The Rye Y Community

Gregg Howells, Executive Director


I was recently asked to submit a quote answering the question “what is community?” for an exhibit at the Rye Arts Center.   It wasn’t easy even though I experience community every day—here at the Y, at Rotary Club luncheons, at my son’s cross country meets—I was hard-pressed to define it. 

Then, I found just the right quote from organizational consultant Peter Block, who said “We are in community each time we find a place where we belong.”

In early November, Y staff members spent two days interviewing members, volunteers and each other as part of the first Voices from our Community: The Rye Y Story Project. We were touched by the stories we heard--stories of hope, determination and gratitude for the community so many have found here.  One person stated “I consider the Rye YMCA to be a second home.” Another commented “When I found the Rye YMCA, it was like a homecoming.” 

Re-charging and using WiFi during Hurricane Sandy

This sense of community was never more evident than in the days following Hurricane Sandy. With no power or heat, members and local residents flocked to the Y where they found warmth, hot showers, activities for kids, Wi-Fi and a place to re-charge (in all senses of the word).  Our building could have been chaotic, filled with stressed and worried adults and bored children. Instead, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie, friendship and relief (and just a little chaos!)  As one local mom wrote afterward “The Y has been a life saver for our family. Our apartment is cold and there is really nowhere to go because we cannot drive and risk running out of gas.  My boys are able to stay warm, shower and be active.  I really do not know what we would do without the Y.” 


If it sounds like I’m bragging, well… perhaps just a little.  I’m proud that every member of our staff—from the swim instructors to member services, child care to maintenance—works hard to create a welcoming experience for everyone who walks through our doors.  You could say that’s just good business sense.  But it’s so much more than that.  Giving people a place where they feel they belong is part of our mission. 

From the health-seekers to the athletes, young and old, we welcome you all.  This is your community.

What I'm Thankful For

A blog post from the Rye Y staff

I am thankful for having the opportunity to work at the Rye YMCA where we change lives each and every day. I am thankful for the dedicated staff team that makes the spirit of the Y resonate through our community and beyond. I am thankful for good health that allows me to tackle every new day with a refreshed sense of purpose…And most of all I am thankful for a great family who I can laugh with, hang with, celebrate with and count on to support me in all I do.

- Gregg Howells, Executive Director


I am thankful for having my hair back after Chemo.

- Ann Ivan, Fitness Center Director


I’m thankful for the days so light
I’m thankful for the nights so bright
I’m thankful for the music I hear
And the friends so dear.

I’m thankful for the husband that has kept me safe
For the children who I love and have filled my days
But most of all I’m thankful for the breath I can take
That I’m here to see every day for my sake.

I’m thankful for the faith I have joined
And new friends I have made
They bring me such joy and peace
And a place to be together and meet

I’m thankful for my place of work everyday
That has lifted me through many happy days
For the people we serve
And the values we can preserve.

I’m thankful for all the family and friends
That have been and will be in my life!

- Penny Cozza, Fund Development Associate


I’m thankful, most of all, for the love of family. I am grateful to be given an opportunity to arrive at a new village, filled with people full of energy, passion and humor!

- Eileen Barber, Chief Operating Officer


I am grateful for my family. We have an intact home, undisrupted by Hurricane Sandy. My grown sons are both still willing to regularly beat me in tennis and Scrabble. Nobody makes me laugh as hard as my husband. I have a job that I enjoy and feel is making a positive difference in our community. I have shelves full of books that I can’t wait to read, a running car, two tickets to the upcoming Bob Dylan concert and good friends that amaze me. I am very, very fortunate.

- Lisa Tidball, Director of Communications


This Thanksgiving I am especially thankful for the wonderful family and friends that I have in Rye and the surrounding communities. We have had two major hurricanes impact our area in the past 14 months and our home, which is located in a flood plain, has suffered significant damage in both. Not only have we had to evacuate our home before the storm, but we have had to find other places of shelter for 10 days after the storm. Whatever feelings of displacement we experienced, however, was quickly abated when our friends and relatives opened up their homes to my family of five. They provided warm meals, hot showers, shared their washers and dryers and made sure our three boys had plenty of activities to keep them out of trouble or danger. We laughed over stories we shared from our past and enjoyed spirited discussions of the politics of the day. We are now back in our home and while there are still many repairs that need to be completed, I will always be so thankful for the kindness and generosity bestowed on my family by our dear relatives and friends in Rye.

- Lisa Urban, Community Relations Coordinator

I am thankful for all of the different aspects of my life that seem to come together. A husband who balances me. Parents who are proud of me. Sisters who confide in me. Participants who are inspired by me. Co-workers who support me. Friends who are loyal. And I’m grateful that I can be all these things for the people in my life too.

- Tanya Stack, YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program Coordinator

I’m thankful for new beginnings. Last Thanksgiving I was unemployed, having been laid off in June. I was optimistic however, that the next great thing was just around the corner. And it was! On Valentine’s Day, I was hired by the Rye Y and have never been happier to come to work each morning.

- Denise Woodin, Director of Community Impact and Social Responsibility

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA - Fred's story

It's nice that all of the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA participants are on common ground and we can all have that one common factor. It is a nice way to build friendships. They understand what you're going through and you understand what they're going through.

The medication and treatment for cancer is difficult physically and mentally. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA covers Mind, Body, Spirit - taking care of the whole person.

I appreciate all who have made this program a success. The program truly changed my life and is helping me fight cancer that has returned once again.

Fred

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA - Carol's story

This week we're highlighting the stories of our participants in our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program.  Here is Carol's story:

I had the privilege of participating in LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, an amazing program for cancer survivors. During this 12 week program at the Rye YMCA, I learned to appreciate and actually enjoy exercising. The staff provided a supportive, compassionate and warm environment and helped me to develop an ongoing exercise routine to this very day. I am more energetic, I am more conscious of healthy eating habits and I also gained the bonus of some new and valuable friendships with my fellow survivors and participants in my session.

To anyone out there who is “surviving” cancer, this program is a must!!! I have been recommending the program to those who are fighting or surviving cancer.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has been an integral part of my ongoing road to full recovery, I thank the Rye Y for this wonderful opportunity.

 

Carol

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA: Charlie's story

This week we are highlighting the stories of participants in our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. Here is Charlie's story:

When I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgekins Lymphoma in September 2010, I stopped going to the gym, partly because it had become unaffordable and partly because the diagnosis gave me an excuse. I wasn’t eating correctly, mostly cheaper comfort food. I had let myself go.

In May 2012, I joined the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA class. The supportive atmosphere at the Rye YMCA made a big difference. During the program, I found out about the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program and my wife and I signed up. The Diabetes Prevention Program helped turn my life around. There I was accountable for my progress. I’ve been so pleased with the results and the support I’ve received. LIVESTRONG at the YMCA started me on the road to health.

Charlie

The Strength of a Team – The Rye Y Tribe

by Laura Tiedge
Sr. Director of Healthy Living

When was the last time you did something for the first time?

On September 9^th, an intrepid group of 56 women -- mothers, wives, daughters, sisters, aunts and grandmothers -- set out to discover the mystery and challenge of the exciting and fun three-sport event called triathlon.  They are the Rye Y Tribe!

The Tribe, which was formed in early 2011, is a group of women interested in completing their first triathlon.  In 2012, sixteen members of the original team joined fifty “newbies” to train for and compete in the Danskin Women’s Triathlon, a sprint distance race in Sandy Hook. NJ.

Everyone came to the group with different motivations, abilities and personal challenges.  Some were already runners, or swimmers or cyclists – most were new to everything.  Some came to get back in shape and find a routine.  Some came to re-discover their inner athlete.  Some came to learn a new skill. Our youngest member was 16 years old; our oldest, 78.  All came to challenge themselves to reach for something that seemed unattainable or long sought after. 

Training started, in March, with the basics.  After refining their techniques—there is a more efficient way to swim, run and bike—and learning new skills, the women began to develop a plan for regular physical activity. Eventually, their routine incorporated all three disciplines.  All of this was just preparation though for a 12-week training plan that would begin in late June.

Along the way, the Tribe explored Triathlon 101.  From nutrition, foam rolling and selecting proper training clothes, to preventing injury, changing a bike flat and finding and getting into the perfect wetsuit – they learned it all!

We ran, biked and swam together.  We rehearsed the transition and became comfortable swimming in open water.  We hugged, cheered and celebrated our hard work.  We became a team – The Tribe!

Before we knew it, the race weekend had arrived!  After checking out the course and settling into our hotel rooms, the team enjoyed a relaxing dinner that included a last minute pep talk and conversation about our personal journeys to triathlon.  The coaches left the Tribe with two pieces of advice before retiring for a restless night’s sleep – Stay in the moment and keep moving forward!

It’s 5:00 am – race day – and the Tribe is awake, nervous and desperately seeking coffee as we organize our caravan to the race site.  A set of lost keys causes a last minute frenzy, but we remind everyone that this is what staying in the moment is all about – enjoy the good and the bad, the scary and the thrilling! 

We get to the race site and busy ourselves with preparing our transition area and waiting in line for the port-a-potties.  The ladies are talking about how this is “our first, our last tri”  “this is crazy, what was I thinking” – clearly another reminder to stay in the moment is required. And then, the countdown starts, the horn sounds, and we’re off!

In our pink team t-shirts, it’s easy to catch glimpses of each other as we move from swimming to biking to running.  Tribe members shout words of encouragement to their teammates-- “let’s go Rye Y”; “keep moving forward”; “you’ve got this” and “Go Mom” and slap each other’s hands in enthusiastic high-fives.  We were having the time of our lives.

By 10:00 a.m., the entire Tribe has finished, except for one team member.  Rosy, our oldest participant at 78, is still out on the run course.  And because this is the Tribe, and because we are sisters, a group of our team members sprint back onto the course, crossing the finish line again, this time with Rosy.  Everyone cheers.  At this moment, we feel the full power of our accomplishment and the strength of our TRIBE! 

 

Part of a Team

by Catarina Cabrera
On Sunday, September 9, 56 members of the TRIBE, the Y Rye’s women’s Triathlon group, finished the Danskin Sandy Hook Triathlon. The oldest competitor was 78; the youngest was 16.  For most, it was their first Triathlon.  Catarina Cabrera shares her inspiring story here.

Not too long ago, I couldn't run a single mile! I was critically close to turning 40 and taking stock of my life. I grew up the daughter of working class immigrants in Yonkers and throughout my childhood, sports for girls were just not an option. My parents were of the belief that only education had any value. For years and years, I did absolutely nothing physical except for the mandatory phys ed. As an adult, I was blessed with good genes so going to a gym was never in the cards. The thought of it was intimidating and worse, a waste of time. Then I spent the better part of my 30's having babies and unlike the Hollywood starlets, I would gain 40-50 pounds at a clip. Eventually Bootcamp found me and I started taking my body back!  With the support of some great ladies, I found that I could run. I was only capable of very short distances but I was actually moving forward ! Once I figured that out, I thought "What else could I be good at?"



Last September I enrolled in an adult beginner swim class at the YMCA. It took me months of spotty attendance and hyperventilating at every lap before I figured out rotary breathing! For 39 years, I had never intentionally put my face in the water so this was a HUGE accomplishment!!  I continued practicing and adding to my distances with Viwat's help and then I thought, "What else can I be good at?"

 I had seen the signs at the YMCA for a Triathlon Group many times and kept on with my day because I wasn't an athlete and that sort of thing took a lot of endurance, which I didn't have. Then one day on vacation, I was feeling sorry for myself because although I have a great husband and four good kids, I was 40 and hadn't done anything really inspiring ! Sure, I get my kids to school, get the homework done, and the list of endless mommy chores get done. But all alone at night, I'd ask myself, since you stopped working, what inspiring thing have you done? Then I remembered the posters and the masters swimming group at the YMCA and all those people who say that Tri's are so much fun! Before I had a chance to talk myself out of it, I emailed Laura Tiedge and she sent me the longest most detailed message outlining the entire process.  I signed up for the Danskin Triathlon before I even sent her a response.



Since that fateful day, I have been swimming, cycling and running with the most amazing group of ladies. There were many Sunday mornings that I didn't want to cycle or run. But, out of some sense of loyalty and commitment, I kept showing up.  Monday nights, they held Open Water Swims at Oakland Beach.  As someone who couldn't swim a yard just a year ago, I thought “this is going to be awful.” Magically, I willed myself to show up. The first few times out were tough especially since there are no black lines or buoys out there. My sighting skills were non-existent and I used to joke that my suit lacked a GPS. Somehow with the encouragement and kind words of so many, I kept showing up. If these ladies were going to give of their time, then at the very least, I was going to make the effort. Wow, am I happy that I did !



Until this race, my bike was only used to follow alongside tricycles! Coach Denise and Coach Sally taught me what the gears on my bike were meant to do. These extraordinary ladies went above and beyond their job to help me when my knees ached and I thought the Tri was over for me before it had even begun. Selflessly, they each gave of their time and expertise to adjust my bike and strengthen my knees. Coach Laura organized many meetings to prep us for race day! INVALUABLE !



On race day, my nerves were shot. I was dealing with achy knees and a bad case of poison ivy. I was a teary and anxious mess on the shoreline but the last words I heard were, "Keep Moving Forward!" Coach Vickie realized that I was not having a great swim, and even though she could have easily left me and swam on ahead, she stayed with me like a swim angel until I was around the last buoy.   I was never so happy as when I would see a pink shirt pass me or going the other way and hear "Go Tribee."

The night before the Tri, the coaches organized a team dinner at the hotel. We were each given a pink shirt and on the back it says, Life is One Big Transition.  Denise asked the group, "How long since any of you have been on a team?"  For me, the answer was NEVER. That changed on Sunday, September 9th, 2012. I was finally part of something bigger than myself: I was part of a team!  I could barely stand the emotions when I saw my 78 year-old team mate, Rosalie, cross the finish line. I was equally overcome watching all the pink shirts converge on one another in congratulations and joy watching others cross the line. Now, I belonged to this team of amazing and strong women. For that one day, I was great and I did something inspiring. I hope my girls and my son fully appreciate all the teams they will belong to and that their mom inspired them to be great too. 



I may never be a Super Model. I may never be President. I may never be a brain surgeon. But I will always be a Triathlete ! 



Thank You Tribees 




Your textbooks are here!

Back to School after all of these years
By Laura Tiedge, Rye Y Senior Director of Healthy Living

"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." – Plutarch

Sixteen years after earning my Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Stony Brook, I returned to academia, enrolling in the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs. 

In 2000, the year I decided to pursue a Masters degree in International Political Economy, I was 39 years old and raising two children with my husband. Then, in 2001, life took another twist.  I was not quite finished with my first full year of a two-year program when we left Pittsburgh for Westchester County.  My pursuit of a postgraduate degree was put on hold as I focused on settling our family into brand new schools and community.

Eventually, I found a fulfilling career with the YMCA, and it was beginning to feel like my dream of a Master’s Degree (and ultimately a Ph.D.) was slipping away.  And then I found out about the Executive Masters Degree program through Springfield College in Massachusetts.  Designed for senior YMCA executives, the program would allow me to take graduate level classes in organizational management and leadership, write my thesis, and design an action-research project that would ultimately impact my local YMCA and the communities we serve.

The terrific thing about this two-year program is that it compresses a semester’s worth of work into a two-week residency at one of ten Springfield College campuses across the United States.  The students are “on campus” for 4 weeks (or 160 classroom hours) a year instead of completing the same number of hours over the traditional 24 weeks. We are also expected to complete intensive pre and post residency assignments.  The difficult thing about this program is that it compresses a semester’s worth of work into a two-week residency, with intensive pre and post residency assignments….  I think you get the picture!

In March of 2012, I arrived at Springfield’s Tampa, Florida campus for my first residency.

About six weeks prior to the residency, my textbooks and the syllabi for the first four classes appeared on my doorstep.  As I opened the box, the feeling I had was reminiscent of that first day of school when all of your books were waiting on your clean desk in your new classroom with the freshly polished floors.  I was so excited – until I started reading the syllabi.  The pre-class assignments were extensive and involved writing several 6-8 page papers before we even started the first class.  It was time to quickly get into student-mode after a very long hiatus!

As an adult learner with a full-time job, a household to maintain and a desire to keep up some level of a fitness routine, adjusting to student life was a challenge.  I had to add “homework time” on my calendar just as I did with my workouts.  I dissected each class’ pre-assignments and completed a task analysis so I could get all the work done by the deadlines.  Even so, I was still faced with one of the biggest challenges – having enough time to set aside for studying and writing.

I tried to carve out 1-2 hours each weeknight after our typical late dinner time to read the many pre-assigned chapters, or conduct basic research queries.  I saved writing for the weekends when I felt fresher and had larger blocks of time available.

I established a study space in the dining room, and went shopping for school supplies, which brought back memories of September days spent with my excited kids at Staples or Office Depot with their list of required supplies.  And then I sat at the dining room table and stared at the screen of my notebook computer.  I actually enjoy writing, but finding my “flow” proved to be a struggle.

During those six weeks of pre-work, I slowly regained an academic focus, but it was a lonely and isolated time.  I had no idea who I was doing this work for, as I had not yet met the professors, and I knew nothing of my future classmates – there was no one to bounce ideas off of or seek advice from.  On top of that, there was no time to simply hang out with my husband and kids.  What had I been thinking?  How could I possibly go back to school after all these years?!

I persevered through the long nights of reading and writing and got the work done, despite the teasing of my college-age son.  Then, it was time for final preparations at work before I left for my two-week immersion into the classroom. It was happening – I was a graduate student once again!

I arrived in Tampa on March 11^th and quickly settled into my hotel room – my home for the next two weeks.  I unpacked, created a study space and organized my life. That evening, I met my new classmates in the hotel lobby where we formed carpools to a welcoming dinner for Cohort VII of Springfield College’s Executive Masters Program.  Everyone was clearly unsure what to expect, which helped bond us to each other. 

Monday, March 12^th marked the first day of class and the official kick-off of this journey toward achieving my goal of a Masters degree.  Within the first hour of class, it was clear that Cohort VII is a unique group of people from all over the USA, all at different stages of their careers with the YMCA.  It was also clear that our group was fast becoming a team of friends that would support each other through every challenge ahead.

Our time together quickly fell into a familiar rhythm -- morning exercise, for some, then breakfast together prior to class.  A full morning of learning followed by lunch and, for me, a short powerwalk to restore my energy.  Class continued until 5:00 pm and then it was a short walk back to the hotel where some studied, others exercised, and occasionally all of us enjoyed the hotel’s Happy Hour before dinner.  After that, it was hours of reading and writing before going to bed and starting over again the next day.

With each moment we spent together it was clear that the members of Cohort VII were transforming, both individually and collectively.  Our minds were being filled with knowledge, but more importantly, a spark was being lit within each of us.  It was exhilarating (and exhausting).

Before long, our two weeks together were over and we returned home to our families, jobs, and a pile of post-class assignments.  For another six weeks, we were immersed in final assignments for each of the four classes.  There was research to conduct and many lengthy papers to write, but unlike the prior six weeks of pre-work, I did not feel lonely or isolated. I now had the support of my professors and my fellow cohort members – my friends! 

Today Fed Ex delivered another box of textbooks to my front door for my second two-week residency this September.  I am once again filled with the same “back to school” excitement that most students experience this time of year.  I know that the coming weeks of pre-work will be intense, but I am confident that my rediscovered inner-student will find a way through the workload ahead, with a little help from my friends!

Summer Camp Through the Eyes of a Camper

by Samantha Philipp, Age 7

How many years have you been attending camp at the Rye Y?
3 years.

What group are you in?
Pioneers, Madagascar Penguins!

What do you like most about camp?
Playing with all my friends and having fun.  Doing the different activities and going on field trips. 

Tell me about your counselors.
They are nice and funny.  They are helpful and always thinking of fun games we can play.
Sophie is a nice and kind Unit Leader.
Mike is nice and crazy.
Michelle is nice and kind.
Rachel is nice and kind.
Anthony is nice and kind.
Kelly is nice and kind.

Any other special counselors?
Ariel was my unit leader 2 years ago and I still see her at extended care.  She is kind to me and funny and nice, I really like her.

Tell me about swimming.
We are having fun in swimming and having a great time.  The lifeguards are doing great and the teachers are teaching us great and we are all getting better.  My friend Ava moved up to purple Tuesday and she was so excited.  My other friend, Mariela, doesn’t have her bubble anymore.

What is your favorite field trip so far?
The Beast Boat Ride and Quassy Park 2^nd.

Would you tell other kids they should go to the Rye Y camp?
Yes, because its fun and the counselors make sure you are safe.  Everyone should go to the camp because the Y is a great place.

What are you looking forward to the rest of the summer?
Having fun and going on field trips.

How can we make camp better?
I don’t know, it’s already great.

Anything else you want to tell us about camp?
I hope everyone is having fun and enjoying the trips.  I also hope my younger sister can come to this camp when she gets bigger.

Lady Liberty, Me and a Hot Summer Night

by Laura Tiedge, Rye Y Sr. Director of Healthy Living

Don't wait for your ship to come in - swim out to it.
- Author Unknown
Or in my case, swim AROUND it!

I am a lifelong swimmer.  I learned to swim at the Jersey City YMCA in New Jersey with my mom looking on in the bleachers above the pool.  I went on to compete on the Y’s swim team and then in high school.  In adulthood I continued to swim for fitness, and began sharing my love of the water with others as a swim coach and instructor.  I even taught my husband to swim, and I’m proud to report that he is a great swimmer and that we are still married J

I feel totally at home in and around the water.  It calms me and gives me energy.  To say I am passionate about swimming is an understatement.  It is this deep connection to the water that has fueled my ventures into open water swimming. 

There is nothing quite like getting out of the pool and swimming with a destination, and on the night of June 29^th, I had quite the destination swim.  At 4:10 p.m., after winding my way through the long and very hot check-in line, I boarded a Statue Cruises Ferry.  I was on my way to circumnavigate the iconic Statue of Liberty as a swimmer!

We landed on this universal symbol of freedom and democracy before 5:00 p.m.  It was a hot and humid day, and without a doubt, each and every one of the 400 sweaty swimmers waiting for the race to begin could hardly wait to jump in the water and cool off.  However, start time was still nearly two hours away.  We sought refuge under the cool shade provided by the trees lining the island, and wiled away the time resting and taking in the sights of a Lower Manhattan skyline under restoration.

As the island cleared of tourists it was time for the pre-race briefing and then final preparations before lining up for our swim waves.  We were surrounded by the nervous energy of the swimmers and the shear awe we each experienced as we stood preparing to embark on an adventure around the waters surrounding Lady Liberty. 

Now time seemed to accelerate and suddenly our waves were being called.  I was in the first wave of 40 swimmers.  As we restlessly waited for the start, my fellow adventurers chatted about the swim, and those who had completed it in the past shared some last minute tips.  With timing chips, numbered swim caps and goggles in place we boarded a ferry off of the dock and proceeded to the exit door and entrance to the water.  Every 5 seconds two of us plunged feet first into the chilly and choppy Hudson River to the command of go, go, go from the race volunteers.

When I hit the water the coolness took my breath away, as the cold was magnified by my overheated body.  After everyone in my wave had entered the water and swam over to the starting gate, the countdown began. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 and GO!  We were off, a churning pot of arms and legs swimming against a strong current in very choppy water.

It took me a while to find my rhythm.  This was a new swimming venue for me so I sighted for the buoys more than was necessary, but I wanted to be sure I was swimming straight.  As I approached the front of the Statue I began breathing to the left, my non-dominate side, just to get a glimpse of the Lady – and what an awesome perspective this provided.  She is magnificient and I felt so small in the waters below her pedestal.  The magic continued as I made my way around the Island and picked up a little boost from a current that was now with me.  The longest stretch provided me with beautiful views of the New York skyline. 

Another turn put the finish in my sights and the current pushing against me.  I put my head down, put more power in my long strokes and finally found myself at the last buoy and the ladder back up to the dock.  I had done it – I swam around the Statue of Liberty.

As swimmers from the subsequent waves finished their swim the Island began filling up with swimmers and their supporters.  Everyone was posing to have their pictures taken, medals around their necks, with the backdrop of the Statue.  Then it was time for a barbeque where we ate and shared stories of our experiences in the waters around Lady Liberty.

It was then time to board the ferry back to Manhattan.  As the Statute faded from view beside a beautiful sunset, I reflected on what was such a wonderful opportunity and experience – a little scary, challenging at times, but such a feeling of accomplishment.  I wished my mom had been there watching over me just as she had at all of my swim lessons and swim meets, but Lady Liberty would have to do!

As we made our way back to the parking garage a man stopped me, and having seen my medal and race number on my arms, he asked, “Hey, did you just do one of those Ironman’s?”  I replied, “No, I just swam around the Statue of Liberty.”  He smiled, and shaking his head said, “That is so cool!”  I sensed that when he went home that night that he would tell his family or friends about this person who swam around the Statue of Liberty.  Hopefully more will find inspiration from the grand Lady in the water!

New Colossus (The Statue of Liberty Sonnet)

Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame,
With conquering limbs astride from land to land;
Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand
A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame
Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name
Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand
Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command
The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame.
"Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!" cries she
With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Rye Y Staff - Camp Memories

Laura A. Laura, Member Wellness Coordinator
Growing up, my sister and I spent all of our time at the stables. We started riding horses very young. It cost a fortune so we would clean stalls, exercise horses, stack hay and were trail guides to afford summer riding camp. I have many fond memories growing up in the mud and spending sunrise to sunset with all the animals. All summer we lived there. Toward the end of each summer we would go to Rockefeller State Park with our horses. We would ride the trails, picnic and relax.

The best part was when we would take the horses for a swim.  After untacking the horses we would ride with just a bridle, and the horses would run into the lake. I would always fall off and swim along with my horse (trying my best not to get kicked). The horses would whinny in excitement and play in the water. It was like we were all little kids. Twenty years later, it is still one my best summer memories.

 Andrea Robinson, Human Resources Director

When I relocated to the U.S. from England when I was 9 years old, my mother enrolled me at the White Plains YMCA, since she did not have afterschool care for me at that time.  During my first few years in the States, I was bullied on a regular basis at school and the YMCA was my only safe-haven.  I learned how to swim at the Y and also made many good friends.  That staff members became a part of my support group!  Each and every day, I longed for 3pm to arrive, so that I would be able to go to the Y.  Since my experience was so positive, as soon as my daughter was of age, I enrolled her in the WP Y.  She remained there until becoming a Counselor in Training.  Tatiana also loves to swim and loves the Y.  We are both very happy to be a part of the Rye YMCA.  It’s a great place to be.

Diana Vita, Group Wellness Director:

When I was 11 years old, I went to horseback riding camp for a week with the Girl Scouts. I learned how to ride a horse and with that  I also had to feed and groom it. I loved horses and to me that experience was something I will never forget. At first I missed home very much and cried a lot. The horses took my mind off of missing my family and finally I came to enjoy myself. I learned to love riding and always wanted to own my own horse. I also was extremely sore after all that because I learned riding takes many techniques. This was my only experience for summer camp, but it was the best summer ever.  One day I will be back in the saddle again!

Ann E. Ivan- Fitness Center Director: 

I grew up in California and attended a Girl Scout Day Camp in San Francisco, in a part of the city I would never go to otherwise. To this day I don’t know exactly where that camp was located.   We had caterpillar cocoons in a tank to watch them hatch. I was not there when the butterfly emerged, but I was given the job of feeding it afterward. I saw the butterfly’s long tongue curl out to sip the sugar water. The wings amazed me.   I will never forget the feeling that I was nurturing this beautiful, mysterious creature.

But my summers were mostly spent with family at “the coast” which meant Mendocino County, a little bit North of San Francisco.   Here are jagged, rocky beaches and steep cliffs, “where the Redwoods meet the Sea.”  We ran wild as feral children, barefoot and dirty. We swam in the surf and climbed the cliffs, explored the coves and hillsides. Night beach, jacket for warmth, shorts still on…bonfires of driftwood… the salt-encrusted driftwood released bright sparks, making sudden popping noises as it burned.  Pounding waves our constant backdrop of sound.   Polliwogs at the river.

The whole of nature belonged to us.  The vast open space of the Pacific left room for imagination to develop.   Students of shifting sand and rock we were. Of the common, and then strange fish brought in by the fisherman… mollusks and bivalves and blue jays… deer and raptors.   All were studied in immersion, during different seasons, on repeated visits to this Camp over all my younger years.

I can text and drive

by Steve Mochel
Co-owner of Fresh Green Light Driving School

For those of you who know Donna Lopez, mother of 2 teen drivers and one of our classroom instructors, nothing gets her blood boiling more than hearing those 5 words - "I can text and drive". And it never fails. Someone always says it when we're talking about texting and driving in our classroom at Fresh Green Light.

Sure - sometimes it's just someone who is trying to be funny. But the truth is most teenagers think they can text and drive. Look at these numbers from the Ad Council's Distracted Driving Campaign:

And parents of daughters, AAA just released a study last week showing the teen girls are twice as likely as teen boys to use cell phones and other electronics while driving.

So as parents, what can we do?

First of all - by now you've probably had the drug talk, the sex talk, the drinking talk so it's time to have the distracted driving talk. Have a frank discussion about texting and driving. Ask you teenager if they've done it. And come up with a plan to make sure it doesn't happen in the future.

Second - parents we need to be better role models. I've done it. You've done it. We've all done it. Reading e-mails on your Blackberry while driving is the same as texting and driving. And the last phone conversation that you have while driving is not nearly as important as you thought it was. Put your phone away and drive. Hey - what a great time to have the distracted driving talk with your teenager!

Lastly - when you see a friend, family member, or colleague being a distracted driver, call them on it. Tell them you care about them and want them to be safe. Just don't let them do it and get away with it - as they say at the MTA "if you see something - say someting".

Steve Mochel is the parent/step-parent of 2 teenage drivers and 2 teenage soon-to-be drivers.  He and his wife Laura Shuler created Fresh Green Light to provide 21^st century driver education to parents and new teen drivers in our community.  Fresh Green Light has been recognized by NHTSA recently as one of the most innovative driving schools in the country.  Fresh Green Light currently has locations in Rye NY, Cos Cob, CT & Darien, CT. 

A Warm Welcome

Denise Woodin
Rye Y Director of Community Impact & Social Responsibility

Recently, Groupon voucher in hand, I tried out a different salon for a much-needed haircut.  After a minute, someone came to the front desk, took my name, and led me to the back.  Although she offered me a cup of coffee (much appreciated), she didn’t offer her name or engage in any further conversation.  It wasn’t that she was unfriendly; it was just that something warm, something welcoming, was missing.  It was as if her mind was elsewhere, perhaps dwelling on a fight with her boyfriend, or family problems. It happens.

Now, I don’t expect a brass band announcing my arrival just to get a haircut.  But it did make me think about how all our staff, especially the Member Services group at the front desk, greets every member and visitor who walk through the Y’s doors.  Their voices are enthusiastic and warm. Their interest in people is genuine.  At the very least, they smile and say hello.  Often, they’ll greet members by name and ask about their families or recent life events.

Bill and Lauren

The Rye Y attracts staff who want everyone—from babies to senior citizens, the health seekers and the athletes, and everyone in between—to know that they are welcome here.  It makes a difference to our members, who feel embraced by a community.  And, as a staff member, it makes a difference to me, to be part of a place that values human relationships above all.

So come on in, say hello to Barb or Bill or Paul or Cindy or Teresa or any of our other front desk staff.  Just don’t ask them for a wash and a trim!

Water Safety Tips

Vickie Kourtelis
Rye YMCA Aquatics Director

May is National Water Safety Month. The Y Aquatics Department is dedicated to making sure that all children learn to swim and learn water safety skills that prevent any injury or drowning in the water. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Drowning is the sixth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages, and the second leading cause of death for children ages 1-14 years.”

 With the summer season right around the corner we would like to share some helpful tips to make sure that you and your families enjoy the summer and practice safe summer fun! No matter what age or swim ability, children need continuous supervision around the water. Young children especially can drown in less than two inches of water so it is very important that caregivers keep a close eye on them while they are swimming! The smallest distraction is all it takes for a child to become part of a horrible statistic, all too many times we hear stories beginning with, “I was only gone for a minute…“or, “I received a quick phone call and a few seconds later…” Please take water safety seriously this summer and feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or any additional support we may be able to provide you with, email us at Vickie@ryeymca.org or call (914)967-6363 ext. 108. Below are some tips that may help you and your families this summer.

 CAREGIVERS
 -Let kids know that they should contact an adult or a lifeguard if there is an emergency. If you are traveling to a pool or beach, point out the lifeguard to your child before you begin swimming.  

 - Communication between adults supervising the pool area is key! If you are going to be walking away from the water for a quick second communicate that with other adults so that somebody is supervising the children in the water.

 -Review pool rules with your children and make sure they know what to do in case of an emergency. Teach them to remain calm and YELL for HELP if they find themselves struggling in the water or in case they see somebody else struggling. Go over emergency procedures with the children (while in the car driving to the water, eating a snack, applying sunscreen, right before entering the water, etc.)

 -Children should NEVER serve as the lifeguard. If they see somebody needs assistance their job should be to FIND help, not jump in and help the person themselves. Distressed swimmers and active drowning victims can become uncontrollable and violent in the water which can lead to drowning or injuring the person helping them.

-Never assume that a child is safe in the pool, even if they are a great swimmer. All kids should be supervised in the water as at any given time something can happen and they may need assistance. Even an experienced swimmer can suffer or worse, drown in the water.

 -Practice makes perfect!!! Set aside 10 minutes every other day to do a mini lesson or just a couple of times during the week. Children like to PLAY in outdoor pools, not practice their freestyle, backstroke, etc. If you stay committed to the learning process throughout the summer then they will improve a great deal.

-If at a pool with a diving board make sure to stress to the kids that they can’t jump until the person that jumped before them is at the wall and that there is nobody in their way.

-Practice swimming without goggles for a little bit each day so that they are comfortable swimming without them if there should be an incident when they fall in the water.

-Be at arm’s reach of your child in the water to provide a helping hand as soon as they may need one. Provide your child a life saving floatation device if they are a non swimmer.

-Teach children never to swim alone.

 -Learn CPR in case of an emergency, CPR saves lives and the faster you respond to a situation using CPR if needed the more likely a chance of recovery. Only trained CPR professionals should practice this skill. Classes are taught here at the Y!

 -Enroll your child in swim lessons. The Y’s summer session will begin on June 23 and registration starts June 13. (Click here for swim schedule)  Swim class is a great way to reinforce pool rules and have children practice their skills in a learning encouraging setting.

 HAVE A POOL AT HOME?
-Never allow your child to swim unsupervised.

-Have 911 posted by the phone so kids remember who to call in case of an emergency!

-Having a pool party? Make sure to assign parents to pool duty, have parents in the water with non swimmers, or hire a lifeguard to come and keep a close watch on the kids.

-Stay away from distracting tasks while supervising your child while they swim. Jump in with them and cool off, play games, or teach them some skills.

-Fence off your pool area and make sure that gates are self closing and self latching, out of children’s reach.

-Remove any toys or objects in the pool at the end of your swim activities as children can fall in by trying to grab them.

-Empty all water out of inflatable pools.

-If your child is having a play date make sure to find out whether they will be doing any water activities. If so, be sure to find out what kind of supervision there will be in the water no matter what swim ability your child or their friends may have.

-Be sure to swim test children visiting your pool before you allow them to swim. Swim tests should be done with an adult in the water at arm’s reach to provide assistance if needed.

-Make sure to separate the deeper end with a divider in the water so that all kids and adults no if there is a change in depth.

 HEADING TO THE BEACH?
 -Make sure to wear sunscreen. Wear hats, drink plenty of water, and don’t forget to reapply sunscreen regularly!

-Keep cool when you can.

-Practice the buddy system. Nobody is allowed by the water without their buddy.

-Point out the lifeguard so the child knows who to approach in case of an emergency.

-Do not allow children to swim in large waves.

-Teach kids that if they are caught in a rip current or undertow they should swim parallel to the shore or tread water and yell for HELP.

These are just a few tips to help create a safe environment for you and your families this summer. Again, we urge you to remain focused on water safety this summer. Keeping an eye on your children or making sure they are properly supervised is key to providing a safe and fun environment for all. ENJOY, STAY COOL, AND BE SAFE!