Y seeks members' stories

Date: 5/3/2011

May 4, 2011

By Debbie Gardner

Assistant Editor

WESTFIELD — There's still a few days left for individuals to submit stories about positive and inspiring experiences at the Westfield YMCA.

The Y's first-ever "Y Stories" contest deadline is May 7. On May 13, Rosann Scalise, director of Program Operations, will choose one story at random and award that writer his or her choice of an IPod, a $125 voucher toward any Y program, or a two-month extension on his or her membership.

"Were hoping folks will share with us how the Y has impacted their lives," Scalise said of the concept behind the contest. "I think there are a lot of inspirational stories and it would be great to hear them."

Scalise said doesn't have to be a Y program or class that has inspires a writer to submit his or her story.

"It may be the people they meet [at the Y], the social group and the ties that they make" that has inspired them or somehow changed their lives, she said.

Whatever the source, Scalise said the Y's staff is hoping some of the writers might be willing to share their stories with the public, possibly through a lobby display in the future.

Writers are asked to include their name, age and contact information on their submission. Stories may either be marked "Attention Rosann Scalise" and dropped off at the reception desk of the Westfield YMCA, 67 Court St., or e-mailed to Scalise directly at rscalse@westfieldymca.org.