CLARK YMCA EASES BURDEN ON GOVERNMENT

As many area residents know, the Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA is a private, non-profit organization established to serve the community. One of the many rewarding aspects of being associated with the Clark YMCA — as one of over 2,300 members, 300+ volunteers, or 35 employees — is the satisfaction of knowing that the Clark YMCA makes a positive impact on the lives of many and has done so for over 53 years.

The Clark remains affordable (where else can a family of 5 receive a month's worth of membership benefits for the price of one night at the movies?) and accessible to all people, regardless of the ability to pay. Do folks realize how many people are involved in healthy, safe and supervised activities because they received financial assistance through the Clark YMCA Scholarship Fund Drive? Last year we served 466 people in this way, not including the many other subsidized programs and services offered, such as the Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation sponsored Summer Day Camp program.

Part of the role of a non-profit organization is to ease the burden on government. Not only does the Clark YMCA improve the quality of life for area residents like most cities or towns would do through a tax funded parks and recreation department (budget of approximately $150,000 or more as compared to the current Winchendon Recreation Department of under $10,000), but the Clark YMCA also collaborates with other civic groups and organizations to provide other experiences, opportunities that local municipalities may not be in a position to entertain.

For instance, with budget cuts impacting the town's ability to cut grass in local parks — fields not designed for such activities — the Clark YMCA was in a better position to partner with the newly established Winchendon Pop Warner program. The Clark YMCA also hosts the MMHS JV boys & girls soccer programs and maintains the fields, including the painting of the lines at no cost to the school department and ultimately the town.

Need your car washed? Head to the Clark YMCA where volunteers raising money for the Jimmy Fund (through the strong local Little League program) and they will give you your money's worth! Care about animals? Ahimsa Haven's yard sale has been offered at the Clark YMCA for several years running. Did you know that the Clark YMCA is the emergency back-up center for the Post Office (you should see how this building is built!)? Soon the Clark YMCA's partnership with the Greater Gardner Community Health Center will result in accessible Medical and Dental services through the introduction of Mobile Medical & Dental units at the Clark. There are numerous examples of how the Clark is in a position to collaborate with such organizations to continue to enhance the quality of life for the region.

Although prior insurance providers have recommended that we erect a fence around the entire Clark YMCA property, only allowing access to members and saving the Clark lots of money in liability coverage, that approach has never been considered...it's not what we're about. The Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA is about serving the community.

During these difficult economic times when the town is struggling to make budget, considering the elimination of people's jobs, and freezing raises for those fortunate enough to remain employed, the Board of Directors of the Wendell P. Clark Memorial YMCA have decided NOT to request tax payer assistance to cover the expenses of the Clark's water bill this year. Although the Clark has felt justified in the request in previous years for the many programs and services provided to the community — and grateful for the continued support — the Board feels it is time for all of us to "tighten the belt" and contribute what we can to get all of us through. For those of you who supported this article in years past, we thank you.

Perhaps $8,000 is a drop in the bucket as compared to the town'’s nearly $12 million budget, but it will be very challenging for the Clark YMCA to absorb this loss. This decision did not come about lightly and we have no idea how we're going to cover it. Yet, somehow this seemingly reckless approach seems significantly responsible as a means to do what we can during these difficult times. Make no mistake, the Board hopes that this approach will address the concerns of the vocal minority (the warrant article has always passed) and demonstrate the Clark's desire to do what's best for the community. Perhaps some will choose to accept this approach as a mere public relations maneuver. We feel actions speak louder than words. The bottom line: the Clark has left $8,000 on the table in an effort to do what is right.