2016 Summer Newsletter

YMCA OF METRO NORTH 2 Centennial Dr. Suite 4A

FOR A BETTER US

Peabody, MA 01960 978-775-3701 WWW.YMCAMETRONORTH.ORG

SUMMER 2016

WATER SAFETY

THE Y AND YOU...

FOR A BETTER US It has been a busy summer at the YMCA of Metro North! As the new school year begins, we are reflecting on the good work the Y has accomplished in keeping kids safe, engaged, productive and healthy while they were out of school this summer. We couldn’t do it without your help!

Your generosity allows us to make a difference in the community.

Please enjoy this quick update about big impact the Y made this summer thanks to your continued support.

While beaches, pools and lakes are a big part of summer fun, water safety in young children is a vital lesson.

The Lynn Y stepped into action after a Breed Middle School student tragically drowned at Lynn Woods Reservation in June. Executive Director Audrey Jimenez gave two free talks to the community about the basics of water safety, ensuring that both parents and children are educated on best practices. The Y also offered free swim lessons to all incoming eighth grade Breed Middle School students.

Fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1-14 behind motor vehicle crashes (according to the Center for Disease Control), and it is also one of the most preventable.

The Y strives to provide as many children as possible with the tools they need to learn to swim and be safe in and around the water. Since May, the YMCA of Metro North taught swimming lessons to over 2,500 children.

Item Live article: http://www.itemlive.com/news/ymca-responds-inwake-of-breed-tragedy/

With gratitude,

Bruce Macdonald President and CEO Item Live Photo by Owen O’Rourke

SUMMER 2016

YMCA OF METRO NORTH CAMPS! The Y provided the best summer ever to over 1,500 kids at our day camps in Lynn, Melrose, Peabody, Saugus and Stoneham. Kids spent their summer taking field trips, making new friends, experiencing new adventures and learning through it all. Working families in our communities could be confident that their kids spent their day engaging in positive developmental experiences in the care of the Y while they were out of school. A highlight from Camp Eastman in Peabody was the 20 kids who were able to participate in the First Tee Program at Reedy Meadow Golf Course in Lynnfield. Every Tuesday at camp for 7 weeks, the campers got a chance to learn about the game and play golf, an experience they would never have gotten without the Y. Nearly $60,000 in financial assistance was provided to 129 campers in the summer of 2016. Thank you to our campership donors who ensure that no one is turned away for inability to pay!

DCF PARTNERSHIP

When the Y Chief Operating Officer Kathleen Walsh was at the local Department of Children and Family Services office for a meeting in June, she saw children sitting in the hallways coloring or reading. After asking a few questions, she quickly learned that these children spend their days in the DCF office after being removed from their homes. DCF funding for camps or day programs had run out, so the children had nowhere to go while they wait to be placed with a foster family.

The Y immediately took action, offering these children space at any our YMCA camps or childcare programs for free.

The Y provided an equivalent of 16 weeks of free service to children ranging in age from 8 months to 14 years.

Children who had no place to live and would have spent their days in the hallways of the DCF offices now had the chance to have fun, play outside and make new friends. In a time of great stress in the lives of these kids, most of whom had been removed from their homes in the middle of the night, the Y was a constant and safe place. In response to one seven year old boy’s week at camp, the DCF program director said, “It takes a village to meet the needs of the most vulnerable we serve. The opportunity to be at camp this week is reinforcement that he is valued and cared about.”

NUTRITION AND TOTAL WELLNESS STUDIO We are excited to announce the opening of our new Nutrition & Total Wellness Studio at the Stoneham YMCA Child Care and Program Center!

This new space will be focused on providing education and support to empower people and families to live healthier lives. Personalized nutrition counseling is available one on one or in a small group, providing participants with the tools they need to jump start their journey to optimal health and wellness. Other programs include a weekly group exercise schedule, featuring a specialized prenatal fitness class for expecting mothers, and a 21 Day Nutrition Reset to help reduce or eliminate ongoing health issues such as chronic illness, lack of energy, digestive problems and weight gain. The Nutrition & Total Wellness Studio will also serve as a connector to the community, offering free meeting space to local community groups and free monthly nutrition talks. Please stop by 39 Pleasant Street in Stoneham to see the new studio or visit http://www. ymcametronorth.org/locations/stoneham-ymca-child-care-program-center/ nutrition-and-total-wellness-studio/ for more information.

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SUMMMER 2016

2016

o North

ROAD RACE

Ghe THETide TIDE

METRO NORTH

YMCA of Metro North

YMCA of Metro North

MELROSE SPOOKY5K SPRINT Spooky Sprint

Dash & Splash 5K TORIGIAN DASH & SPLASH

SERIES YMCA of Metro North

NEW! YMCA of Metro North Half Marathon HALF MARATHON - 13.1 miles

Spring and summer saw the completion of 3 of the races in the 2016 YMCA of Metro North Road Race Series. After a rainy Not a Walk in the Park 5K at Breakheart Reservation in April, there was beautiful sunny weather for the Stride Along the Tide in Lynn and the Dash & Splash in Peabody. Nearly 70 runners joined us for the entire series and will receive their YMCA of Metro North Road Race Series jackets at our last 5K in October.

There is still time to join in on the running fun before winter arrives!

Remaining 2016 races include: Spooky Sprint 5K Melrose Family YMCA Saturday, October 29 - 8:30am start.

NEW! YMCA OF METRO NORTH HALF MARATHON Lt. Ross Park, Peabody Saturday, November 19 (ages 14+) YMCA of Metro North is extremely grateful for the support of our road race series sponsors Hallmark Health Systems and Lahey Health. To learn more about the YMCA of Metro North Half Marathon, visit: http://www.ymcametronorth.org/support/road-race-series/half-marathon/

COCKTAILS FOR A CAUSE! The YMCA of Metro North is excited to announce our new Cocktails for a Cause event to benefit YMCA Healthy Living programs!

New this year, each guest in attendance is eligible to win a trip for four to Florida to see the New England Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins on New Year’s Day! Tickets are $100 each and includes healthy food stations and the automatic chance to win the Patriots trip.

Event Details: Thursday, September 29, 2016 5:00pm-7:30pm Salem Country Club, 133 Forest Street, Peabody Highlights: Sushi station, Guest Emcee Gordie Gronkowski, Jr., silent auction, signature cocktail and live music!

As champions of healthy living for decades, the Y ensures everyone has access to our lifesaving wellness programs no matter their physical or financial circumstance.

Obesity, diabetes and lack of physical activity are all rising challenges in our communities and the Y is there to provide support to children, families and seniors so that everyone can lead longer and healthier lives. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Y’s healthy living initiatives.

For more information about Cocktails for a Cause, visit: www.ymcametronorth.org/cocktails-for-a-cause or contact Lesley Fawcett at lfawcett@metronorthymca.org or 978-775-3701 x131.

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