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!