The Alternative Press

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ - A dinner in honor of Karin Dreixler, the retiring Executive Director of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA, was held on Friday, September 21^st at the Shackamaxon Country Club in Scotch Plains . 

Approximately 170 attended the dinner to honor Karin's 33 years of dedicated service.  The dinner and celebration started off with the Master of Ceremonies, Tom Boyton, retired CEO of the Montclair Y and past CEO of the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA and included an invocation and remarks from Bill Lovett, Executive Director of the New Jersey State Alliance. 

Karin began her career at the Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA as an Associate Director for the Latch Key Program.  In 1982 Karin became Camp Director and later went on to become a Senior Program Director.  In 1989 Karin became the Associate Executive Director and finally in 1994 Karin was named the Executive Director. 

During her time as Executive Director Karin guided the Y through the purchasing of 4 neighboring properties along Martine Avenue which created the path leading to a very successful Capital expansion project.

This project has allowed the Y to greatly expand programs and services offered because the expansion project doubled the size of the Martine Avenue facility allowing the Y to even offer a second pool.  The annual budget now has revenue approaching $6 million.

Under Karin’s leadership last year alone more than 2,000 campers enjoyed a Y camp experience.  Nearly 8,000 youth participated in swimming, gymnastics, and sports programs at the Y.  More than 450 infants through middle school children were cared for on a daily basis. 

Nearly 17,000 individuals participated in one of the Y’s 40 group exercise or swim programs and senior members participate in everything from arthritis swimming classes and chair classes for those with balance and strength issues to Zumba and belly dancing classes.  The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Y was awarded a grant from the Livestrong Program to reach out to the communities they serve to offer exercise, meditation, and therapy classes to cancer survivors.  The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA also produces excellent competitive programming.  The Swim Team came in 8^th in Nationals this summer and the Gymnastics Team placed 9^th in their national competition.