As the leaves turn and we head into the season of gratitude, the Farmington Valley YMCA is reflecting on what truly matters—community, connection and compassion. November at the Y is a time to celebrate the heart of our mission: strengthening the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
This month, we’re focusing on gratitude—for the people who make the Y a place where everyone belongs, and for the opportunities we have to give back and lift others up.
We’re kicking off Thanksgiving with movement, music and meaning at our Thanksgiving Spin for a Cause! This special cycling event brings our community together for a fun, high-energy ride—all to support our LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA program for adult cancer survivors.
Participants can look forward to an inspiring workout that celebrates gratitude and community, while helping to fund a life-changing program that provides survivors with a safe, supportive place to rebuild strength and confidence after treatment.
Registration is required, and you don’t have to be a Y member to participate—everyone in the community is welcome to join in! All proceeds directly benefit LIVESTRONG at the YMCA, keeping this program accessible at no cost to participants.
We’re also currently enrolling for our next LIVESTRONG session, which begins January 5th. If you or someone you know could benefit, please contact our Wellness Director, Willaminah Rey, at willaminah.rey@ghymca.org
In recognition of Veterans Day, the Farmington Valley YMCA is proud to open its doors free of charge to all veterans and their families from November 9–16. This special week is our way of saying “thank you” to the brave men and women who have served our country.
Throughout the week, we invite members and guests to stop by our Veterans Card Station in the lobby to make cards for currently deployed service members. These handwritten notes of gratitude will be sent to those serving overseas as a reminder that their sacrifices are never forgotten.
We’re also encouraging our community to share stories of the veterans in their lives — whether it’s a parent, sibling, friend, or neighbor—to honor the many ways service shapes and strengthens our communities.
This fall, we were honored to receive a generous grant from the Granby Education Fund, which allowed us to offer a free babysitter certification course for local students in September. The course equipped teens with valuable child care, safety and leadership skills while giving them confidence and real-world experience.
The Granby Education Fund’s support extends beyond this one program—their grant helped purchase training supplies that make it possible for the Y to continue providing life-saving education. Thanks to their generosity, we are thrilled to announce that we will be offering a free lifeguard certification class in spring 2026 for local students interested in gaining valuable job and safety skills.
We are deeply grateful to the Granby Education Foundation for investing in our youth and helping us expand access to critical training opportunities that strengthen both individuals and our greater community.
As we look back on October, we’re filled with gratitude for all the families and partners who made it a month to remember. Our annual Halloween at the Y celebration was a tremendous success—with costumes, crafts and candy bringing laughter and connection to hundreds of local families.
We also had the pleasure of partnering with the Good Theater Company for their heartwarming rendition of Puff the Magic Dragon. The performance reminded us of the power of imagination and creativity in bringing people together—values we hold dear at the Y.
At the Y, gratitude is more than a feeling—it’s something we live every day. Whether it’s spinning for a cause, honoring veterans, supporting cancer survivors, or simply showing up for one another, every act of kindness strengthens our community.
This November, we invite you to join us—to move, to give, to connect and to celebrate the spirit of gratitude together at the Y.