History Highlights
A Debate for the Ages
On May 17, 3 p.m., at the Square House, Rye Historical Society is presenting “A Debate for the Ages,” created and performed by two local high school student interns. With support from Doug Carey of Leaders of Tomorrow, the students will act out their original play exploring the divisions within Rye’s Haviland family between Loyalist and Patriot sympathizers. This event is co-sponsored by Revolutionary Rye 250. RSVP is requested. Visit ryehistory.org to learn more and to register.
Cost: Free (donations encouraged)
Outdoor Education
Warblers, Clay, and Foxes
Edith Read Wildlife Sanctuary has three upcoming programs for the public. On May 10, 10-11:30 a.m., it will host “Way of the Warblers,” inviting visitors to see warblers on their migratory stopover. Bring binoculars. Later that day, from 1-2:30 p.m., visitors can learn about how clay forms in the sanctuary in the “Clay Making Bonanza.” On May 18, 2-3:30 p.m., it will host “Fox Habitats, Habits, and Hurrahs,” inviting participants to observe clues to fox survival in the sanctuary. All programs meet at the Visitor’s Center.
Cost: Free
Celebrate the Arts
The Wisdom Gallery
In honor of Older Americans Month, May’s “In the Gallery” exhibit at the Rye Free Reading Room pays tribute to the remarkable lives and contributions of Rye’s older residents. Sponsored by The Osborn, “The Wisdom Gallery” showcases captivating images and inspiring stories with achievements across the arts, science, journalism, faith, education, healthcare, public service, and beyond.
Cost: Free
Rye Rocks Concert: FDR Drive
The Spring Rye Rocks Concert Series at Recreation Park Amphitheater has its next concert on May 16 at 6 p.m. The show is appropriate for all ages. Picnics are welcome and there will be a food truck for refreshments.
Cost: Free
Rye Ballet Conservatory’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’
On May 31, at noon and 5 p.m., and June 1, at noon, Rye Ballet Conservatory will be presenting “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the PepsiCo Theater at SUNY Purchase. One section of the performance will feature live music performed by a Rye resident. The cast includes dedicated young dancers, many of whom go on to collegiate and professional ballet careers. It’s a fully staged retelling of a timeless classic and is a truly collaborative community performance. Tickets are available at https://www.ticketleap.events/tickets/ryeballet/midsummer.
Cost: $40/adult, $30/children and seniors
Community Events
Half Marathon and 5K
The Sour Ryeders Half Marathon and 5K race is on May 18. The start time of the half marathon is 7:30 a.m. and the 5K is 7:45 a.m. The half marathon is a run-only event for those aged 12 years and older. The 5K is a run/walk event open to all ages and abilities. The courses run through the City of Rye and the Village of Port Chester (half marathon only) with the Long Island Sound and Playland Park as backdrops. Soul Ryeders supports individuals and families to create a connected community of awareness and honor those affected by cancer.
Cost: $40+
Compost Giveback Day
On May 10, 7-11 a.m., residents can pick up free, nutrient-rich compost during Compost Giveback Day at the Food Scrap Drop-off Center at the corner of Purchase Street and Highland Road (under the I-95 overpass). This program is sponsored by the Rye Sustainability Foundation. Grabbing a bag of compost will help give gardens a boost and get the planting season off to a great start.
Cost: Free
Farmer’s Market
Down to Earth Farmer’s Market in Rye is open for the season. The farmer’s market is held on Sundays from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. in the parking lot off Theodore Fremd, behind Purchase Street. The next farmer’s market is on May 11.
Tuesdays at 10: Roy Bostok
On Tuesday, May 13, 10 a.m., the men’s group “Tuesdays at 10” will host guest speaker, Roy Bostock, at Whitby Castle. Bostok is a longtime Rye resident who spent many years in advertising working with major clients including Coca Cola, General Motors, and Kraft before launching his own investment firm. Bostok’s many years in the advertising business before starting his firm will provide an interesting perspective on what it’s like to transition from corporate life to self-employment as one’s career advances.
Cost: $20 donation to cover costs
Bad Sisters Plunge for Rye Town Park
The Bad Sisters will have their last plunge of the season on May 17, at noon, in support of Friends of Rye Town Park. The money raised will benefit the Tower Building Restoration project. Residents can show their support by donating at www.friendsofrtp.org (include “Bad Sisters” in the donation name) and by going down to Oakland Beach to cheer the plungers. Learn more about the restoration project on the Friends of Rye Town Park website.
Cost: Donations encouraged
Rye Troop 2 Veneration for Veterans
Eagle Scout candidate Mark Pelligrini is leading a project to place new flags on each Veteran grave in Greenwood Union Cemetery in Rye. He has been researching and locating the graves of over 1,700 veterans. On May 17, 1-5 p.m., Mark will lead a group of approximately 200 volunteers in placing the flags throughout the cemetery. Flags will be provided, and there will be refreshments. Student volunteers will earn community service hours. Participants can sign up using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0945AAA62EA02-56132176-veneration.
Cost: Free
