Y Life Birmingham

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LifeSkills A massage to end all massages Spirit Memorial to our special friends Circuit Connecting You to the Y

November•December 2009 | Volume 4 Issue 5

... for extending a helping hand this year


My Mission: e h t e r a h s o t warmth of the season From N ovemb please er 16-2 bring y 0, ou r “ge coats, ntly soc

loved” blanket ks, gloves, sc s and arves, quilts hats, of the t o any br Birmin anch gha m Y M C A . Those items w i l l be g Greater iven to Birmin g where ha m M they w i ill be d nistries, child re istribut n, to f ed am commu nity’s n ilies, to meet to eed. Ju ou r for Tha st in t nksgivi ime ng wee ou r mi k, mak ssion y e ou rs: t warmth o shar of the e the season.


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Checking In

Circuit

Up To Date

My Mission

November December To do List 10 action steps to take in this issue

1

Help keep Birmingham warm this winter. Contribute to the 2009 YMCA Coat Drive. (p 2)

2

Tap into your inner elf. Make plans to help out during Toys for Tots. (p 4)

3

Walk the walk. Join a walking group participating in Y Walk to I Walk. (p 4)

4

Let us walk all over you - literally. Learn more about Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Massage Therapy. (p 5)

5

Drop & Go! Let us take care of your children while you run some errands this fall. (p 14)

6

Don’t be afraid of the H.E.A.T. Learn about a hot new group exercise program. (p 15)

7 8 9

Sign up for swim lessons this fall and winter. (p 16) Got Sugar? Join this new diabetes support group. (p 17)

High hurdles. Sign your child up for new track team at Alabaster. (p 18)

10

Gather together with your friends and neighbors to celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving. (p 24)

“I would thank you from the bottom of my heart, but for you my heart has no bottom.”

Life Notes

This is about the best way to let all of you who contributed to the 2009 Strong Kids & Communities Campaign know how we feel about you. Your help and generosity is so welcome ‘This motion serves and appreciated, that we’ve dedicated this issue of Y Life Birmingham to you and your efforts to help another purpose us stay true to our goal of turning no one away due as well: extending to their inability to pay for YMCA programs and a helping hand. services.

Thanks to you, this On the cover, you’ll see that we have said ‘thank perfectly describes you’ in two ways: with words and in sign lanthe Birmingham guage. To say thank you in sign language, YMCA in 2009.’ hold your hand, palm in, up to your mouth, then extend your forearm away from your body, toward the person you intend to thank. Visually, this motion serves another purpose as well: extending a helping hand. Thanks to you, this perfectly describes the Birmingham YMCA in 2009. Throughout these pages, you’ll find out how to extend a helping hand to those in need during our second annual coat drive (page 2) and our annual Toys for Tots effort (page 5); how your efforts have helped thousands of your friends and neighbors throughout the city (page 6); and how we can all come together later in November to offer ‘thanksgiving’ (back page). You’ll even learn how one woman would like to say ‘thank you’ to her friends and colleagues for, as she says, ‘saving her life.’ Thanks to: each of you, for a great 2009.

Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 3


Nov | Dec 2009 Volume 4 | Number 5

Birmingham Metropolitan YMCA Officers J. Stephen Smith, Chairman Phyllis Hall, Vice Chairman Michael Temple, Treasurer Joseph Mays, Secretary Board Members Charles Ball Tim Blair Joseph Bluestein Cecil Bostany Milton Bresler William N. Clark Denise Dauphin Charles DeBardeleben Jason Dill Ann Haas Roderick Hawkins Robert L. Holman Robert Holmes, Jr. Wayne Houston Ann Huckstep Mallie Ireland Joseph Jackson Frank James, III Anthony A. Joseph Tom L. Larkin John Lauriello Ken Maluff Harrison Manning Yvonne McBeth Ann D. McMillan Judge John Ott Henry Ray, Jr. Allen Rushton Lloyd Shelton James W. Shepherd J.T. Smallwood Reeves Sims, Jr. Walker Sorrell Andra Sparks Cedric Sparks Edd Spencer Michael Suco Teresa Vick Scott Vowell Jami Wadkins David Woodruff Phyllis Wyne President and CEO James N. Lombard YLife birmingham Staff Loyd McIntosh, Marketing Manager David G. Hill, Marketing Director YLife birmingham is published five times a year by the Metropolitan Birmingham YMCA. Copyright 2006 by the Metropolitan Birmingham YMCA. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Birmingham Metropolitan YMCA. YLife birmingham welcomes letters and story ideas. Please send them to: YLife Birmingham 2101 4th Avenue North Birmingham, Alabama 35203 or by e-mail to ylife@ymcabham.org.

Mission: To put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Vision: We will lead our community to become the healthiest in America.

4 www.ymcabham.org

Checking In News from around the Birmingham YMCA

Making the Y a special place to be New memorial display to be unveiled during prayer breakfast in November DOWNTOWN northeast Often, through the 125-year history of the Birmingham Y Walk to I Walk YMCA, our doors have been graced by some very special people. Each one has shared their goodwill and fellowship with other members and staff, and the result is that the YMCA has become a better place. Their lives, service and friendship reflect those uniting words from scripture that adorn the YMCA logo: “that they may all be one.” Within the past year, the YMCA has lost two very special members: Frank Dominick and Jim Simpson. In their honor, and to honor the generations of others who have brought such a meaningful presence to the YMCA family, the Board of Directors of the Downtown Branch is establishing a “Spirit Memorial” to be located in the branch lobby. The memorial will be dedicated during the Annual Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast, Tuesday, November 24, at The Harbert Center. Tickets are available at the front desk. Each of us carries in our hearts a unique hunger for friendship, a hunger to be linked together through common interests, common understanding, and a common desire for mutual well being. The words of scripture at the heart of the YMCA logo, which are a part of Jesus’ prayer for people the world over, compel us to join in unity with each other in a way that feeds this unique hunger to overflowing. This is what makes the YMCA a better place. — Rev. Tom Rains, Birmingham YMCA Chaplain

YOUTH CENTER

Toys for Tots 2009: Volunteer elfin behavior

Channel your inner elf: In the association’s sixth year to work with the Anti-Terrorism Battalion of the 4th Marine Division in Bessemer on the holiday gift program, expectation is that we’ll need more toys for more tots, which means we’ll need lots of elfin behavior. Here’s how. • Drop off new toys at the YMCA through mid-December. • Ask your friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to do the same. • Volunteer to join fellow YMCA members and staff December 14-18 at the Birmingham YMCA Youth Center, to be a hands-on elf for children from every community we serve. The gym floor of the center will be the city’s largest toy warehouse; all elves on hand will bag and distribute gifts to the families who have signed up. Join us any of those days from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information, and to volunteer, e-mail elf lhart@ymcabham.org or call Team4Tots elf member David Hill at 801.7209.

The Northeast Branch of the YMCA invites you to come out and walk. “Y Walk to I Walk” is not merely a campaign, it's a lifestyle. We want to encourage neighbors and friends to come out of the house and walk together for a healthier community! The YMCA will lead community neighborhood walking groups along with volunteers from each community. Meet us at one of these walks in your neighborhood! There will be more walking groups to come. No need to drive just come out and walk within your community. It begins with you and one mile of fun and before you know it we have logged so many more. Groups meet at the following locations each week:

Schedule

Mondays | 4 p.m. Sun Valley Elementary School Tuesdays | 7:30 a.m. Roebuck Springs (Intersection of Exeter Drive & Valley Road) Wednesdays | 8 a.m. & 4 p.m. at the Northeast YMCA Thursdays | 4 p.m. at the Northeast YMCA Fridays | Noon (Lunch & Hike) Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Saturdays | 7 a.m. Eastlake Park

TRUSSVILLE

Women’s Tennis Team makes remarkable turnaround in state tournament The Trussville Family Branch Women’s doubles tri-level team picked the right time to peak, making an impressive run to the Alabama State Tennis Championship finals in September. The team improved on a 2008 last place finish, but came up short against a Gulf Shores team in the finals. “The drive and determination these gals had going into the State finals was the best I’d ever seen,” said Pam Wildt, Head Tennis Pro. “Each contributed to reach this goal.” “We owe a lot to our coach Pam,” team member Tracy Crutchfield said. “Her encouraging words and constructive criticism got us ready to play.”


YOUTH CENTER

Life Skills

Youth Empowerment

3 FEET-FIRST REASONS TO TRY ORIENTAL BAR THERAPY AT the GREYSTONE family branch

DEEP FEELINGS

Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy incorporates foot pressure for a luxuriously deep, Swedish massage. Teresa Sawyer is the only certified AOBT massage therapist in Birmingham.

THE RELAXATION RESPONSE

Extremely relaxing, AOBT decreases inflammation, increases lymphatic flow and stimulates the body’s own self-healing capabilities. Symptoms and pain can diminish in as little as two sessions.

PRESCRIPTIVE TOUCH

Teresa’s touch is great for athletes, for folks with chronic back and neck pain, and for people suffering from scoliosis, bulging or herniated discs, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and spondylosis.

Teresa Sawyer is a Licensed Massage Therapist and is the only Certified AOBT Therapist in the Birmingham area. If you would like to make an appointment, you may contact Teresa at 478.5246.

On September 30, over 100 teens from high schools across Jefferson County gathered at the Birmingham YMCA Youth Center to share how they struggle and how they succeed to live healthier lives at a Youth-Hosted Forum. Sponsored by the Birmingham YMCA, the Jefferson County Department of Health – Jefferson County Health Action Partnership, and United Way of Central Alabama, the forum allowed high school students from all over Birmingham to tell their stories of what youth in our community are doing to live healthy, be active, and improve the health of Birmingham. For the first hour, the teens had the chance to climb on the 30-foot climbing tower inside get their groove on with Crunk Fitness, a hiphop dance-based group exercise program that is as much exercise as it is fun, and have a healthy snack fruit smoothies made by a bicyclepowered blender. A teen panel discussion for the remaining two hours gave the young people voice to share their stories, their motivations, and their hopes for a healthier future. This Forum was one of fourteen youth-led discussions occurring across the U.S. Kids from New York to Indianapolis to Louisville to Birmingham, all the way to Omaha and Tulsa, are speaking up and demanding their communities be healthier places for all kids to live. The series was held under the auspices of The Alliance for a Healthier Generation; a partnership between the Clinton Foundation and the Heart Association. Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 5


Cover Story

thank you Economic times are tough. The YMCA is seeing record numbers of neighbors who need - but can't afford - daily childcare, healthy youth sports activities, life-saving swimming lessons, membershps when a job's been lost. But YOU are tougher…and more are making the decision to help the YMCA keep its promise to turn no one away due to inability to pay.

In 2009, 523 more Donors made contributions to the YMCA than in all of 2008, opening our doors to more. The 2,659 people, families, companies, foundations, clubs, youth sports teams, runners, friends listed here, through gifts to our Strong Kids & Communities Campaign, grants, in-kind items and services, said "Yes" to helping others. The YMCA says, "Thank you"!

In 2009, our area YMCAs provided $1,176,000 to 8,000 deserving financial assistance recipients.

Gifts and pledges listed are as of September 30, 2009.

CHAIRMAN’S ROUND TABLE GIFTS of $10,000+ Anonymous City of Birmingham Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham Jason Crowder Margaret A. Cargill Foundation Moe’s Southwest Grill State Alliance of Alabama YMCAs The Redwoods Foundation Vulcan Materials Foundation Wal-Mart Foundation CHAIRMAN’S ROUND TABLE GIFTS of $5,000+ Anonymous Birmingham Racing Commission Charles Debardeleben Energen/Alabama Gas Corp. Hare, Wynn, Newell and Newton, LLP Henry G. Sims & Henry U. Sims Memorial Fund IBM Corporation Independent Presbyterian Church Foundation JCPenney Company Neil Bailey Philip J. Carroll, III Publix Super Markets Charities Shelby County Community Health Fndn. Sixth Avenue Baptist Church 6 www.ymcabham.org

Sports Display Thomas Hale T-Mobile YMCA of the USA CHAIRMAN’S ROUND TABLE GIFTS of $1,000+ Adele Pharo Azar Charitable Fndn. Airport Highland Neighborhood Assoc. Alabama Civil Justice Foundation Alabama Department of Education Alabama Power Foundation Allen Rushton Alton Sizemore, Jr. Andrew Freeman Andy Easterling Ann & Troy Haas Ann Huckstep B.L. Harbert Baker, Donelson, Bearman, Caldwell & Berkowitz, PC Barry Pattern & Foundry Co. Bart Singleton Bayer Properties, LLC BB&T Bank BBVA Compass Bank B’ham Bar Assoc./Young Lawyers Bill Harbert Bill Watts Blue Cross/Blue Shield of AL Bradley, Arant, Boult, Cummings, LLP

Brasfield & Gorrie Brenda Andrew Brian Crumpton Bridge Church Bruce Thomas Burr & Forman C. Phillip McWane C.B. Ireland Fund Cameron & Scott Vowell Capital Strategies Partners Cassandra & Anthony Joseph Cathedral Church of the Advent Catholic Charities Cecil Bostany Cham Norman Charles Ball Charles Stover Chip Watts Cindy Reams Clifton Glover Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Birmingham Concept Printing, Inc. Courtyard 280 David Hill David Watts DeAraujo, Inc. Delores Simmons Owens Denise Dauphin Dr. Chad Mathis Dr. Earl & Ann Jones & Family EBSCO Information Services ESI Service Corp.

First Baptist Church of Pelham Fred Keith G. Courtney French G. Ruffner Page, Jr. Greg Weyandt Gunter Oil Company, Inc. Gwen Hatcher Harlan Prater Harold Goings Harold Jones Harold W. Ripps Charitable Fndn. Henry Ray, Jr. Hollywood Pool & Spa, Inc. Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC Howard Bailey James E. Simpson James Hughey, III James Thornton James W. Shepherd Jan & Tommy Wells Jarred Taylor Jason Dill Jefferson County Commission Jemison Investment Co. Jennifer Dick Jere F. White, Jr. Jody Wigley Joel Hillhouse John Duckworth John M. Lyons John Watson JohnsonKreis Construction

Jon Myer Joseph B. Mays, Jr. Joseph Ritchey Jothany & Frank James Judy & Wayne Houston Kelly’s Interiors Kevin Casey Kiwanis Club of Homewood-Mtn. Brook Lane Vines Laura & David Woodruff Laura & Jim Lombard Laura Hodge Leigh & Kevin Collins Libby Carpenter Lightfoot, Franklin & White, LLC Lloyd Shelton Malcolm Morrow Mallie Ireland Maple Grove Marcus Skipwith Marmon Highway Technologies, LLC Matrix Fitness Systems Corp. Matthew Haynes Maynard, Cooper & Gale McCullough Oil Co. Medical Properties Trust, Inc. Michael Andrew Tsimpides Michael Ermert Michael Freeman Michael Temple Michelle Oliver N.E. Miles Philanthropic Fund


thanks to:

Sloan Walker, Shades Valley member

‘The friendly staff, Frank's training regimen, and the best apples in Birmingham!’ Naomi Muchiri Nick Price Ouida Fritschi Philip C. Jackson, Jr. Phyllis Hall Phyllis Wyne Ralph Summerford Randy Long Reeves Sims, Jr. Regions Bank/Greystone Regions Bank/Shelby County Regions Financial Corporation Rhonda Williams Richard Carnwath Richard Lee Stanford Rick Coad Rick Lathan Robert Eckinger Robert Holman Robert Holmes, Jr. Roderick Hawkins Ron Harris Ruthie & Frank Ozment Sabrina McClain Sam’s Club Fndn. Shelby Baptist Medical Center Sherrell Benson Sherry Colgin Shon Torgeson Signature Tennis Sirote & Permutt, PC Southpace Properties, Inc. SouthPoint Bank Specialty Creations St. Elias Maronite Catholic Church St. Mary’s-on-the-Highlands Episcopal Church Steven A. Brickman Susan & Tom Rains SWAC - Milton Taylor Tenet Healthcare Found./Brookwood Medical Center, on behalf of Amanda N. Bryant Teresa Roseborough Terri Nevett The Welch Group Thomas A.S. Wilson Family Advised Fund Thomas Head Tim & Karen Cameron Tim Blair Tom Hale Tom Hinton W. Houseal, III Wanda McClain William Gwathney William J. Rushton, III William N. Clark …AND MORE YMCA FRIENDS! 2nd Grade National Metro Team A Blessed Reality, LLC Aaron Lewis Abakash Samal Abbe Noah Abby Speights Abdul K. Kallon

Acrus Crook Adam Albert Adam Booker Adam Peck Adam West Adolphus Jackson Adrienne Macoy AGF Ahmad Collins Aina Williams Air Med International Aisha Ayers Al Bahakel Alabama Business Furnishings Alabama Power Company Alabaster First United Methodist Church Alabaster/Pelham Rotary Club Alan Geldzahler Alan LeBato Alan Lott Alan Peeples Alan Rogers Alan Taylor Alan Zeigler Albert Hicks Alberta McDonald Aleia Shipman Alethea Hardy Alex Wayland Alexander Combs Alexander Holland Alexandria Parrish Alexis Montgomery Aliant Bank/Greystone Alice Powell Alicia Robbins Alicia Vincent Alida Hodge Alisa Rains Alisha Carroll Alisha Holland Alisha Johnson Alison Green Alison Solomon All South Appliance Allen Dittenhoefer Allen Estes Allen Farr Allen Rice Allen Scales Allison Cousins Allison Fulmer Allison Jay Allison Schrand Allison Ziegler Allison, May, Alvis, Fuhermister, Kimbrough & Shap Alton Parker Alvin Richardson Amanda Adams Amanda Beckett Amanda Bragan Amanda Henson Amanda Kosmus Amanda Phillips Amanda Reid Amber Friedman Amee Wilson

Amelia & Kevin Hale America’s First Federal Credit Union Amy & Roger Jackson & Family Amy & Russ Bagby Amy Cummings Amy Gordon Amy Hagood Amy Heslin Amy Higdon Amy Hudson Amy Jones Amy Liscomb Amy Margaret Wright Amy McIntyre Amy Mclevaine Amy Milliron Amy Murphy Amy Rickles Amy Theabolt Amy Waller Amy Wells Amy White Amy Williams Amy Wood Ana Tucker Andee Matthews Andrea Lucas Andrea Sharpe Andrea Weed Andreea Voinea-Griffin Andrew Collins Andrew Gilliam Andrew Hand Andrew Marlin Andrew Welborn Andy Savage Andy Thurmond Andy Tunnell Angel Daniel Angela Brown Angela Cody Angela Dawson Angela Hutton Angela Pewitt Angela Routh Angela Taunton Angela Thornton Angela Weir Angelina Lamkin Angie Dormuth Anjaneve Overloon Ann & George McMillan Ann Chappell Ann Goins Ann Wade Parrish Anna Mandy Anna Rose Maniscalco Anne Beaulieu Anne C. Burke Anne Shepherd Anne Shiller Annie Loo Annie Schapmann Anonymous (22 Friends) Anthony Davis Anthony Jackson Anthony Pritchett April Benetollo

April Bradley April Maddux April Owens Archie Burton Archie Ruggs, III Ardra Adams Aris Wiley Arthur Bailey Ashita Tolwani Ashley Fields Ashley & Craig Mason Ashley Bear Ashley Berkompas Ashley Holder Ashley Manning Ashley McVicar Ashley Moody Ashley S. Browder Ashley Shirley Ashley Smith Ashley Tierney Ashley Williams Ashlie Penton Ashraf Edward Khan Audra Vaughn Austin Suellentrop Balch & Bingham, LLP Barbara Brooks Barbara Bryant Barbara Dickinson Barbara Fields Barbara Saucier Barbara Traylor Barbara Vann Barfield, Murphy, Shank & Smith, PC Barry Dodd Barry Rowland Barry Thomason Baxley, Dillard, Dauphin & McKnight Bearden and Associates, LLC Beatrice Davis Beatrice Hartley Becky Moore Becky Peavy Becky Walding Belinda Winston Ben Fowler Ben Moffatt Ben Patrick Ben Watson Benita Lacey Benita McKinney Benjamin Byerly Benjamin Johnson Bernard Moore Bert Hill Beth Ann Rumbarger Beth Dean Beth Mans Beth Richardson Interiors Beth White Beth Wilson Beth Wyss Bethany Davis Betsey Hallmark Betsy Eyraud Betsy Goldstein

Betsy Grinstead Betsy Hunter Betsy O’Neil Bette Talley Bettie McCrear Betty Barron Betty Canan Betty Fagin Betty Fulton Betty Manasco Betty Wingo Beverley Cameron Beverly Bishop Bill Costenbader Bill Dunham Bill Guthrie Bill Munn Bill Shine Bill Twitty Bill Vanderver Billy Greene Birmingham Business Resource Center, Inc. Birmingham Restaurant Supply, Inc. Blair Moss Blake Liveoak Blake Scozzaro Bob Burleson Bob Cianchetti Bob Gorham Bob Smith Bobbie Jordan Bobbie Naish Bobby Burton Bobby Haynes Bobby Rogers Bobby Trammell Boncile Hodge Bonnie Cerniglia Bostany Realty Company Brad & Katheryn Dunn Brad Burleson Brad Jeffcoat Brad Searcy Bradford Botes Bradley Lee Brady Baldwin Brandon Bowen Brandon White Brandon Wilson Brandy Hyche Branislava Rudakovic Brannon Denning Brantley Holt Brenda Justice Brennda Caro Bret Hill Brett Ialacci Brian Cash Brian Coleman Smith Brian Fowler Brian Kinnaman Brian O’Dell Brian Robinson Brian Scholl Brian Wahl Brian Williams Brigitte Nicholson Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 7


Britney McKim Brittany Barnhart Brittany Bodine Brittany Harris Brittany Kelly Brittin Coleman Brock Tuck Broderick Baldwin Brodie Holcomb Bronson Kilgore Brooke Nail Brooke Tyus Brooke Welch Brown Company Svc., LLC Bruce Gordon Bruce Ludwig Bruce W. Ellis Bruno Baggio Bry Coburn Bryan Bevley Bryan Coleman Bryant Bank Bubba Grimsley Buck Howard Bud Flora Buddy Evans Buffalo Rock Company Byron Howells C & B Piping, Inc. Cahaba Title, Inc. Cain Mashego Caitie Ziemak Calvin Gunn Cam Ward Camille Spratling CAM-LAR Direct Candace & Al Schlosser Candace Jefferson Candice Sherman Capmark Carey Williams Carl Burkhalter Carl Roehrer Carla Holloway Carlton Kelley Carma Jude Carmela Owens Carmen Lau Carmen Nardecchia Carmen Voinea Carol Colbert Carol Hunt Carol Kutik Carol Pitts Carol Ray Carol Smith Carol Spain Carol Waller Carol Wood Carole Duffin Carole Waitzman Carolina Hernandez Caroline & Ryburn H. Bailey, Jr. Caroline Bundy Carolyn & Curtis Perry Carolyn & Jerry Powell Carolyn Collins Carolyn Craig Carolyn Lam Carolyn Nash Carolyn White Carolyn Williams Carra Wright Carrie Duryea Cary Wahlheim Caryanne Swindal Casey Graham 8 www.ymcabham.org

Casey Harlan Cassie Cato Catherine Bella Catherine Egeland Catherine Ratliff Cathryn Tanner Cathy Delozier Cathy Pate Cathy Pilcher Cathy Willis Catina Marzette-Williams CDI TOPS Cecelia Lowe Cecil Childree Cecile Franklin Cedar House Cafeteria, Inc. Cedric Montgomery Cedric Reid Cedric Truss Cedric U. Montgomery Cedric Wedgeworth Celebrity Video & Tan Celia McGarity Central Pratt Neighborhood Assoc. Central State Bank Chad Henderson Chad Long Champion Chandler Terry Chantel Holbrook Chariot Media, Inc. Charlene Morrissette Charles Armstrong Charles Bradley Charles Caldwell Charles Carlisle Charles Collat, Sr. Charles Dawson Charles Ferrell Charles Herlihy Charles Heyer Charles Jackson Charles Jager Charles L. Dyas, III Charles R. Roth Charles Sanford Charles Waites Charlie Ingram Chas. W. Ashby Co., Inc. Chaz Carter Cheri Crumpton Cherie Gibbs Cheryl Harris Children’s Hospital Chris & Kay Kelly Chris Abele Chris Butler Chris Carson Chris Graham Chris House Chris Johnson Chris Lebato Chris Leon Chris Murphree Chris Myles Chris Oldenburg Chris Sapp Chris Scott Chris Sullivan Chris Talbird Chris Tickell Chris Yeilding Christi Espy Christian Sanford Christie Beaupre Christie Lynam Christina Eschleman

Christina Marxen Christina Spanick Christine Washington Christopher Autrey Christopher Bolling Christopher Cowing Christopher Crawford Christopher Fields Christopher Frost Christopher Morrow Christopher Scoles Christopher Terrell Christy Darden Christy Dutton Chuck Lowe Chuck Snow Cindi Weeks Cindy Bento Cindy Formanek Kirk Cindy Kowllich Cindy Martin Cindy Wallace City of Birmingham City Council’s Office CKH Architects, PC Clara Silliman Clarence Bibbs Clarence Blair Clarence Crump Clarence Wrencher Classic Designer Kitchens, Gary DeGraf Claude Camp Claudette & Frankie Levan Claudia Butler Cleo Jones Clifford Saxon Clifford Spencer Cohen, Carnaggio & Reynolds Coke Matthews Colean Bailey Colleen Mccullough Community Baptist Church Connie Blalock Connie Blaylock Connie Bostany Connie Butts Connie Nash Connie Spates Consolidated Pipe & Supply Co., Inc. Control & Power, Inc. Cora Marie Gothard Corey Murry Cori Hallmark Corinne Doty Greer Counter Dimensions, Inc. Courtney Stone Craig Battles Craig Mix Creative Dog Training Too Creative Dog Training, Inc. Cristina Rodriguez Crystal Holmes Cureaka Coleman Curtis Dawson Cybex Cynthia Ellis Cynthia Gilmer Cynthia Harris Cynthia Hotchkiss Cynthia Lackey Cynthia Leigh Millican Cynthia Marshall Cyrstal Parker Dale Key Dan Carmichael Dana Bush Dana Long Dana Payne

Dana Rene Harmon Dance South Danella Johnson Daniel Acker Daniel Haralson Daniel Hudson Daniel McCurdy Daniel Rubio Daniel Trammell Danielle Baker Danielle Cato Danielle Greco Danny D’Eath Darian Lee Darius Foster Darius Lee Darla Osborne Darla Sellers Darlene Hartmann Daryl Perkins Dave Clark Dave Smith David Ball David Barnett David Blount David Carder David Carter David Copeland David Edmonds David Fawal David Fraser David Godber David Gray David Hamilton David Haynes David Higginbotham David Holden David Kassouf David Lambert David Lee David Lemak David Linski David M. Fields David McNeal David Minor David Minyard David Nolen David Oakley David P. Khoury David Self David Thomas David Warden David White Dawn Pilleteri Dean Cerio Dean Hodge Dean Nakos Debardeleben Fndn. Debbie Cotney Debbie Grubb Debbie McCorkle Debbie Mckinstry Debbie Melichar Debbie Snow Debbie Williams Deborah Blanchard Deborah Buchalter Deborah Epley Deborah Jones Deborah Poe Deborah Worrell Debra Brown Debra Hawkins Debra Hunter Debra Legg Debra Slay Dedrin Abercrombie

Deirdre Risman DeLane McCurry Delano Kelly Demarcus Lee Demerius Dareus Dena Cook Denice Moseley Denise Bazemore Dennis Brock Dennis G. DuBose Dennis Webster Dent Morton Denyse Thornley-Brown Derek Foy Derrick Murphy Derrick Russau Desiree Smith Diana Hodges Diane & James L. Richardson Diane Aldridge Discover Chiropractic & Wellness Djuana Eatmon Djuana Saxton Doby & Bill Hanks Dolly Carson Dolores Johnson Dominique Wilhite Don Naman Don Sapp Don Siegelman Don Thornton Dona Musgrave Donald Boomershine Donald F. Lutomski Donald Harrison Donald Heflin Donald Lehman Donald Q. Cochran Donald Thompson Donna Christie Donna Baird Donna Barnes Donna Christian Donna Cusimano Donna Flomer Donna Hines Donna Jones Donna Romanko Donna Swalley Donna Weaver Dora & John Brandt Dora Bolus Doris Jolly Doris Parvin Dorothy Fuchs & Gareth Vaughan Dotti Smith Dottie Drake Doug & Lisa Hughes Doug Hale Douglas D. Schneider Douglas Dutton Dow Bond Doyle Lowery Dr. & Mrs. John Durr Elmore Dr. Horace Huntley Dr. Kenneth B. Taylor Dr. Morgan Eiland Dr. Rosemary H. Faust Dr. W. Roger Carlisle Drew McDonald Drury Ellard Dudley Reynolds Duncan Cook Dusti Hanrahan Dwight Mixson E. Craig Martin E. Glenn Waldrop


thanks to:

Robert ‘Bob‘ Holman, Metro Board Member and Strong Kids & Communities Storyteller

‘Thank you to the YMCA for positively affecting the lives of so many of our young people.’ E. W. Parish Earline Atkins Ed Merrell Edd Spencer Edd Williams Eddie Finn Eddie Ray Eddie Reed Edgar Harper Edna Pate Eduora Cannon Edward Anderson Edward Christian Edward Fletcher Edward Goldblatt Edward Holt Edward Lacey Edward Ramsey Edward Sanders Edwin Lovelady Elaine Eggers Elaine Nicholson Elbert Burt Eliza Crawford Elizabeth Lawson Elizabeth & Jeff LeCroy Elizabeth Conley Elizabeth E. Willey Elizabeth Gaddis Elizabeth Garrett Elizabeth Goodrich Elizabeth Harris Elizabeth Haynes Elizabeth Heater Elizabeth Mullins Elizabeth Pierce Elizabeth Pino Elizabeth Seven Elizabeth Shirley Elizabeth Wates Elizabeth Woodfin Ella Thomas Ellen & Frederick Elsas Ellen Corbett Ellen Moman Ellie Jo Malki Elliot Washington Ellis Bingham II Ellis Petties Elsie Pemberton EMC Insurance Companies Emefa Butler Emily Brown Emily Issa Emily McClain Emily Shelley Emma Lewis Emmagene Crunk Emmanuel Boullay Emmy Bell Emogene Huffman Employee Benefits Consulting, LLC Emris Graham Eric Baskerville Eric Frye Eric Robinson Eric Talyor Eric Thomas

Erica Thornburg Erin Adair Erin Viruleg Erin Yergan Ernie Cory Ervin Mickens Erwin Lathem Eugene Johnston Evan Harless Eve M. Graham F.W. Brooks, Jr. Fadi El-Zein Fagan Homebuilders, Barry Fagan Faith Chapel Christian Center Fannie Peterson Farah Majeed Felecia Huntley Felicia Dixon Fernando Garza Ferne Seigel Financial Planning Association of North Alabama First Christian Church Floyd Cherry Floyd Gaines Fonda Shaia Food Studio B, Inc. Francene Drexler Francie Gardner Francitta Pickett Frank Adair Frank C. Izard Frank Myers Frank Roncadori Frank Young Franklin Robinson Frannie Horn Fred Hatcher Fred Smith Freddy Ard Freddy’s Auto Glass & Mirror, Inc. Frederick Stroup G. Kendrick & Mary G. Kinman Gabriel Rios Gabrielle Copp Gabrielle Donnelly Gail Mills Gail Whidby Gary Hartman Gary Higginbottom Gary Lovelady Gary McCarthy Gary Youngblood Gene Gonsoulin Gene Price George C. Blake George E. Peoples, Sr. George Holman George Melton George Taylor George Theodore George Vlahakes Georgia Morris Georgia Sullivan Haggerty Georgiana Williams Gerald Giattina Geraldine Woodson Gerard Boles

Gibson & Anderson Construction, Inc. GIna Young Glenn Perry Glenna Brown Gloria Harvill Gloria Shows Gloria Wallace GLS Supply, LLC Golden Girls, LLC Goodloe White Gordon Martin Gordon Robinson Gordon Smith Grace Troncalli Grady Smith Graham & Associates Graham Bostick Graham Lemmond Graham Peerson Graham Pulvere Grandview Financial Group, LLC Gray Borden Gray Stiff Greg Bernstein Greg Canfield Greg Flowers Greg Jennings Greg Keyes Greg Rhodes Gregory Crim Gregory Glover Gregory Howie Gregory Powell Gregory Sears Gretel Watts Grey Wood Gwendolyn Bell Gwendolyn Caudle Gwendolyn Harlan Gwendolyn Starkey Hal McKay Hala Fawal Haley Andrews Hampton McFadden Hank Hassinger Hannah Pate Hargis Charitable Trust Harlan Grooms Harold Finch Harold Sims Harriet McFadden Harriet Sudderth Harrison B. Manning Harry Benjamin Harry Simpson Hartwell Smith Hassan Pope Hayes Patrick Hazel McCormick Heart of Dixie Cycle, Inc. Heather Davis Heather Durham Heather Finn Heather Hart Heather Lewis Heather Patterson Helen Jones Helena Barkworth

Helga Cox Helga O’Neill Henry Carter Henry Gedson Henry Gene Cash Henry Mellen Henry W. Poellnitz, III Herman Erwin Hillary Van Wezel Holiday Inn Express Holley Lgrone Houston Holmes Howard Bogard Howard Upshaw Hugh Alford Hugh Don Hunter Williams Idalene Holloway Ike Square Ilene Wilensky Inez & W.R. Fulwider, Jr. Inge Johnstone Inger Jackson Inverness Kiwanis Club Irene Blalock Isabel Lockhart J & K Electric, Inc. J. Brad Burke J. Richard Zeski Jack Lepor Jack M. Neill, III Jack Mathews Jack Odle Jackie Bean Jackie Lindsey Jackie Mazzara Jackie Purifoy Jackie Smitherman Jackie Taylor Jackson Sharman Jacob Howard Jacob Tubbs Jacqueline & Joy Dunlap Jacques Horton Jahkedra Glass Jaime Bledsoe Jaime Ragsdale Jaleesa Miller James A. King, III James Aaron James C. Kelley James Daniel James Deyampert James Eckert James Evans James Graham James Gray James H. White, IV James Hand James Harrell James Hoover James House, III James Hughey, Jr. James Isobe James L. Angelichio James Lenyard James May James Minor, Jr.

James Park James Patton James Price James Reilly James Robinett James Robinson James Rushton James S. Clifford James S. Jones James Sisson James Tindell Jami Reed Jami Wadkins Jamie Brendemuehl Jamie Whitson Jan & Bill Watts & Munger Watts Putnam Jan Davis Jan Forester Jan Hinson Jan Warbington Jana White Janaya Blackwell Jane Bates Jane Costenbader Jane Emmerth Jane H. Morgan Jane Henderson Janell Ahnert Janet & John H. Holloway, III Janet McGowin Janet S. Burroughs Janet Standaert Janice Caudill Janice Clay Janis Posey Jared Herd Jason Coleman Jason Harris Jason Johnson Jason Peevy Jason Richardson Jason Seaver Jason Ware Jaworski Harris Jay Bender Jay Mengel Jay Pounds Jay Richardson Jay Turner Jayme Creamer Jazmyne Crumpton Jazzmine Dill Jean Holt Jean Martin Jean S. Burnett Jeanette Andrews Jeanette Pressgrove Jeanie Mackenzie Jeanie Prichard Jeanne Cruthirds Jeanne Huett Jeanne Kelly Jeannie Brown Jef Freeman Jeff Barnes Jeff Williamson Jeff Cochran Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 9


Jeff Johnson Jeff Kepler Jeff Mullins Jeff W. Parmer Jeff Wingo Jeffrey Cloar Jeffrey Funderburg Jeffrey Grantham Jeffrey Hanson Jeffrey Noel Jeffrey T. Mardis Jenifer Bearden Jenifer Rotenstreich Jenni Saville Jennifer & Phil Rucker Jennifer Adams Jennifer Anderson Jennifer Chandler Jennifer Coffey-Ramos Jennifer Dussich Jennifer Eidson Jennifer Garza Jennifer King Jennifer Lambert Jennifer Leigh Davis Jennifer Reardon Jennifer Reid Jennifer Saunders Jennifer Scott Jennifer Shoemaker Jennifer Sywy Jennifer Weems Jenny Andrews Jenny Bamford Jennye McCreary Jeraldine McClenney Jeraldine Williams Jeremiah Goodson Jeremiah Jackson Jeremiah Jones Jeremy Carter Jeremy D. Harper Jeremy Rogers Jeremy Tuggle Jeri Liles JeRica Jenkins Jerome Lapidus Jerry Chandler Jerry G. Duncan Jerry Oxford Jerry Presley Jerry Schapmann Jerry Sklar Jerry Tinsley Jerry Torrence Jerry Wrenn Jesse Vogtle Jessica H. Germany Jessica Jacobs Jessica Nevins Jessica Rodgers Jessica Valentine Jessica Woods Jill Deer Jill Mann Jill Moyer Jill Rodich Jim Binnings Jim Boothe Jim Crim Jim Green Jim Langley Jim Poole Jim Snider Jim Vakakes Jim Yamshak Jimbo Head 10 www.ymcabham.org

Jimmy Cash Jimmy Hill Jimmy M. & Hannah H. Dennis Jimmy Snow Jiyu Yan Jo Pearlman Joan & Gregory Baker Joan & Mac McLendon Joann Evans Joanna & Charles Foster Joanna Etheredge Joanna Myers Jody Coombs Jody Margene Joe Ayers Joe Carley Joe D. Link Joe Joseph Joe Sokol Joe Spransy Joel Bragg Joel Jones Joel Mulkin Joel Williford John A. McBrayer John Bland John Braden John Burgess John Byrd John Carraway John Civils John Coleman John Cooper John Covington John Crook John Earnhardt John England John Eric Getty John Floyd John Fredrick John Grubb John Hard John Ippolito John Johnson John Josey John Kitele John Lowe John Mayo John McGrath John Mitchell John Newman John Paul Sexton John Richardson John Ruby John S. Key, Jr. John Sewell John Sexton John Smallwood John Stevens John Stewart John Stone John Street John Taliaferro John Thompson John Tyson John Waller John Wheeler John Williams John Winstead John Woods John Wynn Johnnie Johnson Johnny Ray’s/Pelham Jon Hale Jon Lewis Jon Powell Jon Rasmussen

Jon Turner Jon Webster Jonathan Carpenter Jonathan Horn Jonathan Merkle Jonathan Wilson Joni Parrish Joseph Bluestein Joseph Brown Joseph Donahue Joseph Farley Joseph Harding Joseph Lane Joseph S. McCarty, Jr. Josephine Lowery Josette Kool Josh Sims Josh Warren Joshua Clinkscales Joshua D. Earnest Joshua E. Snead Joy A. Carter Joyce Bailey Joyce Stein Joyce Tombrello JRAG/Vue Marketing Juana Colvin Judge John Ott Judith Collins Judith Favor Judith M. Cloe Judith Strickland Judy Berneoke Judy Bresnan Judy Davis Judy Loo Judy Mitchell Judy Theriot Judy Webb Julia Potter Julia Welden Julian Bell Julie Ann Mclemore Julie Broday Julie Burge Julie Cascio Julie Gabis Julie Hayes Julie Long Julie Makosky Julie Marmurek Julie McAlister Julie Parker Julie Portera Julie Ryland Julie Schifer Julie Sistrunk Julie Thomasson Julie Wamble Julie Wood Julius Purifie June Wheelock Justin Hendricks Justin Taylor Justin Traywick Jutta Von Buchholtz K. Bryance Metheny Kant Chiang Karen Buckner Karen F. Holden Karen Mobley Karen Russell Karen Schwartz Karen Thiele Kari Resler Karl Heckman Kassie Moore

Katahya Eppenger Kate Comini Kate Copeland Kate Friedman Katharine Musso Katherine Allison Katherine Berndt Katherine Kramer Katherine M. Jackson Katherine Rostand Kathleen Cleveland Kathryn Williams Kathryne Brugge Kathy & Jim Riley Kathy Cook Kathy Gaddis Kathy Hayman Kathy Jackson Katie & Allen Dunn, II Katie Bryan Katie Byrd Katie Dunn Katie Jackson Katie Kelson Katie Loggins Vreeland Katie Watkins Katrina Price Kay Aldridge Kay Argo Kay Brinkley Kay Hayes Kay Matthews Kay McKnight Kaye Mathews Kayla Rose Kaylee Golston Keesha Nelson Keisha Wynn Keith Anderson Keith Andress Keith Bryant Keith Cutcliffe Keli Wright Kelley Properties, LLC Kelley Wall Kelli Brasher Kellie Frontine Kellie Wigley Kelly & Duncan Hulsey Kelly Dickerson Kelly Goad Kelly Jacobs Kelly Keim Kelly Kidd Kelly Kitchens Kelly M. Holbert Kelly Moore Kelly Ray Kelly Riggs Kelly Sawtelle Kelly Stanton Kellye Allen Kelsey Hagan Kelsey Shaw Kelvin Howard Ken Blackmon Ken Howell Ken Maluff Ken Osburn Kendall Walker Kenneth Coreno Kenneth Smith Kent Keyser Kermit Kendrick Kerry Hendricks Kerry Weidenback Kevin Bigham

Kevin Lambert Kevin Nelson Kevin Patterson Kevin Patton Kiel Gross Kim & Alan Cripps Kim Bennett Kim Darnell Kim Oh Kim Oliver Kim Savage Kim Shotts Kim Strifert Kim Thrasher Kim Van Valkenburgh Kim Wise Kimberley Velez Kimberly Dichiara Kimberly Geisler Kimberly Lewis Kimberly Powell Kimberly Rivers Kimberly Sexton Kimberly Sharp Kingwood Church Kirstan Cunningham Kohl’s Kouae Johnson Krista Wikholm Kristen Fuller Kristen Rowland Kristi Gulledge Kristi Hodson Kristi McDonald Kristi Raley Kristie Nix Kristin Harris Kristin Long Kristin Murray Kristin Puckett Kristine Williams Kristy Radney Kristy Trammell Kristy Waldrop Kruthika Dheeravath Krystal Perez Kyle Gaston Kyle Iverette Kyle McCain LaBrerica Harris LaDarren Smith LaDerric Piner Lady Jane Gillespie Lara Keough LaRae Boles Lararra Carter Laria Stinson Larry & Nancy Harper Larry Cooper, Jr. Larry Dancy Larry Dunlap Larry Hollings Larry J. Contri Larry Newsome Larry Wells Lashunda Toney Latanishia Watters Latasha Humphrey Latonya Williams Laura Proctor Laura Bianchi Laura Brody Laura Duclos Laura Gulino Laura Talbird Laura Wainwright Laura Washer


thanks to:

- Anya Bonner, Youth Center participant

‘Thanks to the Youth Center, I got to go swimming every day last summer!’ Lauralie Alfano Lauren Kuntz Lauren Payne Lauren Roberts Laurie Hopper Laurie P. Walls Laurie Skaggs Laurie Thompson Laurie Walls Laurin Whidby Lawrence Clark Lawrence Wilson Laysea Newsome Le Ann Nequette Lea Grimes Leaders Club/Alabaster YMCA Leah Belcher Lee Bains Lee Collins Lee Hollis Lee Lavette Lee Lucia Leeanna MFarlin Leesa Sanford Leigh Allen Leigh Ann Hodge Leigh Ann Moore Leigh Ann Thrush Leigh Karagas Leigh Kaylor Leigh Smith Leigh Williams Leilani Urbatsch Leland Doebler Lelia Neil Lem Stabler Lenda Spears Lenese Eberhart Leonard Olvey Leonard Pearson Leonard Wertheimer Les Litzinger Les Lovoy Leslie Davis Leslie Dutton Leslie Siegelman Leta Jones LeTecia Giddens Lethia Harris Lewis Garrison Lewis M. Stewart, Jr. Lewis Torgeson Lewis, Feldman, Lehane & McAtee, LLC Libby Lassiter Lillian Bromley Lillie Gill Lilly Gardner Linda Brewer Linda Cohn Linda Daniel Linda Gaffney Linda Herold Linda J. Hood Linda Jones Linda Lehe Linda McMullan Linda Reeves Linda Reimann

Linda Stone Lindsey Hall Lionel Lawson Lionel Zajde Lisa & David Brown Lisa Bevill Lisa Burdette LIsa Cheek Lisa Clark Lisa Creel LIsa Eads Lisa Edwards Lisa Green Lisa Hart Lisa Hogeland Lisa Jones Lisa Miller Lisa Stevenson Lisa Williams Lisa Wilson Liz Mardis Liz Mawhinney Liz Pittman Lloyd Jones, Sr. Lois Phillips-Larid Lora Langley Lori Coward Lori Madonia Lori Mitchell Lorraine Kuhl Lou Deneen Lou Nequette Louis Henderson, Jr. Louis Montgomery Louis Steed Louise Rozendale Loyd McIntosh Luanne Carter Lucille Fordham Lucille Williams Luttrell Architectural Woodworks, Inc. Lydia Johnson Lyndsey Rogers Lynn & Chris Chapman Lynn Jones Lynn L. Eckert Lynn Ray Lynn Trench Lynn Turner M&F Bank M. AllisonTaylor M. Christian King M. Jean Ivey M.P. Grant Mac Moorer Maclin Smith Madeline Haikala Magette Thiam Maggie Dollar Maggie Griffen Maggie Hightower Maggie Marshall Malcolm Bethea Malcolm Pirnie, Inc. Mallory Slaughter Mallory Smith Mallory Williams Mallu Divakaran

Manda O’Connell Mandel Hill Manley Appleby Manuel Chaney Manuel Sablon Maple Garner Marathon Electrical Contractors, Inc. Marc Stalker Marc Walton Marcia Bailey Marcia Ward Marculus Elliott Margaret Dawson Margaret Dowds Margaret McCullough Margaret Walker Margaret Zinkowich Margie Alvis Margie Voltz Marguerite Middlemas Maria Cecil Maria Simoni Marian Northington Marianne Wofford Marie Freeman Marie Garner Marilyn Barnett & Family Mario Johnson Marisa Cleckler Marisa Marques Marjorie Alvis Mark Aldridge Mark Dinan Mark Erdberg Mark F. Sommer Mark Friedman Mark G. Scheirer Mark Henry Mark Lester Mark Tavakoli Mark Tullis Marla Pickett Marlon King Marnie Tomberlin Marsha Floyd Marsha Kelley-Sutton Marsha Semon Marshall Brown Marshall Ross Martha Dawson Martha Sanderson Martin Bowles Martin Schulman Marvin Brown Marvin Dupass Marvin Engel Mary & David Newton Mary & Ray Woodard Mary Alexiou Mary Allison Taylor Mary Anne Frost Mary Beth Washington Mary Bolus Mary Buhring Mary Casciaro Mary Cater Mary Colgin Mary Creel

Mary Crommelin Mary Ellen Caughran Mary Evelyn Conner Mary Ford Mary Forman Mary Foshee Mary Frost Mary Hollis Mary Jane Bass Mary Margaret Scalici Mary McDonald Mary Morris Mary Parisher Mary Peagler Mary Scott Pizzitola Mary-John Blevins Matt Boone Matthew Casey Matthew Kircus Matthew White Maxine McNutt Maxine Perkins Meg Stubbs Melanie Hardy Melanie Hughes Melanie T. Gardner Melanie Walters Melinda Singleton Melinda Ward Melisa Wilson Melissa Brown Melissa Colvin Melissa Gooden Melissa Greer Melissa Herring Melissa Lilly Melissa Phillips Melissa Rogers Melissa Shelton Melissa Stevenson Melody Brown Melody Eagan Melody Izard Melvin Upchurch Meredith Helms Meredith Watkins Merle D. Gray Michael Callahan Michael Edwards Michael Glenn Michael Gray Michael Guinane Michael Hanle Michael Howard Michael Howell-Moroney Michael Jackson Michael Jones Michael Lenz Michael Lucas Michael Mason Michael Meadows Michael Morriss Michael Mulvaney Michael Newland Michael O. Harris Michael Pressley Michael S. Jackson Michael Schilleci

Michael Shaw Michael Teel Michael Thorn Micheal Schmitt Michele Calvin Michelle Batcheler Michelle Bunn Michelle Calvert Michelle Machazire Michelle Mauro Michelle Mitchell Michelle Smith Mickal Thomas Mickey & David Jones Mickey Ferguson Mieke Hemstreet Miho Murakami Mike Cleckler Mike Godette Mike Hammonds Mike Hill Mike Lorino Mike McKibben Mike Smtih Millie Curington Milton Bresler Milton Moats Minnie Booker Minnie Johnson Misty McDuffie Misty Moore Mitch Phillips MMJ Mullens, W.A. Mollie Deshazo Mollie Donohue Molly Bridges Photography Molly Hallmark Molly K. Frederick Molly McGregor Monica Garrett Montrelli Finley Monty George Morgan Keegan & Co. Morgan Stanley Mr. & Mrs. Charley Long Mr. & Mrs. George Heaton Mr. & Mrs. Herbert C. Cheung Mr. & Mrs. Jeremy L. Retherford Mr. & Mrs. Karl Snover Mr. & Mrs. Lewis Chitwood Mr. & Mrs. Russ Vandevelde Mr. & Mrs. S. Eugene DeKich Mr. & Mrs. William E. Matthews V Mr. and Mrs. Steven Weil Mrs. Isabel Palmer Mustafa Kilic Myrtis Foley Nadia Tehini Nadiua Johnson Nan Allen Nan Morris Nancy Bynon Nancy Collins Nancy Hale Nancy Heck Nancy Jones Nancy Moore Nancy Parton Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 11


Nancy Prickett Naomi Gignilliat Nathaniel Moten Nautilus Navar Currier Nea Rice Neal Gerhart Neil Bailey Insurance Agency, Inc. Nell Barber Nelson Cooper Nerrin Zaharias New Capital Partners, James B. Little, III Nicholas Petty Nick Jones Nick Rykse Nicole Lane Nicole Siegfried Nicole Woods Nikea Pruitt Niki Turpen Nikitris Taylor Nina Cranor Nina Reeves Nkenge Hudson Noel & William Graham Nona Eatmon Norma Nicholson Norris Watkins NSA, Al Craig Oak Mountain Eye Care, PC Obsessions O’Charley’s Ocie White Oliver Brooks Ollie Cotton Oscar Adams Osphal Shoemake Otis McGinester Otto Myree Pace Butler Corp., Tom Pace Paige Daniel Pam Anders Pam Buck Pam Henry Pam Hughes Pam Wildt Pamela Cooper Pamela Griffith Pamela Ingram Pamela Moser Pamela Real Pamela White Pat Cheatwood Pat Cotton Pat Crossen Pat Tate Patricia & James Burks, Jr. Patricia Golden Patricia Hawkins Patricia Jenkins Patricia Logan Patricia Luthin Patricia Lyuers Patricia Patton Patricia Sullivan Patricia Waters Patti Price Patty Roberts Paul Bolus Paul Bradfield Paul Brown Paul Durr Paul Goepfert Paul Hardin Paul Meeks Paul Ott Carruth Paul Petro 12 www.ymcabham.org

Paul S. Schlaff Paul T. Thibodaux Paula Buice Paula Laney Paul’s Diamond Center Peggy Barnhart Perry Mathis Personal Training by Deep South Bodies Personalize Me Peter F. Neuberger Peter Gioko Peter Holby Peter M. Horn Peter Worthen Phillip Read Phyllis & Landon Larsh Phyllis Bolena Phyllis Mark Phyllis Seale Piggly Wiggly Food Stores PJ Construction, LLC PlanTech, LLP PLYCO Ponder Properties, LLC Poseidon Technologies, Inc. Precor, Inc. Prestige Floor Care, LLC Priscilla Christian Priscilla Willis Puddles and Pigtails, Lisa Lester R. Barry Luther R. Bruce Barze R. L. Haines R. Michael Akridge Rabiya Zaman Rachael Gainer Rachel Andrews Rachel Garrett Rachel Jarvis Rachel Linderman Rachel Sills Racquelle Lane Ralph Combs Ralph Hall Ram Tool & Supply Rand Linton Randy Harris Ranelli & Associates Ray Clayton Raymon Bean Raymond Carter Raymond Chambliss Raymond Mulvihill Rayshun McKinney Realty South Reba Hatcher Rebbie Taylor Rebecca Baum Rebecca Godwin Rebecca Long Rebecca Thornley Rebekah Cowan Rebekah Waller Red Mountain Bank Red Mountain Entertainment Regina Bearman Regina Dickens Reginald Granger Reginald Murchison Reid & Susan Cloud Reid Manley Rena Lucas Renae McCullough Renee Dehart Renee Metcalf Revere Control Systems Rhenda Barnes

Rhonda Mccary Rhonda Vickers Rhonda Ward Riane Hinton Richard & Stephanie Banks Richard A. Berliner Richard Allums Richard Ambrose Richard Duell Richard Gotlieb Richard Hargraves Richard Horsley Richard James, Jr. Richard Jones Richard Mason Richard McCurdy Richard Ogle Richard Owens Richard Patton Richard Reichler Richard Richard Richard Richmond Richard Stevens Richard Turner Richard Waguespack Richard Wright Rick & Edith-Lyle Lessley Rick Haberstroh Rick Waller Rick Williams Rita Grey Rita Harville Rives Construction Co., Inc. Rob Moss Rob Oliver Rob Thompson Robbie Ballentine Robbie Tubbs Robbie Woolsteen Robert Weaver Robert Battle Robert Begg Robert Collins Robert Fabris Robert Failla Robert Given Robert Heard Robert Lambert Robert Levin Robert Littleton Robert M. Waters Robert Methvin Robert O’Brien Robert Quinn Robert Reid Robert Robinson Robert Rosser Robert S. Grant Construction, Inc. Robert Schornack Robert Shaw Robert Shields Robert Smith Robert Stone Robert Taylor Robert Williams Robert Willis Roberta Berry Roberta Dunnaway Robin Beidleman Robin Currie Robin Hammonds Robin Harrison Robin Minor Robin Waldrup Robins & Morton Robyn Boatman Robyn Murphy Robyn Webb

Rod Moore Roderick Nelson Rodney Burrow Rodney Harrell Rodney Rardin Rodney Shu Roger Smith Rogers Vincent Rolanda Williams Roma Dirienzo Ron & Yolanda Sullivan Ron Bennett Ron Trolard Ronald Brunson Ronald Drain Ronald Elliott Ronald Farley Ronald Payne Ronald Sims Ronda Chrisenberry Rondie Wilks Rosalie Evans Rosalind Fournier Rose Mary Forbes Rosemary Kenney Rosemary Riley Ross Smith Ross Tortorigi Rounak Collier Roy Barnes Roy Glover Roy Sims, Jr. Ruby McCrimmon Russ Campbell Russ Hammer Russell Stutts Rusty & India Gold Rusty Dorr Ruth Bean Ruth Crenshaw Ryab Hicks Ryan Dickson Ryan Mayberry Ryan Thomas Ryan Waguespack S. Greg Burge Saidie Egeland Sally Pavey Sam Craig Sam Farlow Sam Heide Sam Knowlton Sam McDonald Samantha Simons Samuel Franklin Samuel Frazier Samuel Popkin Samuel South Sandra Barrett Sandra Crawford Sandra Joganic Sandra Jones Sandra Koulourides Sandra Mueller Sandra Shulman Sanford Hooper Sanovia Muhammad Sara & Maxie Moore, Jr. Sara A. Jones Sara Dille Sara Doughton Sara Hacker Sara Wessel Sarah Artecona Sarah Cox Sarah Duggan Sarah Elliott Sarah Hudson

Sarah Murphree Sarah Pyron Sarah Speaker Sardis Baptist Church Saunders Jones Schlotsky’s Deli/Focus Brands School Transportation Solutions, Inc. Scott Abel Scott Bruce Scott Hults Scott Kelly Scott Knox Scott Perkins Sean Shirley Selective Masonry Selena Pitsch Sen. Owen Drake Sernaylia Floyd Shalonda Hall Shane Kell Shannon & Van Wadlington Shannon Harwell Shannon Rice Shannon Riley Shannon Wallis Shanon Lyles Sharmini Long Sharon Broach Sharon George Sharon Jackson Sharon Lovoy Sharon Spears Sharon Travis Sharon Williams Sharon Yancey Sharon Ziemak Shatanna Holley Shawn Plunket Shawna Ballard Shayla Crawford Shea Lloyd Sheffield Group Sheila Freeman Sheila Hoffman Sheila Wortham Shelby County Commission Shelby Johnston Shelby Systems, Inc. Sheldon Webster Shelley Barber Shelley Hunt Shelly Hudson Shelly Richardson Shelton Maye Sheri House Sheri Thompson Sherri Kristjansson Sherri Milazzo Sherry Burr Sherry Butler Sherry Gotlieb Shiou Yin Hung Shirley Bryant Shirley Church Shirley Padilla Sidney McClendon Sierra Chemical Corp. Simon Chadband Simpson & Associates Skier’s Marine Sloan Blackman Small Business Accntng. Srvcs., Inc. Sonia Ford Sonya Smith Sophia Glenn Sophia Lal Southeastern Food Merchandisers, Inc. Southern Blood Services


thanks to ...

- Anne Michaels, Downtown member

‘The flexible personal training schedule, I’m down 13 pounds since May!’ Southern Surgical Technologies, Inc. Southland International Trucks, Inc. Spain & Gillon, LLC Spencer Haddock Stacey Davis Stacey Graham Stacie White Stan Farrell Stan Neuhaus Stanley Virciglio StarTrac State Farm Fndn. Good Neighbor Grant Program Stefan G. Kertesz & Alice M. Walther Stepehn Vise Stephanie Brooks Stephanie Davis Stephanie Farrington Stephanie Lovelady Stephanie Rubens Stephanie Vaught Stephen C. & Ginger G. Rueve Stephen Gray Stephen Heninger Stephen J. Harris Stephen Jackson Stephen R. Hendricks Stephen Rowe Stephen Schaeffer Stephen Wallace Steve Fleming Steve Hoffman Steve Howe Steve McGee Steve Rapp Steve Shelton Steve Upton Steven Alexander Steven Bolden Steven C. Fazio Steven Hallman Steven S. Wideman Steven Shirley Steven Smith Steward Machine Company Stewart Welch Stuart Davis Stumpy Watson Substation Engineering Sue Ann & Larry Deboer Sue Crowe Sue Read Sue Rubiee Superior Mechanical, Inc. Susan & David Silverstein Susan & John McBrayer Susan Becker Susan Bell Susan Brawley Susan Brunson Susan Dismuke Susan Livingston Susan Luster Susan Reid Susan Rich Susan Schott Susan Vawter Susan Vines

Susanna Whitsett Susanne Jones Suzahn Huffman Donaldson & Fred Donaldson Suzan Cacioppo Suzanne Ashe Suzanne Fleming Suzanne Gurosky Suzanne McFerrin Sydney Murphy Sylvia McDonough Tabitha Klein Tabitha Tillman Tad Euler TaJuana Barnette Tamara Ladewig Tamarah & James Bonds, Jr. Tammie Frost Tammy Cherry Tammy Cohen Tandy Graves Tani Godfrey Tanya Hiers Tara Brown Tara Bryant Tara Risman Tara Seales Tara Slater Tarae Craig Tashundra Jones Taylor Amundsen Taylor Gallups Taylor Silvio Teddy Bear Portraits Teresa Callaway Teresa Coston Teresa Galbreath Teresa Holland Teresa Lawson Teresa Minor Teresa Odom Teresa Sawyer Teresa Thomas Teressa Richey Terrence McCarthy Terri Cahoon Terri Ferguson Terri Gray Terri Hudson Terri Sullivan Terry Cook Terry Evans Terry McCartney Terry Schlitz Thayer Wilson The Crowe Foundation The Hawkins Family The Marlins The Red Sox The Stewart Organization The Waddell Family Thecia Smith Thelma Davis Theodis Buggs Theodis Young Theresa DeLeon Thinh Do Thomas Clower

Thomas Logan Thomas R. Armstrong Thomas Spina Thomas Thagard Thomas Washington Thomas Waters Thomas, Means, Gillis & Seay, PC Thomasine Collins Tia Howard Tiffani Richardson Tiffany Baker Tiffany Holiday Tiffany McCrary Tim Laney Tim Turk Timothy Bibbs Timothy Ewens Timothy Lupinacci Timothy Morris Timothy Whetstone Tina Gay Tina Lindsay Tina Martin Toby Bright Toby Marcus Todd Burford Todd Keim Todd Longsworth Todd Sayers Tom Allison Tom Angelillo Tom Buck Tom Caradine Tom Clark Tom Helms Tom Larkin Tom Malin Tom O’Connell Tom Selden Tommy Armstrong Tommy Cox Tommy Thomas Tommy Thomson Toney Breeding Toni Taylor Tony Ash Tony Blankenship Tonya Bradley Tonya Deaver Tonya Drake Tonya Tolbert Traci Dowdle Tracy Bell Tracy Canaday Tracy Hill Tracy McNaughton Tracy McNeal Tracy Smith Tressie Williams Trey Brown Trial Technology Tricia Walker Trina Smith Trincess Coleman Trusscarr, LLC Trussville Petro, LLC Trussville YMCA Childwatch Trussville YMCA Tennis Ladies

Turner Williams Tyanne Whitworth Tyler Davis Tyler Dodge Tyler Mulkin Tyrell Jordan Ulysses Avery Underwood Univar USA USTA, Peter Neuberger Valarie Stiffler Valenicia Swanson Valerie & Alan Collier Valerie Prince Vanessa Washington Vaunzcea Jemison Velma Williams Velrilan Combs Vera Eugene Verlene Jackson Veronica Kings Vicki Calvert Vicki Moore Vicki Snider Victor Fichtner Victoria L. Wilson Victoria Smith Viki Pate Vincent Calamusa Vincere Molay Virgina N. Brown Virginia & Ernest Gauld Virginia Brown Virginia Crim Virginia Hawsey Virginia Mitchell Virginia T. Hare Voncile Patterson Vonner Moore Vulcan Marketing, Inc. Vulcan Materials Company, Southern + Gulf Coast Division W. Kirk Davenport Wachovia Bank Walker Sorrell Wallace Kinsaul Wallace Williams Walt McMahon Walter Barnes Walter Coarner Walter McArdle Walter Russell Walvid King Wanda Barron Wanda Gray Wanda Swihart Ward Watson Warren Lightfoot Waydean Hamilton Wayne Curtis Wayne Gerhardt & Katherine Henken Wayne Stuenkel Wayne Tyus Wendi Boyen Wendy Adams Wendy Beacham Wendy Calvert

Wendy Chapman Wendy Johnston Wendy Newland Western Supermarkets Wilhelmina Miller Will Mayhall Will Schutts Will Winston William A. Massey, III & Mary W. Hawke William B. Morton, Jr. William Blythe William Brooks William Cox William Cronier William Crowson William Curry William Dawson William Holcombe William Jones William King William L. Thuston William Lawrence William Longshore William Monroe William Morgan William Morrow William Royal William Schroeder William Skanes William Stilwell William Vann William Walker Moss William Wetzel Memorial Fund, Diana Hodges Willie Baker Willie Bass Willie Huff Willie Keene Windy Dodson Windy Jones Winn Dixie Stores Wm. Randall May Woodard Peay Woody Boudra Workshops, Inc. WPS, Inc. Wyllene Fausett Wynn M. Shuford Yashica Holloway Yocunda Clayton Yolanda Paige Yolanda Rabb Yvonne Lopez Yvonne McBeth Zane Arnold Zion Star Missionary Baptist Church Your name and your contribution are important to us! If we have made any errors or omissions, please let us know right away! E-mail Leigh Collins at lcollins@ymcabham.org or call 205.801.6053

Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 13


childcare

Connecting you to the Birmingham YMCA branch by branch.

Circuit

Fun and learning outside the classroom

Mountain Brook Drop & Go Ages 10 months through 6 years The Mountain Brook Branch provides quality care for your children whether you are working out or need to run errands. Reservations are available anytime the playroom is open. Cost 1-2 Hours $10 first child | $7 each additional child 2-4 Hours $15 first child | $12 each additional child Contact the playroom at 445.2840.

Shades Valley Drop & Go Monday-Thursday | 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Ages 5 weeks to 5 years The Shades Valley Branch offers a fun, safe, and loving environment for your kids to stay while you are on the go. Available to YMCA members only. Cost 1-2 hours $10 first child | $7 each additional child 2-5 hours $15 first child | $12 each additional child After School Care August-May | Until 6 p.m. The Shades Valley YMCA after school program provides numerous activities for your child including homework assistance, arts & crafts, bible study, fitness activities, swimming, and much more! We provide transportation from your child’s school to the YMCA as well as an afternoon snack. For a full listing of schools that we pick up from, please visit our website at www.ymcabham.org. Cost YMCA Members $151 per month | Non-members $216 per month Registration fee $40 per family Contact Mallory Smith at 870.9622. 14 www.ymcabham.org

Greystone

Afterschool Kicks Off Peer Mediation Program The children of the Greystone Afterschool program have completed their first month of peer mediation. The goal of peer mediation is to teach the children selected as mediators to assist the other children in finding ways to resolve conflict. Children and encouraged and empowered so that they feel like they can solve their problems without constant adult intervention. The mediators are selected based on their behavior and accomplishments in after school. They are trained and remain mediators for a month. If a disagreement erupts, the mediator team is called together to meet with the children independently and then together. The children take this role very seriously and are all working towards being selected themselves. The Greystone Branch hopes to see more and more positive results as the program continues to grow.


Up To Date | 11/01-11/10 11/01 | MOUNTAIN BROOK Kinesis H.E.A.T. H.E.A.T. (High Energy Anerobic Training) is a 60 minute Ultimate Full Body Workout encompassing all areas of fitness and wellness, while expending the maximum level of calories in a high-energy class. H.E.A.T. enhances muscle and cardiovascular endurance while engaging in a non-intimidating fun workout. Contact Mickal Thomas at 445.2823. 11/02 | VESTAVIA XPRESS Co-Ed Inner Tube Water Polo Registration Games 11/15, 11/22, 11/29, 12/06, 12/13, 12/20, 1/10 Tournament for top 4 teams 1/17 | Teams play between 6:30-9:30PM. Inner Tube Water Polo is all about having fun, making friends and doing something a little crazy with your Sunday evenings. No experience necessary. All skill levels welcome. Each team must have a minimum of two men and two women playing at all times. Alternate game nights available. Equipment provided. Bring your own swimsuit or shorts and t-shirt, towel, crocs/ flip-flops, & lock to use in the locker room. Cost $185 per team (4-6 players) | $35 individual (male or female) Contact Jeff Kepler at 823.0144. 11/02 | VESTAVIA XPRESS Aqua-Jogging Mondays & Thursdays | 5:15 a.m. & Mondays & Fridays 6:30 p.m. Shallow water, low-impact Aqua-jogging is low-impact and allows you to get in shape or stay in shape without the wear and tear on your bones, joints, muscles and tendons while burning the same amount of calories. Great for beginner and elite runners alike, long run recovery, those prone to or recovering from injuries (i.e. shin splints, stress fractures, hamstring or lower-back), cross-training, improving and maintaining conditioning and some pre and post surgery patients. Participants do not need to know how to swim. Bring your own swimsuit or shorts and t-shirt, towel, crocs/flip-flops, & lock to use in the locker room. Aqua running shoes are optional. Showers available. Deep water (non- impact) sessions with buoyancy belt also available. Cost YMCA Members $120 | Non-members $140 (Six-1hour workouts) Contact Jeff Kepler at 823.0144.

Circuit

11/07 | ALABASTER Basketball Registration Deadline Cost Ages 3-6 YMCA Members $75 | Nonmembers $115 Ages 7-8 YMCA Members $85 | Non-Members $125 Contact Ed Merrell at 663.6504. 11/07 | VESTAVIA XPRESS Aqua Babies (Parent/Child) Tuesday 10:30 a.m. | Wednesday Noon Saturdays 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. Ages 6 months to 3 years of age. Promotes water enrichment and aquatic readiness. Classes are led by a swim instructor and designed to allow the child to have fun in the water while the parent or guardian guides them. Cost YMCA Members $54 | Non-Members $87 (six / 40-Minute lessons) Contact Jeff Kepler at 823.0144. 11/08 & 12/13 | Mountain Brook Second Sunday Seminar Series 2 -3 p.m. Come hear great information on timely subjects presented by Birmingham area business and community leaders. 11/08 - Greg Weyandt from The Welch Group will answer your questions on investing and financial planning in these turbulent times. 12/13 - Julianne Venable, Clinical Director of Oasis Counseling, will guide you through holiday stress, and the mind/body connection of stress and health. Cost YMCA Members Free | Non-Members $5 Contact Caroline Bundy at 445.2874. 11/10 | VESTAVIA XPRESS Prenatal Aquatics Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Saturdays | 11 a.m. Don’t take a pregnant pause! Join this aquatic exercise class held in the covered pool and help ward off aches and pains. This class will also help expectant mother’s control depression and strengthen bones, joints and muscles in preparation for delivery day. Since buoyancy supports a high percentage of the body’s weight and gives the feeling of lightness, pregnant women love the assistance the water affords them, especially during the later stages. Cost YMCA Members $85 | Non-members $100 (5 classes) Contact Jeff Kepler at 823.0144

directory

Alabaster Community Branch 11th Avenue and 7th SW Alabaster, AL 35007 205.663.6504 Branch Hours Monday - Friday: Noon - 6 p.m. September - April 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. May - August Executive Director Gwen Hatcher

YMCA Camp Cosby

2290 Paul Bear Bryant Road Alpine, AL 35014 256.268.2007 Director of Camping Services Kevin Casey

Downtown Branch

2101 4th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 205.324.4563 Branch Hours Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Sunday: Closed Executive Director Andrew Freeman Membership Director Shelly Mitchell

Greystone Family Branch

5414 Highway 280 Birmingham, AL 35242 205.981.0144 Branch Hours Monday - Thursday: 5 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Childwatch Hours Monday - Thursday: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday: 2 - 6 p.m. Executive Director Pat Tate Membership Director Kristin Harris

Hargis Retreat

928 Hargis Drive Chelsea, AL 35043 205.678.6512 Branch Hours Monday - Saturday: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Director of Camping Services Kevin Casey

Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 15


aquatics

Circuit Swim Lessons Downtown Parent/Child Lessons (6 months – 3) 11/03, 12/01 | Tuesday & Thursdays 4:30 p.m. Group Lessons (Pre-School ages 3-6 & Youth Lessons ages 6-13) 11/03 | Tuesday & Thursdays 4:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., & 6:30 p.m. 12/01 | Monday-Thursday 5 p.m. Cost YMCA Members $54 | Non-Members $87 Contact Adam West at 801.7235. Private Lessons Ages 3 & Up | 6, 30-minute lessons Customized to meet individual needs of each swimmer. Cost Private Lessons $90 Members | $108 Non-Members Semi-Private Lessons $70 Members | $90 Non-Members (per participant) Contact Adam West at 801.7235. Greystone Group Lessons preschool and youth Cost YMCA Members $54 | Non-Members $87 Sessions 11/03-26 | 12/10-10 mini session is half price Morning and evening times available for ages 3-5 Evening times available for youth 6-12 Parent Tot classes 11/07-28 | Saturdays at 10:30a.m. Private Lessons Scheduled year round at your convenience. Register online at www.ymcabham.org or at the front desk. SHADES VALLEY Group & Private Swim Lessons 11/02-12 | 12/07-17 (no class 11/28) Monday-Thursday for 2 weeks Cost Group Lessons YMCA Members $54 | Non-Members $87 Private Lessons YMCA Members $90 | Non-Members $108 Semi-Private (per child) YMCA Members $70 | Non-Members $90 Contact Katie Watkins at 870.9622. Shelby County Group Swim Lessons Classes are offered mornings, afternoons, evenings after work and Saturdays for all age groups. Cost YMCA Members $54 | Non-Members $87 11/02-19 (3 days a week for 3 weeks | 12/17 Private lessons only Private Swimming Lessons (3 yrs. And up) Ages 3 to Adult Customized to meet individual needs of each swimmer. Cost YMCA Members $87 | Non-Members $105 Semi Private (per child) YMCA Members $65 | Non-Members $85 Contact Jennifer Dick at 664.9622. 16 www.ymcabham.org

Trussville Group Swim Lessons 11/03-12/03 | 12/07-22 Group swim lessons consist of eight 40-minute lessons with up to five children in a class. Preschool (Ages 3-5) 10:15 a.m., 11 a.m., 5:45 p.m. Youth (Ages 6-12) 5 p.m., 6:30 p.m. | Tue and Thur Cost YMCA Members $54 | Non-Members $87 Contact Carla Holloway-Watson at 655.2224. Private Swim Lessons (Ages 3 and up) 11/03-12/03 | 12/07-22 Times and days are chosen by the parent of the participant. Adults are always encouraged and welcome to take private swim lessons as well. Cost YMCA Members $90 | Non-Members $108 Contact Carla Holloway-Watson 655.2224. vestavia Private Swimming Lessons Ages 3 years and up | Customized to meet individual needs Cost YMCA Members $90 | Non-Members $109 Semi Private (per child) YMCA Members $70 | Non-Members $90 Contact Jeff Kepler at 823.0144

Birthday Splash Parties

SHADES VALLEY Half of the YMCA pool and a lifeguard will be provided for water games and recreational time. A party area will be provided for opening gifts, playing games, and enjoying cake and snacks. An agreement must be signed and a deposit collected when making a reservation. Parties are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Parties are offered on Saturdays and Sundays Available Times 1:30-3:30 pm | 3:30-5:30 pm | 6-8 pm* *After-Hours additional fees apply

Contact Katie Watkins at 870.9622. All Branches Half of the YMCA pool during regular business hours or after hours and a lifeguard and/or Building Supervisor will be provided for water games and recreational time. A picnic area or a room will be provided for opening gifts, playing games and enjoying cake and snacks. (please no glass containers) Partiers get one hour of recreational swimming (swimming is done first) and one hour at the picnic area or in the room. Please call your local YMCA for more information and to reserve a date. Parties are offered on a first come, first serve basis.


11/11 & 25 | Alabaster Holiday Camp 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. | Grades K-8 Children will participate in games, swimming and visiting local parks. Cost YMCA Members $23 | Nonmembers $35 Contact Emily McClain at 663.6504 11/14 & 12/12 | VESTAVIA XPRESS Women Only Swim 6-8 p.m. Private swim sessions for women only. Some aqua sports equipment and toys are available. Female only lifeguards will be on duty. Cost YMCA Members $10 per session Non-member $13 per session Contact Jeff Kepler at 823.0144. 11/18 | SHELBY COUNTY Thanksgiving Lunch 11:30 a.m. Join the Shelby County Branch for its annual pot-luck Thanksgiving lunch. Sign up at the branch in order to provide plenty of variety. Contact Beth Finch at 685.6509.

Up To Date | 11/11-12/09

Circuit

11/23-27 | SHADES VALLEY Thanksgiving Camp Times: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (11/27 | 7 a.m.-Noon) Cost (Half Day prices only pertain to 11/27) YMCA Members Full Day $25 Half Day $20 Non-Members Full Day $35 Half Day $30 After-School Care Participants: YMCA Members: Full Day $20 Half Day $15 Non-Members Full Day $30 Half Day $25 Contact Mallory Smith at 870.9622. 11/27 | greystone Gut Buster Boot Camp 9-11 a.m. TurboKick, Strength – Circuit and Core Training with Tina Cost YMCA Members Free Contact Renae McCullough at 981.0144.

11/21 | SHELBY COUNTY Swim Birmingham Y Swim Meet Indoor Pool Closed

11/27-12/24 | SHELBY COUNTY Jingle Bell Challenge Fitness Challenge Between Thanksgiving and Christmas stay motivated to work out by taking the Jingle Bell Challenge. Earn a letter to spell out Jingle Bell Challenge each day you come to the Y. Make it 19 of 28 days to complete the challenge you will win a JBC t-shirt. Sign-up is the week before Thanksgiving at the branch. Contact Beth Finch at 685.6509.

11/21 & 12/19 | VESTAVIA XPRESS Men Only Swim 6-8 p.m. Private swim sessions for men only. Some aqua sports equipment and toys are available. Male only lifeguards will be on duty. Cost YMCA Members $10 per session Non-Members $13 per session Contact Jeff Kepler at 823.0144.

12/09-01/10 | YOUTH CENTER Holiday Camp Registration Camp Dates 12/18 – 01/04 Children will participate in field trips, arts and crafts, games and cooking classes as well as swimming at the Downtown YMCA and annual “Shop for the Family” trip to the Dollar Tree. Cost $160 entire holiday break | $24 per day Contact Bethany Davis at 324.1643 Northeast

‘Got Sugar’ Diabetes Support Group and Exercise Class

Tuesdays & Thursdays Noon-12:30 p.m. Support and Q&A 12:30-1:15 p.m. Exercise ‘Got Sugar’ is a 10-month program to support healthier living for diabetics and is open to the entire community. Groups meet at the Jefferson County Department of Health Eastern Health Center, 601 West Boulevard, in the Roebuck community. Contact Sophia Glenn at 833.7616.

directory

Mountain Brook Branch

2401 20th Place South Birmingham, AL 35223 205.870.0144 Branch Hours Monday-Thursday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday: 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Childwatch Hours Mon – Thursday: 8:15 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday: 8:15 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Saturday: 8:15 a.m.-Noon Sunday: 2-6 p.m.. Executive Director Michelle Oliver Membership Director Kristi Nix

Northeast Family Branch

628 Red Lane Road Birmingham, AL 35216 205.833.7616 Branch Hours Monday & Tuesday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Wednesday-Friday: 5 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday 7 a.m. - Noon Executive Director Terri A. Nevett

Shades Valley Family Branch 3551 Montgomery Highway Birmingham, AL 35209 205.870.9622 Branch Hours Monday -Friday: 5 .a.m. - 10 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 1 - 6 p.m. Executive Director Cham Norman Membership Director Dawn Pilliteri

Shelby County Branch

2610 Pelham Parkway Pelham, AL 35124 205.664.9622 Branch Hours Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 1 - 6 p.m. Child Watch Hours (School Year) Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., 3:30-7:45 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. -12 p.m. (Summer) Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-7:45 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Executive Director Lane Vines Membership Director Beth Wilson-Finch

Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 17


sports

Circuit Life at the net Winter Tennis and Youth Sports programs

Tennis MOUNTAIN BROOK

Ladies and Mens Leagues Leagues will be ending in November with 2009 USTA year-end ratings out by late November. 2010 USTA winter league team registration will open in December. Winter league play will start in early January with weekday morning or Saturday afternoon divisions available. Men’s Interclub tennis will resume with the spring 2010 season in March.

USTA Winter Leagues Registration for USTA winter tennis begins in November for levels 2.5, 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 USTA Ladies teams.

Ladies Beginner Clinic Tuesday nights through 12/08. | 6-7 p.m. Cost $10 per person.

Kids Clinics Middle school & tournament level players M&W | 3:30-4:30 p.m. Various ages and tournament beginniners M&W | 3:30-5:30 p.m. Quick Start team tennis. 5-8 year olds. T&TH | 3:30-4:30 p.m. 9-12 year olds (few openings in this group) | T&TH 4:30-5:30 p.m. Cost YMCA Members $12 per hour Non-Members $15 per hour Payments made on a monthly basis

Advanced Ladies Clinic Fridays through 12/11| 10:30 a.m.-Noon. Participants must be a 4.5 or higher soft court player and a 3.5 USTA or higher player to attend. Cost $12 per person

Men’s League Mondays and Thursdays | Beginning 6:15 p.m. Men’s B Team Monday | Men’s C Team Thursday Contact Randy Harris, league coordinator, at 541.0892. Always looking for new players of all levels.

Men’s Clinic Tuesdays through 12/08 | 7-8 p.m. Any player 2.5 or higher is welcome in this drop-in clinic. Cost $10 per person

Youth Sports Alabaster

Iron Bowl Tennis Mixer 11/24 | 9 a.m.-Noon Come out in your team colors for a fun morning of tennis. Contact the pro shop at 879.3930. Junior Clinics Available during the after school hours. Contact pro shop at 879.3930 or Katrina Trotter at 999.9731. Trussville Ladies Clinics Monday-Thursday mornings. Clinics are determined based on softcourt rating. Call Pam if you are new to the area or want to come to a clinic. No drop-ins. Pay as you come to clinic. 18 www.ymcabham.org

Track Team K-8th grade Registration and practices for new track program begins in November. Team will begin attending and hosting meets in the spring. Contact Gwen Hatcher at 663.6504. GREYSTONE AND SHELBY COUNTY Winter Youth Basketball Registration Deadline 11/14 First Week of Practice 11/16 | Games Begin Saturday, 12/12 Tournament 02/13 (Ages 7-15) Cost YMCA Member $75 | Non-members $115 (Ages 3-6) YMCA Member $85 Non-Members $125 (ages 7-15) Contact George Becker at 981.0144 for Greystone, or Tamara Ladewig at 664.9622 at Shelby County.


Up To Date | 12/14-12/31 12/14-18 | MOUNTAIN BROOK Runner’s Boot Camp Pre-registration Pre-register for the Winter session Runner’s Boot Camp and receive 20percent off regular price. Danny and Micki Haralson are instructing all interested runners on how to improve running form and increase running efficiency with explosive plyometric exercises. Boot camp will begin in January 2010, so sign-up now and get a “runner’s start” on the new year. Contact Mickal Thomas at 870.0144 12/19 | Shelby County Babysitting Class Ages 11 and up | 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Participants certified in child and infant CPR, First-aid, learn how to change a diaper, and what to look out for when babysitting. Cost $50 Contact Jennifer Dick at 685.6512 12/21-01/04 | Alabaster Holiday Camp 6:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. | Grades K-8 Children will participate in games, swimming & visiting local parks as well as previews of our summer specialty camps. Cost YMCA Members $23 | Non-Members $35 Additional cost for field trips required Contact Emily McClain at 663.6504. 12/21-01/04 | SHADES VALLEY Holiday Camp Full Days: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. | Half Days: 7 a.m.-Noon Campers will meet new friends while participating in games, swimming, Christmas crafts, field trips, and special events. Sports campers will enjoy a basketball tournament, while Splash campers dive into water games and daily stroke clinics. Everyone participates, everyone learns, and everyone has fun! Cost (Half Day prices only pertain to 12/24 & 12/31) All fees include field trips and special events. Traditional & Sports Camp YMCA Members Full Day $32 | Half Day $17 Non-Members Full Day $42 | Half Day $22 After-School Participants YMCA Members Full Day $27 | Half Day $14 Non-Members Full Day $37 | Half Day $20 Splash Camp YMCA Members Full Day $35 | Half Day $20 Non-Members Full Day $45 | Half Day $26 Contact Mallory Smith, Traditional Camp, at 870.9622, ext. 124 | Katie Watkins, Splash Camp, at 870.9622, ext. 114 | Jerry Wrenn, Sports Camp, at 870.9622, ext. 104

Circuit

12/21-01/04 | Shelby County Christmas Camp Registration Deadline December 18 Register early to spend your Christmas Break at the YMCA. Campers will participate in games, sports, crafts, field trips, swimming and more. Camp is for children in grades K-8. Camp dates 12/2123, 28-30 and 01/04. Register online at www.ymcabham.org. Cost Entire Camp YMCA Members $135 NonMembers $203 Per Day YMCA Members $22 | Non-Members $36 Contact Rhonda Williams at 664.9622 12/21-01-03 | Trussville Holiday Camp Campers will participate in crafts, field trips, contests and much more. For details and registration go online to www.ymcabham.org. Contact Fred Hatcher at 655.2224. 12/21-23 | VESTAVIA XPRESS Guard Start Christmas Holiday Day Camp 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | early drop off & late pick up available Help your child build a foundation of knowledge, attitudes and skills to become a future lifeguard. Children will receive instruction in prevention, fitness, response, leadership, professionalism and swimming skill development. This class is also designed to teach youth basic rescue skills, first aid, CPR and water safety. Although Guard Start does not certify participants as lifeguards, upon completion of this camp students will have certifications in Community CPR, Community First Aid and Basic Water Rescue. There will be special modules on decision making skills and personal fitness. Cost YMCA Members $120 | Non-members $140 Contact Jeff Kepler at 823.0144.

directory

Trussville Family Branch

5920 Valley Road Trussville, AL 35173 205.655.2224 Branch Hours Monday - Friday: 5 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 7 p.m. Childwatch Hours Monday – Friday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday: 1-5 p.m. Executive Director Jerry Wang Membership Director Wendy Newland

Vestavia Xpress Branch

2086 Columbiana Road Vestavia Hills, AL 35216 205.823.0144 Branch Hours Monday - Thursday: 5:15 a.m. - 9 p.m. Friday: 5:15 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Childwatch Hours Monday & Wednesday 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 3:30 -7:30 p.m. Thursday: 8 a.m.-1 p.m., 3:30-7 p.m. Friday: 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., 3:30- 6 p.m. Saturday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Sunday: 2-5:30 p.m. Executive Director Shon Torgeson Membership Director Cindy Reams

Western Area Family Branch

1195 Bessemer Road Birmingham, AL 35228 205.923.1195 Branch Hours Monday - Thursday: 6 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. Friday: 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. Executive Director Terri A. Nevett

Birmingham YMCA Youth Center 2400 7th Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 205.324.1643 Branch Hours 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Program Executive Chris Oldenburg

12/31 | Trussville New Years Eve Lock-in Campers will participate in several different activities, count down the New Year, swimming, and play different games. Go online to www. ymcabham.org. Contact Fred Hatcher at 655.2224. Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 19


aquatics

Circuit

All for one, one for all!

New Association wide swim team kicks off this fall

Swim Team

Greystone Registration begins 12/07 for the JanuaryMay session. Year-round swimming is offered for beginners through national level competitors. Go online to www.ymcabham. org, then click Greystone Aquatics for pricing and practices times and swimming levels. Contact Susan Becker or Frank Myers at 981.0144. Shelby county Practice Schedule Super Squad Tuesdays and Thursdays | 4-5 p.m. Bronze Tuesdays, Thursdays, &Fridays | 4-5 p.m. Gold Mondays-Fridays | 4-6 p.m. Cost $75 Registration fee for all groups (this fee includes the $56 USA Swimming Registration and a team cap) Super Squad YMCA Members $160 | Non-Members $210 Bronze YMCA Members $175 | NonMembers $227 Gold YMCA Members $280 | NonMembers $340 Monthly payment plans and financial assistance are always available. Contact Jennifer Dick at 664.9622. 20 www.ymcabham.org

training

Swim Birmingham YMCA Swim Team is a year-round competitive team for ages 5-18. The team encourages regular swimming to build endurance, muscle strength, and cardiovascular fitness. The benefits of swimming include sportsmanship; time management, self discipline, goal setting, and an increased sense of self worth though sport participation. Participation on the team is based on the basic swimming abilities. To participate in the 8 and under groups, your child must be able to swim at least on length of the pool doing freestyle/front crawl and backstroke/back crawl. Nine and older must do 2 lengths of the pool doing freestyle/front crawl and backstroke/back crawl.

CPR Trussville Practice Begins 01/04 Super Squad Tuesdays and Thursdays | 5:30-6:15 p.m. (practice beings 01/05) Bronze M, Tu, Th | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Silver Mon-Thu | 5:30-6:30 p.m. Gold Monday-Friday | 4-5:30 p.m. Senior Monday -Friday 3:30-5:30 p.m. Cost Monthly Bronze $44 YMCA members $57 Non-Members Silver $63 YMCA Members $82 Non-Members Gold $70 YMCA Members $85 Non-Members Senior $87 YMCA Members $111 Non-Members Paid in Full Bronze $175 YMCA Members $227 Non-Members Silver $250 members $325 non-members Gold $280 members $340 non-members Senior $345 members $442 non-members Contact Jennifer Dick at 664.9622. VESTAVIA XPRESS

Registration begins 12/07 for Jan-May session

The Swim Birmingham YMCA Swim Team at Vestavia is welcoming new members. Our coaches encourage regular swimming to build endurance, muscle strength and cardio-vascular fitness. Beginner, intermediate and advanced slots are currently open. Contact Jeff Kepler for information and to register at 823.0144.

Downtown 11/19 & 12/17 | 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Cost $35 Adult CPR /AED (Child/ Infant CPR Optional) $60 Standard First Aid (Includes Adult CPR/AED/First Aid – Child/Infant CPR Optional) $50 Professional Rescuer Contact Adam West at 801.7235. Greystone 11/12 & 12/17 | 5-9 p.m. Cost $35 SHADES VALLEY November 18 | December 16 Cost $35 CPR | $50 CPR for the Professional Rescuer | $60 CPR & First-Aid Contact Katie Watkins at 870.9622. Trussville 11/16 & 12/14 | 5 p.m. Register at the branch or online at www.ymcabham.org. Cost $30 Community CPR | $60 Community CPR and First Aid Contact Carla Holloway-Watson at 655.2224. VESTAVIA XPRESS 11/28, 12/19 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Cost $35 Adult CPR/AED | $60 Standard First Aid (Includes Adult CPR, AED, First Aid). Child/Infant CPR can be added for no additional fee. $50 CPR for the Professional Rescuer Online classes available. Contact Jeff Kepler at 823.0144.


Circuit

GROUP EXERCISE

children Kids Fun Day!

Zumba on land and sea Downtown Aqua Zumba® Thursdays 5:30 p.m. | Fridays 7:45 a.m. What do you get when you mix hot Latin dance with cool water? A steaming new class called AQUA ZUMBA®! Samba and mambo to funky Latin music as you burn calories and tone your muscles. The water eases impact on your joints as it adds resistance to every move you make. Contact Stephanie Rubens at 801.7231. Mountain Brook Crunk & Zumba The Mountain Brook branch currently offers two dance fitness classes each week - Crunk and Zumba. Participants do not have to know how to dance to enjoy either class. Instructors teach the movement and you just move and groove any way you want to the music. Classes are packed and everyone has loads of fun! Crunk Fitness | Mon. & Wed. 6:35 p.m. Zumba | Sunday | 4:30 p.m. More News The upstairs group exercise room will be closed for one week in December for hardwood floor refinishing. Watch for dates of the closing soon. Contact Mary Casciaro at 870.0144.

Greystone Beginner Reformer Group Four-week series provided to introduce participants to the Pilates reformer machine and basic exercises to prepare the individual for group reformer training. Cost YMCA Members $80 Contact Renae McCullough at 981.0144. Crunk & Zumba The Greystone Family Branch has added Crunk and Zumba to its group exercise schedule. Participants do not have to know how to dance to enjoy either class. Instructors teach the movement and you just move and groove any way you want to the music. CRUNK - Thurs | 4:30 p.m. ZUMBA - Wed @ 6:30 p.m, |Fri @ 8:15 a.m. Sun @ 4 p.m. Trussville Zumba Growing at Trussville Branch Mondays 7:10 p.m. | Wednesdays 6 p.m. The Trussville group exercise department may be adding a Saturday morning ZUMBA class soon. Watch for details Contact Robin Burns at 655.2224.

SHelby county Aqua Massage Aquatic massage is a gentle form of body therapy performed in warm water. combining elements of massage, joint mobilization, shiatsu and stretching. The deeply relaxing effects of warm water combined with the movements, stretches and massage create a wide range of therapeutic benefits. The warm water relaxes the muscles and encourages the release of stress and tension. Cost $45 45-minute session Contact Jennifer Dick 685.6512.

11/11 | Trussville Fun Club 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Campers will participate in a variety of games and activities during this day off from school. Contact Fred Hatcher at 655.2224. 11/11 | Shades Valley Fun Club 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Fun Club is a place for your kids to be during School Holidays. Children will participate in games, arts & crafts, field-trips, and even swimming! Cost After School Participants YMCA Members $20 | Non-Members - $25 Non-After School Participants YMCA Members $30 | Non-Members $35 Contact Mallory Smith at 870.9622. 11/11& 25 | SHELBY COUNTY Fun Club 7 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Children will participate in a variety of activities such as swimming, sports, games, archery, crafts and more. Space is limited. Register online at www.ymcabham.org Cost YMCA Members $22 | Non-Members $36 Contact Rhonda Williams at 685.6510. 01/05 | Greystone 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Children will participate in a variety of activities such as swimming, sports, games, archery, crafts and more. Cost $27 YMCA Members | $40 Non-members Register online at www.ymcabham.org Contact Tanya Hiers at 981.0144.

Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 21


HEALTH & WELLNESS

shades valley

Developing new partners

Circuit

One million steps at a time

Medical group donates $50,000 to Homewood branch's capital campaign Thanks to a $50,000 pledge to the Shades Valley Family Branch’s capital campaign from Urology Centers of Alabama, the new multi purpose group exercise room will be named “Triangle - Spirit, Mind and Body.” The center and the YMCA are also partnering on pre and post-surgery fitness assessments. Patients will be referred to the YMCA by their doctor; they will receive a fitness assessment by the Shades Valley fitness staff, and then depending on their patient status (undergoing radiation, chemotherapy, pre surgery or post surgery) will be given a fitness training plan specifically designed for their needs. A follow-up in 30 days will begin a tracking and outcomes process for each patient. Urology Centers of Alabama, a long-time Homewood resident and just down the street from the Shades Valley Branch, is committed to “leading our community to health and wellness.

AMERICA ON THE MOVE An astounding 64,072,945 steps were logged during America on the Move week in September. By comparison, slightly more than 15 millions steps were logged in 2008. Thanks to everyone who participated for helping the YMCA take several million steps toward a healthier Birmingham.

8

Blended Learning

Online CPR/AED Adult, Child, Infant and First Aid

SHelby county In our continuing collaboration with the American Red Cross, an onlineexperiential “Blended Learning First Aid/CPR/AED” certification program is now available. The program is designed to prepare you to respond to lifethreatening emergencies through a combination of online (web-based) lessons and traditional instructor-led training. Blended learning students complete the knowledge portion online at home and at their own pace, and then demonstrate those learned -skills in a special class at the Shelby County Branch, conducted by association Aquatics Director, Jennifer Dick. The “blended” approach does not replace traditional classes that are conducted across the association. If you learn better in person, by attending a live class, there are still many classes from which to choose. The traditional class “Time Saver,” is four-five hours. “Blended” learning is self-paced; you control how long it will take you to go through the information. After you complete the online portion, you will then display the skills you learned in person. This session lasts about one hour. Cost Adult CPR /AED only $30 | Full Class $60 Contact Jennifer Dick at 664.9622. Skills Session 11/07 from 9-11 a.m. | 11/19 from 6-8 p.m. | 12/10 from 6-8 p.m

22 www.ymcabham.org

Y ONE Eatfit Kids’ Nutrition & Exercise Program Designed to help children and adolescents learn to make healthy eating choices and be active for life. Children will meet with a parent in private sessions with Sandra Koulourides, a Registered Dietitian, for four bi-weekly 30 minute sessions. Eight individual 30 minute exercise sessions with a Personal Trainer are included. Cost $350 (Financial assistance is available) Contact Caroline Bundy at 445.2874. DOWNTOWN Personal Training; Train to the Core Eight 30-minute sessions per month Let one of our trainers help you focus on your core and teach you how to improve the strength in your abdominals and lower back. Sessions are scheduled twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Cost YMCA Members $150 per package Contact Jayme Creamer at 801.7238. Personal Training Personal trainers can help you achieve your goals now and are available for half-hour and full-hour sessions as well as individual and buddy sessions. Cost YMCA Members ONLY 30 minute sessions $24 per session One hour $39 | Buddy sessions $51 per session Contact Jayme Creamer at 801.7238 Trussville Welcome New Fitness Director The Trussville Family Branch would like to welcome new Fitness Director, Trevor Cole. Personal Training Now is a great time to get in some personal training time, especially with the holidays just around the corner. If you know of someone who wants to get some personal training, give it as a gift through gift certificates. Contact Trevor Cole at 655.2224


My Mission:

T

. . . to thank my friends and colleagues for the new me.

Velma Williams

vice president, human resources birmingham metropolitan YMCA

here are days that you will never forget. April 14, 2009 was one such day for me. I had to be on my “A” game that day: I was leading the planning team for the Leadership YMCA graduation ceremony for 11 upwardly mobile professionals, my colleagues. However, I felt like I had been hit by a Mac truck. I thought I had a sinus infection and would tend to it later. Colleagues noticed, and insisted that I go home and see my doctor. Type II Diabetes was the diagnosis with insulin dependency as the prognosis. “I got sugar,” haunted me; fear griped me, for I had seen this story throughout my life. I’d heard the horror stories and since I was having problems with my vision already I just knew I was going blind. I hunkered down; I was unable to get out of bed. I played ostrich, and hoped it would go away. My pastor insisted that I go to the hospital, my son looked worried. Finally, my friend and professional colleague Alethea convinced me to go to the emergency room. The doctor there said that 40 years ago I would have died. Colleagues, and certainly now, friends at the YMCA put their arms around me and said, “Don’t worry, we’ll fight this together.” Michelle and Julie gave me the gifts of dietician Sandra Koulourides and personal trainer Caroline Bundy. With Sandra’s help, I learned to combine foods in a healthy way. Caroline is trying to convince me that I enjoy working out. Actually, I enjoy the results of the work out and I love the relationship we have developed. Each week Julie and I walk through the Mountain Brook Village; we’ve solidified a great friendship. Andrew gave me a diabetic cookbook with my favorite dishes and Jim gave me concern, support and accountability. I am a woman of faith; and I believe God used YMCA professionals -- my colleagues and friends -- to help me reach my goal of coming off insulin. And it happened in four months! I no longer fear going blind, kidney failure, amputations or diabetic strokes. I know I can control this and continue to walk in “I have diabetes, but diabetes does not have me!” Thank you, Alethea, Andrew, Caroline, Michelle, Jim, Julie and Sandra. — Your friend, Velma.

Nov•Dec 2009 | Y Life 23


Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Permit No. 1072 Birmingham, AL

Metropolitan Birmingham YMCA 2101 Fourth Avenue North Birmingham, AL 35203 www.ymcabham.org

“Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow.”

— Edward

Sandford Martin

Thanksgiving

Prayer Breakfast Sponsored by the Downtown Branch YMCA

Tuesday, November 24

7 a.m. The Harbert Center Downtown Birmingham around the corner from the Downtown Branch on Fourth Avenue North

Speaker Congressman Artur Davis. Reservations $15 individual | $85 table of 8 Contact Jayme Creamer at 801.7232 May•June 2006 | Y Life 24


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