The Saw Mill River Sees the Light of Day in Downtown Yonkers.  All of the construction in Larkin Plaza has made way for the daylighting of the Saw Mill River in what used to be the parking lot in front of the DMV. The first phase of the project is complete and the river is flowing freely through it new man-made landscaped channel, complete with a rocky waterfall.  The next phase, to be completed next spring, will bring trees and flowers to the riverbanks as well as areas for musical performances, ecology workshops, a family reading area and wireless internet.  Even in its current unfinished state, it's pretty amazing to see this wonderful new outdoor space in downtown Yonkers.   

Friday 12/9 at 7pm, Saturday 12/10 at 1pm and 4pm, and Sunday 12/11 at 1pm and 4pm:  The Actors Conservatory Theater (ACT) presents "The Adventures of the Christmas Elf."   Children will be thrilled at the magical moment when toys come to life and all ages will share the joy in the true magic of Christmas.  Tickets are $10 and will benefit The Pajama Program of Westchester.  It is requested that each audience member bring a new children's book or pair of pajamas (sizes 10-16).  After the show, children can visit with Santa and his elves and have their photo taken.  The theater is at 20 Buckingham Rd, just off Lockwood Ave, east of the Saw Mill Pkwy.  Purchase tickets here. 

Saturday, 12/10, 7pm:  RiverTalks, Smart Conversation about the Hudson.  RiverTalks are lively Saturday evening discussions led by various experts in an historical, environmental or cultural aspect of the Hudson Rvier Valley.  Each evening includes refreshments, a featured presentation and discussion.  Tickets $10 (teachers and seniors $5).  This week's topic is Do Fish Sleep? Fascinating Answers to Questions about Fish with Judith Weis, professor of Biological Sciences at Rutgers University.  From the 51-foot whale shark to a less-than-on-half-inch fish in the minnow family, Professor Weiss offers a fascinating look at the amazing fish of the world.  More info or 914-377-1900.  At Beczak on the riverfront at 35 Alexander St, one block north of the Yonkers train station.

Yonkers jazz pianist, Victor LaGamma, performs on Saturday, 12/31, New Year's Eve, from 10pm-1am, at 12 Grapes Restaurant in Peekskill (call 914-737-6624 for reservations) with Duchess Di Blues and Swing Band.  He'll also be here in Yonkers at The Pizza Place at 92 Main St on the waterfront with his band on Thursday, 1/12, and Thursday, 1/19, from 7-9pm. 

Richard Haas, Park Hill resident, is a muralist who is best known for his architectural murals and his use of the Trompe l'oeil style.  Several of his building murals are at the gateway to the downtown Yonkers riverfront at Riverdale Ave and Main St.  Four of his paintings are now part of a show on display at the Hudson River Museum.   

 

Barbara Segal, Park Hill resident, is a sculptor  who specializes in carving of translucent stone.  Her work will be featured in the "Roads to Equality" exhibition at the Heimbold Visual Arts Center at Sarah Lawrence College.