We recently received the email excerpted below from Y member Kalie expressing gratitude to the Y for helping her maintain her own health and for the ability, as a Y member, to bring her children to Stay & Play while she exercises. As Kalie rightly observes, Stay & Play is much more important now both as a safe, enriching time for children and as a chance for adults to exercise and get a break from the stress of parenting during a pandemic. As the father of twin daughters who have been home for months, I can certainly relate.
Kalie's letter is excerpted below.
Hello,
I just wanted to send a quick email to say thank you for everything you guys have done to get the Y ready during this crazy time. I've been really impressed with everything that I've seen so far.
I mostly do outdoor classes and also have taken my children to the Stay and Play a couple of times. The stay and play as always is excellent and I feel so thankful to see familiar faces that were there before the pandemic happened. When we have gone it has been great for my boys (who have not had an opportunity to go indoors to play anywhere other than the Y in over five months). It has given them a sense of familiarity and normalcy that they otherwise have not been able to have. Thank you for creating a safe and fun environment for them with people that they love to be around. Miss Colleen and Mr. Stan are truly a Godsend!
Thank you, Kalie for your nice note and membership in the Y. I am really glad that we are fulfilling so many important needs for you and your family. Thanks also to the Dancel Y Stay & Play associates Colleen Colclough and Stan Gilmer for providing peace of mind for Kalie and other parents like her.
Fortunately, after more than three months of providing care for the children of first responders and six weeks of Y day camp, we are continuously refining the art of keeping children safe while also giving them the fun and encouragement so essential to a happy and successful childhood. I applaud and appreciate our entire Y Stay & Play team for doing their part to support so many families in our community.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland