January 2021   Dear Friends,   Every January, we like to share highlights of the Rye Y’s previous year. Although 2020 was far from normal, we’re proud of everything we accomplished. Despite a mandatory closure that lasted far longer than anyone anticipated and reopening with limited capacity, we continued to serve our members and our community in new and creative ways. While I’m proud of our staff, I’m truly grateful to you—our members, donors, volunteers and community partners. Thank you for staying with the Y and for making an impact during one of the toughest years we’ve ever known. Your support has been a beacon of light, guiding us toward a more promising 2021.    Sincerely, Gregg Howells Executive Director

A Snapshot of 2020   January: We celebrated the winners and participants of the 9th Annual Rye High School Heads Up! Distracted Driving and Walking Poster Contest, sponsored by the Rye Y and Joe Lamberti of Rye Brook Service Center. February:  Our winter and spring break Vacation Clubs give kids in grades K-6 a fun, active mini-camp experience and provide working families with child care. During the February Vacation Clubs, 42 children enjoyed sports, games, swimming, arts and crafts, nature, STEAM, and special events. Another 95 children and teens participated in specialty clubs for basketball, gymnastics and teen fitness. (Photos below)

March: One week before our shutdown, families enjoyed First Family Friday, a monthly themed event. That month’s fun activities focused on everyone’s favorite doctor: Dr. Seuss. March 14, 2020: The Rye Y closed due to the growing pandemic. In the weeks that followed, our membership team reached out to our members, especially seniors, to make sure they were well and managing the newly imposed isolation and stress.  April: We launched our Rye Y at Home YouTube Channel, which featured adult exercise and family and children’s activities. By the end of the year, it had received 7602 views. Also in April: The Rye Y donated five boxes of unused t-shirts to Hope Community Services in New Rochelle to be turned into masks for their clients, staff and volunteers. (Photo: below left) May: The Rye Y announced its All Access Class Pass, giving members access to over four dozen interactive exercise classes via Zoom with their favorite Rye Y instructors. We also offered two virtual classes for seniors that were free and open to the community. Also in May: With an in-person Rye Derby out of the question, we held our first virtual Derby, inviting community members to run or walk on their own and log their times online. (Photo: below right)

June: After we were forced to cancel summer camp, we still wanted to meet the needs of working parents who relied on camp for child care. In late June, we opened a full-day summer child care program. Over seven weeks, 51 children ages 5-12 enjoyed games, outdoor play, gym time and arts and crafts, while working parents and guardians enjoyed peace of mind knowing that their kids were safely and actively engaged. (Photo: below left) Also in June: We delivered 88 infant caps and three baby blankets—all hand knitted or crocheted by the Rye Y’s Togetherhood volunteers—to Open Door Family Medical Centers. During July and August, Togetherhood volunteers and friends would also knit and crochet 25 blankets, 30 infant caps and three adorable sweaters for The Sharing Shelf in Port Chester.  July: Our pools reopened on July 7! No one was more excited than our lap swimmers, who adapted to new protocols, including health screenings, waivers and a reservation system, all for the joy of slipping back into the water. (Photo: below center) Also in July: we opened our gym for small-group youth gymnastics and sports clinics and held a food drive for Bread of Life food pantry in Rye. (Photo: below right)

August: There was dancing in the street when the Rye Y held four free Zumba classes for the community on Purchase Street in Rye, in partnership with the Rye Chamber of Commerce.   Also in August: Outdoor group exercise classes continued at the Rye Y and Wainwright House, giving members a chance to work out together safely.  September: The Fitness Center reopened! Our members returned to the treadmills, ellipticals and strength equipment knowing that our enhanced cleaning and safety protocols make the Y a comfortable space for pursuing their health and wellness goals. Also in September: We expanded our licensed school age child care program. We now provide full-day, half-day and after school care—including help with remote learning—for 101 children as their families deal with ever-changing school schedules.  October: The Rye Y launched Walk with Ease, a program for adults who are struggling with arthritis. As one participant said “By the end of the six weeks I was able to walk almost a mile and a half. Doesn’t sound like much – but before Walk with Ease a single block was almost too much for me.” (Photo: below left) Also in October: We held an outdoor family Halloween carnival. (Photos: below center and right)

November: Our community health staff brought former LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants together for a five-week alumni class. Over Zoom, a program instructor led these cancer survivors in physical activity designed to promote strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance.   Also in November: The Rye Y partnered with WestMed Medical Group for a virtual discussion on “Mental Health for Cancer Survivors and their Families During the COVID-19 Pandemic”. The event, which was free and open to the public, included a demonstration of LIVESTRONG at the YMCA exercises. December: The Rye Y wrapped up the year with a holiday Giving Tree. (Photo below left.) We were heartened by the generosity of our members who donated 150 gifts for the children served by Port Chester’s Carver Center. Also in December: Thirty families received holiday goody bags and said hello to a very special guest during our drive-by meet and greet with Santa.(Photo: below right)

BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY, HEALTHY 2021!