HUNTERDON COUNTY YMCA HOSTS 19th ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT

(Oct. 8, 2010) - Get ready for some bellyaching, side-splitting hilarity during the 19^th Annual Comedy Night hosted by the Hunterdon County YMCA. This year’s event will be held on Friday, November 19th at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse on Rt. 173 in Hampton, New Jersey. Ticket price is $89 and includes appetizers, a full meal with dessert, and three premier comedy acts. All proceeds benefit the YMCA financial assistance program, a confidential program making YMCA programs and/or services available to all Hunterdon County community members regardless of an inability to pay.

The YMCA’s 19^th Annual Comedy Night proudly presents three comedy club headliners – all of whom are sure to provide an evening full of laughs! Brad Trackman: has appeared on NBC’s “Later” and “Friday Night”, CBS’s “Star Search” and Sirius Radio. He has opened for Dana Carvey, Joan Rivers, and Weird Al Yankovic. Cory Kahaney: Coery has appeared on: Last Comic Standing (Seasons 1 & 3), Comedy Central Presents Cory Kahaney, The Late Show with David Letterman, Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson and Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher. DJ Hazard: DJ is a regular at New York, Boston and Los Angeles’ best clubs including The World Famous Improv, The Comedy Connection and Stand Up New York. He has appeared in the films: Blackballed: The Bobby Dukes Story, Street Players, and Bourbon.

A social hour with cash bar will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by a seated dinner at 7:45 p.m. The Opening Act will begin at 9:15 p.m.

Last year the YMCA’s financial assistance program distributed over $300,000 to more than 2,100 individuals and families in our area enabling participation in a variety of programs.

For Comedy Night information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Heather Ruggeri at (908) 236-7879 ext. 24 or hruggeri@hcymca.com. Tickets are available for purchase online by visiting www.hcymca.org and clicking on “Special Events”.

Hunterdon County YMCA Swim Team Finishes Summer Season 6-2

The 2010 Summer Swim Team of the Hunterdon County YMCA concluded a successful season under the direction of new Head Coach Jon Caswell. The team finished the season with a 6-2 record and placed second in the Penn-Jersey Swim League. Throughout the season, multiple swimmers set records at both dual and championship meets and overall had 110 swimmers participating on team.

From July 9 to 11, the Hunterdon County YMCA sent 35 swimmers to Baltimore to compete at the North Baltimore Invitational. This was one of the fastest meets on the East Coast this summer. The team had two relays qualify for the YMCA Nationals, and had two swimmers qualify for finals at night. The team was able to witness Michael Phelps swim his two main events (100 and 200 fly) at the meet. It was a great opportunity for the kids to be competing at the same meet as numerous Olympians.

Hannah Bruzio, Madison Hynoski, John Rinald, Maria Russo, Bobby Spichiger and Ana White competed at the N.J. Junior Olympics Championships at Rutgers in July. Hynoski and Spichiger finished in the Top 8 in their respective events. Hynoski qualified for her first YMCA National cut in the 50 freestyle.

Five swimmers qualified for YMCA Nationals July 26-30 at the University of Maryland: Megan Van Kirk, Megan Dodge, Lauren Farrell, Madison Hynoski and Maria Russo. The girls two relays swam best times

The Hunterdon County YMCA had numerous Top 6 swims at the Penn-Jersey League Summer Championship July 31 to Aug. 1. The team had 59 swimmers competing and finished second overall. The team has their sights set on a first-place finish next summer.

During the course of the season, team members Emily Murphy, Brian Fellin, Lauren Farrell, Aziza Ganihanova, Megan Van Kirk, Kim Hwang, Lauren Farrell and Maddie Hynoski all broke team records.

This summer, the Hunterdon County YMCA Swim Team has taken strides to becoming a power in N.J. swimming. When swimmers join the team as Little Stingrays they are beginning the process of becoming quality swimmers and great teammates, while making new friends. If interested in trying out for the HCY Winter Swim Team, please contact Head Coach Jon Caswell at (908) 782-1044, ext. 655, or e-mail him at jcaswell@hcymca.com.

Hunterdon County YMCA’s new Head Swimming Coach Jon Caswell comes to New Jersey after spending three years as the Head Coach of the Temple Area Swim Club (TASC) in Texas. While in Texas, TASC finished in the Top 8 of their LSC for all three years. He had 2 swimmers qualify for the USA Junior National Championships. One of his swimmers won the 50 breaststroke at the Texas Age Group Championships, while breaking the state record. He had two swimmers (brother and sister) compete for American Samoa at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2009 World Championships in Rome, Italy. Prior to Texas, Jon was the Head Swimming and Diving Coach at Providence College in Rhode Island for four years. While at PC, his teams made the Academic All-American Team all four years with an avg GPA of 3.21. While coaching at PC, he also was the Head Coach of the Providence Aquatic Club. The club team finished in the Top 6 at the New England Championships for five years. He has coached numerous Rhode Island High School state champions. In 1994, Jon was named the Rhode Island Swimmer of the Year, swimming for East Providence High School. Jon resides in Frenchtown.

YMCA Open House July 21

HUNTERDON COUNTY YMCA OPEN HOUSE
The Hunterdon County YMCA invites everyone to come out of the heat and into the YMCA. On Wednesday, July 21, both branches of the Hunterdon County YMCA will be open to everyone in the community at no cost.

The fitness centers at both branches, which include cardio equipment, Cybex strength equipment and free weights, will be available for use by adults and teens 15 and older. In addition, all fitness classes will be open to the public, including the YMCA’s popular Group Power, Group Kick, Group Step, Group Groove and Indoor Cycling classes.
Babysitting is available for parents of young children who would like to try out the Y facilities. Please visit our website at www.hcymca.org for the fitness class schedule and babysitting hours.

The Deer Path Branch is located at 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington, (908) 782-1030 and the Round Valley Branch is located at 1410 Route 22 West, Annandale, (908) 236-0055. The Hunterdon County YMCA will be open to the community during its regular operating hours: 5:15 a.m. to 10 p.m. at the Deer Path Branch and 5:15 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Round Valley Branch. For more information about the Hunterdon County YMCA visit www.hcymca.org.

The Hunterdon County YMCA has been serving the community for more than 100 years, and is committed to helping people grow in spirit, mind and body. We are a (501)c3 community service organization founded upon Christian values, which today embraces all faiths, serving individuals regardless of age, race, or economic means. The YMCA is guided by our core principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. The YMCA offers a wide variety of programs that include fitness, aquatics, sports, child care, senior services, teen leadership opportunities, family programs, summer camp and volunteer opportunities. The Hunterdon County YMCA has two main branches in Flemington and Annandale, New Jersey. There are 23 satellite locations that include before/after school programs at 18 county schools, two preschool locations, four summer camps and the YMCA North Hunterdon Senior Center in Glen Gardner.

Summer Programs at the Hunterdon County YMCA

New programs will be offered for the Summer Session at the Hunterdon County YMCA. The Summer Session begins on June 21 and ends on Aug. 21.

During the summer, swim lessons at the Deer Path Branch in Flemington are offered in convenient two-, four- or eight-week sessions. This allows families to choose the option that best fits their summer schedules. Swim lessons are offered for children as young as 6 months through adults for all levels of swimmers. During the summer, the YMCA also offers aquatics programs at the Union Gap Village Outdoor Pool in Clinton. Classes include parent tot-swim lessons, preschool and school-age swim lessons and privates swim lessons. Adult Aquatic Fitness classes are also available.

New this summer are Youth Baseball Leagues and Youth Soccer Leagues. The baseball league is for boys and girls ages 4 to 7 and the soccer league is for boys and girls ages 3 to 5. Both leagues will held at the Deer Path Branch and volunteer coaches are needed.

In addition to summer programs, the Hunterdon County YMCA also offers Summer Memberships and Summer Day Camps. Summer membership include the use of the Deer Path and Round Valley facilities, the YMCA Camp Carr Outdoor Pool evenings and weekends, and the option to register for classes at the full member rate. YMCA Summer Day Camps are offered at four locations throughout the county; YMCA Camp Carr in Clinton Township, Sports Camp at the Deer Path Branch in Flemington, South Camp in West Amwell and Kinder Camp for kids ages 3 to 5 at the Round Valley Branch in Annandale. Limited spaces are still available.

The YMCA continues to offer quality and fun programs for family members of all ages in an atmosphere helping to build a healthy spirit, mind and body. YMCA Financial Assistance is available to qualified applicants. Registration schedule is as follows for the Summer Session: Registration for full members is ongoing and registration for program members begins on June 6. Registration can be done at the Deer Path Branch, 144 W. Woodschurch Road, Flemington, or the Round Valley Branch, 1410 Route 22W, Annandale. Y members can register online at http://www.hcymca.org/. For more information or to download the Summer Program Guide, visit www.hcymca.org.

YMCA’s 20th Annual Recognition Dinner Raises Funds for Financial Assistance Program

On Saturday, May 8, 2010 the Hunterdon County YMCA hosted its 20th Annual Recognition Dinner at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club honoring Roman and Sophie Shor, founders of Roman Jewelers, for outstanding service in the community.

Through this event the YMCA raised over $105,000 for its financial assistance program, a new record. The financial assistance program allows people facing economic and social challenges the opportunity to participate in YMCA programs and services including summer camp, childcare and health and wellness. Last year was a record year for YMCA financial assistance requests and the YMCA provided nearly $340,000 in financial assistance to local families and individuals. While the economy is slowly recovering, there is still a great need for YMCA financial assistance. The funds raised through the Annual Recognition Dinner will help local children attend camp, participate in sports and receive childcare provided by the YMCA.

The entire event was coordinated by the volunteer efforts of the YMCA Dinner Committee including Event Chair: Libby McDonald, Auction Co-Chairs: Mary Clare Lewy and Eva Carey, Decorations Chair: Carole Spence Decker, Watch Raffle Chair: Loren Spann and additional Committee members, Sue Ann Barrow, Harrie Copeland, Deborah Gutschmidt, Kate Hartford, Sandy Heimberg, Pat McKiernan, Sue Pollock, Jennifer Posda, John Quirke, Debby Sherman, Jennifer Smith, Karen Tarricone, Anne Thomas, Alex Van Veldhuisen and Carol Williams.

The Hunterdon County YMCA wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank all sponsors, contributors, individuals, and organizations who supported and contributed to the success of this year’s event, Sapphire Sponsors: Anthony & Company, Inc. Insurance, ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Co., Tom and Sue Hays, PNC Advisors, Royal Cabinet Company, TD Bank, Team Capital Bank, Cocktail Sponsor: Archer & Greiner, P.C., Pearl Plus Sponsors: Interior Motives and Exterior Motives, Mercedes-Benz of Flemington, Pearl Sponsors: CenturyLink, Hopewell Valley Community Bank, Hunterdon Otolaryngology Associates, Investors Savings Bank, The Kleen and Fresh Company, Max Spann Real Estate and Auction Company, PNC Bank, The Private Advisor, Inc., R&L Payroll, Skylands Community Bank, Webucast, Wells Fargo Insurance Services, Zdenek Financial Planning. The generosity of these community organizations assists the YMCA in achieving its mission: Building strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

Hunterdon County YMCA Indoor Triathlon Set for April 18

The second annual YMCA Indoor Triathlon will take place on Sunday, April 18, at the Deer Path Branch, 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington. This fun event is for all fitness levels and includes a 10-minute swim in the pool, 20 minutes of cycling on indoor bikes, and 15 minutes of running on a treadmill. The goal is to cover as much distance as possible in each segment. Adults and youth ages 9 and over can enter the triathlon as individuals or as a team. This event is open to both YMCA members and non-members. The whole family can participate and all proceeds benefit the YMCA financial assistance program. Through the YMCA financial assistance, families and individuals in need can participate in YMCA programs and services, regardless of their ability to pay.

Visit www.hcymca.org to download a registration form or pick one up at the front desk of either branch. Completed registration forms can be returned to either branch or mailed to Hunterdon County YMCA, 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington, NJ 08822.

For more information, contact Kristin Heimall at 908-782-1044, ext. 619, or kheimall@hcymca.com.

Hunterdon County YMCA Helps Preschoolers Get off to the Right Start

(March 12, 2010) - The Hunterdon County YMCA operates half-day preschool programs in Clinton and Milford for children ages 2 ½ to 5 years and a full-day Child Care and Learning Center in Annandale for children ages 6 months to five years. Registration is currently being accepted for the preschool programs for the 2010/2011 school year. In addition, limited spaces are available for spring enrollment at the full-day Child Care and Learning Center.

The YMCA’s early education programs utilize the nationally recognized Creative Curriculum to prepare children for grade school. The YMCA also incorporates it values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility into its daily activities. As an Activate America YMCA, health and wellness are emphasized in early education programs.

So that all children have access to these programs, financial assistance is available to qualified applicants. Families interested in applying for financial assistance for the YMCA’s half-day preschool programs or full-day childcare programs can obtain an application at the Deer Path or Round Valley Branch of Hunterdon County YMCA or online at www.hcymca.org. Funds for the financial assistance program are made possible through generous donations to the Strong Kids Campaign. The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign provides the funds that allow the YMCA to offer membership and program assistance each year. All contributions to the Campaign remain in our local community, giving children and families a chance to grow stronger in spirit, mind and body at the YMCA. In 2009, nearly 30% of the children participating in YMCA early education programs were able to do so through financial assistance.

For more information about preschool and childcare programs at the Hunterdon County YMCA, contact Carla Myer, Early Childhood Education Director, at 908-236-0055, ext. 23.

Special Program For Teens at the Hunterdon County YMCA

Hunterdon County YMCA teen volunteers planned an event for teens, a presentation by YMCA board member and Olympic Gold Medalist (Rowing, Athens, 2004) Jason Read, “How To Achieve Your Gold Medal Dreams – My Journey From The Hunterdon County YMCA To The Olympic Games.” The event was held Sunday, March 7, 2010 at the YMCA Deer Path Branch. All proceeds benefited the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, a scholarship fund for those who otherwise would not be able to afford YMCA programs and services. This year’s theme for the campaign is “Going for the Gold.”


Pictured left to right: Cyrene Dalman, Lindsey Arnold, Jason Read, Kristin Pargeans, Norah Mardini, Dale Hammond

Special Program For Teens at the Hunterdon County YMCA

Special Program For Teens at the Hunterdon County YMCA
What It Takes to Achieve Your Gold Medal Dreams
My Journey from the Hunterdon County YMCA to the Olympic Games
Presented By Jason Read, Olympic Rowing Gold Medalist

Sponsored By The Hunterdon County YMCA Strong Kids Campaign
100 % Off All Proceeds Goes To The YMCA Scholarship Fund

SUNDAY, MARCH 7, 2010 • 1:30-3:00 PM
Deer Path Branch of the Hunterdon County YMCA
144 W. Woodschurch Rd.
Flemington, NJ 08822

$10 Students
Tickets On Sale at the Deer Path and Round Valley Branches of the Hunterdon County YMCA. For more information, please call 908-236-7879 x 14.

About Jason Read:
Jason grew up in Ringoes, NJ. He was a member of the HCYMCA Stingrays and from there his love of being in the water grew. From swimming he turned to rowing as an eighth grader at The Hun School in Princeton which earned him a scholarship and spot on the rowing team at Temple University. He began volunteering at Amwell Valley Rescue Squad at age 14. He spent time washing trucks and fund-raising until age 16, when he was old enough to ride in an ambulance. At age 21, he became youngest chief of a fire or rescue unit in the state. After learning what had happened on Sept 11, 2001, Jason joined a task force of rescue units at Liberty State Park to set up staging area and field hospital along with other units. As rescuers struggled to determine jurisdictions in the face of such a massive disaster, Jason was appointed communications commander for all units inbound from New Jersey. From that nightmare Jason emerged with a stronger faith and will. On the starting line as the bowman of the US Olympic Men’s Eight, Jason and his team captured the gold at the Athens Games in 2004 – the first gold medal in Rowing in 40 years. Jason is currently training for the London 2012 Olympics.

Jason is the youngest member of the Hunterdon County YMCA Board of Trustees and is the Chair of the Teams/Community section of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign.

HUNTERDON COUNTY YMCA MILFORD PRESCHOOL OPEN HOUSE/ PARENT OBSERVATION

(Feb. 18, 2010) The Milford YMCA Preschool of the Hunterdon County YMCA will hold an Open House at their facility at the Milford Presbyterian Church for families who are interested in enrolling their children for the coming 2010-2011 school year beginning in September 2010. Classes are offered for 2 ½, 3 and 4 year olds. (child must be 3 or 4 by October 1, 2010 and toilet-trained to qualify). Programs run 2 or 3 days per week for both three year olds and four year olds with extended day options available for both age groups. 2 ½ year olds attend either 1 or 2 days per week.

Open House will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2010 from 10:00 to 12:00 noon. Parents and children will be able to meet the director and teachers and tour the classrooms. Parents interested in attending the Open House should call the Director, Sharon Klamik, at (908) 995-9107 to reserve a space.

Further information and our full-brochure can be found at the YMCA website; www.hcymca.org.

Registration for the new school year will be held at the preschool on Wednesday, March 10th from 10:00 am - 12:00 noon.

YMCA to Honor Roman and Sophie Shor, Founders of Roman Jewelers at the 20th Annual YMCA Recognition Dinner

(Feb. 12, 2010) On Saturday, May 8, the Hunterdon County YMCA will proudly honor Roman and Sophie Shor, founders of Roman Jewelers at the 20th Annual YMCA Recognition Dinner to be held at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. Roman and Sophie Shor have been chosen as honorees for their impressive history of outstanding community involvement.

Roman and Sophie Shor have been residents of Flemington since 1980, when they arrived in the United States from Russia. For the last 20 years, they have grown their business, Roman Jewelers, and given back to the community. Their family is involved with the Hunterdon Medical Center, local schools and museums, Safe in Hunterdon, and other area charities, including the YMCA. Their daughter, Lucy Zimmerman, is the current General Manager of Roman Jewelers and a fourth generation jeweler.

The theme for the 2010 Annual Recognition Dinner is Build a Campfire, Build a Memory. The goal of the theme is to remind dinner guests of summer fun from their youth and to showcase the YMCA’s policy of providing financial assistance for its summer camp programs, making them accessible to all children. To coincide with the theme, the dress code for the evening will be Denim and Diamonds. Dinner guests will enjoy camp themed decorations and youth performances and music.

Each year the YMCA’s Annual Recognition Dinner not only honors Hunterdon County’s finest residents, but it affords the Y an opportunity to continue with its mission of building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. All proceeds from the Dinner go directly to the Y’s financial assistance program. The YMCA believes that no person or family should be denied participation in its programs and/or services due to an inability to pay. Financial scholarships for reduced rates are issued to anyone who qualifies. In 2009, nearly $340,000 of financial assistance through the Y was given to nearly 2,100 people in our community.

For information on sponsorship opportunities or to obtain tickets to the YMCA’s Annual Recognition Dinner, please contact Hilary Kruchowy, Director of Development, at (908) 236-7879 ext. 11.

Open Registration for Hunterdon County YMCA Day Camps Begins Feb. 14

(Feb. 8, 2010) As parents look for opportunities to keep their kids active and busy this summer, the Hunterdon County YMCA reminds caregivers that camp is among the best options for engaging kids in activities that will help develop their spirit, mind and body, while getting them outdoors in a safe environment.

“Camping is synonymous with personal development. It provides kids with the opportunity to practice social and decision-making skills through new experiences,” says Kristin Heimall, Senior Program Director. “Kids come to camp to develop friendships, learn skills in a new environment, and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

The Hunterdon County provides exciting and educational summer camp options for preschoolers, school-age children and teens. The Hunterdon County YMCA operates Summer Day Camps in four convenient locations; Camp Carr in Clinton Township, Sports Camp at the Deer Path Branch in Flemington, South Camp in West Amwell, and Kinder Camp at the Round Valley Branch in Annandale for children ages 3 to 5 years. In addition, there is a Counselor in Training Program for teens ages 13-14. Transportation is available for Camp Carr and Sports Camp and extended care is available for all camp programs, with the exception of Kinder Camp.

In addition to traditional day camp programs, there are a wide variety of specialty camps available including Travel Camp, Horseback Riding Camp, Environmental Adventure Camp, Mad Science Camp, Rock/Pop Band Camp, Comic Book Creation Camp, and sports specialty camps including basketball, golf, dance, cheerleading, bowling, soccer, field hockey and lacrosse.

New camps in 2010 include Kids T.V. Movie Camp, Tennis Camp and Flag Football Camp.

Hunterdon County YMCA open camp registration begins on Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Deer Path Branch, 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington. Starting Feb. 15 registration for camp will be accepted at both the Deer Path Branch in Flemington and Round Valley Branch in Annandale. For parents who want to learn more about Hunterdon County YMCA Day Camps, there will be an Orientation Session on Feb. 14 from 10:30 to 11:30 am at the Deer Path Branch.



Collectively the nation’s largest providers of camping programs, YMCAs have operated summer camps for more than 100 years. Each year, YMCAs operate 265 resident camps that serve 300,000 campers. YMCAs also operate more than 2,000 community and regional YMCA day camps that serve 600,000 individual campers each summer, which includes about 120 specialty camps for kids with disabilities. An additional 1.5 million individuals participate in camp programs throughout the balance of the year in family camps, weekend retreats, and school camping.

Visit www.hcymca.org or call 908-782-1030 to learn more about Hunterdon County YMCA Day Camps.

YMCA financial assistance for summer camps is available to qualified applicants. The funds available for financial assistance are made possible through the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and foundations giving to the YMCA Annual Strong Kids Campaign.

Hunterdon County YMCA Raffle with Chance to Win His and Her Watches

(Feb. 2, 2010) The Hunterdon County YMCA is hosting a raffle with the chance to win his and hers ESQ Swiss Watches, donated by Roman Jewelers. The watches are valued at $700.
Tickets are $25 each and are available at the welcome desks of the Deer Path Branch, 144 West Woodschurch Road and Round Valley Branch, 1410 Route 22 West, Annandale. Tickets are also available at Roman Jewelers at the Bridgewater Commons and Roman Jewelers in Flemington.

The drawing will be held at the YMCA Annual Recognition Dinner on May 8, 2010 at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club. The winner need not be present to win. All proceeds from the raffle benefit the YMCA financial assistance program, which provides access to YMCA programming to children, teens and families who would otherwise be unable to pay. This program supports childhood in Hunterdon County and allows kids the time and place to escape their adult responsibilities and just “be a kid”.

The Hunterdon County YMCA is 501(c)3 charitable organization and watch raffle ticket purchases are a tax-deductible donation.

For more information contact Hilary Kruchowy at 908-236-7879 ext 11 or hkruchowy@hcymca.com.

Hunterdon County YMCA Names 2010 Strong Kids Campaign Leadership

(Jan. 28, 2010) Each year, the Hunterdon County YMCA conducts the Strong Kids Campaign to provide families in need with financial support to participate in membership and program activities at the Hunterdon County YMCA. YMCA members and community volunteers hope to raise more than this year’s goal of $180,000 to provide membership assistance and scholarships to programs like summer camp, child care and teen activities, so that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. The 2010 Strong Kids Campaign kicks-off on Feb. 8 at Roman Jewelers in Flemington.

The Strong Kids Campaign is led by volunteers who make a commitment to serve their neighbors in need. Jim Lewy, serving as the Campaign Chair, will lead the 2010 Strong Kids Campaign. He will be supported by Jason Read, who will chair the Team Section of the Campaign.

Jim Lewy is a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Advisors in Flemington. He serves on the Hunterdon County YMCA Board of Trustees and has been a member of the YMCA for over ten years. Jim is a resident of Flemington. His wife, son and daughter also volunteer for the YMCA.

Jason Read is an Olympic Rowing gold medalist and a US National team veteran training for his third Olympic Games. As Chief of the Amwell Valley – Ringoes Rescue Squad, he was among those who responded to the World Trade Center after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. He is a lifelong resident of Ringoes and is pursuing a Masters Degree in Homeland Security from St. Joseph’s University. He is a motivational speaker and founder of a consulting firm focused on non-profit management, education, public policy and transportation. Jason is the youngest member of the Hunterdon County YMCA Board of Trustees and also serves on the Temple University Owl Club Executive Committee.

“Strong Kids promotes the one thing missing in our children’s lives—an active and healthy childhood,” said Jim Lewy, this year’s Strong Kids Campaign Chair. “For many kids, it’s a chance of a lifetime just to go to camp in the summer or play on a soccer team that puts teamwork and friendship ahead of winning.”

“I am pleased to be involved with the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign because kids are growing up too fast and missing the years that determine their talents, passions and future life plans. The Strong Kids Campaign promotes childhood in Hunterdon County,” said Jason Read.

YMCA programs help children and teens to be strong in spirit, mind and body. Concerns about childhood obesity and lack of physical activity are often raised in the media. The YMCA offers a variety of programs to help children be more active. These programs don’t require that a child be an athlete, but gives them the opportunity to find activities that are fun and that they enjoy doing. Young people learn teamwork and leadership skills, which will serve them both on and off the field. In addition, values such as caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are taught as part of all YMCA programs.

Through the Hunterdon County YMCA’s 2010 Strong Kids Campaign, over 2,100 people in Hunterdon County will be able to participate in Y programs that build strong kids, families and communities.

To become involved with the 2010 Strong Kids Campaign, please call Hilary Kruchowy at 908-236-7879 x11. For more information, visit www.hcymca.org.

YMCA Open House and Tropical Fun Fest Set for Feb. 14

(Jan. 22, 2010) - The Hunterdon County YMCA invites everyone to Shake Off the Winter Blues at the YMCA Tropical Fun Fest on Sunday, February 14 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Deer Path Branch, 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington.

There will be fun activities such as a moon bounce, crafts, face painting, music, and opening swimming until 5:00 p.m. Radio station NJ 101.5 will join us for music and giveaways, and healthy snacks will be available. This is a free family event open to the entire community. YMCA staff members will be available for tours of the facility and to answer questions.

For more information, please call 908-782-1030 or visit www.hcymca.org.

Hunterdon County YMCA Celebrates Campaign Success

(Jan. 4, 2010) - With the support of the community, the Hunterdon County YMCA reached its 2009 Strong Kids Campaign goal of $185,000 to support participation in the Hunterdon County YMCA and programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body. This amount is the most the YMCA has ever raised during an annual campaign in its 106-year history. The 2009 Strong Kids Campaign was led by volunteer chair Bart Fellin.

“To see the continuous support of our friends and neighbors and the committed efforts of all of our volunteers is really inspiring,” said Fellin. “Our community has really come together to help the Y build strong kids, families and communities here in Hunterdon County.”

Officially launched February 4, 2009, the Hunterdon County YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign raised money to provide financial assistance and program subsidies ensuring that the YMCA remains open and accessible to the youth and teens of Hunterdon County, regardless of their ability to pay. Every cent of the money raised helps the YMCA allow access to critical programs and services including summer camp, after school programs, childcare, family memberships, youth sports and teen development programs.

“Since its very beginnings, the YMCA has depended on the leadership of community members who volunteer to make a commitment to serve their neighbors in need,” said Bruce Black President/CEO of the Hunterdon County YMCA. “Congratulations to Bart, our volunteers and everyone who worked on this year’s campaign. Thanks to their tireless dedication, and the generosity of our friends, we are able to offer financial assistance, making the YMCA accessible to all.”

In 2009, the YMCA saw a dramatic increase in financial assistance requests. There was an increase of nearly $40,000 over the previous year. Overall in 2009, the YMCA provided $340,000 of financial assistance to kids and families. As the community continues to wrestle with this difficult economy, residents of Hunterdon County have turned to the YMCA.

The 2010 YMCA Strong Kids Campaign will kick-off on February 8. The YMCA is in need of volunteers to help raise funds for the 2010 campaign. For more information, please contact Hilary Kruchowy at 908-236-7879 ext. 11.