Member Profile: Mary Pryor

One of SPRYE's newest members is Mary Pryor. She has lived in Rye Brook for the past 10 years, downsizing from a house in Rye where she and her husband lived for many years, raising six children there.  Mary is a true New Yorker, born and raised in Manhattan, then moving north to the Bronx with her husband and children, and next to Yonkers before settling in Rye. Her husband passed away last year but her large family makes sure she stays busy. Mary has 12 grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She is fortunate to have two very involved daughters who live on Long Island. Besides staying busy raising her children, Mary worked for 18 years in the City of Rye Assessor's Office as an Assessment Clerk.  She is also proud of the many years she spent volunteering for Helping Hands, the Mother's Club at Resurrection Church and at the high school. Her favorite hobbies are sewing and reading. Mary learned about SPRYE from one of its founders, Tom Saunders. She also knows several members and said the organization now fits her lifestyle. "I had only heard positive things about SPRYE so I felt it was time to join," said Mary, "The volunteers have been so accommodating. It's just a wonderful organization."  SPRYE is delighted to have Mary as a member!

Mary Pryor gets her first ride from a volunteer.

 

After seven years at the helm of SPRYE, Executive Director Betti Weimersheimer will retire June 30th of this year. The Board is in the process of searching for her replacement and will introduce the new executive director once a selection has been made.   

It has been a busy few months for both SPRYE members and volunteers. SPRYE was invited to take part in the Rye Middle School Expo entitled Our Diverse World on March 23rd.  We presented in four workshops which included SPRYE members Betsy Healy, Mary Morrissey, Jane Mickatavage and Barbara Brunner, all long time residents of Rye  They talked about the benefits and challenges of aging in our community and shared stories about how Rye has changed over the past sixty years.  It was informative and enlightening for both the students and the SPRYE members, who learned from each other's perspectives about life in Rye. We hope our participation in this event becomes a tradition!

Jane Mickatavage shows the students historic images of Rye during a Diversity Day session featuring SPRYE.

Betsy Healy confers with one of the middle school teachers.

Mary Morrissey (center) discussing life in Rye with Barbara Brunner as the students listen.

Fifteen SPRYE members feasted on Chinese food selected by member Frank Woo at the annual Chinese New Year lunch in February. The yearly lunch is one of SPRYE's most popular outings and the consensus was that this year's food was the best yet. Many thanks to Frank for arranging it. 

SPRYE members take a break between courses.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS: April-July 2018

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