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VSY Will Mark Major Milestones in January

January will bring new beginnings, and the end of an era, to the Valley Shore YMCA (VSY). The new Brady Wellness Center is set to open and Executive Director Chris Pallatto will be leaving for a new position with the Y.

Earlier this year, the VSY announced a major renovation project would be completed shortly after the new year, including the opening of the new Brady Wellness Center. Pallatto said at the time the building would be a “crown jewel of the shoreline for people to come do activities to keep them healthy.” The building will include not just a gym with weights and treadmills, but also space to meet a wide variety of community health needs.

The center is named after Bob Brady, a longtime supporter of the VSY who contributed to the fundraising for the project. To fund the renovations, Pallatto said the VSY had set a fundraising goal of $5.5 million. The Westbrook Foundation contributed $200,000 of that money, but the lead donor on the renovation project was longtime VSY member Brady.

Brady, whose donation amount was unspecified, is the founder of Old Saybrook-based BLR (Business & Legal Resources).

“He’s very passionate about the role of fitness in people’s life,” Pallatto said.

The Brady Wellness Center is just the start of renovations planned for the VSY. Other updates include upgrades to the existing pavilion, the addition of a rock-climbing wall, and redoing a basketball court as well as work that will address infrastructure, safety, aesthetics, and family programming.

“We expect it to be open by mid-January. There’s a little bit of a moving target based on shipping. but it’ll be open soon,” Pallatto said. “We’re very excited. We had a pretty aggressive construction schedule that we were able to hit and I’m excited for people to see what’s new it’s a very impressive renovation.”

For Pallatto, seeing the completion of the renovations is bittersweet as he will be leaving the VSY at the end of the month.

“I’ve accepted the position of CEO of the Connecticut and Rhode Island Alliance of Y’s,” said Pallatto.

In that role he will provide support to all 26 Ys in the two states.

“It’s a unique position,” said Pallatto.

His last day at VSY will be Dec. 31 and he begins his new job Jan. 3. He has been with the VSY for nine years and pointed to the fundraising for capital projects, the increased community projects, and the expansion of the VSY community to include underserved individuals such as those with disabilities as major accomplishments of his team.

“I’m really proud of all the work we did as a group here over the years and I’m very proud of our community programs,” said Pallatto. “It’s bittersweet but I feel very comfortable that the VSY is in great hands.”

Pallatto said that the VSY board will manage the running of the facility in his absence and conduct a national CEO search to fill the position.

“We have a very strong management team and board who will handle everything smoothly,” said Pallatto.