SPRYE Treasurer Gene Collins Inducted into Senior Hall of Fame 

Newly elected Westchester County Executive George Latimer and SPRYE Board member Arthur Stampleman congratulate Gene Collins (center).

The pride was evident on SPRYE Treasurer Gene Collins' face as he was inducted into the Westchester County Senior Hall of Fame at its 35th annual awards luncheon on December 1. Over 800 people filled the room to acknowledge 70 extraordinary adults over 60 years old who not only remain active as they age  but who dedicate their time and energy to helping others and enhancing the quality of life of the residents of their Westchester communities. As Treasurer, Gene has used his expertise to make sure SPRYE remains solvent and that all the financial aspects of the organization are kept up to date and meet the highest standards.  Gene has been able to impart his impressions about other cultures through his world travels and exposure to different ways of living, thus broadening the knowledge of the SPRYE Board and members. His involvement in SPRYE has enhanced the organization's operations in myriad ways and has increased its ability to serve members' needs. Gene and his wife Dr. Nancy Collins have lived in Westchester County for 36 years. He and his wife raised their son and daughter in Rye and now have four grandchildren.  All of us at SPRYE congratulate Gene on this honor and are grateful for his involvement. 

Gene Collins with wife Nancy and daughter Sarah.

Member Profile: Dorothy Cunningham

Known to her friends as Dottie, Dorothy Cunningham joined SPRYE in the late Fall of 2017. She has lived in the area her entire life, growing up in Mamaroneck, then moving to Harrison, and now residing in senior housing in Port Chester since 2003.  She worked for many years as an LPN in the nursery at United Hospital before transferring to the private practice of a local doctor. She also worked part-time at the A.I. Friedman store in Port Chester, retiring last year after 32 years at the age of 86. "When I told my boss I was leaving, he said no, we don't want you to go," she said. "But I told him I have to retire because my back hurts and I cannot spend so much time standing anymore."  Shortly after retiring Dorothy had problems with her hip. That's when her only nearby family, a niece, contacted SPRYE to obtain some assistance for her aunt. "All the volunteers who have driven me have been wonderful," she said. "I am so grateful my niece signed me up."  Until recently, Dorothy attended art classes at the Rye Brook Senior Center.  She enjoys painting and quilting and hopes to resume the classes when her health improves. 

	Dorothy Cunningham

A painting completed by Dorothy Cunningham in art class.

 

SPRYE members are always on the go, whether attending Saturday Night Out for a movie and dinner, or participating in 

community events like Mistletoe Magic, which attracts hundreds of local residents. This year the SPRYE activity was as popular as ever and we were fortunate to have the volunteer help of two middle school eighth graders.

The SPRYE table set up for Mistletoe Magic in downtown Rye.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS: January-July 2018

Please make sure to  RSVP: 914-481-5706.  All programs are for SPRYE members and volunteers only unless otherwise noted. The monthly program at Wainwright House is open to the general public. Rides are available to all programs for members only. 

Friday, January 5, Monday, January 8 and Friday, January 12 from 12:15-1:15 pm: Gentle Chair Yoga.  (There will be no classes in February. Notification will go out about when classes will resume). Led by SPRYE member Joan Gibbons. Please wear comfortable, loose clothing. Port Chester/Rye Brook Library. 1 Hanseco Ave., Port Chester. Free.