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. 3 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
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