YMCA Celebration Invites Human, Canine 'Party Animals'

This Saturday, Sept. 24, promises to be a full day of celebration, and also getting in shape, for humans and canines both at the in Basking Ridge, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

The YMCA has put out a community-wide invitation for "Party Animals Wanted," scheduled to begin with the second annual at 10 a.m. in the "backyard" of the main Somerset Hills facility at 140 Mount Airy Road.

Strong Dogs, which will include multiple activities and educational opportunities for dogs and their family members, is slated to be followed at 3 p.m. with the rescheduled race and one-mile walk. That 10th annual event benefits Community Hope’s Hope for Veterans Transitional Housing Program for homeless veterans, including those at the veterans facility in the Lyons section of Bernards Township.

At the same, the YMCA's 60th anniversary celebration will be celebrated at a grassroots level with a family style picnic, games, giveaways, a bouncy castle and more. The free barbecue, open to all members of the community, will be catered by The Ridge Tavern. Shop-Rite also is contributing food, according to the YMCA. UPDATE: The 60th anniversary celebration is now scheduled to begin at 3 p.m., although previously it was scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

Those who registered for the walk back on June 9, when the event was postponed due to excessive heat, are automatically re-registered, according to information. New runners also are welcome to sign up online at Community Hope's website. 

Sue Diebold, Senior Director of Healthy Living at the Somerset Hills YMCA, said the combination of the Flag Day 5K run and the 60th anniversary was designed to have "something for everyone — families, individuals, runners and walkers."

The two events were combined, she said, because, "Both celebrate similar achievements of unprecedented community support and giving."

In a blog posted earlier this year, YMCA employee Julie Harabedian said the picnic marks one of many events that the YMCA is hosting this year to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

There will be food, games, music, relay races and fun for the entire family, she said.

"I hope that you and your families can make it to the picnic. It will be good old-fashioned fun for everyone and a great way to spend time with our fellow community members," as well as marking a major milestone, she said.

Strong Dogs Day returns for a second year

Meanwhile, the morning's event, Strong Dogs Day, was created with the concept that it will encourage the community to take steps to a healthier lifestyle along with providing opportunities to nurture healthy dogs, according to Peter Barry, Director of competitive wwimming at the YMCA and Strong Dogs coordinator. The event benefits the YMCA's "Strong Kids" assistance program.

"Recently, there have been a number of reports that conclude that owning and walking a dog can lead to a healthier lifestyle," Barry said. "It’s along the lines of ‘Show me a healthy dog and I’ll show you a healthy family.’"

Strong Dogs Days, which last year brought together hundreds of dogs and their owners, will include a ceremonial blessing of the hounds, dog wash, obstacle course, pet grooming and special activities for the entire family.

Multiple local vendors, kennels, and groomers will also attend, according to information from the YMCA. This year’s "Top Dog" sponsor is TD Bank. Camp Bow-Wow is the "Good Dog" sponsor, and The Stables, Ltd., K-9 Miracles, Value Pet Care and Bernardsville Animal Hospital are "Belly Scratch" sponsors. Other opportunities still are available at most levels of sponsorship, according to the YMCA.

According to the Somerset Hills YMCA, more than 1,800 residents of Bernards Township alone have licensed dogs, not including neaby towns such as Bernardsville and Bedminster. "We are expecting a terrific turnout that will benefit pet owners and our Strong Kids Financial Assistance Campaign," said YMCA spokeswoman Andrea Williams. "There will be plenty of promotions, dog ownership tips and giveaways for all attendees and we hope that everyone plans on staying for the afternoon’s run and family picnic. It’s our biggest family event of the year."

For more information about Strong Dogs Day and opportunities to sponsor or be a vendor at the event, please visit the Somerset Hills website, or contact Peter at pbarry@somersethillsymca.org, or 908-630-3531.

For more information about the 5K run and one-mile mile walk and the 60th anniversary celebration, please contact Jackie at jsurette@somersethillsymca.org or 908-766-7898, ext. 362.

The Somerset Hills YMCA is a charitable community service organization, rooted in Christian values and dedicated to helping all people grow in spirit, mind and body.  We are guided by our core principles of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

For more information, please visit www.somersethillsymca.org or call 908-766-7898.