Who, What, When – and Y

Community news and views from the Westport Weston Family Y
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Archive for December, 2012

Good News for the New Year: Zoning Permit Issued for Y at Mahackeno

Monday, December 31, 2012 by:Family Y
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A view of our new Y, looking north, to the large windows of the Wellness Center.

The Westport Weston Family Y’s campaign to fund and construct a modern, sustainable new home on our Mahackeno campus has been years’ long and at times imperiled. But thanks to the steadfast support of our members, the tireless efforts of the volunteer leaders who guide us, and the selfless contributions from hundreds of donors from throughout our community and beyond, we are ready to truly “Build What Matters.”

On December 21, the Y received a Zoning Permit from the Town of Westport, which will allow us to proceed with plans to begin construction of our new Family Y facility. We will soon announce the date of our groundbreaking and will extend an invitation for Y Members and supporters to join us at the onsite celebration of this momentous event.

The Family Y also has signed a GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price) contract with Turner Construction Co., which means that any additional savings accrued from work negotiated with subcontractors will be returned to the project. This will allow the Y to include additional amenities above and beyond the base building, a 54,000 sq. ft., full-service, family-oriented facility that we’ll all be tremendously proud of.

This first stage of our new Y will be built on a portion of the footprint that has been approved by the Town of Westport. Upon completion of all construction stages, the Family Y at Mahackeno will comprise 102,000 sq. ft. and will include a Gymnastics Center, Child Care wing and expanded Aquatics and Health & Wellness areas.

To be on sound financial footing by the time we open our doors in late 2014, we must raise a further $4 million. To find out how you can help, please call Paul Bernetksy, Chief Development Officer, at 203-226-8981, ext. 115, or email pbernetsky@westporty.org.

To view a brief video about our campaign for a new Y, please click on the image below.

Family Y Gymnasts Shine at Holiday Shows

Thursday, December 27, 2012 by:Family Y
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Y Gymnasts practicing for the holiday show held Monday, Dec. 17.

The Family Y’s acclaimed Gymnastic teams dazzled audiences throughout our community this holiday season. In addition to performing their annual holiday show at the Y on Dec. 17 to a packed house, our gymnasts made holiday visits to Westport’s Center for Senior Activities, the Fairfield Regional Center, Side by Side Charter School and the Danbury Mall.

These performances are by invitation and are booked up to a year in advance.

The holiday shows cap a busy year of fun and high-level competition for our gymnasts. This past summer, 18 Family Y Exhibition Team gymnasts ages 10-15 traveled to Walt Disney World Florida, where they competed against 22 exhibition gymnastic teams from all over the United States in the United States Gymnastic Federation “Gymnastics For All National Championship Challenge,” July 18-22.

With the team’s gold-medal- winning performance at Disney, it has now met the sanctioned requirements to participate in the 2015 World Gymnaestrada to be held in Helsinki, Finland. They will be members of the United States Delegation, which is a great honor. It is the largest gymnastic event in the world and an experience of a lifetime for these girls.

In May, Family Y Competition Gymnasts competed in the Regional YMCA Gymnastic Championships in Lake George, N.Y., where our Level 7 gymnasts took home the second-place team trophy. Level 4 won 10th place and the Level 5 team won 5th place team trophies!

And in March, our Level 7 Competition Gymnasts took first place at the YMCA  Gymnastic State Championships held at Wilton YMCA.

Congrats to all our talented young athletes, and their outstanding team of coaches and volunteers!

Enjoy these photos of the Gymnasts’ Holiday Show at the Y…

Just Add Water (and Fun) at Annual Water Rat Intrasquad Meet

Wednesday, December 26, 2012 by:Family Y
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Coach Mark Sedlak getting ready to take part in the parent-child relay.

The Family Y’s annual Water Rat “Red & Blue” Intrasquad swim meet took place Saturday, December 21, and rarely has our Y been the scene of such high energy and holiday cheer.

Postponed from its original date due to Hurricane Sandy, this casual “total team” event featured more than 150 young swimmers participating in fun relays and concluded with the much-anticipated swimmer vs. parent race.

With hundreds of parents, friends and Water Rat alums cheering on from the bleachers and pool deck, our Pool Lobby was the busy setting for the Water Rats traditional spread of refreshments, as well as a display about our ongoing “Just Add Water Soon” (aka JAWS) effort to expand of the Aquatic Center of our new Family Y.

The doughnuts and hot chocolate help explain the high energy, and here’s what much of the holiday cheer was all about: Our “JAWS” campaign has succeeded!

Thanks to the generous support of so many dedicated Y members, we have raised sufficient funds (more than $340,000 since September) to give the volunteer Boards that guide our “Building What Matters” capital campaign the confidence to proceed with plans to enlarge our 25-yard competitive lap pool by an additional two lanes (for a total of 10 lanes) and to increase the size of our warm-water family/teaching/recreational pool by an additional seven feet in width and more than 70 percent by water volume.

Our successful “JAWS” effort will allow the Family Y to provide more space for lap swimming, swim instruction, water-safety lessons and recreational play and will significantly increase space and flexibility for aqua exercise and other fitness programs. It will increase our opportunities to serve special-needs populations as well as the many fellow nonprofit groups with whom we partner.

Adding two lanes to our competitive lap pool will give our Aquatic staff greater programming flexibility. Additionally, having a 10-lane lap pool will allow us to add an aquatic climbing wall (a new play innovation that is proving popular at other Ys).

Former Water Rat coach Bill Krumm with current head coach Ellen Johnston.

What’s more, our campaign leaders are delighted to announce that the new home of the Water Rat Swim Team will be named The Strittmatter Family Aquatic Center, in honor of Board President Bonnie Strittmatter, her husband Bill, and their children, Laura and Alex. Bonnie’s tireless efforts and her family’s philanthropic leadership are an inspiration to us all as we continue to build what truly matters — a modern new Y facility on our Mahackeno campus that will serve our members and the entire community for generations to come.

Our work is not done: To make the Strittmatter Family Aquatic Center the best it can be, we need your support to help finance essential features and equipment and to close the remaining funding gap of $660,000.

Here’s a link to our online donation page on the Y’s website, which will allow Y supporters to contribute to our capital campaign as well as our annual fundraising effort, which allows us to continue our charitable work in our community. We thank you for your support!

And please enjoy these photos of the day…

Christmas Comes Early for Y Child Care Kids

Sunday, December 23, 2012 by:Family Y
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The Family Y’s Child Care Center is bustling once again, after reopening on Dec. 10 following six weeks of rebuilding due to flood damage caused by Superstorm Sandy.

During the last week of classes before the holiday break, our Y Child Care kids got a wonderful package: A sheaf of hand-drawn cards and a generous check from YMCAs that are part of the Illinois Alliance of YMCAs.

When this group of Ys heard the news of our storm damage, they sprang into action to support our Family Y in its time of need. Contributions to help us rebuild our Child Care Center were gathered from Ys throughout Illinois: Illinois Valley YMCA, Alred Campanelli YMCA, The Decatur Family YMCA, Mattoon Area Family YMCA, Canton Family YMCA, Danville Family YMCA, The West Cook YMCA, Clinton Community YMCA, PAV YMCA and the Kishwaukee Family YMCA, as well as Ruth and Thomas Knous and Richard Clegg, Y Resource Director.

In all, our Y friends from Illinois collected $2,300, which is being used to pay for the entirely new collection of furniture and other material in our Child Care Center.

We thank these Ys and friends, and the many other families and individuals who have contributed to our annual fundraising campaign, which is being used not only to rebuild, but also to allow our Family Y to continue to help local families in need be able to be active in the Y, through financial aid, scholarships and other support.

Happy holidays to all from the Y Child Care kids and staff!

Take a stroll through the photo gallery below of the children and Y staffers reading the cards and enjoying their wonderful new Child Care Center!

Earthplace and Mahackeno to Collaborate on 2013 Summer Camp

Wednesday, December 19, 2012 by:Family Y
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Meaghan George and Becky Newman with a terrapin and turtle at Earthplace (Camp Mahackeno's longtime mascot is a snapping turtle from Lees Pond).

The Westport Weston Family Y and Earthplace, the Nature Discovery Center have announced plans to conduct a joint camp next summer at Earthplace. Located at 10 Woodside Lane in Westport, Earthplace is situated among a 62-acre wildlife sanctuary that features an interactive natural history museum, over two miles of trails, live animal hall, Birds of Prey and a preschool facility.

Camp Mahackeno, which has been home to the Family Y’s summer day camp since the early 1940s, will be unavailable next summer due to construction of the new Y facility on a portion of the Y’s 32-acre Mahackeno campus along the Saugatuck River, north of downtown Westport.

“We’re so excited about this partnership,” says Meaghan George, Camp and Youth Director for the Family Y. “Our Mahackeno campers will be in a wonderfully natural setting that’s close to our longtime home and that will also provide them great new opportunities to learn about nature, science and the environment while having fun.”

“We’re delighted to be able to host the Y’s Mahackeno counselors and campers next summer,” agrees Becky Newman, Camp Director for Earthplace. “Not only will our campers have access to the Y’s pools for free swim throughout the summer, the Y’s campers will experience a variety of Earthplace activities including pond studies, trail walks and animal encounters.”

Part of Earthplace's 62-acre property that will be used for some camp activities next summer.

Combining the two camp programs will require considerable teamwork among the two staffs as well as some enhancements to Earthplace’s current camp facilities. Camp capacity will increase to 175 campers, from grades 1 through 11. (Earthplace’s preschool program, which serves up to 50 children entering Kindergarten or younger, will continue to be registered and served by Earthplace staff.)

The combined camp operations next summer will also allow both nonprofit organizations to continue their charitable work with the towns of Westport and Weston, as well as with agencies such as the Fresh Air Fund, to provide scholarships and other financial assistance that will make it possible for deserving children to attend camp and to benefit from the life lessons summer camp offers all children.

Camp co-directors George and Newman are currently finalizing the weekly themes for the 2013 season as well as enrollment and registration procedures. Further information about the combined camp will be provided in coming weeks.  Be sure to visit both websites for the most up-to-date information.

“Talk about a win-win – I know both camps will learn new things from the one another about how to make our great local camp programs even better,” says Rob Reeves, Family Y CEO. “We thank Earthplace for giving our Mahackeno campers this opportunity next summer, and we look forward to collaborating in the future, sharing our facilities and expertise to serve local families and the community as a whole.”

Marie Dalton-Meyer, Interim Executive Director at Earthplace, welcomes this new partnership with Family Y. “We look forward to this collaboration, which offers great learning opportunities to all who attend and enables two great organizations a chance to work together on creating a new way to serve the community.”

Free Public Swim at the Family Y, Friday, Dec. 28, 1-4 pm

Friday, December 14, 2012 by:Family Y
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Splash contests off the Stauffer Pool's diving board are fun for swimmers and spectators alike.

The Westport Weston Family Y is pleased to invite local families to enjoy a free swim in our pools on Friday, Dec. 28, from 1 to 4 pm. Family Y membership is not required, though participants are asked to check in at the Member Services Desk at our Church Lane entrance.

The Y’s six-lane Stauffer Pool has a one-meter diving board; the adjacent Stauffer Shallows has a water slide; both are kept at 82 degrees. The smaller Brophy Pool is four feet deep and is 90 degrees.

“We’re fortunate to have our pools back in action after our closure in November and wanted to invite all members of our community to enjoy some quality ‘family time’ at our Y over the holidays,” said Family Y CEO Rob Reeves. “We’re also looking forward to once again being a central location for the Town’s popular First Night festivities on New Year’s Eve.”

The New Year is a time for new beginnings and to set goals that strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body. When making New Year’s Resolutions, the Family Y reminds families that building and maintaining family connectedness is one of the most important resolutions.

A game of "Sharks & Minnows" in the Family Y's Stauffer Shallows.

“At the Y, we are committed to strengthening individuals and families to build stronger communities,” said Family Y CEO Rob Reeves. “That’s our New Year’s Resolution – and our mission every day of the year.”

The Family Y offers a variety of programs that support family time, such as Parent & Child Swims, Dribbling with Dad, Toddler Adventure Gym, an annual Father-Daughter Dance and many more.

There are also simple things families can do at home to improve their family’s health and well-being. Following are five New Year’s Resolutions the Y recommends for 2013:

Eat Together: Sitting down together for a meal is a great way for parents and children to share stories, or talk about the school day or their favorite part of the day. Set aside time for the family to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at least once a week or every day if scheduling permits.

Volunteer Together: Giving back and supporting neighbors benefits everyone involved. It teaches children and teens the value of helping others and is also a way to meet new people or discover a new interest. Find an opportunity in your community that the entire family may enjoy or ask one of the Y’s Membership Coordinators about volunteer opportunities available through our charitable services.

Unplug from Technology: Limit screen time (television, video games, computer, etc.) and instead set aside an hour or two for activities that allow interaction and camaraderie. If weather permits, go for a walk, bike ride, trip to the park, or have a game night at home.

Be Physically Active: It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being.

Put Extras to Good Use: Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs. You can also get the entire family involved and demonstrate to the children the value of giving.

For additional tips or to learn more about the Y’s family programs, call 203-226-8981 or visit www.westporty.org.

Highlights from the Y’s Welcome Back Celebration

Wednesday, December 12, 2012 by:Family Y
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Y Member Christine Shaffer and VP Operations David Cohen.

The Family Y’s “Welcome Back!” Celebration, held Tuesday evening, Dec. 11 at Christ & Holy Trinity Church, was the setting for fellowship, a farewell, glad tidings and no shortage of holiday snacks and sweets, courtesy of the dozens of Y members and supporters who attended our “potluck dessert” gathering.

The fellowship was evident in the camaraderie and good cheer among the Y staffers and members who are grateful to be, in the words of David Cohen, “back home.”

The farewell was for Dave himself, who will shortly be leaving the Family Y after 12 years to take a leadership position with the the Greenwich YMCA.

Glad tidings? It is the holiday season, and the event in the Branson Hall last night also marked the public debut of a new short film about the Y’s plans to build a modern new home at its Mahackeno campus.

Sharing sweets and good cheer at the Y's Welcome Back celebration.

And evidence of the sugar rush can be found in the photos below of the spread of sweets on the church’s island banquet counter. Special thanks to Membership Coordinator Midge Deverin, for her efforts to make this evening such a success.

The evening’s special cheer was captured well by local reporter Jarret Liotta, writing for the Westport News. Here’s how his account begins:

For Christine Shaffer, returning to the Westport Weston Family Y after damage inflicted by Superstorm Sandy forced it to close for more than a month made her feel like George Bailey in the classic holiday movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life.”

“Hello, you old elliptical machine … Hello, you stationary bike,” she felt like saying. “It sounds corny, but I actually felt that I loved the building.”

Shaffer shared her sentiments Tuesday night at a celebration officially welcoming people back to the downtown Family Y, and get them thinking about the Y’s new home planned for the Mahackeno property…

To read the complete article, please click here.

Enjoy these photos from the festivities!

First Night Festivities at the Family Y

Monday, December 10, 2012 by:Family Y
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Dennis the Train Man will be set up in the Y's Upper Gym from 5 to 7 pm on New Year's Eve.

First Night Westport/Weston is a community-wide celebration of New Year’s Eve through the arts.  Over thirty events featuring performances for children, teens and adults are presented throughout downtown Westport.

One of the primary destinations is our Family Y, from the horse-drawn carriage rides that begin near the front steps of the Bedford Building to all the attractions all evening long inside our doors.

First Night begins Dec. 31 at 4pm and ends at 10:30pm . Please click here to view the complete schedule.

Buttons are $10 from now until December 14th.  On December 15th the price goes up to $15. Children two and under are always free.  The website lists the places that are selling the buttons.  They are a great holiday gift!

First Night Festivities at the Westport Weston Family Y

BOARD ROOM

ULTRA VIOLET PUPPETS
Black light puppet show is the ultimate puppet experience. Big mouth, furry hand puppets glow in the dark under the black lights. Scene setters, black light reactive bubbles and props are used to enhance the experience. Children are encouraged to wear white so they will glow too! Ultra VioletBlack light puppet shows are geared for children from 3-10 years old. UVP will have your little ones laughing, earning, dancing and delighting in the fun, interactive and unique show! Our educational puppet shows focus on educating children through the art of puppetry. Children will sing along, get up and dance and learn important lessons about friendship, good character, not bullying, cultural diversity, acceptance, recycling, having a healthy body image and much more!

MAGIC GENIE
8 – 8:45pm, 9 – 9:45pm
Get ready for the thrill of your life.   Here comes the Magic Genie.  He has traveled around the world and has developed a presentation of magic that is astonishing, unbelievable and incredible.  And, he plans on teaching you how to do some of it!!!

UPPER GYM

DENNIS THE TRAIN MAN
5 – 7pm
The very popular Dennis the Train Man returns with his collection of trains and tales to tell about them.  Included this year is Amtrak, Thomas the Tank Train, the New York City Subway and the very special Harry Potter Hogwarth’s Express!!!

AMAZING FACE ART
5 – 10pm
For an additional $3.00 you can literally be transformed. Amazing Face Art is truly amazing and kids and adults will be thrilled by their artistic creations. Amazing Face Art provides face and body painting, airbrush art, for any event in Connecticut and surrounding areas.

It’s your children’s skin!! They only use the safest and highest quality face paints in the market. They are hypoallergenic, non toxic and FDA approved. Easily washes off with soap and water

MIKE VALENTINE, CARICATURES
6 -10pm
Caricaturist Mike Valentine, will capture you with his funny but flattering drawings www.caricature.org/artists/mikevalentine/

BEDFORD ROOM

BOB LASPROGATO & UPTOWN JAZZ
4 – 6pm
Bob Lasprogato & Uptown Jazz play a mixture of New Orleans jazz and standard tunes by composers such as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and the like. Bob has been drumming since age 14 and led his first band while still in high school. He has performed all over the United States and Europe with jazz greats as Ellis Larkins, Ken Peplowski, and Brian Torff.  The musicians joining Bob are Paul Boehmke, sax, clarinet and vocals. Gim Burton, a long time member of the Bearcats Jazz Band will be playing guitar & banjo, and Phil Bowler will be performing on string bass. Phil has worked with such jazz luminaries as Wynton Marsalis, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Max Roach.

WASHBOARD SLIM AND THE BLUELIGHTS

6:15 – 8:15pm
Washboard Slim and the Blue Lights are bringing jug band music into the 21st century. The music the Bluelights perform is at the very root of traditional American popular music. A typical Bluelights performance might include original music, early jazz, blues, swing, standards, jug band, gospel, pop music from the turn of the century and roots rock ‘n’ roll. Starting in 1986, they continue to perform at festivals, concerts and clubs throughout North America.

Washboard Slim and the Bluelights are among the performers at the Y on First Night.

OUTSIDE

ALLEGRA FARMS
4 – 9pm
Horse drawn carriage rides

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