YMCA PRESCHOOL INSPIRES YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

Rocky Mount, Va. (March 20, 2017) - The Rocky Mount Baptist Church worked on a youth project over the summer where 18 youth (at VBS) painted crates and tires for the Y Land of Wonder Preschool. The colorful crates are being used in each classroom to hold the children's blocks, puzzles, books, etc. The tires will be used to extend the preschool's vegetable garden outside. 

This is the second year that Land of Wonder Preschoolers helped plant and maintains a garden outside of their playground. They've been learning all about "farm to table" and the importance of farmers, gardening, & healthy eating. 

“We'd like to thank the Rocky Mount Baptist Church Youth Group for reaching out to our preschool and providing us with some beautiful additions for our school! Thanks to the Sweeney Family for delivering these to the Y and to Erin Lynch for coordinating it all!” says Hope Vaccaro Preschool Director with the Y.

The Y Land of Wonder Preschool runs year-round and is open Mon - Fri, 6AM - 6PM. For more information about our preschool (rated as a VA Quality Center) please call 540-489-9622

YMCA OFFERS FREE KNITTING CLUB FOR CHARITY

Rocky Mount, Va. (August 29, 2017) – The Franklin County Family YMCA announced today that its Knitting Club will return this fall and continue through the spring. The group is free to everyone in the community and meets the second and fourth Tuesday every month from 2pm to 5pm at the Y in Rocky Mount. The group is led by master knitter, YMCA member and volunteer Shelia Pierce.

“I really enjoy teaching and passing on my knowledge of knitting.  I have been knitting and crocheting from my childhood, and have taught here in Franklin County for over 20 years,” says Pierce.

The items knitted during the program are donated to a local charity called Adele’s Legacy which gives the clothing items to children in the area. The group will learn to knit scarves, hats and even sweaters. No experience is necessary for someone to join the group and advanced knitters are also welcome.

“We are so happy to be able to offer this program to the community at no charge. Shelia is an excellent instructor and I think people will really enjoy themselves,” says Randy Simpson Fitness Director at the YMCA.

This will be the seventh year the program has been offered at the Y and is set to begin on September 26^th. For more information call 540-489-9622.

 Rocky Mount, Va. (August 22, 2017) – The Franklin County Family YMCA announced today that a long time member and class participant Jessica Mitchell has become the Y’s new Group Exercise Coordinator taking over for Christy Ploch.

“I am honored and thrilled to be the YMCA's new Group Fitness Director. I have big shoes to fill with Christy Plough stepping back from this role. She has been a huge impact on fitness in Franklin County. I have a huge passion for fitness and am elated to share it with our members,” says Jessica Mitchell.

The position consists of managing around 50 classes a week, multiple instructors and certifications as well as coordinating special events and programs for YMCA members. The Y’s group exercise classes are offered weekly at no additional charge to all YMCA members. The classes include Yoga, Zumba, kettlebell classes, bootcamp style classes, low impact classes, even a Moving with Mommy class for new moms and their child.

“We have an amazing group of instructors that all have something different to offer our members. We have classes for all levels and all ages. I hope to bring new programs, new classes and put my personal touch on our program. We have a loyal group of members that come to all our classes and it just makes it more fun to work out together. We laugh and push each other while getting healthy! I look forward to new faces that haven't given us a try. You will get hooked, I promise!” says Mitchell.

For more information on the Y’s group exercise schedule call 540-489-9622.

The FRESH Coalition and the Franklin County Family YMCA partnered to host an After Prom event on April 29^th from 11:30pm to 3am. This is the second year the event was offered to Junior and Senior students and their prom dates. The event is designed as a fun, safe and drug/alcohol free alternative for students to attend after they leave prom.

“We were excited to host the event again this year. It’s important for kids to have a safe and fun place to go and enjoy themselves after prom. It’s a special time in the lives of youth and we are so happy to be a part of it,” says Jamie Stump, Child Care Coordinator with the YMCA.

Nationally, statistics show that a third of alcohol related traffic accidents for teens happen during “peak prom season” which is from April to June.  Parents need to be aware of the increased risk of parties with underage drinking and the potential dangers that come with these parties.  Parents should take positive measures to help ensure that these special times are safe and drug free for their teens.   Parents should also be aware that providing alcohol to minors is against the law and allowing underage alcohol consumption on their property is dangerous and illegal, especially for youth.  Binge drinking, consuming 4-5 drinks within two hours, is especially common during times of celebration and is extremely risky for teenagers whose brains are still developing.  In a recent survey of high school students by AAA, 44% said that it was likely they or their friends would consume alcohol or drugs on prom night.  The FRESH Prevention Coalition is hosting this event as a safe opportunity for youth to have fun and celebrate without the need or pressure to include alcohol or other substances.   

“We want teens to feel like they have options for celebrating this exciting time in their life.  It’s great when they realize they can hang out without the need for using alcohol as a crutch to have fun, “ stated Regina Clark, coordinator of the FRESH Coalition. 

FRESH also partnered with the Office of the Sheriff to promote students committing to a safe prom season by signing a “Prom Promise” stating they will commit to being drug and alcohol free during prom.  “A Prom Promise is a great way to promote and commit to a safe prom night for students and it’s a promise they’re making to their friends, family, school, and community.  We care about our kids and want them to be safe,” commented Officer Joe Wooldridge, Student Resource Officer at Franklin County High School.  Students who participated in the prom promise and attended the After Prom Party were entered for a chance a cash prize. 

This year’s event had a live DJ, numerous door prizes including a chance to win a free car, inflatables, donated refreshments from McDonald’s and the Y’s swimming pool will be open. The event is free to all Junior and Senior students and their dates. Doors will be locked at 12:30am so students wishing to attend must arrive before then. 

This past weekend the Franklin County Family YMCA Riptide swim team participated in the Piedmont YMCA Swimming Association’s annual championship meet.  The team overall placed highly and saw several swimmers set meet records.

“We are so proud of the Y’s swimmers. They put a lot of time into training and practicing and it has been great to see them develop and improve over the season,” says J.T. Boyd the Riptide Swim Coach.

A total of 13 swim teams competed in the championship meet from March 3^rd to the 5^th. The Riptide boy's swim team placed 2nd, and the Riptide swim team placed 4th overall, despite having less swimmers than many of the larger teams. Four swimmers were high point winners. High point winners are awarded to the individual who scored the most points in the meet for their respective age group, a total of 12 groups. Allison Teer won high point winner for 13-14 girls, Mallorie Teer won for 11-12 girls, Griffon Lester won high point winner for 6 and under boys and Gabe Lester won for 9-10 boys. Three swimmers also came in second for high point winner, Grayson Altice for 7-8 boys, Levi Wright for 13-14 boys, and Brendan Dow for 15 and older boys. Several swimmers also broke championship swim meet records including Griffon Lester setting a new record for 6 and under boys 100 yard freestyle and Maddox Conley setting a new record for 8 and under 25 yard breaststroke.

The YMCA team which competes year round, has had an exceptional season. Swimmers range in age from 5 to 17 and are taught sportsmanship as well as swimming skills.  The team started back in the late 90’s and has been a part of the Franklin County Y for nearly 20 years. The 2017 season is one of the best in the history of the Y with many swimmers breaking team and meet records.

“It’s incredibly important for the Y’s aquatics center to be available to all in the community,” says Kameron Kitts Aquatics Director with the YMCA. He goes on to say “That’s why we partner with Franklin County Public Schools for the High School Swim Team and the Y’s second grade swim program, with Carilion for aquatic physical therapy and even the Creek Freaks for kayak clinics. But we are especially proud of our Y team and all they’ve accomplished this season and are so grateful to our coach, swimmers, swim parents, volunteers and meet judges.”

The YMCA is currently accepting new swimmers for the program’s spring/summer season which runs from May to July. To join stop by the YMCA in Rocky Mount or for more information call the Y at 540-489-9622.