March 26, 2020

Dear Members:

In the meantime, we remain committed to our mission. Here's what we're doing now:

• Our maintenance staff is at the Y cleaning, sanitizing and maintaining our facility so that it's safe and welcoming when you return. 
• Our instructors are creating exercise videos to keep you and your children healthy and active. 
• Our communications staff is sending regular updates to keep you informed. Knowing how inundated you are with coronavirus messages, we plan to limit our communications to Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, unless there is a critical update. 
• Our childcare staff is discussing with local school districts whether we can provide childcare for essential workers, including first responders and healthcare providers. 
• Various staff members are checking in with our senior members, just to make sure they're ok. 
• As RyeACT's fiscal agent, the Rye Y continues to administer their Drug-Free Communities federal grant

And while you're home with your family, please stay connected with your Rye Y family through one or more of the following actions:

• First, let us know how you're doing. We really want to know! Post on our Facebook page or drop us a line. If you email Barbara Hughes, our Membership Engagement Director at [email protected], she will direct your message to the appropriate staff person.
   
• As we've noted before, a strong membership means a strong Y. We urge you to remain a Rye Y member. If you wish to continue your current membership draft in support of our Y, you don't need to do anything at this time. During our temporary closure, one hundred percent of your monthly membership fee will count as a donation and will be acknowledged by the end of the year.
   
• We recognize that these are precarious times for many people. If your financial situation has changed, please consider remaining a Rye Y member at a 50% reduced rate. We will charge 50% of your normal membership rate while our Y is temporarily closed. The amount you pay during our closure will be considered a donation and will be acknowledged by the end of the year. Please contact Barbara ([email protected]) to arrange for a 50% reduced rate.
   
• If you are unable to pay anything at this time, please contact Barbara ([email protected]) about suspending your membership as soon as possible. Your membership will be suspended on the date Barbara receives your notification. Your account will not be charged after that date. It will be automatically re-activated when we re-open. During our closure, we will waive the usual $15 per month fee to suspend a membership.

With so much uncertainty during this difficult time, it may be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But know this: with your support, the Rye Y will always be there for our community. In time--hopefully sooner rather than later--children will once again play basketball and learn to swim. Seniors will engage in friendly competition through Canasta or Pickleball. Adults will run on the treadmill and lift weights. And everyone will be greeted with big smiles at the front door. We look forward to seeing you when that time comes.

Until then, please stay safe and healthy and know that the Rye Y is here for you. Please note, to ensure all our members receive this message, we are also sending this letter by postal mail.

Sincerely,

Gregg Howells

Executive Director