[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 133 (Wednesday, September 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CELEBRATING THE 125TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RANDOLPH YMCA

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 17, 2014

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Randolph 
YMCA, located in Randolph, Morris County, New Jersey, as it celebrates 
its 125th Anniversary.
  The Randolph YMCA was founded in 1889 in Dover. The First Methodist 
Episcopal Church in Dover served as the first home of the YMCA, 
reaching beyond the Dover area and attracting nearly 200 people per 
day. In 1908, the YMCA expanded its territory to include Chester, Long 
Valley, Rockaway, Succasunna, Wharton, and Whippany.
  From 1908-1950 the YMCA occupied various locations around Blackwell 
Street in Dover. In 1951, the need for a more permanent facility was 
recognized. And, as membership had drastically increased since the end 
of World War II, so did the need for a headquarters facility. The YMCA 
then opened a new facility on the corner of Route 46 and North Bergen 
Street.
  In 1976 the name West Morris Area YMCA was established. The name was 
chosen to reflect the expanding service area, including Randolph 
Township. Due to the vast increase in membership, the Dover building 
would require an addition, but there was not enough property for both 
an expansion and parking. In 1977, the Y decided to build a new 
facility in Randolph Township.
  The new facility on Dover Chester Road, Randolph, was officially 
opened in 1979. The building included a gymnasium, racquetball courts, 
a pool, fitness equipment, and program space. A childcare center was 
added in March 1999, which now serves as a shared space with the 
Randolph School District. In 2009 the late Mr. Clyde Utz donated a 
second pool, along with 7,500 sq. ft. of additional program space. In 
2011, the YMCA received the ``Best of Aquatics Award'' from Aquatics 
International.
  Now known as the Randolph YMCA, the organization offers a variety of 
health and wellness programs for all ages. The Randolph YMCA also 
offers numerous Youth Programs, including: Summer Day Camp, Progressive 
Swim Lessons, After School Child Care, and Youth Fitness and 
Conditioning.
  The Randolph YMCA continues as a charitable non-profit organization 
that provides social, physical, and education programs to the community 
in order to help develop the mind, body, and spirit of all ages. The 
employees and volunteers at the Randolph YMCA remain focused on growing 
and improving the foundation to meet the needs of the community, today, 
and in the future.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Randolph YMCA, its members, trustees, and many supporters, as it 
celebrates its 125th Anniversary.

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