Community Shows Support at Beam Signing

The winter air was filled with cheers and clapping when the last piece of the steel frame was put into place at the new Exeter area YMCA. More than 50 people braved the snow and cold temperatures on Thursday morning to sign the steel beam. With an unexpected school cancellation, families with school-age children were able to attend. All were looking forward to the time they can spend together once it opens in September.

Lang Plumer, long-time YMCA supporter, told one smiling student from Lincoln Street Elementary school, “It’s your Y, it’s my Y – we’ll all be able to have fun together there.”

A group of Wright-start preschoolers were able to sign the beam during school on Wednesday afternoon. It was hard to tell who was more excited – the preschoolers or their teenage student teachers. The classes have been watching the construction process and learning about how it takes many to make the Y happen.

Guests were a cross-section of future Y members: young and old, recreational and elite athletes, parents and grandparents, businesses and community members, and YMCA staff and volunteers. The support and excitement for the building – and everything that it symbolizes – was palpable.

The area has waited a long time for a place where the community can come together for friendship, physical activity and engagement. It’s taking shape now! The next phase will be the roof and enclosing the space before work moves inside. The building is scheduled to be complete in September 2015!

The construction is made possible by generosity of donors and the Bank of New Hampshire.

Dean Ingram, Senior Vice President of Commercial & Government Banking, shared, “Bank of New Hampshire is extremely pleased to have a role in this exciting project. When it’s completed, this facility will only serve to elevate the excellent recreational, social and wellness programs that Southern District YMCA is already providing to the greater Exeter community. Strong kids and strong families build strong communities; it’s a winning formula.”

Throughout the nation, each YMCA is an independently operated and fiscally independent non-profit organization. The YMCA is open to everyone in the community – regardless of ability to pay. To ensure that the Y is open to all and provides the programs and services that are important to the Exeter area community, Southern District YMCA staff and volunteers are actively engaging donors and community members in a capital campaign.

According to Gary Blake, campaign chair, “With financial support from the community, we are confident that we will meet the capital campaign goal. Every gift is equally appreciated and respected.”

Community members who would like to support the new Exeter area YMCA can make a donation online at sdymca.org/donate or contact Rhonda Bernstein, capital campaign director at 603 642 3361. To stay up to date on the progress of the Exeter area Y or show support, like us on Facebook/sdymca or follow @sdymca on Twitter and Instagram.

Southern District YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides opportunities for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility in the community by offering summer day camp and outdoor education at YMCA Camp Lincoln, YMCA School Age Child Care at 16 before-and/or-after school programs, and a new YMCA facility - with programs and activities for all ages - in Exeter, NH expected to open fall 2015.

Learn more about Southern District YMCA at sdymca.org.

Submitted text and courtesy photo.