If you look at the City of Rye website, you'll see something there called "Useful Links." Click them and they'll take you, virtually, to a number of important local institutions.
Of course, click the wrong one and it plays the long version of Rick Astley's "Never Gonna Give You Up." So, you want to be as careful here as a member of the bomb squad.
Here's a brief tour of some of my favorite links.
: Here you can travel, virtually, through Rye's past. The big hats we wore and the strange tools we used. And why both these things made the dinner hour such a bizarre experience. The info here seems pretty accurate, except for one thing. Did we really have a Starbucks during Revolutionary Times? And was the Double Chocolate-y Blended Frapuccino really invented during The Civil War? That can't be right.
: If you go to this site, you can see all the ways Rye is connecting the Business Community with the regular Community. The City Council decided that it was hard to tell the difference, so members of the Business Community have been ask to wear bowler hats. While regular people are being asked to use everyday expresssions, like, 'What up, dog?' It's made things much easier.
If you have a local business and want to learn how to improve it, check out this link. Although, after the recent economic downturn, you may hope you can just hang on. And, taking a tip from the Historical Society? If anyone wants to pay you with wampum? Go for it!
: "The Jay property in Rye is the boyhood home of New York's only Founding Father," John Jay. However, that line about him also being The Godfather of Soul is a mistake. And that's why we need the Historical Society. To keep an eye on this rogue organization!
Rye Brook is not as old, but they're starting to think about building a Heritage Center, too. With the Jay Property promising to lend them a few items to get started. So, if you want to see a 3-cornered hat and an English muffin? That's where you want to head.
: This institution give classes in all the lively arts. Here you can learn how to draw, play music and make films. If you insist on doing all these at the same time, however, you have ADD. So please get that cleared up before you register. Still, if you don't and you're able to make several movies at the same time, this could work to your advantage. And give new meaning to the term "3 Picture Deal."
: If, after learning a bit of history and making a film, you need exercise, here's the place to go. Now, the Y's website mentions "Pool," but they purposely leave it ambiguous. So bring your trunks, as well as your chalk and cue.
Spinning is practiced, but only on those bikes. If you think you come in here and simply spin in circles, think again. And also make allowances for the fact that you may have ADD, too. So please get that cleared up before you join.
Although, one thing good about Attention Deficit Disorder. You can look at all these links at once and still have several hours free to do your errands. The same thing can probably be said about reading my columns. But we'll leave that for another time.
