August Board of Director's Newsletter

RYAN PATTERSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARHIP

The Board of Directors meeting in June featured a special guest speaker for the Mission Moment; Anushka Khandelwal, the winner of the 2023 Ryan Patterson Memorial Scholarship, spoke about her volunteer projects that have made an impact in the community and received the $2000 award check that accompanies the award. With the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS), she participated in the Student of the Year program and has been responsible for raising over $45,000 for blood cancer research. She also works with the Still Waters Anti-Trafficking Program that provides financial, medical, and emotional support to victims of labor trafficking. With this group, she initiated the creation of pocket-sized emergency medical cards to help reduce language barrier issues and has also assisted clients with help applying for financial aid, finding employment, and evaluating their living arrangements.

Anushka, who resides in Edison, attended Woodbridge Academy Magnet School (Middlesex County Academy of Allied Health and Biomedical Sciences), where she consistently excelled in both academics and the arts. While maintaining excellent grades in her advanced math, science, and health courses, she also honed her drumming skills to become an integral part of a student-led rock band. In addition, she has earned several awards for her photography, in which she focuses on storytelling through capturing beautiful moments.

Her wide range of interests and volunteer commitments has challenged her to think critically and work hard in order to succeed both academically and in the arts as she prepares for a career in the medical field. In the fall, she will be majoring in biological sciences at Drexel University as part of their combined Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.

SOMERSET PATRIOTS SUMMER FUN

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Somerset Patriots game on July 28! Not even the heat could stop us from having a great time. In addition to a great night of camaraderie, the Patriots had a big win over the Bowie Baysox. We

GENERAL ASSEMBLY ATLANTA, GEORGIA

Several of the YMCA of MEWSA Leadership Staff attended the 2023 General Assembly of YMCAs in Atlanta, Georgia in July. The conference theme was “Uniting and Inspiring” and indeed it was both.

MANASQUAN BANK GRANT RECIPIENT

In July, CEO/President Rose Cushing attended the Manasquan Bank Charitable Foundation Grant Recipient Breakfast to receive a $5000 award .

YOUTH AND GOVERNMENT

PROGRAM

The Metuchen YMCA Youth & Government Program enables young people to prepare for moral and political leadership through training in the theory and practice of developing public policy. The students learn about the different branches of government, public speaking, and

began to choose topics to create their own bills and prepare for the conference. Six students from our program then attended the New Jersey Youth and Government (NJYAG) conference in Princeton, New Jersey. This in person conference provided them with an opportunity to enhance what they would learn in a traditional civic class by actively simulating the entire process legislation follows before becoming law. The conference catered to a wide range of interests; in fact, delegates are able to participate as senators, assemblymen, justices and lawyers, media members, and more. Our students presented bill ideas such as the Clean Water Act, Reformed Health Education in Schools, Feminine Hygiene Care in Schools, Paved Road Act, and more. One of our students, Harishini Asokumar, got her bill passed and received an invitation to the National Conference in North Carolina in July 2022. Another one of our students, Oliva Locandro, received an alternate spot for the same conference.

Fortunately, with the funding received from the NJ State Bar Foundation, we were able to offset the costs for those teens and have concluded another successful year and are looking forward to resuming the program again in September.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION UPDATE

Alex Reisig, Membership Engagement Director at the Metuchen Branch, recently accepted a seat on the Y's National LGBT steering committee. The steering committee helps contribute to YUSA's national DEI work and Alex, see right, attended their conference in Chicago in August.

The YMCA of MEWSA’s new DEI posters have been posted in all of our locations, showing our s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Below is one of the summer staff members, Sam Reuter, posing by the poster in

The DEI Committee is looking for additional staff and community members. If you are interested, please reach out to Rose Cushing at rose.cushing@ymcaofmewsa.org.

Center (YPCC) the Township of Piscataway held a flag raising ceremony to recognize and honor the Juneteenth Holiday. After remarks by Piscataway Schools Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Dr. C Alex Gray and Councilmember Sharon Carmichael (Ward 3), Ms. Warleen Allston sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing” as Piscataway Civil Rights Advisory Commission Chair Rev. Dr. Kenneth L. Saunders, Sr. & Piscataway African-American Seniors Club President Ms. Joyce Coles raised the Juneteenth flag today. Also in attendance were Mayor Brian C. Wahler, Council President Frank Uhrin (Ward 1), Councilmember Dennis Espinosa (Ward 2) & Councilmember Linwood D. Rouse (At-Large).

JASON SHAO JOINS THE BOARD

The Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Board member, Jason Shao. Jason is the Chief Operating Officer at Place Exchange, a Manhattan-based technology company specializing in delivering Out of Home (OOH) solutions. Previously, Jason was the Principal at Contingency2 and Head of Engineering at Intersection Co. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Rutgers University and is an Alpine Ski instructor, Eagle Scout, and avid supporter of libraries and the arts. He has previously served on the Board of Java Application-Special Interest Group (JA-SIG), a 501(c)3 Non-profit focused on building opensource software serving the needs of the Higher Education community.

Jason joins the Board of Directors with an interest in Finance and Information Technology, and serves on the Golf Outing Committee. Originally from St. Louis, he grew up in New Providence, New Jersey. He has four children and currently resides in Edison with his wife, Laura.

“We are thrilled to welcome Jason to the Board, and look forward to the expertise he brings to the organization,” said John Dowd, Chairman of the Board of Directors. Rose Cushing, President & CEO, added that “dedicated volunteers like Jason, who volunteer their energy, executive experience and passion for service with the Y, are what allow us to make a meaningful contributions and lasting positive change in our community.”

PRAYERS FOR JAMES DOWD

James F. Dowd, 84, the beloved father of our Board Chair John Down, passed away home in July 11.

Dowd Family in your thoughts during this

DAN GRANATO METUCHEN BRANCH

Dan Granato, a Patrolman in the Metuchen Police Department, has joined the Board of the Metuchen Branch. Dan and his wife Tara live in Edison with their dog Luca.

In addition to his duties on the police force, Dan actively volunteers at community events, serves as the Union Delegate with the Metuchen PBA #60, and is the Vice President of the Metuchen-Edison Historical Society. He recently organized Metuchen’s National Night Out festivities at the Metuchen Municipal Pool.

TOGETHERHOOD UPDATE

Togetherhood has grown through four initiativesBlood drives, English as a Second Language (ESL), food drives, and green initiatives. Through each of these efforts, the Y seeks to meet a local need, working with members and partners to give back to our communities.

Blood drives are organized every other month with partner New Jersey Blood Services/New York Blood Center. At the Metuchen Branch drive in June, we collected 54 units of blood, had 65 donors present, and 8 volunteers who contributed 19 hours of their time. Our next drive will be on Sunday, August 27. To keep these efforts strong, Togetherhood is seeking a co-lead to partner with board member, Kathy Liss, on organizing future drives. Blood drive tips drafted by Kathy are available to members and staff looking to run drives in their branches.

June Blood Drive

 54 units of blood

 65 donors

 8 volunteers

Our food security initiatives, led by member, Rich Husar, and board member, Lorraine LeSter, include branch food drives, neighborhood street drives and food collection at the Metuchen Farmers Market. To date, through the generosity of our community, we have collected and delivered 1,842 food items to our partner, the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen Food Pantry. In July, the Food Pantry served 131 families and made 50 home deliveries, which accounts for over 500 individuals. We are looking to resume street drives in the Fall. Street Drive tips drafted by Marisha are available to members and staff looking to run a drive in their neighborhood.

This summer, we renewed our green initiatives partnership with the Middlesex Greenway Coalition with events planned for fall 2023 and beyond. To implement our green vision, Togetherhood is seeking a co-lead to partner with member, Eunice Salton, to organize these efforts.

We are excited to announce the restart of our ESL classes at the Metuchen branch. “Sit and Talk,” a conversation class, will begin in September, with expectations to expand ESL offerings based on community needs. Please support our ESL volunteer tutors and team by spreading the word (see above).

 19 volunteer hours

Food Bank

 1842 items collected to date

 Fall Drives resuming

Green Initiatives

 Partnering with the Middlesex Greenway

Thank you to Chrissy and Alex at the Metuchen branch for their leadership and deep commitment to Togetherhood. The combined efforts of members and staff keep Togetherhood strong!

Many thanks to What’s The Scoop? for their kind donation of delicious ice cream sandwiches to Camp Munsee at the Metuchen Branch YMCA. Their generosity made the camp experience even sweeter!

In late June, Enbridge presented the YMCA of MEWSA with a $15,000 award to fund swim safety. We are thankful for the support Enbridge has provided, which will help us provide Safety Around Water classes and Lifeguard Training.

Engagement Director, and Caroline Rankin, Association Marketing and Communications Director, engaged with the community in a wonderful evening of connection and conversation at Metuchen’s National Night Out.

Y staff participated in the annual Bowl for Hunger event hosted by Assemblymen Craig Coughlin. Bowl for Hunger raises money for 30 food pantries within the communities of Carteret, Perth Amboy, Sayreville, South Amboy and Woodbridge.

DELOITTE IMPACT DAY

TOOLS FOR SCHOOLS

WELLNESS NEWS

BUSY SUMMER AT THE YPCC

Piscataway Street Fair 2023

Piscataway Street Fair was held at The YMCA at the Piscataway Community Center (YPCC) on Saturday, June 10. The event included 90 vendors, food, kids activities, music and fun from 10am to 4pm. The YPCC opened Raritan Rapids Spray Park to the community allowing kids and families some summertime water fun during the day.

Bubble Fun

Childwatch has reopened at the YPCC 6 days a week. We have morning and evening hours Monday-Thursday. Friday and Saturday morning hours only. Members can purchase per visit packages, or a monthly $30 unlimited family pass. This program allows mor families to enjoy their visit to the YPCC. The young kids have fun games and activities in this kids club setting as parents and older siblings participate in other YPCC classes or just enjoy our wellness center and pool.

Bike Rodeo

On Saturday July 15, the YPCC Piscataway Bike Rodeo. This is the largest Bike Rodeo in Middlesex County. Thanks to the Mobile Family Success Center of Middlesex Keep Middlesex Moving (KMM), Piscataway Township Police Department, Piscataway Public Library and many other volunteers.

Youth and Government

On Saturday July 29, the YPCC hosted Congressman Pallone and a group of Youth in Government participants as they shared concerns that affect them with the Congressman and his staff.

powerful presentations for young leaders who lives are now effected by the issue. shared data, concerns and powerful solutions to this important issue

GOOD NEWS FROM SOUTH AMBOY

The Amboy Bayside News recently published a full-page article about updates, improvements, and new initiatives at the South Amboy Branch. Summarized here is just some of them.

The Message Garden encourages students to get involved in the Y; the branch coordinates with art students at South Amboy High and Middle Schools to paint inspirational messages such as for Breast Cancer Awareness month or congratulations recent graduates. A vegetable garden planted with a “Green Grant” from the City of South Amboy has been growing peppers, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, and basil with help from kids at the branch. “Turbo the Snail,” a large figure, is moved two feet every day nearer the garden.

Gym equipment has been reupholstered, and new carpeting was placed where needed. In March, a teen center opened with pool tables, air hockey, and ping-pong. A pickleball league uses the two pickleball courts and there are basketball leagues open to young adults.

Staff Members (L to R) Director of Wellness Tom Ryan, Director of Childcare James Gaughan, Membership Engagement Dr. Alexis Korsak, Facility Director Tom Ferrie, Aquatics Coordinator Brandon Wizda.

SUMMER CAMP

OAKCREST CAMP VISITS

All board members and donors have an open invitation to join us in this way to experience the heart and soul of our YMCA community. As dedicated stewards of our mission, we understand that you have shown unwavering support and commitment to our cause.

While many of you are already familiar with the fantastic amenities our YMCA offers, we believe that witnessing our programs in action can truly bring to life the incredible impact we have on our members and the broader community. During tours of our facilities, you can engage with members, connect with staff, and observe programs in action. Your presence will truly enhance this experience for all involved and reinforce the significance of the work we do. Reach out to Liz or Rose to arrange a visit today.

COMMUNITY CHOICE AWARD

We have exciting news! The YMCA at the Piscataway Community Center is nominated for a 2023 Community Choice Award! Thank you to all of our members who nominated the YPCC and made our nomination possible. Voting takes place between August 16 and August 30. To cast your vote, visit ymcaofmewsa.org/vote. Winners will be announced on November 26.

YMCA of MEWSA Board Chair John Dowd recently toured the summer camp at Oakcrest Pool. Board members Shelley Telson and Katie Barnes also toured on other days.

WATER SAFETY & SUMMER CAMP

In August, Oakcrest Pool was fortunate to have a visit from Senator Patrick Diegnan, Chief of Staff Greg Tufaro, and Cyndi Tufaro of The Marisa Tufaro Foundation to discuss the importance of water safety and summer camp. The Marisa Tufaro Foundation made a generous donation this past Spring in support of the organization’s scholarship fund, which provides the gift of summer camp to children in financial need.

“Oakcrest is a hidden gem,” said Cyndi Tufaro, with its “14 spacious acres off Inman Avenue in North Edison, the venue is the site of one of the YMCA of MEWSA’s many outstanding summer day camp offerings. Summer is the opportune time for kids to be outdoors and explore, but some families lack the financial means to send their children to camps. Our nonprofit is honored to be able to help make such opportunities available for children in need.”

August 17 was National Nonprofit Day, and the YMCA of MEWSA proudly reflected on the impact we had in 2022. We created a safe summer experience for 1,098 summer campers, 3,350 people learned the importance of water safety through our swim lessons, 800 families received financial assistance towards child care and membership and 2,000 seniors socialized and stayed fit at the Y, many through financial assistance.

WELCOMING WEEK SEPTEMBER 8-17

Welcoming Week celebrates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace newcomer immigrants and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. The Y has a long history of serving immigrants and helping receiving communities to be prepared and welcoming for all. Through integration services such as job training, wellness programs or adult education classes like English as a Second Language (ESL), the Y empowers people to be self-reliant, connected and contributing members of their new communities.

RICHARD HALE MEMORIAL GOLF CLASSIC

The Annual Richard Hale Memorial Golf Classic is set for October 5, 2023 at the Metuchen Golf and Country Club. This important fundraiser supports the YMCA of MEWSA's SEND A KID TO CAMP scholarship fund, giving the gift of summer camp to many children in financial need in our communities.

Last year we were able to award over $80,000 to families for their children to attend summer camp. For further information, to register to play, or to become a sponsor, contact Elizabeth Bennett at 732-516-2087 or email Elizabeth.Bennett@ymcaofmewsa.org.

TOT TROT & FALL FESTIVAL

This year’s Tot Trot and Fall Festival will be on October 8 at the Metuchen High School, starting at 12pm. The event will feature running races, games, vendors, food, and more.

To sign up, become a vendor, or sponsor, contact Melinda Wilson at 732548-5468 or email melinda.wilson@ymcaofmewsa.org.