May
Roaring ’20s Gala at Synagogue
Amid feathers, flapper dresses, and big band sounds, Community Synagogue of Rye celebrated its annual gala on Saturday, May 3, transforming the synagogue into a Gatsby-inspired soirée, complete with live music, dinner, drinks, and casino games.
The fundraiser brought together congregants and friends to celebrate and support the synagogue’s mission and programming.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of four special awards. Dana and Marc Zimmerman received the inaugural Joan and Ron Cohen Service Award, which recognized their decades of involvement, from committee leadership and youth mentoring to helping sustain connection during the pandemic. The award’s namesakes, Ron and Joan Cohen, were also honored for their contributions, including the establishment of the RJC Fund, which has helped hundreds of CSR teens engage in Jewish social justice advocacy in Washington, D.C.
The gala also marked the debut of the Susan Rudolph Next Generation Leadership Award, which was presented to Jocelyn and Zack Kolkin, rising leaders who were highlighted for bringing new energy and dedication to synagogue life through committee service and a commitment to community building. The award was named for Susan Rudolph, whose decades of leadership — from capital campaigns to the creation of the synagogue’s leadership program — have inspired generations to serve and lead.
Dave Thomas Wins Human Rights Award
Dave Thomas, president of the Friends of the African American Cemetery in Rye, has been chosen by the Rye City Human Rights Commission for its 2024 Human Rights Award.
“Dave’s contributions to both our community and the cemetery are immeasurable, grounded in his dedication to preservation, education, and fostering meaningful partnerships,” the commission said in the announcement of his selection. “However, the most profound impact of Dave’s work is felt by the families whose ancestors rest in this historic site, and whose stories he has worked tirelessly to honor.”
Thomas began his volunteer work at the cemetery around 15 years ago, at first focusing on maintenance. That led to the creation of the Friends organization, dedicated to preserving the site, researching the lives of those interred there, and promoting the cemetery’s educational significance.
The cemetery, which has about 300 graves, has hosted many events since then, including Juneteenth celebrations; Memorial Day services to honor the more than 20 war veterans from the Civil War to World War II who are buried there, and a tree planting ceremony in collaboration with the Osborn.
Thomas has also organized ground-penetrating radar surveys of the cemetery that have located several previously unmarked burials in the process.
‘Undie Fundie’ Drive
Helping Hands Rye’s annual ‘Undie Fundie,’ an effort to provide needy residents of Westchester County with needed clothing and health care items, is being called a success by the group, as more than 30 volunteers helped fill more than 750 tote bags with donated items.
The bags were stuffed with new tee shirts and boxers for men, bras and panties for women as well as with deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste — mundane items that will be welcomed by the men, women and teens living in transitional housing and shelters in Westchester.
April
Welcome Party for New Schools Superintendent
Community members, parents, teachers, Board of Education members, and administrators gathered on Tuesday, April 29, in Rye Middle School’s multipurpose room to welcome Dr. Tricia Murray, the incoming Rye Superintendent of Schools.
The crowd mingled and enjoyed vocal entertainment courtesy of Rye High School freshman Ananya Prasad, accompanied by RHS music teacher Tom Snowden on the piano.
“During the interview process, Tricia shared her desire to build upon the district’s impressive foundation and that she will work to create an educational environment where innovation drives instruction, students thrive at the center of every decision, and continuous growth shapes the culture,” said Board of Education President Jane Anderson. “We know under Dr. Murray’s leadership, the district will continue to move from good to great all while staying true to Rye and to The Rye Commitment.”
Murray is no stranger to the community, having served as the RCSD assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction, and assessment for the last four years.
“It has been a privilege to be part of this district over the past four years,” Murray said. “I’m excited to continue working alongside our talented and dedicated faculty and staff, our supportive community, and the Board of Education to make Rye an even stronger district.”
Rye Derby Run for 37th Time
Hundreds of runners, walkers, families, and community members gathered on Sunday, April 27, for the 37th Annual Rye Derby and Healthy Kids Day. Proceeds from the event will support the Y Cares Financial Assistance Program, helping the Rye YMCA remain accessible to all through camp, childcare, program, and membership subsidies.
Healthy Kids Day had plenty to entertain kids, including face painting and bounce houses, while the Rye Derby challenged runners and walkers across all ages and experience levels.
Mayor Josh Cohn kicked off the 5M race and 5K run/walk, while New York State Assemblyman Steve Otis started the 1M family fun run/walk, which for the first time included a dog parade. Race results can be found at www.ryeymca.org
“This event truly captures the spirit of our community — vibrant, active, and welcoming to all,” said Sabrina Murphy, CEO of the Rye Y. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated, volunteered, and supported the Y’s mission.”
Play Ball!
After Rye Little Leaguers and Rye Girls Softball players and their coaches marched in the parade to Disbrow Park on April 26, they watched outgoing Schools Superintendent Eric Byrne throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Soggy conditions did not prevent the future superstars from enjoying their hotdogs and drinks while watching the opening ceremonies.
Spring Clean Up at the Sanctuary
Friends of Read has been hard at work cleaning up the wildlife sanctuary and completing construction projects. The spring spruce up included a new front porch, courtesy of Westchester County Parks, an upgraded birdhouse garden, reclaiming a new meadow and scattering wildflower seed.
Chris Cohan, from inSight Groundworks and a Rye Record columnist, and team also rebuilt a stone wall, freeing it from invasives, and planted a pollinator garden around it.
Of course, such an ambitious undertaking requires a team effort. The Friends of Read hosted a clean-up pizza party on Earth Day in conjunction with the Long Island Sound Study.
Visitors who explore the new improvements can also take advantage of the new Little Free Library — donations of nature-themed books are encouraged!
RYC’s Soiree Celebrates Youth Mental Health
More than 275 parents, educators, and community members attended Rye Youth Council’s annual Help Helps Soiree, on Thursday, April 24, at The Apawamis Club. The evening supported the RYC’s mission of promoting social and emotional learning, strengthening resilience, and supporting the mental health and well-being of youth in the community.
“When communities make mental health a priority, and when young people are surrounded by supportive relationships and opportunities to grow socially, emotionally and cognitively, the results are powerful,” said RYC Board Member and Psychotherapist Marnie White. “Academic learning is enhanced, pro-social behaviors flourish and emotional distress and behavioral challenges are greatly reduced.”
RYC honored Dr. Eric Byrne, outgoing Rye schools superintendent, for supporting its programs and services and expanding mental health support for students across the district.
RYC’s staff were also celebrated in remarks by Lisa Dominici, RYC executive director, who praised their prevention and youth development efforts through initiatives like peer-to-peer and the student-athlete mental health programs.
RYC Restore, the clinical counseling and therapy service for children ages 5 through 22, also was highlighted. According to Dominici, more than 160 children have received private counseling through Restore, equating to over 1,450 sessions of care.
Eggs for All
Kids had plenty of opportunity to hunt for Easter eggs in recent weeks.
On April 19, Rye kids from 2 through fifth grade gathered eggs at Rye Recreation Park. Younger kids were on the grass and older kids on the playground.
The event — The Carole D. Kirby Memorial Easter Egg Hunt — was sponsored by the Ladies Auxiliary of the Rye Fire Department and the Rye Fire Department.
Earlier, in less favorable weather on April 12 and April 13, kids hunted eggs on the beach in Rye Town Park as part of an “Easter Eggstravaganza.”
