YMCA of Frederick County Spring News 2013

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YMCA of Frederick County

Y NEWS • SPRING 2013

www.frederickymca.org Main Branch 1000 North Market Street Frederick, MD 21701 301-663-5131 Green Valley Branch 11791 Fingerboard Road Monrovia, MD 21770 301-607-6900 FACILITY HOURS OF OPERATION Mon–Thurs 5:00am–10:00pm Friday 5:00am–9:00pm Saturday 6:15am–7:30pm Sunday 8:00am–6:00pm

GREEN VALLEY YMCA GETS NEW LOOK Spring has finally sprung and the Green Valley Branch of the Frederick YMCA is newly renovated and open to members and the community. We have consolidated our facility by moving the fitness center next to our child care program at one end of the Green Valley Shopping Center to provide a more cohesive feel. Our fitness center was given a makeover with significant improvements and additions, including all new carpet and freshly painted walls. In addition, the renovated area holds multiple pieces of new equipment such as a state of the art multi-functional trainer similar to those found at the downtown Y branch, not to mention the addition of almost 1000lbs of new weights in the form of plated weights and dumbbells up to 110lbs. We also now have a squat rack that is quickly becoming one of the most popular pieces of equipment in the facility.

We owe a big thanks to our facilities director, Tim Dunn, as well as his fantastic crew for not only making the facility improvements, but also expanding the fitness studio. The expanded studio allows us to now offer classes such as Zumba, Zumbatomic for kids, cardio-kick boxing, boot camps for adults and kids, yoga, pilates, and spin! We also now have access to a nice sized field behind our building to offer programs for our younger members such as Short Sports, soccer and t-ball.

Spring programs are in full swing and summer registration will begin shortly. Stop by today for a tour at 11791 Fingerboard Road in Monrovia or call Christine Rachel at 301-607-6900 for more information. We look forward to seeing you!

Registration Desk Hours Monday–Friday 8:00am–8:00pm Saturday 8:00am–4:00pm Sunday 11:00am–4:00pm * Health and Wellness closes 15 mins. prior to closing. ** Aquatics closes 30 mins. prior to closing.

Board of Directors Chris Smariga, Chairman Kathy Brooks Scott Cowperthwaite Jim Draper Richard Foot Stephen Heine Carolyn Kimberlin Jason Lee Tom Lynch Wade Manning Matt McGreevy Catherine Mock Debbie Molesworth Jim Nicholson Ray Speciale Chad Tyler John Verbus Matt C. Wiley

Y NEWS • SPRING 2013

KEEPING KIDS’ MINDS AND BODIES ACTIVE: HEALTHY KIDS DAY SET FOR MAY 18TH Busy schedules and life’s daily demands can make it difficult for parents to ensure that their children are practicing healthy habits on a regular basis. According to the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot – a survey of parents that gauge their children’s activity levels during the school year – less than 20 percent of the nation’s children get 60 minutes of physical activity, read books for fun, and eat at least eight fruits and vegetables daily.

On Saturday, May 18, the YMCA of Frederick County is celebrating YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event to get more families moving, learning and living healthier.

Healthy Kids Day, a national initiative of the Y, takes place at 1,900 Ys and features fun, educational activities such as arts & crafts, games for children of all ages, entertainment, YMCA program demonstrations, door prizes, and more. This year, Healthy Kids Day will once again feature live entertainment by Slim Harrison and his “Sunnyland Band”. For over 25 years, Slim Harrison has entertained audiences around the country and the world by sharing America’s multi-ethnic heritage of traditional folk music, stories, and dances.

At YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day, we are focusing on health and education to ensure fewer children are at an increased risk for childhood obesity and more children succeed in school. But it’s not just a single day of fun, active play and learning – it’s a kick off to helping parents get a jump on creating a healthier summer.

In past years, this event has been supported by generous sponsorships from local businesses and service organizations, making it completely free to the public. This year, the Rotary Club of Carroll Creek, M&T Bank, and Frederick Memorial Hospital are the generous sponsors of Healthy Kids Day. It’s going to be a great day full of fun – don’t miss it!

Healthy Kids Day begins with our annual Healthy Kids Day Biathlon challenge for kids ages 5-13 at 9:00 am. The race is free but you do need to register in advance as space is limited.

See our website for complete details on the biathlon.

KIDS CLUB NEWS DEER CROSSING YMCA KIDS CLUB HAS TALENT

TIDAL FORCE SWIM TEAM Our Winter 2012-2013 Swim Season ended with a wonderful banquet to celebrate the swimmers success. 163 swimmers were given awards for achievements, improvement, highest points, and character.

Two swimmers achieved one of our most prestigious awards — the Alvin G. Quinn Memorial Award. Collin Mood and Grace Armogida received this award in honor of being an unsung hero. Leland Green and Rachel Bostain achieved our other prestigious award — the Bill Hudak Memorial Award.

This was given to the eight-and-under boy and girl who best exhibit the dedication and enthusiasm synonymous with the never-ending interest and affection toward the swim team.

Pictured above are most valuable swimmers Remington Oland and Julia Wadding and swimmers ages 8 and under receiving their end of season trophy. Congratulations again to everyone for a great season!

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On the evening of March 22nd the children at Deer Crossing Kids Club took the stage to show off their talent. The children entertained the parents and staff in attendance with a variety of acts including dancing to several songs, singing “Tomorrow” from Annie, and hula hoop dancing. Over $200 was collected to donate to a fund established to assist the Lillard family from Middletown who recently experienced a devastating loss. Thanks to everyone who donated and great job to those who took the stage!

URBANA KIDS CLUB GIVES BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Throughout the month of March the children and staff at Urbana Kids’ Club collected non-perishable food items to be donated to the Greater Urbana Area Food Bank. Two large boxes of food were collected and donated to the food bank just before the Easter holiday. This was a great way to give back to the community just before Easter. This food bank serves over 133 families and donations are always appreciated.

Y NEWS • SPRING 2013

GREEN VALLEY KARATE PROGRAM BUILDS SKILLS AND CHARACTER The karate program at the Green Valley YMCA has been active since 2007. Over the years we have seen many children and adults overcome fears, deal with social issues, build self confidence, develop strength of body and of character, achieve personal goals and much, much more. Our karate program fosters a sense of community among its members.

We feel very strongly that everyone be treated fairly, courteously and most of all respectfully in karate class. This strong sense of self respect translates into respect for others inside as well as outside of the dojo (“training hall”).

Our program consists of athletic training, work on specific techniques, sparring, takedowns and some grappling, or ground fighting. It is a very “real world” yet traditional Japanese style of karate called Kyokushin. Kyokushin is internationally known and the association our Sensei Chris Thomas belongs to has branches in Kiev, Ukraine and Ruwanda as well as Santa Cruz, CA, New Jersey, Gaithersburg, Washington, DC, including American University, Baltimore and us, known as the Frederick dojo.

Recently, we promoted four youth and one adult to the rank of yellow belt! Pictured above is our newest adult yellow belt, Chanvicheka Ouk “Vic”. The yellow belt test is not difficult in intensity, but is difficult in that it requires a good deal of knowledge.

In class, we learn by repetition and memorization and the students are expected to remember the Japanese terminology for every technique, stance, block as well as learn two kata’s (or forms). The students must lead class, perform our opening and closing ceremony from memory, and exhibit leadership and confidence. The pinnacle of the test is being tamashawari (meaning to test and to break). This is where a karataka (practitioner of karate) tests their spirit by having wood boards broken on them! A board is broken on each shoulder and on each leg and then they execute a knee kick and break a last board. It is quite exhilarating and empowering.

The new youth yellow belts are pictured left to right: Kyle Yi, Sean Digiorgio & Thomas Wilson.

Not pictured is Sebastian Seyler.

The new adult yellow belt is Chanvicheka Ouk “Vic”. Also pictured is Sensei Chris Thomas.

We are very proud, honored and humbled to offer a program that meets our Y’s goals to offer programs that build youth development, social responsibility and healthy living. It is our hope to be able to touch people’s lives in a positive way and to help them achieve goals that they never thought possible. We believe that the only limitations we have are the ones we set for ourselves. Under the direction of Sensei Chris, we try to help people set the bar higher and higher, staying focused and always moving forward.

SUMMER GYMNASTICS ACADEMIES The Youth Sports Department is excited to announce that we are now offering gymnastics at our new off-site facility at the Frederick Indoor Sports Center, also know as FISC. FISC is conveniently located near our downtown branch at 1845 Brookfield Court in Frederick.

Our gymnastics expansion will include ½ and full-day summer academies, new classes, competitive team expansion, specialty classes, private lessons, and birthday parties at the FISC site. Many classes will be offered at both the main YMCA site and the FISC site, giving our members more choices. Visit our new location and enjoy the same quality Y programs and staff you’ve come to know!

For more information regarding the gymnastics program, contact Jean Miller 301-663-5131, ext. 1271 or Brianna Keller, ext. 1247.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE The YMCA wants to ensure that every child has the opportunity to participate in our summer camps; therefore, financial assistance is available for children with a financial need. Funds for financial assistance are made available through the generous contributions of friends to the YMCA through the Annual Campaign for Kids and Annual Golf Tournament. To apply, visit the “forms & documents” page of our website and download the Summer Camp Financial Assistance application.

Please contact Jill Slaughter at jslaughter@frederickymca.org or 301-663-5131, ext. 1287 for more information.

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Y NEWS • SPRING 2013

SUMMER CAMP JUST AROUND THE CORNER

UNITED WAY READ-TO-ME-DAY

Summer is just around the corner and with that comes the start of the Y Summer Camp Program. The YMCA has been offering camp programs for over 70 years and our staff has been working hard to get everything ready to make sure each day is filled with fun and excitement.

Camps are held each day from 9:00 am until 4:00 pm. Over 300 kids are enrolled in our camps each week. Drop off time for camps each day is 8:45 am and pick up begins around 3:45 pm. During these times, our parking lots will be extra busy with lots of children and parents trying to get to and from the building. We ask members to take extra precautions when entering and moving around the parking lot especially during these time periods so that we can make sure the children are safe.

It can also be especially hot during these summer days and camp staff will take every precaution to get campers inside and out of the heat if conditions are unsafe. Please understand that on these days, campers will utilize the gymnasium, racquetball courts and the youth center.

The Y is offering over 30 different types of summer camps for kids and parents to choose from this summer. In order to accommodate the campers, we alter our facility schedules from the ones we use during the school year. Summer schedules for the pool, gymnasium and adult fitness classes will be available in early June at the member services desk and also on our website at www. frederickymca.org.

Registration for summer camp is ongoing. You can view the camp guide online, or contact our member services desk with questions. Our staff is always available to assist you. Please stop by the front desk or call at 301-663-5131 with questions.

IN MEMORY OF AMANDA MINOR On a sunny afternoon in April, a group of 25 coworkers, friends and family members gathered at the Y to dedicate a tree planted in the memory of Amanda Minor. Amanda was a dedicated employee of the YMCA Aquatics department until her sudden passing due to a heart ailment last April. Members of the staff, friends and family planted a dogwood tree and installed a memorial plaque in her honor on the front lawn of the YMCA Market Street campus. The group attending the dedication shared memories of Amanda and decorated the tree with multi-colored whistles to commemorate her work as a lifeguard, swim instructor and coach, and then ended the dedication with a short prayer.

Amanda’s parents and sister attended the ceremony, and it was wonderful to spend some time with them remembering their wonderful daughter. Amanda’s contagious smile and warm personality is truly missed by her family, friends and co-workers at the Frederick YMCA. 4

Reading is the foundation for learning and yet, too many children enter school without the basic skills they need to learn. That’s why the United Way of Frederick County teamed up with the YMCA Head Start program for Read-To-MeDay on Wednesday, March 27th. United Way volunteer readers visited and read to children at sixteen YMCA of Frederick County Head Start classrooms for one hour. The United Way also created 50 literacy kits to be distributed at a Family Literacy Night.

FAMILY FUN MEET SCHEDULED Come join us for an afternoon of racing fun in the pool! Please join us on Sunday, July 14th from 3:30 - 7:00 pm in the YMCA Ritchie pool for this fun family event to benefit Campaign for Kids. The day will include all types of events from the serious 25 and 50 sprints to the ever popular Duck Race. We will even have events for swimmers in flotation devices. Challenge your kids, organize a family relay, or race your neighbor for bragging rights!

Registration will begin on June 1st. The cost is $3 per person/per event. Please contact Alisa Willoughby at 301-663-5131, ext. 1283 for more information.

ANNUAL DANCE RECITAL May 26, 2013 • 3:00 pm Weinberg Center for the Arts Tickets $10 • Reserved Seating

Y NEWS • SPRING 2013

PIRATES & PRINCESSES EVERYWHERE On Saturday, April 27th from 5:30-8:00pm, the Y held its 1st Annual Pirate and Princess Ball. Close to forty people attended and kids and parents alike dressed up to join in the fun. Kids were treated to a dance party with DJ Mike which included contests and prizes. They were also sent on a treasure hunt around the Y building to locate “hidden” treasure.

Once they retrieved all five of the items, they had to return them to Head Pirate to receive their loot bag.

The event also included food, a costume contest, photos to take home and much more. Y staff got in the mood and donned their best pirate and princess attire to make the evening even more festive. This will be an annual event, so don’t miss it next year!

SUMMER TIPS AND TOOLS MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH

Do you have bikes in your home? Is there air in the tires? Can you rent bikes for the day or for a few hours? Plan a bike ride or learn how to ride a bike this month. Parents, encourage your employer to support Bike to Work Week, May 13th - 17th or designate at least one day during that week as “Bike to Work Day.” Kids, go for a bike ride after school or participate in “Bike to School Day” on May 8th. Do not forget to wear your helmet, this goes for grown-ups, too!

GET YOUR ZZZZZ’S

Spring and summer is a great time to practice better sleep habits and enjoy the benefits of quality sleep. We talk a lot about nutrition and regular physical activity as a part of our wellness journey, and the importance of sleep may slip out of focus. The Better Sleep Council recognizes the month of May as Better Sleep Month, and has information that supports many families are falling short of a restful night’s sleep at least one day per week. Review your practices around sleep and assess how the family functions when sleeping well. Keep a sleep log this month and look for connections to how the family responds to physical activity, stress, meal planning, homework, or family dynamics. Some questions you may answer in the log include: what was the routine that lead up to bed time, was the night restful, how long was the period of sleep, and what was the mood at wake time. Have fun looking for connections and enjoy a better night’s sleep for the entire home.

Staff members Maddie Riford, DJ Mike, and Kellan Vanscoy entertain the kids during the pirate and princess ball. For more pictures of the event, visit our facebook page.

Y STAFF PLAYS FAMILY FEUD FOR CAMPAIGN FOR KIDS Wells Fargo hosted a “Family Feud” tournament to benefit the YMCA of Frederick County. Employees from the organization formed teams and invited the YMCA to enter a team to compete for prizes. Donations totaling $803 were made to the YMCA’s Campaign for Kids Financial Aid program by the Wells Fargo staff.

Financial assistance provided through our Campaign for Kids keeps the Y available for kids and families who need us most. Last year, over 572 financial aid scholarships, totaling more than $276,600, were given with the support of over 261 donors.

ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN PICKING UP SPEED Campaign for Kids 2013 has been a great success so far! The Board of Directors and Y staff have been a huge help in helping us reach our goal. From “round-up” week to the recent spin-a-thon, Y staff have been coming up with innovative ways to raise money for Campaign for Kids. A big thanks to everyone for pitching in!

GOAL

$115,000 RAISED TO DATE $92,820

Financial assistance provided through our Campaign for Kids keeps the Y available for kids and families who need us most. We count on the generosity of our members and community to help people of all ages and from all walks of life be more healthy, confident, connected and secure. When you give to the Y, your gift will have a meaningful, enduring impact right in your own neighborhood.

To learn more about Campaign for Kids or to donate, please contact Kim Hart at khart@frederickymca.org. You can also donate by visiting www.frederickymca.org.

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Y NEWS • SPRING 2013

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED TO FREDERICK HIGH SCHOOL “RISING STAR”

CLASSES THAT COULD SAVE A LIFE RED CROSS LIFEGUARD TRAINING

Participants must be 15 years of age and pass a pre-test before registering for the class. A detailed description of the pre-test can be found on the website. Please check the website for our current class schedule.

Member Rate.............................................................$250 Non-Member Rate....................................................$275 This fee includes book and mask.

COMMUNITY CPR/AED CLASSES

Please contact Alisa Willoughby at 301-663-5131 ext. 1283 or awilloughby@frederickymca.org for a current schedule of class times.

Member Rate................................................................$45 G.V. Branch Rate..........................................................$48 Non-Member Rate...................................................... $50 This certification is now good for two years due to a change in Red Cross requirements.

Hunt and Joan Hendrickson have generously funded a camp scholarship for one “rising star” camper to attend Camp Tockwogh on the Eastern Shore this summer. Their hope is to create excitement for leadership at resident summer camp and instill the desire for a young person to become a future Leader through YMCA inspiration.

Hunt Hendrickson said “The YMCA of Frederick County has provided services for well over a century. I grew up with the YMCA triangle (Body, Mind, and Spirit) and have been a member for about 60 years. I also spent summers in various positions at YMCA Camp Tockwogh on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay. It was there that I watched boys and girls develop leadership and social skills.”

Mr. Hendrickson went on to say, “I am a firm believer that the resident camping experience is not only fun, but a tremendous venue for development in many ways. Since the Frederick YMCA does not offer a resident camping experience, I think it could be beneficial to have a relationship between the two organizations. To get this started we are making it possible for a Frederick Y youth to be part of the counselor in training program at Tockwogh. This years’ recipient is Shelby Morgan.

Hopefully she will find this opportunity valuable in her development and will come home as an ambassador, encouraging others to have the same experience.”

Shelby Morgan is a Frederick County High School Junior, who will attend Camp Tockwogh for 4 weeks this summer. She plans to attend college to study Elementary Education and eventually would like to be an in-house teacher at the St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Shelby has been a camper and a volunteer at the Frederick Y over the years and says “The Frederick YMCA is always a place that I can come and work out and know that the people around me truly do care about my health and well being. It is always a place where I feel comfortable being myself.“ (Pictured from left to right are Hunt Hendrickson, Shelby Morgan (Camp Tockwogh Scholarship recipient) and YMCA of Frederick County CEO, Chris Colville.)

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CPR FOR THE PROFESSIONAL RESCUER

This class is intended for those who need a review, and recertification if expired less than one year.

Please check the website for current class schedule.

Member Rate............................................................... $60 G.V. Branch Rate......................................................... $65 Non-Member Rate...................................................... $70 Please contact Alisa Willoughby at 301-663-5131 ext. 1283 or awilloughby@frederickymca.org for more information.

YMCA WELCOMES NEW DANCE COORDINATOR The YMCA of Frederick County is pleased to welcome Katie Glover as our new dance coordinator. Katie has grown up through the YMCA Dance Program from the age of 3 and returned to the YMCA this past year as an instructor. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Hood College, where she will also be instructing in the Fall, and a Master’s degree from Humboldt State University. From her experiences she has gained knowledge of community, organizational and program development all while exploring the arts and renewing her passion for dance.

Katie now resides in Frederick and is looking forward to a building relationships within the YMCA and our greater Frederick Community. You can contact Katie anytime at 301-663-5131 ext 1275 or kglover@ frederickymca.org. Welcome Katie to our team!

Y NEWS • SPRING 2013

SIT LESS, LIVE LONGER

Submitted by Rebecca Comstock, YMCA Health & Wellness Director

Have you visited the Health and Wellness office lately? If so, you may have wondered why the desks in the office are up on cinder blocks.

“Are we expecting a flood?” most people ask. The staff and I decided to try it based on the latest studies which show that sitting for hours on end can undermine health and wellness despite that morning run or evening Zumba class. Physiologists analyzing obesity, heart disease and diabetes found that the act of sitting shuts down the circulation of a fatabsorbing enzyme called lipase, which prompts the body to process fat and cholesterol, regardless of the amount of time spent exercising. While standing, your muscles are working, lipase is circulating and blood glucose is being used.

Are you still sitting? The average person burns 60 calories per hour standing. You don’t have to put your desk up on cinder blocks to gain benefits, the fix is simple. Break up your day with two-minute periods of activity. Set a timer to go off every 30-60 minutes to remind you to stretch your legs and every 4 hours take a 10 minute walk. At home make a habit of standing during TV commercials or do an activity every time a commercial comes on like squats, jumping jacks, or knee lifts. Can one simple thing change your life? Stand up and see for yourself.

(As always, it’s important to check with your doctor before joining the Sit Less, Live Longer Program. Also, you should have a foot stool to alternate propping your foot up on to support your lower back.)

Y HAPPENINGS...

SUMMER MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW It’s that time of year and we are excited to announce that summer memberships are back! Start your journey to a healthier you with our 3-month summer membership special. Joining is easy and for a limited time, there are NO initiation fees* to pay or contracts to sign. Summer memberships will be available for purchase until June 30th. Work out the same day you join – it’s that simple. Visit our website for details. *No initiation fee applies to summer memberships only.

DATES TO REMEMBER MAY 18 Healthy Kids Day MAY 20 Summer member registration begins MAY 24 Summer non-member registration begins MAY 26 Annual Dance Recital

Y staff and board members gathered at the Keys Stadium on Tuesday, April 30th for the 2013 Campaign for Kids Victory Celebration. Posing with Key’s mascot, Keyote, are from left to right: Gretchen Nelson, Becca Moir, Jennie Coppit and Sheree Lesznar. Also pictured is Katie Guevara who was lucky enough to catch a foul ball!

MAY 27 Memorial Day Open from 8-12 JUNE 14 Last day of school JUNE 17 Summer Camp opens JUNE 23 Summer Session Begins

As part of the festivities at the Keys Stadium, Y staff and kids participated in a relay to see who could run, spin in circles and make the basket the fastest — all while wearing goggles, flippers and a swim float! Pictured here are good sports Eric Ireland with son Connor, and George Guevara with daughter Katie.

JULY 4 Independence Day Closed

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NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE

PAID FREDERICK, MD PERMIT NO. 000

YMCA OF FREDERICK COUNTY 1000 North Market Street Frederick, Maryland 21701 301-663-5131

GREEN VALLEY YMCA 11791 Fingerboard Road Monrovia, MD 21770 301-607-6900

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BE OUR GUEST ONE-WEEK GUEST PASS

The YMCA of Frederick County invites you to visit either our Main Branch in Downtown Frederick or our Green Valley branch in Monrovia. Try a class. Go for a swim. Work out in our wellness center. The choice is yours!

Visit www.frederickymca.org for hours and class schedules.

YMCA OF FREDERICK COUNTY

GREEN VALLEY YMCA

1000 North Market Street, Frederick 301-663-5131

11791 Fingerboard Road, Monrovia 301-607-6900

www.frederickymca.org • YMCA codes of conduct apply to all our guests • Guest pass may be limited based on space restrictions in specific programs or facility areas • Pass is good for 7 consecutive days from date of first visit. Pass is limited to one week only per calendar year/per person.

• All guests must sign health/liability waiver. An adult signature is required on all waivers for guests under 18 years of age.