On Sunday, June 10th, The Chambersburg
Memorial YMCA opened its William K. Nitterhouse Family YMCA Program Center and
the Ark Child Development Center. After starting its renovations last fall on
the former elementary school on Coldbrook Avenue, the wellness center brought in
over thirty preschoolers - ages three to five - for the summer program thus
far.
As of Monday, June 11th, the
Nitterhouse wellness center began fully running all adult aerobics classes
except karate at its new facility. This mirror-walled room will host Zumba,
Step, TRX, Forever Fit, Sculpting, and more. Barb Houpt, Fitness & Wellness
Director at the Y, stated that the classes will fill up quickly (especially for
Zumba), so preregistration is going to become a necessity. Babysitting and
child watch will be provided at the YMCA at 570 E. McKinley Street location
during these classes.
Each classroom in the Ark sports a
flashy Smart Board to give its preschoolers a hands-on approach to technology.
Amidst the rooms adorned with large stuffed animals, hundreds of books, and
color-coded chairs and tables stand the staff members who saw this project
through from the beginning. The school also sports new playground equipment and
the David W. Matthews Jr. Pavilion.
Local donor William K. Nitterhouse of
Nitterhouse Concrete came up with the idea for the project last year. “I saw
the old Coldbrook Elementary for sale and thought it was the perfect place for
the Y to expand to,” said Nitterhouse in the opening ceremony on Sunday. “I
called Dave [Matthews] and asked him if he needed space, then we began working
immediately on the school. I just wanted to support our community.”
Despite
the summer opening, Executive Director Dave Matthews still has a few more
months of work laid out for him. “This project is by no means completed,” said
Dave Matthews, Executive Director of the YMCA. “By our second open house in
August, these white walls will be adorned with pictures, plaques, posters, and
colors. Imagine large animal decals on the walls adding to the atmosphere.”
The
bidding began in June of 2011 for the property, and construction started in
October of the same year. Construction ended Sunday as the cornerstone was
placed with a time capsule filled with memorabilia from past teachers and
students alike. At the open house, President of the YMCA Board of Directors
John Boozer emotionally proclaimed, “This is a great project for the
development of lives in this community!”
Dave
Matthews was pleased to announce the YMCA has reached 82 percent of their
minimum fundraising goal of $1.25 million. “This would not have been possible
without the continued generosity of our supporters and the Chambersburg
community. The YMCA Family thanks you!” Matthews stated. “The YMCA will
continue seeking gifts and remains optimistic in reaching their goal.”
The
Ark Child Development Center is holding open enrollment for this summer and
fall. Pricing is by week for full-time preschool at $125 and is available
Monday through Friday, and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Half-day
preschool will still be held in the YMCA’s Preschool Discovery Center in the
main building from September to May.
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