NORWICH — On Thursday, members of the Norwich American Legion Post 189 Riders presented Norwich Family YMCA President and CEO Jamey Mullen with a check for $500 to benefit their 2025-26 Open Doors Scholarship campaign. The Legion also hosted a motorcycle rally in August to support the campaign.

The annual campaign raises money to support the Open Doors Scholarship, which provides free memberships and access to programs to those who can't afford them.

Mullen said they raised nearly $209,000 during their 2024-25 campaign, and their goal this year is $163,000, to commemorate the YMCA's 163rd anniversary since being established in Norwich.

"[Their donations] will go toward that campaign which will help subsidize memberships to anybody that would like access to the YMCA, and also helps out with program fees. So a lot of families take advantage of that for childcare, being able to go to camp Thompson during the summertime, participating in sports and swim team. So we’re able to offer financial assistance and scholarships to assist that," said Mullen.

"Any funds we raise over our goal, we’re actually able to put back toward the Y, to help keep our membership rates down so we don’t have to do an increase every year, whether there’s a minimum wage increase, or a ten percent increase on health insurance, or electric bills going up, as we’ve all seen. So it definitely helps maintain the Y and keep us here doing the great work that the staff and members participate in and enjoy here in our community, for the past 163 years, so that’s awesome."

Applications for the Open Doors Scholarship can be found at NorwichYMCA.org>Memberships>Financial Assistance.

This year's campaign chairperson is Mickey James, a member of the Norwich Family YMCA for more than 70 years. Mullen said James helps out youth at the YMCA through coaching basketball, weight lifting training, strength training, speed conditioning, and more.

The Norwich Family YMCA will be hosting a kickoff event for the Open Doors Scholarship campaign on Sunday, September 14 from 3 to 6 p.m. at Hidden Springs Brewhouse, located at 170 County Road 31 in Norwich.

The free event will feature live music by the Bruce Beadle Trio, Gilligan's Ice Cream, and bounce houses for children who attend.

"Krista [Porter] up at Hidden Springs is welcoming us to do our kickoff up there," said Mullen. "We’re hoping it’s another beautiful day like today and we’re outside and enjoying it and just being together and celebrating."

Mullen said the Open Doors Scholarship is important to the community, as it makes the YMCA accessible to everyone. He said one of the best things about the Y is that it's truly a gathering place for anyone, regardless of demographic.

"The Y is a true convener of all people in our community and that's what we pride ourselves on," he said. "The great thing about the Y, everybody can check their personality, their ego, their beliefs at the door, and they know they’re going to be welcome and safe inside the Y, and welcomed. It doesn’t matter who you are."

The American Legion Post 189 has supported the YMCA's Open Doors campaign in the past, but American Legion Riders Director Paul Russo said they had to stop donating in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Riders restarted their annual donation last year, and Russo said they plan to continue supporting the campaign in future years.

"The Riders do a lot for the community, and this being one of them. They do a lot of children and youth items," said Russo.

He said the Legion is looking to increase their membership as well. They offer three membership opportunities, known as "families": veterans can join as Legionnaires; spouses of veterans can join the Legion Auxiliary; and men whose fathers, grandfathers, great-grandfathers, and so on can join the Sons of the American Legion.

Additionally, any member of the three families can join the American Legion Riders.

These four groups under the umbrella of the Legion engage in a lot of civic work, whether it's providing events and resources to members, or supporting local nonprofits.

"They do great things. The women’s auxiliary does a children’s Christmas party at the post. [The Riders] donated money for that so they can go and get gifts for kids, and that’s been done for over 34-plus years that I know of. So we’re doing a good job," said Russo. "Then we have three trust funds that we give out money to 501(c)3 charitable [organizations], which is a great thing to do. We’re busy, so the more help we get, the better off we are. So if anybody does want to join, let us know."

Individuals interested in joining the Norwich American Legion can contact Commander Robert Root at rbtjr226@yahoo.com. He said he would be happy to give prospective members a tour of the Legion and talk to them more about membership opportunities.

Applications to become a member can be picked up at the Norwich American Legion Post 189, located at 29 Sheldon Street in Norwich, or online at Legion.org.

"To become a member, I would say stop by and ask. Fill out an application. The worst you’re going to be told is, ‘sorry, you’re not eligible.’ But reach out to me, reach out to one of the other heads, or even a member," said Root.


For more information on the Norwich American Legion, visit the Norwich American Legion Post 189 Facebook page.

For more information on the Norwich Family YMCA, visit NorwichYMCA.org or the Norwich YMCA Facebook page.