Grand Opening
Ribbon cutting finalizes grand opening of new facilityBy KAYLEIGH KARUTIS, The Leader-Herald
Article Photos
JOHNSTOWN - Those who haven't seen the new Fulton County YMCA were treated to a ribbon cutting ceremony and tours of the facility at the building's grand opening Saturday.
Volunteers from Nathan Littauer Hospital, Fulton Montgomery Community College and scores of other organizations gave tours of the facility, which opened last week but conducted a grand opening ceremony with local dignitaries Saturday.
Membership Director Peter Riley said the YMCA has garnered about 100 new members since its opening on August 25.
"It has been an unbelievable response," he said. "Sign up for classes and programs has been tremendous. The swim lessons already have waiting lists."
Riley said the facility offers classes in everything from salsa to pilates to cycling.
"We're extremely pleased," he said.
Assemblyman Marc Butler, R-Newport, said he was at the first board meeting where the idea for the new facility was proposed.
"It seemed hard to believe then that such a grand plan could become a reality," he said. "But here it is. It's beyond what anyone could have imagined."
Sen. Hugh T. Farley, R-Niskayuna, agreed.
"I grew up using the Y," he said. "This is one of the most spectacular facilities I've seen."
The 21st Congressional District candidate, Paul D. Tonko called it a "crown jewel" for the community.
"This facility bridges generations," he said. "There is a spirit of inspiration here, and it enables other people to follow suit."
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, those present rose in a standing ovation for Chief Executive Officer Steven Serge, who said he was the "happiest man on earth."
"Right here in Fulton County, we have one of the finest YMCAs in the country," he said. "And that's because right here in Fulton County, we have some of the most generous people."
Serge thanked the many people who he said contributed their time, energy and dedication to making the dream of the YMCA a reality.
"This will contribute to the quality of life for residents here for years to come," he said.
Serge added he is happy to be at the end of a very long road.
"It's very gratifying to be at this point," he said.
Dee and Dick Brown, who donated to the facility and were honored by having the teen center named after them, said they were happy to be able to contribute.
"We're happy that life has blessed us and we were able to contribute," Dee said.
They said they are long-time members of the YMCA and are fans of its programming.
Kelly Landrio, director of child care at the facility, said the programming for infants and young children has been wildly popular.
"The kids aren't just in a room all day," she said. "They take swim lessons and go to the gym."
Landrio added the infant child care program has been particularly popular.
LeighAnne Jennings and her mother, Catherine, brought LeighAnne's son Alex to the facility. Alex said he couldn't wait to use the pool.
"It's just beautiful," Catherine Jennings said of the building.
"We'll definitely be coming here for the pool," LeighAnne said. "It's bigger, newer and cleaner [than the old pool]."
Serge said with about $600,000 left to raise, he and the Fulton County YMCA administrative staff members will turn their sights to finishing up fundraising and promoting the Y's programming.
"At this point we're going to be offering the best quality service," he said.
Kayleigh Karutis covers rural Fulton County. She can be reached at ruralnews@leaderherald.com.
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UPSTATENY
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11-20-08 9:41 AM
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all about the $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ buyer beware
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Icetea
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09-11-08 7:37 PM
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OxyMORON, I would hardly call 6 dollars a month for a family membership a stiff hike. That is very fair.
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OxyMoron
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09-09-08 5:44 AM
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Why hasn't anyone mentioned the stiff hike in membership prices? Yes, a new facility, but it comes at a hefty price to people all ready living in a depressed area. SAD.
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Ashley
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09-08-08 7:02 PM
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I guess I should of made a point of saying that we live in Broadalbin and if we go to the Y our only option would be to drive.
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RizziBear
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09-08-08 3:22 PM
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It's certainly an impressive facility (despite looking like a factory). Unfortunetly it's not downtown and serves as another architectual and cultural element that is no longer an attraction for downtown. If we wonder why, a fantastic small town like Gloversville is now a rotting corpse, it's the mindset of moving everything out to the arterial that is one of the prime causes. We are so addicted to suburban sprawl and our reliance on automobiles, that a future without gasoline is worth fighting wars thousands of miles away. We will fight many wars in the near future; and brave men from this area, particularly Marines, will bear a disproportionate amount of the burden. And despite that, the oil will run out and the Y will be far away.
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StopTheFraud
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09-08-08 10:40 AM
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It's nice to see the Johnstown City Engineer dressed up for the event.
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SNOWGRINCH
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09-08-08 9:03 AM
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There is no shortage of negativity in G’ville. When some G’ville residence get to heaven they will complain: “Not enough angles, too many harps.” Good job to all involved in the Y project.
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Discobulous
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09-08-08 8:52 AM
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Yeah, if anything isn't tied down, it'll go. The manager of Price Chopper told me once they have twice as much trouble with that in G'ville as in Johnstown.
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jerrydellabate
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09-08-08 1:59 AM
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Its only a matter of time untill the gloversvillagers destroy it I'm sure.
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teebzz
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09-07-08 10:18 PM
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for that kinda dough, im sure they do, disc
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Discobulous
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09-07-08 8:51 PM
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Do they have a bouncy bounce for adults?
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Ashley
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09-07-08 6:13 PM
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The new YMCA is approx. 3 miles from the old one. The downtown location was not feasible. My kids wanted to go but I didn't want them to have to hassle with parking that is virtually non existent. Now there is enough parking and a beautiful new facility accessible to everybody. What a great job they did on the building and I feel very safe letting my 17 year old daughter go by herself.
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DaveGibson
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09-07-08 2:23 PM
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Excellent! It shows what can happen in Fulton County when people work towards a common goal. Congratulations to all involved.
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YDirector
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09-07-08 1:56 PM
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Dear Ms. Wentworth: Thank you for attending the YMCA open house and for your kind remarks.
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RobinWentworth
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09-07-08 1:35 PM
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I will admit that I was not a supporter of the Y moving out of the downtown, but the new facility could not have been accomplished at the downtown location. If you have not seen it yet, it is spectacular. Great job by Mr. Serge, Mr. McDonough. The new facility truly is an outstanding facility.
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RWEHVNGFUNYET
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09-07-08 11:34 AM
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Don't be such a JERK!!!!!!! You are soooooooooooooooo in the minority. Everyone who visits the Y will retract their negative comments if they only had a brain!!!!
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Discobulous
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09-07-08 10:46 AM
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Well and good, but it should have stayed dontown. What if soccer moms of the future run out of gas?
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