Jewish Talks, Paula Poundstone, Nutcracker, Library Legos

Old and New: Jewish Life in Czech Republic Topic of Rabbi’s Talks

When/Where: First Hebrew Congregation, Peekskill

Why Go: Ron Hoffberg will be giving a series of free talks on Nov. 18-19, which are open to the public. Hoffberg will speak about the “The Magic of Jewish Prague” and “Kolin as I Know It.” Kolin is the town that was home to the Torah scroll, the Five Books of Moses written on parchment, now proudly housed at First Hebrew.  This scroll is one of a number saved after the Holocaust and given on permanent loan to congregations around the world. Read more on Rabbi Paskind’s blog post.

Price: Free

Paula Poundstone at the Paramount Center for the Arts, Peekskill

When/Where: Saturday, Nov. 19, 8 p.m.

Why Go: One of Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Stand-Ups of All Time, Paula Poundstone is a frequent panelist on the National Public Radio news quiz show Wait Wait! Don't Tell Me! and a regular guest on A Prairie Home Companion. She has provided humor and commentary for the Emmy and Oscar Awards, and served as "official correspondent" for The Tonight Show during the '92 Presidential race as well as on The Rosie O'Donnell Show for the '96 campaign. She's earned two Cable ACE Awards, an Emmy and the American Comedy Award for Best Female Stand-Up. In addition to a short-lived ABC variety show, she was a regular on Hollywood Squares and To Tell The Truth, and voiced Judge Stone on ABC's Science Court. Her most recent release is 2009's I Heart Jokes.

Price: $34-$41, visit paramountcenter.org

Todd Rundgren in Peekskill

When/Where:  Friday, November 19, 8 p.m. at the Paramount Center for the Arts in Peekskill

Why Go:  It is the first time in 35 years that progressive rock pioneer Todd Rundgren has reunited with his original ensemble Utopia—featuring Kevin Ellman, Jesse Gress, Moogy Klingman, Ralph Schuckett, John Siegler, and Kasim Sulton. This gig is one of only eleven dates they'll play.

Price:  Tickets are $45-$70

Library LEGO League in Montrose and Lego Club in Bronxville

When/Where:  Saturday, November 19, 1:30 pm at Hendrick Hudson Free Library and at 1 p.m. at the Bronxville Public Library

Why Go:  At the Hendrick Hudson Free Library, this is a new Saturday block party for Lego enthusiasts in grades 1-4.  Each month`s meeting will feature a theme, a related story or book talk, and an hour of LEGO building.  In Bronxville, kids in grades K-5 are welcome. Every participant will have the opportunity to build a LEGO project based on theme. This month`s theme is bridges.

Price:  Free, register at respective libraries

The Westchester Cat Show

When/Where:   Saturday, November 19 and Sunday, November 20 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Westchester County Center in White Plains

Why Go:  This is the weekend for cat lovers to check out over 230 cats and kittens representing 50 different breeds, including the “Pixie-Bob,” a domestic cat bred to resemble the North American Bobcat. See the Household Pet Competition, Shelter Cat Competition and a feline fashion show. Shop at Meow Market Place for all your feline needs.  There will also be many kittens and cats available for adoption and the proceeds from the show will benefit local animal shelters and rescue groups.

Price:  $13, $11 seniors, $5 for children (5-12)

Ice Skating at Bear Mountain

When/Where: Saturdays and Sundays through March 4 at Bear Mountain State Park , see website for times

Why Go:  Enjoy the rest of fall. The outdoor ice-skating rink at Bear Mountain is open for the season. The sessions offered are 1 1/2-hours long.

Price:  $2 to $5, depending on age and time. Rentals are $4 and parking is $8 per car.

Advanced Hike

When/Where:  Saturday, November 19 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Trailside Museum at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation

Why Go:  Get invigorated with this hike that is intended for those who like to take rigorous walks through the reservation. Trailside staff will lead the hike and will discuss the ecology and history of the park along the way. Be prepared to eat lunch on the trail and hike approximately 6 miles.

Price: Parking $4 with Westchester County Park Pass; $8 without pass

The Nutcracker

Where/When:  Saturday, November 19, 8 p.m. at the Academic Arts Theatre at Westchester Community College in Valhalla

Why Go:  The classic ballet will be presented in a one-hour production abridged version. Tchaikovsky’s beloved work, the Nutcracker will be performed along with other selected dance pieces for a family-friendly program accompanied by live music.

Price: Tickets are $24 (general admission), $22 (students/seniors/faculty-staff), and $18 (children under 13)

Learn To Draw Cartoons

When/Where:   Saturday, November 19, 2 p.m., at White Plains Public Library

Why Go:  Teens/adults will love to draw with professional cartoonist Mike Lynch who teaches an individualized instruction course for student cartoonists. The class will focus on basic challenges such as: drawing technique, creating characters and environment, and telling a story.

Price:  Free