ymca in greenfield family newsletter march/april

12
OUR VOICE YMCA IN GREENFIELD 451 Main Street, Greenfield MA 01301 March - April 2012 413-773-3646 ymcaingreenfield.org OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the YMCA in Greenfield 2012 STRONG KIDS & FAMILIES ANNUAL CAMPAIGN The Strong Kids and Families Annual Campaign kicks off on March 14 th and runs until April 5 th . Each spring our YMCA conducts it’s Strong Kids and Fam- ilies Annual Campaign. All the money raised is used to support Y youth programs and to provide funds so people of all income levels can participate at our YMCA. Our 2011 spring campaign was very successful, raising $132,000. This is awesome and puts our campaign at one of the best in the state. However, the amount of Sliding Fee Scale support provided has increased over 60% in the past 4 years. The gap between what we raise and what is needed keeps growing. It has become very clear that in order to keep meeting our mission of building strong kids and families in Franklin County we will need to increase what we raise each year. The YMCA in Greenfield is the largest youth serving agency, one of the larg- est providers of childcare and the largest provider of preventative wellness programs in Franklin County, serving over 8,400 people last year. We have been able to achieve all of these things while being located in one of the poorest counties in the state. We cannot achieve our future goals for Youth Development, Healthy Living & Social Responsibility without raising more money in our annual campaign. Beginning March 14 th over 140 YMCA volunteers will be giving their money and time to help raise $140,000 for this year’s campaign. The hope is to con- tact at least 1,200 of their friends and fellow Y-members. When they contact you would you please consider making a contribution? If it’s your first gift to this campaign please consider $60 or more. If you have been a regular donor please consider what you have been giving to our Strong Kids and Families Annual Campaign. Is it possible for you to increase your pledge 10% or more? THE DIFFERENT GIVING CATEGORIES ARE $25-$124 Friends of the Y $1,000 Jim Allen Society $125 Century Club $2,500 Jim Allen Silver $250 Patron $4,000 + Jim Allen Gold $500 Sponsor Will you consider moving up a level? All pledges can be paid quarterly, monthly by bank draft, or credit card. “The Sliding Fee Scale support that I received from the YMCA made it pos- sible for me and my children to play together and learn new skills. Thanks to all of the donors who have made this possible, our lives are better!” Mary, YMCA member YMCA IN GREENFIELD SUMMER CAMP 2012 EXPLORE DEVELOP ACHIEVE We offer 9 exciting Specialty Camps for kids ages 8 - 14. Fun half day Sports Camps, a new after- noon camp (Camp Recess), Gymnastics Camp and Camp Apex! All full day campers receive FREE LUNCHES & FREE LATE CARE from 4-6 pm. See pages 6 & 7 for more details.

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Family Newsletter March/April 2012

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Page 1: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

OURVOICE

YMCA IN GREENFIELD

451 Main Street, Greenfield MA 01301

March - April 2012

413-773-3646

ymcaingreenfield.org

OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the YMCA in Greenfield

2012 STRONG KIDS & FAMILIES ANNUAL CAMPAIGNThe Strong Kids and Families Annual Campaign kicks off on March 14th and runs until April 5th. Each spring our YMCA conducts it’s Strong Kids and Fam-ilies Annual Campaign. All the money raised is used to support Y youth programs and to provide funds so people of all income levels can participate at our YMCA.

Our 2011 spring campaign was very successful, raising $132,000. This is awesome and puts our campaign at one of the best in the state. However, the amount of Sliding Fee Scale support provided has increased over 60% in the past 4 years. The gap between what we raise and what is needed keeps growing. It has become very clear that in order to keep meeting our mission of building strong kids and families in Franklin County we will need to increase what we raise each year.

The YMCA in Greenfield is the largest youth serving agency, one of the larg-est providers of childcare and the largest provider of preventative wellness programs in Franklin County, serving over 8,400 people last year. We have been able to achieve all of these things while being located in one of the poorest counties in the state. We cannot achieve our future goals for Youth Development, Healthy Living & Social Responsibility without raising more money in our annual campaign.

Beginning March 14th over 140 YMCA volunteers will be giving their money and time to help raise $140,000 for this year’s campaign. The hope is to con-tact at least 1,200 of their friends and fellow Y-members. When they contact you would you please consider making a contribution? If it’s your first gift to this campaign please consider $60 or more. If you have been a regular donor please consider what you have been giving to our Strong Kids and Families Annual Campaign. Is it possible for you to increase your pledge 10% or more?

THE DIFFERENT GIVING CATEGORIES ARE

$25-$124 Friends of the Y $1,000 Jim Allen Society

$125 Century Club $2,500 Jim Allen Silver

$250 Patron $4,000 + Jim Allen Gold

$500 Sponsor

Will you consider moving up a level?

All pledges can be paid quarterly, monthly by bank draft, or credit card.

“The Sliding Fee Scale support that I

received from the YMCA made it pos-

sible for me and my children to play

together and learn new skills. Thanks

to all of the donors who have made

this possible, our lives are better!”

Mary, YMCA member

YMCA IN GREENFIELD

SUMMER CAMP 2012 EXPLORE DEVELOP ACHIEVEWe offer 9 exciting Specialty Camps for kids ages

8 - 14. Fun half day Sports Camps, a new after-

noon camp (Camp Recess), Gymnastics Camp and

Camp Apex! All full day campers receive FREE LUNCHES & FREE LATE CARE from 4-6 pm. See pages 6 & 7 for more details.

Page 2: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

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ymcaingreenfield.orgFOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

FAMILY INTERNATIONAL POT LUCK SUPPER AND ENTERTAINMENT SATURDAY, MARCH 24 • 5 - 8 PM

On Saturday, March 24th, Y Families are invited to the 2012 International Evening. The night will consist of a pot luck supper of dishes from each family’s ancestry homeland, followed by local international music, dancing and story telling. The evening will end with family play in the gym, Gymnastics Center and Game Room.SCHEDULE: 5-5:30 Bring your dish to share (for 8 - 10 people) 5:30-6 Dinner - Chairs will be placed around the gym for adults, children will sit on the floor to eat. 6-7 Entertainment 7-8 Family activities

The event is limited to 80 people Please pre-register at the Welcome Center. The Y will provide plates, cups, utensils, water and a big pot of rice and beans. Please bring a recipe place card to put in front of your dish so people will know the ingredients in your dish.

“ I AM GRATEFUL FOR THE YMCA AND

ALL THE PEOPLE WHO CONTRIBUTE SO

MUCH TO MAKE THIS A DESTINATION FOR

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING. IT’S THE “GEM”

OF FRANKLIN COUNTY. IT REPRESENTS

THE HEALTH OF OUR COMMUNITY.

GO YMCA!”

- A FAITHFUL MEMBER

From all of us at the YMCA in Greenfield, Thank you!

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP TEAMFOR THE 2012 STRONG KIDS & FAMILIES ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

If you would like to help make a few phone calls to your fellow Y-members seeking contributions for this most important campaign please give your name to the Welcome Center staff.

The Strong Kids & Families Annual Campaign provides the funds to support many of our Youth Programs and to make it possible so people of all income levels can take advantage of the programs and services at our YMCA each year.

This campaign truly helps build Strong Kids, Strong Families and a Stronger Community. Please help if you can and give generously when called between March 14 and April 5.

2012 Campaign Leaders: (L to R) Dan Graves, Dan Kunhardt, John Cormican, Bill Doyle.

(Not pictured: Will Pratt, Nancee Bershof, Bob Diamond)

Campaign ChairDan Graves

Major Gifts Division ChairBob Diamond

Major Gifts Division Asst. ChairNancee Bershof

Division LeadersBill DoyleWill PrattDan KunhardtJohn F Cormican CaptainsMary Ellen AhearnMarian BoydRich BrunetteGina Campbell

Todd Clark Gregg CrawfordMike CurrieJay DillonEric GrantKim GravesSusan HolmquistMichele JohnsonClare ManzLynn Stowe TombMarilyn White

WE NEED YOUR HELP!

Page 3: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

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ymcaingreenfield.org

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

MIKE CURRIEMike has been a member of our Y for 16 years. He is a dedicated member of our Board of Directors, Diversity and Golf Committees. Mike has recently started a “Learn to Run” program here at the Y and helped some of our members finish a half marathon in Northampton. Mike is always willing to help out with a smile on his face. Thank you Mike for your dedication!

BILL FITZPATRICKHe is the smiling face you see when you walk through the front doors of the YMCA. Bill is Head of Member Services and has been with us for over 12 years. In addition to providing great customer service, Bill is a Y Volunteer. He coaches youth basketball and has been active in our Adopt-A-Family Program. Bill is a “quiet” volunteer and helps out behind the scenes at our Y and out in the community. For these reasons he has been named our January Volunteer of the Month. Thank you, Bill for all you do at the YMCA and in Franklin County!

DE

CE

MB

ER

JAN

UA

RY

PLEASE HELP FEED THE HUNGRYNext YMCA sponsored “Community Meal” is April 11, 2012Our next YMCA hosted “Community Meal” will be on Wednesday, April 11 at the Second Congregational Church. We need Y members to prepare casseroles, salads, fruit, desserts and bread for approximately 80 people.

Lack of food and tight family budgets have increased the need for food donations in Franklin County.

Please consider making a dish so that we can help those less fortunate. If you have any questions, please call Mariellen at 773-3646 ext. 415.

Do you have an extra hour a week or a month? Do you want to feel a sense of accomplishment

Do you want to feel good about yourself? Do you want to be with people who enjoy what they’re doing?

If so, VOLUNTEERING at our YMCA may be the thing for you!

We have over 200 great volunteers and are looking for more people to join us.

We have openings in youth sports, helping children with homework after school,

people to help with our annual Strong Kids & Strong Families Campaign,

Community Meals and many other upcoming Y and community events.

If you would like more information about volunteering, please call Mariellen at 773-3646, ext 415.

From Left to Right: Kay, Rose, Roland and Muriel are regular

volunteers at many of our Y events.

Walker Miles puts some donated food in our Drop Box which goes to several local food banks each month.

Page 4: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

ymcaingreenfield.org

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FOR HEALTHY LIVING

YOGA AT THE YMCA IN GREENFIELD IS FREE WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP FIND THE PERFECT YOGA CLASS FOR YOU!Monday 5:30-6:30 pm (Wellness Studio) NEW TIME! Breath and Balance with Rain (moderate)

Tuesday 5:30 - 6:30 pm (Wellness Studio) Embody® Yoga with Barbara (moderate)

Tuesday 5:30 - 6:30 pm (Social Room) Gentle Yoga for Beginning Students with Danielle

Wednesday 6:35 - 7:30 pm (Wellness Center) Iyengar Yoga with Gary (level 1 yoga)

Thursday 5:30 - 6:30 pm (Wellness Studio) Embody® Yoga with DeDe (moderate)

Thursday 6:35 - 7:30 pm (Wellness Studio) Beginning Ashtanga Yoga with Julie (vigorous)

Friday 9:30 - 10:30 am (Wellness Studio) Gentle Yoga for Beginning Students with Danielle

Saturday 9 - 9:55 am (Wellness Studio) Embody® Yoga with Barbara (moderate)

Sunday 9:10 - 10:10 am (Wellness Studio) Beginning Ashtanga Yoga with Julie (vigorous)

RED CROSS LIFEGUARD TRAININGGreat certificate to have for summer or part time employment. Upon successful completion of this classparticipants receive Red Cross certifica-tions. This course is for strong swimmers ages 15+. Training in Standard First Aid and CPR-for-the-Professional is provided. This 36-hour course includes lectures and pool time. Feb. 28 - April 19

Day Time TuTh 6 - 9 pm Fee: M $350 • NM $375

Space is limited so register early. The course ends in time so course graduates can apply for summer indoor and outdoor jobs.

“ I was a member of your recent Volunteer

Exercise Study Group. It was a very posi-

tive experience. All of the members and

staff were very nice and helpful. I proved to

myself I could actually stick to an exercise

and be self motivated. It has shown me I

can lose inches and pounds by just showing

up and doing a 45 minute workout 3-4

times per week. This is a great facility

and wonderful opportunity for all in this

depressed area (financially).”

My thanks to all! - Tammy S.

Increased stabilityImproved balance, energy, & power

Reduced stressRelease of toxins from your body

Increased joint mobility & muscle suppleness

Improved posture and immune systemReshapes your body

BENEFITS OF YOGA INCLUDE:

Page 5: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

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ymcaingreenfield.org FOR HEALTHY LIVING

SMALL GROUP TRAINING IS NOW AT THE YMCA Small Group Training is a great way to achieve your fitness goals. Whether you need a motivation boost, don't know what to do, or simply need to change or intensify your routine, our Small Group Trainers have the expertise to help you succeed. Many times people get in a mental or physical rut and start to plateau in their fitness progress. Just a few weeks of Small Group Training can get their minds and bodies moving forward again. Small group training consists of 1 trainer and 3-6 clients. Trainers will put together a specialized program for your group, or you can join a pre-existing group that is focused on what you want to do.

Small Group Training Program Options:TRX Suspension Training Circuit Training/Boot Camp

Couch to 5K Athletic Conditioning

Sport-specific Training Weight Loss Cost (1 training per week / 8 weeks per session) Members $80, Program Associates $96 Contact Health & Wellness Director Dawn Dorsey at 773-3646 ext 428 for more info.

Steve Roy, one of our Personal Trainers, is teaching some of the Small Group Training Sessions.

Dawn Dorsey meets a new Exercise is Medicine member to discuss health issues and a fitness plan.NEWentertainment | BETTER sound & lights | NEWmusic

6th-8th Graders Only!

MARCH 3 • 7 - 9:30 pmSee what all the kids are RAVING about!

“EXERCISE IS MEDICINE”The Y-Exercise is Medicine Program is a twelve week physician referral wellness program conducted by the YMCA in Greenfield. The referred patients start with a free thirty minute consultation with Y’s Exercise Specialist, Dawn Dorsey or Jayne Trosin. Dawn and Jayne evaluate their physical needs and wellness goals to determine the best of five wellness tracks they should start in. Any of the five tracks are twelve weeks long and costs non-members $99. Support is available using the Sliding Fee Scale chart which can cover up to 70% of the program fee. The five tracks are Water Therapy/Water Fitness classes, Group Exercise classes, the First Step Fitness program, the Y-Boost program conducted in the Nautilus Center or Diabetes Care Program/Life Management. At the tenth week of the twelve week track participants meet with Dawn/Jayne again to discuss how they want to continue their wellness journey. Whatever track people choose, the Y staff monitors attendance and fitness gains. If attendance wanes, there are follow-up phone calls. All Exercise is Medicine program participants get weekly wellness tips e-mailed to them each of the twelve weeks. Physicians also receive a summary of their patients progress and success at the conclusion of the program.

Ask your doctor for an EXERCISE IS MEDICINE referral.

Top 10 Diseases TREATED or PREVENTED by Regular Exercise

1. Coronary Artery Disease 2. Stroke 3. High Blood Pressure 4. Diabetes 5. Arthritis

6. Osteoporosis 7. High Cholesterol 8. Obesity 9. Depression 10. Cancer

Page 6: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

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†Entering First Grade | No Camp July 4th | For more information visit ymcaingreenfield.org or call 413 773 3646: Camp Apex/Sports Camp call Dave at ext 436; Gymnastics Camp or Camp Recess call Kelly at ext 423; Summer Preschool call Janet at ext 431

S U M M E R C A M P P L A N N I N G C H A R T F O R FA M I L I E SWeek / Date

Apex Mini Camp 1 6/18

Week 16/25

Week 27/2

Week 37/9

Week 47/16

Week 57/23

Week 67/30

Week 78/6

Week 88/13

Apex Mini Camp 28/20

Camp

ymcaingreenfield.orgSUMMER CAMP 2012

CAMP APEX Ages 6 to 14†

8:45 am - 4:15 pm Member Prog. Assoc. Non Member2 Week Sessions $300 $320 $340Mini Camp - 1 Week $150 $160 $170

Apex Mini Camp June 18 - 22 (1 Week) Mini Camp 1

Apex Session 1 June 25 - July 6 CAMP APEX OLYMPICS!

Apex Session 2 July 9 - July 20 DOWN ON THE FARM!

Apex Session 3 July 23 - August 3 MEDIEVAL TIME TRAVEL!

Apex Session 4 August 6 - August 17 ISLAND PARADISE!

Apex Mini Camp August 20 - 24 (1 Week) Mini Camp 2

Y-SPECIALTY CAMPS AT CAMP APEX Ages 8 to 14 9 am - noon - Specialty Camp • Noon - 4 pm - Apex Activities Member Prog. Assoc. Non Member2 Week Sessions $330 $350 $3701 Week Sessions * $165 $175 $185

* June 25 - June 29 KARATE

July 9 - July 20 THEATER ARTS * July 9 - July 13 TRACK & FIELD * July 16 - July 20 TOUCH FOOTBALL July 23 - August 3 ROCK N’ ROLL BAND * July 23 - July 27 BASKETBALL * July 30 - August 3 WIFFLEBALL

August 6 - August 17 WILDERNESS SKILLS * August 6 - August 10 SOCCER * August 13 - August 17 RECESS GAMES

HALF DAY SPORTS CAMPAges 6 to 14

1 Week Sessions Member Prog. Assoc. Non Member9 am - noon $65 $75 $85add Camp Recess $135 $155 $175

Week 1 June 25 - June 29 MULTI SPORTS Week 2 July 2 - July 6 (4 days) BASKETBALL

Week 3 July 9 - July 13 WIFFLEBALL/KICKBALL

Week 4 July 16 - July 20 MULTI SPORTS

Week 5 July 23 - July 27 DODGEBALL

Week 6 July 30 - August 3 OLYMPIC SPORTS

Week 7 August 6 - August 10 BASKETBALL

Week 8 August 13 - August 17 WIFFLEBALL/KICKBALL

PRESCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMAges 2.9 to 6 8:30 am - 3:30 pm • Early Care 6:30 - 8:30 am • Late Care 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Member Prog. Assoc. Non Member2 Week Sessions $355 $380 $400Mini Camp $177.50 $190 $200AM or PM Extended $60 $75 $85AM and PM Extended $75 $85 $95

Mini Camp June 18 - June 22 SPORTS & EXERCISE Session 1 June 25 - July 6 LET’S CONSTRUCT

Session 2 July 9 - July 20 WILD, WILD WEST

Session 3 July 23 - August 3 IT’S MUSHY, IT’S SLIMY, IT’S GOOEY

Session 4 August 6 - August 17 OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

The finest outdoor day camp facility in Franklin County. Includes free lunches and late care from 4 - 6 pm.

Page 7: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

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†Entering First Grade | No Camp July 4th | For more information visit ymcaingreenfield.org or call 413 773 3646: Camp Apex/Sports Camp call Dave at ext 436; Gymnastics Camp or Camp Recess call Kelly at ext 423; Summer Preschool call Janet at ext 431

S U M M E R C A M P P L A N N I N G C H A R T F O R FA M I L I E SWeek / Date

Apex Mini Camp 1 6/18

Week 16/25

Week 27/2

Week 37/9

Week 47/16

Week 57/23

Week 67/30

Week 78/6

Week 88/13

Apex Mini Camp 28/20

Camp

ymcaingreenfield.org SUMMER CAMP 2012

GYMNASTICS CAMPFULL DAY HALF DAY MINIAges 5 to 14 Ages 6 to 14 Ages 3.5 to 69 am - 4 pm 9 am - 1 pm 9 am - 1 pm

1 Week Sessions Member Prog. Assoc. Non MemberFull Day $165 $175 $185Half Day & Mini $116 $127 $150

Week 1 June 25 - June 29 Week 2 July 2 - July 6 (4 days)

Week 3 July 9 - July 13

Week 4 July 16 - July 20

Week 5 July 23 - July 27 (Afternoon at Camp Apex)

Week 6 July 30 - August 3 (Afternoon at Camp Apex)

Week 7 August 6 - August 10

Week 8 August 13 - August 17

HALF DAY SPORTS CAMPAges 6 to 14

1 Week Sessions Member Prog. Assoc. Non Member9 am - noon $65 $75 $85add Camp Recess $135 $155 $175

Week 1 June 25 - June 29 MULTI SPORTS Week 2 July 2 - July 6 (4 days) BASKETBALL

Week 3 July 9 - July 13 WIFFLEBALL/KICKBALL

Week 4 July 16 - July 20 MULTI SPORTS

Week 5 July 23 - July 27 DODGEBALL

Week 6 July 30 - August 3 OLYMPIC SPORTS

Week 7 August 6 - August 10 BASKETBALL

Week 8 August 13 - August 17 WIFFLEBALL/KICKBALL

PRESCHOOL SUMMER PROGRAMAges 2.9 to 6 8:30 am - 3:30 pm • Early Care 6:30 - 8:30 am • Late Care 3:30 - 5:30 pm

Member Prog. Assoc. Non Member2 Week Sessions $355 $380 $400Mini Camp $177.50 $190 $200AM or PM Extended $60 $75 $85AM and PM Extended $75 $85 $95

Mini Camp June 18 - June 22 SPORTS & EXERCISE Session 1 June 25 - July 6 LET’S CONSTRUCT

Session 2 July 9 - July 20 WILD, WILD WEST

Session 3 July 23 - August 3 IT’S MUSHY, IT’S SLIMY, IT’S GOOEY

Session 4 August 6 - August 17 OVER THE RIVER AND THROUGH THE WOODS

CAMP RECESSAges 6 - 14

1 Week Sessions Member Prog. Assoc. Non MemberNoon - 4 pm $70 $80 $90

Offered all 8 wks. June 25 - August 17 See dates above

EXTENDED CAREAll camps offer the option of early care or late care, held in the

Game Room, for easy drop off & pick up for parents.

Early Care runs from 6:15 - 9 am. Only $30 per week and it includes free breakfasts.

Late Care runs from 4 - 6 pm and it’s FREE for all campers!

For more info see the 2012 Camp Brochure or call 413-773-3646

An active afternoon of obstacle courses, Kid-Fit Center, arts & crafts, and daily rec swims and more.

Page 8: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

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FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT®

FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

YMCA IN GREENFIELD413-773-3646

ymcaingreenfield.org

• RAFFLE PRIZES• FREE GLOWSTICKS• BASKETBALL • CLIMBING FOR $ • DODGEBALL• FREE PIZZA

NEWentertainment | BETTER sound & lights | NEWmusic

YNight!6th-8th Graders Only!

NEON BALLOOZA – TECHNO HOUSE MUSIC

$5

$5

MARCH 3 • 7 - 9:30 pmSee what all the kids are RAVING about!

Page 9: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

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FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

HEALTHY KIDS DAY®

APRIL 28 • 3 - 6 PMYMCAs are celebrating Healthy Kids Day on April 28 with free community events at over 2,000 YMCAs around the country that help families find fun through active play and educational opportunities and inspire them to carry that spirit of fun throughout the year.

Through Healthy Kids Day, our national initiative to improve the health and well-being of kids, the Y challenges families to Take on Summer by addressing critical gaps in kids’ health and education. Summer is the perfect time to make playing and learning a family goal.

As a leading nonprofit committed to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, we encourage all families to attend Healthy Kids Day on April 28 at the YMCA in Greenfield. For more information check out ymcaingreenfield.org.

Summer is the time for kids to get up, get out and grow, but sometimes when the school year ends, so does a child’s exposure to activities that stimulate the body and mind.

KEY FACTS AND STATS1. Kids are less physically active and engaged in learning during the summer months. In fact, research shows that kids are less active and gain weight three times as fast than during the school year.

2. In addition, many kids fall behind academically because they don’t have access to learning opportunities, while their peers move ahead. In fact, by fifth grade, many kids are two to three school years behind their classmates.

YMCA in Greenfield day camps are designed to stimulate children physically and mentally. Y campers come home tired but with smiles and stories of what they learned that day. See page 6 and 7 for more camp info.

The Springfield Armor basketball team partnered up with the YMCA in Greenfield for a group night on January 28, 2012 held

at the MassMutual Center. Our Y’s Teen Leaders Club and youth basketball players/

parents attended an exciting Armor Basketball game. A fun night was had by all.

WHY YOUR KIDS SHOULD GO TO Y CAMPS

OUR Y’S SCHEDULE FOR APRIL 283 - 3:15 pm Parent drop off / check in.3:15 - 3:45 Gym games3;45 - 4:15 Game Room / Kid Fit4:15 - 5 Climbing Wall5 - 5:45 Gym games5:45 - 6 Snack / Closing Ceremonies

6 year old Andrew met the Springfield Armor’s mascot, Steel, during the basketball game.

Page 10: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

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Y-PRESCHOOL TEACHERS: CHANGE LIVES EVERYDAY. I am a preschool teacher! I see the world through children’s eyes, it is intense and beautiful and fleeting. I teach a new person how to engage and interact with the world. I teach children how to be gentle and kind, to appreciate music and books, and to respect boundaries. A preschool child’s brain can make between ten and twenty thousand new connections every second they are awake. That’s an incredible amount of “teachable mo-ments” where I can actually change the course of that child’s life. It is an awesome responsibility and I take it seriously. It is sometimes stressful but always rewarding.

Miss Heidi

Ms. Jesse has been with the YMCA since August of 2011. She has been working in the field for over 12 years.

Ms. Lisa has her associates in Early Education and has been with the YMCA for 10 years. She loves to watch children grow and learn.

Ms. Hayley started at the YMCA as a camper at Camp

Apex and then a camp counselor. She was later hired

to sub and teach part time at the preschool while go-

ing to school to get her Early Education degree, which

she will receive in June.

Ms. Janet is our Early Education Director and has a degree in early childhood education and 30+ years of experience in the field. Janet keeps current with new programs and regulations.

Ms. Guadelupe has worked for the YMCA Preschool for over 6 years. She helped develop a Montessori like system to give our children a solid start in read-ing, writing, numbers and sciences.

Ms. Sonya has her degree in Early Childhood Educa-tion. She has a quiet, positive, soothing manner with the children and her creative, fun activities help them gain confidence in their skills and abilities.

Ms. Heidi is a Dept. of EEC certified Preschool teacher. She has worked at the YMCA for 12 years, and has unending energy and enjoys guiding and teaching her young students.

Letter from a current Preschool parent:

“ I wanted to say how impressed I am with you guys! Sally* has been sharing many new songs, as well as various other kinds of learning (like “Stop, Drop, Cover, and Roll”) and the other day she floored me by show- ing me how she learned to write the letter “A”. She loves her swimming and gymnastics lessons and just really enjoys being with you. So, many thanks from me for all the good, hard work you do, and for taking care of her while I’m working.” - Susan L. *name has been changed

Page 11: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

ymcaingreenfield.org OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the YMCA in Greenfield

11

2012 GIRL’S DAY OUTThe YMCA in Greenfield’s sixth annual Girl’s Day Out was a huge success. We had over 25 different vendors showcasing and selling their wares and over 200 participants shopping and taking advantage of all the special fitness offerings. Women of all ages were pampered and tried hooping and scuba diving. A great time was had by all.

THE FOLLOWING LADIES WON PRIZES AT GIRL’S DAY OUT!

The door prize baskets valued at over $100 dollars Crystal Jackson and Linda Beaudion 3 Month Gold Membership with Locker Brandy Dillensneider and Kathy Connelly $50 Gift Certificate to the YMCA Tara Denny $30 Gift Certificate to the YMCA Sheila Latrenabe $20 Gift Certificate To the YMCA Charity Day$10 Gift Certificate to the YMCA Geralyn Johnson

GOOD FRIENDSSHARE THE YMCAMarch 1 - 10, 2012You could win 100 Y-Bucks!Invite one or more friends or family members to join you for your workouts during these days and you can enter to win 100 Y-Bucks and other prizes. Guests must be 19 or older. See the Welcome Center for more information.

Working out with friends

has many benefits: support,

encouragement, accountabil-

ity and even a little healthy

competition! Be a

GOOD FRIEND

and bring in

someone to

share YOUR YMCA

with everyday March 1 - 10.

HAVE YOU HAD YOUR MEMBERSHIP PICTURE TAKEN YET?If not, please do so by April 1st!

In order to add another layer of protection for our members, our insurance company suggested we upgrade our software and database so we can have a picture of each member on file.

Please stop by the Welcome Center by April 1st and have a quick picture taken. This way our staff can easily tell if someone is using a lost or stolen membership card.

Thank you!

Mom’s and daughters of all ages enjoyed the day. From left to right: Karen Wartel, Lillian Couture, Michele Hazlett.

Sample Group Exercise classes were offered from 12 - 3 pm for all ladies!

The 25 vendors had products that appealed to all girls.

Page 12: YMCA in Greenfield Family Newsletter March/April

YMCA IN GREENFIELD451 Main Street, Greenfield MA 01301413-773-3646 • ymcaingreenfield.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Non-Profit Org.

US POSTAGEPAID

Greenfield, Mass.

PERMIT NO. 61

SESSION 4 BEGINS THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 27.

YMCA in Greenfield is much more than a great place to exercise.

BE PART OF SOMETHING BIGGEROur YMCA improves lives everyday!

YMCA IN GREENFIELD CALENDAR MARCH/APRIL 2012

February 20 Registration for March / April classes begins

February 26 Session 3 classes end

February 27 Session 4 (March / April classes) begin

March 3 Camp Registration Day for those with Y Family Memberships 10 am - noon

March 3 Special Y-Night for 6-8th graders. NEON BALLOOZA (see page 8) 7 - 9:30 pm

March 10 Family Dance Party & Fun Night. Free for Y members, $5 for other families 6:30 - 8:30 pm

March 11 Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating Workshop. Pre-register at the Welcome Center 1 pm

March 24 YMCA Relay for Life Team Bus Trip to Mohegan Sun 9 am - 7 pm

March 24 Family International Pot Luck Supper - Interesting, educational, fun (see page 2) 5 - 8 pm

April 8 Closed for Easter

April 28 Healthy Kids Day (see page 9) 3 - 6 pm