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YMCA and UMMC in early stage discussions for new, joint, downtown facility

By Howard B. Owens

Last fall, the folks at the YMCA were looking at remodeling their aging facility on East Main Street. Time has taken its toll and what started out as a project that might need a few hundred thousand dollars soon ballooned into a $3 million estimate.

At that price, Executive Director Rob Walker said, maybe it was time for the Y to look for a partner. 

YMCAs in other communities found ready partners in local hospitals, so Walker, in his job for a little over a year, called Dan Ireland, CEO of United Memorial Medical Center, also in his job for a little over a year, and asked for a meeting.

It was a meeting of the minds.

Ireland was already thinking it would make a lot of sense for the hospital to partner in the Y. The missions align and the two nonprofit organizations share property lines.

The logical conclusion, build a new building that would meet the needs of both the Y and UMMC.  

The hospital owns property on three sides of the way, including the location of Cary Hall and the vacant lot (formerly the Elks Lodge) next to it. It would make a lot of sense, Walker and Ireland surmised, to build something new on that land and take the current Y building down.

A task force was formed, chaired by Mark Schoell, the retired CEO of UMMC, and including people such as City Manager Jason Molino, County Manager Jay Gsell, economic development coordinator Julie Pacatte and business leaders such as John Riter, of Merrill Lynch.

The planning process took another step forward today with a community forum, consisting of about 80 invited community leaders from throughout Genesee County, at City Church's Generation Center on Center Street.

Walker is quick to point out that the Y and UMMC are in the very early stages of the process, just pre-planning, but he and Ireland are pretty clearly enthusiastic about the idea.

"The level of cooperation and spirit of collaboration between the Y and the hospital has been fun, enjoyable and something that is going to be transformative," Walker said.

It's a great opportunity improve the level of health and well-being services for the people of Genesee County, Ireland said.

"Cary Hall is aging and needs work," Ireland said. "The Y is aged and needs work. We have a tremendous plot of land with parking and those buildings; we could really do a lot if we collectively come out with the right thing. The benefit to the hospital is new space so we can offer greater service.

This morning's forum was facilitated by Mary Ellen and Rick Peterson, both from the national YMCA office.  

The 80 or so participants were assigned groups of five or six people with a facilitator who helped guide the discussion and wrote group thoughts and ideas on white sheets of paper. The groups were asked to take about 12 minutes on each of five questions, such as what challenges the community faces, how those challenges can best be met, what can be done locally to help families, and how can personal well-being issues be addressed.

All of those sheets of paper -- dozens and dozens of them -- were gathered up after the meeting and the task force will now review them and use them to produce a report by May or June on how the Y and UMMC can best meet community needs and what should go into a joint facility to meet those needs.

"We can't just take the Y in Rochester or the Y in Buffalo and take a cookie cutter and drop it in Batavia," Walker said. "All the stuff that is in this room right now, on the walls, this is what we're going to take and make spaces to meet those needs. We don't know what it's going to look like, but it's going to be pretty."

Walker said the task force will also be able to draw on needs assessments completed by other area agencies over the past few years, such as the Office for the Aging, Health Department, school district and United Way.

The applause line of the morning came from one gentleman sitting at the back of the room who pointed out the participants were all white, and mostly close in age. He suggested there needs to be some needs assessments from a group with greater diversity and representing a broader range of community members.

Both Walker and Ireland said the gentleman's comment was right on target and that there were people invited who could bring greater diversity, but they didn't show, so there will be some follow up with them.  

"We recognize the need to strengthen the task force so there is an equal representation," Ireland said.

Walker was clearly energized by the morning's discussion and believes if all of these plans come together into a real project, it will transform Downtown, transform Batavia and, in fact, all of Genesee County.

"Today was pretty inspirational for me," Walker said. "The minds, the passion here for Batavia; it's a proud community. We have tremendous potential to make this projection transformational and make Batavia a destination city."

Sponsored Post: YMCA Preschool registration begins March 1st! Sign up now!

By Lisa Ace

YMCA PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR FALL 2016! Fall registration for the Batavia YMCA Preschool will begin March 1st. The YMCA offers educational programs for children ages 2-5, focusing on social, emotion and cognitive development. Smartboards, swim lessons, the kids' gym and our very rich curriculum are all sure to prepare your child for the early stages of learning. The YMCA is also partnered with Batavia City Schools, following NYS standards and classes are taught by NYS Certified Teachers. Stop by the YMCA to register as these classes fill quickly! Click here to visit our site.

Sponsored Post: The YMCA waives half of the join fee. Sign up now!

By Lisa Ace

YMCA Waives half its joining fee to jump start your January! Are you ready to shed those extra holiday pounds? Looking for a fresh start in 2016? Has cabin fever already started setting in? Join the Y during our membership campaign and save! Between 1/11/16 and 1/31/16 we will waive HALF the joining fee on any membership category. Up to $37.50 in savings!

YMCA Membership entitles you and your loved ones the chance to become part of an organization that believes in and promotes active and healthy lifestyles, progressive skill development, fair play, family, and character development. The YMCA is not just another gym. When you join the Y, you join a family and what’s more you join a place where people are looking for changes to their overall health. The Genesee County YMCA offers a wide array of programs and services to meet the interests and needs of the entire family from memberships for youth, college students, families and seniors. From swimming lessons and sports, to childcare and summer camping, there is truly something for everyone at the Genesee County YMCA. 

If you feel like you cannot afford a YMCA membership, it is the policy of the YMCA that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance for membership and programs is available through the annual Strong Communities Campaign. The application process is easy and confidential. Please call or visit our member service desk to obtain an application. For more information on membership or programs offered at the Genesee County YMCA, please call (585)344­-1664 or log on to our Web site at www.glowymca.org

Sponsored post: YMCA waives half its joining fee to jump start your January

By Lisa Ace


YMCA Waives half its joining fee to jump start your January! Are you ready to shed those extra holiday pounds? Looking for a fresh start in 2016? Has cabin fever already started setting in? Join the Y during our membership campaign and save! Between 1/11/16 and 1/31/16 we will waive HALF the joining fee on any membership category. Up to $37.50 in savings!

YMCA Membership entitles you and your loved ones the chance to become part of an organization that believes in and promotes active and healthy lifestyles, progressive skill development, fair play, family, and character development. The YMCA is not just another gym. When you join the Y, you join a family and what’s more you join a place where people are looking for changes to their overall health. The Genesee County YMCA offers a wide array of programs and services to meet the interests and needs of the entire family from memberships for youth, college students, families and seniors. From swimming lessons and sports, to childcare and summer camping, there is truly something for everyone at the Genesee County YMCA. 

If you feel like you cannot afford a YMCA membership, it is the policy of the YMCA that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance for membership and programs is available through the annual Strong Communities Campaign. The application process is easy and confidential. Please call or visit our member service desk to obtain an application. For more information on membership or programs offered at the Genesee County YMCA, please call (585)344­-1664 or log on to our Web site at www.glowymca.org

Sponsored post: YMCA waives half its joining fee to jump start your January

By Lisa Ace

YMCA Waives half its joining fee to jump start your January! Are you ready to shed those extra holiday pounds? Looking for a fresh start in 2016? Has cabin fever already started setting in? Join the Y during our membership campaign and save! Between 1/11/16 and 1/31/16 we will waive HALF the joining fee on any membership category. Up to $37.50 in savings!

YMCA Membership entitles you and your loved ones the chance to become part of an organization that believes in and promotes active and healthy lifestyles, progressive skill development, fair play, family, and character development. The YMCA is not just another gym. When you join the Y, you join a family and what’s more you join a place where people are looking for changes to their overall health. The Genesee County YMCA offers a wide array of programs and services to meet the interests and needs of the entire family from memberships for youth, college students, families and seniors. From swimming lessons and sports, to childcare and summer camping, there is truly something for everyone at the Genesee County YMCA. 

If you feel like you cannot afford a YMCA membership, it is the policy of the YMCA that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance for membership and programs is available through the annual Strong Communities Campaign. The application process is easy and confidential. Please call or visit our member service desk to obtain an application. For more information on membership or programs offered at the Genesee County YMCA, please call (585)344­-1664 or log on to our Web site at www.glowymca.org

Sponsored Post: Join the YMCA this January and save!

By Lisa Ace

YMCA Waives Join Fee to Jump Start your January! Are you ready to shed those extra holiday pounds? Looking for a fresh start in 2016? Has cabin fever already started setting in? Join the Y during our membership campaign and save! Between 12/26/15 and 1/9/16 we will waive the full joining fee on any membership category.

New to the Y and not sure if you are ready to commit? Try the Y 5 times between 12/26 and 1/9/16 for just $15. If you decide to join during that same time frame we will take the $15 you paid off of your first month’s membership dues.

YMCA Membership entitles you and your loved ones the chance to become part of an organization that believes in and promotes active and healthy lifestyles, progressive skill development, fair play, family, and character development. The YMCA is not just another gym. When you join the Y, you join a family and what’s more you join a place where people are looking for changes to their overall health. The Genesee County YMCA offers a wide array of programs and services to meet the interests and needs of the entire family from memberships for youth, college students, families and seniors. From swimming lessons and sports, to childcare and summer camping, there is truly something for everyone at the Genesee County YMCA.

If you feel like you cannot afford a YMCA membership, it is the policy of the YMCA that no one is turned away due to an inability to pay. Financial assistance for membership and programs is available through the annual Strong Communities Campaign. The application process is easy and confidential. Please call or visit our member service desk to obtain an application.

For more information on membership or programs offered at the Genesee County YMCA, please call (585)344­-1664 or log on to our Web site at www.glowymca.org.

YMCA Camp Hough Kicked off the 2015 Season

By Valerie Brey

This past weekend YMCA Camp Hough kicked off the 2015 camping season with a visit from over 100 girls from the East Genesee Girl Scout Service Unit. The girls and their leaders enjoyed many activities at the camp’s location on Silver Lake. With a survivor theme Girl Scout Leaders and volunteers planned many great activities such as Relay Races, Scavenger Hunts, Knife Safety, and Arts and Crafts. Girls also joined YMCA Camp Hough staff for Archery and Rock Climbing. YMCA Camp Hough Director Valerie Brey said, “I love working with the Girl Scouts because they always have so many great ideas and positive energy. I just had a child run half-way across lower camp to thank me for encouraging her to keep climbing on the rock wall. That is why we do what we do.” For more information on YMCA Camp Hough Rentals or Resident Summer Camp visit www.camphough.org or call (585) 344-1664.

Sponsored Post: Healthy Solutions. Enroll today!

By Lisa Ace

You and your family will receive:
  • 8 week program 
  • Fun ways to exercise
  • 
Nutrition Education

  • Guidelines and support to maintain a healthy lifestyle

  • Resources to encourage family physical activity

  • Weekly incentives and a chance to win a grand prize 
Take advantage of the YMCA while you are enrolled in the Get Fit Program. Health and Wellness Center, fun fitness classes, swimming, etc... 
Give us a call today 585-344-5420 OR visit our Web site: www.getfitwny.org 
 
Sponsored by: Batavia Rotary Club, UMMC, United Way of Genesee County, YMCA, Batavia City Schools, Genesee County Health Department, City of Batavia Youth Bureau.

Photo: A hopeful sign of spring

By Howard B. Owens

Children outside playing under bright blue skies, surely this is a sign of spring?

Ah, alas, a cruel April 1 joke, as the weatherman says there's still some freezing temps in our near future.

But today is nice enough for children from the YMCA's preschool program to practice a little chalk art. Above, Teegan, 5, draws a house.

Photos: McMahon Irish Dancers perform at Y for preschoolers

By Howard B. Owens

The McMahon Irish Dancers are in the midst of a full St. Patrick's Day schedule, with appearances at nine locations in Genesee County, including this session for preschoolers at the YMCA.

Keeping with tradition, the dancers perform at 6 p.m. at Center Street Smoke House.

Jeff Redband preparing for next level of basketball and academic career

By Howard B. Owens

When I stopped into the Y's gymnasium this morning for a little basketball practice, I found Jeff Redband there.

The Batavia Blue Devil's standout was working on his own game but took some time to give me a few pointers on my own shooting stroke. While we chatted, Tanner came into the gym and asked Jeff to sign one of his kicks. 

Redband is planning on attending Daemen College, in Buffalo, next year on a basketball scholarship. Redband scored 1,024 points with the Blue Devils in a little over two seasons (a 26.2 point-per-game average this season) and helped the team to a pair of sectional title games and hit the game winning buzzer beater in 2013 that sent Batavia to a state title game. The Daemen Wildcats finished this season with 21 wins and captured the USCAA Division I basketball title. Daemen is a Division II provisional member of the NCAA and the East Coast Conference. 

Sponsored Post: Jumping into Summer Fun!

By Lisa Ace

Jumping into Summer Fun!

SPLASH! Ten-year-old Aaron jumps into the water, rejoining the game of pass-the-ball. While many of Aaron’s friends back home have had to wait out the hot weather, Aaron has been having a blast swimming in the pool, boating on Silver Lake, and playing many other games. Since he came to YMCA Camp Hough last week, he’s made a tie-dye shirt, tried archery for the first time, and befriended all the other boys in his cabin. As Aaron resurfaces out of the water, he laughs and tosses the ball over a roaring counselor, just getting it to his new best friend.

Aaron is one of many boys and girls spending part of his summer at YMCA Camp Hough on the shores of Silver Lake. Camp Hough hosts week long resident camps for children ages 6 to 14. A day camp bus leaves each morning from the Wyoming County YMCA in Warsaw. Most campers come from the GLOW region, though others travel quite a ways for the experience. Some parents send their kids to camp to help them grow to be independent, and some parents like the focus on YMCA values at a kid-accessible level. Other parents will send their children to spend time outside, knowing that they will have so much fun. Counselors also value the time spent mentoring the kids outdoors.

“It can be an incredible experience to help challenge a child and watch them grow over the week,” says Aquatics Director William Ferriby. “Whether it is helping a day camper practice swimming for the first time or teaching a group of 13-year-olds learn to work together with kindness and respect, it is an incredibly rewarding experience.”

Aaron is out of the water now, putting on more sunscreen for his next activity hour. He doesn’t think as much about becoming independent or learning responsibility. Aaron is more interested street hockey. No matter what, both Aaron and his family are excited about all that he is trying and learning, out of the indoors and under the sun at YMCA Camp Hough. For information on how your child can have the same magical experiences as Aaron contact, YMCA Camp Hough at 585-201-3495 or visit www.camphough.org

Area Churches Gather to Learn about Partnership with YMCA Camp Hough

By Valerie Brey
Tuesday March 18-The Medina Association of Churches gathered to listen to Valerie Brey speak about GLOW YMCA Camp Hough. As director of the resident summer camp, Brey is very passionate about what summer camp can do for a child. The group listened intently as she told stories about children’s experiences at camp. Brey stated, “I started to tear up as a mom told me in-between tears how thankful she was to have her sons at camp. They had had a rough year and they were often bullied at school but this was not the case at camp. At YMCA Camp Hough they were accepted and had friends.” Since the YMCA believes so firmly in the positive impact camp can have on a child, they are partnering with local churches and businesses to provide this experience at a discounted rate. YMCA Camp Hough is a part of the GLOW (Genesee, Livingston, Orleans, Wyoming) YMCA Association and is located on Silver Lake in Wyoming County. For more information about summer opportunities visit their website at www.camphough.org or contact Valerie Brey at 585.344.1664.

Sponsors and donations sought for "Get Fit Bowl-A-Thon" at Mancuso Bowling Center March 23

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Coalition for Healthy Children and Families asks for your support for an afternoon of bowling and fun to support a healthy, active lifestyle and prevent childhood obesity. Individuals, businesses and organizations -- please consider sponsoring the "Get Fit Bowl-A-Thon" on Sunday, March 23, at Mancuso Bowling Center in Batavia.

There will be two bowling sessions: 12:30-2:30 p.m. or 3-5 p.m. The cost to bowl is $12 per person or $60 per lane (group of six). Included in the above costs are shoe rentals, food, and beverage. If you are interested in sponsoring a lane, the cost is $100 for one lane or $150 for two lanes.

There will also be raffles and a grand prize drawing for participants. If you’re interested in donating toward our raffles or sponsoring a lane, please contact Holly Sharpe via phone at 344-1664 or e-mail at hsharpe@glowymca.org

“Get Fit” is a 12-week healthy lifestyle program offered by the Coalition for Healthy Children and Families incorporating physical activity & nutrition education. The coalition consists of community organizations and medical professionals in Genesee County, including United Memorial Medical Center, YMCA of Genesee Area, Batavia Pediatrics (Dr. Lalit Jain), Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, City of Batavia Youth Bureau, and Genesee County Health Department. They are all committed to making a difference in the lives of local residents and families.

Donations and sponsors can be dropped off or mailed to:

YMCA-Batavia
Attn: Holly Sharpe
209 E. Main St.
Batavia, NY 14020

Photos: Y gets 14 new pieces of equipment in Wellness Center

By Howard B. Owens

The Wellness Center at the YMCA is getting an equipment upgrade today with 14 new pieces of equipment, including stair steppers, virtual bikes and treadmills.

The cost of the new equipment is about $60,000.

Pictured with one of the new virtual bikes is John Becker, Wellness Center coordinator, and trainer Stacie Ewert.

Photo: Frankenstein visits the YMCA

By Howard B. Owens

Photo and info submitted by Pam L. Reed, administrative assistant, YMCA.

Frankenstein (alias Bill Reed) with his daughter, Justine Reed, of Batavia, helped entertain members and guests at the YMCA's annual Halloween event. More than 350 children enjoyed crafts, games, face painting, a haunted house, and watching a movie with pizza.

A thank you to the BHS Zonta Club and ALL the many volunteers! Also a special thank you to area businesses who supported the event: Domino's Pizza, Mark's Pizzeria, Oliver's Candies, and Tompkins Insurance.

Photos: Pre-schoolers tour fire station

By Howard B. Owens

Pre-schoolers from the Tuesday-Thursday class at the YMCA enjoyed a field trip to the Batavia Fire Station today, where they learned about what firefighters do, how they dress and what to do in case of a fire, and each child got a chance to spray water from a fire hose.

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