ourvoice

ymca in greenfield

451 Main Street, Greenfield MA 01301

January - February 2013

413-773-3646

ymcaingreenfield.org

our voice | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the YMCA in Greenfield

Spending more time with family and friends.

Exercise 3 times a week.

Feel healthier!

Have more fun!

Help my kids be more active.

the ymca iS your reSolution Solution

ymca in greenfield memberS in young@heart choruSYoung@Heart is a Northampton based chorus group that tours nationally and internationally. Two of our Y members, Byron Ricketts Jr. and Ron Kolinko are members of this renowned chorus for people 73 years old and up.

Ron started piano lessons at the age of eight, studied music at Wesleyan University, and music theory and piano at the Warsaw Music Conservatory. Over the years, Ron has worked for various churches as a cantor, organist, and choir director, and even joined a monastery for ten years where he sang all daily services

in the choir. He has two piano recordings and many liturgical compositions to his credit. He lives in Deerfield where he enjoys the outdoors and playing with his rescued greyhound, “Mama Mia.” Ron has been a Young at Heart chorus member since 2011.

Byron was born and raised in Boston, MA, and moved to Wendell, MA in the late 50's. He received his Associate and Bachelors degrees from Northeastern University while working at Raytheon Co. in Waltham, MA, where he served as a HAWK assembler, and later became a manufacturing foreman on the Apollo Guidance System and Lunar Excursion Module Programs.

When those programs ended Byron transferred to the Human Relations department and became the Division Manager of Affir-mative Action & Personnel Programs. He has sung with the Voices of Black Persuasion in their annual production of Black Nativity in honor of his daughter for 30 years, and has enjoyed singing with his "new family", the Y@H Chorus since 2012.

bring a friendJanuary 1 - 10, 2013You could win 50 Y-Bucks!Invite one or more friends or family members to join you for your workouts during these days and you can enter to win 50 Y-Bucks and other prizes. Guests must be 19 or older. See the Welcome Center for more information.

Working out with friends has many benefits: support, encouragement, accountability and even a little healthy competition! Bring in a friend everyday Jan. 1 - 10 and start the new year right!

The YMCA can help you achieve all of these goals. Call the Welcome Center to discuss the many healthy options we provide for kids, adults, families and seniors.

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ymcaingreenfield.orgfor Social reSPonSibility

adoPt-a-familyThe YMCA in Green-field worked with the Adopt-A-Family Agency again this year. Y Members adopted 10 families and provided 231 presents for them. Due to the generosity of our members, these families had a very happy holiday season. Thank you to everyone who took a tag or two!

Our YMCA improves lives everyday!

Come and join us!

uPcoming volunteer oPPortunitieS We need your help! If you are able to help out with any of these events, or to see what other types of volunteering are available, call Mariellen at 773-3646 ext 415.

SuNDAY, JANuARY 27Our annual Girl’s Day Out is going on from 12 - 3 pm

WEDNESDAY, FEBRuARY 20Community Meals. Volunteers are needed to make a dinner dish or dessert.

Y SERvICE GROuPIf you like to fix, build or paint things...give us a call. This group meets monthly to accomplish projects around the Y.

y-free clothing StorehelPed hundredS Our 4th Annual Free Clothing Store for the community which was held on Thursday and Friday, October 25 and 26 and was a huge success. We were overwhelmed with the response from staff, members and the community. We had 6 clothing racks and 28 tables set up in the gym that were stacked high with men, women’s and children’s clothing and shoes. We were able to help over 200 adults and children obtain warm, quality clothing. There were only a few bags of leftover clothes, which were donated to the Salvation Army.

I cannot thank the volunteers and many staff members enough. They put in a total of 88 hours setting up and breaking down tables, sorting, folding and hanging clothes and being in the gym to offer help and support to our shoppers. Every one of them exemplified the true meaning of volunteerism and helped our YMCA meet its mission of Social Responsibility.Mariellen Hayre - Volunteer Coordinator

helP feed the hungryThe next YMCA sponsored “Community Meal” is February 20Our next YMCA hosted “Community Meal” will be on Wednesday, February 20 at the Second Congregational Church. We need Y members to prepare casseroles, salads, fruit, desserts and bread for approximately 80 people. Sign up sheets will be posted around the Y. Lack of food and tight family budgets have increased the need for food donations in Franklin County.

Please consider making a dish so that we can help those less fortunate. If you have any questions, please call Mariellen at 773-3646 ext. 415.

annual $150 health inSurance rebateJust for being a Y member!

Have you applied for your annual Health Club/YMCA Reimbursement yet? By being a continuous member of the YMCA you could get a rebate, on average, of $150 - $200 from your Health Insurance Company each year!

Call your insurance company or see your HR department at your place of employment for more information.

Save The Date!

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volunteer of the month

Jane kaneJane has been a member of the Y for 8 years. She is on our Fiscal and Human Resource Committees, is our Business, Welcome Center and Human Resource Manager, volunteers as an Aquatics Instructor and is a member of our Relay for Life Team. Jane is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone who needs assistance. Jane certainly deserves being named our October Volunteer of the Month.

richard wilbyRichard has been a member of our Y for 2 years. He is the “Right Hand Man” for our Service Group. He has expertise in various areas such as electrical, plumbing, carpentry which has helped the Service Group immensely. He is always willing to help and because of this he is our November Volunteer of the Month. Thank you Richard!

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girl’S day outSunday, January 27, 2013 • 12 - 3 pm!

For the seventh year our YMCA is hosting Girl’s Day Out. A special afternoon for girls, mothers and grandmothers to come and be pampered, try a variety of Y attractions like Zumba, Hooping, Group Groove classes and more! Come and meet with many local vendors who specialize in products for woman and register to win hundreds of dollars worth of door prizes. There will also be a raffle to benefit the YMCA Relay for Life team.

To be a vendor at this event or for more information, call Jayne Trosin at 773-3646 ext 448.

american red croSS blood drIVE!January 8th, 2013 at the YMCACome to the YMCA in Greenfield’s Gymnasium from 9 am - 2 pm and give the gift of life.

Light snacks and juice will be available. You will also receive 1 pound of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee for donating. For more info please call Jayne Trosin.

our voice | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the YMCA in Greenfield

ymca diabeteS care Program – a united way PartnerShiP

ASK YOur dr. ABOuT THE Y’S ExErCISE iS medicine Program

The United Way of Franklin County and the YMCA in Greenfield have formed a partnership to enhance and expand programs to provide a way for pre-diabetics and Type II diabetics to become healthier. The Y will receive around $5,500 per year for the next four years from the United Way to help Franklin County deal with this growing health issue that affects over 25% of the adult population.

Dawn Dorsey, Health & Wellness Director at the Y, said “The Y applied for funding from the United Way last spring to support and expand our Diabetic Care Program. Jayne Trosin, Y Fitness Director, and I started our first Diabetic Care Program two years ago. In that time we have modified the format to what it is today, the most complete program for pre-diabetics and Type IIs in the area. The program consists of three group exercise sessions a week in our private started fitness room, plus weekly monitoring of body weight and food journals and a monthly educational presentation/support group meeting. In other words, it’s exercise, education, group support and fun.”

Jayne Trosin added “We have heard many health success stories from our class participants, from weight loss, to having more energy, using

less diabetic medicines, and in some cases not being a Type II diabetic any more. Exercise is truly medicine, especially for new exercisers and those with health issues. In fact, diabetic studies have shown that for many people regular exercise and diet modification has a better long term effect than meds.”

Dorsey added “The United Way support will be used to add more classes each year, to bring in more presenters like ‘healthy cooking’ chefs, podiatrists, behavior modification specialists and diabetes educators, to create a community awareness effort of how exercise is medicine and to offer free five-week programs so new exercisers can feel first hand the positive effects regular exercise has on their bodies.” In exchange for participating in this free program, participants are asked to fill out a simple survey to help us continue to develop this amazing program.

For more information on trial exercise programs to be offered in 2013, call Jayne at 773-3646 ext 448 or check page 27 of the Y Program Brochure at ymcaingreenfield.org for more information about all Y programs.

WHAT EIM PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING ABOuT THIS PROGRAM

“Cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy medicines left me mentally exhausted and physically unable to move – the Y has given me back my happiness. Water is such a cure for not only your body but your heart as well. I think you have a good program

for cancer patients – I can’t believe how much the water has helped me. When all the treatments are done, cancer lives in our hearts and minds – we are afraid and water is like hope happening.” G.W.

“My trainer Phyllis is a wonderful person. I felt very relaxed in my first visits working with Phyllis. I learned the proper way to use all equipment.” C.D.

“Keep up the good work! Lynn is a wonderful swim instructor. Troy was wonderful explaining how all the strength machines worked. He is good with everyone. Dawn is really wonderful for the Y. She is so full of encouragement!” J.A.

“Thank you for offering this program, [EIM] helps me be positive about diabetes and not let it beat me. It helped lower my ACL #, blood pressure and cholesterol, and I am losing weight. I also have more energy and the ability

to do things. This program made me feel great. Everybody was encouraging, the food journal kept us on track and definitely taught us good, sound meal planning.” R.L.

The Y-Exercise is Medicine Program is a twelve week physician referral wellness program conducted by the YMCA in Greenfield. The referred patients start with a free thirty-minute consultation with the Y’s Health & Wellness Director, Dawn Dorsey or Jayne Trosin, Fitness Director at the Y. Dawn and Jayne will evaluate your physical needs and wellness goals to determine the best of five wellness tracks you should start in. Any of the five tracks are twelve weeks long and costs non-members $99. A Sliding Fee Scale is available which can cover up to 70% of the program fee.

The five tracks are Water Therapy/Water Fitness classes, Group Exercise classes, the First Step Fitness program, the Y-Boost program conducted in the Nautilus Center or Diabetes Care Program/Life Management. Whatever track you choose the Y staff will monitor your attendance and fitness gains. You will get regular follow-up phone calls to check on your progress and satisfaction. Your Physicians will receive a report card of your success at the end of your 12 week program.

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for healthy living

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ymcaingreenfield.org for healthy living

evening chair fitneSS claSS

Brought to you by RSVP (Retired Service Volunteer Persons) of Hampshire & Franklin Counties and the YMCA in Greenfield. This free and open to the public program invites everyone from Greenfield and surrounding towns who needs or wants a lower level fitness program to participate in this fun and beneficial exercise program that builds stronger bones and muscles. Classes are led by trained RSVP leaders who provide this healthy, fun, self-paced, low impact exercise class. Join us and bring your friends! Starts January 8 in the Wellness Center

Must pre-register. Call Jayne at 773-3646 ext. 448. For all ages.

Day Time Tuesday and Thursday 6:30 - 7:30 pm Fees Free for all

PreSSed for time?We now have nineteen 30-minute Group Ex classes offered each week, that are included free with your Y membership... just drop in for a quick, fun workout.

MONDAY 8:30 am Group Core 11:05 am Flexibility Challenge 5:00 pm Core 5:30 pm Extreme Exertion 6:30 pm Group Core 7:30 pm Zumba

TUESDAY 6:00 am Core 10:30 am Flexibility Challenge 12:00 noon Core 12:30 pm Insanity

WEDNESDAY 5:00 pm Group Core 5:30 pm Extreme Exertion

THURSDAY 6:00 am Group Core 10:30 am Flexibility Challenge 12:00 noon Core 12:30 pm Insanity

FRIDAY 8:30 am Group Core 11:05 am Flexibility Challenge 5 pm Core

Saturday nightS for adults and familiesEach month there will be special events for teens/adults and families on Saturday nights from 6 - 8:30 pm in the gymnasium. Some of the ideas that will be tried are: Coed Rec Adult/Teen Volleyball, Family Fun Nights, Adult (alcohol free) Dances and even Dodgeball.

JANuARY SCHEDuLE:

January 5 Community Family Night 6 - 8 pm Free for all families in the community with kids ages 0 - 12.

January 12 Family Fun Night 6 - 8:30 pm Free for all Y families with kids ages 0 - 12.

January 19 Possible Adult Dance or Coed volleyball

January 26 Dodgeball or volleyball

Questions about what will be happening on a certain Saturday, call the Welcome Center 773-3646 ext 0.

SMALL GrOuP APPTS. to learn about exerciSe claSSeSIf you are a new member at our Y or if you would like to try Group Exercise classes, we now offer small group appointments to learn the basics and to become more comfortable in all Group Ex classes. Sign up at the Welcome Center. Appointments avail-able Sundays at noon.

GrOuP Ex LAunCH PArTY! Saturday, January 5, we will be kicking off new routines for some of our Group Exercise Classes. Come and have a fun workout with our great instructors and enter to win some awesome Y door prizes!

7:30 am Group Core8 am Group Step9 am Group Power10 am Group Active

GrOOVE-A-THOn!!January 1, 2013Start your new Year off right!

Join us from 10 - 11:30 am in the Adams Room for a fun time! There will be door prizes and be sure to bring your friends as part of Bring-A-Friend Week! Note: This is the only Group Ex/Wellness class running January 1st.

nEW!!

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volleyball leagueWednesdays from 6:30 to 9:25 pm • Free to Y Members!

Come join a team of your fellow Y members and friends and play friendly competitive games. All skills levels welcomed! For PA, cost is $35 per session, for NM a day pass is required.

For more information call Dave at 773-3646 ext. 436

have you had a y maSSage yet?Great Prices, Excellent Quality, Wonderful results

Massage is the manipulation of superficial and deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to enhance function, aid in the healing process, and promote relaxation and well-being.

The benefits of massage include pain relief and temporary reduction of anxiety and depression as well as blood pressure and heart rate. Our massage therapists provide a nurturing and healing atmosphere in a private room. Call the Welcome Center to schedule an appoint-ment, 773-3646.

Fees: 30 min. 60 min. 90 min.Gold Members $30 $50 $75Silver Members $35 $55 $85 Non Members $40 $60 $95

Pamper yourself or someone you love with a massage.

COME AND GIvE IT A TRY!

newS from nautiluSWhy do we have to display our nautilus workout cards?Displaying your Nautilus card at all times when using the Nautilus strength and cardio machines informs the Y staff (and other Nautilus members) of your upgraded Nautilus membership status.

Why are there different colored nautilus cards?The different Nautilus workout card colors indicate how long someone has been a Nautilus member. An orange card, for instance, is for someone who is in their first 3 months. This would be a very new member that the staff wants to check in with frequently to monitor attendance, technique and member satisfaction. Each color is a quick reference for the staff with the lighter green “Lifetime” cards reserved for Nautilus members who have been regular Nautilus Center users for 12 months or more.

I have been a Y nautilus member for years. I feel like the Y staff should know who I am. do I still have to display my card?Displaying Nautilus workout cards is a policy (reference page 12 of the Member Handbook) that applies to all Nautilus members. There are no exceptions. Further, experienced Nautilus members have a responsibility to support the Nautilus staff in enforcing this policy by following the policy themselves thereby setting an example for new Nautilus members.

nobody ever asked me to display my card before. Why do I have to do it now?If your usual workout happens to fall at a time of day when there is no staff or limited staff on duty, it is possible that you may not have been reminded to display your workout card. The policy of displaying your workout card is still in effect. We expect all Nautilus members to do the right thing and follow the policy… even if no one is looking.

next weight loSS CHALLEnGES...begin January 22. This winter, we will be offering two different types of challenges. The first challenge will be focused towards new exercisers, while the second one will be for those exercisers who want to kick it up a notch. Both challenges will push participants to achieve their goals! For more information, call Jayne at 773-3646 ext 448.

Name ___________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________

Phone __________________________________________________

WHITE LINE DATE

Machine Seat Machine

#1 Leg Extension

#2 Leg Press

#3 Overhead Press

#4 Seated Leg Curl

#5 Super Pullover

#6 10° Chest

#7 Compound Row

#8 Vertical Chest

#9 Preacher Curl

#10 Tricep Extension

#11 Lower Back

#12 Abdominal

Break Out B DATE

Machine Order

Seat Setting

Machine Name

B1 Hip Abduction

B2 Hip Adduction

B3 Multi-Purpose

B4 Gravitron

Nautilus Lifetime Strength Training

Sample Card. Not sure which card you should have? Make an appointment with an Exercise Trainer.

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daShing all the weigh Good health was gained by all

On Tuesday, October 16, 40 YMCA Members and non-members got together to learn the details and fate of their next eight weeks of weight loss. The group was broken up into teams of four Some teams came together as friends and some

were complete strangers. Exercise Trainers, aka coaches, were assigned to each team. Prior to that Tuesday night all had been weighed, measured and briefed on the journey that lay ahead. Everyone came with the same com-mon goal: to be lighter by the Holiday Season.

Besides exercise and more exercise, the program included weekly food journaling. If you were lucky enough, your completed food journal would be chosen and posted anonymously for all the YMCA to see. Seminars on eating for the holidays and healthy convenience foods were also part of the package and not to mention, the sometimes dreaded weekly weigh in! All thru the fall: Halloween and Thanksgiving everyone persevered. By mid december the group had lost over 200 pounds but more importantly: good health was gained by all.

From left - right: Pam Herzig, Laurie Delude (coach), Liz Phillips, Charity Day, Tammy Stanley during their first meeting together.

Over the 8 weeks each woman has lost an average of 10 pounds. Way to go ladies!

my daShing all the weigh experience was great! By Pam Herzig The staff at the Y is very welcoming and extremely helpful. The instructors in Sundays Group Power & Group Groove classes are excellent. My first Group Power class the instructor came right over to me and encouraged me to stay. Having Sara & Laurie there that first class to help us with our form throughout the class was very helpful. After class the instructors spoke with all the participants and it made the experience all the more better. Knowing that they're also working out, learning the steps and not passing judgement made me feel that we were all in it together no matter the level we are at. The Y members I found are also very helpful when you are in need and are friendly as well. Which made/makes working out on the Nautilus machines and cardio machines less intimidating as well as when entering a new Group Ex class. The Hooping classes are excellent! The instructor and other members that have taken the class for a long time were extremely helpful and FUN! We laughed our way through the class and "we were exercising?" Overall the experience has been great. All the staff/instructors were welcoming, helpful, encouraging and motivating. The program is a great way to introduce new people to the Y and what it has to offer. I am hopeful due to the above that I will find the motivation to continue at the Y once the program ends.

I really enjoyed this weight loss challenge at the Y!By Tammy Stanley I enjoyed meeting new people and we had a really good team. There was always someone to workout with. This was very important to me; it kept me motivated. All of the instructors that I had the opportunity to meet were friendly and helpful!

Weight Loss Challenge: Team #1By Laurie Delude Leading a weight loss team was awesome. Here are some of the attributing factors to the teams’ success:

1. Support: We called, e-mailed, and texted each other daily. We worked out as a team (whenever possible) and gave each other moral support. *It’s easier to work out with others.

2. Steady and consistent weight loss is key. Although we started out slow the 1st week (2nd to last place), every week we jumped up more and more (currently 4th place). We’ll see where we end up!

3. 1-2 lbs. of weight loss weekly = 52-104 lbs. in a year! 4. Working out is fun: Zumba, Group Groove, Hooping, Turbo etc. My

team attended the “special” Group Exercise class for Dashing All The Weigh participants, then tried and returned to other classes.

5. Nautilus support: Instruction and guidance in the Nautilus Center was a tremendous help. Sarah Scarchilli-Janus was awesome (thank you)!

6. Food Journaling: Smaller portions, smarter choices, and increased water consumption vs. soda, juice, etc.

This program is just the beginning! This team has committed to continue to support each other, work out together, and help with dieting efforts. No turning back now!

week 1

WEEK 8

commentS from a new y-family member“The YMCA has greatly exceeded my expectations.” says new member Laura S, a mother of four. “There are so many choices here,” Laura said as she cradled sleeping 4-month-old Hudson while retrieving the basketball for 3-year-old Marcia in the gym at Friday Family Night.

Twice a week, the two younger kids go to Childwatch (babysitting) while mom works out with either weights or cardio machines for an hour. Then it is their time to play in the pool or Game Room. Laura’s oldest, Gabriella, 8, and Magdalene, 6, use the Kid-Fit Center or take gymnastic classes to get their own exercise.

“Kids get bored so easily that it’s nice to have choices for them,” said Laura. “And it’s a nice environment to work out in for me, it doesn’t feel like you’re exercising because it is so clean and friendly at the Y.”

Parent/child Play timeParent/Child play time in the Gymnastics Center has a double edged benefit to families. It allows you quality time to spend with your child from crawling to walking with creative and developmental play, as well as setting a standard of commitment to your child about how important physical play is to your family and their health. Come and play with us on Wednesdays from 1 - 2 pm starting January 2. Fees: GFM $25 • SFM $35 • PA $45

FAMILY ZuMBA!Sundays from 1 - 1:45 pm | Adams room

FrEE for those with Y Family Memberships!A family friendly, cardio-dance class with a multicultural world beat! Come with your kids for dancing fun that will improve your health and shape without feeling like a “work out.” Learn a little salsa and other “steps” while getting the boost from just moving your body and having some fun with friends, new and old. This Zumba-style dance-party workout is for adults with high-energy kids who can move at their own pace, and good for priceless laughing, dancing, and bonding of families!

Bring your kids to try it out Saturday, January 5 from 6 - 7 pm during

our Community Family Night! Hope to see you there!

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for youth develoPment

Many pre-teens and teens are spending up to 8 hours a day in front of a screen becoming more unhealthy everyday. THIS WOn’T HAPPEn AT THE YMCA!

Bring your whole family to the Y 3 days a week for health, fun and fitness!

Ask the Welcome Center staff to help you get the most out of your Y-Family Membership.

nEW!!

SeSSion 3 (Jan-feb) youth SPort oPtionS

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for youth develoPment

PRESCHOOL FLOOR HOCKEY This energetic class will get your child moving. Basic hockey skills using soft padded equipment.Age Day Time4-5 Tuesday 5 pm - 6 pmFees GFM $20 • SFM $40 • PA $45

PRESCHOOL SPORTS This energetic class teaches kids to play as a group and interact as teammates. Cooperative group games, running tag games and a 15-minute introduction to a sport like basketball, pillow floor hockey, soccer, or the climbing wall. Age Day Time3-5 Tuesday 11 am - 12 pm3-5 Thursday 11 am - 12 pm3-5 Sunday 11 am - 12 pmFees GFM $20 • SFM $40 • PA $45

KENPO KARATE Teaches discipline and control while having fun learning new skills. Age Day Time 4-5* Saturday or Sunday 11 am - 11:30 am6-12 Saturday or Sunday 11:45 am - 12:45 pm13+ Saturday or Sunday 1 pm - 2:00 pmFees4 & 5 yr. olds GFM $40 • SFM $45 • PA $50*parent participation requiredAll others GFM $50 • SM $55 • PA $60Parent/Child (6-12,2 people) GFM $70 • SM $80 • PA $90

BEGINNER BASKETBALL This program is for brand new players. We will teach dribbling, shooting, and passing. There will be limited game play so that the 30 minute class time will allow players to feel comfortable and not overwhelmed. Age Day Time 5-6 Saturday 10 - 10:30 amFees GM $20 • SM $25 • PA $30

BASKETBALL SKILLS & DRILLS This program introduces girls and boys to the FUNdamentals of basketball. Skills include: shooting, passing, dribbling and teamwork. Age Day Time 6-8 Saturday 10 am - 11 am Fees GFM $20 • SM $40 • PA $50

CO-ED BASKETBALL LEAGUE This instructional recreational league is for every child who wants to further their skills. Active practices and developing playing styles in competitive games will refine players’ skills. One weekly practice along with Saturday regulation games. League runs through February 23. Age Day Time 9-12 Tuesday or Thursday 6 - 7 pm with Saturday Games 11:30 am or 12:45 pm Fees GFM $25 • SM $45 • PA $50

*The Y is now hosting free pizza and play nights, for those with y Family Memberships, on the second Wednesday of each month. Each month there will be a different activity for Y families to enjoy. Come and join the fun and action.

2nd Wednesday

PIZZA & PLAY*January 9 from 6:00 - 8 pmBooks! Books! Books!Come and hear some great stories by Roundabout Books and participate in poem exercises led by Leah Plath. Book crafts (bookmarks and bookmaking) too!

free Pizza 6:30 - 7 pm

game room Play 6:00 - 8 pm

family Swim 7 - 7:45 pm

November’s Pizza & Play was a huge success! 22 families came and tried out and played new games with Greenfield Games and fun was had by all the families in attendance.

We hope to see you on the 2nd Wednesday of every month!

Summer

halloween

thankSgivingholiday week

time to get BACK TO THE Y!

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volunteer of the month

for healthy living

exerciSe iS key in warding off health ProblemS for SeniorSHealth experts agree one of the best ways to ward off health problems as people age, is the same as when they are young. Exercise.

The conclusion of Colin Milner, CEO of the Interna-tional Council on Active Aging, an umbrella group of about 4,000 organizations that deal with aging populations:

“Most of the issues people think is aging, is really disuse, because our bodies are meant to move and keep active our whole lives.”

Fitness activities have been increasing rapidly with the Baby Boomers and older generations over the past several years at the YMCA in Greenfield. This is because the message that exercise can do wonders to ensure longevity, increase the quality of life and help people live independently as long as possible is catching on.

The Duke University Medical School in Durham, N.C., has conducted research about exercise and the elderly, and the studies maintain that many boomers and older seniors are too sedentary for their own good. Duke’s research concluded that exercise reduces depression, as well as the risk of

a first or second heart attack. Many elderly often wait to start a fitness program until they have had a heart incident. Prevention is much better solution.

According to Dr. James Blumenthal of the Duke Medical School, exercise not only reduces health risks, but has been shown to facilitate weight loss, and improve self-confidence and physi-cal condition so the daily activities of living are easier and more fun to perform.

Despite all the good news about how exercise can improve the lives of people of all ages, the key is “motivating yourself to get moving. Once your doctor has given you the green light to exercise, it’s time to put a plan into action.”

YMCA in Greenfield has the fitness specialists and programs to offer a customized wellness program for people of all ages, abilities and interests. So if your favorite exercise machine is your recliner or you use a “walker” to get around, the Y has a starter program for you.

For info about fitness programs at the YMCA, call 773-3646 ext 0 or Jayne Trosin at ext 448.

The Y has exercise programs for all fitness levels and ages.

Strength training 3 times a week is key to a healthy life.

ymcaingreenfield.org our voice | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the YMCA in Greenfield

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Name ____________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Email _____________________________________________________

100% of all gifts to our YMCA Strong Kids & Families Campaign stay in Franklin County to help local people participate in quality YMCA values-driven programs. This campaign makes it possible

for our YMCA to say “No child is ever turned away from joining our YMCA for lack of funds.”

Our 2013 Strong Kids & Families Annual Campaign kicks off on March 13, 2013.

$25 $50 $100

$250 $500 other ____________

thank you for caring

Please make your check payable to the “YMCA Year End Appeal” or use your credit card by clicking on the "donate" button on our website www.ymcaingreenfield.org or call 773-3646 ext. 0.

Yes, I would like to help the YMCA by making a year-end tax deductible gift.

Thank you so much for helping our YMCA strengthen the mind, body and spirit of over 3,000 Franklin County boys and girls each year and for helping my staff provide the programs that promote youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all ages.

I hope you have a Happy Holiday Season and a very Healthy and Safe 2013.

Bob Sunderland Executive Director

Thank you for giving me a fun

place to go after school.

Thank you for helping me learn to swim!

I started to get healthy with the Y’s EIM Program.Thank you so much!

Over 20% of all the youth ages 1 - 18 in Franklin County

participated in one or more Y programs in the past year.

50% of the Exercise is Medicine partici-

pants utilize our Sliding Fee Scale.

ymca year-end aPPeal

ymca in greenfield451 Main Street, Greenfield MA 01301413-773-3646 • ymcaingreenfield.org

return Service requeSted

Non-Profit Org.

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Greenfield, Mass.

PERMIT NO. 61

SeSSion 3 beginS Ja n ua ry 2-10

a new yeara new beginninga new chance to be healthy

The YMCA improves lives everyday!

ymca in greenfield calendar December 31 Close early for New Year’s Eve 5 am - 5 pm

January 1 YMCA OPEN 8 am - 6 pm

January 1 Group Groove-a-thon in the Adams Room (see page 5) 10 - 11:30 am

January 1 - 10 Bring-A-Friend Days!

January 2 - 10 Session 3 classes begins

January 5 Group Exercise Class Launch Party! (see page 5) 7:30 am

January 5 Free Community Family Night for all families with kids 0-12 6 - 8 pm

January 6 Tumbling Tigers Gymnastic Team Home Meet (free!)

January 6 Family Zumba begins 1 - 1:45 pm

January 8 American Red Cross Blood Drive in gym 9 am - 2 pm

January 9 Pizza & Play; books, books, books (see page 9) 6 - 8 pm

January 11 Family Winter Fun Night 6:30 - 8:30 pm

January 22 Two new Weight Loss Challenges begin

January 27 Girl’s Day Out for moms, daughters and grandmothers 12 - 3 pm

February 20 YMCA sponsored “Community Meal” at Second Congregational Church 5 - 7 pm