OUR
VOICE
YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley
301 W Bloomfield St, Rome NY 13340
Phone (315) 336-3500
February 2015
www.ymcatrivalley.org
A NEWSLETTER FOR OUR MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS
ASSOCIATION NEWS
A MESSAGE FROM
OUR CEO, HANK LEO
Every year during the holidays, we see
hundreds of new and old faces. Whether
new members are deciding on and
selecting a home for their New Year’s
resolution pledge, or whether members
who have not been using their
memberships make a decision to get into
shape- the Y is a busy place in late
December and early January. This is an exciting time for us and
always a pleasure to welcome folks to the Y. We have altered our
approach to new members a bit, however. We are asking all new
members, and encouraging our current ones, to get a fitness
assessment and orientation in our Wellness Centers. This
appointment will help you get on track to properly use the
equipment and utilize our professional and trained staff to help you
reach your fitness goals. Our staff is also knowledgeable about our
aquatic and group exercise programming, and will help steer you in
the right direction to help you make decisions that best fit your
needs. Lastly, we hope each of you will thoroughly review your
insurance policies for wellness benefits. Nearly all insurance
companies are offering some type of proactive benefit, that rewards
you for being healthy. There is no better place than the Y to do
so. We wish you the best in your pursuit of your goals and are here
to assist you all along the way.
IN THIS ISSUE
A Message from Our CEO, Pg 1
Youth Development, Pg 2-3
Healthy Living, Pg 4-5
Social Responsibility, Pg 6
Silver Smiles, Pg 7
A Message from Bridges, Pg 7
Our Mission, Pg 8
Locations and Hours, Pg 8
Win a Personal Training
Assessment, Pg 8
1
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
STEP PROGRAM
Rome Family Y
The STEP program started on January 6th. Currently we have 35 students
actively enrolled in the Program. We have a number of organizations
presenting again this year. The YWCA will be back, Berkshire Bank, Working
Solutions, Neighborhood Center and a new addition called Meaningful
Trainings will participate. We will be applying for a grant through First
Niagara Bank for mentoring programs. To apply you must submit a 60 second
video that has you mentoring students or discussing mentoring and the
impact it’s had on you and the students. Chase Clifford from the New
Hartford Y came and took video of the program and interviewed Bruce
Hairston and three of the students. We can’t wait to see the final results!
First place is $10,000 and second is $3,000. The finalists will be announced
on February 2nd and voting (Via Facebook) will begin. Voting will run through
February 20th. The video with the most ‘likes’ will win. The winner will be
announced on February 26th at 5:00pm. As soon as voting is open we will link
you through our website and our Facebook page.
BERKSHIRE BANK STEPS UP FOR THE STEP PROGRAM
Rome Family Y
We are pleased to announce that Berkshire Bank has donated $1,000 to the
STEP program this year. Berkshire has supported the program for the last
three years by talking to the students about money management and all it
entails. They will be joining us again on 6 different occasions this year. The
students always learn a lot from Joe Dwyer and the staff who attend with
him.
FIT KIDS OF MADISON COUNTY HAVE A GUEST SPEAKER
Oneida Family Y
On January 15th, Oneida Healthcare with the Fit Kids of Madison County
hosted motivational apeaker, Michelle Cronk, originator of the program, "Let's
Start Fresh." Michelle shared her story of weight loss, the successes and
failures, and encouraged healthy living for all ages.
Michelle's mantra is, "Let's Start Fresh," and stressed the importance of
viewing everyday as a new possibility to better oneself. She kept the Fit Kids
and parents engaged with continuous question and answers throughout her
presentation. You can learn more about Michelle on her website: http://
letsstartfresh.com/
Fit Kids of Madison County is a
collaborative effort with the
YMCA to educate, train, and
counsel young people on setting
goals for a long life of health.
Grants, sponsorships, and
individual donations help to
bring this needed intervention to
one of our most vulnerable
populations—teens.
STAFF SPOTLIGHT:
KRISTINA VAZQUEZ
Oneida Family Y
The School Age Child Care has been
fortunate to add a new staff member
to the Oneida Site. Kristina Vazquez
has been with the School Age Child
Care Program for approximately two
months. Kristina has been a great
addition to helping our program grow.
She is fluent in English and Spanish.
Kristina has brought many new ideas
to the program and is always willing to
lend a helping hand whenever she can.
Please help us continue to make
Kristina feel welcome as a new School
Age Child Care staff member.
TEEN BASKETBALL LEAGUE
Rome Family Y
The league started January 13th and
games are played every Tuesday and
Thursday from 7:00pm-9:15 pm.
There are eight teams in the league
this year including a team from the
House of Good Shepard. The VIPS are
volunteering to assist us with crowd
control and to make sure the building
is safe for all members and visitors.
This year we will have a cross over All
Star game with Catholic Charities CYO
JV and Varsity teams. Our intention is
to have two games on February 21st at
the Rome Family Y at 11:30am and
12:45 pm. Jamil Cummings is overseeing the league and it’s off to a very
good start.
BOYS AND GIRLS AAU
BASKETBALL BEGINS
Rome Family Y
The Tri-Valley Playaz AAU Boys
program hosted tryouts January 11th
& 18th . Turnout was good and it
looks like we will have 6 teams this
year; a 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th
grade team. The Tri-Valley Thunder
Girls will host tryouts February 8th &
15th. We are also expecting a big
turnout and we are looking forward to
year two with the girls program. Our
hope is to have a 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th,
10th, and 11th grade team this year.
Stay tuned for more information once
the season begins.
2
TEEN NIGHT AT
STOCKBRIDGE VALLEY
HIGH SCHOOL
Are you a student from Stockbridge Valley
School District? Are you in middle or high
school? Do you need something fun and
healthy to do on Friday nights? Well the
Oneida Family YMCA and the Stockbridge
Valley School District have just the program
for you! Caitlin Farr, the Team Leader for
Youth Development, and Maranda Rowe, the
Program Leader for Youth and Teen Night,
have partnered with Gina Terzini, the
Stockbridge Valley High School Principal, to
open a program for you!
On Friday nights, from 6:00-9:00 PM, the
Teen Night staff from the Oneida YMCA will
be hosting a Teen Night right at the
Stockbridge Valley High School! Join us for
three hours of exciting, fun, and healthy
programming! With everything from Bubble
Ball Soccer, to sports games, to dancing, we
will have something just for you!
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
GYM AND SWIM
Rome Family Y
The Y is a nonprofit organization like no other. For nearly 160
years, the YMCA has been connecting people of all income, ages
and backgrounds. We believe that everyone should have the
opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
The YMCA is a great place for youth to begin learning about
physical activity and how to lead and maintain a healthy, active
lifestyle over the course of their lives. We recognize the need for
a well-rounded Home School PE Program within the Rome, NY
area, given the large homeschooling community. The goal of the
Gym and Swim Program is not just to teach your child healthy
habits, but also build confidence in learning new skills, to build
positive relationships which contribute to good sportsmanship
and build teamwork. The children meet every Tuesday from
2:00pm until 4:00pm. The Gym and Swim Program is designed
for home school students ages 3 and up looking for a fun way to
fulfill physical education requirements while socializing with
other youth.
Caitlin Farr
Team Leader for Youth Development
(315) 363-7788 x224
[email protected]
Let your children spend time with other home school children in
an inclusive, positive and engaging environment. The Gym and
Swim Program is designed to fit your needs as a home school
household giving your children an opportunity to gather with
children of the same age to play games, increase coordination,
learn teamwork, build strength, increase heart health, build
relationships, learn how to swim and most importantly to have
fun.
Maranda Rowe
Program Leader for Youth & Teen Night
(315) 363-7788
[email protected]
The Gym and Swim Program includes instructed gym class and
structured swim. Member rate is $25 and Non-Member rate is
$50. Pre registration is preferred. The new session of Gym and
Swim begins on March 10th. Be sure to sign up!
Dates to be follow! For further information,
please contact one of the following:
MAKE A SPLASH
Rome Family Y
Students from Bellamy Elementary School are
in the second session of swim lessons and are
still enjoying the program. Parents will be
First Aid and CPR certified this session with
our instructor, Caitlin Slife. The goal is to
create real solutions to ensure children are
water safe, especially minority youth who are
a higher risk for drowning. The Make A Splash
program with Gansevoort Elementary School
will begin on Thursdays in a couple of weeks
with the same goal in mind.
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VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT:
MAJILIS WAFER
Rome Family Y
Majlis Wafer became a YMCA member in October
2008. Since that time she has also been an active YMCA Volunteer. She started as a Silver
Sneakers participant. She not only continues as
a participant but, she always arrives early to set
up before class. She sets up the chairs and
brings out the equipment not only for the other
members but, for instructor as well. Along with
the instructor she is usually the last one to leave
the gym after class. She makes sure all equipment and chairs are put away and locked up. She
even donated a new door handle with lock for
our storage room.
When we have our Silver Sneakers Luncheons
she makes it a point to be at the Y before exercise class and the luncheon to make sure that
there are enough tables and chairs for everyone
attending. She helps in all ways to make sure
that the luncheon is a success and enjoyable for
all. She will do everything from arranging tablecloths, doing dishes, to making sure the room is
left tidy and the way it was found.
Majlis is a genuine person with a humor that
keeps everyone smiling and having a good time.
She is well liked by the members and the staff
and is truly an asset to the YMCA.
HEALTHY LIVING
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: BECKY DUST
Oneida Family Y
Becky Dust recently became the volleyball league coordinator at
the Oneida Family Y. Becky has had a passion for volleyball
since she was 12 years old. She has been playing organized
volleyball for over 20 years, 10 years being here at the Oneida
YMCA. She has now decided to take over as our league
coordinator for both recreational and competitive volleyball.
This is the first time that Becky has served as a league
coordinator. She is doing exceptionally well and participants
seem to really be enjoying themselves. All of the players have
quite a rapport among each other and have created a draw for
players outside the community to come and play here at the
Oneida YMCA.
Along with the league, Becky coordinated a tournament for her
first time a couple of months ago that was very successful,
allowing us to raise enough money to buy two new nets for the
league!
As Becky stated; “ It is amazing how many windows you open
up for yourself when you go after the things you are passionate
about!”
We are fortunate to have Becky here on board with us and
appreciate her time. Good luck to all!
KEEP ON SPINNING AT THE ROME
FAMILY Y
Spinning has really taken off. Additional classes
have been added on Monday & Wednesday
nights at 6:00pm. We ask that members do not
save bikes for their friends. Bikes end up going
un-used because the friends do not attend and
other members are turned away that could have
used the bike! We also ask that if something
happens to the bike you are riding please tell the
instructor so we can have our maintenance repair at it as soon as possible. We don’t know its
broken if no ones tells us.
NEW CLASSES AT THE ROME FAMILY Y
Make sure you check out some new classes that
are currently running-Tammy would love you to
Don’t forget to check out the league standings
come up to the loft on Tuesday nights at 5:30pm
outside the gymnasium!
to join her in HOOP Sanity and April would like
you to join her on Wednesday nights at 5:30pm
in the loft for her TONE IN THE ZONE Class.
The Winter Volleyball League is also underway at the Rome Family
Both are great ways to cross train for greater
Y. Come down to Gym B on Monday & Wednesday Nights and
gains!
watch some great action.
4
HEALTHY LIVING
INSANITY COMES TO THE ROME FAMILY Y
Insanity is now offered at the
Rome Family YMCA. We are
very excited to be able to
offer the Insanity program to
our members here at the Rome
Y. You have to be a little
insane to take the class seeing it’s offered on Wednesday and
Friday mornings at 5:45AM. But as the movie line states-”if you
build it they will come!” And they are coming. Amanda is getting 8
-10 participants already and its only been running for about 2
weeks. There is no charge for this great new high level workout.
Classes are held in the loft. Start your day off in a high energy
way….the Insanity way!
JUST ADD WATER
Oneida Family Y
John and Betty Bougor have
been coming to the Oneida
Family Y since 1992. Their
daughter bought them a
membership as a way for them
to remain active in retirement. Since that time John
and Betty have traveled from
Bridgeport to the Oneida Family
Y every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to use the pool. They do
their own exercises during open swim times and participate in the
aqua therapy class. Their family bought them matching “Just Add
Water” jackets to wear to the Y as their love for the pool grew.
The love and admiration they have for each other is evident by the
staff and other members who John and Betty have become close
with over the years. This group of friends fondly refer to
themselves as the “Top of the Hill Gang.” The ‘gang’ makes it a
point to meet for lunch once a month.
John and Betty have a strong commitment to each other and the Y.
John had surgery this fall, but would not let that stop Betty from
coming to the pool. As soon as he had the go ahead from his
doctors he drove his wife to the Y so she could use the pool. John
and Betty are truly an inspiration for all of us!
Rome Family Y Staff
Spotlight: Christina
Twogood
Christina is approaching her one year anniversary and it has been quite the ride if you were
to ask her. Overall she has weathered all the
storms and has made a difference in the
Aquatics Department. Christina had a YMCA
trainer come to the Rome Y and certify five
staff in swim lessons, which makes for a much
stronger program going forward. She is also
working with Red Cross in regards to getting
certified to be able to certify lifeguards, which
will help us with staffing and retention. She
has done a wonderful job marketing our water
aerobic classes both verbally and visually
throughout the Y. People are trying classes
out that have never done water aerobics and
are enjoying it immensely. Continue adding
quality and quantity to our pools Christina!
ZUMBA GOLD MOVES TO MONDAYS
AT THE ROME FAMILY Y
Please note-we have moved the Zumba Gold
Toning class from Thursdays at 10:45am to
Monday mornings at 10:00am and the new
time has been a big success with the Silver
Sneaker participants! Seeing it was the only
day that Kathy was not teaching the Silver
Sneakers class. Now the
participants can come on
Monday as well and get a
new and different low level
exercise program!
5
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY 2015 ASSOCIATION
A Message from the Director of
Development, John Elberson
It’s February in Central New York and it has been cold
outside. Fortunately, here at the Y, it’s been extremely busy
day in and day out as our members, both new and long time,
are focused on their health and fitness more so than ever
before. From a development standpoint we are also in full
swing and focused on the Y’s present and future. From the
upcoming Don Connelly Determination Celebration to the
Dudley “Gig” Rowland Raffle to Healthy Kids Day to the Red
Triangle Club our development activities are in high gear.
The underlying theme in all that we do from a development
standpoint is “changing the lives of children and families in
the communities we serve”. Our special events provide
immediate, short term value in the form of financial
assistance to those in need while our Red Triangle Club
efforts ensure the long term sustainability of the Y through
planned gifts to our endowment fund. In all cases, our
success is largely dependent on the ongoing support of our
members and our community partners. We simply cannot do
what we do without that support. Please do not hesitate to
connect with me for more information on how you can make a
difference.
As I’ve reported over the last few months, our plans to
expand our presence in the New Hartford community have
increased in both size and scope. We’ve held a handful of
informational sessions for interested community leaders from
New Hartford in an effort to expose them to our plans and
more importantly gauge their willingness and ability to play
an active role in the project. At the same time, we’ve
formally engaged our colleagues at the YUSA to assist us in
the due diligence phase of the project. In the very near
future, we will embark on a comprehensive Community Needs
Assessment that is designed to understand the needs in the
New Hartford community and determine how the Y’s
programs and services address those needs. Following a
successful Community Needs Assessment will be a detailed
Market Feasibility Study that will further provide the Y with
valuable information as we move toward a full facility in New
Hartford. At the end of the day, the most critical piece of
the whole project is the community’s commitment to bringing
a Y to New Hartford. Please stay tuned for more details as
they materialize.
Thank you again for your ongoing support of the Y and our
mission as we serve our community. Stay warm!
EVENTS
The Don Connelly Determination
Celebration– April 4, 2015
Dudley “Gig” Rowland Raffle– April 4,
2015
Healthy Kids Day- April 25, 2015
Frank DiChristina Memorial Walk–
July 18, 2015
Frank Martinelli Corporate Cup Golf
Tournament– September 9, 2015
Celebrate the “C” Event– November 2015
Tickets are now on sale for the Dudley “Gig”
Rowland Raffle! All proceeds from this raffle
support the Y’s Annual Heroes Campaign.
Tickets
$20 each
Purchase tickets at
the Rome Family Y,
the Oneida Family,
or the New Hartford
SACC Office.
Pay for tickets online!
Email Jen Cossette at
[email protected]
for details!
6
SILVER SMILES
Laughter may not only be the best medicine; it
may also offer a way to improve memory.
Humor reduces stress hormones like cortisol
that decreases memory. Laughter lowers your
blood pressure, increases blood flow and
increases the release of endorphins and
dopamine in the brain. These positive and
beneficial neurochemical changes make the immune system function better. "So here's to your
A MESSAGE
FROM
BRIDGES, A
COMMUNITY
PARTNER
health!"
The Pillsbury Doughboy died yesterday in Minneapolis of a yeast infection and traumatic
complications from repeated pokes in the belly.
He was 71.
Doughboy was buried in a lightly greased coffin. Dozen of celebrities turned out to pay respects, including Mrs. Butterworth, Hungry
Jack, the California Raisins, Betty Crocker, The
Hostess Twinkies and Captain Crunch. The
gravesite was piled high with flours.
Aunt Jemima delivered the eulogy and lovingly
described Doughboy as a man who never knew
how much he was kneaded.
Born and bread in Minnesota, Doughboy rose
quickly in show business, but his later life was
filled with turnovers. He was not regarded as a
very smart cookie, wasting much of his dough
on half-baked schemes.
Despite being a little flaky at times, he was still
a crusty old man and served as a positive roll
model for millions.
Doughboy is survived by his wife, Play Dough,
three children; John Dough, Jane Dough, and
Dosey Dough, plus they had one in the oven.
He is also survived by his elderly father, Pop
tart.
The funeral was held at 3:50 for about 20
minutes.
Photo: (Left to Right) Brennan Hysell, Madison Hysell, Olivia Welsh, Lauren
Hysell, Disney Star Peyton List, Victoria Hysell, Jordyn Camp, and Mallory
Haskins
Teen advocates for Reality Check from Hamilton, Morrisville, and
Madison held an event with the New Hartford Shopping Center
bringing Disney Star Peyton List to the area for a "meet & greet"
this past Saturday.
The youth leaders involved in Reality Check had the opportunity
to have a private meet and greet with the star. The youth
leaders also got into the crowd of people waiting to see her and
found support for the work they are doing to get smoking out of
youth-rated films. Parents and kids took "selfie's" with a sign
that stated they support an R rating for movie smoking. The
teens were able to collect over 70 photos, this is the number of
people who die every day from a tobacco related illness in New
York State. These teen advocates will continue to collect
"selfies" through the month of February.
Reality Check is made up of teens from across New York State
who expose the truth about tobacco and the marketing
practices of the tobacco industry. To find out more about
Reality Check and the work they are doing visit their website
at www.realitycheckcny.org or give them a call at (315) 7276296.
If you smiled while reading this, please rise to
the occasion and pass it on the someone having a crumby day and kneading a lift.
Submitted by June Sperlik
7
MANAGEMENT TEAM
Hank Leo………………………………………...………….Chief Executive Director
Diana Wozniak……………………………………………….Chief Financial Officer
John Elberson………………………………..…………...Director of Development
Gary Fahey……………………………………..………………Rome Branch Director
Bruce Hairston…………………………………..……………Rome Branch Director
Randy Hirschey…………………………………….…..VP of Buildings & Grounds
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OUR MISSION
is to put Christian
principles into
practice through
programs that build
healthy spirit, mind
and body for all.
Craig Bailey, Chief Volunteer Officer
Fred Moulton, Vice President
Jack Butts, Jr., Treasurer
Leslie Taylor, Secretary
Russ Brewer
Abby Buchanan
Mary Condes
Jan Hinman
Sharon Hoff
Randy Phillips
LOCATIONS
Rome Family Y
301 W. Bloomfield St.
Rome, NY 13440
(315) 336-3500
Hours
CONTACT INFORMATION
Monday-Friday
5:30am-9:30pm
Saturday
7:00am-5:00pm
Sunday
11:00am-4:00pm
Have a new address, phone number, or email? Please share that
information so that we may stay in touch with you. Any updated
information is greatly appreciated!
Oneida Family Y
Jeff Simons
Mark Strong
WIN A PERSONAL
TRAINING
ASSESSMENT
COMPLETE THE ENTRY BELOW AND RETURN TO THE ROME
701 Seneca St.
Oneida, NY 13421
(315) 363-1768
Hours
Monday-Friday
5:30am-9:30pm
Saturday –Sunday
7:00am-4:00pm
FAMILY Y OR THE ONEIDA FAMILY Y TO BE ENTERED TO
WIN A PERSONAL TRAINING ASSESSMENT. WE WILL SELECT
ONE WINNER PER BRANCH ON FEBRUARY 28TH.
NAME:
New Hartford School
Age Child Care Center
25 Oxford Rd.
New Hartford, NY 13413
(315) 797-4787
PHONE:
EMAIL:
SACC Office Hours
Monday-Friday
8:30am-4:30pm
8