Rep. Dykema Honored at Mass. YMCAs Annual Meeting

Submitted by the Office of Representative Carolyn Dykema

The Alliance of Massachusetts (MA) YMCAs will hold their annual meeting on November 19th, 2014 at Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center to share its successes and plans for the future. In attendance will be senior YMCA staff, Youth in Government guests, and honored state legislators. Guest state legislators will be honored for continued support of YMCA causes and championing of legislation. State representatives Carolyn Dykema and Jay Barrows, along with state senators Michael Rodrigues and Stephen Brewer will be present to receive their awards. The work of the Alliance of MA YMCAs could not be possible were it not for the support of the aforementioned legislators. This year’s annual meeting will work to bring together Y staff members with champion legislators to foster continued collaborative work.

Representative Carolyn Dykema, a strong supporter of the Metrowest YMCA since her election to the House of Representatives in 2008, will be honored with the Healthy Living Legislative Champion Award. A strong advocate for youth development, she has supported the Massachusetts YMCAs through her work for additional funding in the state’s annual budget for YMCA’s youth at risk programming.

“As a legislator, a community member, and a mother, I have worked with the YMCA in many different capacities and have seen firsthand the positive experiences and opportunies the organization provides for our young people. YMCAs foster greater community ties across all ages, peer mentoring, new friendships, and activities that promote healthy living,” said Representative Carolyn Dykema. “It’s a privilege to receive this honor from such a great organization that keeps the health of their communities close to home”.

Additionally, attendees will hear Randy Papadellis, CEO of Ocean Spray, present on what it takes to make a succesfull enterprise that keeps ethical practices dear at heart. The setting will be conductive for informing YMCA staff on the Alliance’s outlook for the coming year and how each Y can help.