Displaying items by tag: YMCA

The Saratoga Regional YMCA has programs for everyone from toddler and parent classes to youth sports, to teen and adult archery at both the Saratoga and Wilton Branches. Come check out everything that the Y has to offer to keep your family healthy, active, and learning. Registration is open, and classes run from Jan. 17 to March 13. 

PROGRAMS FOR YOUNG CHILDREN:
These programs are designed for a caregiver and child to engage in together, socialize, learn, and meet new friends. 

Roc-n-Tots and Baby Jamboree are fun music and movement classes at the Saratoga Branch. Roc-N-Tots is Wednesdays from 11:15 to 11:45 a.m. for 18 months – 2 yrs. Baby Jamboree, for ages 6-18 months is Fridays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. 

Story Time is a class that combines a story with activities and an art project. Story time at the Wilton Branch is Mondays from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Story Time at the Saratoga Branch is Fridays from 10:45 to 11:15 a.m. 

Mini Activity Play Group is a playgroup for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years. Each week the Y puts out gross motor activities for children to engage in. The playgroup at the Wilton Branch meets in the gymnastics studio on Mondays from 9:45 to 10:30 a.m. The playgroup at the Saratoga Branch meets in the gym on Thursdays from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. 

DANCE CLASSES:
Tiny Tutus: Children learn the basics of ballet in this beginner class for ages 3-5 yrs. Classes will be held on Tuesdays, 4:30 to 5:10 p.m., and Saturdays, 10:15 to 10:55 a.m. or 11:05 to 11:50 a.m. 

Twinkle Toes: Ballet and tap basics are combined in this class for ages 4-6 yrs. Classes will be held Tuesdays, 5:15 to 6 p.m., or Saturdays, 12:05 to 1:05 p.m. 

Jazz: This beginner jazz class introduces a new dance style for children ages 6-9 yrs. Class will be held on Tuesdays from 6:05 to 6:50 p.m. 

All dance classes will be held at the Saratoga Springs Branch in the multipurpose room. 

LEGO CLUB:
Children meet once a week to find imaginative solutions to building challenges and spend time on their own Lego masterpiece. Lego Club will be held at the Wilton Branch on Thursdays. Ages 5-7 yrs. will meet from 4:15 to 5 p.m. Ages 1-10 yrs. will meet from 5 to 5:45 p.m. For more information, contact Kristi Savage at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 518-583-9622 ext. 123. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On April 5, the Saratoga Regional YMCA officially launched its Annual Campaign to ensure that everyone in the community has access to vital community programs and resources. 

When the Y’s doors closed in March 2020, the Y pivoted and began providing critical food and hygiene supplies to many struggling individuals and families in need. They offered child care and camps for families that were working and in need of care in the heart of the pandemic. The Y stayed connected to senior members through phone calls and emails to help prevent social isolation. They found creative ways for community members to stay healthy during the pandemic by providing outdoor and virtual fitness options until they reopened their doors in September. 

Support of the 2021 Annual Campaign not only helps the YMCA continue funding critical community work now, but it also helps preserve the organization for the future. This year, the Saratoga Regional YMCA hopes to raise $250,000. The Annual Campaign provides life-changing experiences, and makes the community stronger through YMCA child care summer camp, aquatics, sports, wellness, and many other vital programs and services, assuring that no one is turned away due to lack of funds. 

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s mission, please contact Allison D’Antonio, Strategy and Development Director at 518-583-9622 ext. 104 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.srymca.org/donate for more information.

Mini Active Kids Club (2-3 years) Experience a variety of games and activities in a small group setting. One parent only can accompany their child. Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Members $40/Non-Members $60.

Tiny Tutus (3-5 years) Build on the basics of ballet through imaginative and creative movements, positions and combinations. Saturdays, 10:10-10:55 a.m.; or 11:05-11:50 a.m. Member $60/Program Member $100.

Twinkle Toes (4-6 years) Improve on the fundamentals of ballet while establishing tap basics to develop balance, coordination, and rhythm. Saturdays, 12:05-1:05 pm. Member $60/Program Member $100.

Soccer (3-4 years) Intro to soccer games and drills. Parental involvement is encouraged. Thursdays, 4-4:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $50.

Soccer (5-7 years old) Play on a co-ed team. Thursdays, 4:35-5:15 p.m. Members $50/Non-Members $50.

T-Ball (4-6 years) Learn the basic skills and game play. Saturdays, 12-12:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $70.

Little Rookies (3-5 years) Learn and play a variety of different sports each week. Parents participation is encouraged. Saturdays, 11:15-11:45 a.m. Members $40/Non-Members $70.

Basketball (4-5 years) Introduction for boys and girls. Mondays, 4-4:30 p.m. Members $40/Non-Members $60.

Basketball (6-7 years) Learn the fundamentals.  Mondays, 4:40-5:20 p.m; Saturdays 12:45-1:25 pm. Members $40/ Non-Members $80.

Basketball (8-10 years) Develop fundamental skills. Tuesdays 4:15-5 p.m.; Saturdays 1:35-2:20 p.m. Members $55/Non-Member $90.

Beyond the Basics: Next level skills. 10-13 years, Saturdays, 3-4 p.m.; 14-17 years, Saturdays, 4-5 p.m. Members $70/Non-Member $100.

Custom Basketball Training. One-on-one or training in groups is available. 

Youth Intermediate Volleyball (10-14 years) Co-ed. Wednesdays 4:15-5 p.m. Members $60/ Non-Members $90.

Leadership Club: Teens (8th through 12th grade) plan and organize projects with an emphasis on community service. 1st and 3rd Monday of the Month. 6-7 p.m. Free with Family or Youth Membership.

All winter programs run Jan. 4 to Feb. 21. For more information, go to srymca.org.

The Ballston Spa Athletic Hall of Fame Requests Nominations for 2020
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Athletics Hall of Fame Committee requests nominations for its 2020 induction class. Online nomination forms may be submitted at ballstonspaathleticshalloffame. com until January 15, 2020. The ceremony will take place in May of 2020 at the Ballston Spa High School auditorium. For more information, please visit the website: ballstonspaathleticshalloffame.com.

Blue Streaks Hockey
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks varsity hockey team played Adirondack on Wednesday, December 11 at the Glens Falls Recreational Center; Saratoga won 4-1. Joe Amodio at one goal and one assist; Andrew Blanchard had one goal; Will Detora had one goal and two assists; Charlie Leary had one goal. Anthony LaMonda had the goal for Adirondack. Saratoga goalie Brad Blake had 15 saves.

Saratoga Regional YMCA Over 50 Basketball League Scores
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
D’Andrea’s Pizza v. Walton’s Sport Shop
Walton’s-60: Jimmy Parker-23, Mike Bentley-16 D’Andrea’s-53: Mike McMorris-18, Rory Wilson-17

West Side v. Lazy Dog Cookie Company
Lazy Dog-57: Scott Clark-21, Matt Treaux-12 West Side-38: Dave Wolfe-13, Mark Sohl-12

Stephen’s Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Greenwich v. Nemer Chrysler
Nemer-67: Stephen Brown-28, Pat Reidy-19 Stephen’s-56: Pat Killian-18, Paul Gross-16

Turning Point Chiropractic Shop v. Mama Mia’s Restaurant
Turning Point-61: Bob Hanson-33, Mike Scanlon-11 Mama Mia’s-49: Phil Fitzpatrick-24, Lamont Williams-13

Saratoga Springs Wrestling v. Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman HS (WWH) 44.0 Saratoga Springs Sr HS (SSSH) 26.0 99: Lucius Anderson (SSSH) over Dominic Repetti (WWH) (Dec 8-2) 106: Jacob Pratt (SSSH) over Nicholas Campanelli (WWH) (Dec 6-5) 113: Kyle Griskowitz (SSSH) over Jared Goldis (WWH) (MD 10-2) 120: Antonio Encarnacion (SSSH) over Michael Sales (WWH) (Fall 0:12) 126: Double Forfeit 132: Maximo Vasquez (WWH) over Zeph Watkins (SSSH) (Fall 1:33) 138: Griffin Biviano (SSSH) over Angel Catalan (WWH) (Fall 1:30) 145: Sachiel Chuckrow (SSSH) over Grady O`Loughlin (WWH) (MD 10-2) 152: Joseph Feola (WWH) over Eric Griskowitz (SSSH) (Dec 8-2) 160: Liam Villanti (WWH) over (SSSH) (For.) 170: Jakarai MC Kay (WWH) over Justin Garfolo (SSSH) (TF 19-4 4:47) 182: Pedro Benitez (WWH) over Noah Robinson (SSSH) (Fall 0:37) 195: Saul Ulloa (WWH) over David Jenks (SSSH) (Fall 0:40) 220: Adrian Londono (WWH) over Austen Douglas (SSSH) (Fall 1:59) 285: Steven Lainez Gomez (WWH) over (SSSH) (For.)

There’s just about everything under the sun at the YMCA’s kickoff to summer fun.

Now’s the time to run through a floating inflatable obstacle course, try out knockerball soccer and challenge yourself to make it through the ropes adventure course – and it’s all for FREE!

The Saratoga Regional YMCA’s annual Healthy Kids Day event will be taking place at the Saratoga Springs Branch, 290 West Avenue, Saturday, May 11, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Rain or Shine.

“The whole community is invited to this free family fun day,” said YMCA’s Outdoor Recreation Director Paige Minear.

What started out more than 15 years ago as a few information tables and a chance to sign-up for YMCA programs and summer camps has grown into a huge event.

“It’s been steadily growing and last year was our biggest year yet. We had 740 people register and we’re hoping to bring that number up to 1,000 this year,” said Minear.

Registration is required to participate in a few of the activities including a basketball challenge, to run on the obstacle and adventure courses, compete in a bicycle rodeo and more. Registration is open to both members and non-members until Saturday morning. Members of the YMCA can register online and non-members can register by stopping in or calling the branch office at 518-583-9622.

“If you decide last minute that you want to come play with us and haven’t registered, we hope you will, because that’s OK too,” she said.

With activities targeted toward each age group – from toddler to adult, the YMCA is hoping that everyone will find the event to be a great way to get the summer started right.

Nationally, the YMCA has been hosting Healthy Kids Day for 25 years to invite ALL families a chance to experience what a blast active play can be. For more information, go to srymca.org/healthykidsday.

Can’t make it? The YMCA Adventure Course is open to the public every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month for Open Climbs in addition to other dates throughout the summer. For more information, go to srymca.org/saratoga-springs-branch.

Have a fun, FREE play day at the Saratoga Springs YMCA:

• Foot Darts and Inflatable Soccer by Upstate Knockerball Inflatables 
• Wibit Inflatable Water Obstacle Course in the Indoor Pool
• Bounce Houses
• Bouldering Wall
• Adventure Course 
• Gaga Pit 
• Tennis
• Toddler Sensory Table
• Lego Pit Challenge
• Bike Rodeo (BYO Bikes & Helmets)
• Basketball Challenge (Ages 8 to 15)
• Family Fun Run – 11 a.m.
• Color Run – 2:30 p.m.

Info Booths such as: 

• Crafting with The Candle Collective
• AAA Car Safety Checks
• Take a Seat on an ATV brought by the NYS Police 
• Letterboxing with Saratoga PLAN
• Wilton Wildlife Preserve
• Pitney Meadows
• Saratoga Ninja Lab
• The Children’s Museum at Saratoga
• US Grant Cottage State Historic Site
• Fidelis Care, NYS Health & AHI Health Insurance 
• Prevention Council 
• Food Demos...
  plus so much more!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Concluding the month of love and heart-healthy awareness, the Saratoga Regional YMCA (SRYMCA) kicks off this year’s “Be a Hero” campaign for their annual fundraiser.

Photos provided.

Connor Johnson is an 8th grader at Galway Central Jr./Sr. High School who plays basketball at the YMCA Wilton Branch, as well as for his school and the Athletic Armature Union. 
“Connor enjoys helping and teaching the other kids there (at the YMCA) how to play basketball,” said Cynthia Johnson, Connor’s Mom.

Question: How old were you when you started playing basketball?
Answer: I started playing when I was 12. I started playing at the Y.

Question: What made you want to get into basketball?
Answer: It was something I always wanted to do. 

Question: Who is your favorite professional athlete?
Answer: Curry, Stephen Curry. I like that he’s little and going against the pros. He was doubted when he was a kid, and now he’s proven everyone wrong.

Question: Who are you most inspired by?
Answer: The most inspiring thing to me is my family, and my grandparents. But other things that inspire me are my coaches, my friends; the YMCA is a inspiring thing for me.

Questions: Who are your biggest fans?
Answer: My papsy, my mom and my family.

Question: What is your favorite thing about basketball?
Answer: I like the competitive side of it and I like that there is a lot of action. 

Question: Least favorite?
Answer: Injuries and getting hurt. 

Question: Have you had many injuries?
Answer: Not a lot, but I have had rolled ankles here and there. 

Question: What do you do to get hyped up for a game?
Answer: The people around me pump me up saying ‘you’re gonna do good out there!’ I warm up and stretch.

Connor is already looking at colleges in hopes of continuing to play basketball, the sport he loves, wherever he attends. 

[Photos provided]

Saratoga Springs Girls Lacrosse
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Thursday, May 3, Saratoga Springs played Guilderland and won, 16-10. In the first half, Saratoga scored 12 versus Guilderland’s four, in the second half, Saratoga scored four versus Guilderland’s seven. On Saratoga’s team Lindsey Frank had four goals and one assist; Reilly Hogan had four goals and two assists; Ella Payer and Katie Wendell each had two goals and two assists; Katie Silver had two goals; Sophia Burke had one goal and two assists; Sylvie Waters had one goal; and Abigail Searles had 12 saves.

On Saturday, May 5, Saratoga Springs played Queensbury and won, 16-15, a close match. In the first half, Saratoga scored 11 versus Queensbury’s four, in the second half, Saratoga scored five versus Queensbury’s 11. On Saratoga’s team Katie Wendell had six goals and two assists; Lindsey Frank had five goals and one assist; Reilly Hogan had two goals; Sophia Burke had one goal and three assists; Lauren Duffy and Sylvie Waters each had one goal; Jackie Sauer, Elizabeth McGinn, and Catherina O’Hara each had one assist; and Abigail Searles had 17 saves.
On Monday, May 7, Saratoga played Shenendehowa and won by a landslide, 19-8. In the first half, Saratoga had 11 goals and Queensbury had four goals, in the second half, Saratoga dominated with another eight goals to Queensbury’s four. On Saratoga’s team Katie Silver had four goals and two assists; Katie Wendell had three goals and five assists; Jackie Sauer had two goals and three assists; Ella Payer had two goals and two assists; Lindsey Frank, Reilly Hogan, and Sylvie Waters each had two goals and one assist; Sophie Burke and Lauren Duffy each had one goal; and Abigail Searles had 14 saves.

Spa Catholic Softball
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, May 2, Saratoga Central Catholic played Waterford and won, 20-2. Ani Crocker hit a homerun and three runs; Emy Murray had a double and 3 RBIs; Molly O’Reilly hit a triple; Ryleigh Dempsey had two runs; and Ria Walsh had one double. On Friday, May 4, Saratoga Central Catholic played Berlin
and won, 15-0. Victoria Alvord had 3 RBIs; Sara Custer had one RBI; Elise Browell went 2-2. On Monday, May 7, Saratoga Central Catholic played Cambridge and won, 9-7. Emy Murray had one double and 2 RBIs; Cassidy Hayner had two RBIs; Molly O’Reilly had a homerun and 3 RBIs; Julia Murdick had two RBIs.

On Wednesday, May 9, Spa Catholic clinched the Battenkill Division and earned the right to play for the league championship by winning 8-5 against Hoosic Valley in their senior game.

Saratoga Regional YMCA Basketball  [ OVER 25-YEAR-OLD LEAGUE ]
TEAM EMERY 70 - TEAM LOMBARDO 641 Team Emery took the lead early in the game and held off a scrappy Team Lombardo 70 to 64. Blake Rizzi led his team with 39 points and with the help of teammates Andrew Armstrong’s 13 points and Brendon Emery’s 10 points, they got the win. Team Lombardo had four players in double figures topped by 22 points from Chris Peroni, Dave Lombardo added 16 points, Tim Herrick with 15 points and Mike Ventre with 12 points.

TEAM WINK 64 – TEAM SIKORA 53 Team Wink used 24 points from Brian Travis including a half court buzzer beater at the end of the half, J.R. Michael continued his threepoint shooting with five three-pointers and Dallas Wells contributed 13 points in the victory. Camdon Spencer kept his team in the game with 33 points in the loss.

TEAM DUFF 69 – TEAM REED 54 Team Duff remained the only undefeated team in the league and ran their record to 5 and 0 with a 69 to 54 win over Team Reed. Team Duff’s Carter Flanigan had a game high 31 points while Tim Bush had 22 points, Josh Demarais 14 points and Rich Duff 11 points in the win. Team Reed was led by Colin Fuller and Taylor Wilson with 15 points each.

Photos provided.

Saratoga Regional YMCA Basketball: 

TEAM SIKORA 61 -  TEAM LOMBARDO 59
The winner of this game wasn’t decided until the final seconds. The game was close from beginning to end, both teams were tied at halftime and continued throughout the game. Team Sikora’s Rick Sicari and Camdon Spencer each scored 16 points and teammates Brian Donovan and Renny Sikora scored 11 and seven points respectively. Team Lombardo got a game high 28 points from Chris Peroni in the loss.
TEAM DUFF 71 – TEAM WINK 55
Team Duff remained undefeated by beating Team Wink by 16 points. Corey Harkins had 20 points, Carter Flanigan had 15 points and Josh Demarais had 10 points in the victory. Team Wink got 18 points from Brian Travis along with 15 points from JR Michael all on threepointers and 12 points from Dallas Wells. TEAM REED 62 - TEAM EMERY 61 After falling behind by 12 points at half-time, Team Reed clawed back to get an overtime win over Team Emery by a score of 62 to 61. The winners got 14 points from Vonzel Legal, with teammates Taylor Wilson and Garris Ramsdell each contributing 11 points each in the win. Blake Rizzi had 23 points, Chris Cameron had 21 points and Chantz Baudoux scored 10 points in the loss.

Spa Catholic Baseball:
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Wednesday, April 18, Spa Catholic played Berlin and won, 24-0. For Spa Catholic: Jake Hart had three runs and three RBIs; Cadan Awad had one run and one RBI; Dante Marin had one run and one RBI; Josh Van Patten had one double, one run, and two RBIs. On Saturday, April 21, Spa Catholic played Cambridge and defeated them, 17-0. For Spa Catholic: Nick Winslow had two doubles, four runs, and three RBIs; Kaden Learch had one double, four runs, four RBIs; Tyler Haraden had one double, one run, and three RBIs; Terel Tillman had three RBIs; Dylan Custer had four runs and one RBI.

2018 NYS YMCA Gymnastics Championships:
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Regional YMCA Springettes gymnastics team participated in the 2018 NY State YMCA Gymnastics Championships on April 14 and 15. Forty-two girls from the Springettes Team Participated in levels 3-8.  The team had enough gymnasts in the level 2, 4, 6, and 8 levels to compete in the team competition. In the team competition, the level 3 gymnasts placed 2nd, the level 4 gymnasts placed 2nd, the level 6 gymnasts placed 1st, and the level 8 gymnasts placed 1st.    The Springettes had 7 athletes finish 1st in the allaround competition to become state champions. The girls that finished first are:  Abby Moller, level 8 senior age group.   Brynne Wright, level 7 senior age group.   Megan Wishart, level 6 senior age group.  Sydney Crombach, Level 5 senior age group.  Erin Ward, Level 4 senior age group.   Ruby Sprengnether, Level 4 junior age group. Alyssa Glaser Level 3 Senior B age group.
   
Saratoga Springs Girls Lacrosse:           
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Thursday, April 19, Saratoga played Ballston Spa and won, 16-5, scoring 12 points in the first half vs. Ballston Spa’s two and scoring four in the second half vs. their three. For Saratoga: Katie Wendell had three goals and two assists; Katie Silver had three goals; Sophia Burke had two goals and two assists; Lindsey Frank had two goals; Ella Payer had two goals; Catherine O’Hara had two goals; Reilly Hogan had one goal and three assists; Lauren Duffy had one goal; Abigail Searles had 10 saves.

[Photos provided]

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Regional YMCA launched its Annual Campaign on Feb. 26 to ensure that everyone in the community has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Every day, the Saratoga Regional YMCA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community issues, nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving our community’s health, and giving back and provide support to our neighbors who need it most.

“Throughout our region, countless people know the Y. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think,” said Andrew Bobbitt, Chief Executive Officer of the Saratoga Regional YMCA.

“The Y allows our community to connect and engage with their friends and neighbors. In essence, you become a part of the Y family. As a charity, we’re dedicated to continuing to bring our community together, addressing their most pressing needs, and ensuring everyone has access to our programs and services,” said Bobbitt.

This year, the Saratoga Regional YMCA hopes to raise $400,000. The Annual Campaign provides lifechanging experiences and makes our whole community stronger through YMCA child care, summer camp, aquatics, sports, wellness and many other vital programs and services, assuring that no one is turned away due to lack of funds. Last year, charitable gifts from YMCA donors made it possible for the YMCA to award $488,490 in financial assistance.  This year they anticipate that number growing to over $500,000.

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s mission, contact Allison D’Antonio, Mission Advancement Director at 518-583-9622, ext. 104 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit www.srymca.org/donate for more information.