Waiting for a Better PA

 

Those readers who feel frustrated because of an inability to follow proceedings of the Rye City Council, due to the dismally poor PA system in the Council Room in City Hall, might be encouraged by a comment by Judge John Carey in another paper. He writes, “Who wants to come to Council meetings if you don’t know what’s going on? Why not just stay home and watch the meetings on TV so you can turn up the volume? Not a bad idea, except that then you have no opportunity to participate in the discussion.”

 

When Councilmembers speak, what they say to each other should be hearable by all. The “Executive Session” provides for confidentiality.

 

Upgrade the PA system, please!

 

Sincerely,

 

John Carolin

A Big Community Thanks

 

As 2013 comes to an end, Sole Ryeders & Friends’ is very thankful for being a part of the Rye community. This year was difficult for several of our friends and neighbors; cancer hit us hard this year. While unfortunately we aren’t able to provide a cure for our friends, we feel fortunate to be able to connect them with some of our survivors and to provide them with additional contacts, resources, and emotional support.

 

As a result of the overwhelmingly generous support of our community, friends, sponsors, and teammates, Sole Ryeders raised over $200,000 this year! This enables us to continue to help individuals and families in our community who are affected by cancer. Since our inception in 2007 Sole Ryeders has raised over $1,500,000 ­ — all through very grassroots fundraising efforts.

 

Leading up to this year’s 39-mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Sole Ryeders’ reached out to the Sandy Hook community as a way to help them move past the tragic events of last December. We were honored to have 18 Sandy Hook Sole Sisters join us this year for the Avon Walk. We walked as one team, and “Together We Chose Hope” became our motto. These women became our friends and gave back more to us than they could have imagined. We hope to continue this partnership for many years to come.

 

This year, over 40 of the 70 women on our team for the Avon Walk were first-time walkers, which was a great way to meet new friends and help support a cause that is important to all of us. But Sole Ryeders is not just about the Avon Walk in October – there are lots of opportunities throughout the year to get involved whether you have just a few hours to spare or are interested in becoming more involved.  We have all sorts of events that incorporate fitness, socializing, raising awareness about cancer, getting our children involved, and much more!

 

As we say goodbye to 2013, we’re thrilled that in addition to supporting the Avon Foundation, we’re able to award grants to our current partners: Cancer Support Team, Support Connection, Gilda’s Club Westchester, Open Door Family Medical Centers, and LIVESTRONG at the Rye YMCA. Each grant is designated for a specific program which addresses key cancer-related needs.

 

We will also be able to grow and broaden the scope of our own programs: The Wig Exchange, which was launched in 2012 and provides women undergoing chemotherapy with high-quality wigs and practical tips for managing cancer-related hair loss; and our newest program, Heart & Sole bags to provide patients undergoing breast cancer surgery with a variety of practical and comfort items to help them during their recovery. We’re also working on a new program with the Breast Cancer Awareness Club at Rye High School, which we’re hoping to launch in 2014.

 

So thank you, Rye, for another successful year for Sole Ryeders. We are privileged to live in a community where caring for one another is a way of life. We truly appreciate every dollar (or coin!) you donate, every event you attend, every mile you walk, and every shout out you give us on our weekend training walks. 

 

If you’re interested in learning more about Sole Ryeders, visit www.soleryeders.org or email soleryeders@gmail.com.

 

With much gratitude,

 

Sole Ryeders & Friends Team 2013