More Fields for Rye
The NYS Thruway Authority has approved leasing the vacant 4.7-acre parcel on the Boston Post Road to the City of Rye for use as an athletic field. Mayor Steve Otis announced the news June 26.

Save the Bird Homestead Launches Campaign to Raise Last $95,000

At the June 10 meeting of the City Council, Mayor Steve Otis announced that the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation has awarded the City a $350,000 grant toward acquisition of the Bird homestead on Milton Road. Almost immediately, the non-profit Committee to Save the Bird Homestead kicked off a campaign to complete the $1.25 million purchase.

Al Fresco Dining in Downtown on Hold,
But Council in Favor of Reinstating Law
On the warm nights when it wasn’t raining this spring, it was not unusual to see diners seated outside at many downtown Rye restaurants. Even with the economy spiraling downward, the town was jumping.
Tables sprouted up outside Town Dock, Frankie & Johnnies, Aurora and Rye Grill. It seemed a harbinger of better times to come.

Gateway Guidance
We commend the City for cleaning up the construction at Peck and Midland Avenues. We hope that they plan to install a safe and level sidewalk, remove the remaining gravel and debris and establish grass and add plantings to mask this unattractive gateway to Rye.

Rye High School Class Reunions
While the Rye High School Class of 2009 is still coming down to earth from last weekend’s graduation ceremonies, a number of previous classes are planning their reunions. Everyone affiliated with any of the RHS graduating classes below is asked to contact that class’s reunion coordinator for details and information.

For this and more graduation photos visit ryesportsphotos.com

Teachers Union Rejects Latest Contract Offer; Talks with Rye School District Board At Impasse
In the most recent round of negotiations between the Rye City School District and the Rye Teachers Association (RTA), the District offered most of its teachers an average annual increase of 6.7% for the school years 2008 through 2011. Further, the Board asked teachers to increase their health contribution from 8% to 15 % over the next three years; and to participate in three hours of professional development every month.

More Information, More Theories
But No Progress on Schubert Claim
After more than two years of top billing on City Council agendas, there seems no end in sight for the Bob Schubert pond saga.
The recent report by the hydrologist hired by the city did not explain where the water has gone that used to fill Schubert’s pond. Mr. Schubert hired another consultant, William Canavan of HydroEnvironmental Solutions, who delivered a report to the Council at their June 10 meeting. Canavan’s presentation included several “plausible subsurface drainage interference scenarios.”

Police Services Seniors Can Depend On
With the growing interest in services for seniors, we asked Commissioner William Connors to describe Rye Police offerings. He outlined two important programs.
The first, "Guardian Calling”, makes computerized phone calls daily to subscribing residents who live alone. If no one answers, police units are dispatched to check on the resident's welfare. If the resident does answer, he or she punches in a code to let the Department know all is well. While the service has been offered for several years, the number of subscribers has declined recently, Connors said.

Interns and Volunteers Wanted
The Rye Arts Center is looking for college-age interns to work 8-10 hours a week this summer. Interns will gain hands-on experience in all aspects of the center, including development, administration, special events and the gallery. The internship is unpaid but can be used toward college credit. Email your resume to development@ryeartscenter.org.