YMCA of Central New York

The YMCA of Central New York is excited to be involved in a nationwide movement to welcome immigrants and newcomers to our communities known as Welcoming Week. Welcoming Week is a time to celebrate the values that unite us and to make our community more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls Central New York home. Join us at free events across CNY this September and throughout the Fall!

Staff from our Southwest Y ran the Kids Zone at the Walk to End Alzheimer's at the SRC Arena on September 8th. Thank you to all who attended for this important cause!

You have the opportunity to own a piece of art history all while supporting your community! With work featured in the permanent collections of multiple museums and a storied career as a Syracuse University fine arts professor, David MacDonald is a renowned artist who has made a limited run of six pieces for an auction to benefit the YMCA of Central New York. Proceeds from this online auction will support arts programming at the Y. Place your bid today! https://lnkd.in/e-Cz3xGX

Camp is over and kids are back to school, but we're looking back on some camp history, even before Camp Tousey! A site on Sandy Pond at Sandy Creek was purchased in the 1920s and ran for about 10 years. The newspaper photo shows a truckload of boys headed off to camp and saying goodbye to Mom! It’s certainly a change from our safe busing nowadays! We also found a postcard on the internet written by a camper to their family in Cortland in 1924. You can learn more about the history of this site at this local history link: https://lnkd.in/eNjcAuZM

Our Power Scholars Academy helped 60 kids bridge the gap over the summer with some amazing experiences. The summer included: a forest ranger from the DEC teaching the scholars how to carry an injured person out of the forest, a field trip to the OCC science labs, working on math activities at our Northeast Community Center site, learning about different parts of plants and flowers at our Kirk Park site, and a fun trip to the MOST!

September is #SuicidePreventionMonth – a time to honor those lost to suicide, support those who have faced suicidal thoughts and recognize the individuals, families and communities affected. We're here to remind you that you are not alone and you have community at the Y. When you or someone you know is struggling, call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. These resources are available every day of the year, when you need them most. #WeAllHaveMentalHealth

We had a great time last month with the Syracuse Mets! Thank you to the team for your support of community organizations through We Care Wednesdays!

Join us in congratulating James Burgess, who was promoted to Associate Executive Director for our Manlius branch! James recently celebrated 16 years with YMCA of Central New York. He first fell in love with the basketball courts, teen center, and pool at our East location when he was in middle school, looking forward to someday being on our staff. James did eventually join us and has served in many roles, including working in Camp and School Age Childcare, leading the Sports Department as the Sports Director at East, and most recently as the Senior Program director at Manlius, leading health & wellness, sports, and tennis. "Growing up, I was very involved in sports to the point where I never had an opportunity to attend summer camp. During my first summer in college working at Camp Evergreen, I fell in love with the magic of camp and the impact it can have on the youth as well as staff. From there, I continued searching for those magical community connections within our association that have the ability to create a lasting impact. Every day I am grateful to have this opportunity to impact our community." Thank you James, for all you do for our community!

Join us next week for a senior health fair on September 12th from 10am to noon at the Northwest Family YMCA. This event is FREE and OPEN TO ALL. Learn about the Y's Active Older Adult programming and visit the informational tables hosted by our community partners: Touching Hearts at Home, SECNY, A Caring Voice for You, Loretto, Alzheimer's Association, Hearing Life, Aging Advocates, multiple major insurance providers, Meals on Wheels, Silver Fox, and Community Living Advocates.

No matter the job, we appreciate your hard work and the difference you make in our community! This Labor Day, the YMCA of Central New York wants to encourage you to take some time for yourself – read a book, enjoy a long walk or find a quiet spot to meditate – you deserve a break! As a reminder, our branches are closed on Monday, September 2nd for the holiday and will reopen on Tuesday.