Book embodies community spirit

Rebecca Book, 2016 immediate past president of the YMCA of Pawtucket board of directors, received the 2015 Spirit Award at the YMCA of Pawtucket’s 126th annual meeting. Book was presented with the award in recognition of her dedication and commitment to the YMCA.

The YMCA’s Spirit Award is presented to someone who best exemplifies and promotes the ideals of the YMCA. What do those ideals mean for you?

The YMCA of Pawtucket believes that lasting personal and social change happens when we all work together. For me personally, the mission, philosophy and ideals of the YMCA are the basic tenets in which I strongly believe, particularly in terms of efforts to support and develop children and families and to foster positive and lasting social change. These ideals are primarily what drew me in to become a YMCA board member.

Why are organizations like the YMCA a community staple?

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The YMCA of Pawtucket serves as a staple in the communities in which it serves through youth development by nurturing every child’s potential; by promoting healthy living programs and activities that focus on overall wellness to reduce risk for disease and help others reclaim their health; and through social responsibility by giving back to support our neighbors and strengthening communities.

In what ways did serving as president of the board differ from other roles you’ve held?

Serving families has always been at the heart of the YMCA. In my capacity as senior vice president/compliance officer at Pawtucket Credit Union, I have found that the missions of the credit union and the YMCA are similar. Helping our neighbors in need and supporting the communities that we serve are fundamental to both organizations. However, my responsibilities as compliance officer are quite different than those of serving as the board president. By serving as president of the YMCA board, I was able to expand my knowledge base with regard to certain aspects and means of serving community needs.

What is your proudest accomplishment from your time on the YMCA of Pawtucket board of directors?

Leading the YMCA during a period of transition, which began with the retirement announcement of the longtime YMCA General Director Ess McNulty, and overseeing the nationwide search to find a successor to Ess, has to be my proudest accomplishment. •

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