The YMCA of Central Massachusetts is a cause-driven organization that is for youth development, for healthy living and for social responsibility.
This is the 73rd Annual running of the Leonide J. Lemire in person Road Race! This race is the second oldest continually run race in the United States, the oldest being the Boston Marathon. The proceeds of the race goes to benefit the military and veterans at the Tri-Community Family Branch.
Race Information:
Location: Tri-Community Family Branch,
43 Everett Street, Southbridge, MA 01550
Date: July 4th, 2022
Start time: 8:00 am
2 Water stations are along the race route.
WORCESTER, Mass. – It’s like saying ‘I have your back’ and knowing you’re not alone.
“We do have water rescue training,” Worcester police officer Alex Marcallo said. “But, didn’t have water rescue gear.”
Now, the Worcester Police Department does. Every cruiser will come with a Manny Tube and the department will train all officers on how to use it.
The Manny Tube is like the flotation device a lifeguard uses, except this one is in memory of Officer Manny Familia. He died last summer trying to rescue a drowning teen in a pond at Green Hill Park.
Marcallo is Familia’s cousin. He said it’s bittersweet to see the tubes in action, but is happy to know officers will have access to the gear Familia never had.
“They are not obligated to go in the water,” Marcallo said. “But, this will reassure them ‘Hey, the Manny Tube has your back’.”
Officers get about eight hours of water training in the academy. The Manny Tube will be another tool they can use to keep themselves and others safe.
“The less than ideal situation,” Lt. John Bossolt said. “They get there, someone is in the water, put the vest on the tube and they are going in.”
“We are used to dealing with criminals and running after criminals with guns and knives that could kill us or harm us,” Bossolt added. “But the hidden danger is the water and other things we don’t deal with every day.”
The Manny 267 Foundation, set up by Familia’s family, is working to make sure what happened to him never happens to another first responder.
“Look, you can put two to three people on here. You can do that,” Lt. Bossolt said. “So, be confident you aren’t going to be under with that.”
“This is a better tool to assure first responders when they get on scene,” Marcallo said. “You also have help in the presence of a Manny Tube.”
Several officers trained with the Manny Tube at in the pool at the YMCA Central Community Branch on Main Street in Worcester on Thursday.
Read the original article and learn more at spectrumnews1.com
April is Child Abuse Prevention Month. As part of our commitment to protecting the children in our community, we’re joining youth serving organizations across the country by participating in the Five Days of Action—a week-long campaign to increase awareness of child sexual abuse and empower and equip us all to prevent it. By taking part in this important campaign and through implementing abuse prevention practices year-round, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts is committing to the safety of all children in our community. 
The Five Days of Action enforces critically important habits— KNOW. SEE. RESPOND. —which enable us to understand how and when abuse happens, recognize the signs of abuse, and quickly and appropriately respond to it. When we embrace these habits, we foster a culture of child abuse prevention—a culture of happy and healthy children!
We take our commitment to child protection seriously and we hope you do too. Check out our protection policy HERE to learn more about how we keep kids safe and make your commitment alongside us today. Download the Pledge to Protect, share it on social media, and tag three of your friends!
Learn more about protecting the children you love at www.fivedaysofaction.org.
Mission in Motion returns to the Spring! We are excited to announce this year’s event will be held on Saturday, May 21, 2022.
Mission In Motion is an Association-Wide, Fundraising Cycle-A-Thon Event to benefit LIVESTRONG® AT THE YMCA; a FREE 12 week health and well-being program for cancer survivors and their families. See your Wellness Director to register!
To kick-start physical activity and learning now and throughout the summer, the YMCA of Central Massachusetts is celebrating Healthy Kids Day® with a FREE community event for kids and families. YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day®, the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being, features activities such as music, games, and arts and crafts to motivate and teach families how to develop a healthy routine at home.
We are sooo excited about our 158th Annual Meeting and Volunteer Appreciation Event on Wednesday, April 20th. This year we are holding our event at Polar Park in Worcester, MA!!! How cool is that?!
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Reception & Program: 5:00 – 7:00 pm
Polar Park
100 Madison St, Worcester, MA 01608
