I’m always curious to see any movie that involves 9/11. Movies about that tragic day raise interesting questions and provoke conversation.

Next month the Clay Art Center in Port Chester presents “Figure It Out”, a national invitational exhibition featuring functional and decorative works inspired by the human form. The show, curated by Leigh Taylor Mickelson, runs February 18 through March 31. The opening reception is February 18 from 6-8 p.m.

The Manhattanville College Music Department is looking for instrumentalists to join the College Community Orchestra. Rehearsals are held Wednesday evenings, 7:30-10 p.m. in the East Room, Benzinger Hall. Qualified musicians interested in auditioning should contact Christopher Hisey, Orchestra Director, at maestrocjh@aol.com.

As Time Goes By For Rye's Longtime Merchants

A good thing to do at the start of every year is to take a walk through town. Have a good look at all the small businesses that make Rye the great place it is.

Originally from Brazil, Cristina Noonan, brings a great deal of the famous Brazilian hospitality and warmth to Rye shoppers. After more than a decade working for Great Stuff, Rye’s staple designer boutique, her flair for fashion is undeniable.

Why is that when you turn 12 your mom becomes so embarrassing? She asks too many questions, wears that blouse in front of your friends and waves goodbye in the loudest possible way. I feel the collective pain of the 12-year-old community, because when I was that age my mom was so embarrassing.

Not very much is known about St. Valentine. In fact, there may have been several of them, who were actually known as Valentus or, as the case may be, Valenti, in Roman times.

There’s always something new at Rhythm in Rye Too, the designer consignment shop on Purchase Street. One week your eye is caught by a rack of stunning fur coats, the next funky and fresh accessories, a week later and you can’t help but head toward a collection of classic clutches by Chanel and Gucci.

Nothing expresses love and romance like fashion, flowers, confectionery, and precious stones. Downtown Rye offers extraordinarily special gifts from him to her for Valentine’s Day.

If not for the Second World War, Carmen “Carmine” Vecchiolla would have spent his life within a radius of a few miles of his birthplace, 112 Maple Avenue in Rye. He was born on July 16, 1924, when Rye was still a Village, and moved with his family to 94 Webster Avenue in Harrison where he attended public schools.