Summer fun starts at The Gateway Family YMCA

Summer is the perfect time to visit the Y and participate in activities for the entire family, including swimming, basketball, pickleball, youth sports and fun family events. The Gateway Family YMCA is celebrating summer, in every branch and in every program, promising a fresh lineup of classes to spark imagination, creativity and socialization. With options such as summer day camp, swimming lessons, youth soccer, dance, basketball and gymnastics, the Y is bringing the fun this summer, as never before.

Registration begins Monday, June 12, for summer YMCA programs online at tgfymca.org and at The Gateway Family YMCA’s branches in Elizabeth, Rahway or Union. The YMCA summer program session includes traditional favorites, along with some added unique programs such as W.I.S.E. — Wellness, Independence and Socialization for our Elders — community services, water exercise, arts programs and more.

“As many families are looking for opportunities to participate together, and socialize after the isolation of the past few years, the Y provides programs and services to build community, develop youth and create safe experiences,” said Melynda A. Disla, president and chief executive officer, The Gateway Family YMCA. “We are uniquely positioned to provide essential services like YMCA housing and social services and child care, while also offering programs and events to bring our community and families together.”

In response to the growing obesity epidemic and decline in chronic conditions exacerbated by the global coronavirus pandemic, The Gateway Family YMCA offers programs such as blood pressure self-monitoring, group lifestyle balance and diabetes management, which are open to the community, offered in multiple locations and taught in both English and Spanish. A free community membership is available to provide vital access to chronic disease programming and many family events.

“The epidemic of health disparities in underserved communities and communities of color is something that has come to light during the pandemic, and something we have worked diligently to engage and support for many years,” said Rodger D. Koerber, executive vice president and chief operations officer, The Gateway Family YMCA.

“Our dedication and commitment to meet the needs of the communities we serve in Northern Middlesex County and Eastern Union County, provides our Y with an opportunity to improve reach, access and affordability through programs, services and YMCA membership for all,” added Colleen A. Clayton, chief membership and development officer, The Gateway Family YMCA. “The YMCA offers financial assistance to ensure that everyone has access to thrive.”

In Memoriam

• ALDER – Joan, of Tinton Falls, formerly of Cranford and Mountainside; April 19. Worked for AT&T/Lucent/Avaya. Wife, mother, grandmother, 81.

• BERTRAND – David F., of Cranford; April 21. Army first lieutenant veteran. CPA, international tax specialist. Husband, father, grandfather, 82.

• HICKS – Carl Arrington, of Cranford; April 13. Was 81.

• KEIMIG – William J., of Florida, formerly of Elizabeth, Brazil, Hong Kong, Cranford and Monmouth Junction; May 12. Widower, brother, great-grandfather.

• LAMAGNA – Barbara, of Cranford, formerly of Brooklyn, N.Y.; May 4. Member of Sunny Acres Civic Association. Widow, mother, grandmother, aunt.

• VICCI – Vincent R. Sr., of Cranford; May 3. Business owner. Elks member. Pop Warner football coach. Widower, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, 87.

• WIEGAND – Sebastian Robert Carvalho, of Cranford; May 11. Supervisor at EAI in Jersey City. Photographer, car enthusiast. Son, nephew, cousin, 25.

In Memoriam is a monthly feature compiled by the news staff from various sources. We also provide the opportunity for families and funeral directors to publish a more extensive, special notice about their loved one called an obituary. These notices are published on our website immediately and then in the next edition of this newspaper. To place a paid obituary send an email to obits@thelocalsource.com or fax to 908-688-0401. Family and friends’ submissions must include sender’s name, address, phone and the name of the funeral home. Call 908-686-7850 for assistance.