FOOTNOTES - All The News That Foot Can Print

HealthyKids Day at the Stamford YMCA

2010-04-19T09:52:00.000-07:00

Over a dozen vendors and health care professionals were featured in the Stamford YMCA's Healthy Kids Day festivities in the newly-renovated YMCA gymnasium on Saturday, April 17th. Stamford YMCA CEO Mark Ketley reports that General Electric, Stamford Hospital, the Girl Scouts, and Rex Marine were among the presenters.

ESPN CEO Keynotes New Britain YMCA Annual Meeting

2010-04-16T08:35:00.001-07:00

George Bodenheimer, CEO of ESPN and ABC Sports, keynoted the 126th Annual Meeting of the New Britain-Berlin YMCA this week. When the central Connecticut resident (born in Meriden, CT) started in the mailroom as a driver at ESPN in 1981, he lived at the New Britain-Berlin YMCA for several weeks. Subsequently, Bodenheimer has brought his sons to the New Britain YMCA for a recreational basketball league. Mr. Bodenheimer spoke on the values and competitive advantage of ESPN - "hardwork, caring for others, and passion".

Rhode Island YMCAs Host Advocacy Day 2010

2010-04-16T08:29:00.001-07:00

Volunteer and employed leaders of the six YMCAs in The Ocean State gathered at the State Capitol in Providence on April 14th for Rhode Island YMCA Advocacy Day. High School students, enrolled in the Champion Our Students law mentoring program of the Greater Providence YMCA joined with the YMCA leaders in telling the YMCA story to the state senators and representatives in the Rhode Island General Assembly. Champion Our Students is funded through the federal Department of Justice and the American Bar Association.

Busy Beavers At YMCA Camp Mohawk

2010-04-08T17:22:00.000-07:00

A colony of American Beavers (Castor canadensis) nightly builds dams on a pond on the YMCA Camp Mohawk property, resulting in the flooding of the camp's entrance road and sports fields. Camp Mohawk YMCA Camp Director Patrick Marchand used a John Deere backhoe one morning this week to break up the dam.

Regional YMCA Welcomes New Board Members

2010-03-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

The Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut this month welcomed ten individuals to the Association's governing board.
Front Row (L-R) - Vivian Maletzky, Joni Park, Marge Davidson, Elio Petta; Second Row (L-R) - Bryan Luizzi, Steve Polizzi, Scott Shockley, Michael Daglio, John Phelan, Shawn Palmer.

Stamford Family YMCA Ribbon-Cutting

2010-03-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

Formed in 1868 and Transformed in 2010, the Stamford Family YMCA re-opened on March 23rd with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at its 909 Washington Boulevard facility.
Pictured (L-R) are: Connecticut State Representative Patricia Billie Miller (145th Assembly District), Connecticut State Representative Gerald M. Fox, Assistant Majority Leader (146th Assembly District), Stamford Mayor Michael Pavia, Stamford YMCA Executive Director Mark Ketley, Connecticut State Senator Andrew J. McDonald, Deputy Majority Leader, and Stamford YMCA Chief Volunteer Officer Tom Albee.

YMCA Brand Revitalization

2010-03-07T04:55:00.000-08:00

Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut CVO Bob Belden and Board Member Mark Propper discussed with YMCA of the USA National Executive Director Neil Nicoll the details of the YMCA of the USA's brand revitalization, governance re-structuring and membership standards amendments at a recent regional educational forum conducted in Elizabeth, New Jersey. Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut Immediate Past CVO Michael Matson served on the YMCA of the USA's Governance Review Task Force.

Soundview Family YMCA Takes Shape

2010-02-17T16:19:00.000-08:00

The Central Connecticut Coast YMCA's newest branch facility - the Soundview Family YMCA Branch in North Branford, Connecticut - is taking shape. Branch Executive Doug Shaw is looking forward to a summer opening.

Darien YMCA Advances PHC / RWJF Initiative

2010-02-01T07:25:00.000-08:00

The Darien Community YMCA is advancing its planning as a Pioneering Healthier Communities YMCA, funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The YMCA has assembled a community team comprised of (L-R) - Kathy Risley, YMCA Special Needs Director; Terrie Wood, Connecticut State Representative; Mora Romaine, Community Relations Director at Norwalk Hospital; Stephanie Fairleigh, Junior League; Carol Wilder Tamme, President, Darien Chamber of Commerce; Don Fiftal, Superintendent of the Darien Public Schools; Pat Morrissey, Darien Community YMCA CEO; Martha Rhein, VP of the Darien Community Fund, Partner Coach; and Aidan Gaffney, Darien YMCA Fitness Director.

CT State Senator Donald DeFronzo

2010-01-28T18:59:00.000-08:00

Connecticut YMCA Alliance Chair Judy Jameson, Executive Director of the New Britain-Berlin YMCA, greets State Senator Donald DeFronzo, Assistant President Pro Tempore of the Connecticut State Senate, at today's Legislative Advisory Council Luncheon. Senator DeFronzo serves the 6th Senatorial District - New Britain, Berlin and Farmington.

House Republican Whip Pamela Sawyer Serves on LAC

2010-01-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

Greater Hartford YMCA Chief Operating Officer Jim Scherer welcomed State Representative Pamela Z. Sawyer to the 2010 Legislative Advisory Council Luncheon hosted by the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs. Sawyer serves the 55th Assembly District (towns of Andover, Bolton, Hebron and Marlborough). Susan Joyse, Vice President for Advancement at the Greater Hartford YMCA is pictured at the right. Representative Sawyer was honored in 2008 by the State YMCA Alliance as a YMCA Legislator of the Year.

Northern Middlesex YMCA's State Rep Attends LAC Luncheon

2010-01-28T18:50:00.001-08:00

Connecticut State Representative Matthew L. Lesser, representing the 100th Assembly District, joined with Northern Middlesex YMCA President Frank Sumpter at today's Legislative Advisory Council Luncheon.

Assistant Majority Leader Chris Perrone Serves on LAC

2010-01-28T18:46:00.000-08:00

Connecticut House of Representatives Assistant Majority Leader Chris Perrone, who serves Norwalk's 137th Assembly District, chats with Philip J. Dwyer, President of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA and Vice Chair of the State YMCA Alliance's Public Policy Committee at today's Legislative Advisory Council Luncheon in the State Capitol Building.

Wallingford's 85th Assembly District Representative Serves On Legislative Advisory Council

2010-01-28T18:40:00.000-08:00

Wallingford Family YMCA Executive Director Sean Doherty greeted Connecticut State Representative Mary Mushinsky, who serves Wallingford's 85th Assembly District in the Connecticut General Assembly, at the YMCA State Alliance's Legislative Advisory Council Luncheon, as the Connecticut General Assembly opens its 2010 session on February 3rd.

American Savings Foundation President Attends YMCA LAC Luncheon

2010-01-28T18:36:00.000-08:00

Connecticut YMCA CEOs Jim O'Rourke (Greater Waterbury YMCA) and Judy Jameson (New Britain-Berlin YMCA) welcomed American Savings Foundation President and CEO David Davison to the Connecticut YMCA Alliance 2010 Legislative Advisory Council luncheon today at the Connecticut State Capitol Building in Hartford.

Connecticut YMCA Alliance Public Policy Leaders

2010-01-28T18:30:00.000-08:00

Sean Doherty, CEO of the Wallingford Family YMCA, was introduced today at the annual Legislative Advisory Council Luncheon, as the Vice Chair-elect of the Alliance's Public Policy Committee. YMCA Alliance Chair Judy Jameson noted that Sean will commence his duties July 1, succeeding Philip J. Dwyer, President of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, who has served ably in that role for six legislative sessions. Pictured (L-R) are Sean Doherty, JudyJameson, Morag Vance (Chair, Public Policy Committee) and Philip Dwyer.

Wilton Family YMCA PHC Team Readies For Washington

2010-01-20T19:26:00.000-08:00

The Wilton Family YMCA Pioneering Healthier Communities team is preparing for the Activate America Pioneering Healthier Communities Conference in Washington, DC February 17-19, 2010.
Seated left to right - Dr. Meredith Renda of Doctors Pediatric, Lisa Bogan of Vision 20/20 and Y Board President, Carol Johnson of Fairfield County Bank and Wilton Rotary, YMCA Developmetn Director and Y PHC Coach Karen Strickland.
Standing left to right - Colleen Fawcett of Wilton Youth Services, Eve Kessler and Carol Kennedy of SPED*NET, Bob McDowell, CEO of the Wilton Family YMCA, Steve Pierce of Wilton Parks and Recreation, Ed Staunton of Nowalk Hospital, Bill Glass of Trackside Teen Center, Assistant School Superintendent Arlene Gottesman, and Wilton Chamber of Commerce Director and PHC Community Coach Stephanie Barksdale.

RWJF Pioneering Healthier Communities Teams Head to Washington

2010-01-20T07:10:00.000-08:00

Connecticut's six Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant-funded Pioneering Healthier Communities teams are preparing to head to Washington, DC, February 17-19 for the Activate America Statewide Pioneering Healthier Communities Conference.
The Darien Community YMCA, Greater Hartford YMCA, Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, Wallingford Family YMCA, Greater Waterbury YMCA and the Wilton Family YMCA are engaged in this enterprise aimed at affecting public policy change to address childhood obesity.
Pictured is the Wallingford Family YMCA community team.

Polar Plunge Yields $18,000 in COLD Cash

2010-01-18T16:21:00.000-08:00

The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA's 2010 POLAR PLUNGE in the pond at YMCA Camp Sloper has netted $18,000 to benefit the Association's Strong Kids Campaign,, which provides financial assistance to families for children to participate in YMCA Camp Sloper in the summer.
Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA CEO John Myers and his wife Moi are pictured "taking the plunge".

Soundview Steel Rises

2010-01-13T18:06:00.001-08:00

Steel is rising at the North Branford, Connecticut site of the Soundview Family YMCA Branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA. Branch Executive Director Doug Shaw reports that construction on the 35,000 sf YMCA is on schedule, with an opening planned for the summer of 2010.
The accompanying photo shows the fund raising "thermometer" topping the $8.8 million mark! Already plans are underway for a $3.5 million Phase II.

Advocacy Take-Aways

2010-01-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

Steve Conlan, Greater Providence YMCA Family Engagement staffer, reports out from one of the small group discussions at the Rhode Island YMCA Alliance Advocacy Workshop in Warwick City Hall.

Providence YMCA Youth Services Engages in Advocacy Discussions

2010-01-11T19:07:00.000-08:00

Chadria Major Thomas, Family Engagement Coordinator with the Providence YMCA Youth Services, captures group comments on newsprint as Deniece Nunez and other PYS leaders engage in the Rhode Island YMCA Alliance Advocacy Workshop in Warwick.

YMCA Advocacy Focus of RI Alliance Workshop

2010-01-11T19:04:00.000-08:00

Arianne Lynch, Managing Director Public Affairs for Advocacy Solutions, Karen Leslie, President of the Greater Providence YMCA, and Kristin Hurdle, Y-USA Director of State Government Relations, teamed to present a YMCA Advocacy Workshop to thirty-five YMCA leaders from the six YMCAs in The Ocean State.

Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian Greets RI YMCA Leaders

2010-01-11T19:00:00.000-08:00

Warwick, Rhode Island Mayor Scott Avedisian welcomed Rhode Island YMCA Leaders to Warwick City Hall this week, as the State YMCA Alliance conducted a half-day public policy / advocacy workshop. Pictured with Mayor Avedisian is David Devault, Chair of the State Alliance of Rhode Island YMCAs.

Vancouver-Bound? OCY Skaters Take To The Court

2010-01-11T18:55:00.001-08:00

The Ocean Community YMCA in Westerly, Rhode Island has converted a tennis court to a skating rink! With the Winter Olympics in Vancouver just weeks away, these YMCA skaters are aspiring to greatness.

Mountain Mist Outdoor Center Turning GREEN

2010-01-07T15:02:00.000-08:00

Meriden YMCA CEO John Benigni points to the 109' wind turbine tower at the Association's Mountain Mist Outdoor Center. In mid-February, the Meriden YMCA's wind turbine will be operational, forecast to save the Association $20,000 a year in electric costs, AND contribute surplus energy to the regional power grid. The wind turbine is funded with a $100,000 Connecticut Clean Energy Grant.

Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection

2009-12-18T16:53:00.000-08:00

Jeff Monseau (right), Springfield College Archivist, maintains the Cliff Smith YMCA Postcard Collection within the extensive archives of the College. Pictured with Jeff are Harry Rock (left), Director of YMCA Relations, and Richard Foot, YMCA Resource Director, a 1968 graduate of the College.

Tomorrow's YMCA Leaders

2009-12-18T16:45:00.000-08:00

Melissa Lambert, a Senior at Springfield College, majoring in YMCA Professional Studies (center), is pictured with Jeff Monseau, Springfield College Archivist, and Harry Rock, Director of YMCA Relations at Springfield College.
Springfield College was founded in 1885 to educate YMCA leaders. The College's YMCA Career Candidate Program combines academic and co-curricular preparation for YMCA work, including internships at YMCAs.

Springfield College Students Enjoy Holidays At Hazen

2009-12-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

Springfield College Director of YMCA Relations Harry Rock and three college students participated in the AYP Chapter 3 "Holidays at Hazen" event conducted at YMCA Camp Hazen.
Pictured are (L-R): Elliot Irizany, SC Class of 2011; Liz Czaranecki, Americorps Volunteer; Harry Rock; and Lewis Kanyiba, SC Graduate Student.
Founded in 1885, Springfield College is known worldwide as the Birthplace of Basketball and for the guiding principles of its Humanics philosophy - educating students in spirit, mind and body for leadership in service to others. Springfield College offers the YMCA Career Candidate Program, a unique program of academic and co-curricular enducation.

Camp Hazen Holiday Choristers Perform

2009-12-11T17:44:00.001-08:00

To the delight of AYP Chapter 3 the Camp Hazen YMCA "not-for-prime-time" Holiday Choristers serenaded YMCA leaders with a "campy" rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Holiday Elves

2009-12-11T17:40:00.000-08:00

Patrick Connolly (L) and Mark Pooler (R) enjoy a light moment at the "Holidays at Hazen" AYP Chapter 3 meeting conducted at YMCA Camp Hazen.

How Sweet It Is

2009-12-11T17:36:00.001-08:00

The YMCA Camp Hazen culinary team created a confectionary tribute to retiring AYP National Executive Director John Coduri.
Pictured are (L-R): Danita Ballantyne, Camp Director at YMCA Camp Hazen; Denise Learned, Executive Director of YMCA Camp Hazen; John Coduri, retiring National AYP Director; Rhino Merrick, Assistant Camp Director at YMCA Camp Hazen; and Meghan Carr, Program Director at YMCA Camp Hazen.

Solid As A Rock

2009-12-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

Harry Rock, Director of YMCA Relations at Springfield College, engages in conversation with Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA Executive Director John Myers at the AYP Chapter 3 "Holidays At Hazen" event conducted at snow-covered YMCA Camp Hazen in Chester, Connecticut.

Societal Trends - "Generations and the YMCA"

2009-12-11T17:26:00.000-08:00

Heather Evans, YMCA of the USA Research Analyst (left), keynoted the "Holidays at Hazen" meeting of AYP Chapter 3 with an illustrated presentation on Societal Trends and Their Implications for the YMCA.
Did you know that by 2010 only 20% of all households in the United States will be parents with two children under 18?"
Heather presented a profile of the five generations in the YMCA today - Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, Generation "X", Generation "Y" and Generation "V" (virtual). Pictured with Heather is Wendy Stevens, AYP Chapter 3 President, and Executive Director of the Cheshire Branch of the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA.

John Coduri Leadership Award Established

2009-12-11T17:20:00.000-08:00

Chapter 3 of the Assoiation of YMCA Professionals (AYP) honored retiring AYP National Executive Director John Coduri with the establishment of the "John Coduri Leadership Award", which will be annually presented to a YMCA professional in the Chapter.
Pictured (L-R) are: Scott MacLeod, Executive Director of the Arcadia Branch of the Ocean Community YMCA; John Coduri, AYP National Executive Director; and Denise Griffin, Aquatics Specialist at the Westerly-Pawtucket Branch of the Ocean Community YMCA.

AYP Chapter 3 Salutes Coduri and Welcomes Dunn

2009-12-11T17:14:00.000-08:00

Chapter 3 of the Association of YMCA Professionals (AYP) gathered today for its annual "Holidays at Hazen" meeting at YMCA Camp Hazen in Chester, Connecticut, and marked the seasonally-festive gathering with a tribute to retiring AYP National Executive Director John Coduri and a warm welcome to Donna F. Dunn, who will succeed John at the helm of the national organization.
Pictured are (L-R): Wendy Stevens, AYP Chapter 3 President and Executive Direcotr of the Cheshire Branch of the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA; John Coduri, National President of AYP; and Donna F. Dunn, recently-appointed to lead the Association of YMCA Professionals, following the retirement of John Coduri.

Connecticut Department of Labor Officials Update YMCA Leaders

2009-12-03T11:39:00.001-08:00

Commendation to the Connecticut YMCA Alliance's HR and Finance Directors' Network for hosting today's workshop on the Connecticut Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA), new federal regulations, the I-9 Form and COBRA notice requirements.
Kudos to Pam Libertiny (Director of Human Resources, Risk Management and Administration for the New Canaan Community YMCA) and Joan Camire (Associate Executive Director of the Valley Shore YMCA) for their leadership of the Network.
A special thanks to YMCA Camp Hazen for hosting today's workshop - Tip O' The Hat to Denise Learned and Claudia Martin for their hospitality.
THANK YOU to Attorney Jennifer Devine and Special Investigator James Fusaro from the CT Department of Labor.

Regional YMCA Launches Annual Campaign

2009-12-01T04:31:00.000-08:00

Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut Board Member James Arconti, a Vice President of Rose & Kiernan, Inc., has been tapped to lead the Association's THIS IS Y annual support campaign. The campaign goal is $132,000, with all funds directed to financial assistance to children, adults and families in the Greater Danbury area. Already the Regional YMCA has topped $124,000, exceeding last year's $120,000 achievement!
Jim Arconti, left center, talks to YMCA members Frank Heinsolin, Bonny Miller and Dennis Macauley in front of the Greenknoll YMCA in Brookfield.

YES Network Plays Football at the Stamford YMCA

2009-11-05T18:02:00.000-08:00

The YES Television network football team talks over strategy at a recent flag football game on teh new turf at Westhill High School. The 10-team league, sponsored by the Stamford YMCA, has played all fall on Sunday mornings, with the championship underway.

Stamford YMCA's 21st Century Learning Center Goes to the NBA

2009-11-05T17:57:00.001-08:00

The Stamford YMCA's 21st Century Learning Center program, in partnership with the Rippowam Middle School, recently attended the opening night of the New Jersey Nets season at the Meadowlands in New Jersey. Students and faculty along with YMCA Senior Program Director Ernest Lamour enjoyed a terrific nigth of NBA baskeball!

Stamford YMCA Basketball League

2009-11-05T17:52:00.000-08:00

The Stamford YMCA has hosted a fall high school basketball league, with teh championship tournament currently underway. High school teams from Fairfield County, including Stamford, Wilton, Trinity, Westhill, Darien, Greenwich, McMahon, New Canaan, Stamford Academy, adn Norwalk particiapted in the league, according to Stamford YMCA Executive Director Mark Ketley.

Wilton Family YMCA Engages in Strategic Planning

2009-10-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Thirty-six members of the Wilton Family YMCA governing boards (Directors and Advisory Trustees) gathered this evening at Silver Spring Country Club in Ridgefield, Connecticut to advance the process of strategic planning for the Association. Mark Dengler, Vice President of SEER Analytics, presented an overview of the Primary Market Analysis, Fundraising Focus assessment, and Membership Satisfaction Survey to the assembled YMCA leaders.
Small group discussion, facilitated by strategic planning committee members, focused on The Big Question for the Wilton Family YMCA.

Naugatuck YMCA Enters Phase 3 of Facility Upgrade

2009-10-29T09:38:00.001-07:00

The Naugatuck YMCA is currently engaged in Phase III-B of a $3.0 million capital improvement program, which work has spanned five years. Primary funding sources for the capital development enterprise have been federal funding ("Small Cities" and Department of Transportation), state funding (DSS), and major corporations and foundations.
From the sidewalk in front of the Naugatuck YMCA the community can see one element of the capital enhancement - the access to an elevator, providing accessibility to persons with disabilities to the YMCA wellness facilities as well as the YMCA residence. Wellness facility , childcare center, locker room, and fire code compliance have been included in the project. Natatorium improvements are planned in the coming months.
The elevator features "green" technology (belt-driven) and provides stops at four elevations in the facility.
Pictured are: (L-R) Todd Genovese, Project Manager with Rose-Tiso & Company (architects), and Bill Kane, Naugatuck YMCA Executive Director

Newport County YMCA Embraces Health Seekers

2009-10-29T04:03:00.000-07:00

Newport County YMCA Executive Director Pete Milinazzo and Member Relations and Wellness Director Dawn Gardner strategize around improvements in their YMCA's culture, aimed at embracing and addressing the wants, needs, and interests of health seekers. The Newport County YMCA is one of seven YMCAs in the Northeast Gulick Collborative.

Dawn Gardner To Chair NE Gulick Collaborative Steering Committee

2009-10-29T03:54:00.000-07:00

Dawn Gardner, Member Relations and Wellness Director for the Ocean Community YMCA, has volunteered to chair the steering committee of the Northeast Gulick Collborative, a consortium of seven YMCAs in the Northeast committed to transforming their YMCAs' cultures to one that clearly embraces and addresses the wants, needs, and interests of health seekers.
The Northeast Gulick Collaborative met in an Executive Strategy Session on October 28th at Save The Bay overlooking Naragansett Bay in Providence. The YMCAs which form the Collaborative are: Hockomock Area YMCA, YMCA of Greater Nashua, Newport County YMCA, Rye YMCA, Greater Providence YMCA, Valley Shore YMCA and the YMCA of Central Massachusetts.
Kelly Kressler from the Rye YMCA leads the Childcare affinity group in the collborative.
Pictured are: (L-R) Karen Leslie, President, Greater Providence YMCA, Dawn Gardner, and Cindy McDermott, Northeast Gulick Collaborative Director.

Connecticut BEAN Organizes Advocacy Workshop

2009-10-27T18:11:00.001-07:00

The Connecticut YMCA Alliance's Branch Executives and Associates Network (BEAN) organized today's YMCA Advocacy workshop, as part of the continuing series of professional development experiences for YMCA professionals in the state. The Connecticut BEAN is chaired by Chris Pallatto, Executive Director of the Wheeler Regional YMCA Branch of the Greater Hartford YMCA. (right in photo). Serving with Chris on the BEAN steering committee are Jeff Williams, Executive Director of the Hamden-North Haven Branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA (left in photo). Philip J. Dwyer, President of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, is Vice Chair of the Public Policy Committee of the Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs (center in photo). Not pictured is BEAN steering committee member Mark Pasquarello, Executive Director of the Berlin Branch of the New Britain-Berlin YMCA.

Neighborhood Pride Evident in North Hartford

2009-10-27T13:19:00.000-07:00

Talk to a person on the sidewalk in front of the new Wilson-Gray Youth and Family Center YMCA in the North End of Hartford, and you will readily sense the community PRIDE in this spectacular new YMCA full-facility branch, featuring a gymnasium, community rooms, child-watch, locker facilities, and a Read To Succeed literacy center.

YMCA Member Ambassadors

2009-10-27T13:14:00.000-07:00

YMCA Member Ambassador Dean Jones and Senior Director of Membership and Marketing Susan Campbell represented the Greater Hartford YMCA in stellar fashion, as they conducted tours of the handsome new Wilson-Gray Youth and Family Center in the North End of Hartford. Jones and Campbell are pictured in front of the historic mosaic mural in the lobby of the new facility. The mosaic was preserved from the old YMCA building across from Bushnell Park in downtown Hartford.

Vance and Marshall - CT YMCA Alliance Advocady Duo

2009-10-27T13:11:00.000-07:00

Connecticut YMCA Alliance Public Policy Committee Chair Morag Vance (left) and Connecticut YMCA Alliance lobbyist Marshall Collins welcome Connecticut State Senator Joan Hartley to the Advocacy Workshop.

CT YMCA Alliance Advocacy Workshop

2009-10-27T13:05:00.000-07:00

Greater Waterbury YMCA CEO Jim O'Rourke greeted Connecticut State Senator Joan Hartley (D-Waterbury), Assistant President Pro Tempore of the state Senate, at today's Connecticut YMCA Alliance Advocacy workshop, conducted in the Old Judiciary Room of the State Capitol in Hartford. Also invited to the workshop was State Representative Themis Klarides, Deputy Republican Leader, who represents the 114th Assembly District - the towns of Woodbridge, Orange and Derby.
Senator Hartley was named Connecticut YMCA Alliance Legislator of the Year in 2009.

Hearts Are Worn In These Dark Ages

2009-10-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

The New Canaan Community YMCA in Fairfield County, Connecticut is reaching out to the children of the second largest urban slum on the continent of Africa - Kibera, a provincial division of Nairobi, Kenya - whose inhabitants number between 600,000 and 1.2 million.
Pictured is a class of the FAFU nursery school, displaying a banner thanking the New Canaan YMCA for its financial support. The majority of the children in the class are from single mothers or are orphans.
Kibera is featured in Fernando Meirelle's film The Constant Gardner and mentioned in the music video World On Fire by Sarah McLachlan.
"Hearts are worn in these dark ages / You're not alone in this story's pages / Night has fallen amongst the living and the dying / And I try to hold it in, yeah, I try to hold it in." - Sarah McLachlan

YMCA Alliance Honors Chip Lewis

2009-10-21T19:26:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut Alliance of YMCAs this evening honored Wallingford Family YMCA volunteer Chip Lewis for his leadreship and service on the Alliance Public Policy Committee.

Connecticut State Representative Mary Mushinsky presented Chip with a Proclamation signed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the President of the State Senate, and the Secretary of the State.

Participating in the ceremonies conducted at the Hawthorne Inn in Berlin, Connecticut were Past Public Policy Committee Chairs Frank Sumpter, Gary Kozak and Doug Bray, along with the current Committee leadership - Morag Vance, Chair, and Phil Dwyer, Vice Chair.

Connecticut YMCA Retirees Gather For Luncheon

2009-10-21T12:54:00.001-07:00

Twenty-two retired YMCA employees residing in Connecticut gathered at Angelo's on Main RockLedge in West Hartford today for a meeting of the Connecticut Chapter of the Association of YMCA Retirees. The meeting was hosted by Bob Hoffman and Dickinson McNulty.
Pictured are: Bob and Nancy Fitzgerald, Co-Vice Presidents of the New England Chapter of AYR
Bob and Nancy Hoffman, Board members of NE AYR
Andy Anderson, Past President of NE AYR
Allen Beavers, Treasurer, NE AYR

Strap-Hangers Targeted In Bridgeport YMCA Promotion

2009-10-20T13:57:00.000-07:00

Should you find yourself riding any of the Greater Bridgeport Transportation Authority (GBTA) buses in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Trumbull, Milford, or "The Valley", you will see a three-foot banner promoting the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA. Kudos to Bridgeport YMCA Branch Executive Tim Bartlett for arranging a special deal for just the cost of the materials. The signs will be in 50 buses for a year!

A Lifetime of Volunteerism

2009-10-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

Executive Vice President of Danbury Health Systems Dr. John Murphy (center), and a long-time friend Dick Blessey (left) present a plaque to John Allen's wife, Phyllis, in the lobby of the Greenknoll YMCA on October 13,, 2009 in memory of John's lifetime support and volunteerism to the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut and many other organizations in the Greater Danbury area.

YMCA Hall of Famer Bill Cameron Addresses AYP Chapter 3

2009-10-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

William "Bill" Cameron, a 2007 inductee to the YMCA Hall of Fame, addressed members of Chapter 3 of the Association of YMCA Professionals (AYP) today at the Chapter's monthly meeting conducted at the New Britain-Berlin YMCA. Bill's "Legacy" address was a reprise of his thought-provoking presentation at the AYP Albany Conference.
Pictured are AYP Chapter 3 President Wendy Stevens, Branch Executive Director of the Cheshire Branch of the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs, and Bill Cameron.

A Legacy of 125 Years of Service to New Britain

2009-10-16T13:16:00.000-07:00

One has a glimpse into the 125 year heritage of the New Britain-Berlin YMCA when viewing the ornate YMCA logo on the entrance to the YMCA.
The New Britain-Berlin YMCA claims to be the birthplace of the sport of racquetball.

Regional YMCA Raises The Financial Development Bar

2009-10-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut President Marie Miszewski (left) and Director of Development and Marketing Greg Dembowski (right) joined Y-USA Financial Development Resource Specialist Courtney Z. Weiland at the 2010 Tri-State YMCA Strong Kids Campaign Kick-off in Mahwah, New Jersey today.
To learn more about the Tri-State YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, click on www.donorbydesign.com/tristate

Wallingford Family YMCA Engages in Financial Development Pilot

2009-10-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Wallingford Family YMCA is one of nine YMCAs nationally selected to participate in an Annual Community Support Campaign Pilot Project, under the guidance of the YMCA of the USA's financial development resource team. A trio of Wallingford Family YMCA leaders participated today in the 2010 Tri-State YMCA Strong Kids Campaign Kick-off, conducted in Mahwah, New Jersey.
Pictured are: (l-r) - Courtney Z. Weiland, Y-USA Financial Development Resource Specialist, Sean Doherty, CEO of the Wallingford Family YMCA, and Jan Donohue and Debbie Chappel of the Wallingford Family YMCA.

Championing Strong Kids in Darien

2009-10-08T14:04:00.000-07:00

Darien Community YMCA Board member Mallory Weymann joined Darien Community YMCA Executive Director Pat Morrissey (center) and Montclair (NJ) YMCA CEO Tom Boyton at the 2010 Tri-State YMCA Strong Kids Campaign Kick-off in Mahwah, New Jersey today. [Also participating in today's kick-off was Darien Community YMCA Board President Deb Goll, not pictured.]
Six Connecticut YMCAs engaged in the kick-off campaign training session today - Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, Darien Community YMCA, Greenwich Family YMCA, New Britain-Berlin YMCA, Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut and the Wallingford Family YMCA.

Tri-State Strong Kids Campaign Kick-Off

2009-10-08T13:52:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Tri-State YMCA Strong Kids Campaign kicked-off today with a day-long training workshop conducted at the Sheraton Hotel in Mahwah, New Jersey. Campaign organizers urged YMCA campaign leaders to "push the reset button", and establish a new standard for management, volunteer engagement, messaging, and the case for support.
Suzanne Reilly, Branch Executive Director of the Valley YMCA Branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, and Esperina Baptiste, Branch Executive Director of the Ralphola Taylor Community Center Branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, were among the seventy YMCA leaders in attendance.

Energy and $$$$$avings at Southington YMCA

2009-10-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA today was awarded a $33,498 State of Connecticut Department of Public Utilities capital grant for the installation of a customer-side distributed generation, or co-generation, system at the YMCA's 29 High Street facility.
Co-generation is an on-site generation of energy. It is the simultaneous production of two or more forms of usable energy from combustion of a single fuel source, in the YMCA's case - natural gas. The YMCA uses this clean technology to produce electricity and thermal energy at the same time. While producing electricity by way of a natural gas-powered engine generator, the YMCA uses the waste heata from the engine to heat the building, the pool and the domestic hot water.
By producing one third of its own electricity and using the byproduct of hot water, the Southington Community YMCA is not only saving money, but more importantly, reducing its energy consumption and carbon footprint on the environment.
Pictured are: Joseph Heller, Account Executive from Yankee Gas, John Myers, Executive Director of the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, and Terry Lombardi, YMCA Board President

Let The Sun Shine On The Smithfield YMCA Pool

2009-10-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

For the first time in over 40 years the Smithfield (RI) YMCA indoor swimming pool is bathed in sunlight!
Smithfield YMCA CEO Harold Hemberger (pictured) is overseeing a $750,000 comprehensive make-over of the YMCA's natatorium - new structural steel roof, new water-tight roofing, air exchange system, and lighting.
Harold reports that the project is on schedule for completion at year-end, with a grand re-opening planned for right after the first of the year.
The project is funded by generous grants, prinicipal among them gifts from the Champlin Foundation, the Ocean State Charities, June Rockwell Levy Foundation, the Rhode Island Shriners' Foundation, and a Friend of the Smithfield YMCA, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Dwyer Attends YMCA World Urban Network in Egypt

2009-10-01T17:35:00.000-07:00

Approximately 50 delegates from eighteen countries met last week in Alexandria, Egypt to discuss operating YMCAs ini a world at crisis, economically, socially and politically. Philip J. Dwyer, President of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, participated in this meeting of the YMCA World Urban Network (WUN).
The YMCA World Urban Network is a fellowship of YMCA CEOs/General Secretaries from the major cities around the world. The membership totals more than 100 colleagues with representation on all of the continents, linked together by a shared vision to achieve the YMCA's mission throughout the world, and particularly in urban centers.
WUN delegates discussed strategic planning, addressing conflicts that develop between balancing "mission and margin", and case studies on organizational renewal for troubled YMCAs. The group toured the Alexandria Library, a world-class reesearch and study center built in 2002
Pictured from L-R are: Philip J. Dwyer, CEO of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA; Ashraf Nicola, Assistant to the Egypt YMCA General Secretary; Samy Nashid, General Secretary to the Egypt YMCA Movement (24 YMCAs in the country); Deborah J. Dwyer

21st Century Community Learning Center Grant Recipient

2009-09-29T10:58:00.000-07:00

The New Britain-Berlin YMCA today announced that the Association has been awarded a $200,000 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, and will be serving as the lead agency and fiduciary, partnering with the New Britain School District.
The 21st Century Community Learning Center Program supports the creation of community learning centers that provide academic enrichment opportunities during non-school hours for children, particularly students who attend high-poverty and low-performing schools. The program helps students meet state and local student standards in core academic subjects, such as reading and math; offers students a broad array of enrichment activities that can complement their regular academic programs; and offers literacy and other educational services to the families of participating children.

Wilton Family YMCA Bubble-Up!

2009-09-27T10:53:00.000-07:00

A sure sign that fall is arriving in New England is the annual inflation of the "air structure" covering the fifty-meter aquatic facility of the Wilton Family YMCA in Wilton, Connecticut.
The Wilton Family YMCA makes a fun event of the task of inflating the "bubble". Days of preparation culminate in an "all-volunteers-on-deck" service day to ready the natatorium for the fall-winter-spring seasons.

Defining Attributes of Pioneering Healthier Communities

2009-09-21T16:53:00.001-07:00

What are the defining attributes of Pioneering Healthier Communities?

- Leadership model
- Utilize multiple sectors and diverse organizations to maximize experience, resources, assets and skills
- YMCA serves as a convener in the community and co-leads with partners
- Influence policy and environmental change
- Local initiatives are organically grown with strategies specific to the needs of each community

Pictured are: (L-R) Kathleen McNamara, Partner Coach, Greater Waterbury YMCA; Jim O'Rourke, Interim Executive Director of the Greater Waterbury YMCA

Wilton Family YMCA Pioneering Healthy Living

2009-09-21T16:45:00.001-07:00

The YMCA of the USA's Pioneering Healthier Communities initiative engages community leaders, convened by local YMCAs, in policy and environmental change efforts that support and promote healthy lifestyles. These initiatives empower local communities with proven strategies and models to create and sustain positive, lasting change for healthy living.
More than 100 YMCAs are involved in Activate America's Healthier Communities initiatives. Communities that are currently involved have been successful in influencing environmental and policy changes that affect community walkability and pedestrian safety; access to fresh fruits and vegetables; physical education requirements in schools; enhancements in opportunities for employees to havde access to healthy foods, among other things.
Pictured are: (L-R) Stephanie Barksdale, Executive Director of the Wilton Chamber of Commerce, and Karen Strickland, Development and Marketing Director of the Wilton Family YMCA.

Prevalent, Costly and Preventable

2009-09-21T16:37:00.001-07:00

The YMCA recognizes that health and well-being programs and initiatives are cricital to the nation's efforts to combat the crisis of chronic disease, including heart disease and stroke, cancer and diabetes. YMCAs also recognize that they can't do it alone. These diseases are the most prevalent, costly and preventable of all health problems.

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of death in the US;
133 million Americans live with one or more chronic diseases, and 75% of the nation's medical care costs go to treating people with these conditions;
About half of all deaths in the US can be attributed to largely preventable behaviors.

Pictured are: (L-R) Barbara Moore, Project Director for the Connecticut Pioneering Healthier Communities / Robert Wood Johnson Foundation initiative; and Jason Cohen, Connecticut Statewide Pioneering Healthier Communities Chair (Director of Parks and Recreation in Colchester, CT and Treasurer / Legislative Chairman of the Connecticut Recreation and Park Association.

PHC YMCAs Visioning Success

2009-09-21T03:34:00.000-07:00

Pioneering Healthier Communities YMCAs gathered in Arlington, Virginia this week, in the PHC Coaches Conference for the 2009 Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant recipients, have established "Signs of Success for State Alliance / Statewide PHCs Work":

A thriving learning community - Statewide PHCs will have well-established forums and patterns for learning and sharing at both the local and state levels;

Increasing collaboration on state legislative priorities - Networks, communities, assocations across the respective states will have identified and committed to working together on one or more state-level priorities;

Growing more community-level work - More local communities taking on childhood obesity through policy / environmental change strategies, partly as a result of statewide PHC;

Getting meaningful and measurable results - Clear changes at the state and local level that are observable and measurable.

Pictured are: (L-R) Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA PHC Team members - Howard Thiery, Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Southington, CT; Karen DiGirolamo, Health and Wellness Director at the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA; John Myers, Executive Director of the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA

Healthier Communities Initiative

2009-09-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Tracy Wiedt, Project Director for Activate America, Healthier Communities Initiative, chats with Greater Hartford YMCA Vice President of Operations, Jim Scherer at the 2009 Pioneering Healthier Communities Coaches Conference in Arlington, Virginia.

Activate America National Director

2009-09-20T18:00:00.001-07:00

Activate America National Director Jonathan Lever, is pictured with YMCA Resource Director Linda Schreiber, whose service portfolio encompasses YMCAs in Kentucky and West Virginia.

Jonathan oversees the strategic development and implementation of the Activate America initiative of the YMCA of the USA.

Wallingford Family YMCA Activates The Community

2009-09-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

Participating in the Pioneering Healthier Communities Coaches Conference from the Wallingford Family YMCA are (L-R) Craig Turner, Director of Youth and Social Services for the Town of Wallingford, Sean Doherty, CEO of the Wallingford Family YMCA, and Mark Graham, Health and Wellness Director of the Wallingford Family YMCA.

Pictured second from the right is Sam Bechnel, Project Manager, Activate America, Healthier Communities Initaitive.

Darien Community YMCA a PHC YMCA

2009-09-20T17:45:00.000-07:00

Darien Community YMCA Pioneering Healthier Communities Partner Coach / Community Volunteer Barbara Rhein chats with Connecticut YMCA Alliance Pioneering Healthier Communities / Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Project Director Barbara Moore at the opening reception for the Pioneering Healthier Communities Coaches meeting in Arlington, Virginia.

Pioneering Healthier Communities Coaches Meet

2009-09-20T17:29:00.000-07:00

Six Pioneering Healthier Communities YMCAs (PHC) from Connecticut are participating this week with eleven like-focused YMCAs from Kentucky and Tennessee in the Pioneering Healthier Communities Coaches Conference of the 2009 cohort of the YMCA of the USA's Healthier Communities Initiative. The conference is being conducted in Arlington, Virginia, within sight of The Nation's Capitol, as the US Congress advances health care reform at the federal level.

Teams of Pioneering Healthier Communities coaches from the Darien Community YMCA, Greater Hartford YMCA, Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, Wallingford Family YMCA, Greater Waterbury YMCA, and the Wilton Family YMCA are learning under the tutelage of leaders from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Community Initiatives, and the YMCA of the USA.

Funding from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation is supporting a statewide PHC policy change initiative at the local and state level in six states and 32 communities over a period of five years. The aim of this initiative is to address the childhood obesity epidemic through policy and environmental changes that will have implications for communities, states and the nation. A total of 16 YMCAs within Connecticut, Kentucky and Tennessee were selected in 2009.

Pictured are: (L-R) - Audrey Haynes, Senior Vice President / Chief Government Affairs Officer, YMCA of the USA; with members of the Greater Hartford YMCA;s team - Brian Liss, Greater Hartford YMCA; Marco Palmeri, Plainville Health Department; Roger Moss, East Hartford Parks and Recreation; Chris Pallatto, Branch Executive, Wheeler Regional YMCA.

New Britaiin-Berlin YMCA Strategic Planning

2009-09-19T14:09:00.001-07:00

The senior management team of the New Britain-Berlin YMCA retreated to YMCA Camp Sloper in Southington, Connecticut to operationalize the Association's new strategic plan. Small group sessions among the staff amplified the strategies and developed action steps to advance the objectives of the Plan.

Milinazzo Appointed To Y-USA Cabinet

2009-08-22T05:00:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Pete Milinazzo, Executive Director of the Newport County YMCA, who has accepted an appointment to the YMCA of the USA Small and Mid-Size YMCA Cabinet.
The Small and Mid-Size YMCA Cabinet is a representative group of YMCA CEOs from Small and Mid-Size YMCAs who are informed about YMCA of the USA activities, served as a sounding board for various YMCA of the USA departments, advocate for similar size YMCAs and their leadership, and support fellow Cabinet members through networking opportunities.
The Small and Mid-Size YMCA Cabinet is comprised of 12-18 CEOs of YMCAs with budgets of less than $4.0 million, representative of the four Regions: Northeast, Midweset, Southeast and West. Members serve a 3-year term oni the Cabinet. Small and Mid-Size YMCAs number 697 out of the 954 associations nationwide (figutres as of April 6, 2009).
Pete presently serves as Treasurer of the Rhode Island YMCA Alliance. [In the accompanying photo, Pete (left) is pictured with a state legislator serving his YMCA community.]

2010 General Assembly of YMCAs

2009-08-14T04:23:00.000-07:00

The General Assembly of YMCAs is the premiere celebration of the YMCA Movement in the United States, designed to inspire, rejuvenate and affirm each attendee's passion for YMCA work and provide meaningful connections to others in the Movement. YMCA of the USA hosts the General Assembly every three years. This four-day conference features inspiring speakers and numerous educational workshops, as well as relationship-building opportunities for YMCA staff and volunteers.

The General Assembly is open to all YMCA staff and volunteers in North America and typically has 4,500-5,000 attendees.

The next General Assembly will take place July 8-11, 2010 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Check out the YouTube "Babs" video found on the Salt Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau website - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP9qzeiTHCw

Everything Is Going Swimmingly at the Stamford YMCA

2009-08-04T11:38:00.000-07:00

The Stamford YMCA, for the second consecutive summer, has partnered with the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA to bring swimming lessons to Stamford's summer camp program.

The Fairfield branch of the CCC YMCA has provided lifeguard and instructor services during the seven week day camp program.

" As the Stamford YMCA continues to restructure its membership program and building renovations, the summer camp program is flourishing, with growth over the past two summers", says CEO Mark Ketley.

" The assistance from the CCC YMCA with their aquatic staff from the Fairfield branch has been tremendous, it has been great working together to provide these inner city kids the opportunity to learn to swim"

Families Count at the Providence YMCA

2009-07-28T17:18:00.000-07:00

The Greater Providence YMCA was selected to receive an Annie E. Casey Foundation FAMILIES COUNT Family Strengthening Award. Only 5 applicants received awards nationally.

The Rhode Island Association received the award in recognition of its LIVESTRONG Cancer Survivor Program. Each award winner will receive $15,000.

The Greater Providence YMCA programs will be highlighted on the www.ymcaexchange.org Family Strengthening programs page as well as in Hotfacts, and other YMCA publications. Each YMCA also will be contacted by the Hatcher Group, which will develop profiles of our award-winning programs for the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the YMCA Movement.

Farewell Tribute To Andrew Roberts

2009-07-27T17:34:00.000-07:00

Greater Waterbury YMCA member Norm Feitelson offered a touching tribute to Greater Waterbury YMCA Executive Director Andrew Roberts at a farewell luncheon conducted at the Country Club of Waterbury today. Feitelson, who joined the Gra-Y program at age 7 in 1931, saluted Roberts, who will serve as Y-USA Senior Resource Director commencing August 3rd.

YMCA Resource Director Richard Foot offered an ODE TO ANDREW ROBERTS on this special occasion. . . . .

With pride, it falls to the local Resource Director from Y-USA
To offer a tribute to the departing CEO of the Greater Waterbury YMCA.

However, this day of joy and delight
Is tinged with tears, albeit slight.

For the CEO of this premiere YMCA he has nurtured
Is embarking on an exciting new aspect of his career featured.

Just as the YMCA builds strong kids, strong families and strong communities. [Hey! A commercial is allowed!)
The Greater Waterbury YMCA community can be proud.

For Andrew Roberts has strengthened this Association so bold
And most notably in this YMCA Sesquicentennial year, we are told.

Beyond the Brass City and environs so fair,
Andrew has given leadership in the Connecticut YMCA Alliance so rare.

A learned man – Brandeis and Harvard – for sure.
Now the real education begins on the Y-USA Service Delivery tour.

Now raise a song for Andrew, let hearts and voices blend
To celebrate his praises, whose fame shall have no end.

A YMCA Golfing Foursome

2009-07-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

Retired YMCA professional Skip Raymond, Central Connecticut Coast YMCA President Phil Dwyer, Greater Waterbury YMCA Childcare Director Jaime Wilcox, and Regi0nal YMCA of Western Connecticut member Mitch Mizewski competed as a foursome in the Greater Waterbury YMCA's golf tournament at the Country Club of Waterbury today.

Policy Is Powerful

2009-07-23T18:42:00.000-07:00

Today the six Connecticut YMCA teams selected as Robert Wood Johnson Foundation grant recipients gathered with their Pioneering Healthier Communities collaborators for a statewide Next Steps meeting.

The Southington-Cheshire Community YMCA, one of the six grantees, hosted the Darien Community YMCA, the Greater Hartford YMCA, the Wallingford Family YMCA, the Greater Waterbury YMCA and the Wilton Family YMCA.

Roberta R. Friedman, ScM, Director of Public Policy for the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University, keynoted the conference, with an illustrated presentation titled “Policy Is Powerful” in which she emphasized the shift from “programs” to developing and implementing “policy” related to youth obesity.

Pictured are: [L-R} Roberta R. Friedman, Sam Bechnel, Morag Vance, Mario Garcia, Judy Jameson, Phil Dwyer, Barbara Moore, and Jay Cohen

Red Cube Inspiration

2009-07-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

The Red Cube by Isamu Noguchi (1968, red painted steel, Marine Midland Bank - now Brown Brothers Harriman, 140 Broadway, New York) is the backdrop for a gathering of YMCA leaders, engaged in a focus group at the YMCA Retirement Fund offices in Manhattan.
L-R - Vanessa Boulous, YMCA Retirement Fund Senior Vice President for YMCA Relations; Robert Hastedt, YMCA Retirement Fund Director of Education; Chuck Ainsworth, Greater New York YMCA Vice President, YMCA Partnerships; and Ricardo Torres, YMCA Resource Director.
Web research reveals: Aside from its striking color, Red Cube stands out from the surrounding architecture in that all of its lines are diagonals, whereas the buildings are made up of horizontal and vertical lines. Additionally, the sculpture is balanced somewhat precariously on one corner, while the buildings, by contrast, and solidly placed.

Eagle Scout Builds Bridge At YMCA Camp Hazen

2009-07-15T13:59:00.001-07:00

YMCA Camp Hazen Executive Director Denise Learned admires the handiwork of a local Eagle Scout, who led a group project to construct a bridge at the independent YMCA camp in Chester, Connecticut.

Archery At YMCA Camp Hazen

2009-07-15T13:55:00.000-07:00

Campers at YMCA Camp Hazen in Chester, Connecticut are enjoying the new archery range, constructed on a portion of the 5.5 acres recently acquired by the independent YMCA camp adjacent to its current property. YMCA Camp Hazen has plans for a new bathhouse and an 800 sf addition to its main office building - part of a master plan and capital development program.

YMCA Camp Hazen New England-Style Barn

2009-07-15T13:49:00.000-07:00

YMCA Camp Hazen in Chester, Connecticut boasts a handsome new 3,000 sf maintenance facility, of post-and-beam construction, modeled in the New England barn architectural style. The two-story structure, features heated office and maintenance workspace, as well as bays for storage of tractors, lawn maintenance equipment, and heavy equipment. A second story affords ample storage space for supplies and equipment. The design, site preparation and construction, totalling $300,000, was funded with YMCA Camp Hazen's operating reserves.

Chester Cedar Swamp - YMCA Treasure

2009-07-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Walk with me on the boardwalk leading to Chester Cedar Swamp, which is one of the finest remaining examples of an Atlantic White Cedar forest. This breathtaking natural setting at YMCA Camp Hazen in Chester, Connecticut was declared a National Natural Landmark. This type of forest is at risk and being succeeded by hemlock. The Chester Cedar Swamp is adjacent to a 5.5 acre parcel of land recently acquired by YMCA Camp Hazen, as part of the independent camp's master plan of conservation and development.

Greater New York YMCA YouTube Video

2009-07-15T10:54:00.000-07:00

YMCA Global Teens is a dynamic youth program which offers teens the opportunity to engage in the powerful journey of global discovery. Since 1996, Global Teens has sent over 700 teenagers to over 26 countries. The impact of the program is profound, and best described in the words of its participants. Check out the latest YouTube video produced by the Greater New York YMCA -

New Canaan YMCA YouTube Video

2009-07-13T17:55:00.000-07:00

The New Canaan Community YMCA (New Canaan, Connecticut) has posted a video on YouTube -

YMCA Camp Greenknoll

2009-07-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Day campers at YMCA Camp Greenknoll in Brookfield, Connecticut reveled in the sunshine and warmth of a July day in the Association's spectacular fifty-meter outdoor swimming pool. The Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut's aquatic facility is marking its third season of operation.

The Biggest Dam Movie & Beavers

2009-07-13T17:40:00.000-07:00

The award-winning IMAX film - Beavers - The Biggest Dam Movie - came to life for this YMCA Resource Director, when he visited YMCA Camp Mohawk today!

The entrance road to the all-girls YMCA camp in Litchfield, Connecticut was flooded, thanks to the "busy-ness" of a family of beavers.

Camp Mohawk Camp Director Patrick Marchand reports that each morning the Camp management must break up a beaver dam, re-constructed overnight by the industrious swimmers.

"P" Day At YMCA Camp Mohawk

2009-07-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

Camp Mohawk YMCA Assistant Director Nadine Thompson modeled one of the many and varied forms of dress during "P" Day at the all-girls YMCA camp in Litchfield, Connecticut.

What is "P-Day", you ask? On this summer camp theme day, everyone wears something which begins with "P" - pink, plaid, purple, pajamas, you get the idea!

New Air Rifle Range at YMCA Camp Sloane

2009-07-13T17:26:00.000-07:00

For less than five thousand dollars, YMCA Camp Sloane has a brand new eight-station air rifle range!

The sturdy structure, along with the backstop, were the creation of staff and volunteers at YMCA Camp Sloane, which marks its 81st camping season in 2009.

Camp Sloane YMCA Dining Hall Paddles

2009-07-13T17:20:00.000-07:00

Don't try to practice the J-stroke with the paddles mounted on the entrance doors to Camp Sloane YMCA's Barclay Acheson Dining Hall!

These canoe paddles serve as handsome (and handy) door handles, thanks to the creativity of Camp Sloane YMCA Executive Director Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Michael Matson Appointed To Y-USA Task Force

2009-07-04T03:40:00.000-07:00

Michael Matson, Immediate Past Chief Volunteer Officer of the Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut, has accepted an invitation from the YMCA of the USA to serve on the Y-USA’s Membership Standards and Governance Review Task Force.

The task force will review the YMCA of the USA’s current governance system, eight constitutional qualifications for membership, and constitutional method by which it protects the YMCA name, marks and brands. The task force will make recommendations to the National Board and ultimately to the movement.
A key operating objective of the YMCA of the USA’s 2007 Mission Impact Strategic Plan is to evaluate its governance processes and systems, and make necessary changes to ensure they are representative, efficient, in concert with all regulatory requirements and capable of attracting volunteer leaders commensurate with the movement’s stature as a major not-for-profit organization. A core function of YMCA of the USA is to protect the YMCA name, marks and brands.
This task force will be chaired by Ulice Payne, YMCA of the USA’s newly elected Chair-elect.
Michael is the founder and President of Matson Financial Advisors, a financial investment firm based in Brookfield, Connecticut.
Michael is an active member of The Financial Planning Association, National Association of Tax Professionals and International Association of Registered Financial Consultants. Michael is a graduate of the University of Connecticut School of Business with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in economics and finance. He gained a more global perspective studying economics and international marketing at Tilburg University in the Netherlands in 1983. He currently serves on various Congregational Church of Brookfield committees. He is also an Investment Advisor with the Congregational Church of Brookfield. His commitment to the community is reflected in the local organizations he and his family supports. These include his appointment to The Regional YMCA of Western Connecticut as a member of the Board of Directors where he served as Chairman of the Board from 2006-2009. For over eight years, Michael has also been successful in promoting good sportsmanship and teamwork as an active youth soccer coach.

Willett Earns Mott Scholarship

2009-07-04T03:31:00.000-07:00

Nick Willett, Executive Director of the Fairfield Branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA, has been awarded a $2,500 John R. Mott Scholarship. The Mott Scholarship assists YMCA Senior Directors in continuing their education through graduate study. It was established in honor of John R. Mott, a major YMCA leader for more than 60 years, and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 1946. Nick is pursuing his graduate studies at Fairfield University in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Judy Jameson CT YMCA Alliance Chair

2009-06-24T07:32:00.000-07:00

The Connecticut YMCA Alliance Nominating Committee, chaired by Northern Middlesex YMCA President Frank Sumpter, has announced Judy Jameson, Executive Director of the New Britain-Berlin YMCA, as the Chair of the Connecticut YMCA Alliance. Judy succeeds Greater Waterbury YMCA CEO Andrew Roberts, who recently accepted the position of YMCA Senior Resource Director with the YMCA of the USA.

A YMCA professional for 21 years, Judy first became a part of the YMCA of Greater New Haven at the Soundview Family Branch in Guilford, CT. After five years, she became membership director with the Woodruff Family Branch of the YMCA of Greater New Haven which merged with the YMCA of Greater Bridgeport, creating the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA. Judy became the branch executive director with the Woodruff Family YMCA in 1999 and led that branch for seven years. During this time she oversaw facility renovations which included the construction of a glass enclosure of the swimming pool, renovations of lobby, locker rooms and various program spaces. Judy became CEO of the New Britain-Berlin YMCA in December 2006.

Boothbay Region YMCA Youth Inspire

2009-06-20T13:40:00.000-07:00

National award-winning YMCA Arts Program youth from the Boothbay Region YMCA (ME) inspired YMCA leaders this week with a medley of songs from the 1970 musical GODSPELL (based on a series of parables from the Gospel of Matthew). The audience was moved by “Beautiful City”, “Bless The Lord”, “We Beseech Thee” and other inspiring melodies and lyrics.

True Blue Angels

2009-06-20T13:35:00.000-07:00

Northeast Region Committee On Membership Standards (RCMS) Chair Esther Pappas and Maine YMCA State Alliance Chair CR Davis were honored for their dedicated service to the YMCA Movement. Both were inducted into the ranks of Honorary “Blue Angels” – the nickname for Y-USA Region One Resource Directors. Esther and CR were presented with baseball caps of the tight-formation flying team of the United States Navy, embroidered with their names.