About
Press Releases
For recent YMCA in the News articles, click here.

Please click the release title for details. For additional information, please contact Jenna Meyers, our Communications Coordinator.

Jenna Meyers
(757) 275-9443
jmeyers@ymcashr.org
June 2008
  • Area Teen to Participate in Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach Participant Selection Process at Kansas State
    Virginia Beach - Trip Bose, 14, from The First Tee of Hampton Roads YMCA will travel to Manhattan, Kansas to compete for an opportunity to play in the Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach in August. Bose is one of 90 boys from The First Tee learning facilities worldwide who will take part in The First Tee selection process at Kansas State University and Colbert Hills Golf Course, July 14-18.
  • Local Teen to Attend The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy
    Virginia Beach - Elisa Trent, 14, from The First Tee of Hampton Roads YMCA has been selected to attend The First Tee Life Skills and Leadership Academy in Manhattan, KS. The academy takes place July 8-15 at Colbert Hills Golf Course and Kansas State University. Elisa was selected among over 100 teenagers, ages 13-17, from The First Tee golf learning facilities around the world to participate in the academy experience.
May 2008
  • Taylor Bend Family YMCA Opens New Outdoor Aquatic Center
    Western Branch - Memorial Day weekend heralds the beginning of the summer heat, but the Taylor Bend Family YMCA is ready to help Western Branch and North Suffolk residents stay cool with a new resort-style outdoor aquatic center. The new center, which is scheduled to open on Saturday, May 24 from 10 am | 6 pm, includes a splash park, kiddie wading pool with spray toys and a toddler slide, bathhouse, picnic pavilion and an activity pool for families.
  • Local YMCAs Welcome Active Older Adults with Open House
    Hampton Roads - From Baby Boomers to retirees, the YMCA is celebrating active Older Adults with an Open House for ages 55 and older from 8 am - noon on Wednesday, May 28. All YMCA of South Hampton Roads family centers will offer free functional fitness assessments, blood pressure tests, chair exercise demos, healthy snacks and more during the event. Open House visitors can also participate in any YMCA activity they wish and pay no joining fee should they decide to join the YMCA that day.
April 2008
  • Local YMCAs Urge Kids and Families to "Put Play in Their Day"
    Hampton Roads - Hundreds of children and families from across coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina are expected to celebrate YMCA Healthy Kids Day on April 26.  An opportunity for youth and adults to “Put Play in their Day,” this special event uses free, fun, engaging and creative activities to encourage people of all ages to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle.
March 2008
  • Dee Carpenter Selected for Top YMCA Volunteer Honor
    Norfolk - With a record of unparalleled leadership in the YMCA, serving as Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee, Vice Chairman, Chairman elect, Chairman of the $39 million Imagine the Possibilities Campaign and now beginning his third year as Chairman of the Metropolitan Board of Directors, Dee Carpenter is a driving force for community change.
February 2008
  • Norfolk Family YMCA Will Bear the Name of Longtime Friend and Supporter
    Norfolk - Ed Lee, Regional Vice President and Branch Executive of the newly named S. Frank Blocker, Jr. Family YMCA in Norfolk, was a young YMCA intern when he first encountered the man whose generosity to the YMCA has become legend. gI first heard him speak at a board meeting twenty-six years ago. I was in awe of him then, and I still am now,h says Lee. gFrank Blocker is an amazing man. He's a rock.h Blocker's recent gift of $3 million to the YMCA's Imagine the Possibilities campaign is a case in point.
  • YMCA of South Hampton Roads Honors Local Volunteers for Service to Youth
    Norfolk - A positive focus on the future coupled with hard work and determination paid off for John Marconyak. Selected from a pool of 72 applicants to be one of the 55 members of The First Tee Scholar | Class of 2008, John is now eligible to apply to any of the programfs participating schools for Leadership Scholarships and could complete his college education for free depending on which school he attends.
January 2008
  • Local Teen Given Distinction as a First Tee Scholar
    Virginia Beach - A positive focus on the future coupled with hard work and determination paid off for John Marconyak. Selected from a pool of 72 applicants to be one of the 55 members of The First Tee Scholar | Class of 2008, John is now eligible to apply to any of the programfs participating schools for Leadership Scholarships and could complete his college education for free depending on which school he attends.
  • Maintain Momentum for Your New Year's Resolution with These Simple Steps
    Hampton Roads - Entering a new year, an estimated 45-50% of Americans make resolutions because we all see an opportunity for a fresh start. We hope to become more rounded and healthy individuals and "better" people in the New Year.  So itfs frustrating to acknowledge that about 37% of us will give up on our resolutions by March 1 and more than half by the end of June.  But the YMCA of South Hampton Roads knows a lot about staying healthy in gspirit, mind and bodyh and so, offers these suggestions for keeping your resolutions in 2008:
November 2007
  • YMCA of South Hampton Roads Named Community Change Agent
    Hampton Roads - Well known for community impact, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads was recently named "Community Change Agent" by the Consortium for Infant and Child Health (CINCH) for keeping local youth healthy.
  • Strong Families are at the Center of Strong Communities
    Hampton Roads - Between work, school and other obligations, it can be a real challenge to carve out family time, which is why the YMCA is encouraging Hampton Roads families to spend time together during the Thanksgiving holiday, as part of National Family Week.
  • Maximize Your Tax Benefits
    Hampton Roads - The end of the year is a great time for giving.  When you make a donation to the YMCA's We Build People annual giving campaign, you are giving more than just money - you're supporting the YMCA's core values and helping secure the YMCA's vision of building strong communities.
  • The Hottest Fitness Gifts for 2007
    Hampton Roads - Find motivation for yourself or the fitness-minded people on your holiday gift list with these fitness toys and tools.
October 2007
September 2007
July 2007
  • Norfolk Family YMCA "In Good Hands" with Allstate Grant
    Norfolk - Volunteering as a YMCA teen basketball coach wasnft enough to satisfy Allstate agent and YMCA member Mike Sanoba.  However, his donation of a $500 Allstate gAgency Hands in the Communityh grant to the YMCA of South Hampton Roads helps. 
April 2007
  • Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation Helps the YMCA Keep their Doors Open to all
    Elizabeth City, NC - More local children, families and older adults will be able to find "the energy within" thanks to Piedmont Natural Gas Foundation's grant of $2,000 to the Albemarle Family YMCA.  The grant will provide funding for Open Doors, the YMCA's financial assistance program, which helps ensure that everyone in the community has access to YMCA programs and services such as water exercise, fitness programs and social activities.
  • YMCA Prayer Luncheon brings "The Most Important Coach in America" to Founders Inn
    Virginia Beach - Former Baltimore Colts player, Coach Joe Ehrmann, will speak on the importance of teaching boys that success should be measured in terms of relationships at the 13th Annual YMCA Prayer Luncheon on Thursday, May 31.  Beginning at noon, friends and neighbors will join together at the Founders Inn for an hour of fellowship and prayer.
  • Local YMCAs Urge Kids and Families to "Put Play in Your Day"
    Hampton Roads - Hundreds of children and families from across coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina are expected to celebrate YMCA Healthy Kids Day on April 14.  An opportunity for youth and adults to gPut Play in their Day,h this special event uses free, fun, engaging and creative activities to encourage people of all ages to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle.
February 2007
  • Well-known Albemarle Native Selected for Top YMCA Volunteer Honor
    Elizabeth City - Matt Wood, an Albemarle native, knows how to multi-task.  His countless roles throughout the Albemarle community require it.  In addition to co-owning Albemarle Propane and running George Wood Farms with his family, Wood is a Pasquotank County Commissioner, District Chair of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, Treasurer for the Centennial Authority, College of Albemarle board member, Elizabeth City Rotary Club member, Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce board member, is involved with the Albemarle Economic Development Commission and serves as Board Chair for the Albemarle Family YMCA.   
  • Local Volunteers Awarded Service to Youth Award
    Norfolk - Whether a coach, board member, or just a caring member of the community, local YMCA volunteers were celebrated for being the hearts and souls of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads during the YMCA's Annual Meeting at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott on January 25. The following volunteers, who played a vital role in the development of local youth this past year, were honored with a YMCA Service-to-Youth Award. 
  • Father and Son Return the Warmth to local Children with Recycling Project
    Great Bridge - As an Environmental Coordinator at Great Bridge Intermediate, John Sammons knew his two month commitment to collect discarded plastic bottles for the gReturn the Warmthh program would be well worth keeping local children warm during the cold winter.  He also knew his students and father, would be willing to help, but he didn't know just how many people would become involved before the project was over.
January 2007
  • Taylor Bend Family YMCA Helps Grant Wish for Chesapeake Child
    Chesapeake - Even though he can't talk, you can look into Noah Mosley's big blue eyes and know he has a lot to say.  This sweet 6 year-old little boy, who loves Dr. Seuss and bright colors, has quite a story already | but it's about to get even more exciting  
  • Mercantile Peninsula Bank Helps YMCA Imagine the Possibilities with gift of $25,000
    Onley - With a $25,000 contribution to the YMCA's Imagine the Possibilities comprehensive campaign, Mercantile Peninsula Bank is helping local families do more than imagine new ways to have fun and stay healthy.  The contribution will assist with the development of a Family Fun Zone at the Eastern Shore Family YMCA, located on Lankford Highway.  
  • Make New Year's Resolutions A Family Affair
    Hampton Roads - As millions of Americans tackle the annual ritual of making New Yearfs resolutions, the nationfs YMCAs are encouraging families to put a new twist on an old custom and make resolutions for 2007 together as a family.   YMCAs have worked for more than 150 years to build strong families and see every day the power of a supportive community and family in achieving goals.
December 2006
  • A Match Made in Heaven
    Nags Head, NC - In an effort to ensure the future of children and family programs on the Outer Banks, the Outer Banks Family YMCA has teamed up with the Outer Banks Community Foundation to establish an endowment fund at the community foundation. The fund was established with seed money of $2,800 from the YMCA along with an initial gift of $1,000 from the Shirley and David Doran Memorial Fund at the community foundation.
  • Sallie Mae Financial Honors Local High School Football Players
    Chesapeake Bay/Eastern Shore - Sallie Mae Financial will honor local high school football players and award area schools funding for athletic programs at the fifth annual Most Valuable Player Awards Banquet on December 13.  Guest speaker, Vince Papale, a former Philadelphia Eagles Special Team Captain will share the inspirational story of his athletic career, which was recently depicted in the feature film gInvincibleh.
November 2006
  • Turkey Burn-off Activities at the YMCA Open to Local Residents
    Virginia Beach - As a premier health and fitness destination the YMCA of South Hampton Roads is ready to help local residents burn off the extra calories they consume during traditional Thanksgiving festivities with Turkey Burn-off events at two Virginia Beach YMCA facilities.
October 2006
  • Albemarle Family YMCA Makes a SPLASH for Swim Safety
    Elizabeth City, NC - In an effort to prevent drowning in the Elizabeth City area, the Elizabeth City Foundation has made a gift of $20,000 to fund the All Kids Swim program at the Albemarle Family YMCA.  The program will provide free swimming instruction for every kindergarten student in the Elizabeth City Pasquotank School system program.
September 2006
  • YMCA of South Hampton Roads Leads Local Fight Against Obesity
    Hampton Roads - Today, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads encouraged residents of coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina to join YMCAs nationwide in taking gsmall stepsh to promote active living and healthy eating. Community members are invited during the week of September 23-30, to come to the YMCA to begin to track their steps from a variety of activities taken either at home, at the YMCA or elsewhere during the week. The goal for America On the Move Week at the YMCA is to reach one billion steps across the country during this designated week.
August 2006
  • Eastern Shore Family YMCA Expands to Northampton County
    Northampton County - The Eastern Shore Family YMCA is expanding its services to meet the needs of the Northampton County with Eastern Shore Family YMCA at Eastville, a new satellite fitness center located at Northampton High School.
  • YMCA Keeps Children Active As They Head Back-to-School
    Hampton Roads - As kids across South Hampton Roads head back to school\to sitting at their desks for six or more hours a day\it is critically important that parents find additional ways for their children to stay active before, during and after-school. Experts agree that school-age children need to be moderately to vigorously active for a minimum of 60 minutes a day. While increased focus on academic testing has prompted many organizations to focus their after-school programming solely on academics, the alarming rise in childhood obesity and the elimination of physical education at many schools, make it increasingly important for parents to strike a balance between academic enrichment and playful, recreational activities for their children before, during and afterschool.
  • YMCA and America On the Move Launch STEPtember Initiative
    Boston - Today, America On the Move Foundation(R) (AOM) and YMCA of the USAfs Activate America(TM) initiative announced a national partnership to motivate and mobilize thousands of Americans to take small steps toward a healthier lifestyle. This partnership kicks off with this fallfs SteptemberSM campaign, a month long celebration which will encourage all Americans to visit their local YMCAs and to participate in America On the Move programs.
  • Outer Banks Family YMCA Helps Manteo Children Stay Safe Around the Water
    Nags Head, North Carolina - The proximity of water in the Outer Banks region makes learning to swim not just a matter of recreation, but also health and safety. The importance of water safety instruction for local youth was amplified last year when an 8 year-old Manteo boy drowned in the sound.
  • Local Teen Selected to Play in Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach
    Virginia Beach - Forty juniors from The First Tee facilities worldwide, including local teen John Knight-Marconyak, have been selected to play in the third-annual Wal-Mart First Tee Open at Pebble Beach. The 30 boys and 10 girls were among 90 participants who took part in The First Tee Participant Selection Process at Kansas State University and Colbert Hills Golf Course, July 22-26. The First Tee Participant Selection Process is exclusive to participants in the program and evaluates their playing ability and comprehension of the life skills and core lessons learned through the program.
June 2006
  • The First Tee of Hampton Roads Receives $35,000 Grant from the USGA
    Quinby, Virginia - The United States Golf Association (USGA) recently awarded The First Tee of Hampton Roads YMCA a $35,000 grant to help support the new Upshur Neck Farms, Eastern Shorefs Junior Golf programs for all children in Accomack and Northampton Counties. Through its Grants Initiative, the USGA and The First Tee bring the game of golf to young people and individuals throughout the country.
May 2006
  • Free training and good cause prompts runners to lace up for the We Build People 8K on July 4th
    Virginia Beach - Veteran and rookie runners of all ages are taking advantage of the free twice weekly training with a YMCA Fitness Coach available at Mt. Trashmore Park in preparation of the We Build People 8K, 1 Mile Run and ¼ Mile Tot Trot. The training sessions, which run through June 29 on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., are for youth and adults who want to train for a 1 Mile or 8K walk/run.
  • YMCA Acquires Lifestyle Center
    Chesapeake - Chesapeake Health and the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, two local not-for-profit organizations, are working together to expand the health, fitness and recreational services available in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake and Northern Suffolk communities. Beginning July 1, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads will assume ownership of the Lifestyle Center in Western Branch, located on Taylor Road.
April 2006
March 2006
February 2006
January 2006


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