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New Programs Are Changing the Game at YWCA Greenwich

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YWCA Greenwich has fulfilled its mission of giving back to the community by providing accessible programs and partnerships for many years. As the organization enters its 99th year in Greenwich, the YWCA is transforming to meet the changing demands of the community.

One noticeable change is that the YWCA is seriously upping its talent for its youth athletic and arts programs, as well as adult fitness programs.

Starting Sept. 5, Live City Basketball is coming to Greenwich. Founded by Coaches JP Ballesteros and Mark Jerome of Riverside Hawks in New York City, the League is a competitive environment for young people who have a passion for basketball and sportsmanship. The vision is to continue to grow the League so that the competition will be at the highest level. Both Ballesteros and Jerome have developed successful Division 1, 2 and 3 players, including former Greenwich Country Day School student and NBA player, Donovan Mitchell. They provide an environment that achieves quality basketball, sportsmanship, and professionalism.

The YWCA Tennis Program is also getting a makeover. USPTA certified instructors Hugh and Betsy Underhill are the new coaches. Together, Hugh and Betsy have more than 50 years of coaching experience both at Greenwich and Darien High Schools and in local Greenwich country clubs. Hugh coaches varsity tennis and squash at Darien High School. An avid tennis coach and player for more than 30 years, Hugh has managed the tennis, squash and paddle tennis programs for the Roundhill and Greenwich country clubs. In the summers, Hugh is the Club Manager and Tennis Director at the Block Island Club. He is passionate about tennis and passing along his love of the sport to all of his students.  Betsy has been the girls varsity tennis coach at Greenwich High School for more than 20 years and has coached her teams to 6 State titles and 6 county titles and 4 doubles teams have won the State Open tournaments. Classes begin Sept. 5 for children and adults.

The YWCA has always had a successful ballet program. Now the organization is expanding the with the addition of Emily Isidori, a professional who has danced with premier dance companies like the Alvin Ailey School, Dance Theater of Harlem and others. Creative Movement, for ages 2.5 – 4 primarily focuses on development of technical ballet motions. Beginning Jazz, for ages 5-7 is a fast-paced stylized dance with similar concepts that one would practice in ballet.

Broadway Song & Dance Theatre is another energetic addition the YWCA’s offerings with the help of Michelle Marceau, director and founder of the Greenwich Performing Arts Studio. Marceau received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Boston Conservatory in Dance and Drama and has performed professionally throughout Europe and the United States. This Broadway-style theatre program is the only one in town that combines singing, dancing and choreography for boys and girls ages 7-15. At the end of the program, children will perform a recital for the community.

The YWCA is also enhancing its programs for adults. In addition to its state-of-the-art fitness center, Spin room and more than 60 weekly classes in Ballet, Boutelle Method, Pilates, Yoga and Zumba, the organization has brought in a new instructor proficient in holistic health.

Samantha Abrahams, a professional massage therapist and Reiki Master, has a master’s degree in Holistic Health and Spiritual Healing from Holos University. A certified MELT Practitioner since 2011, she blends Classic Pilates Principles with MELT hand and foot, full body self-treatment and strength techniques. MELT is designed to reconnect whole-body communication, rehydrate connective tissue, and release compression in joints.

With a combination of elements from tennis, badminton and ping-pong, the YWCA is now offering Pickle Ball! Participants will play friendly and competitive one-on-one matches. Equipment includes a net, a racquet and a soft-cushioned ball. This thrilling activity will take place in the gymnasium under the leadership of Coach Betsy Underhill.

Scientifically proven, the Arthritis Foundation course reduces pain and stiffness. The YWCA’s new Aquatic Arthritis class will help those with pain and stiffness of the joints. Also, the pool is beneficial with the reduction of arthritic pain.

Many programs are offered as part of the YWCA membership, but non-members are also welcome to purchase a day pass or a series of passes so they can experience the YWCA before diving in as a full member.

Beyond athletics, CDB Private Cooking Classes will begin this fall. Chef Darlene B. Darlene is the owner of CDB Kitchen, located at the YWCA’s Skylight Café. She has appeared on the Dr. Oz Show and has been the featured chef on News 8’s CT Style and CT News 12’s Pet Talk and Our Lives. Two hour classes will take place at the YWCA and students will prepare an appetizer, entrée and dessert. The first class will be Sept. 22, featuring Weeknight Meals. The schedule for the rest of the sessions can be found at ywcagreenwich.org

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