To the Editor:

Today was the kind of day that stays with you. This morning at 10:40am I received a call from the Wareham Public Schools saying that they needed to bus hundreds of children and staff to the Gleason Family YMCA immediately. My response was YES, get those kids and staff here as quickly and as safely as possible. There was no time to think and no other answer. We are the Y. Our community is at the heart of everything we do. The buses began arriving moments later.

I am humbled by the incredible talent and heart that filled our building today. I want to express my sincerest gratitude to everyone who helped things run smoothly. Our Gleason Family YMCA staff and volunteers, both on duty and off, rose to the occasion as did so many of our members who were here utilizing the facility.

The Wareham Gatemen dropped their workout to pitch in. It was all hands on deck as we worked together to rearrange rooms, bring out tables and chairs and get children and staff off of busses and into our facility.

Officers from Wareham Police, Fire and Rescue Teams, Rochester Police and the Plymouth County Sherriff Department provided a feeling of calm and security amidst the initial chaos of moving a large number of children and adults. The Wareham Board of Health Inspectors arrived quickly to assist the Gleason Family YMCA’s facilities team in establishing the capacity of different areas of our building to prevent overcrowding. They brought with them pizza from Minerva’s and water from Stop and Shop for everyone.

Our summer ‘Counselors in Training’ program participants jumped in to ensure that everyone was hydrated and fed. The staff and bus drivers from Wareham Public School’s Summer Program and St. Patrick’s Summer Religious Education Program who arrived with the children worked alongside our team to organize the lists of children and manage the parent child pick-up.

Wareham Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Kimberly Shaver-Hood and Assistant Superintendent Andrea Schwamb were incredibly supportive. Ms. Schwamb played basketball with some of the children alongside some of the Wareham Police Officers and Firemen.

When I reflect on the day’s events I can’t help but recall the words of Mr. Rogers who said in times of trouble and upset look for the Helpers. Gleason Family YMCA was filled with Helpers today. I am proud to be a part of this organization and of the Wareham Community. My memories of today, of our YMCA bustling with children and so many members of our community, fill me with gratitude knowing that in a time of trouble and upset we are the Helpers and we are here for our community.

Gratefully,

Debbie Fringuelli, Executive Director

Gleason Family YMCA