Third Thursday September 2025
Getting Back to Business at the Y
While many people think of January as the time for new goals, I’ve always believed that fall feels more like the real start of the year. After summer, when we all take time to recharge, the cooler air and back-to-school season signal that it’s time to get back into routines and focus on what’s ahead. The same is true here at the Y.
This weekend, our Black and Latino Achievers, including our adult participants, will head to Camp Chingachgook to kick off their program year. The retreat gives them the chance to connect, reflect, and build community before the year gets underway.
It’s also Welcoming Week across our association. All nine branches are free and open to the public, and it’s a great time for families and individuals to come back to the Y, get moving again, and start new activities.
Additionally, our board and leadership staff meet this week for our annual Board retreat. This is a great opportunity for us to welcome new board members and community leaders, discuss the Capital District YMCA's goals, and highlight the areas where we can deliver even more impact to the community.
Finally, we’re beginning our In-Family Giving campaign. This is when our staff come together to financially support the mission of the YMCA and our Annual Campaign. The more we collectively give, the more we’re able to give back to the community.
Fall is a season of fresh starts. Whether you’re picking up a routine you set aside over the summer or starting something new, I hope the Y can play a role in helping you feel stronger and more connected this year.
In the early hours of September 6, athletes of all ages and abilities gathered at the beautiful Sleepy Hollow Lake for the annual Greene County Triathlon.
Participants took on the challenge of a 350-yard swim, an 11.5-mile bike ride, and a 5K run—pushing themselves and supporting one another every step of the way.
Since the Capital District YMCA began hosting the event, the Triathlon has grown in popularity. More than just a race, it embodies the Y’s values. Each finisher represents the power of persistence and the belief that with effort and encouragement, we can achieve more than we imagined.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made this inspiring day possible:
- Highmark Northeastern NY – Platinum Sponsor
- Coxsackie/Athens Rotary Club – Silver Sponsor
- Kool Temp Heating and Cooling – Silver Sponsor
- Helping Hands @ SHL – Silver Sponsor
- Sleepy Hollow Lake staff for their partnership and use of their beautiful property
- Tops Market for supplying water and bananas to fuel our athletes
Congratulations to all of our Greene County Triathlon participants and top finishers—you are the true spirit of the Y in action!
Y on the Fly staff had the privilege of meeting Michael Ball, the Vice President of Community Affairs for Highmark BlueShield of Northeastern New York. We expressed our heartfelt gratitude for their generous donation of the vehicle and their unwavering commitment to our community.
Y on the Fly has been extremely active this summer, visiting parks, schools, shelters, and community events, spreading joy, fun, and fitness throughout Albany and beyond.