“TWEAKS OF THE WEEK” FROM OUR C.O.O., MICHAEL KELLY

I hope this message finds you and your families healthy and safe.

An important message as we continue with our Tweaks of the Week.  In the excitement of reopening and wanting to demonstrate all the wonderful work that was accomplished while we were closed, I have made statements such as last week’s the Olympic Pool “New Seresco Dehumidification system installation is complete!”   I made a similar announcement when the new HVAC system was installed.  While it is true that all the equipment has been installed, connected, and operational, it was premature to say these projects were formally “complete”.

We have a series of open points that need to be addressed as well as the ongoing calibration/adjustments required to find the optimal operating levels.  As such, we do need to temporarily shut systems, rebalance and adjust to the occupancy and usage levels that did not exist prior to our reopening/when the systems were initially installed.  Further and in accordance with CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19 water chemistry, we are following the prescribed levels that are different from our previous levels.

However, you should take comfort in that we had our COVID-19 inspection by the Town of Greenwich earlier this week that included testing of our water chemistry; both the Olympic and Alumni Pools passed with flying colors.   All of the above means that we have and will continue to make adjustments as we “officially complete” our projects.  We hope to complete all of the above by the end of the month.  Your continued patience and cooperation is appreciated!

TAX DONATION LETTERS

As a reminder, I had promised the issuance of Tax Donation letters upon our reopening.  Here is the excerpt from my message in mid-March:

“As a non-profit and tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, we can and do issue charitable contribution tax letters for those who make donations.  In delving further into the rules, a “donation” is deemed to be a payment that exceeds the services being received.  I have checked with our tax accountants and payment of fees – Membership, Tuition, Program, etc. – where no service has been received in return due to the closure of the YMCA/Early Learning Center can be treated as a qualifying donation. We will need to wait until we reopen in order to determine the amount to be covered by the letter for each Member but wanted you to be aware that this is something that the YMCA can do for you to recognize what you are doing for the YMCA.”

We are in their final stages and I am targeting delivery by the beginning of next week.  A couple of points with respect to the letters.

• A family may receive more than one letter if multiple family members were registered as the “customer” for different programs.
• The donation letter will be delivered by email to the email addresses that the Y has on file. If you are seeking a letter and do not see one, please check all your email accounts as well as spam folder.
• There are several Members who do not have emails on file or may not have updated their email address with the Y. If you are seeking such a letter, please contact me to provide either an updated email address or we can make arrangements to either retrieve from the Front Desk or receive via postal mail.

For more information on Tax Letters, please email Michael Kelly at mkelly@gwymca.org.

AQUATICS UPDATES

Last week, we expanded our operation of the Olympic Pool, including the expansion of capacity by permitting two swimmers per lane, which is permissible under the CT Reopening rules.  We received some feedback on this change so let me clarify some key points.

• The sharing of lanes is for all; not solely for members of the same family. That said, overall capacity should increase as I have seen, for example, members of the same household who were previously reserving two lanes are now sharing a lane.
• The guidance for sharing a lane can be found in the Description section next to “Sign Up” in the reservation system.
  • Lap lanes have been expanded to two swimmers per lane.
  • First swimmer should enter on table side of pool, split lane upon entry (i.e., no swimming in the middle of lane) and use table side for resting.
  • Second swimmer to enter should enter from side opposite the table, swim in the open side of lane and use same side for resting.
  • Lap lanes are for lap swimming only – no boisterous play or hanging on lane lines.

• For those not comfortable with lane sharing:
  • It has been my observation that there are single lanes available throughout the day. However, when you reserve your lane, you can determine if a lane is already reserved as it will indicate “One Spot Left”
  • If you register and a second swimmer reserves, the lane will be marked as “Class Full”.
    • By selecting Sign Up for your reserved lane, you will be given the option to cancel.

WELLNESS CENTER & GROUP WELLNESS UPDATES

• We swapped out a few new machines this week in the Wellness Center! Keep an eye out for new treadmills and ellipticals.
• Lots of new classes!! We have a new schedule starting next Monday, July 13^th.
• Group Power with Michelle is back! [Mondays & Fridays at 7AM]
• We are also offering two brand new classes! (Descriptions included below.)

Metabolic Blast w/ Nicole (NEW!)

This is a workout designed to torch fat, tone the body and boost your overall fitness level.  Bodyweight and equipment (used in self-contained stations) ensures a safe yet challenging workout.  Take the concept of “time under tension” to a new level. [Wednesday & Saturday at 9:30AM]

Teen FIT (girls only 13+) w/ Nicole & Teen Fit (coed 13+) w/ Ray (NEW!)

Build strength and stamina in this 45 minute high energy training session.   Our instructors  will lead participants through organized circuits to build strength and stamina, improving the performance of athletes in all sports..  With an emphasis on bodyweight exercises and functional fitness principles,  this class promises to challenge everyone to their max.  Participants will maintain state guidelines of 12ft distancing throughout the duration of the class.

** REMINDER: Reservations are required for all classes, including Teen Fit. **

Stay Healthy and Safe!

YMCA MASKS NOW ON SALE

Forgot your mask at home? Want to represent your Y?

Stop by the Front Desk to pick up yours today!

$12 per mask | Contact-less form of payment encouraged.