Master Raffle Winner for 2011

I had the pleasure last Thursday of having lunch with Tom Sweeny, this year’s Middlesex YMCA Masters Golf Raffle winner. That man sure can smile! He brought along three friends that will be going with him to Augusta in April and they’ve already got their clubs cleaned and ready to ship south.

Tom Lenahan, last year’s raffle winner was able to join us and he brought along his photo album from his trip last April….the smiles got even bigger. Tom and his brothers had a great time and I have no doubt, Tom #2 and his friends will have a great time also.

While it might seem like your name has to be “Tom” to win this raffle, I can assure you that is pure coincidence. And while we’re happy that both Toms and their friends have the chance for great bucket list adventures, we’re thankful for all who took a chance on this great package. In 2 years you helped us raise over $30,000 for our Open Doors Financial Assistance program at Camp Ingersoll. That means that while 8 lucky guys get to the Masters in 2 years, nearly 120 kids have access to a 2 week summer camp experience that will last a lifetime.

Congratulations to Tom and friends…have a great trip. For all who will be watching the April event on TV, stay tuned for word of the next YMCA Camp Ingersoll Masters Golf Raffle which could be yours to win. There’s just one winner at the Masters and it only takes one ticket to win.

Adult Swim Training

We have over 100 children in our Barracudas swim team and they are here practicing their strokes and preparing for competition. It got us thinking, why should they have all the fun! So, we are pleased to introduce Swim Training for Adults.
This new program is going to be led by Barracudas Head Swim Coach, Brian Fazzino, and will have participants training like a real swim team. It will be a great work out and a terrific way to help you reach your goals, whether those goals are competitive or just recreational. Below is a link where you can find out more about how you can be a part of this exciting new opportunity.

See you in the pool.

Link for more info.

Strong Kids Campaign

It's that time of year again! To many people that means different things. At the Middlesex YMCA, that means it's Strong Kids Campaign time.

The Middlesex YMCA is a community of caring people who support families, build character and promote wellness. One of the special ways that we bring our mission to life is through our belief that everyone should have access to the quality programs offered by our YMCA. The Middlesex YMCA awards over $300,000 of financial assistance to families each year. The Strong Kids Campaign is an annual fundraiser whose proceeds benefit our YMCA Open Doors Financial Assistance Program. Donations to the Strong Kids Campaign ensure that all families and children have access to YMCA programs at affordable prices. These donations have made it possible for us to not have to say "no" to families who want their child to spend a summer outdoor with friends, learn to swim or spend time with a caring adult role model.

In these uncertain economic times, we are proud of the fact that the YMCA has been able to continuously offer financial assistance in an effort to make quality programs available to all members of our community. We are grateful that we have a dedicated staff team who brings our mission to life every day in our community and through our many YMCA programs. Last year, YMCA staff donated over $13,000 to ensure families access to Y programs at affordable prices. We are also grateful to have the support of so many generous business partners throughout our community such as Citizens Bank, Liberty Bank, A & A Office Systems, Best Cleaners, Comcast, Daniels Oil, Suburban Office Products and May, Bonee & Walsh. Thank you to our business partners for standing with the Y in this important cause!

Are you feeling inspired to help? There are so many ways you can contribute to our campaign.

• Become a donor! Your gift to the Strong Kids Campaign is tax deductible and 100% of your donation goes straight to families who need financial assistance.
• Become a volunteer! The Y is always looking for people who will volunteer to help with the campaign and speak about our cause.
• Ask others to become involved! Do you know someone who can donate to our campaign or does the company you work for donate to charitable causes? Let us know if we can make a connection in the community.
• Participate in our Strong Kids Campaign Dodgeball Tournament! Register a team to participate in this fundraiser that benefits our campaign. It's only $5.00 per person. Please click here for more information and a registration form.

We are proud of the work of our YMCA but we can not do it alone! Please consider supporting our Strong Kids Campaign. For more information,to make a donation or volunteer for our campaign, please contact Bob Spencer at 860.343.6232 or rspencer@midymca.org.

MEET THE MIDDLESEX YMCA STAFF TEAM

Karin James is the Director of the Phelps Ingersoll Center for Children

Karin has worked for the Middlesex YMCA for 11 years. She resides in Columbia with her Husband Robert and will graduate from Eastern CT State University with her Bachelors Degree in Liberal Arts with Minors in Child Psychology and Early Childhood Education.

Fun Fact: I am an avid UCONN Basketball fan of both the men’s and women’s teams. I enjoy going to the games when I can and I have gone to 3 final fours.

What is your role at the YMCA?

I am the Child Care Director of the Phelps Ingersoll Center for Children, a licensed and accredited Preschool Program of 53 preschoolers and a staff of 11. I provide the oversight for all aspects of the program including enrollment, curriculum, monthly reporting, supervising, and budgeting.

What it the most rewarding part of your job?

The most rewarding part of my job is to see the children learning and growing through play each day. To know that the center is guiding the children we serve through the learning process and making it a fun activity. I also enjoy when the children walk by my office and acknowledge me with a wave or a “Hi”, as they go by.

What makes the Y a special place?

I think the “Y” is a special place, because of the pride and commitment the staff take in providing a great service whether it is through the Child Care Center or another Y program. The community is impacted in a positive way by the services that the “Y” can offer at reduced rates, through its strong kids campaign and partnerships with other agencies such as United Way and Middletown School Readiness.