On Monday, February 25 and Tuesday, February 26, the South Shore YMCA’s Early Learning Center in Hanover hosted its second annual “SSYMCA ELC Mini Muffin Taste of the South Shore,” as a way to get young children actively involved in the idea of helping their YMCA community through awareness of the YMCA as a charity.
The Early Learning Center in Hanover is home to twelve classrooms, bringing crucial early education programming to children ranging from infants to kindergarten. All twelve classrooms participated in the event, each group mixing and baking muffins with a special “secret ingredient.” The kindergarteners received a special guest, as Elissa Montilio from Montilio’s Baking Company met with the class, giving instructions on baking basics and how ingredients interact to make delicious baked goods.
“It’s my second time here at Mini Muffins, and my favorite part is working with the kids,” shared Elissa Monitilo. “It’s great to see them work together and learn the process of baking. For me, it was always hands-on that was the best learning experience growing up. I think it’s great for the kids to have this opportunity, as it’s teaching them so much more than how to mix up ingredients. It also teaches them math, critical thinking, and helps them interact and grow in such a positive way.”
After lots of prep work was done and baking was complete, it was time for the children to unveil their special creations to a “judging panel” made up of parents, families and friends.
“Mini Muffins is one of the many fabulous events that the South Shore YMCA’s Early Learning Center has put on, and it’s so important and special because it involves the kids,” shared Julie Hutcheon, parent of a child attending the SSYMCA Early Learning Center. “The Early Learning Center and the South Shore Y overall have an effortless time integrating children, families, and the community, and for that we love every aspect of it.”
The Taste of the South Shore, the Y’s annual fundraiser, makes the Mini Muffins Taste event possible. Each year the Y brings together about thirty-five of its culinary, brewing and distilling partners for an evening of food and drink tasting, but the event is just the beginning. The funds raised during the Taste are earmarked to benefit the South Shore YMCA. Dollars raised during the Taste of the South Shore ensure that the Y can continue to deliver on its mission of strengthening children and families throughout the communities it serves in spirit, mind and body.
“Montilio’s loves partnering with the South Shore Y for Mini Muffins and, of course, for The Taste of the South Shore as well,” said Montilio. “The Taste is such an awesome event. I love to see the creative side that everyone brings to the table. I look forward to it each year, and the end result of all the money raised for the South Shore YMCA is just great.”
The Taste of the South Shore will take place at Lombardo’s on Thursday, March 28, but for the kids at the Early Learning Center the fun has already begun. Attendees of the big event in March may or may not find muffins, but they will find goodies made by Montilio’s among many others. And they will also find the same message that the kids learned during the Mini Muffins Taste, that learning about generosity and charity, and ultimately helping their YMCA community, can be both filling and fun!
To purchase your tickets and to learn more about The Taste of the South Shore, visit www.ssymca.org/taste.
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About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a not-for-profit association of individuals dedicated to improving the quality of life for all through programs that promote healthy spirit, mind, and body. Serving the communities of Quincy, Randolph, Holbrook, Weymouth, Braintree, Milton, Hingham, Hull, Cohasset, Scituate, Norwell, Hanover and beyond, the South Shore Y provides the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive through its services and programs. Financial Assistance is a Y community benefit available to all families in need, applicable to all Y programs and services. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA, visit www.ssymca.org. The South Shore YMCA. The Better You Belongs Here.
