Tag Archives: Westport Weston Family Y

Y’s CEO Steps Down

Posted on February 2, 2021 | 2 comments

Pat Riemersma — the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s CEO who saw the organization through expansion, the renovation of Camp Mahackeno and its ongoing response to COVID-19 — will leave her post this spring. She plans to pursue other opportunities.

The Y says:

“Pat has played an instrumental role to strengthen the foundation of our community here in Westport and Weston and has a career of service spanning 30-plus years doing the same,” said Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Board President Jonathan Manela. “We are grateful for all she has done for our organization.”

Riemersma was hired as CEO in June 2015. Her career with the Y organization spans more than 3 decades.

Pat Riemersma

Riemersma arrived at the Westport Weston Family YMCA shortly after it opened its new state-of-the-art facility, the Bedford Family Center, on the grounds of the Y’s Camp Mahackeno property in fall 2014. It moved from its downtown Westport location where it had been operating since founder E.T. Bedford built and dedicated the Tudor-style building in 1923.

The late Ruth Bedford, E.T. Bedford’s granddaughter, bequeathed $50 million to the Y in June 2014 with the vision to help ensure the long-term viability of the Family YMCA and its ability to serve the community.

In fall 2019, construction began on an addition to the Bedford Family Center, as well as on enhancements to Camp Mahackeno. The Camp Mahackeno renovation was completed on time for the 2020 summer season; the new gymnastics facility and wellness center expansion were finished in fall 2020. Riemersma oversaw the $28 million project and brought it in on time and under budget.

Westport Weston Family Y CEO Pat Riemersma at Camp Mahackeno last summer.

Riemersma’s legacy at the Westport Weston YMCA no doubt will endure well beyond her tenure, as those who admire her achievements can attest.

“Pat will long be remembered for her excellent leadership through Phase II of our recent expansion project, which culminated in a revitalized Camp Mahackeno for kids and families to enjoy for decades to come,” said John McKinney, chair of the board of trustees and great-great-grandson of E.T. Bedford.

The Y Board has formed a search committee to choose the organization’s next leader. For questions or general inquiries about the CEO position, email info@ceoinformationwestportweston.org.

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Posted in People, YMCA

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Positive Employment News: Westport Y Pays During Shutdown

Posted on April 15, 2020 | 3 comments

The order came quickly on March 12: The Westport Weston Family YMCA must shut down, effective that night.

Just as quickly, the executive committee met. They voted to continue paying all employees, for the next 2 weeks.

The Y employs 210 people: program directors, lifeguards, personal trainers, mebership services, administrators, maintenance staff and more.

Ninetey are full-time; the rest work anywhere from 2 to 3 hours a week, to 30.

Patty Kondub is one of the Westport Y’s many part-time employees. Her AquaFit classes are very popular.

The decision was important — and easy, says CEO Pat Riemersma. “We feel privileged to have this staff. They make this place what it is.”

The original 2-week shutdown was quickly extended, by Governor Lamont. The executive committee extended all employees’ pay too: through the end of April.

“If you saw someone here before we closed, they’re still being paid,” Riemersma notes.

If — as is probable — the closure continues into May, the committee will meet again.

The staff is exhilarated. One man had just bought a house. He told Riemersma he no longer fears losing it.

She thanks her board for being “so open-minded.” They recognize, as she does, that Y employees “are family. We want them to all to be here, and ready, when we reopen our doors.”

Pat Riemersma

Another Y decision involves member dues. In the first days of the pandemic, the board asked everyone to consider continuing their regular payments despite the closure. In return — because the organization is a non-profit, and members are not receiving any benefits or services — any payments after April 10 will be treated as a tax-deductible donation.

Of course, Riemersma says, “we recognize that’s a financial hardship for some people.” They have the option to put their memberships on hold. About 25% of the 10,000-plus members are doing that.

The CEO looks forward to welcoming all members — and employees — back. Meanwhile, she says, the expansion remains on schedule.

Which means perhaps even more employment, when life returns to normal.

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Posted in Economy, Environment, People, YMCA

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Pics Of The Day #954

Posted on November 27, 2019 | 5 comments

Ever since the Westport Weston Family YMCA moved to Mahackeno, members heading downstairs to the fitness center, pool, classrooms and lockers have enjoyed this great view of nature:

But as the Y embarked on its expansion project this fall, the scene shifted:

Recently, it changed again:

(Photos/Sandy Rothenberg)

A new building will be connected to this one. The view will be gone.

Perhaps the Y can paint a nice mural in its place, reminding everyone of the beauty that still lies all around the Mahackeno site.

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Posted in Pic of the Day, YMCA

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Fathers And Daughters Dance In The Spotlight: The Sequel

Posted on November 12, 2019 | 28 comments

Two years ago, the Westport Weston Family YMCA sponsored a “Father Daughter Dance.”

I was surprised. I wrote:

This is 2017! How could they single out fathers? What about girls whose dads were away on business? Girls with divorced fathers, living far away? How about girls whose dads had died — or those with 2 moms?

They’re all “families” — as the “Family YMCA” should know.

The Y responded that the name of the dance “does not stem from a desire to be traditional, nor was it meant to exclude other family types.”

Instead, it was “intended to honor and strengthen the relationship our community of fathers has with their daughters, and for the Y to provide a space for them to share time together.”

In fact, the Y’s flyer noted (at the very bottom): “If dad is not available, substitutes are welcome. Preferably grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, close family friend etc.”

Malia Daniels (2nd from left) attended the 2017 Y’s Father-Daughter dance with her uncle.

Okay. Good info. Important, for sure.

So why cling to the outmoded name? I ended my piece:

“Now — as a way to make all girls feel comfortable, welcome and accepted — maybe they can come up with a more inclusive dance name.”

Nah.

This year’s “Father Daughter Dance” is this Friday (November 15, 7 p.m.).

The tagline says: “Her fingers are small but she has her dad wrapped around them.”

Yep — dad.

Dabbing at the 2017 Westport YMCA’s Father-Daughter dance.

At the bottom of the flyer, there’s this: “Enjoy a great night of fun with your little girl, complete with music, dancing, snacks, pictures, and a best dressed contest!

“If dad is not available, substitutes are welcome including grandfathers, uncles, older brothers, close family friends, etc.”

If dad is not available? 

Dad may be traveling on business, sure.  But he also may have walked out on the family. Or died. Or been an anonymous sperm donor.

I’ll say it again (updated): This is 2019. Families come in all shapes and sizes.

All of them are members of the Westport Weston “Family” YMCA.

This is not a question of being PC.

It’s about being realistic.

And really caring about all members.

Come on, Y: Walk the talk.

And then dance the night away.

 

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Posted in Children, YMCA

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Fitness Week Kicks Off Sunday

Posted on October 31, 2019 | Comments Off on Fitness Week Kicks Off Sunday

Restaurant Week — the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s promotion of all things culinary — ended recently.

If you think the Chamber will celebrate the successful event with a cocktail or two, think again.

Starting Sunday (November 3), they’ll sponsor Fitness Week.

 The event kicks off from 1 to 4 p.m., with an expo at the Westport Weston Family Y.

A dozen local fitness studios will provide information, kids’ activities, and friendly competitions like sit-ups, push-ups and planks (3 to 4 p.m.; $10 to enter, benefiting Special Olympics).

Juice bars and restaurants provide healthy food samples, too.

All week, through November 10, studios will offer free classes. A raffle for attendees sweetens the pot: The more you exercise, the greater the chance to win prizes.

A family fun run is set for Saturday, November 9.

Participating businesses include Club Pilates, Fast Fitness, Fleet Feet, JoyRide, Cycling + Fitness, Orangetheory, Fitness Performance Physical Therapy, Restore Hyper Wellness + Cryotherapy, Row House, Sherpa, Stretch Lab and Westport Pilates.

(For more information, click here.)

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Posted in Local business, Organizations, YMCA

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Arborcide? You Decide.

Posted on July 30, 2018 | 25 comments

It took just a couple of days.

Last week, huge machines swept onto the south side of the Merritt Parkway at Exit 41. Loudly, insistently, they demolished dozens of trees.

Suddenly, the tranquil buffer separating the highway from the Westport Weston Family Y was gone. In its place were brush, wood chips, and an open view of traffic whizzing by.

Y employees were aghast. One said, “They took everything. There was even a hawk’s nest there.”

The Department of Transportation has every right to do what they did. It’s their land. In recent years, at least 2 people have been killed on the Merritt by falling trees.

Still, the speed and ferocity of the project was stunning. This is the same DOT that took about 23 centuries to replace a tiny Merritt Parkway bridge at North Avenue.

Meanwhile, folks on the north side, and east and west of the clear cutting — actual homeowners, not YMCA patrons and employees —  wonder who’s next.

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Posted in Environment, Transportation, YMCA

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Photo Challenge #162

Posted on February 4, 2018 | 28 comments

If you’ve ever been to the Westport Weston Family Y, last week’s photo challenge was a slam dunk.

Ed Simek’s photo showed the cow that sits on the flat roof. You see it from the spinning room, and by the stairs leading down to the pool, fitness center and locker rooms. (Click here for the photo.)

Ben Berkley, Lynn Wilson, Elizabeth Fry, Ann Bernier, Jalna Jaeger, Karen Kim, Art Schoeller, Martin Gitlin, Rick Benson, Kathy Fagan and Eva Lopez Reyman all recognized the cow.

They should. It’s been there since the new Y opened.

Which raises a few questions:

Where did it come from? Who decided to put a cow on the roof? In other words, Why, Y?

If you know the back story, click “Comments” below. And if you know where to find this week’s photo challenge, do the same.

(Photo/Ben Berkley)

 

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Unsung Hero #28

Posted on December 20, 2017 | 29 comments

Everyone knows Patty Kondub. And everyone loves Patty Kondub.

But she’s one of those people who everyone kind of takes for granted.

We shouldn’t. Which is why Patty Kondub is this week’s Unsung Hero.

Patty is many things. A 1981 Staples High School graduate — and proud University of Connecticut alum — she’s worked for the Westport Weston Family Y for 30 years.

Members flock to her Aquafit classes. She works hard at researching and preparing lessons. But she always welcomes members with a smile, then makes every class fun. One day she’ll wear a costume; the next day she’ll announce a game.

Patty Kondub, in her Aquafit Halloween costume.

When someone is sick, she brings a card for the class to sign. She sings “Happy Birthday” (a lot!). Whenever she sees a news story about a class member — a new book they’ve written, a promotion, or just a brief mention — she tells everyone (and posts its on the bulletin board).

As soon as Ellen Gilbertson joined Aquafit — because of a stress fracture in her foot — Patty called her doctor, so she could design the best workout. If someone is laid up at home, Patty visits (and brings food)

Every day she picks out great music, which puts everyone in a great mood. (For Halloween it was “Monster Mash.” For the Olympics, elections and many other events, she finds something appropriate. On St. Patrick’s Day, she’s got an Irish playlist — and an Irish quiz.)

Patty is no slouch. Her Aquafit students work hard. But she’s such a good teacher, they don’t even realize they’re getting a fantastic workout.

A motivational message from Patty Kondub. (Photo/Barbara Wiederecht)

Her classes get together outside the Y, to celebrate special events. (Ask about her vegetarian chili!)

Colleague Ruth Sherman says, “Patty works so hard to make aging fun. They say our community is getting younger every day, and for this we thank Patty.”

Gilbertson adds, “She goes above and beyond any teacher I’ve ever known, in so many ways.”

Sandra Long says, “Whether it’s your first class or you’ve come for 20 years, Patty knows your name and helps you. She looks out for everyone — it doesn’t even have to be related to the pool. She does whatever she can to help anyone at the Y who’s in need.”

Elsewhere at the Y, Patty helps coordinate indoor triathlons and special needs swim instruction.

Patty Kondub offers hydration tips.

Out of the water, Patty helped organize the Spin Odyssey that over 15 years raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research. Some of her Aquafit fans were involved.

In her spare time (!), Patty is the much-loved coach of the Staples girls golf team. She’s a past president of the Longshore Women’s Golf Association.

And on Saturday mornings, she teaches a class for cancer survivors at CT Challenge.

Patty Kondub always has a smile on her face. The next time you see her, smile back — and congratulate our latest Unsung Hero.

BONUS FUN FACT: As a field hockey player, Patty was part of the first University of Connecticut team to win a national championship — in any sport.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? To nominate him or her, email dwoog@optonline.net)

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Posted in Sports, Staples HS, Unsung Heroes, YMCA

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Changing Of The Guard

Posted on February 5, 2017 | 23 comments

As he promised, David Waldman retained the facade of the old Westport YMCA Bedford building.

But as his Bedford Square project nears completion — it’s slated to open this spring — changes are evident.

(Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

(Photo/Lynn U. Miller)

After 94 years, the lintel no longer says “YMCA.”

Welcome to 2017.

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, YMCA

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Olympic Swimmer Hits The Y

Posted on December 2, 2016 | 2 comments

Chad le Clos is a swimmer.

But not just any swimmer. The South African is an Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion. He’s ranked 1st in the world in the 50, 100 and 200 meter butterfly — and is the current world record holder in both the 100 and 200 meter butterfly

He heads soon to Windsor, Ontario for the FINA World Swimming Championships.

If he wins, he’s got the Westport Weston Family Y to thank.

For the past few days, he’s been training there. He has a connection with a Water Rat family, so the Wilton Road facility seemed a great fit.

Chad le Clos (in the water) with Westport Y Water Rat swimmers.

Chad le Clos (in the water) with Westport Y Water Rat swimmers.

This evening, he raced an exhibition 100 yard butterfly there.

Chad le Clos, on the Westport Y starting block.

Chad le Clos, on the Westport Y starting block.

Plenty of Water Rat swimmers, parents and alumni showed up to cheer him on.

Stop the presses: He won.

I'm no swim racing expert. But I'm sure that's a very, very good time.

I’m no swim racing expert. But I’m sure that’s a very, very good time.

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Posted in Children, People, Sports, YMCA

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