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The new scoreboard for the swimmers at the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center that was funded with a grant from the Putnam Area Foundation.
Tom Borner of the Putnam Area Foundation holding the knit cap the swimmers gave him.
The Hale Y Riptides swim team also made a "handmade" thank you card for the Putnam Area Foundation.
Foundation
'scores' for
Y swimmers
By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
PUTNAM — When he saw the wire dangling on the wall at the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center, Thomas Borner knew he had to fix the problem.
The wire dangles no more. The Putnam Area Foundation donated $31,500 for a scoreboard and state-of-the-art timing system for the swim team.
At the dedication of the scoreboard and timing system Nov. 20, the Putnam Area Foundation’s Borner said swimming is near and dear to his heart. In fact, he’s often swimming at the Hale Y’s indoor pool.
The grant of $31,500 paid for the large electronic scoreboard and a computer timing system that includes buzzers, horns and precise touch pads at the start/finish wall in the pool.
Jeff Williams, director of Grants and Communication Strategies for the Greater Hartford YMCA, said Borner, the foundation and Putnam Bank before that “have been part of this dream for a long time.” He thanked Borner for “helping us put the finishing touches on.”
Amanda Kelly, executive director of the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center, said the scoreboard and timing system have been many years in the making. “We’ve been in discussions for three, four, five years,” she said. In February 2020 the Y made a formal presentation to the foundation, describing the need for a scoreboard and timing system.
The “significant donation” for the scoreboard and timing system got the first meet since February 2020, when COVID hit, off to a great start.
The system helps the Y promote friendships and growth in people, she added.
Even swimmers were thrilled, saying they are so happy to have the Y and so happy to have the scoreboard and timing system. “This is a great addition,” said one swimmer. It did not go unnoticed by the swimmers that in addition to swimming, Borner can be spotted walking around town. As a thank you to Borner, one swimmer knitted a warm hat for him, since it’s getting cold.
The Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center swim team, the Riptides, put the board and timing system to use immediately in the meet against the Cranston Y Marlins. The Riptides are coached by Brian Reilly and the assistant coach is Irma Allegretti.
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