Remembering and Rejoicing:
Rye Historical Society Director Sheri Jordan rang the old bell in the Square House — Rye’s first City Hall — to call the May 6 City Council meeting to order.
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Rye Historical Society Director Sheri Jordan rang the old bell in the Square House — Rye’s first City Hall — to call the May 6 City Council meeting to order. Mayor Joe Sack then asked Eleanor Militana, “the newly minted” Interim City Manager, to introduce the City staff members in attendance.
Police Commissioner William Pease Jr. asked for a moment of silence for George De Filippo, a retired member of the force and much-loved community member, who passed away the previous day.
Carolyn Cunningham recalled all the fine work accomplished under former Mayors Warren Ross and Fred Hunzinger, both of whom passed away in recent months. Former Mayor John Carey added a moment of levity: “I could not have been beaten out for a third term by a nicer man than Fred.” Former Mayor Steve Otis praised Mayor Ross, whom he noted was “very much a proponent of getting information out to the public.”
Every current Council member, and several former ones, thanked the City staff for their hard work and guidance.
It was a bittersweet meeting for Councilwoman Laura Brett, who against many objections has decided not to run for another term. “I am always touched by how many City staff members make this meeting. I have found these nights inspirational and very centering. I leave here with renewed passion.”
Joe Murphy, who heads the Senior Advocacy Committee, reported that a new directory for seniors is hot off the presses and will be available at City Hall, the Rye Free Reading Room, and Rye Recreation.
Kate Conn from the Rye Cable Commission said their group is busy developing programming, especially for Rye’s many nonprofit organizations. She gave a shout-out to Nicole Levitsky, who heads up RyeTV.
Tracy Stora, second in command at the Conservation Commission/Advisory Council, said that they were busy working on the rock hammering issue.
The Rye Golf Club Commission is going in the right direction, according to Bob DiMaggio, who joined the club in 1981 and is a new member of the commission.
Ralph Vellone, who ran the Babe Ruth program for many years and was a member of the Recreation Commission for more than a decade, seemed to be preaching to the choir when he said, “I hope to live out my life in the greatest place in the world.”
— Robin Jovanovich
