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Celebrating and supporting fathers at the Y

Posted by on Jun 13, 2012

Celebrating and supporting fathers at the Y

More than a century ago, Sonora Louis Smart Dodd wanted to create a holiday to honor fathers. Inspired by a Mother’s Day sermon, the daughter of a single father and Civil War veteran wondered why there was no holiday for fathers. After winning support from ministers in Spokane, Wash., her idea came to fruition with the first Father’s Day celebration at the Spokane YMCA on June 19, 1910. On Sunday, June 17, the Somerset Valley YMCA joins the nation in celebrating Father’s Day and saluting the impact fathers and adult male role models...

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Low cost water safety program offered at YMCA

Posted by on Jun 7, 2012

Low cost water safety program offered at YMCA

Swimming is one of the most popular summertime activities and it’s a great way to keep fit. But for children, the water can be perilous. According to a new study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning kills more children ages 1 to 4 than any other cause except birth defects. To keep children safe around pools this summer, the Somerville branch of the Somerset Valley YMCA is offering a new water safety program at a minimal cost called Y-Splash for both swimmers and non-swimmers ages 3-10. “We’re providing a...

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Hillsborough Hop draws more than 600 runners to benefit YMCA

Posted by on Jun 4, 2012

Hillsborough Hop draws more than 600 runners to benefit YMCA

The Hillsborough branch of the Somerset Valley YMCA saw its strongest turnout ever at the 12th annual Hillsborough Hop 5K road race on Saturday, June 2, with approximately 615 registered runners. Under sunny blue skies, Hillsborough Mayor Suraci started the race, which began at 8 a.m. at the Hillsborough YMCA , wound through local roads and ended at the municipal building. Proceeds from this popular community event go to the Y’s Strong Kids fund, ensuring all community residents have access to programs that help them live healthier...

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Balancing fun, exercise and healthy eating at the 2012 Somerset Valley Y summer camps

Posted by on May 8, 2012

Balancing fun, exercise and healthy eating at the 2012 Somerset Valley Y summer camps

Snacking smarter is the focus of a fun, new Somerset Valley YMCA summer camp that was added to the menu of camp offerings in part to satisfy an increased appetite among kids and parents for more nutrition and food-themed camp programs. Learning how to grow food in the backyard – a camp called Future Farmers – is another unique week-long program added this year as part of the Y’s commitment to promoting healthy living. While Y summer camps offer the traditional mix of sports, play and fun, they also aim to nurture a child’s physical...

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SVY ranks among the nation’s best swimmers

Posted by on Apr 20, 2012

SVY ranks among the nation’s best swimmers

Propelled by a fifth place finish from the boys, the Somerset Valley YMCA swim team placed in the top 10 at the YMCA National swim meet in Greensboro, N.C.  April 2-5. A total of 34 swimmers competed in the meet, bringing a great finish to what has been a spectacular swim season. Overall, the team placed 10th in a field of more than 1,000 swimmers from over 200 YMCAs. SVY Head Coach Matt Donovan wasn’t sure what to expect for this season, having lost 30 seniors, 21 of whom were Y National qualifiers and among the best swimmers in the state....

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Somerset Valley Y appoints new board members

Posted by on Apr 20, 2012

Somerset Valley Y appoints new board members

The Somerset Valley YMCA has appointed four new members to the organization’s Board of Directors. They are: Stephen Emr, Matt LaRoche, Keith Mantle and Robert Spitzer. “Our new board members are all actively involved in the community and will bring enthusiasm and energy to their role”, said Paul Kieltyka, CEO. The Y’s Board of Directors helps to create or expand upon partnerships that will enable the Y to better address community needs and enable the organization to achieve its focus on social responsibility. Board members are...

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Somerville Family Y Encourages Kids to Play and Learn at Healthy Kids Day®, April 28

Posted by on Apr 20, 2012

On April 28, the Somerville Family Y is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event for kids and families. More than 1,900 Ys across the country are taking part in the celebration, meant to kick start physical activity and learning throughout the summer – a critical out-of-school time for kids. Healthy Kids Day, a national initiative of the Y to improve the health and well-being of kids, is filled with fun, active play and educational activities that will help improve kids’ lifestyles for the long term. Research shows that...

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Y hosting Hillsborough Hop June 2

Posted by on Apr 2, 2012

Y hosting Hillsborough Hop June 2

Running in the annual Hillsborough Hop 5K is a perfect way to get in shape for summer. It’s also a great way to make a difference in the life of a neighbor, as all proceeds from this popular community event go to the Somerset Valley Y’s Strong Kids fund to ensure everyone has access to programs that enhance their health and well-being. The Hillsborough Hop, which began in 2001 with 152 participants, has grown into an established community race which brings nearly 600 people annually to the starting line. This year’s Hillsborough Hop is...

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YMCA holding annual meeting Tuesday

Posted by on Mar 19, 2012

The Somerset Valley YMCA is having their annual meeting Tuesday, March 20, at the Somerville Elks. The meeting is open to the public. Here is the agenda: Welcome – Andrea Thorne, Board Chair Impact of the Y – Venita Martin, Member Introduction of the New Board Members (Bob Spitzer, Keith Mantle, Steve Emr and Matt LaRoche) – Andrea Thorne Thank You for Service (Donna Cappizzi) – Andrea Thorne Impact of the Y – Victor Luo, Member & Champion Swimmer Overview of Somerset Valley YMCA – Paul Kieltyka, CEO Strong Kids Campaign...

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Y is set to help people reach their fitness goals

Posted by on Mar 3, 2012

Y is set to help people reach their fitness goals

Spring is three weeks away, which means it’s time for those who want to be at their most fit to step up their nutrition and exercise regimens. From cardio-exercise to kickboxing, swimming to cycling, the Somerset Valley Y offers an abundance of options for families, adults and children to improve their health and well-being. More than 50 fitness programs are available at our Hillsborough and Somerville branches, and the Y’s experienced instructors are on hand to work with people in the weight rooms to help them reach their health and...

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