Fine for now: Head Start has funding
The Meriden YMCA Head Start preschool program will continue to serve children in the city and two surrounding towns, but will no longer have federal support due to the government shutdown that began Tuesday.
Stay up-to-date on the latest news about Meriden YMCA.
CrossFit helps busy mom get back in shape and regain strength
CrossFit is the only work out that has motivated me to leave the house at 5 a.m. and be happy about it. My back feels better than it has in 10 years. It feels good getting my strength back and it’s rejuvenating having time to myself. And it’s efficient. You can get a good work out in 20 minutes.” CrossFit helps me get stronger and it works with my schedule. The 5:15 a.m. class is perfect. It’s an efficient work out.
School Vacation Care available for August 26th and 27th
Looking for child care for the 2 days before school starts? The Y has it.
Destefano’s back and he’s going the distance
Meriden YMCA staff member Derek Destefano is back into running and he's breaking records.
Meriden YMCA STEM Academy Science Director earns prestigious teaching award
Chris Stone's work doesn't end when summer comes. Instead, the fifth-grade teacher at Pond Hill School works with other area teachers to organize Family Science Nights and leads the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Academy.
Stone has been running summer programs since 2000, when the Young Astronauts Club of Wallingford started. In 2005, he started working on the Family Science Nights. Since 2010, STEM-related camps have been running at the Meriden YMCA Mountain Mist Outdoor Center.
Meriden Teachers receive Exemplary Achievement Awards
Congratulations to Heather McDonnell for receiving an Exemplary Achievement Award for the Play and Learn at the YMCA program for children with autism. Congratulations to Meriden YMCA member Gina Rossi for her award for computer programming with Washington Middle School students.
Meriden Catholic Schools Join for Field Day
MERIDEN — Julia Misner and Mckenzie Wrinn, 13, were wringing out their wet clothing from a water balloon toss as they said, together: “This day has been amazing.” Julia, 11, and Mckenzie, 13, are students at St. Joseph School and joined students from St. Stanislaus and Our Lady of Mount Carmel schools for an end-of-the-year field day at Mountain Mist.
Meriden Police to start Cops in Camps program this summer
MERIDEN — As children get ready to spend days at summer camps in the area, this year police officers will be on hand to foster a sense of community among the youngsters while also providing extra security for the kids. “Cops in Camps” is a new initiative starting this summer in some of the city’s camp programs. Detective Lt. Mark Walerysiak, police spokesman, said Neighborhood Initiative Unit officers will go to the city’s camps in a mentor type of role.
Treat them at the Station, courtesy of the Meriden Y
By Kim Primicerio MERIDEN — A noodle pool, a playscape, a Porsche sports car and a bounce house are among the offerings at the Meriden YMCA’s newest hands-on play area, at 88 State St. Exploration Station opened this week after months of planning. The play area allows children 2 to 8 years old to be creative, explore and play. The child-friendly activities area and toys will be used by preschools, YMCA members and the public for party packages.
Lacrosse growing rapidly, and now there’s a team in Meriden
MERIDEN — After the Boys & Girls Club and the Meriden YMCA started a youth lacrosse clinic with 35 to 40 children last year, local kids started going to surrounding towns like Wallingford and Cheshire to play in a league. “I thought, ‘Why not have a team in Meriden?’ ” said Weve Valery, who coaches the Meriden United Lacrosse team. The travel squad, for children in third through sixth grades, had its first game last week, playing Middletown to a 4-4 tie.
Sequester cuts Head Start budget
By Stephanie Simoni (WTNH)-- The sequester's impact is being felt on some of the state's youngest residents. Head Start officials say they've been told to cut their budgets. It's a pre-kindergarten program for low income families.
Meriden Youth Theater stages ‘Oklahoma!’
The Meriden YMCA Youth Theater stages "Oklahoma" at Thomas Edison Middle School April 12th at 7 p.m. and April 13th at 2 and 7 p.m.
Carnival at Meriden Y ushers in health initiative
A new health initiative was unveiled at the Meriden YMCA on Saturday at a health and wellness carnival held by the Y and the city’s public schools.
Meriden Y's new CrossFit facility to open Saturday
By Kimberly Primicerio MERIDEN — For people looking to get away from treadmills and Stairmasters or just seeking something different to expand their workout routine, the Meriden YMCA is officially opening its CrossFit facility at 88 State St. Saturday. CrossFit is a strengthening and conditioning exercise program that incorporates jumprope, bicycling and climbing.
Snow days put pressure on parents
Parents are under pressure on Snow Days trying to cover work obligations while caring for their children. The Meriden YMCA provides Snow Day Club to provide a safe fun child care program for children while their parents work.
