River Crossing Connection

With the 2026 Y Giving Days nearly upon us, Michael and Abii speak with Megan McCuen, director of the YMCA Veterans Wellness Initiative, and Kaitlyn Stevens, director of YMCA abilities programs, about creative approaches to asking for support from members and program participants during the annual 10 day effort to raise money for YMCA community projects.

In this episode Michael and Abii talk with Bill Jones, Carol Garretson and Heather Smith about their work with members in Newtown, Warminster and Fairless Hills. All three were once MERs, but now occupy branch leadership positions as their careers continue to grow with River Crossing YMCA. Thanks for listening!

This episode kicks off the first in a recurring series highlighting the work of RCY membership engagement representatives serving in branch welcome centers. Desi Fluck (Quakertown), Dawn Leonard (Deer Path) and Sarah Gemmel (Allentown) discuss the special relationships they share with members and program participants.

This episode features guest Anthony DiMaggio, director of facilities in Central Bucks. Anthony discusses his life growing up in NJ, how he came to the Y, and the work he loves doing for his community.

Episode 11 of River Crossing Connection features a very interesting discussion with Jasmine Ramos, associate director of the New Britain Child Care Center, and Dave Ceran, Universal Pre-K teacher at the Child Learning Center in NJ. The main discussion revolves around their experiences working with young children and families following the period of social isolation during the COVID shutdown, and what it's like working with children who were born or were very, very little at that time. 

In this episode Michael and Abii speak with Alex Gatto, director of camp and enrichment programming for the Lower Bucks region. Alex is in his 10th year with our YMCA, starting when he was just 16 as a part time camp counselor. Alex discusses his Y career, how he's grown as a leader, and his eight months in the Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce Leadership program last year.

In this first episode of 2026, River Crossing Connection turns to personal health and wellness trainers Anne Hughes and Andrea Brown to learn about their work with members, new years resolutions, and what makes their Y experiences unique. Also, the Executive Leadership Team weighs in with their individual guiding "word" for 2026. 

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In this shorter, holiday card episode of River Crossing Connection, Michael and Abii share a few laughs recalling highlights and bloopers of podcast past. Looking forward to 2026 at the Y and wishing all a very happy holiday season.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, Abii and Michael talk with River Crossing YMCA President/CEO Zane Moore. Zane discusses his favorite Thanksgiving traditions and everyday gratitude. As a bonus, he has shared the Moore Family Deep Fried Turkey Recipe for anyone who would like to try it out. Thank you for tuning in to this special holiday episode of River Crossing Connection, and have a lovely Thanksgiving.

On October 13 River Crossing YMCA hosted over 250 early childhood and school age child care providers for the inaugural Gather and Grow conference. The day served to connect the Y's teachers and care providers from throughout all regions, as well as provide STEAM-oriented professional development. This episode features some bright spots from the event, as well as a selection of one-on-one interviews with teachers and providers of our youngest members.