JOY IN JANUARY!

Local Inspirational Speaker Helps People Find Joy in Day-to-Day Life

BERNARDSVILLE — Inspirational speaker Andrea Mastrobattista begins 2010 on a high note with a workshop called “Experiencing Joy” at the Somerset Hills YMCA, 140 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge on Monday, January 11, 2010, 7:00-8:30PM.

After the joy of the holidays, January is often a time when we feel down. But, holidays or not, and no matter what is happening in your life, you can experience joy at any time. Come to this workshop to find out how!

Additional upcoming workshops include:

Monday, February 8, 2010 – Eliminating Negative Self-Talk

Monday, March 8, 2010 – Being the Real You

Admission for each workshop is $30 for members and $35 for potential members.

For more information about this workshop, visit www.somersethillsymca.org, and click on the “Registration & Account Management” link, or call Andrea Mastrobattista at (908)766-6050.

Three local teens earn distinction in academics and athletics.

[Basking Ridge, NJ--] Three local teens, all of whom swim for the Somerset Hills YMCA Swim Team, have recently been named to the 2009 USA Swimming Scholastic All American Team for achieving success in both the classroom and the swimming pool. Stephen Raynes, Marissa Immormino and Janelle Zee earned this much coveted award that recognizes high achieving high school academic and athletic students.



The 2009 Scholastic All-America Team includes 26 girls and 15 boys from New Jersey with a 3.5 grade point average. With a grade point average of 4.0, and a very competitive time standard in an individual event, Stephen, Marissa and Janelle were given special recognition and were also awarded a special pin.



Moreover, when many teens focus on catching up on sleep, these teens spend many Saturday afternoons volunteering at Saturdays in Motion, a recreational program for children with autism and their families, held at the Somerset Hills YMCA. Peter Barry, Head Coach of the Somerset Hills YMCA, comments, ‘The commitment required when you belong to a swim team can be enormous and it is often a challenge for some of these kids to balance their athletic life with their academics. Marissa, Janelle and Stephen are unbelievable role models for others in their ability to keep equilibrium in their lives and to be such dedicated volunteers to help those less fortunate than themselves. We are all so proud of them here at the Somerset Hills YMCA.’

Sleepaway Camp Now Offered to Somerset Hills YMCA members!

Exciting New Partnership Offers Summer Sleepaway Camp To Children in the Community.

The Somerset Hills YMCA and Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA are delighted to announce a new partnership to offer quality sleepaway camp as well as group and family outdoor recreation programs to members of the Somerset Hills YMCA and to the community at large.

To complement the extensive range of excellent and diverse day camps already offered each year at the Somerset Hills YMCA, one and two week sleepaway camp sessions will be offered this summer to children in grades 3 – 7, and to youth in grades 8 – 11. Specialty interest groups and family getaways will also be available throughout the year.

Located just 75 minutes away from the Somerset Hills community, the camp sits on over 1,000 forested acres surrounding a private 42-acre lake, providing an unspoiled natural environment to explore and enjoy. Camp Speers-Eljabar YMCA has provided magical camp experiences for thousands of children from the US and beyond since 1948, offering activities such as canoeing, kayaking, rowing and swimming in its pristine lake. Many cabins are modern and feature in-cabin bathrooms while others ring the shores of the lake with bathrooms conveniently located nearby. All cabin groups are 8-12 campers with 2 – 3 cabin counsellors.

Zane Moore, COO of the Somerset Hills YMCA, comments, “This is an exciting next step in the services that we are able to offer our community. Membership at the Somerset Hills YMCA will now take on even greater value and will provide families with unparalleled opportunities. Camp Speers-Eljabar is just over one hour away, literally a hidden gem on our doorstep. Anyone who has ever experienced a YMCA sleepaway camp knows firsthand that it can be a life changing experience that allows you independence and adventure in an extremely safe environment. We are proud to partner with such a reputable facility.”

In addition to sleepaway camp and other getaway experiences, Camp Speers-Eljabar is offering free Sunday Fundays for members of our community to get to know the camp and to benefit from a wide selection of season-appropriate activities. The camp will open its doors each Sunday from January 11th until June 6th, to all members of the Somerset Hills YMCA, along with their family and friends, from 10am until 3pm. Visitors can enjoy snow tubing, cross country skiing, ice skating, ice fishing, and arts and crafts. All equipment will be provided free of charge. Visitors are asked to bring their own lunch and snacks.

For more information on Sunday Fundays, please visit http://www.somersethillsymca.org/ or email campers@campspeersymca.org. For more information about summer sleepaway camp, please visit http://www.campspeersymca.org/.

Somerset Hills YMCA Holds Dedication Ceremony For New Swim Team Scoreboard

A dedication ceremony took place, Monday November 16th, of a scoreboard above the Chandor lap pool at the Somerset Hills YMCA. The scoreboard, donated by Mr.& Mrs. Steve Riggio, is a gift in memory of their daughter Melissa who, born with Down Syndrome, was an active member of the Bernards High School Swim Team from 2003 to 2007. The Swim Team practices and holds meets at the YMCA. Melissa always referred to her time and friendships at the Somerset Hills YMCA as amongst her most precious.
From left, Laura Riggio, Bernards High School Swim Team Coach, Ed Tsuzuki, and Steve Riggio.

Back By Popular Demand, the Somerset Hills YMCA Offers Homework Help
To Children in the Community.

Beginning October 14th, the Somerset Hills YMCA will be offering Students-Helping-Students Tutoring (SHST), a free tutoring program, every Wednesday night from 6:30 – 8:30pm. The program will take place in the Gagnon Teen and Community Center located at their main facility, 140 Mount Airy Rd, Basking Ridge. School age children in grades 3 – 12 in need of academic help are all welcome to attend, members and non members alike, and find support and tutoring from excelling high school volunteer students. Pre-registration is not needed and students may drop in at any time during the tutoring session; many stay for the full two hours to catch up on homework and have support at hand when needed.

Emily Pakrul, a senior, and Sam Rosin, a junior, are two Bernardsville High School students who participated in the program last year and are returning again this year. Emily and Sam are two of approximately thirty high school students who have signed up this year to volunteer their time and skills to help others.

Sam remembers one young boy in particular who came every week and was extremely excited and proud of himself when he mastered certain mathematical skills. “When he got something right, he would get very excited and throw his hands up in the air in triumph; it was great. Parents loved the program as it’s often difficult to tutor your own child. They would drop them off and sometimes fit in a workout upstairs knowing their kids were in good hands,” said Sam.

Emily comments, “I hope to one day become an elementary school teacher so, naturally, this is something that I really enjoy. Last year was very fulfilling for me; for instance, twins came regularly for help and, where one of them was shining academically, the other was struggling and somewhat unhappy. To be able to provide one-on-one help to the latter really helped turn things around. They both used to really look forward to coming in and seeing us. I hope they return to the program this year.”

For more information about SHST, please contact Susan at skamins@somersethillsymca.org or call 908.766.7898 ext.1590.

YMCA Night with the NJ Devils


The Somerset Hills YMCA presents Y Night with the NJ Devils on Saturday, December 12th, at 7:00pm at the Prudential Center, otherwise known as ‘The Rock’, in Newark NJ. With every seat affording a terrific view of the action as the NJ Devils take on the Philadelphia Flyers, Y Night with the NJ Devils is a great way for families to enjoy a night out and give back to a great cause.

A portion of the proceeds from this special game benefit the YMCA’s Strong Kids Campaign, a financial assistance program that provides funding to ensure that the Y can assist those in need by sending children to summer camp, providing childcare services, offering reduced memberships, and supporting community outreach programs.

Tickets, available for only $45 each, (a $21 savings) must be purchased through the Somerset Hills YMCA in order to directly benefit Strong Kids.

Ticket order forms are available online at http://www.somersethillsymca.org/, or at the main branch of the Somerset Hills YMCA at 140 Mount Airy Road, and at the Riverwalk branch at 665 Martinsville Road. For additional information, please contact Nancy Auerbacher on (908) 766 7898 ext. 1350 or at nauerbacher@somersethillsymca.org.

The Somerset Hills YMCA Introduces New Swim Program For Adults with Muscular Impairment.
Individualized Program Is Offered Free to Members of the Community.

One of many new programs offered this fall by the Somerset Hills YMCA is SWIM, Inc., or Specialized Water Interest Movement. The program provides muscularly impaired adults the opportunity to exercise who would otherwise find it difficult or impossible to exercise on land. An orientation meeting, prior to the first class, will take place on Monday, September 14th at 11am; participants are encouraged to meet in the lobby at the Welcome Center at 140 Mt. Airy Rd, Basking Ridge. The program will meet every Monday between 12pm – 2pm, with the first hour spent in the pool followed by a social hour in a meeting room.

Inspired by the YMCA’s mission of serving all individuals regardless of their ability to pay, this weekly class will be free of charge to all members of the community, members and potential members alike. Last year, more than $317,000 was raised through the Strong Kids Campaign and other sources, which helped the Somerset Hills YMCA provide more than $620,000 in financial assistance and program subsidies for individuals and families who need it most.

SWIM, Inc., is an organization that has existed since 1975 to provide self directed water exercise to adults who have suffered from polio, stroke, cancer, Muscular Dystrophy, heart attack, Multiple Sclerosis, forms of arthritis, mood disorders, fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s disease, trauma, surgery, arthritis or other causes. Paul Kiell, a longtime Somerset Hills YMCA member, nationally ranked Masters Swimmer, and volunteer coordinator of the program said, “Physical fitness can be acquired in the pool even by non swimmers. Everybody wears a flotation belt and exercise is tailored to each participant’s needs. While not a substitute for treatment, it is certainly an adjunct to an individual’s therapy. As a psychiatrist, I firmly believe there is a direct correlation between aerobic fitness and absence of mood disorders.” Individuals interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact Paul on 908.781.1703.

To learn more about SWIM, Inc., please contact Kim Wilde on kwilde@somersethillsymca.org or 908.766.7898 ext. 1582. To donate or learn more about the Strong Kids financial assistance program, please contact Kelly on kcastro@somersethillsymca.org or 908.766.7898 ext.1100

One Common Cause

Under clear blue skies, friends and colleagues enjoyed a memorable day of golf on one of the top 100 courses in the world, whilst raising money for a charity close to their hearts, Strong Kids, the Somerset Hills YMCA’s financial assistance program.

This year we were thrilled to welcome back Open Road Auto Group as presenting sponsor. Open Road’s continued commitment is inspiring as their sponsorship directly supports community service programs including Career Forum to aid job seekers, STARS, a swim program that assists children with specials needs, Saturdays in Motion, a program for children with autism and their families, the Special Olympics and many more. Other sponsors included Classic Sponsor, Techno Gym; Double Eagle Sponsor, American Tae Kwon Do; Eagle Sponsors, Amato-Waldbauer Group, CGT Construction, Chubb Corporation, Gym Source/CYBEX, Investors Savings Bank, Matheson Tri-Gas and MCS; Birdie Sponsors The Doherty Family and MSIG; Patron Sponsor, Millington Savings Bank. Both Open Road Auto Group and Team Welsh Jeep were Hole In One sponsors.

The Somerset Hills YMCA was proud to honor John Fanning, a lifelong volunteer, supporter and advocate of the Y. Recruited to the YMCA Board of Directors in 1997, John became Chair of the Board in 2004 and played a key role in the recent expansion of the YMCA. News of the John Fanning Scholarship award was announced at the golf outing’s reception and awards ceremony that will recognize a high school senior from the Somerset Hills area who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service and leadership to the community while pursuing excellence in academics.

For more information on Strong Kids, please contact Kelly on kcastro@somersethillsymca.org or 908.766.7898 ext. 1100. To inquire about volunteering, please contact Sylvia at svelez@somersethillsymca.org or 908.630.3530.

The Somerset Hills YMCA Offers Lifeguard Recruitment and Training Course
Job Opportunities Offer Flexibility and Competitive Pay

The Somerset Hills YMCA will hold a new Lifeguard Recruitment and Training Program in October. Attendance for the full duration of the program is mandatory to be eligible to pass. The training course will take place over two weekends; October 10th and 11th and October 17th & 18th from 9am – 5pm.

This is a great opportunity for anyone with a love of water and a desire to ensure the safety of swimmers in the community. Participants will earn their Lifeguard Certification and have the opportunity to become a member of the Somerset Hills YMCA Aquatics Team. Lifeguards at the Somerset Hills YMCA enjoy flexible hours, competitive starting pay, free membership at the Somerset Hills YMCA, discounts on programs, paid in-service training and more. The cost of the course, $320, will be fully reimbursed if they become employed by the Somerset Hills YMCA and complete mandatory on-site staff training.

Participants must pass a pretest which consists of swimming a total of 300 yards (12 lengths of the pool) continuously and retrieving a 10lb object from a minimum of 7 feet of water and swimming on their back with it for 20 yards and be at least 15 years old by the last day of the class.

For more information on this or future courses, please contact Brian Curtis on 908.766.7898 ext. 1518 or visit www.somersethillsymca.org

The Somerset Hills YMCA is a charitable community service organization, rooted in Christian values and dedicated to helping all people grow in spirit, mind and body. We are guided by our core principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Members of the Senior Health Summit Committee and their home towns include (front row, l-r): Diana and Ed Boquist (YMCA Senior Advisory Committee), of Basking Ridge; (back row, l-r), Barbara Donzeiser (YMCA Senior Advisory Committee) of Basking Ridge, Audrey Taffet (Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills) of Warren, Lucy Forgione (Bernards Township Heath Department) of Basking Ridge, Erin Toomey (Somerset County Office on Aging) of Morris Plains, Laurie Rowe (Somerset County Office on Aging) of Bridgewater and Kate Russo (Somerset Hills YMCA) of Branchburg.

HEALTH SUMMIT OFFERS DAY OF FUN AND EDUCATION FOR SENIORS

BASKING RIDGE, NJ (September 11, 2009) – A group of area health and community organizations is hosting a one-day Senior Health Summit on Thursday, October 22 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Somerset County Senior Wellness Center, 202 Mt. Airy Road, Basking Ridge. Participants must register by September 25 for a $10 non-refundable fee which includes a continental breakfast, lunch, workshops and exercise classes. Keynote speaker Nancy Cotter, MD, Medical Director of Atlantic Integrative Medicine, Morristown Memorial and Overlook Hospitals, will present “Healing Through Nutrition: Eating Yourself Well.” Registration forms are available at the Somerset Hills YMCA or Bernards Township Health Department, by calling (908) 766-7287 or (908) 766-0334 or by visiting www.visitingnurse.org/events, http://www.somersethillsymca.org/, or http://www.bernardshealth.org/.

“Seniors often feel like a forgotten group but our goal is to make them feel important and let them know all of these organizations are focused on providing resources for them,” said Diana Boquist, Chair of the YMCA Senior Advisory Committee and member of the Senior Health Summit committee.

Morning and afternoon workshop topics include Balance and Fall Prevention, Gentle Yoga, Sleep for Life: How to Get a Good Night’s Rest, Keeping Your Mind Sharp and Tai Chi for Arthritis. Participants may opt to try exercise classes in Kinesis, Qigong and Zumba at the YMCA; transportation will be available.

“Seniors make up the biggest population in our community which is why learning about the latest health trends and resources is so important,” said Lucy Forgione, Bernards Township Health Officer and member of the Senior Health Summit committee.

Optional blood pressure, hearing screenings and flu vaccines will also be available. The Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills will offer free flu shots for those with Medicare Part B cards, or $30 for Medicare HMO members.

The event, developed to empower, educate and engage seniors in the Somerset Hills area on use of local health and community resources to promote optimal health and well-being, is sponsored by Atlantic Rehabilitation Institute, Bernards Township Health Department, Bernards Township Recreation, Somerset County Office on Aging, Somerset Hills YMCA, Somerset Medical Center and the Visiting Nurse Association of Somerset Hills.

The Somerset Hills YMCA is a charitable community service organization, rooted in Christian values and dedicated to helping all people grow in spirit, mind and body. We are guided by our core principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.


For more information, please visit http://www.somersethillsymca.org/ or call 908-766-7898.

America on the Move Week
Free Activities for All!

This week, from September 20 – 27th, the Somerset Hills YMCA presents America On The Move Week, bringing a host of appealing and fun activities to anyone and everyone in the community, members and non-members alike, for free!

To wrap up the week’s activities, the Somerset Hills YMCA has planned a community walk from Oak Street School, Saturday September 26th, at 1pm, followed by live music by Jon Zlock and food at the Y. The ‘Get Movin’, Get a Month” promotion will be offered; if anyone becomes a Somerset Hills YMCA member between September 20 – October 4th, and visits the YMCA sixty times in the first six months, a one month credit to membership will be made, worth up to $99. “Our up-to-date expanded facility, extensive variety of programs to suit all ages, qualified experienced staff and strong leadership have enabled the Somerset Hills YMCA to continue to advance its work in helping our community address the growing obesity, chronic disease and health care crisis,” said COO, Zane Moore. “That is why the Somerset Hills YMCA along with other YMCAs across the country, are working to provide supportive environments for community members to adopt healthy lifestyles. America on the Move week can be the first step for individuals looking for a way to get moving.” This year’s America On The Move Week welcomes Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry of Basking Ridge as presenting sponsor, with additional support from Awakened Films; Fischer Family Chiropractic; Action Physical Therapy; Mellas Orthodontics, P.A.; and Somerset Hills Physical Therapy, PC. During America on the Move Week with the YMCA, families and individuals are encouraged to be more active and eat healthier by making smarter food choices. Research by the America on the Move Foundation has shown that making two small daily changes – taking 2,000 more steps (the equivalent of about a mile) and eating 100 fewer calories – can prevent the average annual weight gain of one to two pounds. “Steps” are awarded for actual steps taken during the week as well as equivalents for all other forms of physical activity, such as swimming, biking and dancing, and other group or family activities that promote well-being, such as eating together as a family. Participants are encouraged to report their ‘steps’ to the Y to contribute to the total goal of 10,000,000 combined steps. ‘Steps’ participants can track their “steps” by contacting the Somerset Hills YMCA to request an America on the Move Quick Start Guide with a tracking form and step conversions for common exercises and activities. Each YMCA has set their own step goals with a collective goal of 10 billion steps across the country during this designated week.