6 The Courier sun • march 20, 2014 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com Grand opening of Rockaway YMCA BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aaltamirano@queenscourier.com/@aaltamirano28 The YMCA has a new home by the sea. The YMCA of Greater New York celebrated the opening of its new branch, Rockaway YMCA at Arverne by the Sea, on Friday, March 14, during a ribbon-cutting with local elected officials and community leaders. The ceremony was originally scheduled last month, but was postponed because of weather. The 44,000-square-foot facility, developed by Benjamin-Beechwood LLC, faced some construction delays after superstorm Sandy swept through the city. However, the 207 Beach 73rd Street location opened its doors to the general public on February 18 and had 1,100 new members in its first week of operation. “For the first time in our organization’s 161-year history, the YMCA has a permanent, brick-and-mortar branch in the Rockaways,” said Jack Lund, president and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “This new Y is not only bringing vital programs and services to the people of the Rockaways, but it is creating jobs and helping to sustain economic development in the area.” The site now includes the largest aquatic center of any of the 24 YMCA locations in New York City which features a lap pool, a family-friendly recreational pool with a water slide and much more. The Rockaways location also includes a full-court gymnasium, fitness center, outdoor recreational field, community multi-purpose space for youth and family programs, and other amenities. Some of the programs that will be available at the new location include after-school and college readiness, youth employment and job training, child care and adult learning. “The new Rockaway YMCA at Arverne by the Sea is a bright and shining example of our neighborhood’s The opening of the Rockaway YMCA at Arverne by the Sea was celebrated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on March 14 with elected officials and community leaders. ongoing revitalization and recovery from superstorm Sandy,” Councilmember Donovan Richards Jr. said. “This facility will provide jobs for local Rockaways residents and stand to serve as our neighborhood’s heart — providing a safe, community center dedicated to improving the quality of life for all our families.” After superstorm Sandy hit the Rockaways, the YMCA of Greater New York helped distribute cases Photo courtesy Raymond Liang for the YMCA of water, blankets, clothing and household items to families. The organization also donated backpacks with school supplies and winter clothing to 1,000 students at P.S. 197. The new Rockaways location is open Monday through Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit www.ymcanyc.org/rockaway. New Location Maximum Contract Flooring info@maximumflooring.net Commercial & Residential SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR OVER 30 YEARS 101-10 97th Street, Ozone Park • 718-322-1100 • 718-843-1010 Come in and Browse Around our New Modern Showroom! COME ON IN FOR OUR SPRING SALE We Carry all Major Brands of CARPET and FLOORING at Discounted Prices Large Selection of Vinyl • Armstrong • EarthWerks • Karndean Also Discounted Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10am-5pm Sunday by Additional 10% off Regular Low Prices All Olefins Additional 20% off Regular Low Prices All Wools Additional 15% off Regular Low Prices All Nylon Additional 10% off Regular Low Prices Laminate Flooring Quick•Step / Faus Offer Expires 5/15/14 Offer Expires 5/15/14 Offer Expires 5/15/14 Offer Expires 5/15/14 appt. only
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