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Merrimack Valley Magazine

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Helping the Children – YMCA Assists Families in Times of Need

September 13, 2021 by Katie Lovett

Ten years ago, Merrimack Valley YMCA staff began serving breakfast and lunch to the participants in their child care programs. Though the agency received U.S. Department of Agriculture reimbursements for families who qualified for meal assistance at school, it chose to provide the meals to all the children who attend the program.

From there, another need was uncovered. Many families relied on the Y to feed their children during the week; but on weekends, those kids struggled to find food in their cabinets. So the YMCA stepped in again.

A program was started in which child care clients went home every Friday with a backpack full of provisions to make weekend meals.

In the decade since those programs began, the organization has continued to add services when food insecurity needs arise, says Merrimack Valley YMCA President and CEO Francis Kenneally. Around 2014, staff began to serve meals to teens in the after-school or evening programs, he says. The YMCA has partnered with Methuen Public Schools’ food services department, which prepares and delivers the meals to the YMCA locations, where they are distributed by staff. 

Five years ago, the YMCA found a way to further assist the community when it opened a food pantry at the Lawrence location. The service was used by people coming into the YMCA, and by the men living on the top floors of the building. Still today, clients can pick up a bag of food.

“It was a nice program — it was a modest program,” Kenneally says. Members of the community donate food items such as canned goods, and the YMCA works with the Merrimack Valley Food Bank to secure milk, perishable items and proteins.

 

MV YMCA Food workers
Merrimack Valley YMCA Executive Director Joe Agosto (right) stands with Vidal Dominguez and Ana Molina.

When a crisis strikes

In September 2018, when the Merrimack Valley was hit by explosions and fires from pressure in the gas lines, the humble food pantry suddenly was in great demand. 

Once again, the YMCA staff thought about how it could help.

The organization’s locations in Andover, Lawrence and Methuen were opened to residents without heat and in need of shower and bathroom facilities. The pantry began distributing food twice a week. At its peak, it was serving about 500 people, a sharp increase from the 50-200 it helped before the gas explosions.

When the pandemic arrived in March 2020 and the YMCA saw a spike in the need for assistance, it implemented lessons learned during the 2018 crisis.

With regular operations closed, the YMCA supplemented other meal programs in the area by also providing food to people impacted by COVID-19. 

The Merrimack Valley YMCA also opened space in its facilities for children needing a place to complete remote learning.

At the Lawrence location, staff began offering “grab-and-go” meals each weekday. At the height of the pandemic, a line circled around the building. 

A couple hundred visitors were able to get a meal each weekday, as well as groceries from the pantry, which staff stocked with increased donations. The YMCA held “pop-up food drives” as neighborhoods rallied to fill vehicles with food.

“It was a huge success,” Kenneally says. 

The daily meals still continue and will for the foreseeable future. “Right now,” he says, “we have no intention of stopping them.” 

The Merrimack Valley YMCA in Methuen serves as a distribution site for the Greater Boston Food Bank’s mobile food market. Since May 2020, the food bank has dropped off 11,000 pounds of food once a month that staff organizes into grocery bags for members of the public to come and take. The groceries include fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and dry goods.

Hundreds of cars line up on distribution day, Kenneally says. The program is scheduled to continue until the end of the year, but Kenneally says the YMCA would certainly be willing to continue serving as a drop-off site if the food bank chooses to do so.

A weekday hot meals program is currently being offered at the Andover location through a grant from Groundwork Lawrence.

“We are looking for additional funding to be able to keep that going,” Kenneally says. 

MV YMCA Food Bank recipient
During the pandemic, the organization shifted to help provide food services to vulnerable area populations. This follows a long tradition of serving meals to the children who attend their program.

Remote learning space

As the 2020-2021 school year began and many students were heading back to class in a remote or hybrid environment, the Merrimack Valley YMCA repurposed portions of its facilities in Andover, Lawrence and Methuen for use by students who needed a place to go during the school day.

About 250 children took advantage of the setup, Kenneally says. Staff was present to help proctor students and troubleshoot technology problems.

Like every other organization, the YMCA was impacted financially when the pandemic struck and its operations stopped, Kenneally says, but staff are proud of how they were able to continue to meet its mission.

“We’re really proud of being able to do that,” he says.    

Merrimack Valley YMCA
Andover, Lawrence and Methuen

(978) 725-6681
MVYMCA.org

Filed Under: Community, Health & Wellness Tagged With: andover, FoodInsecurity, hunger, lawrence, Methuen, MVYMCA, pandemic, pantry, YMCA

Strong Fashion

March 6, 2020 by Lysa Pelletier

 

Style Editor: Lysa Pelletier – Anchor Artists

Photography: Susan Walker – Elia Photography, Manchester, N.H.

Model: Ava Mazzei

Hair & Makeup : Britney Nener-Plante – Robert Jason Salon, Andover, Mass.

Shot on Location at the Merrimack Valley YMCA, Andover, Mass.

 

 

Chic Consignment
Andover, Mass.
(978) 474-1755
ChicConsignment.com

Consignment Bridal & Prom
North Andover, Mass.

(978) 203-7009
ConsignmentBridalProm.com

Dani Kaye
North Andover, Mass.
(978) 341-4200
DaniKaye.com

Edit Shoe & Style Lounge
Newburyport, Mass.

(978) 971-8217
EditStyleLounge.vip

Sole Amour
Andover, Mass.
(978) 409-1541
Winchester, Mass.
(781) 721-5300
SoleAmour.com

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: dresses, Merrimack Valley YMCA, Spring Dresses, Spring Fashion, Strong Fashion, YMCA

A Guide to 2018 Area Summer Camps

March 13, 2018 by Doug Sparks Leave a Comment

Sponsored

Brooks School Summer Programs

Established in 1971, Brooks School Summer Programs has earned the reputation as New England’s leader in summer programs. The historic 251-acre campus on the shores of Lake Cochichewick in North Andover bustles with young campers, academically focused students, aspiring leaders, young robotic engineers and computer programmers. More than just a summer camp, Brooks is the flexible option offering day camp, summer school, STEM opportunities, computer-based camps, and teen leadership development. In addition to extended day services, convenient transportation throughout the Merrimack Valley and North Shore makes Brooks the perfect option to accommodate working parents and busy schedules. Summer programs operate from June 25 through August 17, 2018, with various session start and end dates. Whether you choose to spend one or all eight weeks, children ages 4–18 create memories and partake in life-changing experiences. Be part of this 47-year tradition. Your summer begins at Brooks.

North Andover, Mass.  l  (978) 725-6253  l  Summer.BrooksSchool.org

 

 

 

Camp Evergreen

Founded by the Loscutoff family in 1964, Camp Evergreen has rustic country charm to spare. In addition to being surrounded by nearly 3,000 acres of beautiful state forest, the 53-year-old Andover community linchpin rests where an old farm once was — and its buildings are still in use by the camp today. If your kids have some trouble “unplugging,” this is the place for them: with ponds, marshes and woods to explore on all sides, they won’t have time to think about cell phones or video games. Of course, they’ll also get to enjoy a whole host of traditional camp activities including arts and crafts, drama, woodshop, horseback riding, boating … and more sports than you can shake a stick at! Plus, daily Red Cross swimming lessons from trained water safety instructors ensure your little ones are right at home in the camp’s two huge pools. Perhaps best of all, you can rest assured knowing that the camp’s 1:5 staff-to-camper ratio is among the best in the region.

Andover, Mass.  l  (978) 475-2502  l  CampEvergreen.com

 

Merrimack Repertory Theatre’s Young Company

MRT’s Young Company is a professional theatre training program for high school students interested in all aspects of performing arts and new play development as a career. Nationally recognized playwrights, actors, and directors will work closely with students to develop their own voice in their scripts and learn about performing improv, musical theatre, and modern approaches to acting and auditioning. Young Company is designed to prepare students for college theatre programs and careers in the field. Students of all experience levels welcome! Summer program: For students entering grades 9–12, July 16 – August 3, Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.

                                                                                  Lowell, Mass.  l  (978) 654-7567  l  MRT.org/YoungCompany

 

 

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Filed Under: Community, Travel Tagged With: 2018, academy of norte dame, brooks summer camp, Camp, camp evergreen, cedar land, directory, guide, hyde's summer leadership challenge, Mcc, Merrimack Valley YMCA, merrohawke, Middlesex Community College, MRT, pingree, pingree day camp, SHED children campus, summer camp, summer camps, YMCA

The Newly Expanded Andover/North Andover YMCA

July 30, 2016 by Scott Shurtleff Leave a Comment

For many, the inevitable arrival of summer means lots of hours spent in the ocean, lake or backyard pool. Whether the season brings summer camp, family outings or work-hooky beach days, good swimming skills are essential for maximum fun and safety. For newcomers to the water, swimming abilities can be honed in the offseason at the newly expanded Merrimack Valley YMCA facility in Andover, which recently added a third indoor pool.

But the vastly enlarged facility offers much more than swimming. The building, which is located in Andover on the North Andover border, boasts several state-of-the-art exercise studios. Various workouts, including Zumba, yoga and the challenging TRX, were all available in the YMCA’s old building, but now each has its own dedicated room. (In the past, space was shared and converted depending on usage.)

The building is so large now (100,000 square feet) that Andover/North Andover Executive Director Alex Turek says, “It enhances the workout experience, just walking from one place to another.”

Despite its size, the entire establishment is thoughtfully laid out. Turek says the child care areas and after school programs that once were scattered haphazardly around the building are now centrally located in a secure area near the main entry. Also new is the sprawling senior center, which allows for casual activities and direct access to the main workout areas. There are five locker rooms now, greatly easing the overcrowded conditions of the past. Even the parking lot has grown. Surprisingly, the smallest growth has been in the cost of membership.

Andover/North Andover YMCA executives finally get a calm moment after more than a year of renovations at the Andover facility. Alex Turek (left), executive director; and Jim Kapelson, vice president of marketing & membership, are part of a dedicated team who promote and maintain the massive new structure. Photo by Kevin Harkins.
Andover/North Andover YMCA executives finally get a calm moment after more than a year of renovations at the Andover facility. Alex Turek (left), executive director; and Jim Kapelson, vice president of marketing & membership, are part of a dedicated team who promote and maintain the massive new structure. Photo by Kevin Harkins.

“Of course fees have naturally increased,” says Marketing Vice President James Kapelson. “Existing members have a brief grandfathered period before being subjected to the newer rates, which are still quite reasonable given the amount and quality of services.”

Membership dues alone did not pay for the $22 million expansion. Turek credits fundraising efforts that date back several years, along with tax-exempt bond financing. To help with repayment, a large part of the building has been leased to Lawrence General Hospital, which has established a rehabilitation therapy clinic on the site.

And, in what might seem like a minor miracle, the Andover/North Andover YMCA’s main building managed to stay open throughout the two years of construction. “[We have] patient members,” Turek says.

The Andover/North Andover YMCA is not unlike any of the other 2,700 YMCAs across the country. None of the Young Men’s Christian Associations are exclusively for the young, or for men, or for Christians. Although differing in features and splendor, all adhere to diversity inclusion, community standards and the obligatory three guiding principles that are symbolically displayed on the organization’s logo: The red triangle symbol represents body, mind and spirit; all of which can be challenged and honed within.

Despite being updated with trendy training apparatuses and high tech learning centers, the newly expanded Andover/North Andover Y continues to offer traditional features and programs. Free weights and basketballs are as ubiquitous as ever, as are the cardio machines, which are spread out over a vast tract of the old gym, which has been modernized with new air conditioning.

The YMCA’s popular summer camps are also still offered, including day trips to family spots and weeklong getaways to camps on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. All summer camp programs are sponsored and organized by all of the YMCAs under the Merrimack Valley YMCA umbrella, including Andover/North Andover YMCA, Lawrence YMCA and Methuen YMCA. Members of each are also welcome to use the facilities at all three locations.

The main level fitness center offers separate workout rooms. The recently completed project also features areas for children and seniors and a physical therapy clinic, which is an extension of Lawrence General Hospital’s outpatient rehab program. Photo by Kevin Harkins.
The main level fitness center offers separate workout rooms. The recently completed project also features areas for children and seniors and a physical therapy clinic, which is an extension of Lawrence General Hospital’s outpatient rehab program. Photo by Kevin Harkins.

The Andover/North Andover YMCA’s new structure wraps around its original building, seamlessly enveloping it on three sides. Harvey Construction of Bedford, N.H., performed the bulk of the work, but when asked about the finished facility, rather than discussing the highlights and challenges of the job, project manager Anne Dodd says, “The wows and smiles are my favorite part.”

YMCA employees have noticed a profound increase in activity since the new building opened. “We are a lot busier around here now, and not just with those walking through the door,” says Andover/North Andover Welcome Center Coordinator Linda Comeau. “The new online registration feature, for camps and classes, is still working out some bugs. So, we are on the phone answering questions.”

YMCA member Aram Smith of Andover loves the new facility. “There is so much more space and workout options. Plus, even with the new rates, it is such a good deal for all that you get,” he says.

One new feature at the Andover/North Andover YMCA is the Active Science program, coordinated with nearby Merrimack College. The nationally implemented health-monitoring system studies the physical activities of school children and then compiles the data to learn the effects of exercise on the learning process.

 

For more information about joining the Andover/North Andover YMCA, visit MVYMCA.org or call (978) 685-3541.

 

Filed Under: Community Tagged With: andover, North Andover, YMCA

Merrimack Valley YMCA

360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843
Website
Directions
(978) 725-6681
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Merrimack Valley YMCA

The Merrimack Valley YMCA is a charitable, non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the diverse communities it serves. The YMCA offers a large range of services, programs and benefits through each of the branches and camps: making the Merrimack Valley YMCA an organization rich in cultural, social and economic diversity. At the Y, strengthening community is the overriding cause, working to ensure that everyone — regardless of age, income or background — has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Administrative Offices / 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 270 / Lawrence, Mass. / (978) 725-6681 / MVYMCA.org Andover/North Andover YMCA / 165 Haverhill Street / Andover, Mass. / (978) 685-3541 Lawrence YMCA / 40 Lawrence Street / Lawrence, Mass. / (978) 686-6191 Methuen YMCA / 129 Haverhill Street / Methuen, Mass. / (978) 683-5266 Camping Services Office / 360 Merrimack Street, Suite 270 / Lawrence, Mass. / (978) 975-1330  
Address
360 Merrimack Street, Lawrence, MA 01843
Website
Directions
(978) 725-6681

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