YMCA of Frederick County Summer Newsletter

WHERE VALUES MATTER

YMCA of Frederick County

Y NEWS • SUMMER 2012

www.frederickymca.org

BUILDING FOR OUR FUTURE

1000 North Market Street Frederick, MD 21701 301-663-5131 www.frederickymca.org

A Message from Chris Colville, YMCA CEO Summertime at the Y is a very busy and exciting time. From princesses to gladiators, our Y has been transformed into a virtual playground with summer campers filling just about every extra square inch of our building. Staff has been extremely busy making sure that each and every child has a camp experience that they will never forget. Making friends, learning new games, practicing teamwork and cooperation are just some of the things that are part of each and every camp day.

In addition to keeping busy with summer camp, we have also been busy making some much needed changes and upgrades to our Green Valley Branch located in Monrovia. Over the past month, our staff has been working hard and we hope that our members like what they see so far.

We have upgraded some of the equipment and purchased some new pieces to enhance your workouts. We have also added a fresh coat of paint, cleaned the carpets and put up new signage. We have included spin bikes in anticipation of offering classes and as we move into the fall, you will see even more changes as we plan to enhance our program offerings and introduce some new classes.

One of the most exciting enhancements is the addition of the ActivTrax program. ActivTrax is a fitness tool designed to help guide you in your pursuit to a healthier lifestyle. The customized workouts are based on your individual needs and the program includes a nutritional component that you can access from any computer or smart phone.

In addition to the facility changes at our Green Valley Branch, we invite you to welcome our new Branch Director, Jennifer Coppit. Jennifer has recently taken over running the Branch and welcomes the opportunity to get to know you and hear about all of your ideas on how we can continue to improve the services and facilities in Green Valley.

The remainder of the summer will pass quickly and fall is right around the corner. With the change of seasons we hope that you will also enjoy the changes we have planned for you and we look forward to having you as part of our Y family.

Green Valley Branch 11791 Fingerboard Road Monrovia, MD 21770 301-607-6900 FACILITY HOURS OF OPERATION Mon–Thurs 5:30am–10:00pm Friday 5:30am–9:00pm Saturday 7:30am–7:30pm Sunday 11:00am–6:00pm Registration Desk Hours Monday–Friday 8:00am–8:00pm Saturday 8:00am–4:00pm Sunday 1:00pm–4:00pm *Health and Wellness closes 15 mins. prior to closing. **Aquatics closes 30 mins. prior to closing.

Board of Directors Darrell Guyton, Chairman Tracey Beidleman Kathy Brooks Jim Draper Carolyn Kimberlin Jason Lee Tom Lynch Wade Manning Matt McGreevy Debbie Molesworth Jim Nicholson Tom Rozynek Chris Smariga Ray Speciale Chad Tyler

Y NEWS • SUMMER 2012

YMCA NOW OFFERING FREE MEMBERSHIPS TO EVERY 7TH GRADER IN THE CITY OF FREDERICk Thanks to a generous contribution from the George L. Sheilds foundation, the Y will be offering a free membership to every 7th grader within the city of Frederick beginning this week. Bob Brenengen, a member of the Board of Directors of the George L. Sheilds foundation, presented a $25,000 check to CEO, Chris Colville, so that every 7th grader in the city of Frederick will receive the membership.

Chris Colville explained, “the purpose is to give our middle schoolers a safe and healthy environment with constructive activities for afterschool, weekends or anytime!” The Y hopes to expand the program to all county middle schoolers eventually.

At this time, 7th graders at T.J., West Frederick, Crestwood and Monocacy middle schools will receive the offer to become members. The offer will also include 7th grade students enrolled at Monocacy Valley Montessori Public Charter School.

Memberships are available now and the YMCA will have programming available for 7th graders starting in September.

To apply, students must come into the main Y on Market Street with a parent or guardian.

Students will need to bring proof from the school that they will be enrolled as a 7th grader in the fall. At that time, participants will be asked to complete our 7th grade membership application and health waiver. Once the application process has been completed, the membership will become active.

For more details on the application process, contact Billy Coppit at bcoppit@frederickymca.org or call 301-663-5131, ext. 1274.

AQUA ZUMBA COMES TO YOU! Known as the Zumba® “pool party,” the Aqua Zumba program gives new meaning to the idea of an invigorating workout. Splashing, stretching, twisting, even shouting, laughing, hooting and hollering are often heard during an Aqua Zumba class. Integrating the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua fitness disciplines, the Aqua Zumba class blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that’s cardio-conditioning, body-toning, and most of all, exhilarating beyond belief.

The YMCA of Frederick is looking forward to well known and loved Zumba instructor, Gwen Atkinson getting the party started at our YMCA beginning in the Fall I session. Parties (classes) will be held Mondays at 11am and Wednesdays at 8pm. We are also looking to offer additional days and times in the very near future with some of our other fantastic water exercise instructors. It is our plan to offer free demo classes later this summer so please check our website occasionally and signage around the Y for more information. Other great resources for up to date information include our Facebook and Twitter accounts as well as contacting member Services to sign up for our e-mail alerts.

Please refer to our program book for more information or contact a member of aquatics at 301-663-5131. We look forward to seeing you at the pool!

AQUA ZUMBA DEMO CLASSES Want to try it? We will be offering two opportunities to try out our new Aqua Zumba program on the following dates and times: August 18 from 6-7pm, and August 26 from 1:30-2:30 pm in the Fisher Pool.

Please drop in and see what Aqua Zumba is all about!

COMPETITIVE GYMNASTICS Our FCY Gymnastics Team competed in the 2012 Mason Dixon Gymnastics League Championships on April 28th and 29th in Columbia, MD. We had 18 girls compete in Levels B, C, and E. We had 33 scores of 9.0 or higher. Our event high scores were a 9.45 on Vault from Holly Herald (Lvl C), 9.40 on Uneven Bars from Sophie Jordan (Lvl B), 9.65 on Balance Beam from Sophie Jordan (Lvl B), and 9.70 on Floor Exercise from Brooke Keller (Lvl B). Our Level B’s came in 2nd place in the team competition, our Level C’s came in 4th, and our Level E’s, while not eligible for the team award, performed amazingly after being moved into Level E in the middle of the season. Congratulations to the team for a wonderful year!

Y NEWS • SUMMER 2012

POWER, PERFORMANCE AND MORE: CROSS TRAINING IN THE POOL Engaging in a water fitness program can help anyone improve cardio-respiratory efficiency, build strength and endurance, and improve balance and flexibility. For the competitive athlete, training in water can also provide many unique ways to improve performance. While drag and turbulence are viewed as a hindrance by many water oriented athletes, they can be seen as one of the most beneficial tools in an aquatic instructor’s arsenal.

Using drag – the resistance you feel to movement in the water, combined with added safety benefits, can really add some fire power to anyone’s cross training line-up. Everything slows down in the water; creating or sustaining movement is much more difficult. Performing exercise routines involving jumping, leaping and other explosive moves may be essential in athletic training.

Nevertheless, performed on land, these moves can increase the risk of injury. In the water, we reduce stress on joints and risk.

Our muscles work harder and the neurological processes needed to initiate movement, stabilize and prolong activities are challenged as well. Many athletes discover that they can work harder with much less wear and tear than they experience on land and increase performance in record time.

Increased flexibility and muscle balance is another extremely important benefit to adding in water to your cross training. Some of the specific adaptations our bodies make as a result of our particular type of sport’s training can lead to muscle imbalances which often predispose one to injury. Balance control is enhanced in the water as the postural muscles are constantly challenged by the “push-pull” of water. Your intrinsic core stabilizers have to constantly readjust and muscles relearn how to fire as you move through the water. Additionally, you encounter resistance in all directions in an aquatic environment. On land, you may have to reposition or pick another movement to work an opposing muscle or muscle group. In the water, unless using weighted, buoyant or

rubberized equipment, it isn’t necessary to reposition. This helps provide a more balanced workout in a shorter period of time than can typically be achieved on land. It is no secret that we often feel more “flexible” after working out in the water. We feel less stiff and our range of motion seems improved. According to the Aquatic Exercise Association, research studies on joint motion when walking in a pool have shown that individuals will have more than 30% higher joint motions (range of motion) than when walking on land. Studies have also been conducted on runners and found that stride length increased significantly after participation in water running programs. Considering that our modern lives and sport specific training puts us at greater risk for muscle imbalances and flexibility concerns, it’s no wonder that more athletes are finding their way to the pool.

At the Y, we have many classes that might fit your health and schedule needs and may correspond to your goals, likes and dislikes. If you would like to work on your own but don’t know where to start, the Y’s aquatic fitness department can guide you to a certified instructor who can work with you towards your goals on a one-to-one basis, teaching you how to get the most out of the water.

Article written by: Manya Tolino - Land & Sea Fitness, LLC, Frederick YMCA Water Fitness Instructor, Tidal Force Swim Team Cross Training Coach and Personal Trainer

Y DANCE DIRECTOR RETIRES After 27 years of service in our dance department, director Niki Corkran has decided to retire. We asked Niki to tell us how she felt about her time here at the Y. She writes, “I want to express my gratitude to the YMCA for allowing me to explore exciting opportunities during my years in this position. I have seen hundreds of children experience Y Dance as a path to confidence, skill and the thrill of performance as they trained in classical dance forms. The YMCA Youth Ballet served as the Y ambassador by bringing “Character Counts in the Arts” to hundreds of school children throughout the county. I have seen the Y model in action within students who experience mentorship and in turn give back to the Y by volunteering as class assistants and summer Counselors in Training. Finally, I have watched some students grow up to become Dance program staff or major in dance in college. It has been a blessing to know all the parents and staff I have met along this journey. Thank you so very much!!”

Thank YOU Niki for your dedication and service to the Y. You will be missed!

FALL REGISTRATION Fall will be here before you know it so don’t forget to register you or your child for one of our fall programs. For youth, we offer swim lessons, dance, gymnastics, karate, plus a variety of fall sports including cheerleading and basketball. Adults can try their hand at racquetball, yoga, or join in one of our group fitness classes. You can pick up a copy of the fall program guide at the front desk or view online at www.frederickymca.org.

Fall I Session Begins ..................September 2 Member Registration Begins..........................July 30 Non-Member Registration Begins .............August 3 Fall II Session Begins ...................October 28 Member Registration Begins.....................October 1 Non-Member Registration Begins ...........October 5

Y NEWS • SUMMER 2012

SWIMMING: A LIFE SkILL YOU AND YOUR CHILDREN CAN’T AFFORD TO BE WITHOUT There is a reason why the YMCA is referred to as America’s Favorite Swim Instructor. In Y classes, not only are the participants taught in a caring way how to swim, but they will also learn about themselves, about safety and rescue skills and about water activities they can enjoy for a lifetime. The YMCA Swim Lesson program is known nationally as a program whose quality and effectiveness has been proven for over 100 years.

And when people learn to swim no matter the age, they feel proud and confident.

The YMCA of Frederick’s lesson program is based on well researched and field tested information and skill development created by a group of aquatic experts, internationally recognized doctorates such as Dr. Ralph Johnson, and the United States Coast Guard. Our YMCA’s lesson program is continuously evaluated by its leadership team, through the feedback provided by students and parents as well as through anonymous formats such as “secret shopping” and surveys sent to members.

Our lesson participants receive great value through our program as it is exceptionally rare to find any lesson program that maintains strict staff to student ratios as well as an aide for just about every class. Many lesson programs only offer one instructor, but we staff more than one instructor for two reasons.

One, our participants are able to move through skill progressions for a greater amount of time when there is more than one instructor, and two, we are actively engaging in on the job

training for future lead instructors. Many of our instructors are young adults, and they are treated by management as the young professionals and emerging leaders that they are.

Our staff truly enjoy teaching lessons. They see the difference they make in a preschooler’s gross motor skill development, in the confidence of a school age swimmer to test their limits safely, and in the joy of a senior citizen learning to swim for the first time.

We recently taught a gentlemen in his late 80s how to swim just so he could prove his brother wrong! If we can do that, then we can work with you or your child.

The YMCA of Frederick is proud to serve over 3000 participants annually. Come and join Frederick’s most successful lesson program where you will find that we are for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more information, check our website at www.frederickymca.org or contact Assistant Director, Gail Lewis at 301-663-5131 at ext. 1273 or email glewis@frederickymca.org.

Y HAPPENINGS...

CLASSES THAT COULD SAVE A LIFE LIFEGUARD CLASSES

Y staff braved the heat to offer free car washes to members on Wednesday, July 18th. Billy Coppit, Troy Baisey and COO, Eric Ireland, were on hand to help while lifeguard, Matt White, made sure the tires weren’t neglected!

The YMCA of Frederick is offering another opportunity to the community to become Red Cross certified as a lifeguard August 3-9 at the YMCA. For more information, please visit our website at www.frederickymca.org and click on to the aquatics page or contact Assistant Director, Alisa Willoughby at 301-663-5131 ext. 1283.

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

COMMUNITY CPR/AED CLASSES

Our Farmers Market kicked off in June offering an array of locally grown, fresh fruits and vegetables. Other offerings include hand-crafted jewelry, tie-dye baby clothes, shaved ice, fresh herbs, and a table full of homemade baked bread and desserts. The Farmers Market is held at the Y every Tuesday from 3:30-6:30 pm.

Saturday, August 18th from 9am-12:00pm Saturday, September 15th from 9am-12:00pm Saturday, October 20th from 9am-12:00pm 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.

Y NEWS • SUMMER 2012

YMCA OF FREDERICk COUNTY GIVING YOUNG CHILDREN A HEAD START The YMCA is proud to announce that on May 1, 2012, we received $2,166,701 in Federal funding to operate the Head Start program for Frederick County for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year. Head Start was previously run for approximately 40 years by the Frederick County Government, and for the last 18 months by an independent Federal contractor, CDI. The YMCA’s award puts the program back into the hands of a trusted local organization. If successful in our first year of operations, funding will continue through April 2017, with renewals likely after that.

The Y is proud to be given this wonderful opportunity to serve Frederick County families through the Head Start program.

Head Start is a school readiness program designed to prepare low income (Federally eligible) children aged 3 & 4 to enter kindergarten. The program offers early childhood education as well as medical and dental services, mental health services, nutritional assessments, and an array of family services and educational opportunities. Recent statistics show that children

who have participated in Head Start demonstrate the same level of readiness for kindergarten as children in public Pre-K programs.

Since May, the YMCA has been engaged in transitioning Head Start from CDI. We are in the process of interviewing and hiring staff - plus recruiting, selecting, and enrolling children in preparation for a late August opening at several locations throughout the county. Details about locations and class assignments will be available soon.

For more information about YMCA of Frederick County Head Start, call 301-600-1024.

ACTIVTRAx COMES TO THE Y The Y is excited to announce that we will soon be offering ActivTrax, a new strength training and weight management system.

ActivTrax is a tool that creates customized workouts around your goals, strength and fitness experience. It provides the following benefits: • A simple, five-exercise strength test. The strength test allows you to work out according to your current fitness level rather than experimenting to find resistance that provides results. All levels of experience benefit and results can be used to provide programs for strength, endurance, or both.

• An automatic progression for your workout according to your fitness level and frequency of use. Workout recommendations account for the “feel” of different manufacturer’s equipment, allowing you to break plateaus and get results.

• A fully customized on-line nutrition option. This helps your weight management and meal planning efforts at home.

• Individualized workouts with any equipment in the branch-not just select machines. All cardio, free weights, swimming, dance, aerobics classes, and recreational activities can be tracked.

• Easy tracking of your workouts at home, work, or at the YMCA. ActivTrax can help everyone reach their goals. Stop by the Health & Wellness kiosk to make an appointment so you can get “Activated” today!

DATES TO REMEMBER July 30 Fall I member registration begins AuG 3

Fall I non-member registration begins

AuG 27

First Day of school

SEPT 2

Fall I Session begins

SEPT 30 4th Annual Women’s Triathlon DEC 15

Save the date for our Santa Run. Watch our website for details!

BACk TO SCHOOL Just a reminder to remember to sign the kids up for Kids Club, our before and after school care program. Many of our school sites are already full, so hurry and be sure reserve a spot for your child. Stop by the front desk to register.

Y NEWS • SUMMER 2012