Where are the nearest movie theaters?
Bedford Playhouse is on Route 22 in Bedford Village (234-7300), and Mount Kisco Cinema is on Main Street (666-6900). Film Fare, a guide to movies in the area, appears in the Arts & Leisure section of The Ledger.
Where can I rent a DVD?
At JNR Pharmacy (533-5679) in the Oakridge Common Shopping Center in Vista.
Are there amateur theatrical companies here?
The Pound Ridge Theatre Company puts on one or two shows a year, holding tryouts when scheduling new productions and always on the lookout for benefactors, members and people willing to lend a hand backstage. Call 764-1902, e-mail prtc01@yahoo.com or visit www.prtc01.org.
The Ridgefield Theater Barn offers four full-scale productions presented cabaret style at tables. There are open auditions for performers and backstage roles. There are also theater workshops for children, a play-reading series featuring original works by local playwrights and other activities for families and adults. Call 203-431-9850 or visit online at www.theaterbarn.org.
Are there any local orchestras?
The Westchester Philharmonic performs throughout the year at the Performing Arts Center at Purchase College. Call 682-3707 or visit www.westchesterphil.org.
The Northern Westchester Symphony Orchestra is for advanced students and area men and women. The group invites new players to join. Rehearsals are in Croton-on-Hudson. For more information, call Conductor Gabriel Trevan at 273-1648.
The Chappaqua Orchestra offers several concerts a season. For tickets or information, call 921-4642 or visit online at www.chappaquaorchestra.org.
The Mount Kisco Concert Association has brochures out for its current season; call 666-9181 for a copy.
The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra presents a subscription series each year; 203-438-3889 or www.ridgefieldsymphony.org.
The Greater Westchester Youth Orchestras Association consists of three orchestras made up of students in grades four through 12 from Westchester and surrounding counties. The orchestras include Elementary Strings (grades 4-6), Junior Strings (grades 7-9),and the Youth Symphony for high school students. Call C. Victor Lionti at 937-1334, e-mail info@gwyoa.org, or visit www.gwyoa.org. Each gives a few concerts each season. Rehearsals are at Westchester Community College; prospective members are invited to audition in May.
The Westchester/Putnam Youth Symphony, for grades five through 12, is for string players. E-mail wpyss@aol.com.
Are there any local singing groups?
The Westchester Oratorio Society, based in Katonah, performs full-scale works written for a large chorus and is accompanied by a professional orchestra and professional soloists. The chorus puts on several concerts a year and is always seeking new singers, including high school- and college-age performers. Auditions are ongoing. Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings at the United Methodist Church in Katonah. For information, call 763-6819 or visit online at www.westchesteroratorio.org.
The (Lewisboro-Katonah) Community Chorus is a mixed chorus that holds no auditions. The group performs twice a year - at Christmas and in the spring - and rehearses for one month before each performance. For information, call Frances Head at 763-3665.
Charis, a vocal chamber ensemble based in Somers, puts on several concerts a year and also auditions for new members. For more information, call 248-7113.
The Ridgefield Chorale counts Westchester residents among its members. There are a variety of concerts and productions throughout the year. For information, check www.ridgefieldchorale.org.
What does Caramoor offer?
Caramoor, once the private home of Walter and Lucie Rosen, is filled with paintings, sculpture, tapestries, stained glass, furniture, cloisonne, and an important jade collection. The 100-acre property is also home to magnificent gardens, including the Sense Circle, Butterfly Garden, and Sunken Garden. The house museum is open from May to October. Tours are Wednesday and Sunday, 1 to 4, with the last tour at 3. Afternoon tea is served Thursday and Friday afternoons (includes a tour of the house) May through October and during holiday periods. Reservations are required. Call 232-5035 for details.
The Caramoor Center for Music and Arts is also the site of the Caramoor International Music Festival each summer in which the finest in classical, opera and jazz is presented. Other outstanding musical performances are offered throughout the year. Visit caramoor.org or call the box office at 232-1252.
Caramoor is on Girdle Ridge Road off Route 22 in Katonah.
Where can I go out dancing?
Friendly Squares Dances Plus meets Saturday nights at the Katonah Methodist Church. Visitors are always welcome. Call 232-4517 for the calendar. The club also sponsors classes in square dancing, starting each September. These are held Monday nights at the Bedford Hills Community House. Call 232-4517.
Dragonwood is a square dance group specially geared to novices. You learn and dance all on the same day. Dances are on Sunday afternoons from 2:30 to 5 on an irregular schedule at the Katonah Methodist Church. Call 232-4517 for information.
Is there any place to hear folk music?
The South Salem Library has a well-regarded folk concert series the first Saturday of the month, except in summer. Call 763-3857 for a schedule.
Is there anywhere to hear poetry?
The Katonah Village Library offers a regular poetry series. Call 232-3508.
Are there any special events in town?
Special events include Shakespeare in the Park, the Summer Concert Series, the Old-Fashioned Country Fair on Memorial Day at South Salem Presbyterian Church, the Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular, the South Salem Fire Department Carnival each August, the John Jay Homestead Country Fair, the South Salem Library Fair each September, the annual Lewisboro Seniors Arts & Crafts Exhibit each October, the Town Park Fall Fun Fest each October, Breakfast with Santa each December, and seasonal events at the Oakridge Common Shopping Center.
Are there any parades in town?
The Memorial Day Parades in South Salem and Goldens Bridge are the most popular parades. The local joke is that if you aren’t watching one, you are in it. The Goldens Bridge parade begins at 11 a.m. and makes its way down Old Bedford Road. The South Salem parade starts at 12:15 and travels along Main Street.
The South Salem Fire Department stages a parade along Route 35 as part of its annual carnival.
The Katonah Fire Department also has an annual firemen’s parade in the summer.
Are there any free concerts in town?
The parks and recreation department offers free concerts in Town Park in July and August. All concerts begin at 7 p.m. Check the parks and recreation brochure for dates.
Katonah Village Library sponsors an Annual Concert in the Park each August in the Katonah Village Memorial Park. Admission is free. For information, call 232-3508.
What museums are in town?
The Trailside Nature Museum (864-7322) at the Ward Pound Ridge Reservation off Route 121 in Cross River features natural history and many local wildlife specimens as well as public programs.
Caramoor Center for Music and Arts (232-5025) has the House Museum filled with Renaissance and Oriental art.
John Jay Homestead (232-5651) on Route 22 in Katonah, which was home to the first chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, has original family belongings and works of art.
The Katonah Museum of Art (232-9555) on Route 22 has several high-quality exhibits each year. There are also public programs for all ages, trips and special events.
The Katonah Historical Museum is in the Katonah Village Library and has historical information about Katonah.
Can I get a guide to interesting places to go?
Hersam Acorn Newspapers publishes with The Ledger a guide called 100 Things to Do, which lists family-friendly activities and places to visit within about an hour or so. (For a copy send $2.50 to cover postage and handling to 100 Things to Do, Hersam Acorn Newspapers, Box 1019, Ridgefield, CT 06877.)
Is there a community calendar of events?
A calendar of community events is shown on Cablevision Channel 20. The recreation department puts out seasonal brochures listing its events. The Ledger’s What’s Coming column lists special events in town, and the Arts & Leisure section gives details of upcoming events both in town and in the region. Also, the Lewisboro Senior Adults prints a monthly newsletter detailing their events. You may also check the town Web site at www.lewisborogov.com.
Where can I rent a hall for a party or reception?
Caramoor (232-5025) is popular for weddings and other events. Le Chateau (533-6631) in South Salem has banquet facilities and expansive grounds with many good choices for photo backdrops. The Willows at Oakridge Common (533-5100) is an attractive banquet facility.
Lewisboro residents may rent the Cyrus Russell House, Onatru Farm and Onatru Reservation. Call the town clerk at 763-3511. For the picnic pavilion at Town Park call 232-6162.
