SPRYE Thanks Its Volunteers

SPRYE relies almost entirely on volunteers to provide the services it offers to members.  We showed our appreciation for their commitment and hard work by hosting t he first volunteer reception of 2017 on January 19 at the SPRYE office in Port Chester.  This gathering is also a time for volunteers to meet each other to share stories and socialize. It is always a fun and uplifting event.

 

  

Volunteer driver Tom Seaver and volunteer handyman Tom Cahill.

Many of the current volunteers are some of SPRYE's biggest boosters.   They spread the word about the organization in the community and encourage their friends and neighbors to become members or to volunteer in some capacity. Word of mouth is our most effective recruiting method!  We are always seeking new volunteers, especially drivers and those who are tech savvy and are willing to help out members in their homes with smart phones, lap tops, printers, tvs, and other devices.  We are also in need of volunteers willing to read and sort mail with members who are visually impaired.  We are so thankful to all our  volunteers for their extraordinary kindness and patience.  Becoming a SPRYE volunteer is a wonderful way to support your neighbors and give back to the community. You can join our volunteer corps by calling 914-481-5706!

           Volunteer Profile: Tilly Young

Volunteer Tilly Young cheerfully helps out in the SPRYE office.

No such thing as a quiet retirement for Tilly Young. Volunteering for SPRYE is just one of the many activities that keep her busy and engaged. A lifelong resident of the area, Tilly raised her three children in Rye before moving to Port Chester.  She was a magazine writer and editor for approximately 20 years before losing her job on 9/11 and transitioning to condo and co-op management in Westchester County. After retiring in 2015 she was looking for volunteer opportunities and saw an article in the Westmore News about SPRYE, mentioning the move to the Port Chester office.  Tilly came in for an interview and has been volunteering in the office and as a driver ever since. Her graciousness and patience make her a favorite volunteer of many members.  Often members ask her to make an extra stop on the way back from an appointment or shopping trip and more often than not Tilly will accommodate them, which means a lot to someone who can no longer get out of the house as regularly as they used to because they can no longer drive themselves. "It sounds very corny," says Tilly, " but volunteering for SPRYE is one of the most wonderful things I have ever done.  The people I drive are so appreciative and generous with their positive comments. It's a pleasure to drive them."  And the members she drives obviously feel it's a pleasure to be in her company.  Tilly has many other interests: spending time with her children and three grandchildren; traveling; taking Italian lessons, and helping out family and friends when needed. SPRYE is very fortunate to have her on its volunteer team!

SPRYE was recognized in March by the Westchester County Board of Health as one of four Public Health Honorees. Executive Director Betti Weimersheimer accepted the award at a ceremony held at HRHCare Community Health in Peekskill. She was accompanied by Board members Dale Mintz and Isobel Perry. An article about the ceremony appeared in the Journal News on April 6. We are very proud to have received this award. 

Executive Director Betti Weimersheimer (middle) displays SPRYE's Public Health Honoree proclamation with the other honorees.

The first part of this year was packed with a variety of enjoyable and stimulating programs.  A sell-out crowd of over 60 people converged on the Rye Free Reading Room on a frigid March Saturday for a screening co-sponsored by SPRYE of the film Bridge of Spies, followed by a discussion led by Jan Amorosi, the daughter of attorney James Donovan, portrayed in the movie by Tom Hanks.  The monthly programs at Wainwright House in February and March provided creative outlets and opportunities to expand horizons. In February, Taro Ietaka of the Rye Nature Center provided all the materials necessary for attendees to create their own terrariums.  And in March, Rye resident Pat Blum, who became a licensed pilot in her forties, spoke about the organization she founded- Corporate Angel Network (CAN).  CAN is a not-for-profit charity that arranges free treatment-related travel for cancer patients, using the empty seats made available by 580 participating companies on board their corporate jet aircraft during routine business travel schedules.

The annual Chinese New Year lunch in February, with the menu arranged by SPRYE member Frank Woo, is always a popular event.

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UPCOMING PROGRAMS: April - July 2017 

Please make sure to RSVP: 914-481-5706.  All programs are for SPRYE members and volunteers only. The monthly program at Wainwright House is open to the general public. Rides are available to all programs for members only. 

 

Monday, April 17 & 24; May 1 & 8 at 11 am: Gentle Chair Yoga: