History Comes Alive at 2nd Grade Wax Museum
Parents, teachers, and classmates were treated to a journey through history recently as Resurrection School’s second grade students transformed into famous historical figures for the school’s annual wax museum event.
Dressed in costumes and standing as still as statues, the young “wax figures” came to life with the push of a button to deliver short speeches about the lives and accomplishments of prominent figures, including Betsy Ross, Rosa Parks, Jane Goodall, and Alexander Graham Bell.
“These children have demonstrated incredible skill and dedication,” said Second Grade Teacher Gina Milite, who helped organize the event along with fellow second grade teachers Cheryl Tucci and Allyson Garnsey. “Their hard work and creativity are truly inspiring,”
The school’s gymnasium was transformed into a museum exhibit, with parents and visitors walking through the rows of costumed students, each eager to share what they had learned.
“Everyone was happily surprised to learn that Amelia Earhart was also a speaker, writer, and fashion designer, and that she lived in Rye,” said Sylvie Spano, a dwax museum participant. “I thought it was really fun portraying her because she was a talented woman who inspired others to follow their dreams!”
Rye Veterans Participate in Honor Flight
Seven Rye veterans flew from Westchester County Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport recently through Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization that aims to honor and celebrate veterans by bringing them to Washington D.C. to visit the various memorials, at no cost to them.
This was Mission 36 for the Hudson Valley Honor Flight. While Rye residents have flown on earlier “mission” flights, this was the first time seven Rye veterans flew together. The 65 veterans on Mission 36 were from the tri-state area, serving in various wars, from World War II to Vietnam. Some veterans had their children, grandchildren or other family members serve as their guardian during the trip, while others used guardians provided through the Hudson Valley Honor Flight. The Rye veterans on Mission 36 were Frank Berté, U.S. Army; Jerry McGuire, U.S. Air Force; Harold “Sonny” Slater, U.S. Navy; James “Jimmy” Dianni, U.S. Army; Arcadio Ocasio, U.S. Marine Corps; Francis “Jay” Riordan, U.S. Army; and Thomas “Tom” Battista, U.S. Air Force.
The day started at ShopRite in Elmsford at 5:30 a.m. where veterans and their guardians boarded coach buses to Westchester County Airport, where a large crowd then welcomed them at the send-off reception, including Rye’s George Latimer of the House of Representatives and Catherine Parker of the County Legislature, County Executive Ken Jenkins, and others. While in the D.C., the veterans and their guardians visited the U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and the National Mall. Most of the Rye veterans had never been to the memorials.
On the flight back, veterans participated in “Mail Call,” an Honor Flight tradition where they receive cards and letters from fellow Americans expressing their gratitude. Midland School Teacher Katharine Sweeney’s third grade class provided some of the letters for Mission 36. Back at the Westchester County Airport, veterans were greeted by a large and loud reception for one final “welcome home.”
Rotary Inducts New Leadership
Rotary Club of Rye recently inducted co-presidents Julie Kattan and Sabrina Murphy at the Wainwright House. Rotary District Governor Garrett Capobianco presided over the ceremony, during which outgoing Rotary President Cathy DeMartino was thanked for her service to the community.
Rotary Club of Rye is a local chapter of Rotary International, a global network of business and professional leaders who volunteer their time to tackle humanitarian challenges and promote peace.
Colorful Start for Summer Reading
Summer reading season is off to a vibrant start, thanks to the recent launch of The Rye Free Reading Room’s “Color Our World” summer reading program.
Readers of all ages participated in a tie-dye event, where attendees blew colorful bubbles onto bandanas.
Participants as young as kindergarten and through adults were able to register for their respective summer reading programs, choosing from the library’s various programs for children, teens, and adults.
Readers can still sign up for a program by visiting ryelibrary.org/summer.
Rye PBA Makes Sweet Connections
Rye Recreation was packed recently as dRye Police Benevolent Association served up free ice cream from Longford’s.
Rye police officers and firefighters kept busy handing out ice cream and toppings to the many young athletes who stopped by after their Rye Youth Soccer games.
The 4th annual event was created by the Police Advisory Committee in partnership with the Rye PBA and is part of the committee’s efforts to strengthen the community and build connections.
RYC Announces Student Awards
More than 100 attendees gathered in the Rye Presbyterian Church recently for the annual Rye Youth Council Awards breakfast, which celebrated high school students for their integrity, character, compassion, and commitment to serving others.
Many of the scholarship awards were presented in memory of long-time Rye residents for whom they are named: Karena Somerville, the Rev. Richard (Dick) Murdoch, Suzanne Murphy, Feffi Stiassni, and Woof Haneman.
Joining the 12 high school senior award recipients were more than 40 students who participated in Rye Youth Council-supported clubs at Rye High and Rye Middle Schools, including Peer to Peer (P2P), the Grandfriend Club, and the Student Outreach Committee.
Dolan Awards Scholarships
Two student athletes from Rye High School’s class of 2025 were awarded $2,500 scholarships from Cardinal Timothy Dolan recently at The Church of the Resurrection.
Will Cadigan, Meg Tiedemann and their families were honored for their service to the parish and community. This fall, Cadigan will attend the University of Richmond and Tideman will attend Marist College.
