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Press Releases |
For recent YMCA news articles, click here.
Please click the release title for details. For additional information, contact our Communication & Design Director:
Brendan Ash
(757) 275-9443
bash@ymcashr.org |
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September 2011
- YMCA President and CEO Announces Retirement
Norfolk, September 30 –The YMCA of South Hampton Roads announces that President and CEO Charles E. Harris plans to retire September 1, 2012.
Harris has been employed by the YMCA for 42 years, and has served as President and CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads for 22 of those years.
“The YMCA celebrates Chuck’s career,” says Walter R. Potter, the YMCA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors. “Since Chuck’s leadership began in 1989, so much has been accomplished as a team. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads moved from 38,000 members and participants to now serving over 200,000 people in our community annually.”
Throughout his tenure, Harris has witnessed a great deal of growth and success.
With more than 51 locations in 66 communities, our local association, once a small YMCA in an underserved market, is now the 20th largest Y in North America. Expanding our service area from the Eastern Shore of Virginia to Northeastern North Carolina has made it possible for the Y to have an enduring impact in areas where Y services are needed.
In 1998, Harris’s vision of building the first resident camp in the commonwealth of Virginia became a reality when the YMCA purchased beachfront property on the Eastern Shore. YMCA Camp Silver Beach continues to offer youth outdoor adventure and life skills, serving almost 2000 campers each summer.
One of Harris’s proudest accomplishments is the growth of the We Build People annual giving campaign during his time as President and CEO. In 2010, the Y raised over 2.1 million dollars to make membership and programs affordable to men, women and children of all ages.
A search committee will work with staff from YMCA of the USA, the national resource office for YMCAs, to find Harris’s successor.
June 2011
- Local Teens from The First Tee of Hampton Roads make national headlines
Pebble Beach, CA, July 5-10, 2011 -
Elisa Trent, 18, from The First Tee of Hampton Roads has been awarded an exemption to play in Nature Valley-The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach on July 5-10th. The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach will feature 78 Champions Tour players and 78 junior golfers ages 15-18 from The First Tee Chapters from around the country. Elisa will have the opportunity to play Pebble Beach and Del Monte Golf Club during her time out at the Monterey Peninsula as well as rubbing elbows with many great PGA Players from the Champions Tour.
James Ogletree, 13, will represent The First Tee of Hampton Roads at The First Tee 2011 Life Skills and Leadership Academy at Arizona State University, August 3-9, 2011. James is one of 96 participants representing 83 Chapters of The First Tee.
- YMCA Independence Day 5k Walk/Run, 1-Mile Run and ¼-Mile Tot Trot and Pump N’ Run Competition
Virginia Beach, July 4 – Runners of all ages and abilities are invited to join us at 7:30 am at the Mt. Trashmore Family YMCA for the 27th Annual July 4th We Build People 5K, 1-Mile, 1/4 Mile Tot Trot and Pump N' Run. By participating in this event you are assisting others in your community with Child Care, Swim Lessons, Health and Wellness programs, Youth and Teen activities, Older Adult programs and Summer Camp.
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May 2011
- “Splish Splash” Program At The Y Offers Free Swim Lessons to At-Risk Youth
Virginia Beach, May 25 – Having confidence in the water is crucial in a community near the water like Hampton Roads. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads will offer eight 30-minute swim lesson classes to at-risk youth from several elementary schools in Virginia Beach. The swim lessons are being given to participants of the YMCA Early Discoveries program.
- Wells Fargo Advisors and The First Tee of Hampton Roads present "Dottie Pepper"
Virginia Beach, June 20-21 – The First Tee of Hampton Roads is proud to present Dottie Pepper, an event benefiting The First Tee of Hampton Roads, its programs and participants. Monday, June 20th, Dottie Pepper will be our guest for a special evening benefiting The First Tee of Hampton Roads. We will begin with an Open House at The First Tee in Virginia Beach, where supporters can tour our beautiful clubhouse, our nine-hole course, and learning facilities. Then, we will gather at Virginia Beach National Golf Club for a dinner and social, where she will speak about her golf career and how golf can impact the lives of children, especially through The First Tee and its programs.
- Local YMCAs Host National Older Adults Day Open House
South Hampton Roads, May 25 – The Y is celebrating older adults with an open house on National Older Adults Day, Wednesday, May 25 from 10am-1pm. All YMCA of South Hampton Roads family centers will offer free blood pressure screenings, nutrition seminars, exercise classes, healthy snacks and more during the event. Open house visitors can also participate in any YMCA activity they wish and those ages 65 and older pay no joining fee should they decide to join the YMCA that day.
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April 2011
- YMCA of South Hampton Roads celebrates Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 30
South Hampton Roads, April 30 – On Saturday, April 30, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads is encouraging all kids and parents in South Hampton Roads, Eastern Shore of Virginia and Northeastern North Carolina to come to the Y for a play date and commit to being active every day. It’s all part of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day™ – the nation’s largest health day for families. The free event will take place at all our family center locations from 10am–1pm and feature activities such as group exercises and family fun. All YMCA of South Hampton Roads family centers will also be hosting an Open House from the hours of 9am-3pm, and participants who decide to join on April 30 will have the joining fee waived.
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February 2011
- YMCA of South Hampton Roads honors volunteers at Annual Dinner Meeting
Norfolk, VA - Whether a coach, board member, or just a caring member of the community, local YMCA volunteers were celebrated for being the heart and soul of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads during the YMCA’s Annual Meeting at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott on January 27. 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.
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November 2010
- 2010 Mistletoe Matchup/Hope Tour Racquetball Tournament
Chesapeake, VA - The YMCA in collaboration with the American Cancer Society is sponsoring the 2010 Mistletoe Matchup/Hope Tour Racquetball Tournament. The tournament is the first weekend of December, starting at 4 pm, Friday, December 3 and running through the weekend, ending Sunday, December 5. The event divisions include Men and Women, as well as Juniors.
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October 2010
- Currituck to hold YMCA Groundbreaking event
North Carolina - The Currituck County Board of Commissioners invites the media and public to join in celebrating the start of construction of the YMCA facility in Currituck. A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 28, 2010 at the YMCA site on Shortcut Rd. in Barco, next to the Cooperative Extension facility.
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September 2010
- The First Tee's Claude King 8th Annual Golf Classic
Virginia Beach - On Monday, October 11, 2010 at 10:30 am, The First Tee of Hampton Roads will host its 8th Annual Claude King Golf Classic at both The Cavalier Golf & Yacht Club and Princess Anne Country Club. This is an excellent opportunity to play and sponsor in a local charity golf event.
All proceeds will help support The First Tee’s mission to impact the lives of young people by teaching life skills and character values through the game of golf. Last year’s sponsors and players rated this tournament as one of the region’s top golf events. If you or your business is interested in supporting The First Tee of Hampton Roads by being a part of the Golf Classic, please contact The First Tee at (757) 563-8990.
- YMCA of South Hampton Roads Hosts America On the Move Day to
Get Local Youth, Families and Older Adults Active
Hampton Roads - The YMCA of South Hampton Roads will host America On the Move Day as part of a national event aimed at supporting kids, adults and families who want to lead a healthy lifestyle, but struggle to do so.
YMCA of South Hampton Roads family centers will offer free family activities for the members and the general public during the event. Events will include a family walk, group exercise class, nutrition activity and other fun family activities that promote healthy living. Additionally, the YMCA will waive the joining fee for those who decide to join the YMCA that day.
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July 2010
- A Brand New Day: The YMCA to Further Community Impact
Washington, DC - For the first time in 43 years, the YMCA has unveiled a new brand strategy to increase understanding of the impact the nonprofit makes in communities. The YMCA has the unique capacity to address many of the challenges facing the nation today. Through its new brand strategy and framework, the nonprofit will extend its reach into communities to nurture the potential of youth and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being and provide opportunities to support neighbors.
- Suffolk Family YMCA School-Age Child Care Expands Services
Suffolk - Beginning this September, the Suffolk Family YMCA will be expanding its current School-Age Child Care services to include programming in the following Suffolk elementary schools: Hillpoint, Mac Benn, Kilby Shores, Mt. Zion, Nansemond Parkway, Driver, Creekside and Northern Shores.
- YMCA Community Services’ Charity Fundraising Event
Norfolk - On Friday, October 8, 2010 from 6:30–9:30 pm the YMCA of South Hampton Roads Community Services is holding its annual fund raising event, Jazz It Up for Kids, at the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in Portsmouth, VA.
- 60 is only a number Celebration
Virginia Beach - On Tuesday, July 13, 2010, with the help of 60 faithful Y members Joanna Rinehart fulfilled her dream to "teach a full pool!" For 13 years, Joanna has taught the Power Aqua class on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4:30-5:30 pm at the Indian River Family YMCA and Tuesday’s event was a celebration of her birthday as well as her dedication and love for the Y.
- YMCA Develops Suffolk Regional Day Camp and Family Center
Suffolk - In June 2010, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads purchased the 55-acre property at 275 Kenyon Road in Suffolk, VA. This purchase was based on our vision to develop a regional camp and family center serving Suffolk, Franklin and the greater South Hampton Roads area in order to enrich the lives of 400
children ages 5–15 per week.
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May 2010
- Local YMCAs Host National Older Adults Day Open House
Hampton Roads - From Baby Boomers to retirees, the YMCA is celebrating older adults with an open house on National Older Adults Day on Wednesday, May 26 from 10 am-1 pm. All YMCA of South Hampton Roads family centers will offer free blood pressure screenings, nutrition seminars, exercise classes, fun with Xerdance, healthy snacks and more during the event. Open house visitors can also participate in any YMCA activity they wish and those age 65 and older pay no joining fee should they decide to join the YMCA that day.
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March 2010
- YMCA of South Hampton Roads Celebrates 125 Years of Service
Norfolk - The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is celebrating its “quasquicentennial”, or its 125-year anniversary. There will be several forthcoming free events, open to the public, throughout the rest of the year in celebration of this milestone.
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February 2010
- YMCA of South Hampton Roads Honors Local Volunteers for Service to Youth
Norfolk - Whether a coach, board member, or just a caring member of the community, local YMCA volunteers were celebrated for being the heart and soul of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads during the YMCA's Annual Meeting at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott on January 28. 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.
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December 2009
- Chrysler Museum partners with YMCA After-School program
Norfolk - The YMCA of South Hampton Roads has partnered with the Chrysler Museum in bringing the
joy of the arts into the lives of children. The current exhibit at the Chrysler Museum on Egyptian
Treasures (running through January 3, 2010) has served as the predominant focus for this pilot program
to provide an enriching, educational opportunity in the lives of Norfolk children participating in the
YMCA’s School-Age Child Care after-school program.
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September 2009
- America On the Move Day
Hampton Roads - On Saturday, September 26, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads will host America On the Move Day as part of a national initiative that is rallying YMCAs across the country to further enhance their service and support to kids, adults and families who want to lead a healthy lifestyle, but struggle to do so.
- YMCA encourages healthy activity in times like these
Hampton Roads - The uncertain economy has put pressure on everyone, and many Americans face unwelcome choices as they balance conflicting financial and personal demands. Which is why now, more than ever, it is important to focus on things we can control--our health and well-being, our family and community.
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June 2009
- Free Golf Exhibition at The First Tee of Hampton Roads YMCA
Virginia Beach - On Monday, July 6, children and adults are invited to watch a golf exhibition at The First Tee of Hampton Roads Virginia Beach location. The exhibition begins at 4 pm and will feature junior golfers, Evan Beck and Brinson Paolini of Virginia Beach as well as local PGA golf professional, Butch Liebler.
- James L. Camp, Jr. Family YMCA to merge with YMCA of South Hampton Roads
Franklin - On July 1 the James L. Camp, Jr. Family YMCA of Franklin will join the YMCA of South Hampton Roads family, enhancing the services of both communities.
- The First Tee of Hampton Roads YMCA "Swings Fore Me"
Virginia Beach - "Swings Fore Me" is a summer golf program, held July 2-August 6, Thursdays, 5:30-7 pm geared toward students, ages 8-12 with intellectual disabilities who would like to experience the game of golf.
- Grand Reopening of Expanded and Renovated Great Bridge/Hickory Family YMCA scheduled for June 20
Great Bridge - For the past few months, the Great Bridge/Hickory Family YMCA has been in the midst of a greatly anticipated expansion and renovation to better serve its members. Facility usage and local demographics have proven the need for the expansion, which has been planned for some time.
- Good Cause Prompts Runners to Lace Up
Virginia Beach - For 25 years, local runners have been lacing up to help provide others in the community with quality Child Care, Swim Lessons, Health and Wellness programs, Youth and Teen activities, Senior programs and Summer Camp.
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May 2009
- YMCA Receives Quality of Life Grant from Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation
Chesapeake - Each year the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation awards grants to non-profit organizations that provide services to individuals living with paralysis. This year the Foundation is proud to announce the Greenbrier Family YMCA as one of the 145 recipients, receiving $6,190 in aid.
- Local YMCAs Host National Older Adults Day Open House
Hampton Roads - From Baby Boomers to retirees, the YMCA is celebrating older adults with an open house on National Older Adults Day on Wednesday, May 27 from 9 am-1 pm. All YMCA of South Hampton Roads family centers will offer free blood pressure screenings, nutrition seminars, exercise classes, fun with Xerdance, healthy snacks and more during the event. Open house visitors can also participate in any YMCA activity they wish and those age 65 and older pay no joining fee should they decide to join the YMCA that day.
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April 2009
- Greenbrier Family YMCA Outreach Program Gets Broadlawn Youth Active
Chesapeake - The YMCA sets a high standard with its mission to serve all - regardless of age, faith, race or income, but that's exactly what is happening at the Greenbrier Family YMCA. As part of a community outreach program, the YMCA has adopted the low-income Broadlawn neighborhood to help the area's youth and families learn about health and fitness through engaging activities and educational sessions.
- KidsPriorityOne Launches Redesigned Website for Local Children and Families
Hampton Roads - The recent redesign of www.kidspriorityone.org makes it easier for families on the Southside and Peninsula to find information they need quickly. A program of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads, in partnership with the Kiwanis Children's Council of Hampton Roads, KidsPriorityOne is a free service that helps families find resources in Hampton Roads.
- Local Youth Get Active and Earn Tides Tickets in YMCA Healthy Kids Challenge
Hampton Roads - Sometimes, a little extra motivation is all it takes to get kids to be more active. That's why the YMCA of South Hampton Roads designed the Healthy Kids Challenge for local 8-18 year olds. The idea was simple - be active three times a week, for six weeks to earn free admission to the April 26th Norfolk Tides game.
- Local YMCAs Urge Kids and Families to Get Active and Healthy
Hampton Roads - Children and families across coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina can become active and healthy for free with fun, engaging and creative activities during YMCA Healthy Kids Day on April 25th. A national community outreach event hosted by YMCAs each spring, the event is designed to encourage people of all ages to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle.
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March 2009
- 2009 YMCA of South Hampton Roads Board of Directors
Norfolk - The 2009 YMCA of South Hampton Roads Board of Directors have a lot to accomplish. Announced during the organization's Annual Meeting at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott on January 22, the new board members will provide the leadership necessary for the YMCA to continue extending its comprehensive network of 26 locations throughout coastal Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.
- Virginia Beach Couple Selected for Top YMCA Volunteer Honor
Norfolk - Few couples can rightly claim that they are the parents of 1,000 children. For John and Sherry Atwood, it is a most fitting distinction. Other than their faith and their profound love for each other, they have found nothing more rewarding in their lives than helping children at the YMCA.
- YMCA of South Hampton Roads Honors Local Volunteers for Service to Youth
Norfolk - Whether a coach, board member, or just a caring member of the community, local YMCA volunteers were celebrated for being the heart and soul of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads during the YMCA’s Annual Meeting at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott on January 22. 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.
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February 2009
- YMCA Continues to Adapt to Changing Coummunity Needs, Even In Tough EconomyNorfolk - The uncertain economy has put pressure on everyone, and many Americans face unwelcome choices as they balance conflicting financial and personal demands. Which is why now, more than ever, it is important to focus on things we can control - our health and well-being, our family and community.
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September 2008
- YMCA Community Services Honored for Successful Work with Families
Norfolk - A branch of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads has been named a recipient of the 2008 YMCA of the USA/Annie E. Casey Foundation Families Count: Family Strengthening Award in recognition of its exemplary work strengthening families and children in low-income and at-risk neighborhoods in South Hampton Roads. The YMCA's Community Services branch was one of only five YMCAs across the United States to receive the prestigious award.
- Local Votes Help Shape the Face of Fitness in Hampton Roads
Chesapeake - For the past several months, Presidential candidates have been focused on the "change" they envision. Whether you agree or disagree with those changes, it could take years before they happen. Luckily that is not the case here in Hampton Roads when it comes to the matter of healthy lifestyles and fitness options.
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August 2008
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July 2008
- PepsiCo Awards $2,500 Grant to the Albemarle Family YMCA to Help More Local Families Achieve Healthier Lifestyles
Elizabeth City - PepsiCo, one of the world's largest food and beverage companies, and it's Smart Spot program, a health and wellness initiative, has awarded the Albemarle Family YMCA a grant for $2,500 in support of YMCA Health & Wellness programs related to Activate America(R), a long-term initiative designed to strengthen and promote the YMCA's abilities to help more Americans live healthier lives. This grant is one of 400 that PepsiCo is allocating to YMCAs around the country, for a total gift of $1 million for 2008.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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