My Rye

Rye's Wellington Mara, a Football Giant

(PHOTO: Giants fans) On Sunday afternoon, the YMCA will be empty. Sal's Pizza will be doing a robust take out business. Rye's own Alex Rodriguez and ex-Harrison Huskie Joe Torre will be watching football. Along with the rest of us. And it won't be the annual Rye - Harrison football match-up.

It's Superbowl Sunday and the New York Giants face-off against the New England Patriots.

Rye has a special connection to New York Giants football thru long-time resident Wellington Mara, who was an owner of the Giants in 1930 at the early age of 14 until his death at age 89 in 2005. Part of a sports dynasty started by his father Tim Mara, Wellington, known by the nickname Duke, was know for his focus on faith, family and football.

Mara was a devout Catholic who regularly attended 8am Mass as Resurrection Church in Rye. He was known for his support of the pro-life movement and donated to various conservative political campaigns. And, at the time of his death, Mara had 11 children and 40 grandchildren.

On the Giants web site they list some of his accomplishments, including:

"Mara was instrumental in the outstanding accomplishments of the Giants: 26 post-season appearances (the second-highest total in league history), including 18 NFL Divisional championships and six NFL championships, among them the Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV titles."

Not a bad run... Go Giants!

More:

NY Giants.com

NY Times Obituary

Presidential Pundits on Rye TV

By former Rye Mayor and MyRye.com guest writer John Carey

OK, so CNN is pretty good on the Presidential candidates, but so is Rye TV.

On Saturdays in February you can decide for yourselves whose views on the candidates are more shrewd, those of your Rye neighbors or those of network TV pundits.

Each Saturday on Rye Channel 76 a new show, “Rye Pundits View the Candidates,” will air at ten minutes after 9 am, noon, 3 pm, 6 pm and 9 pm. The first episode was taped on the 28th, just before the Florida primary, and will air on Saturday, February 2nd.

Host John Carey had as guests Jack Bowen, Bertrand de Frondeville and Paul Hicks. Bowen is former CEO of D’Arcy Masius Benton and Bowles, a present Board member and former Chairman of the Osborn Home. De Frondeville, an engineer who helped design the first French nuclear submarine, is a frequent commentator at Rye School Board meetings. Hicks, retired lawyer and businessman, writes frequently for the Rye Record.

Jack Bowen and Paul Hicks are registered Republicans while Bertrand de Frondeville is independent. None of them advocated a particular Presidential candidate but instead each presented views on the impressions the candidates have made. Carey suggested that CNN host Wolf Blitzer may have intended for Obama and Clinton to go after each other aggressively with words like “slumlord” when he urged them to speak directly to each other.

The next episode of “Rye Pundits View the Candidates” is to be taped early in February, soon after Super Tuesday. Anyone wishing to appear on the program, or to serve on the TV production crew, is asked to contact JnCarey (AT) westnet (DOT) com.

The Rye Newcomers and Neighbors’ Club

MyRye.com sat down with Rye Newcomers and Neighbors’ Club (RNNC) co-presidents Lora Katsikas and Sue Wexler to ask about the types of services provided by the RNNC.

MyRye.com: What is the Rye Newcomers and Neighbors’ Club?

The Rye Newcomers and Neighbors’ Club has been an important part of the community for over 50 years. The organization was formerly called the Rye Newcomers Club and changed its name in 2004 to reflect the changing membership. 

(PHOTO: Happy Mullooly, Sarah Barringer & Lora Katsikas dressed up for the Halloween Bunco Night.) The club is a social organization that introduces new families to the Rye community. We strive to provide our members with a sense of ongoing camaraderie through many events and activities. Our club serves all residents of Rye, Rye Brook, Rye Neck, Purchase, Port Chester and Harrison. And you don’t have to be new to the area in order to join. In fact, we have found that many families join the club when they are new to town and continue to remain active members after many years because of the fun and the friendships.

Our events not only bring together members of the community, they also help people to become acquainted with the resources and attractions of Rye and the surrounding area.  Our many events include:

•        Wine tasting, bowling nights
•        Community service opportunities in and around Rye
•        Courses on finding balance in our lives, led by a clinical psychologist and popular club speaker
•        Spring Luncheon, Girls’ Spa Night, pottery classes, jewelry making
•        Kids’ ice cream parties, beach blasts, pumpkin carving, sledding
•        March Madness Basketball tournament, paddle tennis parties, golf clinics

How many “newcomers” and “neighbors” do you serve?

Currently we have about 200 families in our membership.  Our goal is to meet the needs of all our members by providing monthly children’s events, playgroups, opportunities to go out as couples or ladies nights out. Our special interest groups such as book club, bunco, good foods club, lunch bunch meet monthly.  Our bridge group meets weekly, and the philanthropy, dining around town and working mom’s groups meet about every other month or two. 

Each year we have approximately 40 new families to the area join our organization.

What are the three most common requests you receive from newcomers moving into Rye?

1. Those newcomers with children usually ask about pediatricians, schools, children’s stores, etc.  We also have a very active playgroup so many moms want to get involved in this. 

2. Many new residents also need to know where to buy groceries. It sounds silly, but grocery store chains are different all over the country and world.  People want to know which stores have the freshest produce or tastiest bakery items, etc.  Since Rye does not have a grocery store, brand new residents need to know where to go!

3. Lastly, people just want opportunities to meet other people. We find our club to be such a success because we offer many events each month for people to get to know one another. Moving can be a lonely time and everyone in our club was new at one point so that automatically gives us all something in common

You have lots of different groups and services from playgroups, to Bunco to dining around town to walking to philanthropy. What are three of the most popular groups?

1.  Our playgroups are a huge success.  It’s difficult to find a network of moms when you move into a new town, and this group provides just that.  Moms and little ones instantly meet others, and begin building friendships that last even when the children have out grown their playgroups.

2.  Ladies night out is also very popular.  Usually once a month something is organized such as wine tasting, pottery, movies and we even have a spa night in May in honor of Mother’s Day.  The coordinators are always looking for fresh and new ideas.

(PHOTO: Children make ornaments and cards at the December children’s event at the Rye Recreation Center.)

3.  The largest monthly turn out is always for our children’s events.  We typically have any where from 50-100 children each month. This past fall our pumpkin decorating event and ornament making events were a huge success. The Rye Recreation Center has been fantastic in allowing us to use their facilities for most of our events. 

What type of work has your philanthropy group, run by Leah Stevens, done?

Last fall our philanthropy group served lunch at the Don Bosco soup kitchen in Port Chester. We have also helped paint/decorate the Carver Center and brought cookies/caroling to a children’s hospital.  Last winter the chairwomen organized a philanthropy fair at the Rye Free Reading room which featured all the local non profit organizations in the area. It gave our membership the opportunity to get involved in various charities. 

Your “Dining Around Town” group is run by Diana Tapper. What are her three favorite restaurants in Rye?

1. Koo, 17 Purdy Ave, 921-9888. Great for a group of friends or date night. Atmosphere is lively but not overwhelmingly loud.  Sushi is always great and the mushroom salad and sushi bullet (only available in-house) are not to be missed.

2. Ruby's Oyster House, 45 Purchase Street, 921-4166. Also good for friends or date night, as well as for weekend brunch with the family.  Most nights this is a happening scene, with a large and boisterous bar crowd. Great selection of oysters and there is just never anything bad about truffle mac n’ cheese.  When we still lived in NYC and went looking for houses, we came to Ruby's for brunch, and we knew we would be okay if we moved to Rye.

3. I am torn here by two extremes:  the consummate special occasion place - La Panetiere (530 Milton Rd, 967-8140) and the casual breakfast and lunch only place - On the Way Cafe (34 Ridgeland Terrace, 925.0049). They are very different. Rye is lucky to have La Panetiere as part of our neighborhood. A beautiful, intimate place with wonderful food perfect for that special night. But for weekend breakfast with the kids, the very casual On the Way Cafe has fresh and delicious food great for a stop between crazy weekend days filled with activities.

And I know I am pushing my luck by mentioning a 5th place when you only asked for 3, but Cafe Livorno (92 Purchase St, 967-1909) just did a fabulous job for a private party I organized. They are finishing their renovation and have a great party room upstairs. They were very accommodating, extremely pleasant to work, and the food was delicious (not so easy a feat with a large group). Would definitely recommend them both for parties and for an every day night out.

Your “Walking” group is run by Cliona Cronin. What are her three favorite (and also stroller and dog friendly) places to go for a walk in Rye?

1. Rye Town Park to the Boardwalk is our favorite walk. Sometimes we have several strollers so this permits easy talking while we're walking. We go to the end of the boardwalk and towards the Edith Read sanctuary where we do a turn if there is a dog in our company. This takes close to an hour. Parking is free at the town park lot except in July and August. Dogs are not permitted by Seaside Johnnies in July and August.

2. From Rye Town Park to Milton Point - again takes close to the hour.

3. When we  have no strollers or dogs, we start at Rye Town Park, walk along Forest to Manursing and through the Edith Read Sanctuary and back through the park.

(PHOTO: Board members: Rena Pemble, Shoshana Rosenfield, Melissa Grieco, Sue Wexler, Lora Katsikas, Raquelle Frenchman, Aimee Ryan.  Back row: Tanya Messina, Alexandra Hickey, Dee O’ Brien, Annebet van Weerelt and Amy Damascus.)

What do you do to join The Rye Newcomers and Neighbors’ Club?

Our website provides a link to download a membership form. Joining is easy. Anyone interested can download a membership form from our website, and mail it with a check for $40. to either one of our membership chairperson’s addresses which are on the form. That’s it! As soon as the form and payment are received, members begin receiving our monthly newsletter with our club’s events as well as local events and a supplement with information such as ski resorts, shopping for the holidays, good places for birthday parties, nursery school directory as so on.

Tell us your contact information:

Web site:  www.ryenewcomersclub.net

Phone number:  the club does not have its own phone number

Email: ryenewcomersclub (AT) hotmail.com

Rye Schools Have a "Super"(indendent) Shine, According to Journal News

A teacher will praise a child for doing well.

Now Rye parents will need to heap some praise on Rye school superintendent Ed Shine for earning another gold star. Back in November, Rye schools ranked #52 in the nation in the US News rankings.

Now the Journal News, in a report last week, called Rye one of the "better buys for your tax dollar". Rye was just one of five Westchester school districts singled out in the report. The other districts were Ardsley, Eastchester, Pleasantville and Somers.

The report analyzed test scores and tax bills to determine relative value for money spent.

Shine told the Journal News: "We are a community that values education."

More resources:

Video of Journal News reporter Diana Costello reporting on Rye Schools

Profile of the Rye City school district (data from 2005, source: New York State Department of Education, 2005 Statewide Fiscal Profiles) :

Unreserved fund balance $1,424,721
State aid revenue $2,523,468
STAR $4,364,064
Total state revenue $6,887,532
Local revenue $50,725,857
Federal Revenue $618,555
Total All Revenue $58,231,944
Board of Education $2,075,955
Central Administration $1,191,175
Teacher salaries $21,633,035
Pupil services salaries $1,441,752
Curriculum support salaries $1,760,323
BOCES instructional expenses $693,171
Tuition to other districts $525,686
Other tuition $25,345
Other instructional salaries $4,439,682
Other instructional expenses $3,339,701
Community service $63,860
Operations and maintenance $4,220,108
Teacher retirement $1,983,478
Health $5,658,926
Other employee benefits $2,963,995
Other undistributed $607,966
Other $17,084
Subtotal $52,641,242
Transportation $666,314
Debt service principle $2,781,235
Debt service interest $1,189,342
Total expenses $57,278,133
Average daily membership 2,780
Revenue per pupil $20,947
Expense per pupil $20,604
Property wealth per pupil 1,471,947
Income per total wealth pupil 638,134
Combined wealth ratio 4.816
Per fringe benefits 0.1696

Rye Mayor Otis: "no light at the end of this tunnel"

Rye City Mayor Steve Otis was one of a handful of regional officials who provided testimony on Thursday on the tunnel a Long Island developer wants to bore from Syosset underneath the Long Island Sound and sprout up at Rye's I-287.

To summarize Otis' comments: bad idea for Westchester and the region, forget it.

Otis provided his complete testimony to MyRye.com:

Statement of City of Rye Mayor Steven Otis, January 24, 2008, NYS Senate Joint Hearing of the Environmental Conservation and Transportation Committees, Oyster Bay, New York.

Senator Marcellino, thank you for holding this hearing and providing a forum to discuss the proposed Long Island Sound tunnel project.  We welcome this opportunity to share Westchester’s concerns about serious negative consequences to our county’s transportation system.

My name is Steve Otis. I am serving in my eleventh year as Mayor of the City of Rye in Westchester County and am appearing here today with Supervisor O’Keefe and Mayor Fixell.  On behalf of all Westchester communities we are pleased to be able to share our opposition to the tunnel proposal before us today.

We understand and sympathize with Long Island’s traffic problems. Like Long Island, Westchester County has limited highway capacity and vehicle volumes that often bring traffic to a standstill.  We have undertaken numerous studies and planning efforts to address traffic problems on our existing roadways.

Like Long Island, the inability of our major corridors to function diminishes our economic health, transportation viability, and quality of life.

Today both I-287 and I-95 often function at the failing service level F category. Our roads have experienced steady increases in traffic volumes with continued increases projected in future years. Like Long Island, we have no ability to build our way out of this situation because southern and central Westchester is already fully developed.

As you can see, we share many of the same problems Long Island faces when it comes to traffic congestion. As regional partners in the metropolitan area, we understand Long  Island’s traffic problems because we face similar challenges. Like Long Island, we are no longer the home of empty roads, open farmland, and unlimited rights-of-way.

The message we want to deliver today is that Westchester County does not have road capacity to absorb and move the traffic volumes anticipated by the tunnel proposal. The tunnel will further cripple our already failing key highways I-287 and I-95.

It goes without saying that we have been trying to find solutions to our own traffic challenges on I-287 and the Tappen Zee corridor for over twenty years. Today traffic volumes bring I-287 to a standstill during parts of the day, seven days a week. It is not uncommon for westbound traffic to sit bumper to bumper from Tarrytown all the way back to the area of exit 9 in Harrison. Numerous study groups and planning initiatives have been working to address these issues.

The introduction of a major infusion of additional traffic on I-287 will bring traffic flow on the full length of this corridor to failure levels even beyond the crisis delays we experience today. There is no doubt that a major result of a Long Island Sound highway tunnel to Westchester will be to divert car and truck traffic now using the George Washington Bridge or other New York City crossings and bring these vehicles to the Tappen Zee corridor. This increase will make travel through this major artery impossible.

In addition, current traffic levels on I-95 cause significant tie-ups on a regular basis. Traffic volumes in this corridor have increased dramatically in the last decade. The introduction of a tunnel will pose new challenges and uncertainties for I-95, as well. With a new way to move traffic on and off of Long Island, the likelihood of attracting higher traffic volumes to the region would be consistent with what we have experienced when other new roadways have been built in the past.

We in Westchester have not been reassured by the information provided to date by the tunnel’s sponsors. Crucial traffic information and projections are absent from their website. There is no information analyzing the impact of changing traffic patterns that would be caused by the tunnel in locations where traffic volumes would increase. The private funding described in the sponsoring group’s material is not without taxpayer subsidy.  It is described as utilizing tax free bonds. Air quality claims are deserving of the most skepticism. Given the assurance of increased traffic logjams in Westchester it is difficult to believe that anything other than reduced air quality in our county will be the result. There is hardly any detailed information regarding the construction process.

These are questions that should raise the concern of the committee, but
the key for us in Westchester is that the traffic impact of this tunnel will be devastating to our county. While as regional partners we understand Long Island’s traffic problems, we cannot proceed  with a proposal that so clearly will bury Westchester County in traffic volumes we cannot possibly accommodate. There are no benefits for Westchester in this proposal, only significant damage to our transportation system and economic viability.

While our focus is from the Westchester viewpoint, I would suggest that Long Island communities review carefully whether this proposal will actually be the “as advertised” benefit to Long Island. The unintended consequences of a proposal such as this should be of concern to a Long Island wary of the traffic increases that would result from easier access to the Island.

Clearly, as a region, we need to address traffic volume massing that paralyzes our roads.  Increased road capacity will not solve the transportation problems facing Westchester or Long Island. If you build it, the cars and trucks will come. Instead, our transportation solutions will come through increased viability of user-friendly mass transit, alternative options for moving goods such as rail and better planning. I know that the state legislature is working on all of these issues.

Last week, at a quarterly meeting of  Westchester municipal and county officials, County Executive Andy Spano indicated his concerns and stated that he was opposed to the project unless it could be demonstrated that the tunnel would bring no increase in traffic to Westchester roads.

It is for these reasons, and the additional information provided by Supervisor O’Keefe and Mayor Fixell, that we strongly oppose this project. Having heard the feedback from Westchester, we ask that the project sponsors withdraw the proposal. We ask that in your capacity as State Senators you do everything you can to see this project rejected.

We believe the damage to Westchester’s transportation system and our county’s ability to function will be devastating. We believe that the claims of the proponents are open to serious question. Having given a fair review of the material provided since November, we see no light at the end of this tunnel and hope you will lead the effort to abandon the proposal and find more practical solutions to the transportation and environmental challenges facing Westchester and Long Island.

Hear a Prophecy in Rye, Sunday 2pm

Rye Country Day School sits alongside the Boston Post Road and I-95. But this Sunday, January 27th at 2pm you can hear something a lot better than the din of highway traffic.

A 120-person festival chorus comprised of the RCDS Upper School Concert Choir any other interested parents, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the school will perform with with a full orchestra. Mary Marcell, the school's Musical Director, will be at the helm.

The program is Prophecy featuring excerpts from Mendelssohn's Elijah, Rudolph's The Dream Isaiah Saw and other works about prophets and their visions.

If you are on the fence, listen to the audio from last year's RCDS festival chorus.

Word is there is a dress rehearsal today from 9am to 3pm.

Former Rye Mayor Carey: Put Your Mouth Where Your Money Is

Former Rye Mayor John Carey, who sounded an ominous warning last week to Rye residents on the prospect of Cablevision jacking its rates for basic cable service, is looking for Rye residents who want to put their mouth where their money is.

Carey is taping the first of what he hopes to be a regular Rye Community TV show tentatively titled Rye Pundits View the Candidates. That's presidential candidates he is talking about--Hill, Mitt, Rudy, the Bama, Mack, Breck Girl and the other hangers-on.

Carey is looking for local Rye pundits: "The ideal guest is one who does better than the usual pundits, with original ideas instead of group-think. A guest can support a particular candidate so long as s/he explains why in clear and persuasive terms."

Carey's first taping is Monday, January 28th with an air date to be set for February.

A search of the Federal Election Commission database for 2007 donations to presidential candidates turns up about 70 big Rye donors. Take a look at the list below, and if you see a friend or neighbor, tell him or her to put their mouth where their money is and contact John Carey (via email at jncarey AT westnet DOT com) to try their hand at being a pundit.

24 PLLY PARK RD, 10580
Bettye Whiteman
Homemaker
N/A Updated
Q4/2006
Christopher Dodd
$2,100
2008

53 WATERS EDGE, 10580
Donald Chapin
Financial management consultant
Self employed Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$1,000
2008

14 ISLAND DR, 10580
Ajit Jain
Insurance Exec
National Liability & Fire Updated
Q4/2006
Christopher Dodd
$2,100
2008

1 NORTH ISLAND DRIVE, 10580
Deborah Hutchins
Social Worker
Self employed Updated
Q1/2007
Hillary Clinton
$4,200
2008

Glenn Hutchins
Business Manager
Silver Lake Partners Updated
Q1/2007
Hillary Clinton
$4,200
2008

Glenn Hutchins
Finance
Silver Lake Partners Updated
Q1/2007
Christopher Dodd
$2,100
2008

Deborah Hutchins
Homemaker
N/A Updated
Q1/2007
Christopher Dodd
$2,100
2008 $12,600 given by this address.  $0 to Republicans  $12,600 to Democrats

55 ISLAND DR, 10580
Sara Goddard
Information Requested
Information Requested Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,300
2008

Taegan Goddard
Investment Management
Oppenhem Capital Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,300
2008 $4,600 given by this address.  $0 to Republicans  $4,600 to Democrats

2 GUION RD, 10580
Eva Burpee
Traffic Analyst
Verizon Business International  Updated
Q3/2007
John Edwards
$404
2008

111 DRAKE SMITH LANE, 10580
Richard Ketchum
Executive
NYSE Updated
Q1/2007
Christopher Dodd
$3,000
2008

126 DRAKE SMITH LN, 10580
John Donnelly
Human Resources
Citigroup Corp Updated
Q4/2006
Christopher Dodd
$500
2008

223 GRACE CHURCH ST, 10580
Emily Cavanagh
Homemaker
Not employed Updated
Q2/2007
Barack Obama
$2,300
2008

Michael Cavanagh
Information Requested
JP Morgan Chase Updated
Q2/2007
Barack Obama
$2,300
2008

Michael Cavanagh
Banker
JP Morgan Updated
Q4/2006
Christopher Dodd
$2,000
2008 $6,600 given by this address.  $0 to Republicans  $6,600 to Democrats

12 ANN LN, 10580
Gregory O'Connell
Attorney
DeFeid O'Connell & Rose PC Updated
Q1/2007
Joe Biden
$500
2008

1 LAVENDER LANE, 10580
Dennis Mccauley
PRESIDENT
UNIVISION COMMUNICATIONS INC. Updated
Q2/2007
John McCain
$4,400
2008

Susy Mccauley
HOMEMAKER
Updated
Q2/2007
John McCain
$4,400
2008 $8,800 given by this address.  $8,800 to Republicans  $0 to Democrats

53 LYNDEN ST, 10580
Michael Florio
Securities Analyst
Greenwich Capital Mkts Updated
Q4/2006
Christopher Dodd
$2,100
2008

6 MARTIN BUTLER CT, 10580
Jack Saltz
Private Investor
Self Updated
Q2/2006
Joe Biden
$1,000
2008

Jack Saltz
Investor
Self Updated
Q2/2007
Hillary Clinton
$500
2008 $1,500 given by this address.  $0 to Republicans  $1,500 to Democrats

26 VALLEYVIEW AVE, 10580
Alan Weil
Attorney
Sidley Austin LLP Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$1,000
2008

38 MIDLAND AVE, 10580
Steven Nigro
INVESTMENT BANKER
PFIFE HUDSON GROUP  Updated
Q3/2007
Rudy Giuliani
$2,300
2008

Jin Nigro
LEGAL CONSULTANT
BUREAU OF NATURAL AFFAIRS  Updated
Q3/2007
Rudy Giuliani
$2,300
2008

Eun Bae
Consultant
Bureau of National Affairs Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,000
2008 $6,600 given by this address.  $4,600 to Republicans  $2,000 to Democrats

138 GRANDVIEW AVE, 10580
Frank Savage
INVESTMENT BANKER
LAZARD-FRERES Updated
Q2/2007
John McCain
$2,300
2008

Cynthia Savage
INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST E
INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST E Updated
Q2/2007
John McCain
$2,100
2008 $4,400 given by this address.  $4,400 to Republicans  $0 to Democrats

133 GRANDVIEW AVE, 10580
Mary Roberts
SOCIAL WORKER
SELF-EMPLOYED  Updated
Q3/2007
Rudy Giuliani
$2,300
2008

Thomas Roberts
ATTORNEY
WEIL GOTSHAL & MANGES L.L.P.  Updated
Q3/2007
Rudy Giuliani
$2,300
2008

Mary Buckley-Roberts
SOCIAL WORKER
SELF-EMPLOYED  Updated
Q3/2007
Mitt Romney
$2,300
2008

Thomas Roberts
ATTORNEY
WEIL, GOTSHAL & MANGES  Updated
Q3/2007
Mitt Romney
$2,300
2008

Mary Alice Roberts
Homemaker
n/a Updated
Q4/2006
Joe Biden
$900
2008 $10,100 given by this address.  $9,200 to Republicans  $900 to Democrats

16 SCHOOL ST, 10580
James Kilts
PARTNER
CENTERVIEW PARTNERS Updated
Q2/2007
John McCain
$2,300
2008

James Kilts
FOUNDING PARTNER
CENTERVIEW PARTNERS Updated
Q1/2007
Mitt Romney
$2,300
2008 $4,600 given by this address.  $4,600 to Republicans  $0 to Democrats

105 EVERGREEN AVE, 10580
Kate Niehaus
Information Requested
Information Requested Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,300
2008

Kate Niehaus
HOMEMAKER
Updated
Q3/2007
John McCain
$2,300
2008

Robert Niehaus
Investment Manager
Greenhill & Co Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,300
2008

Robert Niehaus
INVESTMENT MANAGER
GREENHILL & COMPANY Updated
Q1/2007
Mitt Romney
$2,100
2008

Robert Niehaus
INVESTMENT MANAGER
GREENHILL CO. Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$2,100
2008 $11,100 given by this address.  $6,500 to Republicans  $4,600 to Democrats

85 RIDGE ST, 10580
Margarer Peters
DIRECTOR
DEUTSCHE BANK Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$1,000
2008

30 PARKWAY DR, 10580
John Stafford
Information Requested
Information Requested Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,300
2008

7 FLAGLER DR, 10580
Steven Starker
Broker
BTIG Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,100
2008

26 MOUNT HOLLY DR, 10580
Maged Riad
ATTORNEY
SELF Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$600
2008

19 MOUNT HOLLY DR, 10580
Charles Stuart
DIRECTOR OF SALES
UNIVISION COMMUNICATIONS INC. Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$2,100
2008

Mimi Stuart
ARTIST
SELF Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$2,100
2008 $4,200 given by this address.  $4,200 to Republicans  $0 to Democrats

345 PURCHASE ST, 10580
David Thomas
INVESTMENT PROFESSIONAL
CITIGROUP VENTURE CAPITAL LTD Updated
Q1/2007
Mitt Romney
$2,300
2008

David Thomas
PRIVATE EQUITY
COURT SQUARE CAPITAL Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$2,300
2008

Karen Thomas
INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST E
INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST E Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$2,300
2008 $6,900 given by this address.  $6,900 to Republicans  $0 to Democrats

8 PURCHASE LN, 10580
Steven Tananbaum
CEO/Chief Investment
GoldenTree Asset Managment Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,300
2008

350 PURCHASE ST, 10580
Carmen Thain
HOMEMAKER
Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$4,200
2008

John Thain
CHAIRMAN
NYSE Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$4,200
2008
$8,400 given by this address.  $8,400 to Republicans  $0 to Democrats

5 HUNTER LN, 10580
Mark Walsh
Managing Director
Lehman Brothers Updated
Q1/2007
Joe Biden
$2,300
2008

2210 THEALL RD, 10580
Halina Jamner
INFORMATION REQUESTED
Integra Jarit Updated
Q1/2007
Barack Obama
$1,500
2008

260 LOCUST AVE, 10580
Bradley Razook
Advisor
Cohen & Stoens Capital Advisors  Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,000
2008

16 MORRIS CT, 10580
Frederic Ragucci
Attorney
Schutte Ruth Zabel LLP Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$1,000
2008

3 BOXWOOD LN, 10580
Nelson Chai
CFO
NYSE GROUP, INC. Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$2,300
2008

Jungwon Chai
INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST E
INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST E Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$1,900
2008
$4,200 given by this address.  $4,200 to Republicans  $0 to Democrats

3 BOXWOOD LN, 10580
Nelson Chai
CFO
NYSE GROUP, INC. Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$2,300
2008

Jungwon Chai
INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST E
INFORMATION REQUESTED PER BEST E Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$1,900
2008
$4,200 given by this address.  $4,200 to Republicans  $0 to Democrats

3 CAPTAINS LN, 10580
Edward Cooper
Attorney
Torgan & Cooper Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$2,000
2008

4 BIXBY CT, 10580
David Gordon
Attorney
Lathan & Watkins LLP Updated
Q1/2007
John Edwards
$1,000
2008

3 PURITAN WOODS RD, 10580
Robert Fallon
Not employed
Not employed  Updated
Q3/2007
Barack Obama
$1,000
2008

Robert Fallon
BANKER
CHASE MANHATTAN BANK Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$500
2008
$1,500 given by this address.  $500 to Republicans  $1,000 to Democrats

6 TIMBER TRL, 10580
Parag Saxena
Investment Manager
Investco. Updated
Q1/2007
Christopher Dodd
$2,000
2008

Usha Saxena
Homemaker
Not employed Updated
Q2/2007
Barack Obama
$800
2008
$2,800 given by this address.  $0 to Republicans  $2,800 to Democrats

141 WENDOVER RD, 10580
Lawrence Leva
Accountant
KPMG LLP Updated
Q4/2006
Christopher Dodd
$500
2008

17 KERVAN RD, 10580
Don Mccree
BANKING
J.P. MORGAN CHASE Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$2,100
2008
Donald Mccree
Banker
JP Morgan Updated
Q4/2006
Christopher Dodd
$1,000
2008
$3,100 given by this address.  $2,100 to Republicans  $1,000 to Democrats

24 POLLY PARK RD, 10580
Robert Whiteman
Dealer
Whiteman Chevrolet Updated
Q4/2006
Christopher Dodd
$2,100
2008

115 BEVERLY RD, 10580
Timothy Yates
INVESTMENTS
QVAN CAPITAL Updated
Q1/2007
John McCain
$1,000
2008

We'll See Who Has Tunnel Vision. Rye - Syosset Tunnel Hearing Today

New York State Senator Carl L. Marcellino, chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation, has issued the list of speakers expected to deliver testimony today, Thursday, January 24, 2008, on the Rye tunnel or "Runnel"--the tunnel a Long Island developer wants to bore from Syosset underneath the Long Island Sound and sprout up at Rye's I-287.

(PHOTO: the tunnel Long Island developer Vince Polimeni wants to bore under your front lawn.) Rye Mayor Steve Otis is planning to testify. Otis told MyRye.com he will testify together with Mamaroneck Supervisor Valerie O'Keefe and Tarrytown Mayor Drew Fixell. Their comments will include a statement regarding the County Executive Andy Spano's opposition.

Still, we find Westchester County Executive Andy Spano conspicuously absent from the speakers list. The old joke is the most dangerous place in New York State is the space between Senator Chuck Schumer and a television camera. The same came be said for Westchester County and Spano. Unless he thinks it is a little hot in the kitchen, it is a bit unclear why he is not stepping into the ring himself versus sending along written testimony.

The complete list of people appearing today:

Senator Carl Marcellino
Senator Charles Fuschillo
Supervisor John Venditto, Town of Oyster Bay
Vincent Polimeni, Polimeni International LLC
Dr. William Kelly, NYS Geologist
Professor Stanley Klein, Long Island University and a Republican committeeman from Suffolk County
Mayor Steve Otis of Rye
Valerie O’Keefe Supervisor of Mamaroneck
Mayor Drew Fixell of Tarrytown
Mr. Michael White, Executive Director, Long Island Regional Planning Board
Mayor Harry Anand, Village of Laurel Hollow

Rye City Council - Meeting Minutes from January 2, 2008

Rye City Clerk Susan A. Morison has published the minutes from the January 2, 2008 Rye City Council meeting.

Here are a few of the highlights:

Rye Mayor Steve Otis presented his Annual Message

City Engineer George Mottarella updated council on Westchester's recycling policy. The county is starting a crackdown to enforce source separation of recycling materials. Rye will be fined $275 per truckload of garbage found to contain recyclables. The good news is Rye is the #1 city in Westchester for recycling participation. Keep up the good work and keep separating your recyclables!

Henry King, resident of 76 Coolidge Avenue and a watchdog for issues surrounding the Beaver Swamp Brook, was on hand to introduce himself to the council freshmen.

Appointments were made or deferred to various boards and commissions.

Councilman Matt Cunningham inquired about the (long overdue) STOP sign policy. Assistant City Manager Scott Pickup said based on some new rules issues by the feds, a new version would be distributed soon for council consideration.

Councilman Andy Ball inquired about the ongoing prospect of installing ball fields across from Rye Country Day School on land owned by The New York State Thruway Authority. Some appraisals are underway and the package to complete the transfer of this land to the City for recreational use can be ready by April.

Mayor Otis nominated Richard Runes to be City Court Judge. City Council members voted in favor with the exception of Councilman Sack who voted against the nomination.

Hearing Set this Thursday for Rye - Syosset Tunnel

They won't be able to bury the controversy on this one.

The first of what promises to be many hearings on the Rye tunnel or "Runnel"--the tunnel a Long Island developer wants to bore from Syosset underneath the Long Island Sound and sprout up at Rye's I-287--is scheduled for Thursday, January 24th at 10:30am at Town of Oyster Bay hearing room (54 Audrey Avenue, Oyster Bay, NY).

Republican State Senator from Syosset Carl L. Marcellino, Chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, is running the show.

Rye Mayor Steve Otis is scheduled to testify.