Slowdown on the Saw Mill, Saturn Shines in the Summer Sky

1. Construction alert on Saw Mill River Parkway at Exit 26

If you are heading to work via the Saw Mill this morning, expect some slowdowns near the Taconic State Parkway exit. A bridge inspection will cause north and southbound lanes to close between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more tips like this, check out our column this Sunday, called The Hub—we've got the scoop on road work-induced slowdowns throughout the county.

2. Saturn Shines in the Summer Sky

Drive about 20 minutes to the Stamford Museum and Nature Center to experience their astronomy programs. Tonight at 7:30 pm, there's a presentation on Saturn's star turn in summer skies, followed by a visit to the Observatory to view the night sky through their 22-inch telescope. The presentation portion of the program will be held rain or shine. Viewing hours are weather permitting. For more information visit their website.

3. Friday features

At this point in the program, we'd like to call your attention to our regularly scheduled Friday stories. Come back later this morning for: House Hunt—your inside sneek peek at what's on the market in town, and Meet the Farm Market Vendors—a preview of who's selling what on Saturday. Both will be posted by noon.

4. Escape the heat with Movies for Kids

Jacob Burns Theatre in Pleasantville offers the film Against All Flags on Saturday at noon. The theatre's website describes it as such: It’s 1700, and a dashing young British naval officer overflowing with charisma and bravado (Errol Flynn) takes on the pirates of Madagascar—especially Spitfire Stevens, the beautiful buccaneer played by Maureen O’Hara. It’s a thrill a minute on the high seas! Plus, it's air-conditioned, it's only 83 minutes, and the Flour and Sun Bakery is a short walk away.

5. Arts Alive grant assistance offered

Grassroots arts groups in Westchester County take note: ArtsWestchester is now accepting applications from both non-profit organizations and individual artists in Westchester for 2012 Arts Alive Grants. The Arts Alive Grants are awarded in amounts up to $5000, and the average grant is approximately $1000. The purpose of the program, which is sponsored by the Decentralization program of the New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), is to help small, Westchester-based arts organizations to present programs and exhibitions that can reach a wide community audience.