Old Town-Orono YMCA presented with awards

ORONO — The national YMCA’s international division has presented the Old Town-Orono YMCA with three awards because of its exchanges with a Russian city and efforts to educate the community about global issues.

Awards for 1995 Outstanding International Relationship, 1995 Outstanding International Program and 1995 YMCA World Service were presented to volunteers at the Old Town-Orono YMCA in part because of their work with the city of Syktyvkar, Russia.

The YMCA volunteers recognized were: Joe Cyr, Ralph Leonard and Norm Palmer. Each earned the 1995 YMCA Oustanding International Leader award.

The YMCA will continue its involvement this summer, with a swim exchange group traveling to Syktyvkar in June. It also will welcome a return group of Russian swimmers in August.

The YMCA announced that it is accepting donations for the Oklahoma City YMCA after the April 19 bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building there. The YMCA board of directors has authorized a financial gift but more funds are being sought from the community.

Donations may be made out to the Old Town-Orono YMCA and sent to 501 Stillwater Ave., Old Town 04468, Attn: Oklahoma YMCA Fund.