THE FAMILY YMCA NEWS
The Family YMCA invites the public to attend its Welcoming Week proclamation at 6 pm during public comment at Los Alamos County Council Chambers on Tuesday, Sept. 10.
Rob Wilkinson, Y CEO, said Welcoming Week is nationally celebrated September 13-22. “It serves an an inspirational reminder of what we are capable of as a nation when we welcome and include everyone in our vision of a united community,” Wilkinson said.
“Los Alamos is made up of diverse indiviuals representing many backgrounds. In these days where we see stories about social conflict, division and disconnection, we want to celebrate inclusivity,” he said.
Y Member Service Director Dianna Reichelt said the Y will be collecting and sharing recipes noting countries of origin. Recipe cards may be picked up at the Y beginning Sept. 13 and turned in by the end of the month. The Y hopes to print the collection in the near future.
During Welcoming Week, the main Y facility will host multi-cultural folktale readings in their Childwatch program. The main Y will also feature a large map where members can mark their country of origin.
The Y’s After School program will host a variety of multi-cultural programming and activities throughout the week – check with each program site for specific details.
On Sept. 18 from 5-7:30 pm, the Española YMCA Teen Center will host their third annual cultural fair, “Where Cultures Unite,” at 808 Vietnam Veterans Memorial Park Road in Española. Dances, music, art, cultural entertainment and food samples will be represented from local Native American, Hispanic, Filipino, Sikh, and African American communities. In addition to enjoying the vibrant activities, guests will have an opportunity to tour the Teen Center, now in its 12th year.
Wilkinson said it is important for people to find opportuntiies to connect and socialize. He shared the testimonial from an anonymous out-of-county member who shared her gratitude for financial assistance and the connections the Y has fostered for her in Los Alamos: “As a single parent, I am always in a hurry. The assistance from the YMCA helped me take some time off for myself, and workout. While many things that we do may, or may not, result in a desirable outcome, a workout always gives back good health and spirits. This, together with the company of other gym users, gave me a sense of community and did not make the exercising feel tedious. Thank you very much for the support!- From an international woman, in-between jobs, who has made Los Alamos her home.”
The Family YMCA has a Diversity, Inclusion & Global Innovation Committee focused on this important work. If you would like to join the committee, please contact George Marsden, Los Alamos Teen Center Director and DIG Committee co-Chair at gmarsden@laymca.org for more information.
The Family YMCA’s mission is to build individual, family and community strength by focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.