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YMCA of the Capital Area Newsletter - Y Connection
October 2026
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That’s a wrap on Welcoming Week at the Y! Thank you to everyone who joined us, participated in activities, shared their stories, and helped make our Y an even more welcoming place for all.
Welcoming Week is a reminder that we’re stronger when we come together, celebrate what makes us unique, and create a place where everyone feels like they belong.
Let’s keep the spirit of connection, kindness, and belonging going all year long!
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WELCOMING KEVIN TO THE
AMERICANA YMCA
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The Americana YMCA welcomes new Executive Director, Kevin Broussard!
Kevin began his career with the YMCA of the Capital Area over thirty years ago at the A. C. Lewis YMCA. Almost a decade later, he became the Executive Director of the Charles W. Lamar Jr. YMCA. After 17 years with the Charles W. Lamar Jr. YMCA he then joined the Y's Corporate Office as Risk Manager, Facilities Director, and Quality Control. In September, Kevin became the new director for the Americana YMCA.
Please help us welcome Kevin in his new role!
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Join us For The Love of the Y Pickleball Tournament on October 10, at the Paula G. Manship YMCA Lamar Tennis Center. Enjoy a day of outdoor pickleball, friendly competition, and fun under the open sky. Men’s, women’s, and mixed doubles divisions will be offered for 3.0, 3.5, and 4.0 players. REGISTER NOW!
| | | | | Take off on an unforgettable run on November 21! Join us for the YMCA’s Run the Runway at the Baton Rouge Airport, where kids and families can lace up for a 5K or 1-Mile run right on the airport runway. This unique event lets you experience the thrill of running where planes usually take flight! REGISTER NOW! | |
Join us for the YMCA Reindeer Games Pickleball Tournament on December 12, at the Americana YMCA. Gather your paddles, bring your competitive cheer, and enjoy a fun-filled day of pickleball, prizes, and holiday camaraderie. REGISTER NOW! | | | A GIFT FOR GENERATIONS TO COME | | |
National Estate Planning Awareness Week, October 19 – 25, is a reminder to think about the people and causes that matter most. Nearly two-thirds of Americanas say having a will is important, and more than 2 in 3 people believe people should have one by age 55.
By including the YMCA of the Capital Area in your future plans, you can help strengthen our community well into the future. There are many ways to create a lasting legacy, including a gift through a will or trust, retirement account, life insurance policy, other planned gifts, or a multi-year pledge to the YMCA Endowment Fund.
The Cornerstone Endowment Society recognizes those who have chosen to make the Y part of their legacy. Learn more about the Cornerstone Endowment Society.
For generations, the YMCA of the Capital Area has been a place where children learn to swim, families find support, young people discover their potential, and neighbors come together. A planned gift is one way to help ensure that legacy continues.
Have you already included the YMCA in your plans? We would be honored to recognize you. Your values can live on. Your impact can, too.
Click here for a free estate planning kit.
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The Sylvesters are making the YMCA part of their family routine, with everyone finding something they enjoy. From Kids Zone and swimming to workouts and quality time together, the Y gives their family a place to grow, stay active, and have fun together!
We’re proud to be a place where there’s something for everyone.
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Basketball Ages 3-14
Locations:
A. C. Lewis YMCA
Americana YMCA
Paula G. Manship YMCA
ExxonMobil YMCA
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Cheer Ages 5-12
Locations:
A. C. Lewis YMCA
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Registration Dates: October 1 - November 8
Program Dates: November 30 - February 27
| | THINK FAST CEO & VP OF OPERATIONS EDITION | | We gave them the topics. They gave us their first
thoughts—and a few laughs along the way! | | |
Congratulations to the A. C. Lewis YMCA for winning our Squat Challenge!
They had the most members complete all 175 squats throughout the month of August. Way to show up, stay committed, and get those squats in!
Great job to everyone who participated!
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October is Family Health Month, and the Y is dedicated to supporting all families as they work to create healthier lifestyles for themselves and their loved ones. Family health and wellness is a group effort. When everyone works together, healthy habits become easier and more fun. Learn how to improve your family’s health as a team using these approaches.
Start the Day with Movement
A few minutes of morning physical activity can set a positive tone for the rest of your day. A walk around the block, family stretch session or a morning dance party are all simple examples you can easily do at home. Or, to get out of the house, head over to your local YMCA for fun, accessible ways to get moving together. Visit ymcabr.org to learn more!
Make Mealtime a Family Activity
Choose one or two days to cook as a family. Assigning roles to each family member makes it a true team effort, and mealtime becomes a great opportunity to teach about nutrition and cooking skills. Sitting down to share the meal strengthens bonds and creates daily structure.
Click here for more tips.
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Help make Halloween special for every child! Now through October 20, drop off new or gently used costumes at any YMCA of the Capital Area location.
Costumes will be distributed to children in need through our partner, 10/31 Consortium.
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Keep the fun going when school is out! YMCA Holiday Camp gives kids ages 4–13 (4-year-olds must be enrolled in a Pre-K program) a fun-filled day of arts & crafts, sports, games, swimming, field trips and more. Camp will be offered during the fall break in October, Thanksgiving break in November and Winter break. Sign your child up today!
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A message from our President/CEO, Sean Elliott: Never Stop Learning
Last week, I had the privilege of attending the YMCA National Conference, General Assembly, held every three years, along with 16 of our YMCA of the Capital Area staff and volunteer leaders. It was my seventh GA in 25 years—not bad for an old Y warhorse!
I always leave inspired by the opportunity to learn new ideas, hear new perspectives and see how YMCAs across the country are finding new ways to serve their communities.
And that matters because the YMCA has never been an organization that stands still. As the needs of our members and communities change, we have to keep learning, growing and adapting right along with them.
Our goal is simple: always get better.
That means listening, asking questions, trying new things and learning from what doesn't work. Because when our Y gets better, our community benefits.
For more than 175 years, the Y has continued to evolve while staying true to its purpose: strengthening community. We're excited to keep learning, growing and building the YMCA of the future—together.
Because the best Ys never stop learning.
| | HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST | | |
Get ready for a spook-tacular fun and friendly competition! Join in on our Halloween Costume Contest on Friday, October 30!
All YMCA members are invited to participate for a chance to win some fun Y prizes. All you have to do is come to the Y dressed in your costume and take a picture to be submitted. Two winners will be chosen to win "Most Creative Costume" and receive YMCA gear.
Whether you're spooky, silly, or totally out-of-the-box—we want to see your best costumes.
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NO PLACE LIKE THIS PLACE:
CELEBRATING 175 YEARS OF THE Y
| | | | In 1936, sponsored by the New York State YMCA, the Youth and Government program begins in Albany to encourage high school youth to understand and participate in the government process. | | Explore more fun facts of our history here. | | |
Meet Evelyn Smith! When Evelyn first joined the Y several years ago, she had a simple goal: live a healthier lifestyle and lose weight. Today, the Y has become part of her routine. She comes as often as she can because she knows she always feels better when she leaves.
Staying active helps Evelyn feel energized, support her overall health, and get better sleep. But for her, the Y is about more than exercise.
One of the things Evelyn enjoys most is the people. She describes the staff as kind, helpful, friendly, and welcoming—people who encourage her and keep her motivated to continue working toward her goals. She also appreciates the little touches that make the Y feel like more than a gym, including one of her favorite perks: coffee served every day.
Evelyn has a simple message for anyone considering joining the Y: “You should!”
From the welcoming staff and friendly members to the variety of equipment and resources available, she says the Y is a place where you can take care of yourself and leave feeling energized and refreshed.
For Evelyn, the Y has become a place where she feels encouraged, supported, and at home.
As Evelyn puts it, “The Y is just a good thing.”
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We are proud to spotlight our A. C. Lewis YMCA Aquatics Staff!
At the YMCA we are proud to be the leading organization for Water Safety. These are the people behind the scenes and on the pool deck who work every day to change the lives of children and adults. They keep our swimmers safe, teach water safety, build confidence, and provide lifesaving swimming skills that can stay with someone for a lifetime.
We’re grateful for the dedication, care, and impact they bring to our Y community every day! Here's what they had to say about the work that they do:
Kyla Waldron – Lifeguard
“I have never had a better job than working at the YMCA. I love being a part of the team and watching all of the children progress through their swim lessons.”
Malaysia Turner – Swim Instructor
“Seeing kids go from being scared of the water to loving it in such a short period of time is so rewarding.”
Cameron Mitchell – Aquatics Coordinator
“It is very rewarding to see how much all of the kids have progressed through their swim lessons.”
Terius Alex – Lifeguard
“I'm the number one guard, and always watching and making sure everyone is safe.”
Will Duncan – Swim Instructor
“It’s always great to see the kids smiling, excited to see us, and happy to be here at the YMCA.”
Stacey Adams – Aquatics Director
“I love being a part of our swim lessons and Safety Around Water programs and knowing that we are changing the lives of so many children and adults by teaching them skills that can keep them safe for a lifetime.”
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Each month, the YMCA360 app brings you new goals, exciting rewards, and a chance to push your limits!
This month, challenge yourself to complete a 5K every week—run, walk, swim, bike, or climb your way there. Keep moving, track your progress in the app, and celebrate every 5K you complete!
Download the Y app (search “YMCA360”), tap “My Challenges” on the homepage, and get started today!
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Congratulations to our August Challenge winners:
Jami B., Denise M., Dwane E., Steven B., Donna B., Christy B.
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For some families, a YMCA membership means a safe place for their children to spend time after school. For others, it means access to a pool, fitness equipment, a class, or a community that supports their health and well-being.
For families who need a little help, our financial assistance program helps make those opportunities possible.
Because being a nonprofit means more than simply offering programs. It means making sure our doors are open to as many people as possible.
Click here for more information on our financial assistance program.
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