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SHREWSBURY: NEW PRESIDENT AT CYMCA

Laurie Goganzer has been named new president and CEO at The Community YMCA, succeeding Rhonda Anderson.  

Press release from The Community YMCA

On July 19, after an extensive nationwide search, the Board of Directors at The Community YMCA unanimously appointed Laurie Goganzer of Chula Vista, CA, as the new president and chief executive officer for the 143-year-old nonprofit organization, which serves 20,000 people in Monmouth County.

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RED BANK: CYMCA HOSTS HEALTHY KIDS

Press release from The Community YMCA

This coming Saturday, April 29, marks the the annual appearance of Healthy Kids Day, a free community event, hosted by The Community YMCA, to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active now and all summer long hosting.

Between the hours of noon to 3 p.m., the Y’s Family Health and Wellness Center (166 Maple Avenue in Red Bank) will be the scene for a fun afternoon in which families will enjoy face painting, Kids Hip/Hop and Zumba, a Teddy Bear Clinic led by Hackensack Meridian Medical Health and Riverview Medical Center’s ER staff, race relay and free throw contests, Giant Jenga, a gift card raffle to local businesses, and more.

Healthy snacks from Wegmans and giveaways will be available. Families interested in a healthy start to summer can sign up for a special priced three-month membership.

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RED BANK: PLANTING SEEDS FOR FUTURE PARK

A map showing the extended former landfill site outlined in green. (Photo by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge)

By JOHN T. WARD

We need a skatepark. We need a playgrounds for West Side kids. We need to remember that this is a neighborhood that can’t handle throngs of out-of-town visitors.

Red Bank residents offered those and other suggestions as the process of shaping a new waterfront park out of the former town dump got underway with a community brainstorming session last Thursday night.

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RED BANK: CYMCA KICKS OFF 2017 CAMPAIGN

Press release from The Community YMCA

“Helping Kids Soar to New Heights” is the theme of the 2017 Annual Campaign, coordinated by The Community YMCA and launched with a Wednesday evening event at the nonprofit organization’s Family Health and Wellness Center on Maple Avenue, Red Bank.

The April 5 public event served as the official kickoff to an 8-week community fundraising initiative that seeks to generate $550,400 in support. The funds will help children and families who are in need of financial assistance to take advantage of such Y programs as affordable childcare, swim lessons, counseling and summer camp. Funds will also help underwrite mission-driven and community initiatives such as the Y Achievers college-readiness program, water safety programs and free memberships to Red Bank children in grades pre-K-8.

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RED BANK ROTARY EVENT TO BENEFIT CYMCA

Community YMCA President-CEO Rhonda Anderson and Rotary Club of Red Bank President Ken Scaggs prepare for the 17th annual Two Rivers Food and Wine Tasting to be held at Navesink Country Club.

Press release from The Community YMCA

On Monday, April 24, the Rotary Club of Red Bank will present its 17th annual Two Rivers Food and Wine Tasting event, hosted at the  in Middletown and dedicated this year to The Community YMCA.

Scheduled from 6 to 9 p.m., the fundraising event will recognize the work of the Shrewsbury-based 501(c)(3) charitable organization CYMCA, and its mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to access life-changing Y programs and services.

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RED BANK: OPEN HOUSE AT THE COMMUNITY Y

Press release from The Community YMCA

cymca-open-houseIt seems nearly everyone has a “New Year’s resolution,” but statistics indicate that less than a quarter of these resolutions are kept. To help keep those personal goals real, The Community YMCA will join YMCAs across the state in hosting Open House events on Saturday, January 7.

All are welcome to participate from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Community YMCA’s Family Health & Wellness Center, located at 166 Maple Avenue in Red Bank.

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SHREWSBURY: Y HOSTS MLK ESSAY CONTEST

richard-t-smithPress release from The Community YMCA

High school students who are currently participating in programs at The Community YMCA or the Western Monmouth County YMCA are invited to enter an essay contest honoring the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The contest, which has an entry deadline of Thursday, January 5, will present its winning entries at the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Monday, January 16.

Hosted at Branches Catering in West Long Branch, the 28th annual event co-sponsored by the Shrewsbury-based CYMCA will include readings by the two winning essayists, each of whom will be awarded a $500 scholarship sponsored by Investors Bank and Monmouth County Chiefs of Police Association. Richard T. Smith (pictured), President of the New Jersey State Conference of the NAACP, will be the keynote speaker at the breakfast, scheduled from 8 to 10 a.m.

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SHREWSBURY: TORCIVIA HONORED AT Y EVENT

Ben TorciviaPress release from The Community YMCA

In the spirit of an old-fashioned barn raising, friends and supporters of The Community YMCA will gather at Stillwell Stables in Colts Neck on Saturday, October 15 to raise support for the nonprofit’s charitable mission.
Long-time YMCA Foundation Board Trustee Benedict J. Torcivia, Jr., Co-President of Torcon, Inc., will be honored at the Y Cares Annual Benefit with the Distinguished Citizen Service Award for his outstanding community service.

Proceeds from the event will benefit The Community YMCA’s YCares financial assistance program for kids and families in need of free and reduced membership and program fees, as well as such community initiatives as water safety for at-risk youth, and childhood obesity prevention.

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Y HELPS RED BANK KIDS GET IN THE SWIM

CYMC swim Casey MansfieldCommunity YMCA swim instructor Casey Mansfield (above right) helped third graders from Red Bank schools feels safe and comfortable in the water, including Madeline Ortiz-Morales of Red Bank Primary School (above) and Christopher Hernandez of Red Bank Charter School (below).

Press release from The Community YMCA 
CYMCA swim
Third grade students of Red Bank Primary School and Red Bank Charter School gained valuable swimming and water safety skills in the annual Third Grade Swim program, presented by The Community YMCA.

The water safety initiative, which concluded this week, was developed to give all third graders the opportunity for no-cost swimming and water safety lessons as part of their school day. The Third Grade Swim program began in 2011, and has helped approximately 600 children learn how to be safe in and around water. This year’s program included four 45-minute swim lessons covering basic stroke development, paddling, treading and floating skills.

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RED BANK: GET IN THE SAFE SWIM FOR SUMMER

Press release from The Community YMCA

YMCA swimAccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death among children under the age of 14 — and, as swim season approaches, The Community YMCA encourages parents and guardians to take an active role in their children’s water safety. .

To help ensure safety around water, the Shrewsbury-based CYMCA invites local residents to participate in a Learn-to-Swim Week, taking place from Monday, June 20 to Friday, June 24. Offered to first-time participants who have little or no swimming ability, the water safety program includes five lessons, offered for a nominal fee and hosted at the organization’s Family Health and Wellness Center, located at 166 Maple Avenue in Red Bank.

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RED BANK: Y CAMPAIGN’S OZ-PICIOUS DEBUT

Press release from The Community YMCA

ed zebrowski rhonda andersonLast Thursday, January 28, The Community YMCA Family Health and Wellness Center in Red Bank was the scene as the CYMCA kicked off its Annual Campaign with a little help from the good citizens of “Oz.” Dressed as characters from the classic movie The Wizard of Oz, employees and volunteers stressed the importance of working together to help others on their path, and encouraged the community to support the nonprofit charity so it can provide programs and services to families in need.

Annual Campaign Chairman Ed Zebrowski (pictured, dressed as The Cowardly Lion, with President and CEO Rhonda Anderson) said the nonprofit’s goal is to raise $512,200 during the seven-week campaign period, by reaching out to Y members, friends and the community. Zebrowski was pleased to report that volunteers and employees have already secured $272,591 in pledges, achieving 53% of the campaign goal.

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RED BANK: CYMCA TO HOST OPEN HOUSE

ymca1 The Community YMCA’s Family Health and Wellness Center on Maple Avenue is the setting for an Open House event this Saturday, starting at 11 am.

Press release from The Community YMCA

Every January, nearly 70 percent of Americans make at least one New Year’s resolution, often related to making healthy lifestyle changes. Whatever the resolution, the Y is dedicated to helping everyone live healthier.

For the second year, The Community YMCA and YMCAs across New Jersey have come together to host a statewide Open House, inviting individuals and families to visit their local Y on January 9 and learn how to make positive changes. This year’s event at The Community YMCA’s Family Health and Wellness Center will take place this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The center is located at 166 Maple Avenue.

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CYMCA HONORS MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL CHIEF

Press release from The Community YMCA

Wm O GeorgeAt its upcoming Y Cares Annual Benefit, the Shrewsbury-based Community YMCA will honor the Middletown Township School District and its Superintendent of Schools, William O. George III, Ed.D, for their commitment to youth development.

During the event, hosted on Saturday, September 26 at the CYMCA’s Camp Arrowhead facility in Marlboro, the school district will be presented the Community Partner Award, while Dr. George (pictured) will be acknowledged with the Distinguished Citizen Service Award.

The Y Cares Benefit will begin at 5:30 pm with cocktails in the Carr Pavilion featuring music by Carl Gentry, a graduate of Middletown schools. Dinner by Merri-makers Caterers will follow, along with dancing to the music of Tim McLoone and The Shirleys. The evening will include silent and live auctions, in addition to a 50/50 cash raffle.

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SHREWSBURY: CYMCA ANNOUNCES BENEFIT

CYMCAPress release from The Community YMCA

On the evening of Saturday, September 26, The Community YMCA will be hosting its Y Cares Annual Benefit, an event dedicated to the Y’s ongoing community programs and initiatives at its Monmouth County facilities, including the Family Health and Wellness Center in Red Bank.

Board members Bryan Kuderna and Remsen Straub (pictured left to right, with CYMCA President and CEO Rhonda Anderson) have been named co-committee chairmen for the event, a fundraiser for the Y Cares financial assistance program for kids and families in need of free and reduced program and membership fees, as well as community initiatives such as water safety programs for at-risk youth.

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SHREWSBURY: CYMCA NAMES NEW LEADERSHIP

Press release from The Community YMCA

At its 141st annual meeting, held Wednesday, June 17 at Rumson Country Club, The Community YMCA Board of Directors elected Joseph Oriolo chairman and chief volunteer officer. Oriolo replaces Patricia Whittemore, who led the board for two years.

The Shrewsbury resident has been a member of the Y board since 2008, and most recently served as vice chairperson. He also served as chairman of the Y’s Governance Committee.

“We are grateful for Patty’s leadership and we are pleased to welcome Joe as chairman and chief volunteer officer,” said President and CEO Rhonda Anderson. “He will continue to lead us forward to help increase our visibility as a cause-driven organization that strengthens the lives of over 20,000 people we serve in Monmouth County and beyond.”

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RED BANK: CYMCA PROMOTES SWIM SAFETY

cymca swimYMCA swim instructor Evan Marx assists Aaron Jean-Louis during a Learn to Swim class in June 2014.

Press release from The Community YMCA

As part of a national YMCA effort to increase water safety awareness and prevent drowning, the Community YMCA is committed to providing more Monmouth County youth and adults access to water safety lessons through the Learn to Swim Week program.

From Tuesday, June 23 through Saturday, June 27, The CYMCA invites Monmouth County residents who have little or no swimming ability to take part in Learn to Swim Week. The program, which includes five lessons for a fee of $15, offers lessons for ages 6 months (with parent/caregiver) to adults. The Y’s water safety initiative also includes a week of free water safety and swim lessons for all third grade students in Red Bank, to help prepare them for a safe summer around water.

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RED BANK: FOUR MAYORS… AND SOME FRIENDS

lee kuo 050115lock menna 050115The first-ever Red Bank Mayor’s Charity Ball brought together three ex-mayors, the current one and some 250 of their friends at the Oyster Point Hotel Friday night. Among those in attendance: former Councilwoman Sharon Lee and restaurateur Victor Kuo, above, and Pastor John Lock, with Mayor Pasquale Menna, at right.

Proceeds from the $125-per-head event were earmarked for the Red Bank Public Library and the Parker Family Health Center.

redbankgreen grabbed dozens of photos during the cocktail hour overlooking our beautiful Navesink River. Click the “read more” to see who else was there. (Photos by John T. Ward. Click to enlarge.)

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SHREWSBURY: CYMCA PRESIDENT HONORED

rhonda andewrsonPress release from The Community YMCA

Rhonda Anderson, President and CEO of The Community YMCA, has been honored with the Professional Achievement Award by the Central Jersey Club of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc.

The award was presented on April 25, during the club’s 51st Annual Founders’ Day Luncheon at the Sheraton in Eatontown.

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RED BANK: ROWE TO SPEAK AT MLK BREAKFAST

Pastor RowePress release from The Community YMCA

Pastor Jacquelyn Rowe of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Red Bank will be the keynote speaker at the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast hosted by The Community YMCA and The YMCA of Western Monmouth County.

The annual YMCA event, which honors the legacy of the civil rights leader, will take place Monday, Jan. 19, 2015, 8 to 10 am, at Branches, 123 Monmouth Road, West Long Branch.

This year, the service project for the breakfast will support Project Homeless Connect of Monmouth County, a charity that works to provide various health and human services for homeless residents, or those who are on in danger of becoming homeless. Donations of gloves, mittens and scarves will be collected at the breakfast.

The memorial event will include musical selections and the winner of an essay contest among YMCA high school participants.

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RED BANK: CYMCA HONORS BOROUGH

Press release from The Community YMCA

CYMCA 1The Borough of Red Bank — and several local individuals — were acknowledged for their long-time support of The Community YMCA, when the organization celebrated its 140th anniversary on September 27.

During the gala event at Camp Arrowhead in Marlboro, CYMCA president and CEO Rhonda Anderson gave homage to Red Bank, longtime host site of the organization’s Maple Avenue facility, by presenting the Community Partner Award to Mayor Pasquale Menna and the members of the Borough Council. Ms. Anderson is pictured at center, with (left to right in photo) Councilman Ed Zipprich, Councilwoman Cindy Burnham, Mayor Menna, and Councilwomen Juanita Lewis and Kathleen Horgan.

More than 200 people attended the annual benefit, which raised over $150,000 to support the Y’s mission to ensure that everyone — regardless of age, income or background — has access to life-changing YMCA programs and services.

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RED BANK: HOOPS AT THE TERRACE

RB HOOPS 2RB HOOPS 1After a recent facelift by donors and volunteers, the long-disused basketball court at Montgomery Terrace in Red Bank saw some action over the past three weekends, as the Community YMCA and others hosted a basektball clinic for kids who lived nearby.

Among the instructors: YMCA chief executive officer Rhonda Anderson, who played college hoops at Cornell and is in the school’s athletic hall of fame. (Click to enlarge)

RED BANK: CYMCA OFFERS SWIM PROGRAM

rb cymca 1 060414 rb cymca 2 060414Elliott Wright, Claudia Garcia, Anthony Burden and Hannah Ludwikowski leap into the pool at the Community YMCA as part of the Red Bank facility’s annual summer learn-to-swim program last week. At right, Treasure Woods, Anthony Burden and Hannah practice their kicks. The program offered free water safety instruction for all third-graders at Red Bank Primary and Charter Schools. (Photos by Dan Natale. Click to enlarge)

 

CYMCA OFFERS AFFORDABLE SWIM PROGRAM

SwimWeekThe indoor pool at The Community YMCA’s Red Bank facility will be the scene for affordably priced, all-ages Learn to Swim programs, beginning June 23.

Press release from The Community YMCA

Swim season is fast approaching, and The Community YMCA is committed to helping children and adults feel safe and comfortable in and around water. The Y is pleased to offer Learn to Swim Week, a national YMCA initiative designed to introduce the aquatic environment to beginners, teach basic learn-to-swim skills and increase water safety awareness for families. The four and five-day programs are great for beginners of all ages, with little to no swimming ability.

The four-day water safety program runs from June 24-29, and the community program fee is $12 for the week. This program is for pre-school and youth ages 3-10. The five-day program is held from June 23-27, and the program fee is $15 for the week. The program includes lessons for all ages 6 months to adult.

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RED BANK: A ‘HEALTHY U’ AT CHARTER SCHOOL

RBCS CMYMCAStudents at Red Bank Charter School joined The Community YMCA to kick off a new Healthy U program to tackle the childhood obesity epidemic.

Press release from The Community YMCA

On Monday, November 11, the students of  Red Bank Charter School became part of a state-wide project called Healthy U — an effort designed to teach children ages 3 -13 how to be healthy for a lifetime.

A collaborative partnership between the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance and the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey with the goal of combating childhood obesity through nutrition education, physical education and family involvement,  Healthy U uses the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) curriculum to promote physical activity and good nutrition, while showing kids that eating healthy and being physically active every day can be fun.

A PLAYGROUND GROWS IN RED BANK

ymcaplaygroundIt took a team of 200 volunteers less than eight hours to build a new playground at The Community YMCA on Saturday, November 2.

Press release from The Communty YMCA

A dream is now a reality for children in Red Bank, as their drawings were turned into a new playground on Saturday, November 2. In less than eight hours, a play space was built at The Community YMCA’s Family Health and Wellness Center with the help of more than 200 volunteers from The Community YMCA, Good Neighbor Pharmacy and the non-profit KaBOOM!. The new playground —which was made possible by funds donated by Good Neighbor Pharmacy and matched by its parent company, AmerisourceBergen — will serve hundreds of children in the community for years to come.

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