2014 Kid's Korner Talent Show a Success

The sounds of minions, wild things, and other creative performers boomed from the stage of Middletown's Woodrow Wilson Middle School as students from the Middlesex YMCA Kid's Korner program performed in their annual talent show on Wednesday evening. 

"We loved it, this is the first talent show we've been to, and we really liked the effort all the school put into it," said Barbara Humble, whose daughter Camille attends the Macdonough School Kid's Korner program. Macdonough performed a Beyonce-inspired medley called "Return of the MAC." 

 "I think Kid's Korner is a lifesaver and a work saver," said Humble on what the childcare program means to her family.

"What I love about this talent show is that it helps kids boost their self esteem," said Melanie Carfora, School Age Child Care Director at Middlesex YMCA, adding; "It backs up what we talk about all the time about positive youth development."

Other acts in the show included an informative skit on bullying by Snow School and a beauty and talent pageant by Woodside Intermediate School in Cromwell.

"It was great, the kids had a lot of heart," said Jason Hinners, a Cromwell parent whose daughter Olivia strutted her stuff in Woodsides' pageant.

"What makes this Kid's Korner program so special is the support of the families, because without their support we couldn't have events like tonight," said Carfora.

Hinners also praises the staff involved in the program noting the growth his daughter has seen by being in the program; "She loves it, she's grown, she's made great friends. We are very happy she is in the program."

"Tonight you could see how much the staff really do love the kids and want them to do well. That's what makes our program so unique, " said Carfora. 

Father's Day Started at the Y & Continues Every Day at Middlesex YMCA

More than a century ago, the first Father's Day was celebrated at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. Sonora Louis Smart Dodd, the daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran, was inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon and wondered why there was no holiday for fathers. 

After receiving support from Spokane ministers, the YMCA celebrated the first Father's Day 104 years ago.

On Sunday, June 15, the Middlesex YMCA joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and recognizing the impact fathers and adult male role models make in children’s lives. A leading nonprofit in fostering positive youth development, the Y remains dedicated to providing resources and opportunities for fathers to further involve themselves in the well-being and development of their children.

The Middlesex YMCA offers a variety of programs that foster understanding and companionship between children and their caregivers such as Parent/Child Dance,Sports and Movement, Octoberfest Open Camp, and Parent/Child Aquatics. In communities across the country, the Y is committed to ensuring that the 9 million children and teens in YMCA programs reach their full potential by helping them grow—physically, mentally and socially—from young children into active, engaged members of their communities. To learn more about programs and activities available at the Middlesex YMCA view our Summer 2014 Program Guide or visit midymca.org