Rye YMCA Annual Dinner

In the Spirit of Community

Over 175 Rye YMCA supporters gathered at Apawamis Club on May 31 for the organization’s Annual Dinner and awards ceremony. The event gave board members, staff, and residents the opportunity to celebrate the Y’s accomplishments and recognize the commitment of several very special individuals.

But first, the Y’s Team Gymnastics Dance class captivated the crowd with a lively dance and tumbling routine. The girls, ages 6-11, were coached by the Y’s beloved children’s performer, Dawn Halasz, a.k.a. Dawny Dew.

Board President Doug DeStaebler acknowledged the contributions of outgoing board members David Reno, Doug Stern, and Chris Willis. He introduced incoming board members Jessica Bentley, John Hanratty, Alison Cupp Relyea, and Sarah Snell. DeStaebler is also rotating off the board after two three-year terms. As the program came to a close, he passed the gavel to new board president Doug Donohue.

Over the past year, the staff has developed programs and initiatives in keeping with the Y’s broad strategic roadmap. Executive Director Gregg Howells was pleased to highlight a few: the Y’s role as fiscal agent for the RyeACT Coalition; the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program; a locker room enhancement project; and the Rye Y’s participation in a national YMCA learning cohort that aims to enhance the member experience.

Howells also recognized Ellen Kaplan, fondly known by generations of families as Ellen Watermelon, who after 27 years leading music, movement, and enrichment classes, is retiring and moving to North Carolina.

And the rest of the night belonged to this year’s award winners.

Staff Award: Spirit, Mind and Body

This year’s recipient was Liz Koenig, Assistant Director of Aquatics and Safety, who was honored for her commitment to making the Y’s Aquatics Program outstanding for all participants. She has also taken the lead in developing new water safety workshops for the youth members and the community at-large.

Staff Award: Quality Keeper

Ashley Rosell, Assistant Director of Membership Services, received the Quality Keeper Award for her dedication to stellar service for Rye Y members and camp families. Whether she’s behind the front desk answering questions, or juggling logistics for summer camp, Ashley is “consistently professional, helpful, and respectful to all.”

Staff Award: Excellence in Innovation

Rye Y Member Wellness Coordinator Laura A. Laura was recognized for creating and running the Basic Training class. This new program uses ExerZone equipment to help older adults build strength and flexibility. “Laura is an effective trainer and a cheerleader for fitness, health, and wellness for all ages.”

Community Service Award

Each year the Rye Y honors an individual who has made a positive impact on the community. This year’s award was presented to two, Bob and Nancy Steed.

Over the past five decades, the Steeds have devoted their time and energy to a variety of organizations, including the Osborn PTO, United Way, Westchester Children’s Association, Rye Youth Council, Hudson Link, Rye Human Rights Commission, Exodus Transitional Community, and Samaritan Counseling Center. Both are longtime members of Rye Presbyterian Church where each has held numerous leadership posts.

Nancy and Bob say their most meaningful and “life-changing” service has been their long involvement with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, work that has been strongly supported by Rye Presbyterian.

Gold Spirit Awards

Trustee Tom Murphy presented this year’s Gold Spirit Awards, the Rye Y’s highest honor for volunteer service.

• Katherine “Kat” Doyle

Kat was elected to the Board of Directors in 2008. She served as Vice President and Secretary on the Executive Committee and was an active member of the Stewardship, Financial Development, and Board Development committees. During the Y’s insurance renewal process, Kat used her professional expertise to help our staff navigate the complexities of the insurance world. She also chaired the last Barefoot Bash and the first March Madness fundraising events, which together raised over $115,000.

Kat rotated off the board in 2014 but rejoined in 2016. In between, she became an early member of the Togetherhood Committee, a social responsibility initiative that engages Y members in community service.

• Kevin Tice

Kevin served two three-year terms on the Board of Directors (2009-2015), taking on the roles of Vice President, Treasurer, and ultimately President. He was an active member of the board’s Community Outreach, Finance, Audit, Investment, Board Development, Golf Outing, and Strategic Planning committees. For two years, Kevin served as Team Captain of the Annual Campaign, motivating other board members to raise much-needed support for cause-driven work. And during the Y’s milestone Centennial year, Kevin chaired the Centennial Campaign Committee, which raised $2 million to ensure the Y’s future.

The Rye Y congratulates all of its honorees and thanks them for making the Rye Y and our community, in the broadest sense of the word, a better place.