I have lived in Rye since 1963 and my earliest memories of the YMCA were learning to swim. Back then we would actually meet Rye Y lifeguards at the beach and that’s where we had our swim lessons. I continued coming to the Y consistently until I left for college in 1977. And then when I completed graduate school, I re-joined the Y around 1986 or 1987 and have been a continuous member ever since.
Over the years, I learned the discipline of good fitness by using the old Y weight room and the fitness center. I also have great memories of the 3 on 3 basketball leagues the Y used to run about 15 years ago. Through playing racquetball at the Y, I met Bill Ganley and Marvin Henk, who were on the Y’s board and they recruited me to join them on the board. I served two terms (six years total) and spent much of my time assisting with the human resources side of things. I remember being very impressed with the hiring process that brought Gregg Howells (the current Executive Director) to the Y. I also have nice memories of helping with the annual Rye Derby.
Things have come full circle at the Y for me as I have a family membership and my daughter also learned to swim here. We continue to look forward to the weekend family swims, especially over the winter months. Most recently, I had double hip replacements and I did much of my rehab at the Y. Over all these years, I have always embraced the Y’s focus on spirit, mind and body, which is what I love about the Y. I have also enjoyed very much the tremendous growth the Y has had over the past several years.
© Rye YMCA. All Rights Reserved. Site by Stark.
