June 2024 Board of Directors Newsletter

The YMCA's Annual Dinner was held on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the Pines Manor. It was a truly special night honoring our Malinowski Award Winners and our Honorees, Jay P. Elliott, Chief Arthur Flaherty and Halecon, Inc. This year’s theme was “Thread of Togetherness.” Founded more than a century ago in 1921, the YMCA of MEWSA has woven threads of togetherness into the fabric of our communities. At the heart of our mission is the belief that enduring personal and social change can only be achieved when we come together to invest in our children, prioritize our health, and uplift our neighbors. The honorees this year serve as inspiring examples of individuals who embody this principle, dedicating their lives to selfless service within our communities.

ANNUAL DINNER, continued

Funds raised through the dinner, nearly $50,000, support our Annual Support Campaign which directly provides support to underserved families through financial and program assistance, safe and affordable child care services, health and wellness programs and camp for kids. By supporting the Annual Dinner, you play a vital role in ensuring that these threads of togetherness continue to bind us all. Your contribution makes life-changing programs at the YMCA accessible to everyone, fostering a sense of unity and empowerment.

MANY THANKS TO OUR DINNER SPONSORS

Platinum Sponsors

Hackensack Meridian JFK University

Medical Center

Manasquan Bank

Gold Sponsor

Spencer Savings Bank

Bronze Sponsors

NJ Legislative District 19

Middlesex Water Company

Provident Bank

PSE&G

Withum

Community Sponsors

Amboy Bank

Columbia Bank

Costello-Runyon Funeral Home

Craig and Tish Coughlin

The Edgcomb and Yassine Families

LaRosa Pizzeria and Restaurant

National Energy Network, Inc.

Friend Sponsors

Jay P. Elliott and Karen Chen

Nancy Jessen

Middlesex County Democratic Organization

Listing Sponsors

Dynamic Management Services

Woodbridge Chamber of Commerce

YMCA Livestrong

5K Run and Walk

Thank you for joining us and supporting our 28th Annual YMCA 5K, benefitting LIVESTRONG at the YMCA. This year's event saw a remarkable turnout, filled with energy, passion for health and camaraderie.

With over 540 participants, we achieved another milestone, raising over $38,000 through registrations, donations, and sponsorships. Your generous support enables us to continue aiding cancer survivors through our LIVESTRONG programs. In our communities alone, LIVESTRONG at the YMCA has assisted over 650 survivors, with thousands more across the nation, in reclaiming their strength and confidence post treatment. Your involvement ensures that we can provide this invaluable program free of charge.

We can't do it without you, and we hope to see you again next year!

-Rose Cushing, President & CEO

Many Thanks to our 5K Sponsors

Hackensack Meridian JFK University Medical Center

Provident Bank

Edison Firefighters

Divinity Cleaning Service

Manasquan Bank

Spencer Savings Bank

Waltuch & Callan Orthodontics

Costello-Runyon Funeral Home

GEICO of Edison

Infinite Minds Infancy Care

Bill’s Ineffable Automotive

Rehabilitation

Jersey Mikes

What’s the Scoop

Runners High

The Annarumma Family

Tom and Oscar McCabe in Loving Memory of Becky Bob and Rose Cushing

George Pezet in Loving Memory of Miss Paula It Takes a Borough

Karen Chen and Jay Elliot

Blessie Ramos

Runner's High

Friendly Vending

Bagel Pantry

SEWA

Humbled By Your Service

Saimaa Venky Photography

Family & Cosmetic Dentistry - Nathaniel Poorman, DMD

Metuchen PBA

JAMES G. SCHLECK

YMCA OF MEWSA BOARD

PASSING THE GAVEL NEW BOARD CHAIR

STAFFING NEWS

SHANAE CLARKE CHILDCARE DIRECTOR

LINDY RUTTER PRESCHOOL COORDINATOR

TOGETHERHOOD UPDATE

We are Togetherhood strong , learning from past efforts and growing our services and supports to meet community needs. Do any of the activities and events below peak your interest? If yes, please join us as volunteers and participants, and spread the word about Togetherhood to your family and neighbors and through social media.

BLOODDRIVES

Kathy Liss and Lesley Briggs are planning their second of six 2024 blood drives at the Metuchen Y with support from a very engaged volunteer team, New Jersey Blood Services, and the YMCA staff. With two recent successful drives, the team continues to focus on enhancing the donor experience by providing a welcoming and comfortable environment for donating blood. Recent heavy rains, and the eclipse and earthquake temporarily halted blood donations in New Jersey. To make up for the shortage, we are asking you to please spread the word and donate at the next drive on Sunday, April 28, from 9am 1:30pm (see attached flyer for details). Other Metuchen Y blood drives in 2024 will be on June 23, August 18, October 20, and December 29.

ESL

Diane Cammarano has returned to teaching at the Metuchen Y, as co-instructor with Kathy Higgins, of a new Tuesday evening ESL class. With Janice Donnola and Adam Fensterheim teaching the Friday morning class, we are now back to a strong ESL presence at the Metuchen Y. Thanks to our caring and committed instructors for providing a safe and welcoming environment for community members to grow their English conversation skills. Classes will focus on student needs and interests (see the attached flyer for information on both classes).

FOOD SECURITY

It is now the norm to bring donated food items to a meeting or event. Thanks to the leadership of a comprehensive food security volunteer team, Y staff, and the First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen Food Pantry, we are off to a strong start with first quarter 2024 donations exceeding the first quarter of 2023. Recent donations of lost/misplaced food items from a local FedEx branch have also contributed to this increase. Rich Husar manages the in-house food drives with Chrissy Tolley and Alex Reisig, Lorraine Lester is our liaison to the Food Pantry, Lesley and Stuart Briggs deliver food to clients unable to get to the Pantry, Leigh Levy and

Marisha Wignaraja focus on street drives, and Chrissy coordinates our partnership with the Metuchen Farmers Market. If you are planning a Y event or attending a meeting at the Y, please invite participants to bring a donation for the Food Pantry.

GREEN INITIATIVES

Eun Salton and Walt Stochel are planning several events, some led by the Y, and others by partner institutions. Next up is an April 20 “Artist Walk” at the Barnes Preserve led by Walt representing our partner, the Middlesex Greenway Coalition. This will be followed by a “Beauty of Trees” walk planned for Sunday, June 9th, starting and ending at the Metuchen Y. The “Beauty of Trees” walk will be led by a horticulturalist from Rutgers University with the goal of engaging children and families in a deeper appreciation of the green spaces around us. With great weather around the corner, we are looking for volunteers to help plan these and other green initiative events to come.

Thank you to our volunteer leaders and staff for their deep caring and commitment to serving our communities. For further information on Togetherhood, please contact Marisha (mwignaraja@yahoo.com) or Chrissy (christine.tolley@ymcaofmewsa.org).

IN MEMORIAM

We are saddened to share the news of passing of two of the Y cherished staff members.

Pat Colandra, known to many as “Ms. Pat,” served as a preschool teacher at the Metuchen Y for over 25 years, preparing countless children for kindergarten. She also served as our Volunteer Coordinator, connecting many individuals with the mission of the Y. As a cancer survivor herself, Ms. Pat became an advocate for our LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program. She had retired in recent years and moved to South Carolina before her passing in February.

VERONICA VARGAS

Veronica Vargas, Executive Assistant to the President and CEO Rose Cushing, lost her own battle with cancer in April. Veronica was an essential part of the Y family, and was particularly invaluable during the pandemic with securing grant funding and maintaining communications. Several of her devoted family members participated in this year’s 5K Walk/Run to benefit the LIVESTRONG program.

PAT COLANDRA

Both Veronica and Pat generously expressed their wishes that any donations in their memory be made to the LIVESTRONG program at the YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy.

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

HOLI EVENT IN EDISON

The Edison Branch once again celebrated Holi with the community. The activities and participating vendors were a huge hit with the many attendees. One of the vendors said it best; “Thank you for the opportunity at YMCA Holi event 2024... please accept my heartfelt thank you. It's my second Holi event in a row with you and the YMCA... It's an amazing experience working with you. I really appreciate the way YMCA is contributing towards community development culturally.”

EDISON HIGH WELLNESS FAIR

Edison High School held a Wellness Fair in May. Healthy Living Director Christine Jaffe attended, offering exercise incentives such as guest passes for trying out wellness activities. She also discussed the many summer employment opportunities available to them through the Y. She also stressed the benefits of exercise on Mental Health. Perhaps we will see some of the kids working as lifeguards or counselors this summer! Shown here is one of the Edison High School student s exercise challenges.

EID IN EDISON

The Edison Eid Celebration this year was led by our amazing teachers. Many thanks to Ms. Durriya, Ms. Fouzia, Ms. Lamiya, and Ms. Nazia for sharing their Eid traditions, which included an array of amazing homemade food!

EARTH DAY PLANTINGS

The children at Harborview Early Learning Center celebrated Earth Day by planting vegetables in their school garden with Ms. Regina.

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

HARBORVIEW S WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD

Harborview Early Learning Center in Perth Amboy included a variety of books and readers in its celebration of this year Week of the Young Child.” Parent Reina Frias read "Caperucita Roja" (Little Red Riding Hood), Jennifer Cruz, a former staff member and current Harborview parent, read a book that she wrote titled "The Day Luna Came Home," and Zyana Briggs, a sister and cousin of Harborview students, read Eric Carle s "Brown Bear, Brown Bear."

RESTAURANT STUDY

Ms. Jenn's Preschool class at Harborview celebrated the end of their Restaurant Study by making their own pizzas.

GARDEN BEDS REFRESHED

City Green, a non-profit organization that has helped the Y build and grow its community gardens, visited the Colonia Learning Center to teach our students how to clear garden beds for replanting. The students all got their hands dirty pulling weeds and readying the soil for new growth!

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

LUNCH AND LEARN SESSION

The Metuchen Branch’s group instructor, Lihan, led a Lunch and Learn session at the Federal Business Center at

PROUD MEY SWIMMER AT CANADIAN OLYMPIC TRIALS

Former Metuchen Edison Y swim team member Sarah Hardy recently swam in the Canadian Olympic Trials in Toronto, placing first in her group while proudly wearing an MEY swim cap. She had asked for the cap to wear because of her great memories of the swim team where she began her career. A video of her 200-meter Butterfly trial is available to watch HERE; her race starts at the 17:46 mark. Best of luck to Sarah Hardy in all her future athletic endeavors!

SAFE SPACE DESIGNATION

The Metuchen branch is now part of the Borough’s “Safe Place” Program, an initiative to show support and provide safety for those who may experience or fear experiencing a hate crime. The “Safe Place” decal is prominently displayed at the branch’s entrance, indicating that it is a secure location for those who may be in need of help. Shown here at the installation are Chief Arthur Flaherty, Officers Kelsey Florczak, Daniel Granato and Brandon Audet, and Metuchen Director of Operations Christine Tolley. Those public locations interested in participating should call the Metuchen Police at 732-632-8548.

CAT IN THE HAT VISITS

The Cat In The Hat came to the Harborview Early Learning Center to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday during "Read Across America!" week.

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

SWIM SAFETY WITH MR. ART

Mr. Art, a Metuchen YMCA, answered our call for swim volunteers, offering his time for 2 hours every week to help our preschoolers learn safety around water and how to swim! His warm personality was essential to engaging the children and they enjoyed their time in the pool. Safety around water is an essential skill that all children can have and we are very fortunate here at the YMCA that we are able to provide our children with

CHILD CARE STAFF GATHER TO SHARE EXPERIENCES

During the school year, teaching staff from our child care centers gather once a month for professional development and fellowship. They share successes and misses, engage in meaningful learning and take new ideas back to their classrooms that are designed to enrich the learning environment. Also, at each meeting, Linda Rutter, Curriculum Specialist, recognizes a “Shining Star”. This is a staff person that puts new ideas into practice in their classroom that might be just a little bit unique and stands out.

At their last meeting for the school year on June 7th, the group gathered to share a meal as a thank you for participating. It was just pizza and salad, but the teachers each shared what the group has given them this year and how it has enriched their teaching practice. The group was also joined by our Technical Assistance Specialists from Grow New Jersey Kids, our Quality Improvement System in New Jersey.

YMCA OF MEWSA BRANCH NEWS

YPCC EQUIPMENT UPDATES

SOUTH AMBOY’S NEW “FUNCTION ZONE”

The South Amboy Branch is delighted announce the addition of new equipment in their wellness center. The "Function Zone” is an area designated to help members get in all of their functional training needs during their workouts.

Some exciting new upgrades to the YPCC’s Wellness Center have been installed. Updated fitness equipment machines includes a Hammer Strength Power Rack, Prone Leg Curl , Dual Adjustable Pulley, Plyoboxes, and Multi

NEW EQUIPMENT ARRIVING SOON FOR METUCHEN

The Metuchen Branch will be getting some fitness equipment upgrades soon. Please be aware that during the installation, equipment may be limited. Feel free to get your workout in on YMCA360.org or at our Metuchen, Edison and South Amboy branches. We can’t wait for you to try out these new machines.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION

We're excited to share that the Y has partnered with Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey to allow more New Jerseyans the opportunity to live happy and healthy lives through the Y. If you are a Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield subscriber, you can receive 15% off your YMCA membership plus we'll waive the Joiner's Fee! Our President & CEO Rose Cushing attended the kickoff event to celebrate this collaboration. For more information, visit this LINK

WELCOME TO SPENCER SAVINGS BANK

We'd like to welcome Spencer Savings Bank to our community! Last month, Spencer Savings Bank opened its 27th location in Edison, and presented the Y with a $5,000 donation at its ribbon cutting ceremony. This generous donation supports building a stronger, healthier Edison through the Annual Janice Garbolino Memorial 5K, Annual Richard Hale Memorial Golf Outing and the Tot Trot and Fall Festival. Learn more about Spencer Savings Bank and its support of the Y HERE.

KINDNESS AWARD WINNER DONATES TO YMCA

Congratulations to J.P. Stevens High School senior Aaron Bansal on winning the GMC Kindness Counts Award. Upon winning, Aaron received $500 from The Marisa Tufaro Foundation and The Peter Fund to donate in his name to his charity of choice, and we are so honored that he chose the Y. Aaron’s generosity and kindness demonstrates how our community is so beautifully interconnected.

MEMORIAL DAY HONORED

Vice President of Operations Kyle Strohman participated in the Piscataway Memorial Day Parade with his wife and two sons on Monday, May 27. The parade and ceremony were hosted by the Township of Piscataway and American Legion Post #261.

UPCOMING EVENTS

BLOOD DRIVES

Metuchen Branch

June 23 & August 18

BLOOD DRIVE YPCC Branch

BLOOD DRIVE South Amboy Branch

July 19 12 to 6pm

July 1 12 to 6pm

GOLF CLASSIC

Metuchen

Golf & Country Club

October 10

TOT TROT

October