With Thanksgiving on everyone’s mind and menu, it’s the perfect time to thank our non-profit organizations — and the tireless and dedicated individuals who serve and volunteer — for enriching and enlivening our town. We asked their leaders and directors what they are truly thankful for.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
With Thanksgiving on everyone’s mind and menu, it’s the perfect time to thank our non-profit organizations — and the tireless and dedicated individuals who serve and volunteer — for enriching and enlivening our town. We asked their leaders and directors what they are truly thankful for.
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EMS Administrator Scott Moore gives heartfelt thanks to the community. “People are always so supportive of our service, which in turn makes
our staff here work even harder. It’s a wonderful cycle that I love to see.”
Rye Historical Society Director Sheri Jordan praised Rye’s singular can-do spirit and the fact that its citizens always rise to the occasion. On a personal note, she is thankful for “my family and my little papillon, who’s always happy to see me.”
Christine Siller, Executive Director of the Rye Nature Center, is grateful for the Friends of RNC. She appreciates “All the kids who come here every season and my co-workers, the most dedicated and hardworking people I know.”
Wainwright House Executive Director Hilary Jones is tremendously pleased with all the positive decisions made in the past year on behalf of Wainwright, and the community’s growing interest. She added, “I’m thankful for the sunset at Wainwright at the end of the day.”
Carver Center Executive Director Kerry Walsh said she’s thankful for “Our many volunteers, who recognize there are people in our own backyards less fortunate than we are.” She is thrilled to have Knicks Coach Mike D’Antoni handing out 150 turkey dinners with all the fixings to families again this year.
Westchester Children’s Museum Executive Director Tracy Kay said, “I’m so very thankful for the support of the community, and for the fact that we’ve been granted a home in Playland’s national historic landmark north Bathhouse.”
Rye Youth Employment’s Sandy Jacoby, who has been involved in the community for over 35 years, said, “I’m thankful for continued good health, so I can do the work I like to do, and for continued friendships, even with those who’ve moved away.”
Betti Weimersheimer of SPRYE, who was out of work for a few months, is grateful to have a job working with wonderful people. She had high praise for “The many volunteers who have really stepped up and enabled our members to stay in their homes.”
Rye Girl Scouts Co-Chair Anne Harshbarger is thankful for her husband and great kids, “Growing up so nicely”, as well as for her “unbelievable volunteers, who respond and help, even when I send an e-mail at 6 a.m.!”
Rye Boy Scouts Leader Bill Haigney, who grew up in Rye, is thankful for “Rye Presbyterian Church, where we have conducted our meetings for 91 years, and for Rye’s great teachers, who have taught my kids in this beautiful town.”
Fabienne Swartz, Co-President of the Rye Newcomers’ and Neighbors Club, is grateful for a healthy family and for living in a welcoming community. She said, “I’m also thankful for seeing the light of day. Life is beautiful.”
Lions Club President Robert van der Wateren is thankful for the good health of his wife, children, and grandchildren. He also expressed thanks for “A vibrant club with active members, who all participate in raising funds” for worthy individuals, primarily the blind.
Twig Co-President Gigi Jorissen is indebted to the people of Rye, “Because even in these tough economic times, the spirit of volunteerism and giving remains strong.” On a personal level, she said brightly, “What am I not thankful for? I have three great kids, a great husband, and two dogs.”
Rye YMCA’s Executive Director Gregg Howells is thankful for his happy and healthy family, and that his children are making good decisions as they grow up. He added, “We are grateful to our members, donors, and volunteers, who support the Y’s efforts to create healthier communities.”
John Annunziata, president of the Rye Association for Handicapped, admitted, “Life’s been good to me”. He’s thankful for so many things, including greater consideration for handicapped people. “We are especially grateful to our benefactors and the Rye YMCA staff that leads us in the water therapy program.”
The Rye Arts Center team of Emilia Del Peschio, Diana Keller, and Anne Fumasoli is glad to be able to “Bring creativity into the community and to give back to both children and adults.”
At the Meeting House, Bird Homestead President Anne Stillman is thankful for healthy family and pets. “And,” she added, “that we have an
incredible team of volunteers, because it has been a fantastic experience to work with talented, skilled, and enthusiastic people.”
Edith Read Sanctuary Curator Michael Gambino, in park conservation for over ten years, is grateful that “Nature is a place I can go to for a
reality check. So much of life is static, nature gets us to truth and simplicity.”
Kitty Little, Rye Reading Room Director, said she is enormously appreciative of everyone’s efforts to make the library a vibrant place, and “For the support I’ve received as a newcomer in a tremendously welcoming community.”
Rye Rotary Club President Frances DeThomas said that in addition to good health, she is “Thankful to be a part of a great organization, whose members embrace and exemplify the values of service above self.”
This time of year, Environmental Advocacy Group Co-Chair Melissa Brown-Grieco is grateful for family and friends, and “For the privilege of living in a beautiful city, comprised of such a cohesive and active group of citizens who make a difference.”
Richard Hanson of Meals on Wheels expressed his gratitude for “Having such a great group of volunteers in Rye, Port Chester, and Rye Brook to deliver to our recipients.”He also gave a shout out to the Port Chester Nursing Home for preparing all the meals.
Rye Youth Council Executive Director Judy Secon said, “I am thankful to live and work in a community of committed, caring, and generous individuals who give both time and support to so many wonderful causes.”
Knapp House Archivist Richard Hourahan is pleased to be able to communicate the history of Rye through the Historical Society, as well as the Landmark Advisory Committee. “Thanks to the public for their interest.”
Jay Heritage Center President Suzanne Clary is grateful for the center’s new Young Preservationists, who bring energy and enthusiasm interpreting history at the site. “I am also thankful to my core volunteers, my husband and children, who give me so much
support.”
Helping Hands Co-Presidents Ellen Cacciapaglia and Brigitte Sarnoff appreciate all their supporters, who have stepped up in these tough economic times for their mission, whether providing 1,700 backpacks for needy kids or meals for the homeless. And Cacciapaglia is “Overjoyed that I’m becoming a grandparent this coming year!”
Linda Wells, President of Friends of Rye Town Park, appreciates the fact that the organization “Has the opportunity to beautify and protect the historic landscape of Rye Town Park. I’m thankful for all of the community’s support as well.”
Woman’s Club of Rye Co-President Ann Goldsmith said she’s thankful for “The congeniality and giving of all the lovely members of the Woman’s Club. We always look forward to new members, too.”
Kids’ S.P.A.C.E. Director Lauren Collins is grateful for “The community’s support of all our before- and after-school programs, and the
opportunity to work with so many wonderful Rye families.”
Carolyn McGinnis, co-chair of Woman’s Club of Rye, Children’s Philanthropy, said she is extremely thankful to work with “Hardworking and dedicated women who are able to make a real difference in the lives of so many children in Rye with the support of this special community.” She added, “I could never do what I do without the love and support of my family and friends.”
