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An excit ing raffle:
In association with "Lending A Hand", Paul Obaugh Ford is raffling off a 2021 2 door Ford Bronco! The STAUNTON AUGUSTA FAMILYYMCA is one of five charities who will be receiving a portion of the proceeds.
There are only 1,000 tickets being sold at $100 per ticket. The SAYMCA will receive 20%of each ticket sold, which will go towards our mission programs
Tickets will be available at the SAYMCA front desk Payments can be made via cash, check, or credit card
The raffle is open! The drawing will be held on October 31, 2022
Mental health heavily influences our quality of life So, it makes sense that mental health, just like physical health, needs to be taken care of and maintained. And one way that it can be maintained is through finding a sense of community.
Community can be defined in many ways, but when simplified down to its most important element, community is all about connection Community is not just an entity or a group of people, it?s a feeling It?s feeling connected to others, feeling accepted for who you are and feeling supported. Having connection can help us feel wanted and loved.
We?re social beings, and we are not meant to live in isolation. Community is critical for us to thrive, especially for someone with mental illness who is already experiencing the common symptoms of loneliness and isolation
Community provides many elements that are critical to mental health, but here are three of the most beneficial aspects.
If you?ve ever felt like you don? t fit in, you know it can be a lonely experience. Community provides a sense of belonging ? a group you identify as being a part of This is different than conforming to be in a group. A true sense of belonging includes the ability for you to feel you are a part of the community as your true self. There is not anything you have to change to be a part of the community, but instead, you are embraced and appreciated for your unique qualities.
Who do you turn to when you need something? Having people, you can call on when you need to talk or need help with something can help you through difficult situations that might feel insurmountable alone Knowing there are people who support you can help you feel cared for and safe and can benefit your outlook on life.
In community, people fill different roles. Perhaps you?re the friend who enjoys cooking and can be counted on to bring a hot meal over when someone is going through something Or you?re the friend who others know they can call when they need to talk about their struggles. These roles can give you a sense of purpose through bettering other people?s lives. Having purpose, and helping others, helps give meaning to life
Where you find community is up to you; there is no one-size-fits-all. And if you haven? t found a strong sense of community yet, keep trying No matter if your community is big or small, finding people you connect with is vital for your mental health. And remember, just as it?s important for you to find your community, it?s also important for others to have you as a part of their community We all need each other
Editors Note: The Staunton Augusta YMCA is a great place to find community no matter what stage of life you are in From youth to senior citizens, the Y provides opportunities to connect with others daily
Art icle writ t en by St ephanie Gilbert on Nov 8, 2019
Adapted by Bruce Blair, Mental Health Americaof Augusta
Full art icle can be found at nami.org
Many of you may already know Stephanie Pagan.
A STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA employee of 12 years, Pagan also grew up at the Y She was involved in several programs, including gymnastics, swim lessons, and summer camp as a child When she was a teenager, the long time Playroom staff member was recruited by her mother, Sharon Mayo, who ran the Playroom from 2004 until her retirement in January of this year.
"I've been coming to this Y since I was five years old," said Pagan "I've done lots of different things here."
Growing up, Pagan helped Mayo with birthday parties and spent much of her time with her mother at the front desk or in the Playroom until she was old enough to work
"Because I was working at the Y, she spent a lot of time there," said Mayo "Even on the weekends when I was doing birthday parties, Stephanie would come with me and play in my office. She had many of her own birthday parties at the Y, too " "Because she grew up at the Y, it was natural that
her first job would be working at the Y," Mayo finished
In addition to her work in the Playroom over the years, she has also served the Y in camp counselor and front desk roles, making Pagan an integral part to many families' Yexperience.
"My favorite thing has been getting to know the families and watching them grow up," said Pagan.
"I've had a lot of families here whose kids I've seen as babies. Some of those kids are teenagers now and working jobs or parents with their own kids"
Pagan now has two daughters of her own and brings her one year old to the Playroomwith her.
"It's come full circle," said Pagan.
"I played in these tunnels, I even lost my first tooth in this room," Pagan continued
Just as Pagan has been a fundamental part of the Y over the years, the Y has been a fundamental part of her upbringing.
"I remember field trips at summer camp, going swimming, and making friends," she said "I even remember our 'end-of-year 'competition' in gymnastics I knocked a tooth out during one, too!" she laughed.
Pagan's connection to the Y community strengthens her relationship with her work
"Not only does she connect with all the parents, but she goes above and beyond with the children to be sure they have a pleasant experience here in the Playroom," said Dee Valentine, current Playroom Coordinator. "The Playroom would suffer a huge loss if she ever decided to leave!"
"She has continued to be a great asset to the Y Playroomstaff," said Mayo.
By Dawn Medley
Wendy Shutty was in her second-floor office on Coalter Street when her friend and colleague Melissa Simmons called her with the mind-spinning diagnosis: triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive form that is harder to treat. In a matter of minutes, Shutty was on Simmons? porch, opening her front door to give her a hug and reassure her that the entire STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA was in her corner for the fight ahead.
?To hear that this high-spirited, off-the-charts energetic woman had cancer just hit me like a ton of bricks,?said Shutty, YMCA Fitness Director.
During the 10 months of chemotherapy, surgery, and recovery that followed, the members of Simmons? Y network made good on Shutty?s
original promise. They have been her cheerleaders, her surprise gifters, and her anytime of the day or night texters.
In other words ? in addition to the unwavering care of her husband, Tim? they have been her lifeline
?It has been astronomical how many people from the Y have contributed, reached out to check on me, or given us a gift card or an encouraging note,? Simmons, a Zumba instructor since 2011 ?Many of them I know, but there are just as many that I don? t know personally?
As the SAYMCA joins organizations and individuals around the country in observing National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Simmons? supporters are gearing up to buoy her through the next phase of treatment and recovery. Longtime friend and workout partner Carmen Crummett has
been alongside her every step of the way, rallying staff members and Simmons? former Zumba students to lift her spirits and mark significant moments in her journey
?We know that we can? t go through it for her, but we all just want to do what we can to remind her that we?re here for her and we care,? Crummett said
Since Simmons? initial diagnosis in November 2021, Crummett and a core group of about 15 members and Y staff have designed and sold T shirts, created a personalized blanket, gathered gift cards and donations, made video messages, and organized group visits on her front yard to show their ongoing support.
Many, like Associate Executive Director Candace Martin and her mom, Kathy, have been unceasing in their encouragement.
?They send me a card in the mail every week! No lie a card every week since December,? Simmons said.
During a recent class session, the group spontaneously set aside time to pray together for their friend?s continued strength and positivity
?Since the beginning, Melissa has just stormed through her treatment and surgery, but she still has some challenges ahead, and we want her to know that we?re not going anywhere,? Crummett explained
Each year, around 343,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the second most common cancer among American women, just behind skin cancer But Simmons prefers to focus on the statistics from a different perspective ? like the fact that there are more than 3.8 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.
?After my diagnosis, several women that I knew from the Y have reached out to me to let me know that they had survived breast cancer ? something I never knew about them when we were in classes together,?she said
Although Simmons reluctantly had to pause from leading Zumba and her visits to the Y have been very limited because Covid 19 and other illnesses
pose a serious threat to her weakened immune system, she was able to slip in for a few sessions of
Yoga4Cancer
when it began in spring 2022 Simmons joined a handful of cancer patients and survivors to learn breathing techniques, modified poses, and holistic approaches to strengthen their minds and bodies
She wasn? t surprised at all to find that the class immediately extended her support community and improved her outlook
?I was used to working out every day prior to chemo, so that was a way for me to at least get out and do a little something, as much as I could manage,? Simmons said ?It was wonderful to be with that group of women, and inspiring to know that many of them had gotten through something similar to what I was going through.?
Shutty treasures the times when Simmons stops into her office just outside the studio after class She continues to check in with her regularly, in anticipation of her giving the news that she is cancer free
?We just cannot wait for her to ring that bell,?said Shutty, referencing the chime that Augusta Health cancer patients are invited to ring when their treatment is complete.
The longtime Y member began playing basketball at just four years old and was enrolled in the STAUNTON AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA'S Youth Basketball programby age five The now 22 year old is headed to Portugal to begin his professional career with Beira Mar Basquetebol, realizing his ultimate goal to go pro with basketball
"I've been pursuing a professional career since childhood, and this is just the beginning," said Reed "Where basketball can take you is amazing" It's also amazing where work ethic can take you. His training became serious when he, at age 11,
attended a basketball camp in San Diego. While there, he recognized all the talent from around the world that had the same goal as him: making basketball a career
This immersion was a turning point for Reed.
"It opened my eyes and made me want to push harder to pursue my dream," said Reed "That [camp] really got me focused and ready.
It was a very good experience to get a glimpse into where I could go with basketball."
Reed's father, Marcus, was heavily involved in his basketball coaching and career. The FIDA agent worked alongside Reed to help mold him into a successful player.
"My dad has always been my coach and mentor, always training me," said Reed "He's the one who taught me the moves and the ins and outs of the basketball game"
Marcus played basketball at Robert. E. Lee High School (now Staunton High School) before continuing his career at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens, Texas To this day, Marcus holds records at TVCC Marcus then continued his education and career at Virginia Commonwealth University following his time at TVCC
Reed followed in his father's footsteps by attending a junior college in Texas himself at South Plains College, playing on the basketball team for the 2021/2022 season His time at South Plains College was his last collegiate experience before his professional career began.
Prior to his time in Texas, Reed played basketball in high school at Miller School of Albemarle
"It was a good prep school for college," said Reed "I received my first D1 scholarship offer for New Jersey Institute of Technology my sophomore year and in my senior year, we won a state championship. I had a lot of fun at that school and wish I could go back "
By Reed's high school graduation, he was still looking for a college scholarship that was the right fit for him He decided to attend Fork Union Military Academy for a post grad year where he learned discipline practices that he could apply to his training
"We woke up at six in the morning and marched to breakfast, marched to lunch, marched to dinner, we did not have access to our phones, among other rules that we were required to follow," Reed explained
After Reed's time in Fork Union, he received a scholarship to attend West Virginia Wesleyan College in Buckhannon, West Virginia, a Division II school As a sophomore during the 2020/2021 season, Reed scored a point average of 20.5 points per game
From WVWC, he was actively seeking out a Division I school, but ultimately decided to transfer to South Plains College
As Reed prepares for the big move to Aveiro, Portugal, he still comes into the Y to play, the place where it all started 18 years ago
"It's good to see where I started working out and playing to where I am now," said Reed. "The Y was a place I could go and play with a great community."
Reed would like to thank his father, mother, brother, coaches, and fiancée, Alyssa, for their knowledge, encouragement, and support
"It's always a basketball player's goal to go D1, but you don't need D1 to go pro," Reed explained. "It's all about dedication and competing with yourself "
BIBLE STUDY: In 1844, 22 year old George Williams founded the first Young Men?s Christian Association (YMCA), a refuge of Bible study and prayer for young men seeking escape from the hazards of life on the streets of London.
The Staunton Augusta Family YMCA carries on the tradition of non denominational Bible study. Bring your Bible and a friend. This hour-long study is led by YMCA Chaplain Carol Byrd.
Dat e and Time: Mondays, 11:00 AM in the Multi Purpose Room
Fees: Free
Y NOT SING? SINGERS: Do you enjoy singing, ad libbing, and having a good time? Come join us on Thursday evenings from 6:00 pm ? 8:00 pm in the Multi Purpose Room We will be choosing music, practicing, and then taking our program out to local nursing homes, senior centers and retirement communities. If you have questions, please contact Carol Byrd.
Fees: Free
VETERANS COFFEE: All Veterans and anyone interested in meeting with, shaking hands and thanking our Veterans for their service to our country are invited to attend. Coffee and donuts are free! If you have any memorabilia or military articles to show, please bring them and they will be returned Please attend!
Dat e and Time: Second Wednesday of each month, 9:00 11:00 AM in the Multi-Purpose Room
Fees: Free
ADULT DANCE CLINIC
October 18, 19, & 21 7:00 - 8:00 PM
'Find Your Groove'
Tuesday, October 18
Ballet
Wednesday, October 19
'MeditativeContemporary'
Friday, October 21
Register at thefront desk
Fees:
Members:
$10/Class
$15/Two Classes
$25/All Three
Non members
$15/Class, $25/Two Classes, $40/All Three Classes
Got questions?Contact Celie Collins at celie@saymca.org
Saturday, October 22
9:30 11:00 AM
SAYMCA Cardio Studio
Fees: $20
Register at thefront desk.
Got questions? Contact Melissa Anderson Morgan at nicheyogi@gmail com
Enjoy Broadway musicals? Always wanted to take a dance class and unleash your inner dancer? This master class is designed to provide adults of all ages a chance to learn dance choreography and basic dance technique in a fun, supportive environment. We will start with a jazz warm-up, including basic technique practice, followed by a short, choreographed routine inspired by A Chorus Line No previous experience is necessary and props will be provided!
By Dawn Medley
Don? t give Jim MIller a hard time if you see him moving in what seems to be the wrong direction in the Y?s 25 meter pool.
He knows sometimes you need to go backward to make forward progress
?I was falling a lot ? like 6 8 times a year ? just doing regular things. It was frustrating, and it was dangerous,? said Miller, one of many SAYMCA patrons
with arthritis or related conditions that restrict their mobility and can often lead to pain and injury.
?Water is a wonder,? Miller explained. ?It takes away your pain ? honestly, walking in the water really does If you walk backwards regularly, it improves your balance.?
A Y member since the 1990s, Miller gradually switched gears from walking the track and weightlifting to Gentle AquaFit classes and a walking regimen in the water ? backwards and forwards ? to ease pressure on his joints and build coordination. He smiles when reporting that he has only had a few slips in the past 10 years
Miller has undergone no fewer than seven major joint repair and replacement surgeries, beginning at age 44, but that didn? t stop him from setting an ambitious fitness goal this year He is determined to walk a full two miles in the pool, that?s 64 laps, without stopping by his 80th birthday on Christmas Day 2022.
As the nation?s No. 1 cause of disability, arthritis affects nearly 50 million adults and 300,000 children. Through group fitness classes, aquatic spaces, specialized equipment, and access to trained professionals, the Coalter Street facility ? like YMCAs around the country ? offers hope. Hope of alleviating chronic symptoms Hope of preventing further damage.
?The buoyancy offered by the water really allows people with joint issues to move much more freely than they can without it,?said Carol Byrd, SAYMCA Active Older Adults Coordinator and Chaplain.
Exercise is a key aspect of treating arthritis, but the discomfort brought on by typical workouts can be overwhelming. Water therapy provides an excellent alternative ? particularly for individuals with arthritis of the knees, back, and spine.
An AquaFit instructor since 2001, Byrd said that the physical benefits of the class are clear, and the camaraderie generated by participants is just as important.
?Each word of encouragement and check-in that they give one another is an act of fellowship,?Byrd said.
Group Fitness Instructor Peggy Smith agrees wholeheartedly She has been emphasizing socialization along with mobility and pain management in PACE classes for 16 years. Smith gently pushes participants to strengthen the muscles that support their joints and increase range of motion, but she makes sure they make connections, too.
?We try to go out to eat as a group several times a year, celebrate birthdays, send cards and make calls when a member is sick or has some other life event. Many of the members have become friends with one another,?Smith said The PACE program ? an acronym for People with
Arthritis Can Exercise ? is designed by the National Arthritis Foundation, and teachers are certified through the national organization
?We work through all muscles of the body, flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, cardiorespiratory, and balance and coordination
We also try to share information on arthritis and general health that may be helpful,?Smith said
Gale Brubeck doesn? t have a classic arthritis diagnosis, but she discovered PACE when she rejoined the Y at age 70. She was searching for a lower intensity class that could accommodate chronic stiffness from previous knee and back injuries and overexertion
?I?ve worked out all of my life, and that class still gives me a good workout,? Brubeck said. ?I enjoy the relationships as much as the exercise?
Join the SAYMCA in taking a stand in the fight against arthritis and raising awareness on World Arthritis Day, October 12. Find out more at arthritis.org.
Early Hit t ers
Will teach the basics of tennis for ages 5-8. Must pre-register at the front desk
Oct ober Session:
October 11 - November 3
Tuesdays, 5:00 - 6:00 PM or Thursdays, 5:00 6:00 PM Fees:
$60 Members per session
$75 Non-members per session
Pre Teen Tennis
Will teach your pre-teen(s) intermediate tennis skills Must pre register at the front desk
Oct ober Session:
October 19 - November 9
Wednesdays, 5:00 6:00 PM Fees:
$60 Members per session
$75 Non members per session
High School Tennis
This will get your high schooler prepared for high school tennis Must pre register at the front desk.
Oct ober Session: October 19 November 9 Wednesdays, 6:00 7:30 PM Fees:
$70 Members per session
$85 Non members per session
Privat e Lessons
1 HR: $49 Members / $64 Non members
30 Min: $25 Members / $40 Non members
Semi Privat e Lessons
Per person
$35 Members / $50 Non Members
*If siblings, second person receives 10%off
YOUTH SWIM
Tuesday/Thursday Group Lessons:
October 11 November 3
Registration for Members: Sept 29 at 5:00 PM Oct 6
Registration for Non members: Sept. 30 Oct. 6
Sat urday Group Lessons:
October 29 December 10, no class Nov. 26
Registration for Members: Oct. 15 - Oct. 25
Registration for Non-members: Oct 16 Oct 25
Group Lesson Fees:
Members: $50 Non Members: $65
Privat e Lessons
Members: $22, second child $17
Non-members: $34, second child $29
Semi- Privat e Lessons
Members: $15, second child $13
Non-members: $24, second child $22
Swim Clinic
Mondays and Wednesdays
5:00 - 6:00 PM
November 19 December 21
*No pract ice Nov. 21 & 23
Member Registration: Oct 19 Nov 1 Non member Reg: Oct 20 Nov 1
January 9 - February 15, 2023
Member Registration: Dec 21 Jan 5 Non member Reg: Dec 22 Jan 5
Gloves provided Maximumof 15 participants
Ages: 10-15
Rat es:
$60 Members / $75 Non-members
Dat es and Times:
October 13 November 17
Thursdays, 6:30 - 7:30
Come join us for fun, games, and sports at the Y. Your kids will learn new skills, tackle different obstacles, and make new friends Please wear athletic clothing and closed toe shoes
Each week will feature a different focus (e.g.: yoga, fitness, and dance), so please come prepared to move!
Dat es and Times:
Ages 9 12:
September 19 October 24
Mondays, 11:00 AM 12:30 PM
Ages 5 8: September 21 - October 26 Wednesdays, 10:00 11:30 AM
Cont act : ProgramDirector Windsor Vaughn at windsor@saymcaorg
Fees: $50 Members / $65
Non-Members
*10%additional discount available for families enrolling multiple children
Are you tired of your children being a permanent arm?s length away from their phones or hibernating indoors glued to their TV? Do you want them to learn how to make a difference in their community while boosting their resume for college?
Youth Volunteer Corps is a network of affiliates hosted by non-profit organizations, schools or individuals that offer youth ages 11 18 the opportunity to serve their community.
Registration forms are available at the Yfront desk and at Shelburne Middle School and Staunton High School Guidance Offices.
Cont act : Stephanie Mason at saymcayvc@gmail.com
Fees: FREE
for
Court,
thePool, and thePlayroomare
The Yoga For Cancer programfollows a specialized yoga methodology designed to address the physical and emotional needs of cancer patients and survivors. Participants build community and support while engaging in classes that incorporate relaxation, breathing, and restorative poses as well as gentle poses and flows performed on a mat, with yoga props, and with the use of a wall. Classes are taught by certified yoga4cancer (y4c) instructor Melissa Anderson-Morgan with knowledge and awareness of the special needs of cancer patients and survivors
The SAYMCA is excited to be offering a monthly Yoga For Cancer program Email Wendy Shutty at wendy@saymcaorg if interested to be put on the list for November
Fees:
$35 / Members
$50 / Non-Members
Regist er before the 1st of each month.
Sign up t o t ut or in our t ut oring program and help your local st udent s
Ride of the Week: Quicksilver
Bible St udy @ 11:00 AM
Homeschool PE 11:00 AM 12:30 PM
Check t he SAW Tut oring schedule for sessions!
Homeschool P.E. Wednesdays, 10:00 AM 11:30 AM
Adult Volleyball 5:00 7:45 PM
Try Pickleball on the Basketball Court, 9:00 AM 12:45 PM.
Tennis! Private Lessons available
Try a Wellbeats class! Schedules available on our website, saymcaorg
Ride of the Week: Track Fever
Bible St udy @ 11:00 AM.
Homeschool PE 11:00 AM 12:30 PM
Tues/Thurs Swim Lessons begin!
Happy Birthday, George Williams!
Vet eran's Coffee 9:00 11:00 am at t he Y.
Adult Volleyball 5:00 7:45 PM
Ride of the Week: Temple Ridge
Get involved! Check out Youth Volunteer Corps for ages 11 18
Theme Day: Pink and Purple for Breast Cancer and Art hrit is Awareness
Refer friends t o join t he Y You could win our referral prize
No Joining Fee No Joining Fee No Joining Fee No Joining Fee No Joining Fee No Joining Fee
Bible St udy @ 11:00 AM
Homeschool PE 11:00 AM 12:30 PM
No Joining Fee No Joining Fee
Ride of the Week: Rolling Thunder
Ride of the Week: Odyssey
Women's Basket ball League games Women's Basket ball League games Women's Basket ball League games WBL WBL
Dance Clinic Begins!
SwimClinic registration opens!
Find Your Groove Ballet Dance Clinic
HSPE Bible St udy
Bible St udy @ 11:00 AM.
Homeschool P.E. 11:00 AM12:30 PM
Brush up on your swimming
Lessons available
Get ready for October and pick up the Group Fitness schedule at the Y
Y Madness Qualifiers! 30 31
Adult Volleyball 5:00 7:45 PM
Y Madness Super Sixt een!
Dance Clinic Meditative Contemporary
Broadway Jazz Mast er Class!
Need a break? Check out our pool, ping pong, and foosball tables.
Pick up needed materials at the front desk
Theme Day: Halloween Colors
Sat urday Swim Lessons begin!
