Page 4 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • November 16, 2011 Ridgewood Every day, the Ridgewood YMCA serves as a gathering place for the community. Kids arrive to swim and play sports. Seniors meet for bridge, group activities, and to connect with one another. Through its Good Works Programs, the Y meets community needs regardless of ability to pay. In order to continue its life-enhancing services, the Ridgewood YMCA is launching its Annual Appeal Campaign. “We need the Y because our organization works every day to nurture the potential of kids, improve their health and well-being, and help neighbors support one another,” said Rick Claydon, CEO of the Ridgewood YMCA. “With our Annual Appeal Campaign we want more people to understand that we are more than a place to go to exercise or swim – and that we rely on their financial support to do our vital work.” An Annual Appeal Campaign launch, “President’s Challenge: Let’s Get Fit,” took place earlier this month. Board President Peter J. Kurshan challenged all board members, trustees, and Y staff to join him in an early morning workout which included stretching and yoga. “The Y offers exemplary programming that is so Ridgewood YMCA launches Annual Appeal Campaign important to our community and provides so much to those who need our help. One of my goals for this year is to make sure that the Good Works Programs remain available to those who need them, and for some, to those who can least afford them. I am honored to be able to get the campaign started fittingly,” Kurshan observed. As a leading nonprofit for strengthening community, financial gifts to the Y will help the Ridgewood YMCA advance programming and services that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility including: Youth Development • Summer camp and swim program scholarships • Peer support, mentoring, and autistic therapy programs • Employment for special needs students Healthy Living • “Living Strong, Living Well” fitness program for cancer patients and survivors • “Delay the Disease” exercise program for those struggling with Parkinson’s Disease • Fellowship and fitness therapy programs for senior citizens and adults with autism Social Responsibility • Financial support for YMCA family memberships and programs • Scholarships for families of deployed military personnel • Volunteer opportunities for youth and adults To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause or to make a donation, contact Amy Orr, director of development, at (201) 444-5600, extension 324 or visit www.ridgewoodymca.org. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women, and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. For more information, visit www.ridgewoodymca.org and www. campbernieymca.org. An Advent discussion group will begin on Tuesday, Nov. 29 in the education building at Old Paramus Reformed Church in Ridgewood. The group will meet for four consecutive Tuesdays through Dec. 20. This year’s discussion will center on “The Thrill of Hope: The Christmas Story in Word and Art.” The program offers participants an opportunity to take a fresh, creative look at the good news, and to share their thoughts Church to host Advent discussions while preparing spiritually for Christmas. The morning group will meet at 10:30 a.m. and the evening session will meet at 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. The church is located at 660 East Glen Avenue at Route 17 South in Ridgewood. For more information, call (201) 444-5933, or visit oldparamus.org.