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Call it a victim of the Portchester 14. The Journal News reports the Rye Ridge Cinema will close on Tuesday, January 1st. The two screen neighborhood cinema joins the old Family Discount in Harrison as a victim of various chains and megaplexes.
Rye's Apawamis Club will host the number one women's squash player in the world this January. From January 30th to February 4th, the club hosts the 2008 Apawamis Open, an international squash competition with a $60,000 prize.
Women squash players from all over the world will travel to Rye, including Nicol David, the 24 year old Malaysian player ranked number one in the world. 
Apawamis built its first squash courts in 1904 and claims it was the third such country club in the nation to have offered squash to its members. (PHOTO, ABOVE: CIMB Malaysia Open Women's Champion, Nicol David lifting up her trophy after winning the competition. Courtesy: Kamal Sell)
Our third and final profile of the Rye city council Freshman Three is Paula Gamache (see our interviews with Catherine Parker and Joe Sack). Paula declined MyRye.com’s request for an interview, but we cobbled together some information on our new council member.
Name: Paula Gamache
Elected Position: Rye City Council member as of January 1, 2008
Day Job: A retired investment adviser, Gamache is now a well-known “big shot (crossword) puzzle author”, according to The Washington Post.
(PHOTO) Gamache is pictured here with fellow crossword author Vic Fleming.
Political affiliation?
Democrat.
More About Gamache:
Gamache, 57, holds a B.A. from Wellesley College and a M.B.A. from Harvard Business School. She is a former managing editor of the Rye Record. Her husband, Serge Nivelle, is a fashion photographer who owns an eponymous photography studio downtown on Hudson Street.
He does work on behalf of clients such as Avon, Chico’s and Neiman Marcus.
Where does Gamache live in Rye?
Gamache and her husband, Serge Nivelle, live at 14 Lake Road, in the Greenhaven section of Rye.
How else is Gamache involved in the community?
Gamache serves on the City of Rye Finance Committee until January 1st. Her husband, Serge Nivelle serves on the City’s Board of Appeals (along with new council member Joe Sack). Gamache is also a trustee of Mamaroneck’s Emelin Theater and is active with the Wellesley-in-Westchester club.
In 2003, she was active with the Friends of the Rye Meeting House along with residents Fred Cummings, Lisa Easton, Rhoda Kornreich and Douglas Kreeger. Gamache is also a donor to the Federated Conservationists of Westchester County, along with Rye Mayor Steve Otis.
Gamache’s contact information:
Your phone: 381-3010
Your email address: PaulaG6575 (AT) aol.com
Your Elected Position: Rye City Council member as of January 1, 2008
Your Day Job: I am President and founder of Parkers at 43 Purchase Street. I started Parkers in December of 1996. As a small business owner I “wear a lot of hats” as buyer, marketing and advertising director, office manager, and an assortment of other duties which keeps me busy.
MyRye.com: What is your political affiliation?
Independent. Usually that means I get mail from everyone.
Why did you run for elected office?
I first ran for Rye City Council four years ago when I was also asked by both the Democrats and Republicans. This time was actually the third election cycle when both parties had approached me to run. This year I felt it was especially important for me to run because it seemed a natural extension to the volunteering that I had already been doing for the community as a member of the Rye Flood Action Coalition, the CBD Taskforce, and the Rye Merchants Association, and I felt my sense of community would be a welcome addition to the council. On a more personal note, it is definitely a desire of mine to give my children the best hometown. Moving here to Rye was just the start and I feel good stewardship of our investment is the key to Rye being at its best.
Rye sustained $80 million in damage from the April 15th flood. The Sells Report was just published with its recommendations on flood mitigation. What are the three most important things Rye needs to do to prepare for the next “100 Year” flood?
The Sells Report has only addressed the issue of the Upper Pond at the Bowman Avenue Dam to date and the impact that changes to the Upper Pond will make farther downstream. I suspect the Lower Pond is really where we will get more bang for our buck so I would not speculate on the three best actions to take until the complete report from Charles Sells is presented. Will we need to bond? Yes, it seems fairly certain that that will be the best way to pay for mitigation projects that will serve the community for many years to come.
A few months ago, City Councilman Andy Ball called for Rye to hire a Flood Czar that would oversee future flood mitigation efforts. Do you believe this is necessary?
Have any Czars really worked? In all seriousness, I think our city staff and our elected officials have worked long and hard to get Rye in the best possible position with FEMA/SEMO and what I took away with me from the Flood Summit held by Westchester County was that Rye is way ahead of our Sound Shore neighbors as far as getting the ground work done to be able to receive federal, state, and county money to help defray costs as we repair our infrastructure and protect ourselves from future flooding. The second part to that issue is the cost of another staff person – generally I do not think we are in a position to take on more staff.
Besides flood mitigation, what are the three most important issues facing Rye over the next five years?
Where’s my crystal ball? I will tell you a couple of the issues that are big ticket items that I know will be a bear. First, there are four contracts with city employees that need to be negotiated. Second, the potential new police and court facility will need a location. Maybe it is the old CVS building and maybe not. Overall it can be said that as a council we are going to be constantly evaluating needs in terms of affordability and quality of life.
You own and run Parker’s, a well-known travel store on Purchase Street in downtown Rye. What inspired you to start the store? How many countries have you travelled to and what are your favorite destinations?
My mother was a school teacher who told me growing up that the world is the best classroom. She was right, of course. Even on a teachers salary we traveled when I was a child to Europe and she encouraged me to become an exchange student in high school (AFS – Sweden) as well as study in Europe (Italy) during college. After college I traveled even more extensively both in Europe and South America and I had my last hurrah in 1996 when I spent two months traveling in India before I opened Parkers. I would have to say India has been my favorite. One thing I have had to adjust to since opening my travel store is that I get to travel vicariously now through my customers much more frequently than actually getting away.
You serve on the Rye Central Business Task Force and helped start the Rye Merchants Association. Where we too late in putting a ban on new bank branches downtown? What types of controls are in place and what if any do we still need?
Yes, I have felt the horses were already out of the barn so to speak when it comes to the proliferation of banks in Rye. I don’t blame the city council, though I do think our city planner should have sounded the alarm that this was a trend occurring in other parts of our metropolitan area and others so that the council could have been more proactive instead of reactive.
MyRye.com has been told the Rye Hospital Center on the Boston Post Road may be put up for sale. Nearly three acres running from the Post Road down to the Blind Brook, the property borders an existing .48 acres of property along the brook designated park land according the city maps and is also very close to the Rye High School and Middle School property. Is there an opportunity here for the City?
To date, my understanding is that this is all conjecture.
What will be your three highest priorities during your first 12 months on Rye City Council?
My first priority is to see that flooding continues to be addressed in as expeditious a manner as possible. After that my priorities include making Rye more environmentally sound. Some small things we could do would be putting recycling bins in the Central Business District near the pizza and coffee shops, solar trash compactors in highly trafficked areas, solar lights as we add or replace existing lighting, and getting an energy audit done to name a few. I would also like to see if there is an opportunity for the city to gain some revenue by generating power whether it is solar, wind, or hydraulic. Lastly, I want to see the fruition of a Boston Post Road diet. It will be terrific when it goes from a dangerous four lane to a safe three lane road with a bike path.
What are the three best reasons to live in Rye?
It doesn’t seem fair to pick only three reasons to live in Rye, but I will say that we are blessed with a beautiful community, full of lovely people, and being on the water is the added bonus.
What are your three favorite restaurants in Rye that deliver?
Both my husband and I love to cook. He’s the pasta guy and I prepare more meat. Honestly, the only thing we have had delivered is pizza from Piazza Pizza and that is pretty infrequent. 921-4444 (520 Milton Road, Rye)
What is your favorite restaurant in Rye for a family meal?
My daughter, Julia, and I sometimes head to Al Dente on Elm Place after work on Friday. She absolutely loves the homemade soups! I can say they do make wonderful pastas, too. 921-5300 (7 Elm Place, Rye)
Where do you live in Rye?
We live on Milton Road. Our house is called Mill Pond Cottage and we love the view of the wetlands from our backyard. Our daughter goes to Milton School. Before we bought our house, we lived at Blind Brook Lodge for eight years.
How else are you involved in the community?
I have been on the board of the Rye Arts Center for many years. I helped found the Rye Merchants Association and I am currently on the board, I was president of the co-op board at BBL for three years, I teach Sunday school at Rye Presbyterian, I was Co-President of the League of Women Voters of Rye, Rye Brook and Port Chester. As mentioned previously I have served on two city committees focused on the CBD as well as the Beautification Committee. Oh, and last year I was a class mom. Unfortunately, it all cuts into my gym time.
Tell us your contact information.
Your phone: 921-8409
Your email address:parkersinrye (AT) aol.com
Thanks, Catherine.
Santa won't get lost finding Roy Aletti's house this Christmas eve.
The house, just over the Rye border at 50 Parsons Street in Harrison, is a mega-watt celebration of Christmas and the holidays.
Aletti is a perennial celebrator who brought us three tons of pumpkins in his front yard this Halloween. If you have kids or if the holidays make you feel like a kid, do yourself a favor and go enjoy "Roy's Christmas Land".
See the full Aletti Christmas house album.
If you know another "decked out" holiday house, tell us by leaving a comment below.
You can pay up to $2,300 to have breakfast this Friday with Rye headline-maker and new CEO of Merrill Lynch John Thain. But not a penny more.
That’s because $2,300 is the maximum amount you can give to a political candidate in any election cycle.
To smart to run and too comfortable is his Rye – Harrison - Rye Brook estate, Thain is throwing a breakfast bash at The Regency Hotel on Park Avenue for his pal and presidential hopeful Senator John McCain.
Pass the butter.
See the Thain-McCain invitation.
Single Family Home Sales in Rye (week ending 12/09/07).
Shop Talk
Ninety homes have sold in Rye over the past six months, as opposed to ninety five during the same time period last year. Nineteen or 21% were under $1,000,000 for an average selling price of $824,216. Seventy one or approximately 79% were $1,000,000 or over, for an average selling price of $2,152,127.
*Information per WPMLS 6/8/07-12/09/07 RCSD & RNSD only.
Ex-Pats in Rye
International families choose Rye for the good schools, local amenities and the active "ex-pat" population here. I have been working with a few international couples recently and thinking about what resources they may be looking for to adjust to life here in Rye.
A great resource for international families is the expatriate group affiliated with Rye Newcomers Club and their monthly newsletter, EXPat Connection, written by Rye resident Jo Bryan. This month, for example, there is information on monthly coffee hour meetings, programs at the Rye YMCA and Rye Recreation, where to find a local farm to cut down a Christmas tree and holiday recipes. Jo also puts out a pamphlet full of valuable local information for EXPat members. Membership has grown substantially in the past year to over 70 families. For more information, contact Jo at jo@bryanres.com.
Japanese families acclimate to the area using a slightly different approach, according to my friend and Rye resident Motoko Okubo. Generally, the Japanese corporation that employs the newcomer will connect the new family with a local contact, who will provide information for the area. The advice may include where to find Japanese groceries, information on obtaining a driver's license and where to take English language lessons.
There are organizations in Rye tailored specifically for the Japanese Community including an active Japanese PTA at the Osborn Elementary School. My children love when the Japanese moms come into the classroom to present on Japanese culture and contribute delicious food for the Osborn Carnival. The Japanese owned real estate companies in the area also play a part in helping transferees and their families adjust to life in Rye, handling real estate transactions and property management duties.
I recently worked with an executive transferring from Mexico City whose family received assistance from Full Circle International Relocations. Some large U.S. companies in the area including Pepsico, IBM and Mattel contract Full Circle to provide pre-departure, home finding, and "settling in" services to their executives and their families. The local Full Circle representative arranges school visits and information on public and private schools, is in contact with the real estate agent to help the family select the home and area, and perhaps most importantly, provides assistance with the necessities of American life - obtaining a social security card, opening a U.S. checking account, the purchase or rental of furniture and assistance with setting up gas, electricity and water accounts.
Although all the people I spoke with reiterated the primary reason they chose Rye was the quality of our school system, there are many local options for ex-pats who prefer an international school setting, including:
December Market update and article written by Judy Croughan, Licensed Realtor, Coldwell Banker Rye.
Your Name: Joe Sack
Your Elected Position: Member of the Rye City Council, beginning in January 2008.
Your Day Job: I run my own law practice, which focuses on securities and criminal litigation. Prior to that, I was an in-house attorney at Citigroup, a regulator with the NYSE, and an Assistant D.A. in Brooklyn .
MyRye.com: What is your political affiliation?:
Republican. I registered as a Republican when I moved back to Westchester .
Why did you run for elected office?
The simple answer is, I ran for City Council because I love Rye . Rye is a special place, and Kerri and I have chosen Rye as the place where we will raise our children. We haven’t lived here for 30 years, but we will live here for the next 30 years, and I want to make a contribution to the future of our city. There are so many great ways that people in Rye can and do volunteer their time. I chose the City Council because I have always been interested in public service (my Jesuit education taught me to be a “man for others”), government (I worked my way thru law school as an assistant to County Executive Andy O’Rourke) and politics (my bookshelf is lined with biographies of famous presidents and statesmen). Anyway, since I watch all the meetings on cable TV (which my wife teases me about), I figured I might as well be there for them!
Rye sustained $80 million in damage from the April 15th flood. The Sells Report was just published with its recommendations on flood mitigation. What are the three most important things Rye needs to do to prepare for the next “100 Year” flood?
Flooding is a problem in Rye , including flooding along the Blind Brook. The magnitude of the flood events that took place this past spring have certainly refocused attention on an issue that goes back to the beginning of time. I think the Sells report was a good step in the right direction, as far as sizing up what our mitigation options are and assigning possible price tags to those options. It could be that the cost of some projects no matter how marginally worthwhile may be prohibitive, and we need to focus on getting the most bang for our buck. I am reluctant to rank items as requested in your question at this point, and am interested in looking at both the upper and lower ponds up by Bowman Avenue . The City is exploring funding sources from the state and federal governments, and Westchester County has also announced a large pot of flood money. But it seems clear that Rye will have to pony up a share too, and a flood bond seems to be an essential way to do this.
A few months ago, City Councilman Andy Ball called for Rye to hire a Flood Czar that would oversee future flood mitigation efforts. Do you believe this is necessary?
I think the City staff has done a very good job in positioning us to be in line for state and federal money for repair and mitigation projects. This has been such an intensive undertaking that I am sure it has seemed like a full-time proposition. We have devoted so much time and energy to this effort this year, perhaps at the expense of other day-to-day business. In a perfect world, we will regain our equilibrium, and be able push ahead on all fronts without having to fund an added position. But under the circumstances, I am certainly open to all creative approaches.
Besides flood mitigation, what are the three most important issues facing Rye over the next five years?
Again I am reluctant to ascribe a ranking, but clearly there are issues that will need to be addressed over the short term that will have impacts much further into the future. For example, the police contract will expire at the end of next year and I’m sure negotiations will pick up soon. The CSEA (Civil Service Employees Union) contract is also undecided at this point. A new police and court facility will be on the drawing board, which will involve a discussion of needs, costs and further borrowing. And on the traffic and safety side, we must implement and pay for changes to our roadways at both ends of town, on Boston Post Road near Greenhaven and on Purchase Street near Ridge Street .
You serve on the Rye Downtown Retail Task Force and the Rye Zoning Board. Where we too late in putting a ban on new bank branches downtown? On the zoning side of things, do we have a problem with “McMansions” in Rye ? What type of controls are in place and what if any do we still need?
The City Council wasn’t too late on banks, because I am told there were other banks lining up to come in. Also, prior to my service on the zoning board in 2004, the City Council made some restrictive adjustments to the zoning code. Still, many homes that some view as too large or out of character with the neighborhood do not even need variances. It’s always a balancing test between the rights of the property owner and the welfare of the community. One zoning issue that has been kicked around before that I think needs an up or down vote is the provision that essentially discourages new flag lots.
When interviewed by the Rye Record, you mentioned (money aside), the importance of preserving open space including the Durland Scout Center on Stuyvesant Avenue and the contiguous parcels off Locust Avenue. Is there any chance of recovering the Durland Center property at this point or have we lost that battle? What is the opportunity with Locust Avenue?
It was my understanding that the Durland opportunity came and went, that the cost was deemed too high, and that the private owner has approvals for two homes. On Locust Avenue across from the YMCA, I am told there are some contiguous lots along the Blind Brook with the same owner. Obviously, this is a unique space as it borders our Central Business District.
MyRye.com has been told the Rye Hospital Center on the Boston Post Road may be put up for sale. Nearly three acres running from the Post Road down to the Blind Brook, the property borders an existing .48 acres of property along the brook designated park land according the city maps and is also very close to the Rye High School and Middle School property. Is there an opportunity here for the City?
I hadn’t heard that, and don’t know that much about the property, having only passed by at 30 miles an hour on the Post Road.
What will be your three highest priorities during your first 12 months on Rye City Council?
In no particular order:
1. Regarding the dynamics of our Council: Ensuring the importance of cooperation and consensus building on the City Council. I am a litigator by profession, so I know all about disputes and dealing with aggressive adversaries. But in local government, my immediate background on the Zoning Board emphasized to me the importance of compromise and of speaking with a unified voice. While there will always be differences in opinion and instances when a particular member needs to stick to his or her guns, it is possible to maintain convictions without drawing stark battle lines. Chief Justice Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court is a big believer in developing unanimous decisions whenever possible based on this approach.
2. Regarding the budget: Maintaining our high level of services while also controlling taxes. This dual task is at the crux of our responsibilities on the Council. Of course, the devil is in the details, and will spawn countless hours of careful consideration.
3. Regarding a specific project: I would like to see some action taken to address the sidewalk and road conditions in Rye , especially along Oakland Beach Avenue and the questionable stretch from Disbrow Park down to the bridge.
What are the three best reasons to live in Rye ?
1. Great families and schools. That definitely comes first.
2. Great quality of life – from downtown shopping and dining, to parks and recreation, to not-for profits (the Rye Free Reading Room, Rye Nature Center, Rye Arts Center and Rye YMCA are all jewels).
3. Great location – easy commuting and on the water.
What are your three favorite restaurants in Rye that deliver?
We don’t do delivery, but we do take out. Our three favorites:
1. Piazza Pizza on Milton Road. Ross runs a great business. Our garage quickly piles up with old pizza boxes for recycling! 921-4444 (520 Milton Road, Rye)
2. Playland Market on Forest Avenue. It is great to have a place nearby that is open early and late for coffee, a chicken cutlet sandwich or a pint of ice cream! 967-2450 (488 Forest Avenue, Rye)
3. Water Moon on Purchase Street . I love their pan-seared sesame tuna dish. 921-8880 (66 Purchase Street, Rye)
What is your favorite restaurant in Rye for a family meal?
The Dock Deli on Milton Road is our favorite family restaurant, hands down. I am there with the girls most Saturday mornings for breakfast, while Mommy gets to sleep in an extra hour. Scrambled egg sandwiches and French toast are our favorites, and don’t forget the mini cup of OJ with the “set up”. Neil and Maggie are great, and the girls love seeing their Christmas card hanging on the wall! 967-3344 (615 Milton Road, Rye)
Where do you live in Rye ?
We live on Thorne Place, a cul-de-sac off of Oakland Beach Avenue, next to Disbrow Park – home of the world’s best Halloween parade and party every year! We are in the Osborn school district, where our oldest daughter attends kindergarten. We previously lived for 5 years on Barlow Lane in Greenhaven.
How else are you involved in the community?
I am a member of the Rye Zoning Board and the Rye Downtown Retail Task Force. We are members of Resurrection Church, Rye Golf Club, and the Rye YMCA.
Tell us your contact information:
Your web site: www.sacklawfirm.com
Your phone: (914) 701-0806 (work)
Your email address: jsack (AT) sacklawfirm.com
Thanks, Joe.
Sun sets over Playland Beach in Rye, NY. Photo taken November 24, 2007 at 4:20pm.
We need a lot of help. We have flooding. Now some guy from Long Island wants to put burrow a tunnel under Rye. Plus the usual (schools, taxes, etc.).
In the next three weeks, MyRye.com will profile the newest members of Rye City Council. Joe Sack, Catherine Parker and Paula Gamache all start to serve our city in January. Meet each of them and find out all sorts of things--from what each one thinks should be on the top of City Council's to do list to their recommendations for the best take out or delivery in Rye.
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UPDATE: Read the profiles of Joe Sack, Catherine Parker and Paula Gamache.
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