[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 72 (Friday, May 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E872]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAKELAND HILLS FAMILY YMCA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 18, 2012

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Lakeland 
Hills Family YMCA, in the Borough of Mountain Lakes, Morris County, New 
Jersey, which is celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2012.
  The Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, originally called the Boonton Area 
YMCA, was first formed in the Boonton area in 1865 and occupied several 
sites throughout the area. However, it was not until 1912 that it filed 
its official YMCA charter. In 1960, it moved to Cherry Hill Road in 
Parsippany. Since it was then serving seven different communities, it 
decided to adopt the name Lakeland Hills YMCA. In 1968, the Lakeland 
Hills YMCA was able to move to its final location in Mountain Lakes on 
Fanny Road. To cover the costs of both the move and building of the 
facility, the Trustees added a Building Fund pledge to the membership, 
and with the support of its members, the new YMCA was able to open its 
doors in 1972.
  The early years as the combined YMCA, saw the addition of a 
children's day care, aerobics program, and senior program. The aquatic 
and physical education programs were expanded and the YMCA sponsored an 
``Adult Club'' which offered programs and trips.
  Unfortunately, the early years for the Y brought financial 
difficulties, even as membership continued to grow. These financial 
difficulties were alleviated by a ``miracle'' donation from Ms. Esther 
Dutton who was so impressed by the staff and members that she 
remembered the Y in her will. In 1978, with this new funding, plans to 
double the size of the center were undertaken to include a gymnasium, 
racquetball courts, and a running track. The Y has since undergone 
numerous renovations, including those to add additional childcare 
classrooms.
  Moreover, the Y announced a scholarship for less fortunate children 
to attend childcare and day camp in 2007. That same year the Lakeland 
Hills Family YMCA announced the creation of a Kid's Cardio Arcade and 
began a Kid's Wellness Month program. They also joined the YMCA's 
national programs of Healthy Kids Day and Activate America.
  Today the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA boasts 11,000 members and serves 
ten different communities in Morris County. It seeks to build strong 
families, and in doing so, build strong communities. The YMCA currently 
offers a wide range of programs including a childhood daycare center, 
educational programs for children, a leadership training program for 
teens, a series of family programs, and a plethora of fitness options. 
It also runs an annual Give a Kid the Y campaign to allow 
underprivileged children to have the ability to participate in programs 
at the Y. The YMCA has also been proud to host a number of Special 
Olympics meets over its existence. Its presence in Morris County 
continues to enrich the lives of its members and the community.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Lakeland Hills Family YMCA as it celebrates its 100th Anniversary.

                          ____________________