IN THE PRESS
“06880” Podcast with Anjali McCormick
“When Anjali McCormick took over as Westport Weston Family YMCA CEO, the pandemic was still in full swing…”
September 6, 2023: Dan Woog Podcast: Anjali McCormick
Kick Your Heels Up at the Y’s Centennial ‘Sneaker Ball’
“To celebrate its 100th birthday, the Westport Weston Family YMCA is putting its best, sneaker-shod foot forward..”
August 17, 2023: Westport Journal: Kick Your Heels Up…
Parkison’s Boxing & Conditioning Gets a Slogan, ‘Knock Parkinson’s Out’
“A year ago, Bob Levy and his wife Doree joined the Westport Weston Family YMCA. They swim up to 5 times a week, and love it: the welcome at the front desk, the lifeguards, all the staff.”
August 16, 2023: Dan Woog Article: YMCA Boxing
The Best Summer Ever, Camp Mahackeno 2023
“Charlie Taylor’s recent ode to Camp Mahackeno reminded readers of the long-time summer institution in the woods off Wilton Road. The Westport Weston Family YMCA has run programs there for over 70 years.”
July 29, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Camp Mahackeno Gallery
July 21, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Mahackeno Memories
WWFY Announces Byron Knox Named Full-Time Director of Gymnastics, Effective June 19, 2023
“A former USA National Team gymnast himself, Mr. Knox brings over 40 years of competition, coaching and program development experience, at both the collegiate and club levels. ”
June 17, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Byron Knox
June 13, 2023: Press Release
WWFY to Co-Host “In Conversation with Chris Paul” Event at Westport Library
“The basketball (and State Farm) star will discuss his life — and his new memoir “61: Life Lessons from Papa, On and Off the Court,” an ode to his grandfather and family — with journalist, FOX Sports anchor and Westport resident Lindsay Czarniak.”
June 16, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Chris Paul Event
Registration Open for Point-to-Point Compo Beach Swim
“Registration is open for the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s annual Point to Point Compo Beach swim (July 16, 7:30 a.m.). The annual open water race raises funds to benefit aquatics safety at the Y, through swim lessons for children and adults.”
June 11, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Point to Point
Ashlee Grieb’s Cool Cardio Dance Jam
“If you like music and dancing, this is for you,” Ashlee says. “We laugh a lot. We have so much fun. Newcomers are welcomed in. “Not everyone feels comfortable dancing in front of others,” she acknowledges. “But it doesn’t matter. We foster a community of acceptance.
May 25, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Y Instructor Ashlee Grieb
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is Ready for their First Holi Color Festival
“This celebration unites people with different beliefs, cultural traditions and experiences in the vibrant colors of friendship, renewal and acceptance. At the Y we believe in creating spaces where people of all backgrounds can come together, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections. We invite everyone to join us as we strengthen the bonds that make our community truly exceptional.”
June 4, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Holi Festival Recap
May 28, 2023: Westport Journal: Holi Color Festival
May 19, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Holi Festival
YMCA at 100″ a Changing Face, a Continuing Commitment
“The Westport Weston Family YMCA is an impressive organization not only because of its 100-year legacy as a dynamic community focal point.
But, over the course of a century, it has continually evolved into a place that meets the needs and interests of more than 1,000 people who check in daily for a far-reaching slate of activities and programs.”
May 8, 2023: Westport Journal
Robin Tauck Announces $100,000 Matching Challenge in Honor of the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 100-year Anniversary
“For every dollar donated at $500 and above, Robin will match it with an equal contribution. The challenge will run through June 30. Funds raised will go towards new programs for seniors, adults, and youth that will improve health outcomes in each of these populations in the community.”
May 6, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Robin Tauck Matching Challenge
May 5, 2023: Patch: $100k Matching Challenge
May 5, 2023: Press Release
Westport Weston Family YMCA Hosts 100 for 100th Outdoor Yoga Event on May 11th to Benefit Financial Assistance Program
“Last year, because of generous contributions from donors and sponsors, we were able to provide over $446K in financial assistance to 600+ individuals and families in need giving them the opportunity to participate in programs they otherwise might not be able to, including summer camp and school-age childcare.”
April 29, 2023: Dan Woog Article: 100 for 100th Yoga Event
April 26, 2023: Press Release
From workouts to cancer groups, Westport Weston YMCA celebrates 100 years
“The Westport Weston Family YMCA is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a year’s worth of events and programs for the community to partake in.”
April 23, 2023: CT Insider (Hearst Connecticut Media Group)
Westport Weston Family YMCA Hosts Annual Healthy Kids Day to Encourage Active and Healthy Lifestyles for Children.
“We are thrilled to host our annual Healthy Kids Day and provide an opportunity for families to come together and learn about healthy living,”
April 24, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Healthy Kids Day
April 20, 2023: Press Release
Westport Weston Family YMCA Joins Five Days of Action to Protect Children from Sexual Abuse, April 24-28.
“By joining in the Five Days of Action campaign, we hope to inspire other organizations and members of our community to create safe spaces that protect children from sexual abuse.”
April 19, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Five Days of Action
April 18, 2023: Press Release
Water Rats Swim Team Videos
“The Westport Weston Family YMCA is branching out into video. They’re creating a series of shorts, highlighting their impact. The first 2 feature the Water Rats swim team.”
March 30, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Water Rats Videos
Diverse Abilities & Adaptive Fun For All
“The Westport Weston Family YMCA has long championed inclusivity for people with disabilities and other differences. This spring, they’ll run 4 great programs: Adaptive Gymnastics, Adaptive Yoga, Soccer Shots Empower and Adaptive Swim.”
March 18, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Adaptive Programs
Westport Weston Family YMCA Celebrates 100-Year Anniversary, Honors the Past & Looks to the Future
“This milestone 100th anniversary year, the WWFY invites members and the community to celebrate its rich history with a nostalgic look at the past, including engaging community activities and special events.”
March 18, 2023: Dan Woog Article: 100 Faces of the Y
Feb 24, 2023: Westport Journal: 100 Faces of the Y
Feb 23, 2023: Dan Woog Article: Share Your Y Story
Feb 27, 2023: Dan Woog Article: 100-yr. Kickoff
Feb 24, 2023: Press Release: 100-yr. Kickoff
Feb 23, 2023: Westport Journal: 100-yr. Kickoff
Westport Weston Family YMCA Board of Directors Seeking Candidates for Junior Director Positions
“The WWFY strives to provide leadership opportunities to empower youth to reach their full potential. Junior Board Directors enjoy full voting rights and participate actively in the governance process, including having the opportunity to share fresh ideas, learn from seasoned Directors who provide insight and perspective into non-profit management, and become aligned with the Y’s mission to strengthen community. The two-year term runs from June to June of each year.”
Feb 5, 2023: Westport Journal
Feb 2, 2023: Dan Woog Article
Feb 1, 2023: EINNews.com
Honoring Our 2022 Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund Grant Recipients
“The board of trustees established the Ruth Bedford Social Responsibility Fund. Its endowment supports grants to organizations that provide direct or supplemental educational opportunities in Fairfield County…the Y honored the 31 recipients for 2022.”
Dec. 2022: Dan Woog Article
New YMCA COO Champions Her Cause
“…as the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s new chief operating officer, she can combine her love of sports, her appreciation for the community, and her MBA-honed business acumen, to manage the organization’s operations as effectively and efficiently as possible.”
November 3, 2022: Dan Woog Article
WWFY Lauded by Westport Journal Over Point to Point
“It’s an amazing community event…” “The Y is all about community.”
June 10, 2022: Westport Journal
WWFY Point to Point Open Water Swim Rising the Tides
The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s Point-to-Point Compo Beach Charity Open Water Swim, one of Westport’s longest running sporting events, will take place on Sunday, July 10 from 7AM-11AM. The 43rd annual charity swim covers a 1 mile distance and kicks off near the Compo Beach cannons. All proceeds go to the Y’s aquatics programs to improve aquatics safety in the community, including swim lessons that teach children and adults essential lifesaving water safety skills that build confidence in and around water and help to minimize the risk of drowning.
July 7, 2022: Dan Woog Article
July 5, 2022: Westport Journal
June 30, 2022: EINnews.com
June 27, 2022: Press Release
WWFY to Award 15 Needs-Based Lifeguard Certification Scholarships
WWFY has received funding to award 15, needs-based, Lifeguard Certification Scholarships leading up to the Summer season. These scholarships allow us to reach underserved young adults (ages 15-23) in Lower Fairfield County, and give them access to transformational opportunities and experiences to learn new skills, meet new people, and find purpose in gainful employment.
May 5, 2022: Press Release
May 5, 2022: EINnews.com
May 5, 2022: Westport Journal
WWFY Aqua Fit Group Raises Awareness for Veterans’ Groups
Throughout May, the Aqua Fit group is sponsoring a donation box with “Wish List”, in the Y lobby and hosting a ‘drop-in’ Aqua Fit class for $20 per person. Both collections support Homes for the Brave, a nonprofit helping homeless veterans.
May 2, 2022: DanWoog06880 Roundup
AAPI Festival to be held at WWFY on May 7, during ‘AAPI Heritage Month’
AAPI Westport, a group focusing on awareness of the Asian American Pacific Islander community, plans a series of AAPI Heritage Months events in May to highlight its mission. An AAPI Festival, featuring performances and food, will take place at the WWFY on May 7 from 2-4PM.
April 28, 2022: DanWoog06880 Article
April 29, 2022: Westport Journal
Introducing LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA Program on May 9
LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a research based, free 12-week program that provides a safe, supportive environment for adults living with, through, and beyond cancer to participate in physical, educational, and social activities.
May 9, 2022: News12 TV Clip
May 6, 2022: newstimes.com Community News
May 6, 2022: ctinsider.com, Community News
April 28, 2022: Press Release
April 28, 2022: EINnews.com
April 27, 2022: DanWoog06880 Roundup
Y Member, Jane Laska’s Story of Ukraine, shared by Lindsay Czarniak
Lindsay Czarniak is a Fox Sports anchor and reporter, who shared a story of Jane Laska from the Ukraine. Ashlee Grieb, WWFY Cardio Dance Jam instructor developed choreography and played the song — “Good Evening, We Are From Ukraine” — as a way to support Jane. It was a special moment, for Ashlee and Jane. Click on the article below to see the video for yourself.
April 8, 2022: DanWoog06880 Roundup
April 8, 2022: Lindsay Czarniak Instagram Video, Over 13k Views
Dedication of the “Sally Silverstein Viewing Area”
Naming of the ‘Sally Silverstein Viewing Area’ to be held on March 4.
February 23, 2022: DanWoog06880 Unsung Hero #228 Article
February 25, 2022: Press Release
February 25, 2022: EINnews.com
March 1, 2022: DanWoog06880 RoundUp
March 7, 2022: Westport Journal by Jarett Liotta
Lunar New Year
AAPI held their Lunar New Year Celebration at our Y on Feb 5th.
February 5, 2022: Y News
February 5, 2022: Westport Journal
February 5, 2022: Westport News
February 5, 2020: AAPIwestport.com Event Photos
Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund 2021
At the BFSRF Awards Ceremony, $290,000 in grants were dispersed to 28 organizations in the Greater Fairfield County area whose programs focus on supporting equitable educational programs for students in our community.
January 15, 2022: Dan Woog LifeBridge Article
December 16, 2021: Press Release
Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund Aids Nonprofits; Grant Application Deadline Approaches
September 8, 2021: Dan Woog Article