Soundview Steel Rises

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.