YMCA of Pawtucket Swore in Board President at 128th Annual Meeting

YMCA of Pawtucket Holds 128^th Annual Meeting

Dr. Peter Baziotis Assumes Role of Board President

PAWTUCKET, R.I. (February 5, 2018) — Continuing a tradition that stretches back more than a century, the YMCA of Pawtucket held its 128^th Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 30^th at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. The meeting highlighted the accomplishments of the Y and also recognized community members for their contributions. Additionally, Dr. Peter Baziotis was sworn in as president of the Board of Directors.

Dr. Baziotis, who formerly served as vice president of the YMCA of Pawtucket, will lead the Board of Directors with a commitment to continue the Y’s long-standing mission to improve the health and wellbeing of families throughout Rhode Island. “It is an honor to work with a group of like-minded individuals that are dedicated to the betterment of our community, and I look forward to contributing to the great legacy of the YMCA of Pawtucket,” said Dr. Baziotis. Practicing medicine for more than two decades, Dr. Baziotis graduated from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and completed a residency and fellowship at Yale University.

The Y Board also welcomed Rob Crain, Senior Vice President/Sales and Marketing for the PawSox, as its newest member and re-elected Rebecca Book, Dana Newbrook, Robert Oster, and Rev. Dr. George Peters as Directors.

YMCA of Pawtucket CEO, Charlie Clifford, joined executive staff and branch managers in welcoming and thanking the new and returning Board members, stating: “We are fortunate to have one of the most devoted and experienced Board of Directors, who are committed to the Y’s mission of building strong, healthy communities. I am confident that Dr. Baziotis will lead the Y with enthusiasm and compassion, and I thank our Past President, Marc Dupuis, for his years of dedicated service.”

The evening’s events also included the presentation of the Spirit Award to the Chinese Christian Church of Rhode Island. The Spirit Award is presented to individuals or organizations that have contributed to the furtherance of the YMCA’s mission. For nearly 20 years, the Chinese Christian Church has ensured the presence of Heritage Park Early Learning Center despite economic challenges and shifting community needs.

“We are grateful to the Chinese Christian Church and their commitment to the Y’s mission, especially to the children in our community. We look forward to our continued partnership to make certain that every child has access to the quality, early childhood enrichment they deserve,” Clifford stated.

Mike Norklun, Executive Director of the Westwood YMCA, also recognized Donna Viveiros, Office Manager, for her 30 years of service to the Westwood Y and wished her well in her retirement.

Kyle Ivey-Jones, former URI basketball star and current Providence Sky Chiefs coach, presented the Keynote address. He discussed the Y’s impact on his life’s path and career. Currently, working with at-risk youth, Ivey-Jones highlighted how working with youth and teens at the Family Y and MacColl helped him to learn how to better relate to children, to respect them, and assist them with hardships in their lives.

About the YMCA of Pawtucket, Inc.

The YMCA of Pawtucket is comprised of five branches across the state: Pawtucket Family YMCA and Heritage Park YMCA Early Learning Center in Pawtucket, MacColl YMCA in Lincoln, Westwood YMCA in Coventry and Woonsocket YMCA. The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the United States, 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.