Donors, staff, volunteers, community partners honored
June is an opportunity for many nonprofits to reflect on the programmatic year that has passed, while looking ahead and moving forward with new opportunities and partnerships. On June 22, donors, volunteers, staff members and honored guests gathered at Lost Acres Vineyard for our Farmington Valley YMCA Annual Dinner. It was a time to celebrate and recognize the incredible year we had at the YMCA and here in the community.
Each year, the Farmington Valley YMCA honors individuals and organizations in the community who embody the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. It was our pleasure this year to honor both individuals and organizations.
The Program Volunteer Award was given to Alan Wild for his years of service as a swim team official and starter. Our Cause Driven Staff Leadership Award was presented to Samantha Linner who spends her time and energy investing in the health and well-being of our members. The Corporate Partnership Award was presented to Burkentine and Sons Builders Inc. for its multi-year support of the annual Granby Road Race that supports our Annual Campaign and in turn, those who need financial assistance.
Our Community Partnership Award was given to the Farmington Valley VNA for their life-saving work in our community. The quick thinking of one of its nurses recently saved the life of one of our members.
The final award of the evening was the Al Wilke Volunteer Leadership Award. This year it was presented to David Schupp for everything he has done for the Y and the Granby community. Schupp is a long-time Granby resident who can be found hosting charitable dinners, serving on local boards, giving his time to his annual church auction, and doing whatever it takes to make someone’s life circumstances just a little bit better. The Y is honored to work with all the organizations and individuals who received awards this year.
Summer Camps & Teen Night
With the start of summer, comes summer camp—the original social network. Camp Farmington Valley started on June 19 and our fields and hallways are filled with the sound of laughter and smiling campers. Camp Farmington Valley is a state-licensed day camp for campers in Pre-K (4 years) through (entering) 8th grade. Camp includes field trips, GaGa, arts and crafts, free swim, swim instruction, archery, our climbing wall, nature adventures, camp songs, and many more camp activities! Nurturing, experienced, and professional counselors promote an atmosphere of fun and friendship while they help children explore the world around them. Camp runs through Aug. 18, and before and after care is included. Limited spots are available if you are still looking for a week or two of fun for your child.
We will be hosting our inaugural Teen Night on July 14 from 7 to 9 p.m. After the Y closes, it will be turned over to the teens. We will have pizza, refreshments, swimming, glow in the dark capture the flag, climbing, basketball, and more! Ages 13+, $5 for members and $7 for non-members. Please contact Cristina Marsh at cristina.marsh@ghymca.org for more information or to register.
New PT on site
As we think about moving forward, we are excited about new and expanded partnerships here at The Y. Granby resident Matt Calendrillo and his brother Anthony, cofounders of Live Every Day Physical Therapy, have opened a new office on the second floor of the Y across from the Wellness Center. We are thrilled to welcome Live Every Day into the Y family. Their friendly, patient-focused care is the perfect complement to services offered by The Y. Membership is not required, but a willingness to move yourself forward is. You can contact the office at 860-413-2073 or visit liveeveryday.org
B.E.A.R Transitional Program
This fall, we are thrilled to welcome the B.E.A.R. Transitional program to the Farmington Valley YMCA. This program is designed to maximize student potential by focusing on student strengths, interests, and preferences. The program will support individuals with developmental disabilities in preparation for a successful and fulfilling life after high school. We are honored to be a partner to this amazing program.
Speaking of school, it’s never too early to start thinking about fall. Keep us in mind for your after-school childcare needs. Our child-care programs are licensed by the State of Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. For academic support, character development activities, art and service-learning projects, enroll in the Y’s after-school program that includes free bussing from Kelly Lane and Wells Road. Access to state-of-the-art climbing wall, multipurpose pool, GaGa pit, gymnasium and so much more! Grades K–5. Monday–Friday until 6 p.m. We accept Care4Kids and have Financial Assistance for families in need. For more information, please contact Amanda Fox at amanda.fox@ghymca.org or 860-653-5524 ext. 109.