darkness to light page 3
mr. safety page 9
why you’re safe with us page 6 recognizing our guards page 10 Central Bucks Family YMCA Member Magazine 3rd Quarter 2013
a note
FROM YOUR CEO
Just like every staff member at the Y, Zane is held accountable for keeping his SEFA certifications up-to-date
At Central Bucks Family YMCA, we are dedicated to making sure everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a safe environment. We are guided by our core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. These values have assisted me through many tough times and have helped me in making some tough decisions. As Y professionals, we do not take them lightly, and I can assure you that we rank the Responsibility of the safety of our Members and their families as our top priority. As you’ll read in this issue of Y PEOPLE, our Y staff are dedicated to your security and well-being at all times. Whether through our staff trainings or the classes we offer, we hope you spend time at the Y knowing that behind-the-scenes we are always thinking of you and your family. Many of you may have been inconvenienced by a drill or practice session and we apologize; but we hope you’ll understand! If you ever have a safety concern or suggestion, I urge you to connect A Day with Chris Day page 9 with a staff member at any time.
IN THIS ISSUE
As a Member of our Y family, I encourage you to consider our core values as you maneuver through your own life. Please join us in assuring a safe environment for our community. After all, this is your Y and these are our kids that we are nurturing, we owe them a safe environment. That is one responsibility that I will never take lightly.
Aquatics & Ability Team Caught in the Act Fire Safety Educator Hot Topics Lifeguard of the Week Need to Know Protecting Our Youth The People Have Spoken Top Ten
page 6 page 8 page 5 page 4 page 10 page 11 page 3 page 4 page 5
CENTRAL BUCKS FAMILY YMCA
Zane Moore 2500 Lower State Road | Doylestown, PA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) 215.348.8131 | www.cbfymca.org 2
PROTECTING OUR YOUTH
social responsibility My journey to bring the Darkness to Light Stewards of Children program to Bucks County continues. I realize how fortunate I am through the many opportunities which have opened up for me; the opportunity to work for an organization that makes a difference and improves lives in our community, the opportunity to meet devoted men and women that deal with these and other health issues every day and want to see our county be healthier and the opportunity to appreciate the organizations such as: NOVA, Bucks County Children’s Advocacy Center, Children and Youth, Upper and Lower Bucks YMCA’s, Central Bucks School District, the faith community, Doylestown Hospital, Bucks County municipalities, county Representatives and businesses that are committed to putting an end to Child Sexual Abuse. All are supportive of this program and realize the importance of empowering people to prevent child sexual abuse. I am so excited to see this program grow in interest and recognition. Recently, our coalition received our first grant for $5,000 from Children and Youth, thanks to Lynne Kallus-Rainey. This grant will enable us to kick start our program and train Facilitators to spread this awareness. This is a wonderful opportunity for organizations and individuals to be trained as a Facilitator so that they can present the program “Stewards of Children” throughout Bucks County. As more Facilitators are trained to teach this program, it is my hope that we will reach 31,350 Bucks County citizens and create the 5% awareness needed to create a movement to STOP child sexual abuse in our county. I am very excited to have chosen this journey and encourage others to take this journey with me. Ro Molyneux Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Ro in action
If you would like to come to a “Stewards of Children” program, please connect with our Welcome Center at 215.348.8131 or register online at www.cbfymca.org. Currently, we are offering this program monthly and specific dates can be found on our events page. For additional information about Darkness to Light, visit www.darkness2light.org or www.D2L.org. 3
hot topics Q&A When a piece of equipment is not working in the Fitness Center, who do I contact? Please see one of the Fitness Center staff and report it. They will write up a repair order which prompts our Facilities Director to call the proper equipment repair company.
My child can’t make it to class tonight because we have other plans. Can we schedule a makeup? We are only able to provide a make-up class for medical reasons supported with a doctor’s note.
THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN
Two for one: what’s the best book you’ve read recently AND what’s your favorite vacation spot?
Book ‘Unbreakable’ by Laura Hillenbrandt Vacation Spot Outerbanks SAM MCCLAY 4
Book ‘Wonder’ by R. J. Palacio Vacation Spot Outerbanks or the Y Skatepark JORDAN KOCH
Book ‘Water for Elephants’ by Sarah Gruen Vacation Spot Yosemite MICHELLE HARVEY
Book ‘It’s Not Summer without You’ by Jenny Han Vacation Spot Mexico HANNAH ZACH
top
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ways we keep it safe at the Y
regular screenings of our membership database
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to minimize the risk of known sex offenders becoming members or volunteers pool safety emergency pump shutoffs, 911 direct dial phones routine drills to prepare for real emergencies
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intensive screening of staff and volunteers comprehensive interview process, reference checks, criminal background check, child abuse clearance and, in some cases, FBI background check
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risk management monthly committee meetings
safety equipment available to members: AEDs, oxygen tanks, first aid supplies
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facility inspections of entire campus daily
wristband systems identifying swimmer capabilities; matching parent/child in Child Watch
mandatory staff training child abuse prevention, american red cross CPR & oxygen certification, blood borne pathogens
surveillance cameras throughout the property
larry browne FIRE SAFETY EDUCATOR I’ve been the fire prevention officer since 2007 at Doylestown Fire Company and have been active in fire prevention education for over 20 years. Doylestown Fire Company brings the very important messages of fire safety to kids of all ages and their parents at numerous community events in the Doylestown area. In addition, we bring the message to the Y’s Camp
Takoda every year. The Blaze Brigade program is a partnership between DFC and the Y and helps us further educate youth by training the young cadets to look for hazards at home and correct them. Spreading the messages that smoke detectors save lives and having a home escape plan are the important, but not the only, ones we strive to get everyone to adhere to. We work to keep the community fire safe every day.
I’ve been a member of the Y since 2002 when I brought my daughter Megan to infant swimming lessons. Meg’s been a regular at Camp Takoda since she was a pre-schooler and was an enthusiastic student in Kinder Enrichment. Megan and I have also been a part of the Adventure Princesses Father/ Daughter program for the past 7 years and have made many lifelong friendships through the program that fosters the relationship between father and daughter. 5
COVER STORY
the aquatics & ability team
SAFETY WITH A SMILE
On June 14, when the fire alarm sounded in the Y facility, it wasn’t a drill. Staff and members were in every corner of the building, including the Aquatics Center which has two pools, one sauna and five locker rooms. Swimmers were working out in lap lanes and an arthritis class was utilizing the instructional pool. As the alarm shrieked throughout the facility, the aquatic team worked collaboratively to clear the pools, lock down the center and assist swimmers out of the building safely. Within minutes, everyone was evacuated. However, the calm and safety exhibited that day didn’t happen by accident. When there’s an emergency in the Aquatics Center at the Y, lifeguards and staff perform the skills and actions taught through tireless classes and drills to ensure the safety of each swimmer. “Thanks to our outstanding aquatic team, there’s a tremendous understanding of everyone’s role in an emergency. Needless to say, we practice. A lot!” said Andy Scherer, Senior Director of Aquatics and Ability Programs at Central Bucks Family YMCA. “Even as a 6
lifeguard sits in their chair watching the pool, they are consistently thinking: ‘what would I do if?’” Safety is of highest priority at the Y…nowhere more important than the Aquatics Center. Rules in the Aquatics Center during recreational swim are established and enforced for everyone’s safety. One of the keystone rules includes mandatory deep water testing for youngsters before they use the Y pools for the first time to ensure they are capable of safely handling the deeper waters. Swimmers 6 years and younger must have an adult by their side in the pool and older kids swimming independently must be checked-in with a lifeguard. Children must be 48 inches tall before they can use the above l. to r. water slide in the Instructional Pool.
Andy, Brooke, Meghan, Ashley, Tara and Megan
In the past year, the Aquatics and Ability Departments have restructured and created leadership positions based on safety and member experience. Heading up the department is Scherer, who
hails from Hamden-North Haven Family YMCA, Connecticut, where he served as Director of Aquatics and Family Programming. He holds certifications in American Red Cross Lifeguarding, YMCA Swim Instruction, USA Swimming and is YMCA Team Leader and sanctioned swim coach. With 15 years of aquatic experience with the Y, he also has extensive experience supporting case managers for individuals with autism, ADHD, PDD-NOS and Down syndrome as a Senior Behavioral Therapist with Tri-State Learning Center. His team includes Brooke Volpe, Director of Ability Programs, who built the special needs program from the ground up starting as a part time coordinator in 2009. Initially offering a few fledgling classes, the Ability Program now boasts extensive offerings that address community needs with regard to the special needs population. Programs include adapted aquatics, after school programs, peer-to-peer, social, fitness and recreational activities for individuals with disABILITIES.
The greater organization of the aquatics department has also transitioned to enhance safety and member experience with a tiered structure of lifeguard and instructor leadership. The team now includes lifeguard coordinators, senior lifeguards, lifeguards, deck coordinators, senior instructors, lead instructors, and assistant instructors. “Lifeguard coordinators act as management when our management team is not available,” said Gormley. “They are able to make decisions and help out as needed.” Senior instructors are much the same and expected to mentor the lead and assistant instructors. A guard of the week and instructor of the week program helps to recognize employees who place safety and professionalism at the forefront of their position. The aquatic education program is a national YMCA program where instructors are lifeguards dedicated to fulfilling the Y train on a monthly basis to prepare for emergencies
Megan Mattingly, Director of Aquatics, has extensive program management experience at her former position as Program Manager for Sports Clubs for Kids at New York Sports Club. She leads the overall aquatic movement at the Y in an effort to serve the community as the leading resource for aquatic education and water safety. Tara Gormley, Associate Director of Aquatics and head swim team coach, holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State and is a program director for iRun4Life. She acts as the cornerstone of the Y’s lifeguard team and is actively involved in the engagement of future lifeguards through their certification programs. Meghan Halberstadt, Ability Specialist, has a degree in Health and Physical Education with minors in Health and Adapted Physical Education and is a CAPE (certified adapted physical educator). Ashley Coticchio, Aquatics Specialist, is a recent graduate of the University of Mary Washington. Both Meghan and Ashley focus their time and talents on enhancing the member experience and safety through group and private lessons in their respective departments.
mission and facilitate a safe, caring environment. Lessons are progressive and utilize a proven flotation system for preschool-aged students. According to Y-USA, the float belts promote correct body position for up and coming swimmers and allows them to be comfortable as they focus on stroke development. Mattingly explains: “our goal is to ensure the least restrictive and safest environment for success. Whether we are working with our swim lesson families or a Dolphin swim team member, we have an amazing opportunity to teach a progression of proper technique which stimulates a safe and healthy activity for the rest of their life.” In August, each aquatic instructor will attend a continued on page 10
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CAUGHT in the act! 1
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2. Sydney and Samantha start with a stretch
4. How’s the view from up there?
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5. Karate students enjoy a visit from Sensei Stacy’s son, Brock
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3. In good hands with Mike & Matt
1. Triathletes from the Kids Triathlon, held on August 4, cool down and have some fun after the race
7 7. Multi-tasking at its best
6 6. Meghan wishes she grabbed her matching sunglasses for this impromptu meeting outside
MR. SAFETY Chris Day is a long-time employee at our Welcome Center who takes safety very seriously. He can frequently be found patrolling the building, locking doors and making sure everything is secure. Keep up the great work Chris!
a day with
CHRIS DAY
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‘aquatics & ability team’ continued from page 7 3-day, 9 hour training class to work on proper instruction of swim skills and technique. Instructors also attend monthly in-service trainings to share innovative ways to teach various ages and groups. All swim instructors at the Y are certified through the American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor course, through YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor course, or through the Y’s in-house training program. In addition to safe lesson structure, lifeguards are positioned strategically and within proper ratios throughout both pool decks. Lifeguards attend monthly in-service classes and participate in drills, CPR refresher classes and meetings on standard procedures. Lifeguards are also evaluated with periodic drop drills - a timed evaluation where an inanimate shadowy figure is dropped to the bottom of the pool. “We are constantly searching for new ways to improve what we are doing,” said Mattingly, who recently changed the rotation direction for lifeguards to allow them to be vigilant and focused at all times. Lifeguards now rotate between stations in a way that will change their vantage point, environment and body position (sitting/standing) with each change.
Under the umbrella of Aquatics are Ability Programs whose primary focus for their aquatics programs is also safety and pool awareness. “During private and group lessons,” said Halberstadt, “we always talk with our students about pool rules and safety.” Students take time to identify the lifeguards and discuss what they do. “Especially in the special needs population, it’s important to go over the rules of safety and social etiquette in the pool: no running, no splashing people you don’t know, and listen to the lifeguard at all times are all lessons as important as learning to swim,” said Halberstadt. The Aquatics and Ability Departments at the Y are constantly evaluating themselves to better their programs, member experience and preventative safety procedures. Some of the most valuable feedback comes from members themselves; the department is proud of their open-door policy and constant communication with members and the community. “That’s one of the most pertinent parts of safety,” said Scherer. “We warmly welcome member feedback in-person or in writing at any time and take each member suggestion into consideration. Our primary focus is to serve the community as a resource for aquatic education and water safety, and the only way to accomplish that is to work hand-inhand with our members.”
KEEPING OUR MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY SAFE Y Aquatics has created a program to celebrate our staff members who are helping to keep you safe on a daily basis. Make sure you congratulate these recent “Lifeguard of the Week” winners! “It has been a privilege to work with Anahita over the last year. She is a great person and guard. She is a credit to Central Bucks Family YMCA. She has a wonderful family with her husband, two kids and pet hamster Pepper II.”
MIR ANAHITA
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“I had such a hard time picking the next guard of the week because I enjoy working with all of my friends at the Y. I chose to pick James Molnar. He is always on time and enforces the rules. Congratulations on your new position of Lifeguard Coordinator.”
JAMES MOLNAR
need to know IT’S TIME FOR US TO SHINE! UPCOMING FACILITY CLOSURES Traditional Pool Closed Monday, August 26 - Sunday, September 1 Studios A, C & D Closed Thursday, August 29 - Tuesday, September 3 Instructional Pool Closed Tuesday, September 3 - Saturday, September 7 Check our website for details and dates regarding closures of Gyms A & B.
RUNK DAVE ST
CELEBRATE FOR A GOOD CAUSE Clambake | Saturday, September 21 | 6:00-9:30 PM An evening under the stars with fine food, good friends and live entertainment by ‘The Mango Men’ to benefit the Y’s community programs. Mark your calendars now; more details and registration information will be available shortly! “THRIVE-ing SURVIVORS” Beef N’ Beer Saturday, October 12 | 7 PM - 12 AM V.E. German Club | 130 Davisville Road, Warminster, PA Entertainment by two of Bucks County’s favorite DJs along with Chinese Auctions, 50/50s, dancing, raffles and fabulous food. $35 per person. Tickets available at lembiscuso@comcast.net or call Len at 215-622-4163.
“Ezekiel Nyce is one of the best guards at the Y. For as long as I’ve known him, he’s been a great lifeguard, always enforcing the rules, being here on time, and helping out with any other problems that may arise.”
“Dave has worked at Central Bucks Family YMCA for 20 years. Dave is a veteran of the US Air Force and a man dedicated to service. Dave constantly goes out of his way to make sure safety, especially for our kids, is top priority. Dave always makes sure to put a smile on member’s faces and that is why he is our Guard of the Week.”
AMANDA G LIDDEN
EZEKIEL NYCE
“Amanda is always a cheerful, caring, chipper individual; she is the most obvious choice for GoTW. There is not another guard that I trust, or respect as much as her at the Y. Keep up the great work!” 11
Charles Kwiatkowski, Senior Director of Facilities, plays an integral role in facility safety. Learn the top ten ways we’re keeping it safe at the Y on page 5!
BE PREPARED
is not just a scout motto!