Building Awareness, Fostering Community

On March 1^st, the Middlesex Y officially kicked off its 2012 Community Support Campaign. This year, we’re raising awareness and financial support for three of our important focus areas:

Strong Kids, providing local children in need with access to the many life changing programs such as Summer Camp, Before and After School Care, Youth Sports, Swim Lessons and Youth Enrichment; 

Building Healthy Communities, beyond traditional exercise and movement, working to address some of today’s most critical health needs including diabetes, arthritis and obesity and assuring that everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay, have the opportunity to live healthier lives; 

Lessons for Life, providing swim lessons and water safety instruction for any child or adult who wishes to learn this critical lifesaving skill.

During this time, we encourage everyone to join our cause,” urges Board Chair Richard Carella. “When we all pitch-in and help our neighbors, we make a meaningful, enduring impact in the lives of children and families, and ultimately strengthen our community.” 

Throughout the month, dedicated Y staff members and volunteers have planned, coordinated and held exciting and fun events to help raise funds and awareness for our 2012 Community Support Campaign.  From BINGO to a swim-a-thon, spin-a-thon; a Hoop and Shoot Contest; to a Hip Hop Party and Dodge Ball Tournament, the month was action packed.  This weekend, 16 teams registered for the second annual Dodge Ball Tournament, which raised more than $1,500 for the campaign. 

Great articles appeared in the Middletown Press:

http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2012/03/26/news/doc4f700152c3da0737907752.txt?viewmode=fullstory and the Middletown Patch: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/dodge#photo-9416160. If you participated in any of these events, thank you!  We hope you had fun.  We look forward to next year!

We thank all of our supporters! It is with YOU that the Middlesex Y will remain an essential part of our community, providing accessibility for children and teens, for families, for residents, for active older adults…for ALL.

As a non-profit organization, the Middlesex Y relies on the generous contributions from you, members, friends, participants and community members, ensuring that all of our programs remain accessible to all.  To learn more about how you can contribute to the Middlesex Y’s 2012 Community Support Campaign, please visit: www.midymca.org/giving.html or call me at 860-343-6232, via email at jcarso@midymca.org. 

Middlesex YMCA to Offer Youth Triathlon Training Program

A new YMCA youth fitness program will introduce 7^th and 8^th grade students living in Middletown to the challenging sport of triathlon racing. Through a grant funded by the Middletown Health Department, the YMCA will offer a free program that will begin the week of March 19^th and run through the first week in August. The training program includes swimming, biking and running instruction that will conclude with participation in the annual YMCA Camp Ingersoll Triathlon that will be held on August 5, 2012. Swimming instruction led by Caitlin Urciuoli will be held at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on Monday afternoons beginning March 19^th. Fitness, running and biking training led by Kristin Champagne will take place Thursday afternoons at the YMCA.

Transportation will be provided through the WWMS SWAGG afterschool program. Registration is required and can be done through the WWMS SWAGG program or at the YMCA. For more information check out the YMCA website at www.midymca.org.

The YMCA hopes to inspire youth to engage in a fitness routine that is fun, challenging and rewarding. Triathlon training offers young people a venue for health and wellness, self esteem, goal setting and a sense of achievement. The YMCA wants to engage a diverse group of young people who may have never considered training for a triathlon but are enthusiastic about the challenge. Beginners are welcome! Please contact Michele Rulnick at 860-343-6217 with any questions.