Rye’s Senior Hall of Famers

Barbara Brunner

Among the residents inducted into the Westchester County Senior Citizen Hall of Fame at a luncheon December 6, were two extraordinary women from Rye — Betsy Biddle and Barbara Brunner. Both have been active volunteers and advocates for seniors.

Brunner was recognized for her involvement with SPRYE (secretary, volunteer driver, and bookkeeper), Meals on Wheels, Helping Hands for the Homeless and Hungry (Dinner at Noon and assemblage of school backpacks), and Christ’s Church (in charge of volunteer desk and mailings). She’s also served as a National Court Representative for the League of Women Voters.

“Upon retirement, my plan was to seek out volunteer opportunities within the community. I did just that and have enjoyed each association,” Brunner told the paper. It isn’t just about volunteering; I put meeting and interacting with so many new people at the top of the list. I am enjoying such a gratifying time in my life.”

Biddle has dedicated 38 years of service to Westchester elders. As a humanitarian as well as in her position as Executive Director, she has made Andrus on Hudson a “beacon” in the storm. During Hurricane Irene in August 2011, she opened Andrus’s doors to 36 elderly nursing home residents who were evacuated from Menorah Home in Manhattan Beach. Again in October 2012, as Hurricane Sandy wrecked our area and many endured the prolonged loss of electricity and services, she opened the facility as a shelter for local Hastings-on-Hudson residents and provided hot meals for the volunteer Fire Department.

In addition to her role as caretaker, Biddle has proven to be a strong advocate for the elders under her care. When the Berger Commission threatened to close Andrus and displace 190 elders, she “took on” the State of New York Department of health in Federal District Court, winning a favorable resolution to keep Andrus on Hudson open.

Biddle has also been an active volunteer for the Rye Y and Livable Communities of Westchester.

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