OUR VOICE
YMCA SOUTHCOAST 18 S Water Street New Bedford MA 02740 February 2016 ymcasouthcoast.org
A newsletter for members, volunteers and supporters of the Y
SPECIAL REMINDERS Visit ymcasouthcoast.org for a list of special events and details happening across the Association Mardi Gras February 27th at the New Bedford YMCA
Annual Campaign Kick Off March 8, 2016
Easter Egg Hunts & Breakfasts Special activities happening at the branches
BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE New Y Branch Opens in Swansea
The newest Y in Swansea, the Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA, is now open and happily serving over 1700 members. New Year’s resolutions are being accomplished—families are becoming closer by spending quality family time together—and everyone is getting healthier each and every day. The new Y employees hear laughter and engaging conversations all day long and are witnessing tears as children are pried away from the Play Adventure Center. Enthusiasm and facility usage are so high that more fitness equipment is being added to accommodate everyone. Besides the state-of-the-art Wellness Center and breathtaking aerobic studios the Ropes Challenge Course has just been installed with a towering climbing wall and a zip-line spanning the entire soccer field. The indoor walking track is quite popular and outside, the ¾ mile walking trail is completed.
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Healthy Kids Day April 30, 2016
IN THIS ISSUE • Message from our CEO • Branch Spotlights • Summer Day Camp • Healthy Kids Day • Weddings by the Sea • My Y is Every Y Program • Member Referral Program • Health & Wellness • Annual Campaign 2016
OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y WE’RE BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE... (con’t)
The YMCA SOUTHCOAST Association Board, along with President and CEO, Gary Schuyler, had the inspired vision to invest in the endeavor to build this new Y in Swansea. With the help of our wonderful steering committee, $1,330,000 has been raised to date for the $1.7 million project. These volunteers have built a new Y that will serve the community for generations to come. Steering Committee Members: Kelly Baldwin, Lindsey Bshara-Leviss, Donna Frank, Greg Gagne, Richard Gunther, Derek
Heim, Nancy Martin-Bernier, John McMahon, Jennifer Preston, Ann Ramos-Derosiers, Charlie Reed and Kathy Reed tell us that community support and interest is growing every day. They are working to raise the $369,000 needed to complete phase one. The Y movement is sustained by volunteer efforts like these wonderful people have put forth. What an incredible legacy they are providing for their community.
PARKINSON’S RECOVERY By Carolyn Bick—Wareham Week
Though it is only in its third week, teacher John Gonsalves said he is already getting positive feedback on his Parkinson’s Recovery Training class. The new class, held at the Gleason Family YMCA, is meant for individuals suffering from any stage of Parkinson’s disease, a degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system and makes it difficult for those who have it to walk and perform everyday functions. The class is geared towards helping those with Parkinson’s and with multiple sclerosis make what many who do not suffer from the diseases see as basic movements. “What I am doing in the class may appear very basic to some, but is not basic for others,” Gonsalves said. The class is comprised of walking with some chair-based activities. Participants go through movements that require them to bend over and pick up or move exercise bands from a sitting position. “It’s all about functional movement,” Wellness Director Chris Koziol said. “For someone with the disease, that can be a daunting task. It’s simulating, ‘Hey I dropped my napkin at a restaurant, how can I get it without falling over or embarrassing myself?’” Gonsalves said he has learned a lot from his class members and his favorite part of the class is the end when he has to do a little balancing and everyone forms a circle and holds on to each other for support.
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A MEMBER SAYS THANKS By Dennis D
The last few years have been very difficult after being diagnosed with terminal cancer in 2012. Many wonderful things have happened to make my ordeal bearable, but none has been more profound than my experience here at the Y. From the time my radiologist recommended the LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Cancer program and when I first walked through the door of this beautiful Fall River YMCA, I knew this was God, once again, working in my life. The Fall River YMCA is quite unique. You see, in a world where everyone tries to do as little as possible and get the most in return, the Y does the opposite. Every time you come, you not only replenish the Body, but your Mind and Spirit as well. I have spent the last three years in hospitals and nursing facilities. There was something missing in my life until I started coming to the Y. The feeling I get every time I walk through the door is the feeling of coming home. Thank you to all the staff at the the Fall River YMCA for your devotion to not only providing a service second to none, but for making each and every person that leaves here that much better for the world to enjoy.
OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
REFLECTING ON 28 YEARS President and CEO to Retire On February 28, 1988, I began my tenure as CEO for the YMCA of Greater New Bedford, and this April, I will be retiring from my position as President and CEO of this Y, now called YMCA Southcoast. It was a bittersweet decision for me to make as I have enjoyed serving this Y and this community for these many years. However, the timing to step down this spring makes the most sense for me, my family and for our Y organization. Over the past 28 years, I hope I have been able to make a difference for our Y and our community. Indeed, we both have grown! In 1988, we had one Y (Greater New Bedford YMCA), and one seasonal summer camp. The total membership then was 3,000 members. We now have six year round branches, with 20,000 members, 600 children enrolled in child care, 1,000 children per day attending summer camp and thousands of participants in our many other programs. This growth could never have been accomplished without the many people who have supported me and our Y during this time. Without the involvement of these people, we would not be the regional organization that we are now. First and foremost I want to thank the wonderful group of volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make our organization what it is today. These volunteers include board members, and the countless program volunteers, who have helped coach basketball, officiate at swim meets, harvest vegetables at our “Sharing the Harvest” farm, or serve at the many other activities throughout our association.
YMCA SOUTHCOAST President & CEO Gary Schuyler
I’ve also had the honor and privilege to work with a tremendous group of talented and dedicated board chairs during these 28 years. These individuals agreed to take on this challenging leadership role, without compensation, in order to help our Y be the best it could be. I am deeply grateful to the late Dennis Cabral, the late Jack Musser, Roger Blanchette, Bob Coykendall, Patricia Janiak, Ken Shwartz, the late Ted Babbitt, Kevin Champagne, Charlie Decas, Larry Wilson and Peter Bullard for serving in this role, and for their guidance and friendship. These past years have also taught me the value of having positive and enthusiastic employees! I have consistently witnessed staff members across all our Y branches and our association offices give tirelessly of their time and energy to enhance the image and productivity of our Y. While I could never name all of you here, I want to acknowledge that you have all played your part in making YMCA Southcoast a respected and vital organization in our community. And finally but most importantly, I want to thank our members and donors for your belief in our Y and for your commitment to an organization that is worldwide in scale but increasingly relevant to the everyday fabric of life in the Southcoast region. Although some people still think of the Y as a place to learn to swim, play hoop, or go to summer camp, most of you know that we are much, much more. While those activities are still important, I am equally proud of the Y farm where 92,000 pounds of vegetables were given to food pantries in 2015, and of the hundreds of young adults who got their first real job at the Y and learned appropriate work values that have made them valuable contributors to our society. I am thrilled for the many people who have reclaimed their health at the Y and who are living better, healthier lifestyles because they were able to connect with the right program or instructor in our wellness centers. And I am so very pleased that our Y has been a place where youngsters have learned lifelong skills and values in our swimming pools, basketball courts, child care centers, camps, and other program areas. Thank you all for playing such an important part in the life of our Y, and I hope you will continue to support this wonderful organization in the years and generations to come.
Another great reason to belong to the Y! The Y is for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. We want you to stay active and healthy, through spirit, mind, and body, wherever you travel in New England. As a benefit of your YMCA Southcoast membership, you can enjoy free access to almost every Y facility in New England through the “My Y is Every Y” program, all you need to do is bring your membership card and photo ID. For a full listing of participating Y facilities visit ymcasouthcoast.org, ymca.net or use the Y Finder Mobile App. Some restrictions apply. Participants must use their home branch at least 50% of the time. 3
OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
NUTRITION ON WEEKENDS
Mother and Daughter Volunteer Duo Spotlight The Nutrition On Weekends Program is a volunteer based hunger relief backpack program of the Mattapoisett YMCA that serves children in New Bedford. This program is anticipating to make a significant impact on 150 of the neediest New Bedford children on weekends and during school breaks. The Mattapoisett YMCA is seeking donations for food distribution to the local children in need. We rely on the generosity of our food donors, including supermarkets, wholesalers, neighbors, friends and others to donate nutrient-rich, non-perishable food.
Did you know that some children in New Bedford do not have enough food to eat on the weekends? The Mattapoisett YMCA is doing something NOW to help.
Susan Shallies and her daughter Kathy Langevin have been packing needed meals into bags for our Friday deliveries to the students of Alfred J. Gomes School in New Bedford2. “It has been amazing to watch this mother/daughter team work together” says Joe Marciszyn, Executive Director of the Mattapoisett YMCA. “They are so lively and they are packing more than hunger relief into each bag, they are packing hope.” Volunteers like Kathy and Sue are critical to the work we do every day. The Y depends on volunteers to inspect, sort, and repack reclaimed food and grocery products. Our volunteer base ranges from students to senior citizens and from business professionals to religious organizations. The help that volunteers provide save the Mattapoisett YMCA thousands in labor costs annually which make it possible for us to provide even more food for those in need. In addition to time, one thing the Mattapoisett YMCA always needs is financial support. The money to operate the N.O.W.—Nutrition on Weekends Program must be raised anew every year. We need money to run our operations, and without it we could not assemble orders of nutritious food for our local children on the weekends. We could not buy food in bulk, gather food donations, or fuel our trucks. Please join us to help “Bag Hunger” for our friends at the Alfred J. Gomes School in New Bedford and alleviate hunger in our communities. Contact Joseph Marciszyn at 508.758.4203 or jmarciszyn@ymcasouthcoast.org to help.
HEALTHY KIDS DAY 2016 On Saturday, April 30th, YMCA SOUTHCOAST is holding free community events to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active at the Fall River YMCA, Gleason Family YMCA in Wareham, the Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA in Swansea, and the New Bedford YMCA. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve health and well-being for kids and families, features activities such as swimming, exercise, games, healthy cooking demonstrations, and arts and crafts to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, celebrated at nearly 1,300 Ys across the country, aims to get more kids moving and learning, so they can keep up the habit all summer long—a critical out-of-school time for kids’ health. When kids are out of school, they can face hurdles—or gaps—that prevent them from reaching their full potential, related to hunger, water safety, learning, safe spaces to play, and health. Each year, the Y helps over 9 million youth nationwide “hop the gap” and achieve more, providing a safe to place to learn, stay healthy and build friendships.
For times and more information visit ymcasouthcoast.org 4
“The Y is so much more than sports, swimming, gymnastics and a place for kids to hang out. We support families in their efforts to instill healthy habits at home,” said Nancy LaRue Bonell, COO, YMCA SOUTHCOAST. “We know that it can sometimes feel like a challenge. So at Healthy Kids Day, we’ll encourage kids to stay physically and intellectually active all summer long, and give families tips they can easily replicate at home. It’s free and open to the community.”
OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
SUMMER IS COMING Time to Plan for Camp
Exploring nature, gaining new experiences and making new friends are just some of the benefits of participating in summer day camp. As summer fast approaches, YMCA SOUTHCOAST reminds parents that camping is a unique and invaluable experience for children and teens. “Getting a summer break from learning in school doesn’t mean that kids should not spend the summer learning outside the classroom,” says Nancy Bonell, Vice President & COO, YMCA SOUTHCOAST. “At day camp, campers learn how to be responsible and resourceful, work in groups, solve problems and make decisions that will help them grow as individuals – all while having fun.” As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y works to help children and teens discover their full potential by providing opportunities to learn and grow. According to camping experts at the Y, there are five reasons why kids should experience summer camp: 1. FOR ADVENTURES: Summer camp is all about fun adventures in the outdoors. Y camps have new adventures for every child and teen. 2. FOR NEW EXPERIENCES: Day camps are about learning outside of school, exploring and appreciating the outdoors, developing new skills, making friends and showing leadership. 3. FOR PERSONAL GROWTH: While being away from the routine back home, youth have a chance to develop confidence and independence by taking on new responsibilities and challenges. 4. FOR NEW FRIENDSHIPS: Amidst the fun of camp games, songs, swimming, canoeing and talent shows, campers meet new friends. 5. FOR MEMORIES: Summer camp is an unforgettable experience that will give each camper memories that will last a lifetime. YMCA SOUTHCOAST provides excial camp programming for children and teens, and their parents, including Adventure Challenge, Baseball, Basketball, Cheerleading, Counselor in Training, Junior Lifeguard, Lacrosse, Leaders in Training, Sailing, Tennis, Volleyball, Young Farmer and more. We have six summer day camps: Camp Frederick Douglass in New Bedford, Camp Massasoit in Mattapoisett, Camp Metacomet in Dartmouth, Camp Nep-In-Nae in Wareham, Camp Quequechan in Fall River and Camp Swansea at the new Stoico/FIRSTFED YMCA. To ensure that every child and teen has the chance to go to camp, YMCA SOUTHCOAST offers financial assistance to those in need. To learn more about camp opportunities, visit ymcasouthcoast.org.
NEW YOUTH PROGRAMMING & WELLNESS CENTER MAKING AN IMPACT A number of changes have taken place at the New Bedford YMCA. Our new Youth Development Director, Rayana Grace started in mid October and created new programming that appeals to our youth members— Athletics, Arts and Sciences plus Wellness, Culinary, and Civic Engagement. Our Shooting Stars program for basketball skills and drills, and Sports Mix for preschool-aged children were both well received this past fall. To highlight the Arts, we introduced some new dance classes. Happy Feet: Music and Movement is for toddlers, and we also offer hip-hop and tumbling—all taught by dance instructor Susan Botelho, who comes to us with over 20 years of dance instruction. Sci-Time Science Club is being taught by Roger Hart, a longtime New Bedford YMCA member and AP Physics teacher who wanted to give back to the programs that played such an integral role in his adolescence. We look forward to continuing with new youth programming including drama club, volleyball, soccer/Futsal, and art. Rayana has been attending various community meetings throughout the city of New Bedford to help strengthen our ties with local agencies and develop new partnerships. Youth programs are not the only new aspects of the New Bedford YMCA this year. Our Wellness Center has received a facelift with some new, innovative equipment. Our new line of equipment will complement the many amenities that the Wellness Center has to offer for those in need of support in reaching their health and wellness goals; not the least of which is the well-trained and passionate staff. The New Bedford YMCA is fully embracing 2016 with a new us! We are eager to see the ways in which these changes will benefit the members and community we serve.
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OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
GETTING KIDS ON THE HEALTHY TRACK YMCA SOUTHCOAST wants to support you as you lead your kids down a path to lifetime health and fitness. The Y is a mission driven, family focused organization. Two important areas of our mission are to nurture the potential of kids and to promote healthy living. For this reason, the future of your kids is on the top of our priority list. Greater levels of inactivity, combined with poor nutritional habits, create increased numbers of overweight and obese children and adolescents in the United States. In addition, weight-related conditions previously seen only in adults are now being diagnosed in kids. These issues have a negative impact on the physical health and self-esteem of our kids. This brings us to the third part of our mission of our commitment to strengthening our community through social responsibility. The diet and lifestyle choices you make each and every day have a direct impact on the future health of today’s youth. The American Academy of Pediatrics’ website reports that studies indicate that lifestyles learned as a child are much more likely to stay with them into adulthood. If an active lifestyle is a family priority then it will provide parents and children a foundation for a life of good health; not to mention a wonderful opportunity for quality family time. YMCA SOUTHCOAST has six branch locations—Dartmouth, Fall River, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Swansea, and Wareham. Each offering something for all age groups. Whether it’s Fit Kids, Teen Challenge, Sports Specific Training, Speed & Agility Training, or taking part in a group exercise class with mom and dad, it’s important to get your child on a path to a healthy lifestyle. Visit ymcasouthcoast.org for details on the programs offered at our branches. Our certified trainers can put together a program to kick-start your family on a healthy road. Let us support you; your child’s future health is in your hands.
SAFE SWIMMING SAVES LIVES Swim season will be here before we know it and the Y encourages children and parents to explore the many benefits of swimming, while also keeping safety a top priority. In the Y’s swim programs, participants can enjoy water sports, enhance or learn new techniques, meet new friends and develop confidence, while also learning safety skills that can save lives. “Swimming is a fun and enjoyable activity for children and adults, and it’s an easy way to stay physically active and improve strength, flexibility and stamina,” said Frank Duffy, Executive Director of the Fall River YMCA. In addition to learning lifesaving water safety skills, children can increase their physical activity by swimming. Swimming also motivates children to strive for self-improvement, teaches goal orientation, and cultivates a positive mental attitude and high self-esteem. It also teaches life lessons of sport and sportsmanship, so that children can learn how to work well with teammates and coaches and how to deal with winning and losing. As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, the Y has been a leader in providing swim lessons and water safety for more than 100 years. There are a variety of programs to choose, including swim lessons, water safety courses, family swim, competitive swim training, and more. Look for special “splash week” swim lessons taking place during February and April school vacation breaks. Visit ymcasouthcoast.org for details.
WEDDINGS BY THE SEA Nestled on the sparkling ocean vistas of Mattapoisett Harbor, the Mattapoisett YMCA is the perfect setting for a wedding. Sandy beaches and romantic sunsets are only a start to a dream wedding at Shining Tides. The day may begin with a ceremony on the beach followed by cocktails on the sprawling green lawn, all with unparalleled views of the ocean. Guests will be graciously invited to dine on the newly expanded porch of our beautiful New England house. Enjoy the ocean views and the panoramic sunset then dance the night away under the starlit sky. Shining Tides porch is the perfect location for your rehearsal dinner, anniversary, birthday or graduation party, bridal or baby shower. Whatever your event we can make it an unparalleled success. Contact our Sales and Event Coordinator, Elizabeth Lynch to set up an appointment to tour this unique venue on the water. 6
508.525.5729 ∙ weddings@ymcasouthcoast.org shiningtidesweddings.com
OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
SUPPORTING OUR NEIGHBORS It has been 11 years since the Dartmouth YMCA embarked on its farming journey, and in 2015 the Sharing the Harvest Community Farm eclipsed some pretty fantastic production goals. Sharing the Harvest began in 2006 as a small endeavor to combat hunger in our communities—from Wareham to Fall River. The sprawling 60 acres of land at the Dartmouth YMCA seemed an ideal location to grow some vegetables that could in turn be donated to local food pantries and kitchens. In 2015, the farm has grown in size to four acres, and its food production was well beyond the Y’s initial thoughts. In 2015, the farm donated 92,263 pounds of produce, which equates to 580,990 servings. Since its creation in 2006, Sharing the Harvest has donated 368,867 pounds of produce and more than 2.3 million servings to communities in need. The donated produce includes squash, potatoes, peppers, onions, scallions, asparagus, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant and much more. None of this work is done by the Y alone. Sharing the Harvest has a partnership of the United Way’s Hunger Commission, which transports all of the fresh produce back to the community. Each week, the Hunger Commission visits the Y to pick up the fresh produce, and then delivers it to partner organizations across the Southcoast. The Dartmouth YMCA employs one full-time employee, Dan King. Dan is the farmer, and responsible for the day-to-day operation of the farm. However, he could not manage this task on his own. He relies on the generosity and dedication of volunteers. The farm saw almost 3,000 volunteers in 2015, who put in a total of 7,334 volunteer hours.
GET REWARDED FOR SHARING YOUR Y Friends Help Friends Get Healthy—Give them the gift of the Y Get a FREE month of membership when you help a friend or relative get healthy at the Y. For every new member you refer who joins, you’ll receive one free month of membership! Consider sharing your Y experience by introducing a friend, co-worker, or family member to the Y. What a great deal...your friend joins, and you save money! There is no limit to the number of referrals you make. Referral cards are available at the Welcome Center desk or online at ymcasouthcoast.org.
A GLIMPSE INTO THE NEWLY RENOVATED FALL RIVER YMCA
In 2016, Sharing the Harvest will attempt to surpass a total production goal of 100,000 pounds of produce. If you would like to lend a hand, please contact harvesthealth@ymcasouthcoast.org.
If you haven’t been to the Fall River YMCA recently, you will be completely amazed at its transformation. Stop in at your convenience; our staff will be happy to give you a tour.
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NONPROFIT U S POSTAGE
PAID
NEW BEDFORD MA PERMIT #168
YMCA SOUTHCOAST
18 S Water Street New Bedford MA 02740 508.996.9622 ∙ ymcasouthcoast.org
TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A BETTER US Through the Annual Campaign
Everything the Y does is in service of building a better us. From tackling the educational achievement gap to teaching healthy habits or giving people the chance to strengthen our community through volunteering, the Y understands what our community needs to be its best. Now more than ever, the Y needs your support, dedication and most of all collaboration to inspire others to give to our 2016 Annual Campaign. Help the Y raise the resources we need to make sure every person in every community has the chance to thrive. Every dollar donated has a lasting impact on the people we serve. When you donate to the Y, you’re donating for a better us!
DONATE TODAY
at ymcasouthcoast.org or ask a Y associate for a pledge card.