The Northumberland Family YMCA is hosting a pancake breakfast at Applebee's in Tappahannock on Saturday, August 6th from 7:30 am to 9:30 am. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door. All proceeds will benefit the Strong Communities Program to ensure that no child is turned away due to the inability to pay. Come out at support your Y!  

All proceeds will benefit the Guardian Program, a division of the Strong Communities campaign to ensure that no one is turned away due to inability to pay.

Summer may have just begun, but it won't be long before it's time for school again.  The YMCA is excited to begin preparation for the 2011 Bright Beginnings program.  Bright Beginning is a program that has grown 1500% in just five years in response to community needs and through community support. This program sends children from low-income families back-to-school shopping for the clothes and supplies they need to begin the school year with confidence and pride. The children are paired with their very own volunteer shopper who concentrates on their child's needs for the coordinated and planned shopping trip. August is shopping month; here's how you can help:

• Drop off school supplies at your YMCA
• Volunteer to shop with a child
• Sponsor a child or group of children ($150 per child but all donations are appreciated) Click to make your donation online.

Touchdown! Registration for Youth

Football (Boys Ages 8-13) begins July 4th, and Cheerleading (Girls Ages 6-13) will begin August 1st. Stop by the YMCA office to register or register online at www.peninsulaymca.org. Catch the spirit!

A few spots are also still available for our Summer Camp program (Ages 4years, 9months - 12). Camp kids enjoy swimming, camp games, and weekly field trips. The Summer Camp runs through August 19th. To register, please visit the YMCA office.   

Shirley Haynie & Edith Withers- Volunteers

Also known at the YMCA as "The Twins," Edith Withers and Shirley Haynie have been volunteering for nearly 8 years.  They began serving together on the YMCA Board of Management as members of the Program Development Committee.  Together they have helped with the Bright Beginnings program, promoting the Capital Campaign and are currently co-chairing this year's Annual Dinner Auction event.  Rarely seen apart from each other, this dynamic duo has provided so much to the YMCA and the people of the Northumberland Community. 

YMCA: "Why do you choose to volunteer at the YMCA?" 

Shirley:  "As an educator and parent, I have seen the need for people of all ages have opportunities for wholesome and healthful activities.  The Y is a place where you can develop a healthy lifestyle and have a sense of responsibility- all while making new friends.  Volunteerism is a wonderful way to give back to our home county." 

Edee:  "My summer job during college was serving as a camp counselor for youth.  From an early age I've believed in what the Y offers a community.  When my children were small, we would spend a week with my parents in Chesterfield so the kids could take swimming lessons at the Y.  Several years ago when I heard Northumberland County was planning to organize a YMCA, I was ready to do what I could to make this a reality." 

YMCA: "What role does your Y play in the community?"

Shirley:  "In our rural area, the Y is a focal point and one that encourages good health and building of relationships.  It affords the opportunity for new friends to share interests and talents.  And because of its annual fundraising efforts, it is available to all." 

Edee:  "The Y has the potential to reach people of all ages, economic backgrounds, and all beliefs.  It is for EVERYONE.  Our rural area does not have a variety of organized experiences to improve our health, so we are fortunate the Y is present to take on this role."

YMCA: "What do you see the Y providing 5-10 years from now?"

Shirley:  "I see the YMCA providing programs that are of a wide scope- meeting the needs and interests of our community.  A few years from now we will have a large supporting membership base, and I believe we will be making plans for a covered pool and seeking collaborative opportunities to bring Urgent Care and Physical Therapy agencies to the County." 

Edee:  "I see the YMCA expanding its services, providing a variety of activities to meet the ever changing needs and growing interests of the community.  Our new pool is real plus, and hopefully in 5 - 10 years we'll be making it a year-round indoor pool, if not sooner.  Swimming is a great way to stay healthy, and it's an important skill to have in our waterfront community." 

YMCA : "What do you look forward to most about the new facility?"

Shirley:  "OPENING DAY!!!  I can't wait to see the expressions on everyone's faces.  I'm so excited, I'm simply beside myself. 

Well actually, I'm beside Edee as we do this interview, but you know that I mean." 

Edee:  (through her laughter at Shirley) "I think we all look forward to that.  And the exercise classes, the new friends, the educational programs, watching our children and grandchildren participate in sports, swimming, a cup of coffee by the fireplace in the lobby, cooking classes, the various clubs, a peaceful afternoon by the pool, ballroom dancing, field trips and adventures with friends, seeing new members join, helping create new programs..."

Shirley:  "Edee, are you finished?" 

Edee:  "No, I could go on and on for days about what I'm looking forward to!"

Shirley:  "Me too!" 

For all that you two do, the Y thanks you!