Celebrating 97 Years of Lionism
The Rye City Lions's Club Charter Dinner in November is always special. The Club was chartered in 1927 giving members cause to revel in the Club's longevity of supporting the community and services for those with challenges to their vision. A tradition of the yearly celebration since 2003 has been the awarding of the James A. and Marian M. Shea Award to a community person who sets an example of volunteerism. Rye is an exceptional community and is fortunate to benefit from the skills, enthusiasm and generosity of time and spirit exemplified by each year's awardee. The dinner on November 14, 2023 honored Nancy Haneman.
Nancy, a Rye native, serves as a role model for her service and commitment to the Rye community. Without question, her skills as a fundraiser and her leadership skills have improved the quality of life in Rye. The Rye YMCA, the Rye schools, the Carver Center, and SPRYE have enjoyed her commitment to service. In addition, she has volunteered for the American Cancer Society’s Reach for Recovery and the Strang Cancer Prevention Committee. At the Rye YMCA Nancy helped organize the first Rye Derby in 1995. From 1995 to 1997 Nancy was President of the Board and continues as a Trustee. She was awarded the prestigious Gold Spirit Award in 1997. Nancy chaired the Milton School Fair and served as the PTO President, also serving on the PTOs of the middle and high schools, and the First Night committee. Her fundraising skills benefited the Rye Youth Council and the Carver Center where she was Director of Fundraising.
Her contributions to the Rye community are seemingly endless. She is current Chair of the Rye Senior Advisory Council, serves on the SPRYE Advisory Committee and served as the President of SPRYE from 2012-2014, working to help establish the service to seniors since its early days in 2010.
It was a special evening.
Contact any Club officer for more information or send your suggestion for a nominee or nominees for 2024 to Rye City Lions Club P.O. Box 354 Rye, NY 10580. A nomination form for the Shea Award can be found on this web site.
