Westchester: An evening of food, love and wine features a five-course dinner with wine pairings to mark the Food Bank’s 26 years of fighting hunger in Westchester. Hors d’oeuvres ay 6pm, raffle and live auction of one-of-a kind experiences at 7pm. Fri, 2/6: 6-9pm. (Tappan Hill Mansion, 82 Highland Ave., Tarrytown, 914.909.9610; www.foodbankforwestchester.org)

Friday Night Movies with Professor Valerie Franco at NCPL: Rush: This 2013 film from Ron Howard looks at the fierce rivalry between Formula One race car drivers Jamie Hunt and Niki Lauda in the 1970s.Fri. 2/6: 7pm. Futile Attraction: Everything goes wrong when a Reality TV Show producer brings a couple together through a dating agency who are beyond incompatible. Fri, 2/13: 7pm. Elegy: Director Isabel Croixet takes on Philip Roth’s novel about a May-December romance in this film starring Ben Kinglsey, Penelope Cruz and Dennis Hopper. Fri, 2/20: 7pm. Twenty One Up: Michael Apted’s has followed up his documentary of fourteen British seven year old children every 7 years for 49 years. This installment catches them at 21. Fri, 2/27: 7pm. (North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd. East, Armonk, www.northcastlelibrary.org)

Katonah Chili Tasting Night: Featuring an array of chili dishes, craft beers from Captain Lawrence Brewing Company and Brew & Co., wine from Katonah Wine & Liquor, live music and a Photography Exhibit from the Lewisboro Land Trust. Tix just $20. Fri, 2/6: 6-8pm. (Katonah Village Library, 26 Bedford Rd., Katonah: www.katonahchamber.org)

BHPA Winter Family Festival: The Byram Hill’s Preschool Association’s annual Winter Family Festival offers a day of live entertainment for kids and parents including arts & crafts, bouncy castle, a bake sale, and a live auction. Sun, 2/8: 11am-3pm. (Coman Hill School, 558 Bedford Rd., Armonk; www.bhpa.info)

New Valentine Dates at New York Botanical Garden: Treat yourself and your loved one to a complimentary champagne, indulgent chocolate, and Wild Medicine in the Tropics—a showcase of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory’s permanent collection and the medicinal plants featured therein. Start the evening at The Pine Tree Café, where small plates of foods known for their aphrodisiac properties will be available for purchase. Later, enter the lush Conservatory, where a glass of complimentary champagne awaits. Indulge your senses with the romantic qualities of dark chocolate and other plant-based aphrodisiacs. Fri, 2/13: 6:30–8:30pm; Sat, 2/14: 5:30–7:30 pm. (2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; www.nybg.org)

John Jay Lecture Series: America at War: Managing the Message: Former Ambassador to Korea and National Security Advisor to Vice President George H.W. Bush, Donald P. Gregg discusses his memoir of 31 years in the CIA and 10 in the White House, Pot Shards: Fragments of a Life Lived in CIA, the White House, and the Two Koreas. Mr. Gregg currently chairs the Pacific Century Institute, and is a strong proponent of engagement with North Korea. Thurs, 2/12: 7pm. (John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah; www.johnjayhomestead.org)

Author Talk with Jamie Malanowski: Commander Will Cushing: Daredevil Hero of the Civil War: A former editor of Time magazine and the recipient of the 2012 Folio Award for Feature Writing, Jamie has written for The New Yorker, Vanity Fair, and The Washington Monthly. His book about Commander Will Cushing, a real action naval hero of the Civil War received a starred review from Publisher’s Weekly and a recommendation by Sen. John McCain. Fri, 2/13: 7pm. (Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.chappaqualibrary.org)

Bringing Up Baby: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, a leopard named Baby, a million dollars, snappy dialogue, and irresistible humor—along with true love—all come together in this classic screwball comedy from Howard Hawks circa 1938. See it projected in 35 mm. Sat, 2/14: 5pm. (Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

New! Valentines Day at Lasdon Park: A Taste of Italy: For this romantic evening Lasdon’s main house will be transformed into a cozy retreat for a tasting of homemade Italian foods, good wine, live music and a warm glow. This event is limited to 50 people and  is a small fundraiser to support Lasdon programs and will feature authentic Italian pasta, sauces, homemade cheese, meats and vegetables prepared by Pete Monteleone and Vincent Nicolosi. Special wines and Italian beer will be served and desserts will complete the menu. Sun, 2/14: 7-9pm. (2610 Amawalk Rd., Rt. 35, Katonah; www.lasdonpark.org)

Oscar Talk with Mark Harris and Janet Maslin: Join Janet Maslin and Mark Harris for what’s always a lively, opinionated discussion, as they talk about this year’s slate of Academy Award nominations. There’ll be plenty of clips, history, gossip, and inside info. Mark Harris writes about the Academy Awards in Entertainment Weekly and the blog Grantland. His 2009 book, Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood, is the epic story of the five films nominated for the 1967 Academy Awards. JBFC President Janet Maslin has more than a few Oscar predictions, opinions, and anecdotes of her own. She interviewed Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech), Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire), Ang Lee (Brokeback Mountain), and Clint Eastwood (Million Dollar Baby), at the JBFC just before each was awarded the Academy Award for Best Director. Tues, 2/17: 7:30pm.  (Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

An American in Paris on Broadway! The evening starts with a screening of Vincente Minnelli’s Academy Award–winning classic film with Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron. Then meet some of the team behind the new stage production arriving on Broadway this spring. Directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon, and with a book by Pulitzer and Tony nominee Craig Lucas, it stars Robert Fairchild (New York City Ballet) and Leanne Cope (Royal Ballet)—and features some of the greatest music and lyrics ever written: the Gershwins’ “I Got Rhythm,” “’S Wonderful,” “But Not For Me,” and more! Q&A with lead producer Stuart Oken (The Addams Family) and book writer Craig Lucas (The Light in the Piazza) with JBFC Executive Director Edie Demas. Thrus, 2/19: 7:15pm.  (Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

Mary Cassatt in France: Susan Courtney lectures about Mary Cassatt’s journey to become a professional artist in France and her struggles to balance family obligations against her fight to gain fame and fortune in a male-dominated business. Susan is a theatre professor and playwright who has written Girl in Blue Armchair which is about Mary’s life. Fri, 2/20: 7pm. (Chappaqua Library; www.chappaqualibrary.org)

The Best of Looney Tunes: Nine beautifully restored classic cartoons make up this fun program: One Froggy Evening (1955), Little Red Riding Rabbit (1944), Mouse Wreckers (1949), Back Alley Oproar (1948), The Big Snooze (1946), Feed the Kitty (1952), Birds Anonymous (1957), Rabbit Seasoning (1952), Duck Dodgers in the 24 1/2th Century (1953). These pristine DCP restorations look amazing on the big screen! Sat-Sun, 2/21-22: 2pm. (Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

Menus in the Movies: Food author and film buff Carol Durst presents Lasse Hallstrom’s Chocolat, about a woman and her daughter who open up an unusual chocolate shop across from a church in a small French town at the beginning of Lent. One by one the townspeople succumb to their sinfully delicious creations causing a deep moral crisis that prompts the Comte de Reynaud, played by Alfred Molina, to attempt to run them out of town. With Juliette Binoche, Judy Dench, Lena Olin, and Johnny Depp. Circa 2000. Homemade desserts and discussion follow the film. Fri, 2/27: 7pm. (Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.chappaqualibrary.org)

New York Botanical Garden, The Orchid Show: NYBG’s annualorchid exhibition in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory is one of the most popular of their annual events. A spectacle of orchid species beckons the eye upward during this year’s Orchid Show, a breathtaking presentation spotlighting the aerial beauty of this iconic flower through hanging baskets, colorful living columns, and the centerpiece: a huge star-shaped chandelier overflowing with hundreds of plants. Stroll beneath dozens of suspended designs in the tropical ambience of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, with an expanded display for its 13th year that fills the Rain Forest Galleries and beyond with flamboyant color and intoxicating fragrance. Tues-Sun, 10am-6pm. Opens Sun, 2/28 and runs through Sun, 4/19. (New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; www.nybg.org)

March

Friday Night Movies with Professor Valerie Franco at NCPL: Run Lola Run: Lola, Tom Twyker’s heroine, has twenty minutes to come up with 100,000 deutschmarks to save her boyfriend. A 93% critic’s rating on rotten Tomatoes. Fri, 3/6: 7pm. Pope Joan: Sonke Wortmann ‘s 2009 drama starring David Wenham (Lord of the Rings) about a mythical female pope who allegedly reigned during the Middle Ages. Fri, 3/13: 7pm. Black Book: Director Paul Verhoeven about a Jewish singer who infiltrates Gestapo headquarters in Nazi occupied Netherlands during WW!! For the Dutch resistance. Fri, 3/20: 7pm. (North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd. East, Armonk, www.northcastlelibrary.org)

John Jay Lecture Series: America at War: Managing the Message: Harold Holzer, New York Historical Society Fellow and winner of the National Humanities Medal, discusses his book Lincoln and the Power of the Press: The War for Public Opinion. In itHolzer tells the story of Lincoln’s mastery of the  hyper-partisan and mutually dependent relationships between newspapers and politicians of his day, and of the three New York publishers who dominated Civil War journalism – James Gordon Bennett of the New York Herald, Horace Greeley of the New York Tribune, and Henry J. Raymond of the New York Times. Thurs, 3/12: 7pm. (John Jay Homestead, 400 Jay St., Katonah; www.johnjayhomestead.org)

Hot Ticket Alert: Harvey Presents Harvey Fierstein: Emmy Award-winning film and theatre critic Pat Collins will interview Harvey Fierstein, the four- time Tony Award-winning actor and playwright known for his work in Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage Aux Folles, Hairspray, Newsies and the current Best Musical hit Kinky Boots in the intimate setting of the Lasdon Theater on the Harvey School campus. A Ridgefield resident, Harvey Fierstein’s film and TV credits include his roles in Mrs. Doubtfire, Independence Day, Death to Smoochy, and Bullets Over Broadway. He won a News & Documentary Emmy Award for his narration of The Times of Harvey Milk, the Academy Award and Emmy Award-winning documentary, the first openly gay politician to be elected to public office in California who was assassinated along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone by Dan White a former San Francisco City Supervisor. Pat Collins covered entertainment news for Good Morning America and The CBS Morning News and was host of the Pat Collins Show. Fri, 3/13: 7:30pm. (The Walker Center for the Arts, The Harvey School, 260 Jay St., Katonah; www.harveyschool.org)

More Winter What To Dos …