Apr. 23, 2014: Within the next week, every household in town should receive a complete packet via bulk mail announcing the late spring and summer activities in celebration of Eastchester's 350th anniversary. Included are an invitation to a gala at Siwanoy Country Club on May 30, an invitation to a community festival day at Lake Isle on June 21, and tickets for trolley tours on June 29 for a living history experience of the town.

A prepublication brochure is also enclosed in this mailing for Out of the Wilderness: The Emergence of Eastchester, Tuckahoe & Bronxville, NY, 1664-2014, the first-ever hardbound history of Eastchester, which will be available in the fall; it can be purchased before July 15 at a special introductory price of $35 per copy.

All of these opportunities for participating in the celebration are also detailed onwww.eastchester350.org, the official website of the anniversary.

When the events committee first met, members were keenly aware of their mission: to ensure that the 350th anniversary celebration in Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and Bronxville would match every age and interest group with appropriate entertainment--and not lose sight of the town's commemoration of its history.

"Eastchester 350th Anniversary's steering committee is so pleased by the participation this spring of all the town schools--public and parochial--their students and their parents--in the educational program to recall Eastchester's first 350 years, generously sponsored by The Bronxville Historical Conservancy. In that same spirit of town unity, we now offer our adults, seniors, and families great opportunities to have some fun together while celebrating our history,” said Councilman Joe Dooley, chairman of the events committee.

The gala at Siwanoy on May 30, from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm, will be a cocktail reception with plenty of good food and live entertainment sponsored by Houlihan Lawrence. A string quartet will launch the evening, to be followed by a jazz singer and band. Valet parking will be available. Displays from the Eastchester 350th educational program, a history of the town's four golf courses, and, with a grant from The Community Fund, a replica of the Eastchester Covenant will be showcased. The ticket price of $95 per person includes all of the above, plus two drinks. This is a not-to-be-missed party; reservations will be on a first-come, first-served basis and can be made either with the reply form in the mailing or via PayPal on the website. This will be a ticketed event with no tickets sold at the door.

On June 21, the community festival and golf outing at Lake Isle Country Club will offer a full day of fun and relaxation with friends and family, thanks to the leading sponsor, Eastchester Wells Fargo Bank. An 8:00 am shotgun golf outing (reserve/pay in advance) will be followed by family-focused activities such as pony rides, a tennis exhibition, an open house at the pool from noon to 6:00 pm, and live music and performances from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Everyone is also encouraged to pack a good old-fashioned picnic basket, bring beach chairs and blankets, and enjoy the day! The community festival is free of charge to residents of Eastchester, Tuckahoe, and Bronxville; however, a new snack bar will be open for business for those wishing to purchase a light meal or snack.

As the town's focus on its local history continues in June, the official birthday date of June 24 will be remembered in a special official ceremony. Living history tours can also be taken on Sunday, June 29, via special trolleys engaged for the day. This event is open to all and tickets are $22 per person, payable in advance.

"Mark your calendars now. The fun is just beginning!" said Dooley.

Pictured here: The invitation to Eastchester 350th Anniversary, Inc.'s late spring and summer activities.

Photo courtesy Linda Doherty Laird, Co-Chair, Steering Committee, Eastchester 350th Anniversary, Inc.