YMCA Beaufort

Island Packet: Beaufort River Swim Set for Saturday

Marketing — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:36:17 +0000

By STEPHEN FASTENAU — sfastenau@beaufortgazette.com

Pete Palmer’s wife thinks he’s crazy. And years ago, when friends tried to convince him to try open-water swimming, he thought they were crazy, too.

But the 77-year-old Palmer is now in his seventh year participating in the Beaufort River Swim and has grown to appreciate the event, a change of pace from indoor lap swims.

“Open water is a whole different world,” he said.

The river swim will be held again Saturday, starting at 8 a.m. Participants are shuttled from Beaufort Downtown Marina to Port Royal Landing, where they will swim a little more than three miles back downtown, with the tide.

Wells Fargo Donates to YMCA of Beaufort County’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention

Marketing — Fri, 17 May 2013 20:52:02 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16, 2013

(Port Royal, SC) - Wells Fargo of Beaufort, a provider of banking, mortgage, investing, credit card, insurance, and consumer and commercial financial services, recently donated $2500 toward the Beaufort County YMCA’s Summer Learning Loss Prevention Program. The program is one of three pilot programs being tested by YMCA of the USA, the resource office for the nation’s Ys, as part of the nonprofit’s efforts to address gaps in academic achievement among the nation’s most disadvantaged youth. The Y will work with Whale Branch Elementary School to identify students who would benefit from the summer learning loss prevention pilot program.

“ The generosity of Wells Fargo is very much appreciated,” stated Beaufort County YMCA CEO Michael Bostwick. “ Gifts like these help make the programs possible and enrich the lives and futures of so many of our children.”

The summer learning loss prevention pilot program is modeled after a literacy program from the YMCA of Greater Charlotte that is designed for children in first through second grade who are currently reading below grade level. Results from the Charlotte YMCA model and the Y’s early pilot testing show average reading gains of two months by participants in the program.

As a leading non-profit focused on youth development, the Y nurtures the potential of every child and teen. The YMCA of Beaufort County is one of 43 Ys across the country offering the summer learning loss prevention pilot program this year, which complements the Y’s other educational programming, including our traditional camp programs that are located on site at the Wardle Family YMCA (1801 Richmond Ave.) serving over 200 children ages 3-15 years old, as well as an additional 200 students within Jasper County. For more information, please contact the YMCA at 843-522-9622 or visit www.ymcabeaufortcounty.com

###

YMCA of Beaufort County Selected to Pilot Summer Program to Increase Reading Skills Among First and Second Graders

Marketing — Fri, 03 May 2013 19:25:04 +0000

For Immediate Release: May 3, 2013

(Port Royal, SC) -This summer, the YMCA of Beaufort County will offer a learning loss prevention program for children entering first and second grade who are most at risk of falling behind in their reading skills over the summer. The program is one of three pilot programs being tested by YMCA of the USA, the resource office for the nation’s Ys, as part of the nonprofit’s efforts to address gaps in academic achievement among the nation’s most disadvantaged youth. The Y will work with Whale Branch Elementary School to identify students who would benefit from the summer learning loss prevention pilot program.

The Y’s summer learning loss prevention pilot program will provide literacy instruction by certified teachers, as well as enrichment through art, music and physical activity. Studies show that without access to summer learning activities such as camp, travel, and visits to libraries and museums, children from low-income environments can experience more significant learning loss than their more economically stable peers. Over time, these children continue to lose ground and by the fifth grade, many are two to three school years behind their middle and high-income peers. The goal of the Y’s pilot program is to help children read at grade level by the third grade – a key educational milestone that is important to children’s ongoing knowledge retention and academic performance.

“At the YMCA of Beaufort County, we know that the combination of extended learning and enrichment activities is essential to increasing children’s success in school, and we are dedicated to helping more kids achieve their potential,” said Kaylin Garst, operations director, YMCA of Beaufort County. “This program will help ensure children at Whale Branch Elementary School have the opportunity to stay on track over the summer and read at or above grade level when the new school year begins.”

###

Precor Grant Supports YMCA of Beaufort County Efforts to Curb Childhood Obesity

Marketing — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 15:46:49 +0000

April 23, 2013

(Port Royal, SC) – The YMCA of Beaufort County, located at 1801 Richmond Ave. in Port Royal, received a $3,000 grant from Precor to support efforts to help children in the Beaufort County Community live healthier lives through the implementation of the Y’s Healthy Eating and Physical Activity (HEPA) standards in early childhood and afterschool programs. Adopting these standards is part of the Y’s commitment to First Lady Michelle Obama and the Partnership for a Healthier America to help curb childhood obesity.

“As a leading non-profit committed to strengthening the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y takes its responsibility seriously, by helping those most in need,” said YMCA Operations Director, Kaylin Garst . “YMCAs are one of the largest providers of early childhood and afterschool programs in the nation. Now, by adopting standards that will help our kids make better food and activity choices, we strive to be the healthiest.”

The YMCA of Beaufort County serves 250 children in EARLYCHILDHOOD/AFTERSCHOOL/ SUMMER CAMP programs every week.

All early childhood, afterschool and summer camp programs are implementing the HEPA standards, which include:

Establishing a minimum of expected physical activity for children of different ages enrolled in Y programs;defining food and beverages offerings, including designating water as the primary beverage during snack times and offering fruits and vegetables as snack options;limiting the amount of screen time (watching TV, playing video games, and using computers);encouraging breastfeeding of infants in the Y’s care; and committing Ys to conducting parent education to encourage healthy behaviors at home.

“Like the Y, Precor believes that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health, our neighbors, and our community,” said Paul Byrne, president. “By collaborating, we have a greater potential to help more people make positive lifestyle choices.”

The YMCA of Beaufort County is one of 50 YMCAs to receive a grant from Precor as part of the $300,000 gift to YMCA of the USA, the resource office for the nation’s YMCAs, to support the implementation of the HEPA standards in YMCA early childhood and afterschool programs. Locally the funding will be used to support infrastructure opportunities such as purchasing supplies and equipment, and staff training that can help the YMCA to provide a healthy sustainable environment in an early childhood or afterschool site.

###

About Precor

Precor designs and builds premium fitness equipment for effective workouts that feel smooth and natural. Our equipment is chosen by health clubs, hotels, spas and individuals all over the world. For nearly three decades we’re driven fitness forward with a passionate focus on ergonomic motion, proven science, and superior engineering. We constantly study and anticipate the needs of the people and organizations we serve, and continually redefine the levels of innovation, quality and service necessary to deliver the very best fitness experiences – all with the goal of improving the ways people improve themselves. precor.com

About the Y

The YMCA of Beaufort County is part of a 256-year-old worldwide organization that enables the citizens of Beaufort County to develop values and behaviors that are consistent with our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Wardle Family YMCA of Beaufort County was charted in 1990 and opened its doors in June 1996. The YMCA is a locally autonomous organization made up of voluntary membership that is open to individuals of all ages, race, religion, incomes and abilities. Programs and services incorporate the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and the YMCA encourages and challenges its staff, members, volunteers and program participants to accept and demonstrate these values. The YMCA of Beaufort County currently serves approximately 8,000 individuals through the programs and services provided.

FREE Community Prayer Breakfast May 2

Marketing — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 23:26:23 +0000

Free Community Prayer Breakfast Honoring The National Day of Prayer May 2

YMCA Benefit Night at FAT PATTIES is April 23!

Marketing — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 20:13:46 +0000

Show Your Support for the YMCA by dining at Fat Patties Tuesday, April 23! 10% of proceeds will directly
benefit the YMCA!

YMCA TIGER SHARKS SWIM TEAM RANKED 4th in STATE

Marketing — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:50:32 +0000

Port Royal, SC (Feb. 25, 2013) –The Tiger Sharks competed in the South Carolina YMCA State Championship on February 23^rd and 24^th against YMCA’s throughout the state and were deservingly ranked 4th among all participating swim teams.

More than 40 children competed in this 2 day swim meet and in addition to this great team accomplishment; the Y team had numerous individual high point winners as well. Some individual highlights include the following: In the 7-8 age group, Lily Bostwick placed 5th, Skylar Bruner placed 4th for the girls, while JP Barras placed 3rd for the boys. In the 9-10 age group, Niklas Kronlein placed 4th, Timothy Barras and Cohen Bruner tied for 2nd place for the boys. In the 13-14 age group, Elliot Gayken placed 3rd for the boys. Sarah Avera placed 8th in the 11-12 aged girls, while Laura Barras placed 6th in the 15-18 aged girls.

Congratulations on these outstanding accomplishments! The spring season for the Tigersharks swim team will start on April 8^th, 2013. For more information on the team and swimming, please visit the Y or www.ymcabeaufortcounty.com.

Pictured in photo: Timothy Barras, JP Barras, Cohen Bruner.

###

The YMCA of Beaufort County is part of a 256 year old worldwide organization that enables the citizens of Beaufort County to develop values and behaviors that are consistent with our mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. The Wardle Family YMCA of Beaufort County was charted in 1990 and opened its doors in June 1996. The YMCA is a locally autonomous organization made up of voluntary membership that is open to individuals of all ages, race, religion, incomes and abilities. Programs and services incorporate the values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility and the YMCA encourages and challenges its staff, members, volunteers and program participants to accept and demonstrate these values. The YMCA of Beaufort County currently serves approximately 8,000 individuals through the programs and services provided.

YMCA SPOTLIGHTS EMPLOYEE ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Marketing — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 02:36:39 +0000

Port Royal, SC (Feb. 18, 2013)- Wardle Family YMCA is dedicated to creating a healthy and fit environment for the Beaufort County community. A multitude of programs from youth sports, personal training, swim team and childcare programs are offered to assure that there’s something for every age and fitness level.

Y staff members are encouraged to lead healthy lifestyles to set an example for all Y patrons as well as being a source of motivation and inspiration. Denice Davis and Heather Brunner, both Y employees, truly practice what they preach.

Denice Davis’ accomplishments: This is Denice’s second time completing the Marine Corps Marathon (Distance 26.2 miles). This year, Denice completed the marathon in a total of 3hrs 32min. Moreover, she was the Tybee Overall Half Marathon Female Master Champion with a time of 1hr and 34 min. Denice will also be running the Boston Marathon in April, 2013.

Heather Brunner’s accomplishments: This is Heather’s second time completing the 1/2 IronMan. This year, Heather was the 3rd place division winner finishing in 5hrs 59min! 1/2 IronMan Distances: 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike, 13.1 mile run totaling 70.3 Miles!

The Wardle Family YMCA is proud to have Denice and Heather as Y employees and wish them an abundance of congratulations for their personal accomplishments.

The YMCA is a charitable organization open to people of all abilities, ages, beliefs, cultures, faiths and incomes. Financial assistance is available based on need. For more information, visit www.ymcabeaufortcounty.com or call 843-522-9622.

###

YMCA WELCOMES BOARD MEMBERS

Marketing — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 23:15:43 +0000

Port Royal, SC (Feb. 15. 2-13)- Our 2012 Annual Meeting was another great success as members of the Y and the Beaufort County community congregated for great food and YMCA news. Captured Moments Photography so graciously photographed the event and more than 60 attendees watched on as the Board welcomed new members.

YMCA Board Chairman Fred Kuhn, introduced the following new members to the YMCA Board:

Bennett Schiller – Schiller Law Firm Beaufort SC

Jennifer Tuckwiller – Owner of Carolina Air Inc.

John Troutman – Merrill Lynch Senior Financial Advisor

Robert Candillo – Principal Ridgeland Elementary

The above members accompany existing Board Members: Vice Chairman, Ernie Schlichtemeier, Stacey P. Canaday, Kelly Collins, Cheryl Comes, Mike Green, Debbie Myers, John Havens, Mary Jane Martin, Mary Winburn, David Homyk, Walter Mack, Jennifer Tuckwiller, Bennett Schiller, Cynthia Hayes, Henry Robinson, John Troutman, Robert Cardillo and Blakely Williams

Wardle Family YMCA is an inclusive association of people committed to a common effort to help individuals and families reach their fullest potential in terms of spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA is committed to significantly expanding a fiscally sound, service delivery organization which delivers high quality, market driven services to a growing Beaufort County.

For more information, call 843-522-9622

###

THE BEAUFORT FUND OF COASTAL COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AWARDS $12,000 GRANT TO LOCAL YMCA

Marketing — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 18:45:37 +0000

[Port Royal, Jan. 25, 2013] – The Wardle Family YMCA was the gracious recipient of The Beaufort Fund of Coastal Community Foundation’s generous donation of a $12,000 grant towards Summer Learning Loss Prevention Camp Programs, Discovery Kids Pre School Program and the YMCA Afterschool Program.

The Wardle Family YMCA’s childcare programs continues to grow and this growth is only made possible through the generosity of community supporters like The Beaufort Fund of Coastal Community Foundation. “The Y cannot appropriately express our gratitude through words,” says Michael Bostwick, YMCA CEO, “We are so pleased to have such great community partners and look forward to using this grant to make our programs even more successful.”

The Wardle Family YMCA is a non-profit organization servicing local families and individuals through quality programs that promote and inspire life-long development for children, adults and families through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. This is achieved through a broad range of activities that serve a community rich in racial, religious, ethnic and economic diversity.

###