News
Tigersharks’ Appleby wins YMCA national title
4/12/2013
Pictured Right: Tigershark swimmer Andrew Appleby warms up before competing at the recent National YMCA Short Course Swimming & Diving Championships in Greensboro, N.C. Appleby won the 100-yard backstroke with a time of 48.23 seconds.
Cuyahoga Falls Riverfront YMCA Tigershark Andrew Appleby can add another title to his impressive swimming career: national champion.
Appleby, 18, of Silver Lake won the 100-yard backstroke with a personal record time of 48.23 seconds April 3 at the National YMCA Short Course Swimming & Diving Championships in Greensboro, N.C.
Appleby, this year’s Division 1 high school state champion in the event, is the first Tigershark to win a YMCA national championship, head coach Dale Craddock said.
“It still seems unreal to me, but it’s a huge honor to be able to win a title for my coaches and the Tigersharks,” Appleby said.
Appleby also finished third in the 200 backstroke (1:47.55), eighth in the 100 butterfly (50.00), and 12th in the 100 freestyle (45.83).“The most important things to me have been having great coaches and teammates, and just loving swimming,” he said. “It makes all the hard work easier. Being goal-oriented helps, too, but you have to always want to achieve more when you hit your goals.”
In addition to his swimming accomplishments, Appleby received the YMCA Outstanding Scholar Athlete Award, presented by Nike Swim. The honor is awarded annually at the YMCA national short course championships “to two young YMCA athletes who stand head and shoulders above the rest of the pack by virtue of attitude, team spirit and dedication to their sport by providing encouragement, inspiration and guidance to those whose lives they touch.”
“We’re very proud of Andrew,” Craddock said. “It was well deserved.”The Cuyahoga Falls High School senior will continue his swimming career with Ohio State University.
Appleby was one of seven members of the Tigersharks swim team who qualified to compete at the national YMCA swimming championships in a relay or individual event. Lauren Heller, 15, of Stow placed 15th in the 200 freestyle with a time of 1:50.72 and 16th in the 100 freestyle in 51.87 seconds.Other Tigersharks competing at the YMCA national championships included Jacob Earle, 18, of Stow; Ryan Hillyer, 18, of Silver Lake; Will Turnbull, 16, of Silver Lake; Eric Vlahos, 18, of Munroe Falls; and Kelsey Wenk, 15, of Stow.
Nordonia Hills YMCA Community Garden Survey
11/16/2012
During this time of Thanksgiving, the Nordonia Hills YMCA would like to thank the community for supporting Y programs and services throughout the year. We are especially grateful to all our donors for supporting our Partners With Youth scholarship campaign, which provides financial assistance to those unable to pay full prices for membership and programs.
The Y is a cause-driven organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of kids, teens, adults and families. We are actively researching the feasibility of creating a community garden on our 30 acres, located at 8761 Shepard Road in Macedonia, OH. You have a voice in determining if this project moves forward by clicking on the link below to complete a garden interest survey.
For more information about the proposed garden project, contact Lisa Gillota at lisag@akronymca.org or call 330-467-8366 x2.
Newsletters
10/1/2012
Memberships At New University Park Y Booming
3/2/2012
The great progress the University Park YMCA has made, has been featured on Ohio.com! Read Akron Beacon Journal writer Jim Carney's article on all that's been accomplished so far
here.
The initial goal was 2,400 membership units by the end of 2011. As of the end of February, the University Park facility had 3,510 membership units, which includes individual members and families and about 800 units from Summa Health System. The number represents more than 7,000 adults and children. By contrast, the Canal Square YMCA had 800 membership units when it closed.
The new building is a “giant, diverse melting pot,” said Doug Kohl, Akron Area Y president and chief executive. “It is as diverse an organization as you ever are going to see.”
Friday @ 5 a boost for University Park YMCA
2/6/2012
On Friday, February 3, 2012 the University Park YMCA along with event sponsor Dr. Geraldine McDonald Carter, Ph.D., LLC hosted the 17th Annual Friday@5 Silent & Oral Auction event at the Portage Country Club in Akron.
Friday@5 participants enjoyed a delicious “grazing” dinner, dessert buffet, beverages and an evening of bidding fun with auction items such as African Safari Adventure, Hilton Head and Orlando condos, a hot air balloon ride, Akron Aeros Loge and much more!
The event has grown over the years as patrons and sponsors recognize the impact they are having on the many kids, teens, adults and families that look to the Y for encouragement, support and opportunities to learn, grow and thrive. This year 213 people attended and total of $34,100 was raised to benefit the Akron Area YMCA’s Partners With Youth Annual Giving Campaign.
Running for Rotary
6/11/2011
Running for Rotary
Anna Thorniley, a senior at Slippery Rock University, kicked off her quest to run 1,000 miles and raise $10,000 in honor of the children at Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs on Saturday, June 11, 2011.
Donations and funds raised for Anna's Running for Rotary initiative will give kids the opportunity to experience a week at camp! Way to go Anna!
Make A Splash Program Makes News
5/8/2011
Make A Splash founder Andrew Appleby was joined by
two-time Olympic gold medalist and former Firestone High School Graduate
Mark Gangloff on Sunday, May 8 to teach a group of kids swimming lessons. The swim lessons took place at the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Natatorium at the University Park YMCA and was featured on
Ohio.com,
Sports Ink, WEWS
NewsNet5.com,
MSNBC,
WTVD and the Akron Beacon Journal! A special thanks to Andrew for being so passionate about our swimming program and Mark Gangloff for making time for the kids! We look forward to helping more kids in our Make A Splash program!
1st Annual Just A Run In The Park
5/8/2011
Firestone Park held their 1st Annual Just A Run In The Park 5k and 1-mile family fun run on Sunday, May 8. Over 150 participants ran through a course incorporating the streets of the famous Firestone Park Shield — South Firestone Boulevard, North Firestone Boulevard and Aster Avenue — to benefit the Akron Area YMCA Partners With Youth Annual Giving Campaign. We are all looking forward to the many more miles to come with our Just A Run In The Park 5k and family fun runs!!
Teen Leaders Clean-Up Barberton
4/30/2011
For the second year in a row, the Teen Leaders Club, Y staff and volunteers came together to help strengthen the community by participating in the 31st Annual Clean-Up Barberton Day! As a group, the teen leaders, Y staff and volunteers met at the Lake Anna YMCA and then headed off to their assigned locations: Downtown Barberton and Lake Anna. We look forward to helping out the Barberton community next year!
Friday@5 in Beacon Journal & West Side Leader
4/1/2011
Going once! Going twice! Sold! University Park and the Akron Area YMCA held their 16th Annual Friday@5 Silent & Oral Auction event at the Portage Country Club to benefit the Partners With Youth Annual Giving Campaign. In 2010, Partners With Youth provided memberships to more than 4,300 kids, teen and families. This year, the Akron Area YMCA hopes to exceed that number through generous donations and continue to provide more youth and families with a Y experience where they can learn, grow and thrive!
Battle of the Bands
3/5/2011
On Saturday, March 5, the Akron Area YMCA and Ripper Owens Tap House called upon all music lovers, young and old, to battle it out at the Cuyahoga Falls High School Auditorium in Cuyahoga Falls. Of the 12 bands who played, six youth bands and six adult bands, the panel of guest judges named Red Letter as the winner of the youth category and Lystrata as the winners in the adult category. As always, we enjoy rockin' out with our local youth and adult bands!
Y-Maiden's Valentine Fundraiser Ball
2/19/2011
On this enchanted day, the Y-Maidens held their 4th Annual Heart to Heart Valentine's Fundraiser Ball where the Voris Community Learning Center was transformed in an enchanted castle and Prince Charming and Cinderella made a special visit. The event was so magical that it was featured in May's Flash section of Akron Life Magazine, Akron Beacon Journal,
Ohio.com and
The Suburbanite! Princesses and princes came from all over the land to enjoy balloon animals, clowns, a DJ, balloon drop and magic show! We look forward to spending another magical evening with our local princesses and princes next year!
Teen Leaders Homecoming and Prom Clothing Drive
2/1/2011
The Teen Leaders Club gave teenage girls the opportunity to experience homecoming or prom by clothing donations of formal dresses, accessories, jewelry, shoes and other offerings. Over 300 dresses were collected for local teen girls and their good deed was featured in the Akron Beacon Journal, Ohio.com, the Barberton Herald and The Suburbanite!
University Park YMCA Progress Featured on Ohio.com
11/30/2010
Click here to view photos of our dedication to providing an exciting, new location to support youth development, build healthy lifestyles and increase social responsibility in Y members and the community.
Akron Area YMCA staff receives training in the exciting MindUP curriculum
8/28/2010
On August 28, 50 Akron Area YMCA staff received training in the exciting MindUP curriculum—an innovative program for youth development and education. This gives our staff a unique advantage in helping our children and teens realize their potential. Developed by The Hawn Foundation in California, MindUP is proven to boost awareness, increase optimism, encourage different viewpoints and build wellness in children. We look forward to helping kids build knowledge and have fun in the process!
Canal Square INSYDE Chapter 1
4/1/2010
The First INSYDE
Here is the first of our updates on Canal Square Y programs as we prepare our transition to the new University Park YMCA, opening in 2011. Although we will not have Summer Day Camps at Canal Square Y this summer, we encourage families to stay active and explore summer camps and programs at all our Akron Area YMCA branches. We are all working together to help you through this transition.
Serving families and the community since 1931, the Canal Square YMCA was the first Akron Area YMCA branch. Developed from the Christian heritage on which the YMCA was founded, we are proud to transition our mission driven programs to the new University Park YMCA. Celebrate with us as we begin a new chapter for our YMCA!
ChildWatch Update
3/5/2010
Nordonia Hills YMCA
Child Watch will be available starting in November for those who sign up in advance.
Must purchase a child watch pass. 8 passes for $15!
YMCA & Future Fitness Club in the News
1/22/2010
Akron Beacon Journal Features Future Fitness Club at Green Family YMCA Dr. Troy Smurawa, a sports medicine physician at Akron Children's Hospital, says his dream is coming true. Kids are improving their fitness with the Future Fitness Club and PE programs at the Green Family YMCA, Riverfront YMCA, Canal Square YMCA and the Voris Community Learning Center.
Click Here to Read the Article
Jackson Teens Saddle Up
1/22/2010
Jackson Teens Saddle Up for Camp Y-Noah Camp Y-Noah's Teen Saddle Club members made a trip to Big Dee's Tack Shop to round up supplies needed by the horses and stables. The teens sponsored several fundraising events earlier in the year to raise the money.
Click Here to Read the Green Suburbanite Article
Riverfront Front Page of COMMUNITY in Akron Beacon Journal
1/12/2010
Kindergarten Enrichment Makes a Splash at Falls YMCA The Akron Beacon Journal featured Riverfront YMCA's Kindergarten Enrichment on the front page of the COMMUNITY section.
Click here to read the article.
Heritage Herald Newsletter V3 I1
9/1/2009
Featured Article: Hearts Heard by the Heritage Club As a Heritage Club Member you know you’re making a difference. You see how your support benefi ts families with mission-driven programs. You hear that your gifts send kids to camp. You feel the impact that your generosity has left on those around you. You believe in the YMCA mission and value it for each of your own reasons. Thank you for choosing to strengthen the YMCA and make it possible to share it with those that may not otherwise have the opportunity.
Download the Complete Newsletter >>
Riverfront 10th Re-Grand Opening
8/21/2009
Riverfront YMCA
Celebrates Anniversary
Jill Kolesar and the staff and volunteers of the RFY celebrated the 10th anniversary of the re-opening of the Riverfront YMCA. Hundreds of people came to hear live music, eat food, play games and generally have a great time right outside the Meadows Family Activity Center overlooking Broad Blvd. The YMCA added 27,000 square feet of program space. This YMCA has been serving the children and families of Cuyahoga Falls and surrounding communities since 1948.
Spring T-Ball and soccer
2/15/2009
Youth Sports T-Ball and Soccer Registration
Call today and register for Spring T-Ball and Indoor Soccer.
T-ball: Ages 4 - 6 (Includes jersey and 10 game season)
Members: $40
Non-members $50Contact Derek Mercer at (330) 923-9622 or
DerekM@akronymca.org for more information
Summer Day Camp Registration
1/16/2009
Summer Day Camp Registrion Begins February 16th, 2009
Nordonia Hills Newsletter
1/13/2009
Have you always wondered why you are the last to hear about the exciting things going on at the Y? Well wonder no more, sign up today to join the Nordonia Hills Newsletter and get monthly updates on all the latest classes, program offerings, member events and more! Sign up today and be a part of something special!
Heritage Herald Newsletter V2 I1
7/1/2007
Featured Article: How Will You Be Remembered? For decades, The Akron Area YMCA has successfully dedicated time and energy to teach children the importance of family values, friendship and partaking in the community. By contributing to the YMCA mission, you as well are tutoring these children towards a better future. Your gifts will be remembered through their smiles and laughter as you watch them grow into successful and caring individuals.
Download the Complete Newsletter >>
Heritage Herald Newsletter V1 I3
9/1/2006
Featured Article: Heritage Club Dinner 2006 More than 70 Heritage Club members gathered at Camp Y-Noah for the 28th Annual Heritage Club dinner. Among the attendees were many former campers and camp staff who enjoyed sharing their favorite camp stories and experiences. The evening was marked with many great reunions and memories, plus a camp tour and delicious cuisine.
Download the Complete Newsletter >>
Heritage Herald Newsletter V1 I2
4/1/2006
Featured Article: The Endowment for Christian Emphasis The Akron Area YMCA Foundation continues to make a difference through “named funds” like the Bucey Fund, established by Wiley, Jr., Randolph and Richard Bucey in memory of their parents, Wiley and Mary Bucey. The Bucey sons grew up in the shadow of the Akron Area YMCA and are deeply rooted in the community of the YMCA for its emphasis on character, integrity and Christian principles.
Download the Complete Newsletter >>
Heritage Herald Newsletter V1 I1
11/1/2005
Featured Article: Securing the Future of the Akron Area YMCA Members of the Heritage Club support the YMCA and preserve its value-based programs by making a planned gift to the Akron Area YMCA Endowment Foundation. Donations can be made in a variety of ways including a bequest in your will, creation of a charitable trust or a gift annuity. Most importantly, gifts can be structured to provide financial security for donors and their heirs while maximizing the impact for the YMCA.
Download the Complete Newsletter >>
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