Y-Athlon Tomorrow! Great Weather Expected!

The 10th Annual Berkshire Bank Y-Athlon is tomorrow and we expect gorgeous weather for the event! There is still time to register! You can register as an individual or a team at our Welcome Center at 292 North St. in Pittsfield today until 3pm! You can also register tonight from 5-7pm at Burbank Park!

Race packets will be available for pick up tonight from 5-7pm at Burbank Park! Directions to Burbank Park: From Park Square in Pittsfield, head west on West Street toward McKay Street. Turn left to stay on West Street then turn right onto Valentine Road. You will then turn left onto Lakeway Drive and follow the road to the right into Burbank Park. Full Event Information: http://www.pittsfieldfamilyymca.org/133/2011-berkshire-bank-y-athlon/ Any questions? Please contact: Randy Kinnas (413) 499-7650 x12, rkinnas@pittsfieldfamilyymca.orr or Michelle Green (413) 499-7650 x12, mgreen@pittsfieldfamilyymca.org

Youth Soccer!

The Pittsfield Family YMCA’s Youth Soccer League is an 8-week program from September 10 to November 3. This program is designed to be instructional in nature and non-competitive in practice in that the score is not kept. Children will learn fundamental soccer skills, the rules of the game and sportsmanship values by knowledgeable volunteer coaches. Register by Sept. 1.

Who: All boys and girls, ages 3 years old through 8th grade. Divisions: Tappers-Pre K (Ages 3 and 4), Mini Kickers (Kindergarten-1st grade), Kickers (2nd- 3rd grades), Juniors (4th-5th grades), Seniors (6th-8th grades)

Practices and Games: The soccer league will run from Sept. 10 to Nov. 3 for all divisions. All divisions will play on Saturdays. However, the Kickers, Juniors and Seniors will practice once during the week, and the Seniors will have a second game added during the week later in the season. Make-up games will be held on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday for all divisions. Parents will be contacted by their coaches by September 8. Where: Berkshire Community College’s fields behind the Paterson Field House

Contact: Lisa DeVergilio: 413-499-7650 x42, youthsports@pittsfieldfamilyymca.org Late Registrations: After Sept. 1, a $10 late fee will be added to register. Additional Information: Children will be given a T-shirt with their team name and number on it, as well as an end-of-the-year award. It is the parents and players’ responsibility to provide shin guards. Knowledgeable volunteer coaches are needed!

Third Thursday Today! Win A Free Membership!

Hello friends of the Y! Stop by the Y tonight to help us define our future! If you would be so kind, we are asking people to answer two questions - it'll take less than five minutes - and be entered in a raffle for a free one-month individual membership!

Also, registrations are now open for the Berkshire Bank Y-Athlon and Kids' Triathlon, youth soccer, gymnastics, breakdancing, Saints youth football, adult improv, Fit & Fab, accredited child care, school-age care and more!

Need Child Care? We've Got You Covered!

The Pittsfield Family YMCA’s childcare is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care for children 1 month to pre-kindergarten. NAEYC is a national, voluntary accreditation system that sets high standards for early childhood education programs. Programs include: Infant, Toddler, Preschool, and Pre-Kindergarten programs. Hours: 6:30 a.m.- 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, year round. Snack is provided in the morning and afternoon. Full-time and half-time slots are available, with a two-day minimum requirement.

Free youth membership! Children enrolled in our accredited childcare receive a free youth membership to the Y. Register your child for swim lessons or one of our sports leagues including baseball, soccer and basketball! Members also receive discounts on programs such as gymnastics and hip hop.

Infant Program The infant room was created for our youngest and most treasured little ones. This is an environment that is designed for babies between the ages of 1 month to 15 months old and is licensed for 7 infants with 2 trained childcare providers. The room possesses a lovely arrangement of childhood toys, assessories, as well as 7 classical cribs.

Toddler Program The Y’s toddler program is available for children from the age of 15 months to 2 years and 9 months. This space is available for up to 18 toddlers and staffed with 5 qualified teachers.

Preschool Program The preschool program has two classrooms. The transitional classroom includes children who are 2 years 9 months to 3 years old. Children in this room are in the process of toilet training. The space is licensed for 12 children with a staff of 2 teachers. The 3-year-old classroom is designed for children to learn through hands on activities. Preschool children take part in weekly half-hour swimming lessons as part of their tuition.

Pre-kindergarten Program The pre-kindergarten program is licensed for 18 children with a staff of 2 teachers. This program is designed for children prior to the year they enter kindergarten. The room is designed for a variety of interest centers. Emphasis is put on kindergarten readiness skills. The curriculum emphasizes pre-reading, pre-writing, and pre-math skills.

These programs are sponsored in part by the Berkshire United Way.

Two weeks left and we need your vote!!! (And the vote of everyone you know!!!)

We are in the running and have a chance to win!!! Thank you to those who have already voted!!! If you have already voted please let your friends and family know that they can vote for us!!! We would love to have their vote and support to help us continue our mission of youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility!!! $5,000 for the Y! Help us win $5,000 from Berkshire Bank Foundation’s Summer of Excitement Giveaway. The nonprofit organization with the most votes will win $5,000!

In order to vote, you need to follow the below instructions from your computer: 1. Go to www.facebook.com/BerkshireBank and click “Like”. 2. Click on the page tab “Vote Here” “Summer of Excitement” (below the “Like” button) 3. On that page, click on “Enter Sweepstakes” and then “Go to App”. 4. Enter the Pittsfield Family YMCA as your favorite nonprofit organization, along with your basic contact information. (Contact information is only needed for verification purposes.) 5. Click Submit. One vote per person. Vote now to help your Y! Thank you for supporting the Y!

8th Annual Pittsfield Family YMCA Golf Tournament: Sept. 14!

Come out and golf to support the Pittsfield Family YMCA’s Reach Out for Youth Campaign on Friday, Sept. 14! All proceeds from the 8th Annual Golf Tournament will provide financial scholarships for childcare, before and after school programs, youth sports and swim lessons, memberships and much more.

About: 18 holes with carts. Raffles, Par-3 Contests, and Straight Drive Contest are planned. Free golf gift for all participants. Lunch and dinner are also included. When: Friday, Sept. 14, 11:30 a.m. (12:30 p.m. shotgun start) Where: Skyline Country Club, 405 South Main Street, Lanesboro Contact: Randy Kinnas, 413-499-7650 x12, rkinnas@pittsfieldfamilyymca.org

Lead Sponsor

Platinum Sponsor

Before/After School Programs

Before/After School

Licensed Elementary School Care: Our before- and after-school program takes place from 6:30-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. at the Y downtown location (292 North St.) and from 7-9 a.m. and 3-6 p.m. at our satellite schools: Crosby, Allendale, Egremont, and Williams. Our program will also be offered at Richmond Consolidated School. Children who attend these programs receive a nutritious afternoon snack, homework assistance, and outdoors and gym activities. They participate in arts and crafts projects, group initiative games, as well as many other enriching activities. All sports and fitness activities are based on the SPARK program with a defined fitness curriculum. Participants receive a FREE youth membership to the Y. Contact School-Age Director Earl Persip III at 413-499-7650 x37 for more information.

Reid & Herberg Middle School Care: Our after-school program aims to provide a fun, healthy and safe active program for students. The program includes a healthy snack, homework assistance and sports and fitness activities such as speedball, tennis, baseball, hockey, basketball, soccer, dance, football, whiffleball, hiking, and dodgeball. All sports and fitness activities are based on the SPARK program with a defined fitness curriculum. Sponsored by the Carol M. White PEP grant awarded to the Pittsfield Public Schools through the Department of Education, the program runs Monday through Friday from 2:30-5:30 p.m. on all full school days through June 2013. To register, visit the Welcome Center. Contact: Youth & Adult Program Director Michelle Kettler at 413-499-7650 x33 for more information.

Breakdancing at the Y!

Breakdancing is a great way to get moving, be physical and to express one’s creativity through dance. This is an introductory class to the fundamental building blocks for breakdance, including uprock, transitions, floorwork and freezes. This class will help your child develop coordination and overall confidence.

Who: All boys and girls ages 6-12+ years old. When: Sep. 14-Nov. 2, Fridays, 4-4:45 p.m. ages 6-12. Sep. 14-Nov. 2, Fridays, 5-6 p.m. ages12+. Sep. 15-Nov. 3, Saturdays, 3:45-4:30 p.m. ages 6-12. Where: Pittsfield Family YMCA’s Auditorium, 292 North Street.

Our Instructor: Andres has been breakdancing for 3 years. He has taught throughout the county and is able to teach a range of levels and abilities. His choreography, patients and ability to communicate movement to his students makes him the perfect fit for your child. To Register: Please bring completed registration forms to the Y. Classes are first come, first serve. For More Info Contact: Michelle Kettler, mkettler@pittsfieldfamilyymca.org or 413-499-7650 x33. Additional Info: Wear tennis shoes and loose-fitting clothing.

Have 45 Minutes for the Y?

We can sure use your help at the upcoming Third Thursday, August 16. As part of the Pittsfield Y's strategic planning process we will be collecting feedback from the community at a booth in front of the Y facility at 292 North St. We need volunteers with an interest in our Y and our community who can work a 45 minute shift between 4:15pm and 8:00pm on August 16. Help us connect to our community and shape our future.

Interested? Leave your name and phone number at our Welcome Center by Monday, August 13 or call (413) 499-7650 x10 to speak with one of our friendly staff members. Thank you for all your support - past, present, and future. Have a great day!

Y-Nastics Begin August 13!

Y-Nastics develops each athlete’s strength, flexibility, endurance, power and speed. Our clinics teach team building skills in a positive learning environment, giving each athlete a sense of belonging, strengthening their social and communication skills.

Back Handspring Clinic: Aug. 13, 15, 17: 3:30-5 p.m. Three 1 ½ hour classes that help introduce and/or improve the athlete’s back handspring. Drills will focus on form and technique. Clinic will be broken up into Beginner and Advanced groups. •Cheerleaders who want to tumble better •Recreational gymnasts that want to fine tune their skills •Extreme athletes that want to learn to twist and flip Ages: 3rd – 5th grade & 6th – 12th grades, boys & girls.

Cheerleading Mini-Clinic: Aug. 14 & 16: 3:30-5:30 p.m. These two 2-hour classes focus on teaching and fine tuning motions, stunting, tumbling, choreographing and cheers. Clinic will be broken up into Beginner and Advanced groups. •Cheerleaders who want to get ready for the Fall Season •Cheerleaders who are new to the sport •Cheerleaders who want to learn new skills Ages: 1st – 5th grade & 6th – 12th grades, boys & girls.

Gymnastics Sleepover: Aug. 17, 7 p.m.-8 a.m. Gymnastics overnight includes open gym time on all apparatus, choreography of a routine on athlete’s choice of apparatus, pizza for dinner followed by a group walk to get ice cream. Our night winds down with team games, obstacle courses and stories. Ages: 3rd – 8th grades, boys & girls.

Skills & Drills: Open Gym, Aug. 18, 10:30-12 p.m 1 ½ hour of open gym time. This allows each athlete to work on skills of their choosing in a safe environment with instructors to help guide them. All apparatus is available during open gym. Ages: 3rd – 12th grades, boys & girls.

Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee Tournament!

The Y’s Adult Sports Program is offering a Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee Tournament. Test your physical skills while connecting with athletes who share your interests. Participants can sign up as a team or as individuals. Individuals will be placed on teams as needed. The game will be 7 vs. 7, and there must be at least 2 females on the field at all times. It will be a double elimination format guaranteeing each team at least 2 games. Who: Men and women ages 18+ When: August 18 &19, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Location: Berkshire Community College’s fields behind the Paterson Field House Contact: Lisa DeVergilio, 413-499-7650 x42, youthsports@pittsfieldfamilyymca.org