I was newly arrived in Rye, newly in my 30s, and newly single.
Rye is such a beautiful place, with small-town traditions I had never experienced in my New York City life, but it’s definitely a family place. So I kept busy, taking advantage of all the beauty Rye has to offer — the beach, the Nature Center, the Rye Golf Club pool. I kayaked Milton harbor, I joined a local theater group, I went back to school at night and began a new career.
I was surrounded by people — yet always alone.
Luckily, I met Melora. She invited me to join the Pub Ryots, a women’s softball team better known for its camaraderie than its winning record. Being a theater kid, I had no experience in any sport, but she encouraged me and I’m forever grateful for her kindness.
So I got my shirt with schedule of games on the back (and who was bringing beer), borrowed a glove, and stood in the outfield praying the ball wouldn’t come my way. Sometimes I actually did catch it, more often not. My new teammates were a wonderful group of women, many are friends I proudly maintain to this day. We spent many marvelous nights celebrating at The Pub.
And then there’s Kelly’s. Quite a few members of the team were connected to Kelly’s and Post Road Market. What fun we had! The best burgers in town, the coldest beer, Al’s jokes, Zugie’s smile. Jerry and Martha greeted and treated everyone so warmly, whether they were new in town, or have streets named for their families. They still do. Those were the days.
Those days turned to years. One Christmas Eve, (my parents’ anniversary) I stopped in to Kelly’s. I knew some friends were there and I had gifts. They always say it happens when you least expect it and they say there’s love at first sight. They are right.
At the end of the bar was a man I had never seen before. My friend Karen knew him and saw us looking at each other. She made an introduction. Once we started talking, everyone else disappeared. We discovered that we shared similar experiences, that our situations were alike, and that we wanted the same things for our futures. We were kindred spirits. We were a couple from that very first day. And as the days and years go on, we enjoy all that Rye, marriage and family have to offer, and always remember that magical Christmas Eve at Kelly’s.
— Yvette Post Goldman (married to Dave Goldman)
