"Ys are about people," said Robert Hammann, the new executive director of Reston's YMCA. Reston residents had an opportunity to meet Hammann and learn more about YMCA's programs and mission.
He said he was excited to take over Reston's YMCA. His goal is to continue the work left to him by his predecessor, while finding new ways to serve the community. Hammann said he will look to bring about 15 counselors from Great Britain for YMCA's summer camps. He added host families will be needed for these counselors, who will be of college age.
Previously, he served as the executive director of Arlington's YMCA, and before that he worked for a company in Reston. He said Reston has changed a lot since he was last here, eight years ago, but that he feels a certain level of comfort having worked here before. Hammann's work at Arlington's YMCA was not his introduction to the organization, he attended the YMCA summer camps for nine years in New Hampshire. Three of those years, he worked as a counselor. He said he had a great facility, staff, and programs to work with in Reston.
THE OPEN HOUSE OFFERED residents an opportunity to enjoy a number of activities. The Fairfax County Sheriff Department ran the Child Identification Program. The program was started in 1992 by John Walsh, the host of "America's Most Wanted," after his son Adam was abducted.
A good fingerprint from a child is printed out on an information card that can be used in case of an emergency, when the parents may miss important details. Instead of having to think of everything at a time of emergency, the parents can hand the information card over to the authorities.
Bob Palmer of the Fairfax County Sheriff's Department said the program was first used by insurance companies and then by crime prevention units. He said currently there are 15 deputies from the Sheriff's Department who are involved with the program. They go to the community events and give talks on home safety, and gun locks, to help parents manage their households in a safe way for their children.
THE OPEN HOUSE WAS also an opportunity for people to get information about the Building Bridges campaign, the fund-raising side of the YMCA. The funds are raised to provide scholarships for those who cannot afford to attend camp, child care, after school, or other programs offered by YMCA. Grace Whipple, who volunteered her time to collect donations for Building Bridges at the open house, said Building Bridges raised $265,000 last year through gifts from individuals, corporate sponsorships and an annual gala, usually held in November. Last year's gala raised almost $90,000. Whipple said the YMCA would not turn any person away because that person cannot afford to join a program.
Melissa Upperman, with Tastefully Simple, a home-based business specializing in gourmet foods and home taste-testing parties, set up a food table to raise money for Building Bridges. "I'm a big believer in giving back to the community," said Upperman, praising the Building Bridges campaign.
Those who attended the open house could also get a body fat testing, join in arts and crafts activities, or receive a free screening by Dr. Phil Golinski, a chiropractor.