April 2023 Board of Directors Newsletter

YMCA 5K RUN/WALK MOVED TO SPRING

Mark your calendars! The 5K Run/Walk has been scheduled for:

Sunday, April 30, 2023; 8:30 am

Roosevelt Park

Meet Maria's Angels!

Last year, Maria's Angels came out in force to run and walk in honor of Team Captain, Stephy's aunt who lost her battle to lung cancer. Stephy says "We miss her so much! My aunt was always so full of energy and stayed active as long as she could. She loved to do Zumba and was part of the LiveStrong program. One of her favorite parks was Roosevelt Park which is why we can’t wait to be part of this amazing event and feel her presence!"

Thank you, Team Maria’s Angels, for making the road to recovery a little easier for a cancer survivor.

If you would like to start a team of your own or make a donation, visit www.ymcaofmewsa.org/5K.

METUCHEN Y CELEBRATES GO RED DAY

The Metuchen Y celebrated National Red Day in February to raise awareness and show their support for heart disease in women. They hosted a Go Red Day which included a Zumba class to increase heart rates, checked blood pressure by healthy heart ambassadors, and provided a lecture by Pat Hessinger on Women and Heart disease.

-ContributedbyBrendaWerneiwskei

YMCA OF MEWSA NAMED OFFICIAL PARTNER OF NYC MARATHON

The YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy (MEWSA) has been named an Official Charity Partner for the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon, which takes place on Sunday, November 5. The YMCA of MEWSA will be among more than 550 official charity partners providing thousands of runners the opportunity to run in the world’s biggest and boldest marathon. The TCS New York City Marathon is one of the city’s most anticipated and iconic annual sporting events, attracting runners and spectators of all backgrounds, ages, and abilities from around the world. More than 50,000 runners are expected this year after the race returned to full capacity last year. Read more HERE.

LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA RETURNS

The LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program is once again returning to the YMCA of MEWSA. This life-changing program, which was temporarily suspended because of the pandemic, is once again being offered at the Metuchen and Edison YMCA locations. This completely free 12-week program is open to all cancer survivors where they can increase their strength, promote physical activity and improve their mental health in a supportive peer community. For more information, contact Christine Jaffe at christine.jaffe@ymcaofmewsa.org.

READARECENTARTICLEONOURLIVESTRONGPROGRAM

GRANT RECEIVED FOR LIVESTRONG AT THE YMCA

The YMCA of MEWSA recently received notification of a grant award in the amount of $5,000 from the Columbia Foundation to support our Livestrong Program. Receiving this grant allows the YMCA of MEWSA to continue to offer the program at no charge to participants. We thank Columbia Foundation for their support of this life-changing program. A check presentation will be held on March 14th at the Edison YMCA branch.

Rose Cushing (far left), accepts a check in the amount of $5,000 from Columbia Foundation to support the Y’s Livestrong Program. Others in the picture include: Erin Siemers, Director of Operations, Edison YMCA, Julie Holland, Executive Director, Columbia Foundation, Christine Jaffe, YMCA certified Livestrong instructor, Elizabeth Bennett, Director of Financial Development, Amy Krysienski, Business Development Officer, Columbia Foundation. Many thanks to Columbia Foundation for their support!

GRANT RECEIVED FOR ADULT/TEEN SWIM LESSONS

The YMCA of MEWSA received notification of a $3,500 grant from YUSA for teen and adult swim scholarships. The grant will provide swim scholarships to 50 teens and/or adults. Thank you to YUSA for their continued support of our aquatics programs and providing swim lessons to those who need it most in the communities that we serve.

ANNUAL SUPPORT CAMPAIGN

Our Annual Support Campaign takes place from March 13-April 14. During this time, and year-round, we raise funds to provide scholarships to children, families, seniors, veterans, those with special needs, and many others. We want everyone to come to the Y to learn, grow, and thrive. We need people of all walks of life to help us creatively raise funds and engage the community.

The YMCA is a not-for-profit, volunteer-driven organization. By becoming a volunteer, you can positively influence the lives of people right in your own community. Volunteering for the YMCA is meaningful, fun and rewarding. Those who volunteer become part of the Y family, make new friends, gain valuable experience, and feel a sense of pride and accomplishment!

Thank you to our 2023 Annual Support Campaign Volunteer Leaders. Each volunteer has taken on the charge of leading the fundraising efforts for their branch during the Annual Support Campaign. With a hefty goal of raising $400,000 which is estimated to help us support more than 800 families in our communities, they are vitally important to the work we do. They do not work alone! They have a strong team of community and YMCA members working side by side to raise funds to ensure the Y is accessible to all members of the community. The Y’ s financial assistance program is 100% funded by tax-deductible donations. Membership fees cover our facilities, salaries, and operations but do not fund our financial assistance programs. To make our programs and services available to all, we need the support of the community in raising funds so that no one is turned away.

Campaigners help plan the timeline, determine what fundraising events are held, network with members to educate them on the cause-driven work of the YMCA, help thank donors for their support and more.

Come meet our 2023 Annual Support Campaign Chairs

Anita Bajpay

Edison Branch Board of Directors, ASC Chair Producer, AT Films Productions

"I have lived in Edison for well over 30 years and the YMCA has been an integral part of our family. It is a pleasure for me to be in a position to give back to the community and make a positive contribution via this association."

Patrick Walsh

South Amboy Branch Board Member, ASC Chair Assistant Fiscal Analyst

New Jersey Office of Legislative Services

"My motivation and continuous goal as a member of the SA YMCA Board of Directors is to bring community stakeholders together in order to partner and create initiatives to connect our community to programs and services that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The YMCA is the home for personal growth and opportunity and I am proud to be a part of the team that helps our community YMCA grow along with its members."

Joe Costello, IV

Metuchen Branch Board Member, ASC Chair Manager

“

of

Costello-Runyon Funeral Home

I volunteer my time to the YMCA to support our community, especially the kids. I grew up with most of my free time spent at the Metuchen YMCA participating on the swim team, becoming a lifeguard and camp counselor, and fostering relationships throughout our community through volunteering. It became even more important to me to reinvigorate my presence and input to our Metuchen Branch when I became a father and signed our son up for parent and child swim classes. It has allowed me to meet new parents and get to know some of the staff more personally. Each person at the YMCA inspires me to continue to develop our programs and support the Annual Support Campaign.”

To join their team, call Elizabeth Bennett at 732-516-2087 or email Elizabeth.bennett@ymcaofmewsa.org

As part of the YMCA of MEWSA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee’s efforts in strengthening our communities by respecting and valuing the differences of all, a new column will be included in the Board of Director’s newsletter. This column will report on the ongoing events and activities of the organization and the Committee. Feedback is welcome. Learn more about our DEI Committee here.

The Metuchen Branch YMCA joined YMCAs nationwide by wearing black to take a stand against injustice and racism in all forms. The Y is an organization FOR ALL, and we will continue to work hard to create a community of equity.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

The Metuchen YMCA hosted Metuchen Human Relations Commission for a community conversation about the first Black marines and also to remember and honor two Metuchen heroes: Sgt. Austin Banks and Cpl. Daniel Robinson.

HOLI Festival DEI Sub-Committee

Edison YMCA Association Office

ACALLTOSERVE

April 22, 2023

April 12, 2023 1:30-3:30pm 5:00 p.m.

DEI Committee Meeting

Association Office

May 11, 2023

6:00 p.m.

The DEI Committee is looking for additional staff and community members to serve on the Committee. If you are interested in diversity, equity and inclusion work and would like to help the Y further its purpose to be welcoming to all, please reach out to Rose Cushing at rose.cushing@ymcaofmewsa.org.

The Edison YMCA has been partnering with the Vocational Rehabilitation Department Program at Hackensack Meridian Johnson Rehabilitation Institute and their volunteers which supports independence in students and adults and help them gain additional skills and knowledge in different career paths. The child care volunteers (like Aracely) have opportunities to interact with the children and help assist the Edison Y’s child care staff through their daily activities. They are always so grateful to have some great volunteers and Aracely has enjoyed spending time with their little ones!

-ContributedbyJenniferGuthlein

The Metuchen branch held a Safe Sitter® course which prepares students in grades 6-8 to be safe when they’re home alone, watching younger siblings, or babysitting. Students learn life-saving skills such as how to rescue someone who’ s choking, and helpful information like what to do if there’s severe weather. The lessons are filled with fun activities and role-playing exercises.

-ContributedbyGabriellaSt.Fleur

Thank you to Board member Seema Pande, who established a “Send a Kid to Summer Camp scholarship fundraiser as part of New York Life Insurance Company’s giving campaign. New York Life, Seema gives employees the opportunity to set up a fundraiser in an area of their choice. The fundraiser raised $610 for this scholarship fund!

Students at Edgar Early Learning Center celebrate Pi Day on March 14th by incorporating STEM into their play. From fractions to chemical reactions, baking a pie—or even a pizza—baking has it all!

L. to r.: Jennifer Guthlein, Director, Edison Y Learning Center, staff Nazia Soheb and Durriya

Melinda DiBenedetto is a career development professional working at the Center for Government Services within the Division of Continuing Studies at Rutgers University. She also works as a career practitioner in private practice, primarily with high school and college students. Previously, Melinda worked at PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (PNC) where she held various client management and DEI leadership positions.

Melinda holds a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Rutgers University, an MBA from Seton Hall University’ s Stillman School of Business, a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Connecticut, and a Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP) credential from the National Career Development Association (NCDA).

Melinda serves as Chair of the Metuchen YMCA branch board and Co-Chair of MEWSA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee. Her civic engagement includes STAR Scholarship Committee Chair for Chapter AI (Metuchen) of P.E.O., Treasurer of the New Jersey Career Development Association (NJCDA), and member of the Financial Women’s Association (FWA). She currently resides in Metuchen with her husband, Rich, her son Daniel and daughter Julia.

Saimaa is a creative person and honed her skills in Mumbai working briefly with Bollywood as an Assistant Director after completing her post graduate degree in film and television production from Mumbai, India. She also holds degree in Portrait Photography from New York Institute of Photography. She actively volunteers and participates in organizing and facilitating YMCA cultural events and driving community needs, including providing free photography services for events including the annual YMCA 5K Run/Walk. Her stamina, focus and creativity are appreciated by her clients.

Saimaa moved to Edison, NJ in 2015 from Mumbai, India. While proficient in English, Saimaa also speaks and understands Tamil, Hindi, Marathi, Gujrati as other vernacular languages.

Saimaa also serves as Chair of the Edison YMCA Branch Board, supporting and working with YMCA staff to explore ways to better serve the community. Saimaa is passionate about fitness, especially Zumba, is an avid film and music buff, and lives with her husband and her son, who is a senior at Rutgers University.

It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart of the passing of David A. Telson, 33 son of Shelley Telson, our long time Member of the Board of Directors. David passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday, March 6th. Funeral services were held privately on Wednesday March 8th. Please keep Shelley and her family in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

You can share a memory or send condolences to the family here:

Obituary information for David A. Telson (costello-runyon.com)

It’s always difficult to lose a member of our family, but the loss of friend and Board member George Trapp was especially swift and devastating. George has been an integral part of our organization for eight years, serving on our Board as Secretary for during that time and as Chair to the Board Governance Committee. He also served as Director and former Chairman of the Board of the Center for Greater Expectations in Somerset, Chairman of the Finance Committee of St. Francis Cathedral in Metuchen and a former member of the Middlesex Regional Educational Services Commission. He was the recipient of the Peter J. Barnes, Jr. Community Champion award in 2020, for his extensive community service to the YMCA.

George had a gentle nature about him, leading with professionalism, knowledge and grace. One of his greatest attributes was telling anecdotes about his amazing life experiences, keeping everyone entertained. He will be greatly missed.

Board member Shelley Telson was honored by Mayor Sam Joshi and the Edison Municipal Council as a woman of distinction during Women’s History Month, “Women Matter”, for her long history of involvement in the community. Besides serving on the YMCA of MEWSA Board of Directors and Board Governance Committee, Shelley is a member of the Executive Board of CARE where she raises funds for need families and helps out in the tutorial program. Shelley has also built a relationship with RCCG Lighthouse to help give food to families in need. Shelley also chairs and directs committees at various golf tournaments. She continues her work in helping to build parents, community and school partnerships. She collects gifts and gift cards for families in need during the holidays and can be seen delivering school supplies, food and clothing to the community. She always goes above and beyond to help the children and families in Edison.

Congratulations to Edgar Early Learning Center Child Care Director, Jeanna Kim and her husband Justin, who welcomed their son, Theodore Jacob, on February 23rd. Theodore weighed in at 7 lbs. and 15 oz. Blessings to baby and family!

Welcome James Gaughan, the new Director of Child Care at our South Amboy YMCA! James has been an avid member of the YMCA for over 20 years, beginning with being a member, and with work experience at nine locations and four organizations. He brings 14 years of YMCA child care experience with a background experience as Camp Counselor, Counselor in Training Unit Leader, and now finally Camp Director. He plans to bring all of his experience this summer to help bring Camp SAY to new and amazing heights!

Congratulations Shelley, on this prestigious award!

TOGETHERHOOD UPDATE

Togetherhood’s food initiative is doing well with 456 items brought to the pantry so far this year. While less than last year, it is very much appreciated considering the higher cost of food for everyone. Volunteers from the food pantry at The First Presbyterian Church of Metuchen told us that they have more and more families signing up for assistance every month. Food insecurity has been and continues to be an affliction experienced by far too many families in and around our community.

The YMCA of Metuchen, with the assistance of volunteers as well as the generosity of our members, will continue to do whatever possible to feed the hungry.

New Jersey Blood Services reports that our YMCA/Together blood drives consistently meet and exceed their goals. Please help us keep this tremendous effort going. Blood Drives for 2023 are scheduled on the following dates:

• Sunday, 4/23/23 9:00 AM –1:30 PM

• Sunday, 6/25/23 9:00 AM –1:30 PM

• Sunday, 8/27/23

AM –1:30 PM

• Sunday, 10/22/23 9:00 AM –1:30 PM Tuesday, 12/26/23 2:00 PM –6:30 PM

If you wish to sign up to donate blood, please visit www.nybc.org/njdrive and enter sponsor code 15750. Enter the date range you wish to return to see results.

As

Grace Early Learning Center teachers Sharon Gambrell and Laura Crisco made “ snow” using packing peanuts and enjoying some sensory fun.

part of their Study of Light Harborview's 2 year olds made their own lava lamp using water, vegetable oil, food coloring and alka seltzer tablets. Enlightening!

As part of Ms. Jenn's from Harborview’ s

Metuchen preschoolers take a field trip to the Metuchen Public Library.

Metuchen Leader’s Club raises $200 for the Annual Support Campaign with a bake sale!

Alex Reisig, Metuchen Y Membership Director (far left) and members enjoy the Metuchen Y’s Latin Valentine’s Day Dance!

Metuchen preschoolers celebrate 100 days of school!

Ms. Suzanne’s class from Harborview ELC learn about fire safety from the Perth Amboy city firefighters.

Grace Early Learning Center welcomed Rose Cushing, YMCA President & CEO, to their classrooms for Read Across America Day! Rose visited and read to two of the preschool classrooms, engaged with the children, asked questions about the books, and even offered a friendly hug.

Celebrating this day helps kids get excited about reading, fosters growth in their imagination, and encourages continual learning. The children and the teachers were so excited to have a such a special guest read such fun stories!

-ContributedbySamantha Coté

The Edison Y celebrates Read Across America Day by reading to their preschoolers.

Cindy Shields, Senior Child Care Director and Leanna Felipe, attended NAEYC’s Public Policy Forum in Washington, D.C. from 2/26-3/1. They listened to presentations by the nation’s leaders at organizations at DHHS and Administration for Children & Families, learned about advocacy and messaging, and had the opportunity to meet with representatives from the offices of Sen. Corey Booker and Sen. Bob Menendez in the Senate Office Building, as well as with legislative aides from House of Representatives Frank Pallone and Chris Smith. The purpose of these visits was to advocate for equitable and affordable access for families, high quality programs for children, and major federal investments in the Early Care and Education Workforce.

-ContributedbyCindyShields

GRANTS AND DONOR RECOGNITION

Columbia Bank Foundation $5,000 To support our Livestrong Program

YMCA NJ State Alliance $35,000 To support Working Families Program

Y-USA $3,500 To support Teen/Adult Swim Lessons

Provident Foundation $2,500 To support Summer Learning Loss Program (‘23-’24)

Students from Harborview Early Learning Center visited Perth Amboy City Hall as part of their Building Study. They toured City Hall and met with Mayor Caba, who gave them each a special sticker and proclaimed them “Deputy Mayor” for the day!

-ContributedbyRitaMacNeill

3ND ANNUAL WINE TASTING EVENT A SUCESS

The YMCA of Metuchen Edison Woodbridge and South Amboy held the third annual fan favorite, Virtual Wine Tasting on Friday, March 3, 2023. This year’s theme, a "Behind The Curtain" look at wines gave our participants an inside look at some of our favorite and lesser known wines from famous vineyards around the world.

Our Sommelier, Joseph Brandolo shared secrets to buying quality wines at a fair price. Enjoyed at home, guests made suggested recipes to pair with the wines or just ordered food to enjoy, sit back and share with friends and loved ones. A great way to support the Annual Support Campaign for the YMCA.

Thank you all who joined us, to Board Member, Jay Elliott for arranging the logistics of the evening, The Wine Cellar for the wine and all who joined and donated.

-ContributedbyElizabethBennett

MISSED AN ISSUE?

All Board newsletters can be found on the YMCA website at http://www.ymcaofmewsa.org/ about-us/assocation-newsletter.