[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 54 (Thursday, April 26, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CENTRAL NEW JERSEY CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF THE SOUTH BRUNSWICK YMCA

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                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 26, 2001

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the opening of 
the South Brunswick YMCA. Over the past five years, volunteers from 
South Brunswick and surrounding communities have pooled their 
collective resources to take this project from concept to completion.
  YMCA is an international not-for-profit community service 
organization brought from London, England to Boston in 1851. From 
Boston, YMCAs quickly spread across America. At this time many 
facilities started opening their doors to boys and men of all ages. 
Some YMCAs were started to serve specific groups such as railroad and 
factory workers. After World War II, women and girls could enjoy the 
full benefits of membership and participation. Today, half of all Y 
members are female.
  The South Brunswick YMCA has brought families from across Southern 
Middlesex County together to assist in the development of a family-
oriented, multifaceted facility driven by a well trained, dedicated and 
nurturing staff. The YMCA was founded on the commitment to provide a 
community-based facility to address the health, recreational and social 
service needs of the community.
  The South Brunswick YMCA addresses local community needs through 
organized activities. Some of the programs offered by the YMCA include 
swimming lessons, exercise classes for people with disabilities, job 
training, support groups, water fitness, child care, and dance classes.
  Although much has changed over the years, YMCA's mission is the 
same--to provide the tools needed to build strong kids, strong families 
and strong communities, and reinforce the values of caring, honesty, 
respect and responsibility.

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