The Silver Bay YMCA Conference and Family Retreat Center is happy to  announce it will be reopening its impactful teen center in Ticonderoga in 2022, Chief  Executive Officer Steve Tamm stated. 

“The decision was an easy one to make. We heard loud and clear from the community that  our teen center was missed and numerous studies indicate that children have suffered from  isolation throughout this pandemic. Our discussions with Councilman Mark Russell, Chair of  the Ticonderoga Youth Commission, have been so very positive since we started our re opening discussions back in late 2020,” said Tamm.  

According to Tamm, the primary reason the teen center was closed and has remained  closed has been the lingering safety concerns surrounding COVID-19. “With the reopening  of classes in schools throughout our region and the resumption of other in-person activities,  it seemed only natural that we move forward in planning the reopening of our highly  impactful teen program,” said Tamm.  

“We are very pleased to be partnering once again with Silver Bay YMCA,” said Councilman  Mark Russell, Chair of the Ticonderoga Youth Commission. “Silver Bay YMCA is clearly  dedicated to impacting the teens of Ticonderoga. We are very thankful to them and their  donors who have invested countless hours and over $1 million in this program since 2012. They exemplify dedication to the local communities of the North Country.”  

The exact date of the reopening is yet to be determined though it is expected to occur in the  first quarter of 2022. 

“There are a number of things we need to do before we restart the teen center and that will  take some time,” added Jackie Palandrani, Youth and Teen Director at Silver Bay YMCA.  “Furniture and equipment needs to be moved back in, staff needs to be hired and trained, plus a number of other things need to happen to ensure that we open properly with the  safety of the teens, volunteers and staff at the forefront.” 

“The Silver Bay Teen Center in Ticonderoga will be located once again at the armory. We  will be coordinating our teen activities with the other programs that are also housed at the  armory,” added Tamm.