Epoch Arts Inc. focuses on youth activities. It offers classes, plays, performance arts, photography, gallery art and more as a way for youth to express themselves. Call or check the website for opening classes and current events.
Walking into the Soundview Family YMCA, you'll be wrapped in a feeling of warmth and life; you can thank Sandra Vlock of Arbonies King Vlock for that. Soundview Family YMCA Executive Director Doug Shaw says Vlock was in charge of the color scheme for the 38,000-square-foot facility her architecture firm made a reality.
The building was constructed in just 365 days, and Shaw says local labor was employed for the creation of this state-of-art center. Branford-based OR&L Construction worked on the facility, and Shaw says of the local ties, "I'm going to bet that's why we finished on time and under budget."
Members of the YMCA have two pools for use, a fitness center, game room, computers, climbing wall, outdoor adventure and basketball courts at their disposal.
Additionally, the YMCA offers child care for parents and a summer day camp.
Shaw has been leading the way for the YMCA since doors opened in August, 2010. He hails from a long past of recreation experience; his most recent gig was the Assistant Director of the Guilford Recreation Department.
Through volunteers and generous donations, Shaw said the YMCA was made possible. There are also plans in the works to add an addition to the YMCA, featuring a gymnasium with two sport courts and an indoor track.
For more details, visit the YMCA online.
This is the local office for the international YMCA. The office doesn't have facilities of its own but registers users for classes and programs at locations around town. Services include health and fitness, sports, aquatics, child care, summer camps and arts programs.
In 2003 the Greater Hartford YMCA opened its Farmington Valley branch in Granby. The "Y" as many call it was formerly a private swimming facility. An addition to the building added a gymnasium, weight rooms, a climbing wall, teen center game room, instructional rooms and a day-care center.
A nonprofit organization that provides activities and developmental programs for children and teens in Middlefield and Durham, DMYFS hosts fun-filled events including dances, family game night and movie night. Homework help is available through DMYFS's ASTRO program for middle and high school students. DMYFS also operates a local job bank, connecting members of the community with youth looking to earn some extra spending money. Red Cross CPR, first aid and baby-sitting classes are also provided. As a nonprofit, DMYFS relies on town funding, donations, fundraisers and grants. Volunteers are always welcome.
The New Britain-Berlin YMCA offers a variety of programs for all ages. At the development center on Main Street, the YMCA offers daycare and early education. The YMCA also offers programs such as special events for families and seniors, Ski club, childcare, recreation programs such as basketball, t-ball, soccer and youth enrichment programs and summer camps which include Little Explorers and YMCA Camp Thundermoon, a new summer YMCA camp experience focused on summer learning loss filled with arts, science, exercise and more that utilizes the beauty and technology of the Mooreland Hill Campus and the variety of its facilities.