Editor's Notebook: Week in Review

Rye Patch began the week with a story on the Rye Neighborhood Compost Exchange, which was started to help residents share ingredients and ideas about composting. Melissa Grieco, co-president of the Environmental Advocacy Group of Rye, said the Compost Exchange will create a network among residents who are eco-friendly and want to minimize their waste: "Many of us avid composters are often confronted with the dilemma of not having enough of a specific compost ingredient or too much of another," Grieco said. "In order to address this common dilemma, we have created this exchange."

I've never composted before, but this article really peaked my curiosity about ways I can minimize my environmental footprint. If you're just as curious, you can visit the Rye Compost Exchange and Forum's Facebook page to find out more. 

Computer aficionados, jobseekers and social media enthusiasts now have a new hangout spot in Rye. The Rye Free Reading Room's Technology Center is now open for business. Though the center won't have it's official grand opening until Sept. 19, locals have been using it for the last few weeks to do everything from search for jobs to update their Facebook pages and Twitter accounts. The new center was funded entirely through private donations and New York Library Construction grants and features 12 computers and a plasma TV. The newly remodeled space has gotten positive reviews from patrons, who said it is more spacious and meets their technology needs. 

We also featured Allstate Agency's Ralph Borsella in this month's "Secret of My Success," a feature that highlights notable Rye area residents and asks them to give their perspective on what it takes to succeed. What's Borsella's recipe for success? Perseverance, honesty and the golden rule--treat others as you would like to be treated. With those rules, it isn't that surprising that Borsella has been in business for 25 years.

Speaking of business, the Town of Rye is entering the real estate business again this year by going after delinquent taxpayers through a foreclosure process that has netted the town 36 properties. The town is beginning foreclosure proceedings on properties whose owners owe three years or more in back taxes. This year's foreclosure list shows the properties represent over $262,000 in uncollected taxes plus an additional $76,000 in penalties, filing fees and legal fees. It is the second year the town has pursued tax delinquents--last year it seized title to more than $4 million in properties. Owners who would like to redeem their properties will have six to eight weeks to pay all taxes, penalties and fees. We're sure there will be some who don't, so we'll definitely publish follow-up stories on the proceedings.

Our other stories this week included a story on which encourages family cooking; Wainwright House's annual Healing Arts on the Harbor event; our first "Food for Thought" column, in which Rye resident and nutritionist Stephanie Gardner will provide healthy eating and lifestyle tips; and a profile of a new text messaging service that sends restaurant deals right to your phone.

We've covered lots more this weekend, so feel free to search the site for other engaging stories from the past week. Rye Patch will be your source for everything that is happening in the Rye area, from local government and school board meetings to sports and arts and entertainment.

We'll be doing a "Week in Review" every Sunday, so if you missed anything during the week, we've got you covered.