Author: a

Grace Notes
November 2021 ● Vol. 219

Michael Graham, photographer
No Parking Any Time
A local photographer took this unique picture of the back of the church early this year, and at the time it struck me not only as an intriguing photo, but as a note of irony. When it was taken, vaccines were just beginning to become available, and we were parked. We had spent nearly a year with our lives, and the regular life of the church, vastly different, and greatly limited.
Now as November rolls around, it has been a bit of a roller coaster since January. Life became unparked as summer came, but then the Delta variant put a crimp on things, and we pumped the brakes yet again. But with the way we operate still adapted for these unique times, looking at this newsletter and the month before us, it feels like we are anything but parked!
In worship this month we will remember and celebrate the “saints” of our lives on All Saints Day on November 7. We will welcome a group of new saints among us as those wishing to join the church meet with the Session, are welcomed at the New Member Social on November 7 and then in worship on November 14. Our high school youth will be unparked and driving into NYC on a Midnight Run to bring donated and much needed supplies to the homeless of the City. In addition to a class of new officers voted on at the Congregational meeting, a whole new chapter in the life and mission of the church will be considered as we take steps in our relationship with the Presbyterian Church in Port Chester (All Souls Parish). More will be coming your way soon on this exciting step! And if that weren’t enough, we will be hosting the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service on November 21, as well as dedicating the new Abraham and Sarah window in the sanctuary!
Beyond all the unique events of this year and this month, all the ongoing work of the church continues: Sunday worship, Adult Education, Sunday School, youth activities, Thrift Shop. And behind it all, making it all possible, is our annual Stewardship campaign. Letters and pledge cards arrived right at the beginning of this month, and so that all might “sing a new song” together, you are asked to prayerfully consider your personal support of the church. Many changes have happened among the people of RPC, and with our lives no longer in park, your increased support is vital.
Whew. That is a lot. And I know there are some among us who lament the return to busyness and even miss the simpler life of pandemic parking. So as we ease off the brakes, may it be more than a return to busyness as usual. May we choose wisely how we allocate our time, energies, and resources. May we choose the things that continue to grow us into the people God made us to be, and the community God calls us to be. May the road ahead be one of purpose, service, generosity, and joy.

Turn the clocks
back one hour
on Sunday,
November 7th

What’s Inside?
Page 2: Adult Education, Women’s Discipleship
Page 3: Christmas Tree Lighting, Greening of the Kirk, Thrift Shop, Sunday Flowers, Rye Interfaith Service
Page 4: Christian Education, Confirmation
Page 5: Music Notes, In Memoriam, Births
Page 6: Worship, Giving
Page 7: Bible Studies, November Meetings
Page 8: Rye Presbyterian Nursery School

rye Presbyterian church ▪ 882 BOSTON POST ROAD ▪ RYE ▪ NY 10580 / 914-967-0842 / www.ryepc.com

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rye presbyterian church • grace notes • november 2021
2017

Adult Education, Women’s Discipleship

How the Pandemic Has
Changed Our World
Sunday mornings, 9:00 AM
Nov. 14 & Dec. 12 Rye Presbyterian Church
A 2020 Pew Research poll asked Americans how the pandemic has affected them. The majority (89%) mentioned at least one negative change in their lives, while a smaller share (though still a 73% majority) mentioned at least one unexpected upside. Most have experienced these events simultaneously. 67% of Americans mentioned at least one negative and at least one positive change since the pandemic began.
Join us as we welcome “experts” to address four areas: Education, Medicine, Religion, and Business
November 14 – Religion December 12 – Business
Deborah Milcarek, Jim Howland
General Presbyter (RPC Member)
Hudson River Presbytery Managing Director
Morgan Stanley
November 14 – Business December 12 – Religion
Jim Howland (RPC Member) RE Deborah Milcarek, General Presbyter
Managing Director, Morgan Stanley Hudson River Presbytery

Women’s Discipleship Group
Wednesday Mornings
8:30am-10:00am
in the the RPC Library
Zoom TBD
Please join us for our study:
Faith and Fire
Elijah
by Priscilla Shirer

Please e-mail questions to:
Alicia Baldwin (alicia.baldwin@verizon.net) or
Courtney Bennett (Courtneybennett910@gmail.com)

rye presbyterian church • grace notes • november 2021
2017

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Christmas Tree Lighting, Greening of the Kirk,
Thrift Shop, Sunday Flowers, New Members, Rye Interfaith Service

Sunday,
December 5,
at 7:00 p.m.
Carols around the trees on the front lawn
to welcome in the Christmas season
with dessert following
in front of the church!

RPC

The Greening of the Kirk

Yes, it feels early . . . but it’s almost that time when RPC elves gather together to
decorate the Sanctuary for the holidays.
Come by on Wednesday, December 1,
11:00 a.m.
As usual, there will be food and drink,
music, and lots of merriment.
Please contact Ashley Ginnings (ashleytginnings@gmail.com) or
Krysta Holland (krysta.holland@gmail.com)
if we can count on you this year!

The RPC Thrift Shop is
Open Thursdays
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room.
DONATIONS TAKEN ON A VERY
LIMITED BASIS.
Please email ryethrift10580@gmail.com for
updates, as our ability to take donations changes weekly. Thank you!

New(er) Member
Gathering
Sunday, November 7, 7:30 p.m.
If you’ve recently joined RPC, you are invited to come to the Grape Arbor (weather permitting) on Sunday evening, November 7, at 7:30 p.m. The church Session will just be finishing up meeting with the very newest members of RPC, and this is a great chance for them to meet you, and for all to get to know one another. Refreshments served!

Blessing
of the
(well-dressed)
Animals

Annual
Pumpkin
Carving
Oct. 2021

Sunday Chancel Flowers
Each week beautiful flowers adorn our sanctuary and provide an uplifting reminder of the goodness of God. Please consider honoring the memory of a loved one or recognizing a special occasion for a $70 donation.
The flowers are a blessing to all who attend the service live in the sanctuary as well as those attending online. Your donation will be noted in the church bulletin.
To make arrangements, contact Denise LeVan (dlevan@ryepc.com).

Rye Interfaith
Thanksgiving Service
●
Sunday, November 21, 3:00 p.m.
Rye Presbyterian Church Sanctuary
Please bring non-perishable food items to be donated to
Caritas Port Chester.

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rye presbyterian church • grace notes • november 2021

Christian Education, Confirmation

This November we continue our journey through our new Sunday School curriculum called Celebrate Wonder, which seeks to engage our children’s natural sense of wonder and curiosity to help them understand God’s love! Through opportunities for reflection, music, engaging activities, and spiritual practices, our children will be given a safe space to ask big questions and help them live into their identities as beloved children of God. Below are the stories we are engaging this month:
Nov. 7: Exodus 5:1-13:9
(Moses and the Pharaoh)
Nov. 14: Exodus 13:17-14:31
(Crossing the Sea)
Nov. 21: Exodus 15:1-21
(Moses and Miriam Celebrate)
Nov. 28: No Sunday School
(Thanksgiving)
We invite families to engage these stories together at home! This curriculum comes with its own Take-Home pages that invite families to read, wonder, and pray together. These pages will be sent home with your children every Sunday morning. We will also include these pages in our weekly Christian Ed newsletter. If you would like to receive our newsletter, please contact Rev. JP (jmarshall@ryepc.com).
Sunday, November 7:
Feeding Westchester
Breakfast Bag Event
All are welcome to join us this fall as we partner with Mission & Outreach and Feeding Westchester to help hungry children in our community!
Following the 10:00 a.m. service, we will gather out on the front lawn to pack Breakfast Bags filled with cereal and healthy snacks. These bags will be shared with school children who receive free or reduced-price lunch in Yonkers, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, Ossining, Peekskill, or Port Chester. This program provides food to children for weekends and holidays to help ensure they have food between school-provided meals. For further information, or if you want to help with the event, please contact Rev. JP (jmarshall@ryepc.com).
Middle School Connection
All 6th – 8th graders are welcome at RPC’s Connection!
Mondays, November 1 & 15, 5:30-6:45 p.m., Youth Rooms: We’ll take time to catch up with one another over pizza, then play some games and reflect together.
Saturday, November 13, 4:00-5:30 p.m., Larchmont Avenue Church. We’ll help sort clothing and prepare supplies at Larchmont Avenue Church for the Midnight Run into NYC later that night. Space will be limited to 6 participants. We will meet at Larchmont Avenue Church (60 Forest Park Ave.).
Let Rev. JP - (jmarshall@ryepc.com) know if you’d like to be on the parent email list. All updates about Connection gatherings will also be put on the website each month.
We are also keeping the connections going outside of our gatherings through GroupMe! If your youth would like to be a part of our group chat, please send Rev. JP (jmarshall@ryepc.com) either your youth’s cell phone number or email.
High School Youth Group
All 9th – 12th graders are welcome at RPC’s High School Youth Group!
Saturday, November 13, 10:00-11:30 a.m., RPC Kitchen: Join us as we pack bagged lunches to take on the Midnight Run in NYC later that night. Youth and their families are encouraged to help collect food donations for the lunches: individual chip bags, bottled water/juice boxes/Gatorade, individual wrapped cookies/brownies/candy, and soft fruit (grapes, oranges, bananas).
Saturday, November 13, 7:30 p.m.-12:00 a.m., Larchmont Avenue Church & NYC. We are partnering with Larchmont Avenue Church to hand out clothes and food to people on the streets of NYC. We will meet first at Rye Presbyterian Church at 7:30 p.m. We should be done and back at the church sometime around midnight. Space will be limited to 8 participants. We will also need 4 drivers for the event who drive SUVs or mini-vans. Parents, if you are available to drive, please let Rev. JP know.
Sunday, November 21. 6:00-7:30 p.m., Chapel: Join us for Vespers, where we invite our high school youth to slow down in the midst of all the busyness for a time of intentional connection and prayer! Please let Rev. JP (jmarshall@ryepc.com) know beforehand if you plan on joining us for Vespers. Also, if you have a specific concern you would like us to pray for, please feel free to reach out, even if you are unable to attend!
2022 Summer Service. We hope you can join us as we continue serving alongside our neighbors during the summer of 2022! This year we are planning on two different trips on the week of June 26-July 2: one to New Orleans and the other to Chicago. Each trip will have space for 15 high school youth! We are also continuing our local service week next summer during the week of August 1-5.
For those interested in learning more, there will be an information session on Sunday, November 21, at 11:15 a.m. in the Westminster Room. Sign-ups for the trips will begin online on Monday, January 10, at 8:00 p.m. and will require a $100 non-refundable deposit. Space is limited, so please mark your calendars!
Please contact Rev. JP (jmarshall@ ryepc.com) if you have any questions.
Let Rev. JP (jmarshall@ryepc.com) know if you’d like to be on the parent email list. All updates about Connection gatherings will also be put up on the website each month.
We are also keeping the connections going outside of our gatherings through GroupMe! If your youth would like to be a part of our group chat, please send Rev. JP (jmarshall@ryepc.com) either your youth’s cell phone number or email
Confirmation
Class meetings this month:
Sunday, November 7 -
first names L-Z at 4:00 p.m.
A-K at 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 21 -
first names A-K at 4:00 p.m.
L-Z at 5:00 p.m.

rye presbyterian church • grace notes • november 2021

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Music Notes, In Memoriam, Births

by Jason Charneski
Both Organs to Be Featured in Recital on November 14
The Westchester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) will hold its annual Members’ Recital here on Sunday, November 14, at 4:00 p.m. The concert, open to the public, will feature both of the church’s organs: the new 564-pipe Casavant organ in the chapel, and the 3,863-pipe Casavant organ in the chancel (installed 40 years ago!). COVID safety protocols will be observed. A reception will follow the concert, outdoors, in the Grape Arbor, if the weather is amenable (in the Westminster Room if otherwise).
Mini Cantata Sunday Slated for December 12
Pandemic safety requirements relative to distancing preclude us from presenting a normal Cantata Sunday; but, we are able to present something of a much smaller – yet equally beautiful – scale. Please come to worship on December 12 in order to be moved by a lovely, brief (c. 9 minutes’ duration) setting of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46b-55) that was attributed to Buxtehude, but now is thought to have been written by a composer – Johann Kaspar Kerll or Johann Rosenmülker -- who lived in southern Germany or Austria in the mid-1600s. We will offer it in a scoring for choir, soloists, two violins, cello, and organ. The instrumentalists also will provide music for the prelude, offering, and postlude.
Looking to Christmas Eve: A Commissioned Piece!
As a part of observing the 150th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the sanctuary, we have commissioned Patrick Cannell (a son of the church; a composer for films and television) to write an anthem for choir, organ, and string quartet, which will be premiered at the late service (10:00 p.m.) on Christmas Eve. For the text, Patrick has chosen Clear Out the Cluttered Heart, by Thomas H. Troeger, a hymnwriter and poet whose writings we use in worship quite often. Dr. Troeger found his inspiration for the text in the words of Isaac Watts’s phrase from Joy to the World, “Let every heart prepare him room.”
- Jason

In Memoriam
Recent Passings in our
Church Community
John L. Alfano, September 29
James Hinchman Goodman, September 29,
father of Andy Goodenough
V. Edward Olson, September 25,
father of Kerry Olson
Angelyn Williams, October 18,
Mother of Julia Thomas

Grey Bradford Tory, October 13,
daughter of Allie Bradford & George Tory,
and granddaughter of Leslie & Tuck Bradford
John Russell Richardson, August 30,
son of Sarah and John Richardson

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rye presbyterian church • grace notes • november 2021

Worship, Giving

Weekend Worship
As we move into November, we will continue with a single service at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday mornings. As we have done since the summer, that service will have limited in-person attendance. In addition, the online option through Zoom and YouTube will continue. As we keep an eye on demand and safety, we will add services as needed – bringing back the Saturday 5:00 p.m. service or an early Sunday service. Please watch your weekly emails for updates!
Online Worship
As mentioned above, live-streamed worship will continue this fall and will become a permanent feature of RPC. The installation of a permanent system in the sanctuary with multiple cameras, more microphones, and an upgraded sound system has been completed. The live feed will be available for now on Zoom and YouTube. But, if you don’t have computer capability you can also dial in to hear the service on your phone. That information is in the box below. A special thank-you to the virtual worship crew, the Worship & Music committee, and the in-person usher corps for working so hard to make worship in the Covid-19 era go so smoothly!

Worship in the Sanctuary
In Person
GUIDELINES
As promised, we continue to evaluate and adjust our policies as circumstances and guidelines change. Because of the increased incidence of COVID infections in Westchester County at this time, we have modified our mask policy:
● Masks are required for all unvaccinated people and
are highly recommended for the vaccinated.
Other than the masking change, our previous guidelines remain. For the full current update on Worship Guidelines, click: https://ryepc.com/article/updated-worship-guidelines-august-2021/).
Sunday Services also
Online via Live Stream!
Bulletin and instructions
on joining via Zoom or YouTube
are on the church website:
ryepc.com/worship/worship-at-rpc/
Instructions on joining by Zoom
and other platforms
are on the church website:
ryepc.com/worship/worship-at-rpc/
Bulletins will also be available there.

Sept. 26, Crucifer returns to the Sunday morning service.

Dial in to
Sunday Worship!
To attend worship by using your phone, call 1-646-558-8656
then enter this Meeting ID: 560 770 303

The tech team at work streaming Sunday worship to homes!

Online donation options are available on the RPC Website Giving page.
To access, go to ryepc.com/give or scan the QR Code to the right with your cell phone.
Please contact Maida Robinson:
mrobinson@ryepc.com
if you have any questions or need assistance.

rye presbyterian church • grace notes • november 2021

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Bible Studies, Meetings

Bible Studies
Sundays, November 14 & 21
8:00 p.m. in the Library with Zoom option
Our study of Luke has come to a close and we will be continuing on in part 2 of Luke—the Acts of the Apostles. All are welcome to join in as we continue our study and time together. Contact Dan Love, dlove@ryepc.com., for more information.
Every Monday
9:30 a.m., via Zoom
All are welcome to jump inany time as we are fresh into our reading of the Gospel according to Luke! We meet every Monday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. via Zoom. Contact Dan, dlove@ryepc.com, to be added to the reminder list!
Saturdays, Nov. 6 & 13, 10:00 a.m., via Zoom
For further information, contact Cynthia De Santis
(cynthialwells@gmail.com)

Men’s Bible Study

Monday Morning Bible Discussion

Women’s Bible Study

Call for Congregational Meeting
Sunday, November 14
A congregational meeting is called for Sunday, November 14, following 10:00 a.m. worship, in the Sanctuary and online, for the purpose of acting on the nominations for Elders, Deacons, Trustees, and members-at-large to the Nominating Committee, and to act upon the recommendation of both the Session and the Board of Trustees that Rye Presbyterian Church purchase the property of All Souls Parish (The Presbyterian Church of Port Chester) for the amount of $1.00. —Katy Ridley

Stewardship Commitment Sunday
November 21
Singing a new song in 2022!
Thank you for joining in as you make your pledge for the coming year.

november
Church Office Closed on Thursday and Friday, November 25-26,
in observance of Thanksgiving

Board Meetings
Deacons: Wednesday, Nov. 10, 7:30 p.m., via Zoom
Trustees: Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7:30 p.m., Westminster & Zoom
Session: Wednesday, Nov. 17, 7:30 p.m., via Zoom
Bible Studies
Men’s Bible Study: Sunday, Nov. 14 & 21, 8:00 p.m., Library with Zoom option
Monday Morning Bible Discussion: Every Monday, 9:30 a.m., via Zoom
Women’s Bible Study: Saturdays, Nov. 6 & 13, 10:00 a.m.,
via Zoom
Women’s Discipleship: Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m., Library
Adult Education
-How the Pandemic Has Changed Our World:
Sunday mornings, 9:00 a.m., Nov. 14, Dec. 12,
Rye Presbyterian Church
-In the News: Sunday evenings, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 14, 12, 28, Dec. 19, via Zoom; contact John Miller, jmiller@ryepc.com, for Zoom info.
Youth
Confirmation: Sundays, Nov 7 & 21, at 4:00 p.m. &
5:00 p.m., Westminster Room
Connection: Mondays, Nov. 1 & 15, 5:30 p.m.,
Youth Rooms
-Saturday, Nov. 13, 4:00 p.m., Midnight Run Prep,
Larchmont Ave. Church
High School Youth Group:
-Saturday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., NYC Midnight Run
(Bags Prep. 10:00 a.m., RPC kitchen)
-Sunday, Nov. 21, 6:00 p.m., Vespers, Chapel
Music
Chancel Choir: Meet 9:15 a.m., sing at 10:00 a.m. service,
rehearsal following service (11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)
Children’s Choir: TBD
Youth Choir: Sundays after worship, dates TBD.
Other Church Meetings
Organ Recital: Sunday, Nov. 14, 4:00 p.m., Sanctuary
Congregational Meeting: Sunday, Nov. 14, following worship
Feeding Westchester: Sunday, Nov. 7, 11:15 a.m., Front Lawn
Mission & Outreach: Wednesday, Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., Library.
New Members: Meet with Session, Sunday, Nov. 7, 7:00 p.m., Assembly Room; reception following in the Grape Arbor
-Recognized in Worship: Sunday, Nov. 14
Stephen Leaders: Monday, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m., via Zoom
-Even Stephens: Monday, Nov. 1, 5:00 p.m.,
-Prime Ministers: Thursdays, 7:30 p.m., via Zoom
3Ts: Tuesday, 9:50 a.m., Nov. 16, via Zoom
Contact Jane Mickatavage (914-967-8622) or
Nancy Steed (914-328-9658).
Thrift Shop: Thursdays, 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m., Assembly
Room. Note: Donations taken on limited basis.
Email ryethrift10580@gmail.com for updates.
Worship & Music: Monday, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m., via Zoom
Youth Service Trip Info Meeting: Sunday, Nov. 21,
11:30 a.m., Westminster Room
.

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rye presbyterian church • grace notes • november 2021

Rye Presbyterian Nursery School

Greetings to the RPC Community
from
Kristin Bassett Kumar
Happy Fall! In October, RPNS had its very own pumpkin patch! There was a festive display of pumpkins on the great lawn for the classes to enjoy! Every child had the opportunity to pick their very own pumpkin! Back in the classroom, the children decorated their pumpkins with paint and tissue paper. They were very proud to bring their special pumpkins home.

The Rev. Daniel Love, Co-Pastor
The Rev. Dr. John Miller, Co-Pastor
The Rev. Jean-Paul Marshall, Associate Pastor for Christian Education
Jason Charneski, Director of Music and Organist
Lisa Rawson, Director of Choirs for Children and Youth
Theodore Cheng, Knock Intern in Sacred Music
Maida Robinson, Chief Administrative Officer
Peggy Berretta, Administrative Assistant
Denise LeVan, Pastoral Assistant
Juan Velasquez, Head Sexton/Building Manager
Alonso Osorio, Sunday Sexton
Rye Presbyterian Church
882 Boston Post Road, Rye, New York 10580 / Tel: 914.967.0842 / www.ryepc.com
We are a Stephen Ministry church.

“

Reopens September 12
10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.
Reopens September 14
10:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m.

by Jason Charneski
Both Organs to Be Featured in Recital on November 14
The Westchester Chapter of the American Guild of Organists (AGO) will hold its annual Members’ Recital here on Sunday, November 14, at 4:00 p.m. The concert, open to the public, will feature both of the church’s organs: the new 564-pipe Casavant organ in the chapel, and the 3,863-pipe Casavant organ in the chancel (installed 40 years ago!). COVID safety protocols will be observed. A reception will follow the concert, outdoors, in the Grape Arbor, if the weather is amenable (in the Westminster Room if otherwise).
Mini Cantata Sunday Slated for December 12
Pandemic safety requirements relative to distancing preclude us from presenting a normal Cantata Sunday; but, we are able to present something of a much smaller – yet equally beautiful – scale. Please come to worship on December 12 in order to be moved by a lovely, brief (c. 9 minutes’ duration) setting of the Magnificat (Luke 1:46b-55) that was attributed to Buxtehude, but now is thought to have been written by a composer – Johann Kaspar Kerll or Johann Rosenmülker -- who lived in southern Germany or Austria in the mid-1600s. We will offer it in a scoring for choir, soloists, two violins, cello, and organ. The instrumentalists also will provide music for the prelude, offering, and postlude.
Looking to Christmas Eve: A Commissioned Piece!
As a part of observing the 150th anniversary of the laying of the cornerstone of the sanctuary, we have commissioned Patrick Cannell (a son of the church; a composer for films and television) to write an anthem for choir, organ, and string quartet, which will be premiered at the late service (10:00 p.m.) on Christmas Eve. For the text, Patrick has chosen Clear Out the Cluttered Heart, by Thomas H. Troeger, a hymnwriter and poet whose writings we use in worship quite often. Dr. Troeger found his inspiration for the text in the words of Isaac Watts’s phrase from Joy to the World, “Let every heart prepare him room.”
Jason

The RPC Thrift Shop
Open Thursdays
10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. in the Assembly Room.
No donations being taken at this time.
For further information, email: ryethrift10580@gmail.com.

Greetings to the RPC
Community
from
Kristin Bassett Kumar
Happy Fall! In October, RPNS had its very own pumpkin patch! There was a festive display of pumpkins on the great lawn for the classes to enjoy! Every child had the opportunity to pick their very own pumpkin! Back in the classroom, the children decorated their pumpkins with paint and tissue paper. They were very proud to bring their special pumpkins home.

The RPC Thrift Shop is
closed July & August.
Please note we are unable to accept
donations at this time.
Stay tuned for Fall update!
For further information, email: ryethrift10580@gmail.com