Greetings Friends,
I am pleased to say this will be my last update for this most unprecedented year. This past year was very difficult; however, through the challenges we’ve faced, I would like to highlight some bright spots and accomplishments that we will bring into 2021.
Our sincere gratitude to all the friends of the YMCA who stayed with us and to the generous businesses and individuals that reached out to help our organization continue to run smoothly in 2020.
2020 Highlights
- After a 13-week closure this spring to help our community flatten the curve during the early days of this pandemic, the YMCA successfully reopened our child care centers on June 1st. I am pleased to announce our families and staff have worked hard and been diligent in safety practices and procedures and our centers remain open. We anticipate continued operation for the working families in our community in 2021.
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In June, our summer camps at Webb Pond in Eastbrook and Bucksport opened. Serving over 150 children per day in both locations, we were thrilled to have kept both camps COVID free while offering a summer of fun.
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Fitness programs began in June utilizing outdoor spaces and then, on June 15th our Y facilities reopened.
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We developed and expanded virtual fitness programming for our members.
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Had a successful outdoor fall soccer season offering 87 children an opportunity to learn about the game and have fun with soccer fundamentals.
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Wiggins Center pool was renovated to provide state of the art air handling to ensure the health and safety of our swimmers.
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We are partnering with the Ellsworth and Bucksport school systems to provide remote care for children during this hybrid year of schooling.
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The Lawrence Family Fitness Center in Blue Hill opened to the community this fall and is a tremendous value to your membership. This wonderful addition to the Blue Peninsula was made possible by the generosity of Chuck and Belinda Lawrence and stands to become a hub for the community.
As you can see, this year your YMCA has made the very best out of a difficult situation. Thanks to the support of our members, community and friends, The Y will continue to move forward in 2021. We will continue strict adherence to CDC guidelines to ensure we offer safe spaces and programming. We are confident there is a light at the end of this pandemic tunnel and we will always be here to serve our communities as best we can.
Have a happy, safe and healthy New Year and I look forward to positive updates throughout 2021.
Take Care,
Peter Farragher
CEO