News

YMCA Packs Bags For Windham Ashland Jewett Students

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 07:39:41 GMT

In an effort to help children affected by recent flooding, the Capital District YMCA’s Greene County branch helped organize a community effort to collect backpacks and school supplies. Working with many local businesses, volunteers, and community organizations, the Y was able to collect and fill 500 backpacks distributed to students in the Windham Ashland Jewett Central School District.

“The response was tremendous,” announced Heather Bagshaw, Executive Director of the Greene County YMCA. “This project wouldn't have been successful without community support and dedication. I feel blessed to be a part of a great organization like the Capital District YMCA and to be working in a community where so many are dedicated to helping each other!”

Bags were delivered to Saint Mary’s Church on September 15. The Capital District YMCA would like to recognize some of the friends who helped make this possible: Delmar Pediatrics Greeneville Girl Scouts EmUrgentCare of Coxsackie Flach Realty Ford Lacy Windham Ashland Jewett Central School District began classes on September 26.

ABOUT THE GREENE COUNTY YMCA
The Greene County YMCA capital campaign has collected $2.7 million of the $3.5 million needed to complete the first phase of the project.

The satellite branch continues to offer group exercise classes, baby-sitting services for parents as they work out, summer camp, and swimming lessons. Additional offerings include before- and after-school care, toddler music classes, and youth martial arts.

YMCA Closed Labor Day

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 10:06:42 GMT

Just a reminder that the Capital District YMCA is closed on Labor Day.

All branches closing at noon

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Sun, 28 Aug 2011 10:32:40 GMT

all YMCA branches will be closing at noon.

The Y Welcomes 1,350 Kids to Summer Camp Monday

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:12:16 GMT

Monday, June 27, the Capital District YMCA will welcome over 1,350 kids to its day and overnight summer camp facilities located in the Capital District, Lake George and the Berkshires.

“YMCA summer camps have a long history in the Capital District,” explained Dave Brown, President and CEO of the Capital District YMCA. “Every week, Y summer camp introduces kids to character building challenges and life-changing friendships in a safe and encouraging environment.”

As one of the area’s premier non-profit organizations dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Capital District YMCA’s summer camp serves communities throughout the Capital District at 13 day camp locations as well as its premier overnight camp, Camp Chingachgook on Lake George, and its newest location, Camp Wa Wa Segowea in the Berkshires.

“Every child deserves to experience summer camp, learn to swim and be a kid,” said Brown. “Through our Reach Out For Youth scholarship program, the Y guarantees that all children have access to a safe and encouraging place to learn and grow.”

The Reach Out For Youth scholarship program offers children, families and seniors access to programs they would otherwise not be able to afford. Last year, Y volunteers raised over $1.53 Million for the scholarship program; donations that helped 46,378 children, families and seniors, and sent 635 kids to camp.

If you want your kids to make new friends, explore nature, gain confidence and learn to lead a healthy lifestyle, Y summer camp is the place for them. Learn more at CDYMCA.org or call 518.869.3500.

Northwestern Mutual Foundation Awards $12,000 Grant to The Capital District YMCA’s Troy Branch to Develop Community Outdoor Play Program

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:55:26 GMT

”Play Every Day Outdoors” helps families make long-term improvements to their health and well-being through outdoor recreation

Troy, NY – The Northwestern Mutual Foundation has awarded the Capital District YMCA’s Troy Family branch a $12,000 grant to develop “Play Every Day Outdoors,” a national initiative to increase family time, reintroduce children and families to play, and energize children and families to spend time outdoors.

The Troy Family YMCA is one of eight Ys to receive a grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation to launch “Play Every Day Outdoors.” As part of this program, the Troy Family YMCA will collaborate with families, adults and children in the Troy community to develop and implement an ongoing, outdoor-based, community play program that includes interactive games and fun activities for all.

“We are very grateful for the Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s support of our healthy initiatives,” said Chris Bins, Senior Program Director “This collaboration will further our efforts to give people access to resources that will help them and their loved ones lead healthier lives by making time to get together and play outdoors.”

The “Play Every Day Outdoors” project is aligned with the YMCA’s Healthy Family Home, a free resource of helpful information, tips and tools to support parents and children as they jumpstart healthy family habits based on the five pillars of: Eat Healthy, Play Every Day, Get Together, Go Outside and Sleep Well.

According to research, an estimated 80 percent of Americans live in cities and suburbs and are faced with issues such as unplanned urban sprawl and a decrease in physical education and recess in schools. Having an awareness of, and access to safe outdoor environments can help them find balance in their lives.

“We know how crucial it is to teach kids healthy habits early on so we’re proud to collaborate with the Y,” said Deanna Tillisch, Northwestern Mutual Foundation vice president. “If we can persuade kids to eat healthier and get active, we’ll lay the groundwork for healthier generations in the long-term. By working together, we have tremendous potential to help more people make positive lifestyle choices.”

The Y is dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. “Play Every Day Outdoors” will be free-of-charge and open to all families in the community. For more information, please visit www.cdymca.org or call 518.272.5900.

BlueShield and ValleyCats Team Up to Strike Out Bullying

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Thu, 16 Jun 2011 11:50:24 GMT

Albany - BlueShield of Northeastern New York, as part of its multi-year commitment to helping children lead healthier lives, is partnering with the Tri-City ValleyCats to present an anti-bullying campaign to children in the Capital Region called the K’s for Kids program.

The program includes anti-bullying presentations at area schools and libraries with ValleyCats players and the team’s mascot, SouthPaw. There will also be a distribution of fun activity books designed to help children understand what bullying is and how to treat others.

Activity books will be distributed during presentations and for birthday parties held at the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium. They will also be available through the ValleyCats Kid’s Club.

Additionally, for every strikeout that ValleyCats pitchers record at home this season, BlueShield will donate $10 to the Capital District YMCA to help fund programs for children.

“Bullying negatively impacts the self-esteem of children in the Capital Region, and BlueShield is committed to partnering with organizations who share our vision to positively reinforce the wonderful characteristics of our youth so they maintain positive, healthy images of themselves,” said Brian O’Grady, vice president, BlueShield of Northeastern New York. “We are thrilled to team up with the Tri-City ValleyCats to educate students, parents and teachers on the effective ways to recognize and stop bullying when it occurs.”

The ValleyCats season opens on Friday, June 17 with an evening game against the Vermont Lake Monsters.

About BlueShield of Northeastern New York:
BlueShield of Northeastern New York is a division of HealthNow New York Inc., one of New York’s leading health care companies that provides access to quality health care and innovative solutions for members throughout upstate New York. Headquartered in Buffalo, NY, the company is an independent Licensee of the BlueCross BlueShield Association.

Achievers Receive $212,000 in Scholarships to The College of Saint Rose

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 10:53:00 GMT

Capital District YMCA Black & Latino Achievers Receive $212,000 in Scholarships to The College of Saint Rose

Albany -- June 9, 2011, the Capital District YMCA hosted its 8th Annual Black & Latino Achievers Recognition Dinner at the Desmond Hotel and Conference Center. At the event, 21 youth and 15 adult achievers were honored for their commitment and contributions to our community.

The evening's keynote speaker was James Morton, CEO of the Greater Hartford YMCA. Mr. Morton shared his personal struggles to overcome racism and poverty with the capacity crowd of over 400. Connecting deeply with the Achievers, Mr. Morton urged all in attendance to “Fight the urge to be average.”

In addition to the emotionally charged keynote address, the Capital District YMCA also presented several awards.

Johari Johnson was named Youth Achiever of the Year. The Shenendehowa senior was extremely active in the Achievers program and used special events like YNN Technology Day to find her passion for broadcast journalism. She will be attending Hampton University in the fall.

Adult Achiever of the Year honors went to Nancy Santiago. In her role as Chief of Staff for Senator Velmanette Montgomery, Mrs. Santiago helped Achievers participate in summer internships at various State Senate offices, showing students how government works and how they can make a difference.

The Y also awarded two community business awards. Community Partner of the Year honors went to CAP COM Federal Credit Union, for demonstrating strong support of the Achievers program and providing speakers and mentoring through its employees.

Corporate Partner of the Year honors went to M&T Bank, for helping develop and coordinate the Student Society of Finance, a program which teaches students fiscal principles for their daily lives.

As part of a long-standing partnership with The College of Saint Rose, two Achievers received full-tuition scholarships to Saint Rose, with a value of more than $212,000. They are Simone Arrington from Bethlehem Central and D'Aundra Murray from Shenendehowa.

The Y would like to thank all those who supported the Achievers banquet.

List of 2011 Black & Latino Achievers Honorees:

Adult Achievers (Name, Company)

Sasha Barnes, Hudson Valley Community College

Adrienne Day, New York State Higher Education Services Corporation

Albert De Salvo, M&T Bank

Michael Fondacaro, New York State Department of Transportation

Cynthia Greene, New York State Workers Compensation

Sylvia Jimison, Southern Vermont College

David McCalla, City School District of Albany

Carie Sala, CAP COM Federal Credit Union

Martin Sanders, KeyBank

Nancy Santiago, New York State Senate

John Scharf, Momentive Performance Materials

Eric Shaw, Bethel Baptist Church

Charles Smith, Enlarged City School District of Troy

Paul Webster, New York State United Teachers

Michelle Woodley, General Electric

Youth Achievers (Name, School)

Maysa N. Ahmed, Schenectady High

Jeff A. Bonilla, Troy High

Kéron Coffin, Christian Brothers Academy

Miranda Espinoza, Bethlehem Central

Jared Frazer, Shenendehowa

Naeem Gibson, Guilderland High

Malcolm Good, Lasalle Institute

Aliyah Goodbee, Voorheesville High

Jonathan Irizarry, Rensselaer High

Johari Johnson, Shenendehowa

Chris Lamson-Marrero, Lansingburgh High

Contessa Lee, Albany High

Stephanie Alysse Middleton, Bethlehem Central

Michael Morrison, Bethlehem Central

Diimond Mortimore, Schalmont High

Yves Nazon II, Guilderland High

Konrad Odhiambo, Guilderland High

Myllasa Riggins, Albany High

Charles Rogers Jr., Colonie High

Thomas Santiago, Guilderland High

Kaliel Lamar Williamson, Tech Valley High

Splash Water Safety Week

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 13:50:08 GMT

With spring and summer at our doorstep, the Capital District YMCA will plunge into the season with YMCA Splash into Safety Week June 13-17. The annual event is open to swimmers and non-swimmers alike.

Splash is a program, designed to help kids stay safe and healthy on or in the water this summer. Children and families are encouraged to sign up and enjoy this year’s week long Splash event.

In every YMCA aquatics program, children learn to be safe around water and feel the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning something new. YMCA instructors will demonstrate and teach children the importance of being safe, and confident in an aquatic environment, offering swim lessons and other fun aquatic activities.

This is a free program offered by the Capital District YMCA. For more information contact your local Capital District YMCA branch.

YMCA Closed Memorial Day

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Fri, 27 May 2011 11:23:30 GMT

We hope everyone enjoys the long Memorial Day weekend. Remember the Y is closed on Monday, May 30, 2011 for Memorial Day. Have fun!

6 p.m. Cycling Class at Greenbush has been CANCELLED for this evening.

K. Sidhu — Thu, 05 May 2011 14:21:07 GMT

The 6 p.m. cycling class at the Greenbush Area Branch has been cancelled for this evening, Thursday, May 5, 2011.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Greenbush Pool Area has RE-OPENED.

K. Sidhu — Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:54:45 GMT

The Greenbush Area Branch Pool, Sauna, Steam Room & Whirlpool has re-opened.

Our policy, in accordance with the Rensselaer County Health Department, requires us to close our entire pool facility during a thunderstorm for a minimum of 30 minutes after the last sight of lightning or sound of thunder.

We apologize for any inconvenience!

Emma Rupert Competes at National YMCA Short Course Swimming Championships

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:44:06 GMT

Emma Rupert has been swimming competitively since she was 7 years old; she swims on the Southern Saratoga YMCA Barracuda Swim Team and has just finished her seventh season as a Barracuda. During this time Emma has qualified for the state competition for the last 6 seasons. Last season as a 12 year old Emma became a triple state champion; she won the 50 Breaststroke, 200 Freestyle and 200 IM. Emma also swims on the Shenendehowa Girls Varsity Swim Team. She qualified in 6 events for high school sectionals and swam the 100 Breast, 200 Freestyle, 200 IM, and swam on the 200 Freestyle Relay Team. Emma qualified and competed at the High School State Competition as a member of her team's 200 Free Relay.

This past year with the Barracudas, Emma, age 13, now swam in the 13-14 year old age bracket. During the regular season Emma qualified for the YMCA Championship State Meet which was held at the Nassau Aquatic Complex in Long Island. Emma was seeded 3rd in all 3 of her individual events at the state meet (100 Breaststroke, 200 Freestyle and the 200 Individual Medley), but ended up placing 3rd in the 200 Freestyle (2:00.31), 2nd in the 200 IM (2:14.61), and 1^st place in the 100 Breaststroke (1:08.92)! Emma upset the top seed Maria Trivino from the powerhouse host team in the 100 breaststroke to become the 2011 State Champion! Emma helped the Barracudas take 3rd place overall in the state meet for the 2nd consecutive season! In addition to becoming the NYS Champion in the 100 Breaststroke, Emma qualified for the National YMCA Short Course Swimming Championship with a time of 1:08.92.

The National YMCA Short Course Swimming Championships was held April 5-8, 2011 at the Hall of Fame Pool in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Over 1,600 athletes from various YMCA teams from all over the country competed. Emma swam in the preliminary heat of the 100 Breaststroke and was able to compete in Time Trials in the 100 Breaststroke (placed 37th), 200 Breaststroke (placed 31st), and 200 IM (placed 42nd).

Please congratulate Emma on her swimming accomplishments; as a 13 year old her times and placements in the events she swims is outstanding! Although her regular season is over, she has her sights on this summer's 2011 Long Course Championships in Atlanta, Georgia.

Congratulations Emma!

Capital District YMCA & Pink Ribbon Program Team Up to Support Breast Cancer Survivors

rtotaro@cdymca.org — Wed, 27 Apr 2011 10:30:50 GMT

Guilderland, NY ― Beginning April 28, the Guilderland Branch of the Capital District YMCA will offer the Pink Ribbon Program, a free 7-week Pilates based class designed to help breast cancer survivors.

This free program offers slow, easy, and safe movements arranged to fit each individual’s needs. “Through movement, we assist in reducing feelings of depression, improving self-confidence, enhancing energy levels and decreasing stress and tension,” noted instructor Suzanne Vining, a Breast Cancer Exercise Specialist (BCES) qualified to assess, design, and implement individual and group exercise and fitness programs for those diagnosed with cancer.

Recent studies indicate a link between moderate physical exercise and improved quality of life for breast cancer survivors. “The Guilderland YMCA and Pink Ribbon Program are dedicated to promoting a healthy lifestyle and positive body image for breast cancer survivors,” explained Jennifer Rittner-Paniccia, Senior Program Director at the Guilderland YMCA. “We’re excited to offer this supportive group exercise program, which is open to YMCA members and non members.”

This 7-week program is being offered Thursdays, 11:15am to 12noon, beginning April 28. For more information, please call Jennifer Rittner-Paniccia at 456.3634 x 1110 or via email at jrittner@cdymca.org.

Greenbush Area Branch Pool Area - CLOSED May 3-4, 2011

K. Sidhu — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:32:59 GMT

The Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna & Steam Room will all be CLOSED Tuesday, May 3, 2011 and Wednesday, May 4, 2011 to conduct yearly maintenance.

The Pool, Whirlpool, Sauna & Steam Room will re-open for normal business hours on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at 5:00 a.m.

We apologize for any inconvenience.

Greenbush Area Branch CLOSED on Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011.

K. Sidhu — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 14:28:09 GMT

The Greenbush Area Branch YMCA will be CLOSED in observance of Easter Sunday, April 24, 2011.

The branch will re-open at 5:00 a.m. for normal business hours on Monday, April 25, 2011.

We apologize for any inconvenience!