Tree of the Month Oxydendrum Arboreum
Sourwood, Sorrel or Lily-of-the-Valley Tree

If the name sounds Greek to you, that’s because it is. Oxy is Greek for sharp or acidic, referring to the sour taste of the leaves; dendron means tree; and arboreum is Latin for of the trees/forest. Among our native trees, Oxydendrum is considered second only in beauty to the flowering dogwood (Cornus florida).

Ask Alice – Advice for All
How to Handle Teenage Drinking
Dear Alice,
My husband and I are the parents of an 18-year-old daughter who has just graduated from high school. She has generally been cooperative and sensible, but we have one big area of concern.

The Screening Room
Now Playing: The World’s Biggest, Loudest, Longest Video Game

Where will you be when you stop caring about what happens to Leonardo DiCaprio in “Inception”?

A Little Rye History Rye’s World War I Memorial

Across from the Square House and next to Subway stands Rye’s World War I memorial. It’s the big flagpole on that little triangle of grass where Boston Post Road and Purchase Street meet. The flagpole rises from an octagonal granite base that hosts eight bronze panels listing the names of those hailing from Rye who either served or died in World War I.

Beyond Rye
Asia With the Kids

Rye kids seem to have lots of opportunities to see Europe, but few make it to Asia. My Chinese-born wife Wonda and I lived in Asia soon after we were married and were much imprinted by that experience.

Art Beat
American Woman: Fashioning a National Identity

I will admit that I’m not a slave to fashion. I rarely go shopping because I feel there has to be something far more interesting I could be doing with my time. I go for comfort and great fabrics over worrying about what’s in vogue.

Green Space
15 Ways to Reduce Your Use of Oil
1. Keep it slow and steady when driving. Most cars reach optimal fuel economy at about 60 mph. Each 5 mph you drive over 60 mph reduces fuel economy by about 5 percent. Use cruise control on the highway to help maintain a constant speed and reduce fuel consumption.