At its seventh annual Marathon Community Breakfast on March 9, the MetroWest YMCA announced a $2.5 million leadership contribution from MathWorks to support the development of a new regional YMCA that will serve Ashland, Hopkinton, Holliston, Sherborn, Framingham and beyond.This lead gift is the first step in a capital campaign expected to continue through 2024.

“The YMCA is an exceptional organization that strengthens families and empowers communities across the country,” said MathWorks Senior Vice President and CFO Jeanne O’Keefe. “Supporting our local community is a core company value, so we were excited to collaborate with this nonprofit partner to build an inviting place for thousands of children and families within the area.”

The new regional YMCA will be located on the Boston Marathon route in Ashland on 12.5 acres of donated land near the regional train station. The site will serve as a Center of Community, bringing people together and welcoming people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. The bold vision for the YMCA includes a STEM Center, a Center for Early Childhood Education and Care, an Aquatics Center, a Center for Healthy Living, gymnasium and much more.

The YMCA has been working closely for many years with residents and community leaders, such as MathWorks, to identify gaps in programs and services that could be alleviated by a new regional YMCA.

According to Rick MacPherson, President & CEO of the MetroWest YMCA: “This transformational gift is the perfect way to launch our campaign. We are grateful for the faith MathWorks has put in the Y and appreciate the partnership we have built together focused on strengthening our MetroWest community. We look forward to bringing to the region a YMCA facility that the community will support and that the Y can sustain for decades to come.”

Gorman earns recognition for PT work

Hopkinton resident Mark Gorman, a clinic director at ATI Physical Therapy, recently earned the Clinical Excellence Award for leading his team to exceed patient expectations while meeting or exceeding the predicted improvement in patient outcomes over the last 12 months.

“We’re proud to announce that Mark was among the winners for outstanding performance in 2022,” said ATI CEO Sharon Vitti. “The Clinical Excellence Awards recognize the top clinic teams who consistently delivered great care in our clinics every day.”

Gorman received an undergraduate degree in rehabilitation science in 2009 and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy the following year, both from Northeastern University. He has worked as a physical therapist since then.

ATI Physical Therapy, with 900 locations in 24 states, focuses on patients with musculoskeletal issues.

Blackstone advisors honored again

Blackstone Valley Wealth Management’s two advisors, James Valis and Gregg Manis, were recognized with the 2023 Five Star Wealth Manager Award in the February edition of Boston Magazine. This award comes to the advisors for the ninth year in a row, since their opening of Blackstone Valley Wealth Management in 2013.

This exclusive designation has been given to select wealth managers for over 15 years in more than 45 markets throughout the U.S. and Canada. Award candidates were evaluated against 10 objective criteria and resulted in the Boston area’s top 3 percent of wealth managers who provide quality services to their clients.

Valis and Manis are managing partners at Blackstone Valley Wealth Management, located at 22 South Street, in the Hopkinton Square Plaza.