Arts and leisure digest
Shabbat of Inclusion tonight at Monroe Temple Monroe Monroe Temple Beth-El’s continuing program of First Fridays will feature Shabbat of Inclusion on Friday, Feb. 4. The congregation’s Lehiyot Shayach program, which translates as “to belong,” is intended as a welcome to all families and individuals with special needs. Temple officials said special needs can encompass virtually anything, from physical disabilities to autism. The program was launched in 2007 and is intended to make those families feel more comfortable at the temple’s services. Tonight’s program begins with a bring-your-own picnic Shabbat dinner followed by activities that will include; storytelling (with a focus on teaching compassion and kindness), movement and dance and crafts.. The evening will continue with a Shabbat Hallelu service, followed by an Oneg and a text study led by Rabbi Garry Loeb on the topic: We’re ALL Made in God’s image Jewish Tradition and People with Special Needs. The event is part the temple’s activities for Jewish Disabilities Awareness Month. Call 783-2626 for more information. Playhouse auditions for upcoming season in place Monroe The Creative Theatre-Muddy Water Players will hold open auditions on Feb. 12 and 13 for its upcoming season at the Playhouse at Museum Village in Monroe. Auditions for the May production of the Neil Simon’s comedy, “Lost in Yonkers,” will be from noon to 2 p.m. on both days. The production is under the direction of David Mossey and performances will be from May 6 to 22. Cast size is three women, two men and two boys. Auditions for the July production of the comedy/mystery, “Knock 'Em Dead,” will be from 2 to 5 p.m. on the same days. The production is under the direction of Michael Frohnhoefer and performances will be from July 9 to 24. Cast size is three women and four men. Prepared materials are not necessary. Visit www.CTMWP.org or call 294-9465 for more information. Free trombone concert is Feb. 13 West Point - Army Staff Sgt. Philip Stehly will present a free trombone recital on Sunday, Feb. 13, at 3 p.m. in Egner Hall as part of the West Point Band’s Chamber Recital Series. Stehly has selected a program showcasing music from the past three centuries. Call 938-2617 for more information. Color mixing for the painter WArwick Susan Hope Fogel will hold a Color Mixing for the Painter workshop on Saturday, Feb. 19, beginning at 9:30 a.m. at her Warwick studio. Fogel said when properly used color will enhance effects of spatial and atmospheric illusion. The purpose of this workshop is to understand color mixing and its use for maximum effect in painting. Space is limited. Fee is $40 per person or $35 for Atelier students. Call 986-0986 for more information. 'Strings and Things’ on display at county government center GOSHEN - The Executive Suite Gallery in the Orange County Government Center is hosting “Strings and Things,” a show of mixed media works by Kris Jaroka and Monica Ostrow through March 3. The works of both artists feature compositions of found objects and materials ranging from fine gold thread and chunky yarn to bits of rusted hardware and smooth plastic straws. Organizers said the depth of Ostrow’s three-dimensional assemblages in shadow boxes transport the viewer into surreal landscapes, some serene, some chaotic. Jaroka’s collages display a visual playground of layered textures and colorful images. The show is located in the Orange County Government Center on the third floor at 255 Main Street in Goshen, and is open to the public during business hours, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 615-3860 for more information.