[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 170 (Friday, October 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1398]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE YMCA'S 135TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 12, 2018

  Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is truly a feat to reach a 100th 
anniversary, it is a greater feat to reach a 125th anniversary, but, 
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize an organization within my district 
that has reached its 135th anniversary, the Yonkers Family YMCA.
  The Yonkers Family YMCA began in 1882 by accident. Story has it that 
the founders were traveling to New York City, but became lost in 
Yonkers. They decided to open a local chapter of the YMCA in Yonkers, 
and 135 years later, the Yonkers Family YMCA remains a cornerstone of 
the community.
  ``To put Christian principles into practice through programs that 
build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.'' That's the YMCA's 
mission statement, which strives to provide a safe environment where 
those in the community can better their lifestyle through health and 
fitness. As such, the Yonkers Family YMCA offers a variety of programs 
year-round for Yonkers residents and the surrounding area, that include 
boxing, aquatics, youth, and teen summer camps, as well as youth 
employment training programs.
  It would not be possible for the Yonkers Family YMCA to offer the 
wellness programs and services to the community without help from the 
community itself. Yonkers has always stood by the YMCA, and continues 
to support its vital mission.
  I would be remiss to not mention the YMCA's leadership, which ensures 
the continued success of the YMCA on a day-to-day basis: Shawyn 
Patterson-Howard, Marisol Mancebo, Vincet Talia Ferro, John Thompson, 
Donald Golding, Mercedes Bangari, Donald Somerville, Carolyn Mosha, 
Franklin Peat, and Keith Guinyard. Additionally, I want to also thank 
the Board of Directors for their continual support of the YMCA: Maria 
George, Steven Tvert, Arnaldo Torres, John Pagliarola, Christopher 
Jonson, Jade Sharpe and Maurine Koranteng.
  Mr. Speaker, the Yonkers Family YMCA has been a central part of the 
lives of people all throughout the region for well over a century. It's 
a remarkable feat that deserves this recognition. Congratulations to 
the entire Yonkers Family YMCA family for 135 years of service, and may 
they have many more years of great success.

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