April Events in & around Armonk, Bedford & Chappaqua

April Events in & around Armonk, Bedford & Chappaqua 2015: Here’s the top twenty-two what to dos in April for townies, culture vultures, foodies and locavores. Including movies, benefits, wine tastings, and road races. We have Frank Bruni, Sophie Tucker, Holbein the Elder and four special events in town for foodies. 

April

Art Series with Professor Valerie Franco at NCPL: Long island University Professor Valerie Franco’s art history lecture series continues with the life, times and work of Flemish, German and Italian Renaissance painters Jan Brueghel the Elder, Wed, 4/1: 7pm; Sir Anthony van Dyck, Wed, 4/8: 7pm; Holbein the Elder, Wed, 4/15: 7pm; Hans Holbein the Younger, Wed, 4/22: 7pm, and Domenico Ghirlandaio, Wed, 4/29: 7pm. (North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd. East, Armonk, www.northcastlelibrary.org)

A Taste of Westchester: The Westchester Community College of Continuing Education’s, A Taste of Westchester offers cooking classes and tastings with top chefs at local restaurants. The April lineup includes Café of Love and Via Vanti! in Mt. Kisco, One Twenty One in North Salem, Crabtree’s Kittle House in Chappaqua and The Beehive in Armonk. See here for more details.

Friday Night Movies with Professor Valerie Franco at NCPL: Mt. Zion: Set in 1979 New Zealand, Tearepa Kahi’s film starring Temeura Morrison follows the humorous trials of a young potato-picker as he follows his dream for a chance to be the opening act for Bob Marley and the Wailers in their local show.  Fri, 4/3: 7pm. Chariots of Fire: Hugh Hudson’s 1981 film follows the true story of Britain’s quest for gold at the 1924 Summer Olympics. Fri, 4/10: 7pm. The Other Son: Two young men, one Israeli and one Palestinian, discover they were accidentally switched at birth. Fri, 4/17: 7pm. 35 Up: The fifth in Michael Apted’s 7 Up Series – the original documentary that examined the lives of several English children every seven years as they journeyed from adolescence into adulthood. This segment checks in at age thirty-five. Fri, 4/24: 7pm. (North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd. East, Armonk, www.northcastlelibrary.org)

Westchester Jewish Film Festival 2015- Jacob Burns: Presenting 38 programs celebrating the grand sweep of the Jewish experience. Including several previews and new releases from Israel and around the world. Here are some highlights: Belle and Sebastian: An orphan boy and his dog foil a Nazi plot to capture French Resistance fighters along the Swiss border. Famous Nathan: Filmmaker Lloyd Handwerker’s documentary portrait of Nathan’s Famous, the legendary Coney Island eatery, his grandparents, Nathan and Ida Handwerker, founded in 1916. Victor “Young” Perez: The true story of a Tunisian Jewish boxer who became the World Flyweight Champion and had a famous romance with a glamorous French actress in 1931. In 1943 he was arrested and transported to Auschwitz, where he was forced to box for the amusement of his Nazi captors. Zero Motivation: Fresh from its sold-out run at Film Forum, Zero Motivation is a brash and humorous take on Israeli militarism and women’s equality –a modern M.A.S.H. in the Negev. The Outrageous Sophie Tucker: A fun and loving portrait uses the Last of the Red Hot Mama’s 400-plus personal scrapbooks to retrace her 60-year showbiz career. The movie has everything: the blues-infused songs, sexual innuendo, infectious charisma, and irreverent humor that catapulted Tucker to stardom. Touchdown Israel:  The improbable story of the IFL, an American-style football league that’s thriving in a most unexpected place, where Jews, Muslims, and Christians suit up, compete, and build friendships on a quest for Israel Bowl glory. Forbidden Films: The Hidden Legacy of Nazi Film:  Filmmaker Felix Moeller (Harlan: In the Shadow of Jew Süss) shares an overview of the astonishing footage from over 1,200 feature films produced by the Third Reich. Wed-Thurs, 4/8-30. (Jacob Burns Film Center, 364 Manville Rd., Pleasantville; www.burnsfilmcenter.org)

Author Talk with Allison Pataki at the Chappaqua Library: NY Times bestselling author Allison Pataki follows up her critically acclaimed debut novel with the tumultuous love story of Sisi, the Austro-Hungarian Empress and wife of Emperor Franz Joseph. Allison has written for ABCNews.com, The Huffington Post, FoxNews.com and other media outlets. She is the daughter of former NY State Governor George Pataki. Fri, 4/10: 7pm. (Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.chappaqualibrary.org)

Bedford Spring Antiques Show for St. Matthews Church: The Bedford Spring Antiques Show at The Harvey School is the primary fundraising event for St. Matthews each year. It features a Champagne Preview Party and Dinner. Preview party: Fri, 4/10: 6pm. Show: Sat, 4/11: 10am-5pm & Sun, 4/12: 11am-5pm. (260 Jay St., Katonah; www.stmatthewsbedford.org)

“It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!”: At this Chappaqua-Millwood Chamber of Commerce special event sponsored by Wee Zee World,  kids of all ages and abilities will have the opportunity to learn about the community, meet some of the key people in the “neighborhood” at large like police officers, postal workers, merchants, library staff and how to navigate through everyday life in Chappaqua-Millwood. With special treats, programs, giveaways, fire trucks and balloons. Meet the fire chief and take a truck tour, tour the holding cell at the police station, special activities at the library, 8 special sensory stations from Wee Zee World the Science of Play and free ice cream at Hall of Scoops to the first 250 customers courtesy of Kiwi Country Day Camp. Sat, 4/11: 11am-4pm. (Downtown Chappaqua; www.chappaqua-millwoodchamberofcommerce.org)

6th Annual Run for the Hills, Bedford Hills: Meet at the Bedford Hills Metro North Train Station for the Bedford Hills Neighborhood Association’s 5K Run for the Hills. Sat, 4/11: 8:30 am. (48 Depot Plaza, Bedford Hills; www.bhna10507.com)

ArtsWestchester’s Arts Award 50 for 50 Luncheon: In celebration of ArtsWestchester’s 50th Anniversary, the 2015 Arts Award Luncheon will celebrate fifty outstanding artists along with honorees who have made significant contributions to the arts in Westchester. Thurs, 4/16: 11:30am. (DoubleTree Hotel, 455 S Broadway, Tarrytown; www.artswestchester.org)

Shop for a Cure for Lyme Disease: Breezemont Day Camp opens up its camp for an indoor shopping spree to fight lyme disease and tick born illnesses. Enter their raffle and cruise the 29 vendors including 2 Friends, Beauty Counter, Chintz Giraffe, Covert Closet, Eden Max Home, Excessorize, Eye Candy, Funky Tykes, Lilly Jade, Love Tennis, Meryl Roesch Sunglasses, Michelle Vale Handbags, Peaceable Hill Paperie, Sew Scrumptious,  Simply Hip,  So Sweet Jewels, True Lipz and more. All proceeds benefit  TBDA/LRA research fund. Thurs, 4/16: 10am-2pm. (Breezemont Day Camp, 62 Cox Ave., Armonk.

Wine Tasting and Silent Auction for Teatown Lake Reservation: The ticket to this annual fundraiser offers light hors d’oeuvres, wine samplings from around the world and a silent auction for special experience packages like hot air balloon rides, dinner at local restaurants, in-home cooking lessons, sports memorabilia, a Jacob Burns Film Center membership and more. Fri, 4/17: 6-8:30pm. (Teatown Lake Reservation, 1600 Spring Valley Rd., Ossining; www.teatown.org)

Music in the Mansion at Boscobel: An 1800s chamber music experience in the Boscobel mansion featuring Grammy Award-winning soprano Ilana Davidson; Myron Lutzke, principal cellist for the Orchestra of St. Luke’s; Nina Stern, clarinet soloist for the New York Philharmonic, and Audrey Axinn (piano and fortepiano.) The program will include works from Bach, Beethoven, Haydn and Schubert. Only 65 tickets so order early. Sat, 4/18: 8-9:30pm. (Boscobel, 1601 Route 9D, Garrison; www.boscobel.org)

Bedford Arbor Day Celebration: Town Supervisor Chris Burdick, the Town Board, Bedford Tree Advisory Board chairman Michael Serio and members of the Tree Advisory Board invite Town residents to join in celebrating Arbor Day with a tree planting ceremony. Sat, 4/18: 9am. Site TBA on the Town website and in press releases. (www.bedfordny.gov)

Cord Shows: 9th Vintage Clothing Show and Sale: Armonk residents Ed and Vivian Cord produce this show that features 10,000 square feet of vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories and textiles. You can find everything from fine linens to lingerie, fur coats, prom dresses, hats and formal wear. Shop for period clothing from the 1800′s to the 1980′s. Including, top designers like Hermes, Chanel and Pucci. Plus, buttons, alligator handbags, vintage eyewear, and jewelry from art deco to mid-century sterling. Sat-Sun, 4/18-19: 10am-5pm. (Police Athletic League Building, 35 Hayestown Rd., Danbury, CT; www.cordshows.com)

Cancelled! Author Talk at NCPL with James Frey – Endgame; The Calling: Twelve individuals, twelve meteors, and a life and death game set up thousands of years ago. Each player has trained for this moment yet only one can win. New York Times bestselling science-fiction writer James Frey speaks about his book, Endgame: The Calling, that is soon to be made into a major motion picture. His first book, I Am Number Four, part of his young adult series, The Lorien Legacies, was made into a feature film by DreamWorks Studios. Mon, 4/20: 7:30pm. Tickets are $10. Purchase here. (North Castle Public Library, 19 Whippoorwill Rd. E., Armonk; www.northcastlelibrary.org)

A Year in the Mianus River Gorge:  To celebrate Earth Day, internationally renowned photographer William Abranowicz will share photos from his year long study of the Mianus River Gorge. You will be taken on a photographic tour of an ancient and mysterious preserve and see areas of the landscape that are closed during the winter. Refreshments will be served. Admission is free but guests must RSVP online or by phone. Wed, 4/22: 6:30pm. Bedford Historical Society, 1787 Court House, 615 Old Post Rd., Bedford, 914-234-9751; www.bedfordhistoricalsociety.org)

Agatha Christie Films for Spring in Chappaqua: The library presents Murder at the Gallop, George Pollock’s 1963 film based on Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple character. When a wealthy old man appears to have been “frightened to death” by a cat, Miss Marple suspects one of the four heirs to his estate of his murder. Received a 100% critics rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Wed, 4/22: 7pm. (Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.chappaqualibrary.org)

New York Botanical Garden Antique Garden Furniture Fair: The country’s most renowned stage for authentic garden antiques and rarities, the Antique Garden Furniture Fair returns to NYBG with a collection of ornamental and decorative art, and furniture for the home and garden from more than 30 vendors. Fri-Sun, 4/24-6: 10am-6pm. (New York Botanical Garden, 2900 Southern Blvd., Bronx; www.nybg.org)

Hope’s Door Gala: The Hope’s Door Gala is an evening of dinner and dancing at the Apawamis Club in Rye to benefit the Northern Westchester Shelter. With live and silent auctions featuring special trips, sports tickets and special experience packages. The shelter provides services and shelter to victims of domestic violence. Fri, 4/24: 6:30-11pm. RSVP: jryansafsel@hopesdoorny.org (Two Club Road, Rye: www.hopesdoorny.org)

21st Chappaqua School Foundation Spring Benefit: CSF’s 21st annual Spring Benefit will be held at the Trump National Golf Club in Briarcliff Manor. The event offers cocktails, a buffet dinner and a raffle. Over the past 21 years CSF has raised over $2.25 million and funded over 200 grants and projects for Chappaqua schools including 3D printers, SMART Boards, e-Readers, Visual Arts and Fitness Center technology and more. Fri, 4/24: 7pm. (Trump National Golf club, Briarcliff Manor; www.chappaquaschoolfoundation.org)

Frank Bruni’s Antidote to the College Admissions: Frank Bruni offers students and parents a new perspective on the brutal college admissions competition and a path out of the anxiety it provokes from his book Where You Go Is Not Who You’ll Be: An Antidote To The College Admissions.
 Frank Bruni is an op-ed columnist for the New York Times. Two free tickets per person to the event will be available on-line only on the library’s website beginning April 1. Fri, 4/24: 7pm. (Chappaqua Library, 195 S. Greeley Ave., Chappaqua; www.chappaqualibrary.org)

15th Native Plant Sale, Westchester Community College: WCC’s Native Plant Center promotes sustainable gardening through the use of plants that naturally grow in our region through educational conferences and events like their annual Native Plant sale. This year they will feature a large selection of edible native plants. Sat, 4/25: 10am-1pm. (WCC, 75 Grasslands Rd., Valhalla; www.sunywcc.edu)

Bedford Riding Lanes Association Spring Trail Cleanup and Family Picnic: Sat, 4/25: TBA. For information call (914) 234-BRLA. www.bedfordridinglanes.com)

Leatherman’s Loop: This 10k trail race has been held each spring at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation since 1987. The course is “well within the capabilities of almost anyone curiously self-motivated – whether or not you’re just a weekend warrior or a dyed-in-the-wool mountain maniac. It’s got a mind all its own, with a foot-boggling array of barriers strategically placed so as to impede forward progress of the swift and sure-footed kind.” Sun, 4/26: 9am. (Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Rt. 121, Cross River; www.leathermansloop.org)

Open Days Garden Conservancy – The White Garden in Lewisboro: Noted landscape designer Patrick Chassé designed the gardens on the grounds of this Greek Revival-style house set in a native oak-hickory forest where over 300,000 daffodils bloom in the spring. There is a pergola garden, a conservatory “jungle” garden, an Asian-inspired moss garden, several water features, native plantings and many sculptures. Plus a Temple of Apollo on an island in the main pond you can visit. Sun, 4/26: 10am-3pm. (199 Elmwood Rd., South Salem; www.gardenconservancy.org)

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