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Ribbon is Cut

Betty Hale, (hot pink jacket), and her son, Laurence Hale, to her left, cut the ribbon to the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center Feb. 27. Linda Lemmon photo.

 

Community

welcomes

Hale Y

By Linda Lemmon

Town Crier Editor

PUTNAM --- The community that came together and contributed for nearly a decade came together Feb. 27 and celebrated the grand opening of the Hale YMCA Youth and Family Center.

YMCA of Greater Hartford President and CEO Harold Sparrow keyed in on that community spirit. From donations from the Newell D. Hale Foundation to state grants to the dollars contributed by local community members, an entire community made the long-held dream of the Hale family a reality.

Starting in November 2007 the journey began in search of a partner to make Newell and Betty Hale's vision of a place for families and residents of all ages to come to stay healthy. A Capital Campaign kicked off in 2010, headed by Woody and Sylvia Danenhower. Jim and Pat Calhoun were named honorary co-chairpersons. The foundation pledged the first major capital gift of $3 million in 2010. In addition Senator Don Williams secured a $3.745 million Economic Development Grant from the state.

In 2011 Putnam residents OK'd a referendum to accept the gift of a 64-acre parcel of land from Wheelabrator Corporation. The Hale YMCA sits on 15 acres in that technology park. 

In 2013 the YMCA created a local Board of Advisors with Laurence Hale as chairman. Also in 2013 the YMCA of Greater Hartford secured its share of the project funding, totaling $4 million.

In 2014 the construction costs of $14.6 million was established and the plans for the 46,000-square foot facility included: two swimming pools, a gymnasium (now named after Jim Calhoun), Health and Wellness Center, Child Watch Center, Teen Center, a multi-purpose community room, locker rooms, sauna and steam room and walking track. 

Ronald P. Coderre, the Capital Campaign counsel, kicked off the ribbon cutting for the new facility. He noted the community is raising the curtain on the facility and said he is proud to say that the majority of staff is from this region. "This is a promise of jobs for our region."

"One might think of this as 'swim and gym,' but this is like the community green. The parameters are great and boundless."

Betty Hale and her son Laurence Hale cut the ribbon. Speeches followed in the Calhoun gym and there were self-guided tours for the rest of the day. The Hale YMCA opened officially for business Feb. 29. 

Amanda Kelly of Sterling is the executive director of the Hale YMCA.