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Presentation

The Danielson Rotary Club presented the initial payment of its $5,000 pledge to the Regional Community YMCA.  Left to right: Rotary member Sean Hendricks, Ronald P. Coderre, YMCA Campaign Counsel; Danielson Rotary Club President Robert Chenail and President-elect Lynne Comtois. 

 

 

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Drone photo of the Regional Y by  Off Camber Produkshuns.

 

 

Special to the Putnam Town Crier

The Danielson Rotary Club, which boasts approximately 25 members, recently committed to a $5,000 pledge to the Regional Community YMCA thanks to the leadership of its President Robert Chenail.  The YMCA, which is currently under construction and looking forward to completion in early spring 2016, will serve the 10-town region of northeastern Connecticut as well as bordering communities in nearby Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

“The Danielson Rotary Club is pleased to join the many other community organizations, businesses and individuals who have come together to make this project a reality.  When I presented this idea to our membership, it was unanimous in its support,” said Chenail.

According to sources involved in the project, the 46,000-square-foot Regional Community YMCA is about 65 percent complete.  The facility will feature a full-size eight-lane competitive pool, a warm water pool, whirlpool, gymnasium, teen center, and fitness center, as well as a child care watch area.

The estimated cost of the facility is $14.6 million.  Through a gift of $3 million from the Newell D. Hale Foundation the impetus for the project was initiated.  More than $13.6 million have been raised to date from a State grant of $3.745 million and a $4 million commitment from the YMCA of Greater Hartford.  A community campaign with a goal of $2.85 million is nearing completion with approximately $2.8 million raised as of Sept. 1.

“The gift from the Danielson Rotary Club moves us closer to our goal.  Since the construction began in January, the excitement for the project and the community support has been overwhelming.  We expect to reach our community goal in the near future,” said Campaign Counsel Ronald P. Coderre of RPC Associates.

When completed the facility will be more than simply swim and gym.  It will be a location where families will gather and spend time together; children can learn life skills and teens can have fun in a safe environment.  It will also serve older adults as a place where they can gather, socialize and exercise together.

“As a physical education teacher, I realize the need for this Y.  Today educators and healthcare providers are stressing the need for exercise and education in keeping children and adults  healthy,” said Chenail.

“I’m so pleased that the Danielson Rotary Club has joined our community campaign.  What started as a dream that my late husband Newell had, is quickly becoming a reality,” said Campaign Trustee Betty Hale of the Newell D. Hale Foundation.