Yesterday, the YMCA of Metro North participated in Blackout Tuesday, a social media movement to create space for time and reflection on the racial and social injustice experienced by people of color in our nation. The pain and anguish brought on by the violent deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and so many other people of color, have enhanced my commitment as a leader, as a neighbor, and as a parent to leverage the power of this association of YMCAs to be an even greater ally in the fight for justice.

As an organization, the YMCA has a long history of being a force for inclusion and equality in our communities. Beginning in 1851, the YMCA welcomed people from all backgrounds and were among the first institutions to promote diversity and racial integration. As an association, the YMCA of Metro North is standing in solidarity with others, with an even greater urgency to make our programs and services more diverse, inclusive, and reflective of the lived experiences of the people in our region. And, as a parent, a neighbor, a friend, and a leader, it is my personal responsibility to ensure that I am constantly leading and teaching others to act in ways that promote justice and social responsibility. Please lend your voice to this movement, so we can finally make progress on ending racial injustice for all, for good, for a better US.

 

Our doors will open soon, and we can’t wait to welcome you back to the Y

It has been a difficult few months for everyone. Your support for the Y has kept us going and made our organization even stronger. Thank you for staying with the Y.

This week, Governor Charlie Baker released more information about Massachusetts’ phased reopening plan. Child care and summer camp reopening will begin in Phase 2 and gym and fitness facilities will begin to stage reopening in Phase 3. We are awaiting further health and safety requirements and guidance from public officials that will determine the exact date we can open. There are still many factors under consideration. As we finalize our opening plans, please be assured that your safety—and the safety of all our members, program participants, staff, and volunteers—is our number one priority.

More than likely, when you return you will see modified policies and programs to facilitate safe physical and social distancing practices, enhance the use of personal protective equipment, and we will ask both staff and members to be diligent in their hygiene and sanitizing before and after your workout. We will let you know as soon as we have a firm opening date. In the meantime, this newsletter is filled with information about virtual experiences for our members and supporters to enjoy.

Stride with Pride Charity Virtual 5k: June 11-14, 2020

Our first virtual 5k was a great success, drawing more than 200 participants. What a weekend! Let’s get ready for the next run, here is how it works:

Choose any day between Thursday, June 11 and Sunday, June 14, pick a location that will allow you to respect social distancing guidelines, then walk or run your 5k (3.1 miles) and share a photo with us! Names of participants who submit photos of their completion of the race will be entered into a drawing for raffle prizes.

Road race t-shirts are also available for purchase upon registration. All proceeds from this event will benefit our Community Emergency Fund. Learn more and register.

 

 

Celebrity Chef Paul Wahlberg brought his famous Wahlburgers food truck to support the YMCA

On Friday, May 29, Chef Paul Wahlberg rolled up with his food truck to the Lynn YMCA to serve his famous Wahlburgers to YMCA staff, residents, and families in need of food assistance. Wahlburgers food truck has been seen at various locations serving free meals to frontline workers during the COVID-19 emergency. It was such a treat to sit back and let Chef Paul do the cooking.

The YMCA of Metro North association is responding to the many crises emerging daily. Feeding and caring children, sheltering the homeless, and partnering with our cities and towns to be a positive partner in providing solutions to the coronavirus crisis.

The YMCA is always ready to serve. Thanks again to Chef Paul and his team for coming out to support our efforts! Read more.

 

 

Water Smart is Water Safe Campaign                                               

As pools and swim areas begin to open, the YMCA of Metro North launched its water safety campaign, Water Smart is Water Safe, on the Virtual YMCA website.

The virtual swim lessons feature instructional videos, swim safety tips, and downloadable content for youth and guardians to use in preparation for summer water activities. Our goal is to provide swim and safety tips to fill the educational gaps while our in-person lessons are paused.

 

Diaper Drive Champions

With support from these very generous community supporters, the YMCA of Metro North has collected more than 30,000 diapers to distribute to families in need. Thank you!

Tufts Health Plan
Shaw’s Supermarket

“Organizations like the YMCA of Metro North are dealing with an unprecedented demand for services. We’re proud to collaborate with them in service to the community, and hope we can have a positive impact on local families while easing some of their stress, knowing they have a place to turn for the supplies they need.” —Juan Lopera, Vice President of marketing for public plans at Tufts Health Plan.

“We are proud to support the efforts of the YMCA of Metro North during this unprecedented time, and we invite our customers and community members to also support the YMCA and local families by making a donation of diapers at our Peabody, Salem and Melrose Shaw’s stores.” —Ken Rinaldi, Vice President of Retail Operations for Shaw’s Supermarkets.

 

This is all possible thanks to the generosity of our donors and sustaining members

Our association is helping our neighbors and communities in any way we can. We are so grateful to our members and partners who have helped us respond where we are most needed. Our greatest resource continues to be our members who chose to sustain their membership during this crisis. Thanks also to Wells Fargo for a $10,000 donation. The United Way for a $10,000 donation. We are also grateful to the countless businesses and families who donated to the YMCA of Metro North. THANK YOU!

 

New Dates for our 2020 Road Race Series

Due to the ongoing crisis, we have rescheduled 3 of our road races this year:

Learn More About the Series
Register

Stay Connected with us through Facebook

While we all navigate through this new “normal”, we’ve been utilizing Facebook more than ever to help engage and communicate with our members. Make sure to follow our pages for live videos, news updates, and to stay in contact with your Y staff and fellow members:

YMN Youth Development & Enrichment
Melrose Y Academy
Stoneham Y Academy
Lynn YMCA
Melrose Family YMCA
Saugus Family YMCA
Torigian Family YMCA
YMCA of Metro North
YMCA of Metro North Gymnastics Center