Wow! The year was full of so many engaging luncheons, book groups, speakers, tours and, of course, Mah Jongg!  There was something for everyone’s interest and at varied price points. All the events are so beautifully organized and decorated with attention to every detail. This does not happen without the powerhouse leadership and volunteers of the Sustainer Day and Sustainer Evening Committees. I am in awe of their creativity and dedication– and so proud of each and every volunteer on these committees. Special thanks to those who lead the charge.

Sustainer Day Committee
Co-Chairs: Mary Beth Harvey and Joan Benham
Lecture Luncheon: Lisa Abel and Gayla Merrick
Trips and Tours: Therese Giacomo
Mah Jongg: DeeDee Scarborough
Performing Arts Plus: Lori Shepherd and Susan Davison
Salons: Cindy Plehn
Astor House Book Group: Maria Reina and Derry Wilkens
Astor House Building and Beautification: Celeste Rault and Nancy Scully
Annual Giving: Jeannie Trouveroy
And kudos to Treasurer: June Reed and Secretary: Mary Beth Tully
Sustainer Evening Committee Co-Chairs: Karen Chin and Elizabeth Finan
Treasurer: Saundra Smith
Secretary: Elise Perram

There were several highlights from recent events.

The SDC welcomed spring with an elegant garden reception and festive picnic fare.  Attendees were dressed in their “spring” best, with colorful hats.  Invited guest NJYL President Serra Eken shared highlights of her term.  A warm farewell tribute was given to our beloved Diann Rohde and Dinah Fuentes who have always been a major part of our successful Sustainer events.

The inaugural Evening Mah Jongg sessions are off to an auspicious beginning filling the need of many volunteers who could not participate during the day.  Thank you to Karen Chin who spearheaded the evening effort.  We’re looking forward to more Mah Jongg play next year.

The NYJL’s Board of Directors and Management Council were out in full force with shovels and rakes in hand at the PIP Board/MC Park Day. They joined the Playground Improvement Project committee to paint, plant, and spruce up Columbus Park, which opened in 1897 and is one of New York City’s first major urban parks. It has been the heart of one of the oldest residential areas in Manhattan and home to generations of immigrants newly arrived to the city. By early morning, the park was full of visitors, showing the impact that access to sunlight and nature has on a community.

Several new Sustainer initiatives were started this year.  One initiative, under the direction of Patricia Miney and Susan Fisher, has the goal of making all new Sustainers feel welcomed and included and reconnecting those Sustainers who may not engage with the NYJL as often.  The second initiative is the launch of a new Sustainer page on the NYJL website.  Stay tuned for updates! Thank you to Elizabeth Finan and Kim Essency Pillari for leading this effort.

You can still donate to the Employee Appreciation Fund to show your appreciation to the staff who maintains our beautiful headquarters and ensures that the needs of its volunteers are met.  Click here to make your gift.

Finally, I would be remiss if I did not give Diann Rohde and Dinah Fuentes a huge and warm thank you from the Sustainer community.  We are going to miss Diann’s leadership and the crucial support that Dinah has supplied over the year, both behind the scenes and at events.  They served with grace and good humor, and we are so appreciative of their efforts. The Sustainer community wishes the very best to Dinah and Diann as they embark on the next phase of their lives.

With appreciation,

Claire Mungiguerra
Sustainer Council Head 2023- 2025