I hope this email finds you healthy and safe.

Updates this week include: Restriction update, Annual Meeting this Tuesday, Camp Scholarship Program and Aquatic Team Recognition.

Restriction Update – Both the CDC and the Governor made VERY positive announcements yesterday related to restrictions – both for fully vaccinated and for all. Recently released studies indicate that the vaccine is proving quite effective and with CT being among the leading states in vaccination coverage, this is good news for our Membership area. The CDC announced those who are fully vaccinated (two weeks after their final dose vaccine) can resume activities without wearing a mask or staying 6 feet apart. However, it should be noted that the CDC guidance is superseded by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. The YMCA is bound by CT regulations so we take our lead from the CT, and in the case when Governor defers to local regulations, the Town of Greenwich. Similar to the CDC announcement, Governor did indicate that the fully vaccinated do not need to wear masks indoors beginning May 19 with indication that mask requirements extend for schools and childcare until the end of June. Further, he also stated there will still be some rules issued for different businesses so we need to wait to see if there is any specific guidance for gyms and pools. I know everyone is anxious to return to “normal” but need to wait and see what is being required. Until we hear or state otherwise, all Members need to wear masks while inside the YMCA. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated.

Annual Meeting – May 18 at 6 PM in Room M1/M2 and via Zoom – The YMCA will be hosting its annual meeting this Tuesday at 6 PM. You can attend in person or via Zoom (Here is the Zoom information that can be found on the website). We will be providing a recap of 2020 and presenting awards to volunteers and staff.  All are welcome.

Summer Camp Scholarship Program – the YMCA is offering a scholarship program to the children of COVID-19 essential workers. It is our way of saying thank you to those who sacrificed so that we can remain healthy and safe. If you are interest in donating to the program, please click here for further information.

Aquatic Team Recognition – A few weeks ago, we recognized a subset of the participants in our aquatics programs that will be leaving us for college next year. In the intervening weeks, more athletes have made and shared their college decision with us. I want to take a moment to thank them for participating in our program and congratulate them as they take the next step in their journey. Congratulations to our college-bound seniors!

• Alexandra Bailey – Hamilton
• Claire Barry – Duke
• Caitlin Bedell – Lafayette
• Robert Bischof – Amherst
• Sofia De Chiara – William & Mary
• Olivia Gargiulo – American
• Hunter Johnson – Florida Institute of Technology
• Daulton Kendall- Dickenson
• Christian Lanuza- Carnegie Mellon
• Thomas Lewis – University of Pennsylvania (gap year 2020-2021)
• Ellie Mackle – Colby
• Claire Michalik- Yale
• Michael O’Malley – University of Virginia
• James Pascale – Carnegie Mellon
• Alex Plavoukos – Loyola Maryland
• Eric Stehmann – University of Chicago (gap year 2021-2022)
• Caitlyn Weil – Wake Forest
• Rocio Yanez – Northeastern

Stay healthy and safe!

Michael Kelly,

Chief Operating Officer,

Greenwich YMCA