Kids' Korner Gives Back

After school programs provide children with opportunities to participate in a wide variety of activities that provide children with the skills and support they need to develop into productive and healthy young adults. During the past two months, Kids' Korner sites have participated in a variety of community service projects that were developed by the children and facilitated by our caring staff members. These service projects have created opportunities for children and staff to positively impact the local community and are an excellent example of the YMCA mission in action.

To celebrate Veterans Day, the staff at Bielefield Kids' Korner read the book "A Veteran's Day Visitor" to the children. The book was about a young girl's grandfather who speaks to her class about Veterans Day and why the holiday is observed. The children then created cards to honor troops who were arriving home from Afghanistan. The students then asked if they could get all Kids' Korner sites involved in order to make sure that there were enough cards for all the troops coming home. The site staff made some phone calls and all the other sites agreed to help with this project. In November 400 cards were delivered to Camp Rell in Niantic to Connecticut Army National Guard troops that were back after being deployed in Afghanistan for the past year. Thank you to Ceara Ladue, site director at Bielefield Kids' Korner, for making all the arrangements for this project!

Snow and Spencer School Kids' Korner programs both held a Penny Wars Challenge at their sites during December. Penny Wars is a competition where the site is broken into teams. Each team has a container to collect change in. The point of the game is to have the highest amount of points in your container at the end of the competition. It sounds easy, but there are a few tricks to it. You want to put pennies in your container and silver change in your opponents container. Each penny is worth one point toward your end total. Silver change subtracts points from from your total according to their amount (-25 points for a quarter, -10 points for a dime, etc). Once the competition is over, the children and staff empty their containers, add up their penny points and subtract the silver change points from the total. The winner is the team who has the most points after all the silver change has been subtracted. The real winners of this competition were local Middletown families; the money raised was used to buy gifts for multiple families who were on the Middletown Park and Rec holiday needs list. Congratulations to all the children, staff and families at Snow and Spencer who helped raise around $350.00 to help local families during the holiday season.

Wesley School Kids' Korner took advantage of three early dismissal days to hold a bake sale at their school. For the past two years, the children at the program have held different events to raise money for local organizations that help animals. The kids created signs and fliers to advertise for the bake sale and Kids' Korner families donated all the cookies, cakes, breads and other delicious treats for the sale. The older children at the program worked the bake sale, perfected their sales pitch and raised $284.00! After the event was completed, the children had to decide what to do with the money. They decided to buy food for the animals at the Wallingford Animal Shelter because "animals don't need money, they need food". This project was truly a group effort and could not have been completed without the generosity of the Wesley School teachers and parents. Thanks to all the Kids' Korner families and children who made this a great success!

We are so proud of the fantastic staff, children and families at our programs! Check back with us periodically to see what's new at Kids' Korner. You can also find out more information about our Kids' Korner programs on Facebook by searching for Middlesex YMCA Kids' Korner.

Introducing FREE Wi-Fi

We are very pleased to introduce our new FREE feature available for Members: Wi-Fi.
Now your Wi-Fi enabled device will be able to connect to the internet quickly and smoothly. Currently our Wi-Fi HOTSPOT are in the main lobby, the Fitness Plus lobby, the family center and in the pool bleachers.

Enjoy this new service.

My NEW New Year's Resolutions

I have rarely committed myself to New Year’s Resolutions in the past. If there was something new I wanted to try or a new routine I wanted to start, I would start my new thing that Monday, sort of a New Week’s Resolution. This year however, I found myself reflecting a lot about this past twelve months and all that happened; the birth of my second son Lucas, my first summer back at YMCA Camp Ingersoll, and all of the New Week’s Resolutions that were made. So I decided that I would make a small list of overall resolutions to help guide my New Week’s Resolutions throughout this year. There’s nothing ground breaking, all pretty much fall into the most popular resolutions people make, but I wanted to share them anyway.

1. Spend more quality time with my family – now that my family has grown in size, my wife and I find ourselves more and more taking some short cuts trying to get things done fast so that we can move one to the next thing. I realized when we may only have an hour to go sledding, it’s not about the number of time we go down the hill, but taking time to lay on our backs in the snow looking at the clouds and planes that go by; that’s what my son Michael enjoyed the most. I would like to look at more clouds with my family.

2. Learn, read, and reflect more – there are many ways to learn but the one I am choosing to focus on is reading. There are many ways to obtain books and information nowadays, sometimes it can be overwhelming when searching through a book store, in person or online. To help narrow my search I made a quick list of topics that interest me, which also helped me reflect on what is important.

3. Participate in some sort of organized race – my health resolution. Last year I intended to participate in the Northeast Warrior Dash, a 5K adventure race held in upstate New York. I waited too long to register, and it sold out! So like any other health seeker, I simply stopped training. It was a poor excuse, but now I intend to register early, and if I am unable to attend that one particular event, I will find another.

If you have not made your resolutions yet, it’s not too late. There are many articles, including Patrick’s blog entry last week, that provide tips to creating goals that you can keep and make a difference. Also remember, there are also 52 opportunities to start New Week’s Resolutions this year.

I hope you and your family have a great healthy, safe and fun New Year!

Keeping Your Resolution

You are probably toying with the idea of making some sort of a beneficial change to your behavior at the beginning of 2011 under the pretext of a "New Year's Resolution". Or perhaps you are in that group that has had such a tough time keeping your past resolutions that you have "given up giving up".
In order to help you keep your resolution I would like to offer the following tips (please keep in mind that in preparation for this post I read dozens of articles on the subject and have condensed the information to this short, actionable list.)

1. Are you ready?- If you are in denial or maybe just ambivalent about your need to change or you do not fully accept the importance of the change, then you will not succeed. You need to identify the barriers to change and visualizes the "you with the change".
   
2. Preparation- Write down your goals, make sure that they are realistic. Then break the goals into actionable steps.
3. Take Action- Now you are ready to start. Be sure that your energy is used toward the successful completion of your goal. Form a social support network by telling others what your goals is and what your strategy is to reach it. Ask them for support.
4. Reward Success- Don't wait until you have reached your final goal to celebrate. Be sure to enjoy the minor victories as well. If you made it to the Y 3 times in a week, celebrate!
5. Reduce Other Stresses- Changing a behavior creates stress, and if you are trying to make that change in an already stressful environment, then you are going to have a reduced ability to make good decisions.
6. Prepare for Setbacks- You are going to hit some snags and have some relapses. That is a natural part of the process so don't get too down on yourself. Identify the triggers and develop a strategy to avoid them in the future.
7. Enjoy the NEW YOU- Enjoy the change. Tell folks about it, brag, celebrate, do whatever it takes to make the change a real long lasting part of your life.

I hope you have a safe and healthy New Year. And if your resolution involves getting healthier or increasing your energy, then come and see us at the Y and let us be your support system.

Here are a few of the articles that I used in writing this post:
http://psychology.about.com/od/behavioralpsychology/ss/behaviorchange.htm
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703581204576033824100634278.html
http://www.wishfulthinking.co.uk/2008/01/10/6-tips-for-keeping-your-new-years-resolution/
http://www.ehow.com/how_12076_keep-new-years.html

Happy Holidays from the Pools!

The Northern Middlesex Y's Aquatics Staff would like to wish everyone a wonderful holiday season! Have fun, stay safe, be merry!

Remember: the gift of swimming lessons is a gift that lasts a lifetime!

Give the Gift of Health

When my son was born 4 years ago, my mother made a commitment to be around for as long as possible so that she could enjoy spending time with her Grandson. I helped her get a membership to the YMCA (she lives in New Britain) and since then she has been on a regular schedule of exercise and healthy eating (she is also trying to quit smoking). It's been four years and she has more energy and stamina than ever.
Regular exercise is important for all individuals, but it is critically important for Older Adults. Weight loss and increased energy are obvious but a study by Harvard linked exercise to reduced stress and anxiety, and suggested that it may ward of mental deterioration as well. And most importantly regular exercise means that seniors can continue to do regular daily tasks keeping them mobile and independent.
The Middlesex YMCA is making a very special offer for 3 month and 6 month memberships for seniors so that this Holiday season you can invest in a gift that will truly impact their lives. And we make it easy for them to get started with a series of appointments with one of our fitness professionals.
So this Christmas tell your parents that you want them to be healthy, happy and around for a long time.

Happy Holidays!

MEET THE MIDDLESEX YMCA STAFF TEAM

Name: Patrick Connelly

Title: Senior Director of Membership and Programs

Patrick is a twenty year veteran of the YMCA. He began his Y career at the Hartford YMCA; gained valuable experience at the Southington YMCA and then came to the Middlesex YMCA in 2000 to serve as the Ingersoll Outdoor Center Director. Patrick is a YMCA of the USA Faculty Member for International Initiatives and Working with the World. In addition, he has authored the Character Development section of the YMCA Day Camp Director Manual and presented at several regional and national conferences. Patrick lives in Portland with his wife Beth and their two adorable children Griffin age 4 and Tessa Jane age 2. In his free time Patrick enjoys exploring nature with his children hiking, digging in the dirt and having fun outside!

Fun Fact: Patrick is an avid reader who enjoys historical biographies.

What is your role at the YMCA?

“My role is to provide energy and enthusiasm to our YMCA, to mentor and coach other staff, and to help make and keep members happy. I get to create flyers, posters and other promotional materials.”

What it the most rewarding part of your job?

“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing a member that I helped enroll become a regular user and make progress toward reaching their health goals.”

How does it impact the community?

“The “essential genius” of the YMCA is that it responds to the needs of the members of the community it serves. Whether families need support with before and after school care, or a young man needs a place to stay for a while, or an older adult needs to get some exercise, we are there to help.’

YMCA Family Events

The annual YMCA Kids’ Korner Halloween Carnival took place on Thursday, October 28th in both the YMCA gymnasium and family center. This event was a great success with over 300 ghosts, ghouls and fairy princesses in attendance. Each Kids’ Korner site created a Halloween booth which offered a variety of different activities. One specific booth featured a catapult which launched objects at three different plastic pumpkins. This booth had a line out of the gym and around the corner throughout the entire event. The YMCA Family Center featured the Haunted Hallway that brought both screams and laughter to the many that dared to walk through. It was said by many that this particular Haunted Hallway was the scariest one to date. Scary sounds played throughout the hallway as people of all ages were spooked by YMCA staff members.

On November 18th a crowd of 30 families joined us for Family BINGO. The game of fun and chance was called by YMCA staff members Tony Sharillo, Melanie Carfora, and Kevin Cassesse. Excitement was in the air as families dabbed away at their BINGO cards in hopes of winning a prize. It was even rumored that screams of “BINGO” could be heard in the lobby from all the fun that was occurring in the Hazen Room. It was a great evening filled with family fun for all who attended. Thank you to all the families who brought canned food items to donate to the Amazing Grace Food Pantry.

Spend some time with your family at the YMCA. Join us on Thursday, December 9th from 6:30-8:00 pm for Santa’s Workshop at the YMCA. Friends and family will gather as we wrap gifts to be donated to families in need. The YMCA will provide wrapping materials, music, snacks and good cheer, you provide a children’s gift to wrap. A special guest may even make an appearance! Free for YMCA members, guest of members are $5 per person with a $10 family max.

Check out our website at www.midymca.org for upcoming family events at the Middlesex YMCA.

Tony Sharillo, Camp Ingersoll and Youth Programs Director.

Tony began his Y career fifteen years ago at the Middlesex YMCA took a short break to work at the Waterbury YMCA and returned to take on his current position last fall. Tony graduated from the University of CT with a degree in Child Psychology, he holds his Director Certification from the YMCA of the USA and serves as the current Chair of the Y CT Program and Membership Network. Tony lives in Middletown with his wife Erika and sons Michael 2 ½ and Lucas 6 months. He is a Red Sox fan and athlete who enjoys playing a variety of sports.

Fun Fact: Tony met his wife when they both worked as camp counselors at Camp Ingersoll!

What is your role at the YMCA?

“Here at the Middlesex YMCA not only am I the Ambassador of Fun, I have the great honor of running YMCA Camp Ingersoll as well as coordinating some of the new youth sport and teen programs run at camp and here at the YMCA.”

What it the most rewarding part of your job?

“There are so many aspects of my job that I find very rewarding that it’s hard to say which one is the most rewarding. I love the camp staff and truly enjoy working with such enthusiastic and creative people. I love working with all the campers during the summer and getting to see all the smiles our great camp staff create everyday. I love working outdoors and building things from scratch. Most of all I love that my job is basically to make the most of everyday, whether it’s during the summer or working with a teambuilding group!”

What makes the Y a special place?

“I believe it’s the staff and volunteers and their commitment to each other and the community that make the YMCA so special. Everyone works hard to develop and facilitate quality programs and events.”

MEET THE MIDDLESEX YMCA STAFF TEAM

Melanie Carfora, YMCA School Age Director.

Melanie has worked for the Middlesex YMCA for eleven years, lives in Middletown with her husband Dave and four year old daughter Jenna. Melanie holds a bachelors degree in social work from Saint Joseph College she enjoys reading, sports, and being funny!

Fun Fact: Melanie was a camper at Camp Ingersoll!

Please share with us your professional background:

“I started working as an assistant group leader in our after school programs while I was in high school. I eventually became a head teacher at Farm Hill Kids’ Korner, a position I held for about 5 years. Once I graduated from college, I worked as a program coordinator and then became the school age director in 2006. I also began working at Camp Ingersoll in 2000 and have held many different positions including unit director of horseback, specialty camp counselor and now senior staff. “

What is your role at the Middlesex YMCA?

“I am the director for our Kids’ Korner before and after school department at the YMCA. I am the program administrator responsible for the oversight of our eleven licensed school age programs. I oversee the hiring and training of a staff team of 65 people, create and implement curriculum for our programs, monitor compliance with local and state licensing regulations, and create and foster relationships with our many community partners.”

What do you find most rewarding about your work at the YMCA?

“The most rewarding part of my job is knowing that we are running quality before and after school programs that are an asset to working parents. I also find it rewarding when I see our staff sharing their talents and time with the children in our programs and serving as positive role models in our community.”

How does the YMCA impact the community?

“The Y is a special place because we are making a real difference to the families and individuals we serve. We provide programs that promote wellness of the whole individual; mind, body and spirit. I chose the Y because our staff are really committed to our mission and care about wellness in our community.”

MEET THE MIDDLESEX YMCA STAFF TEAM

The YMCA is a community of caring people and that attitude begins with the dedicated staff members who put that principal to work each day. Over the next few weeks I will be posting different interviews with various staff members. I hope you enjoy getting to know these talented people!

Today I introduce to you Bob Spencer the Y Director of Advancement / Assistant to the President. Bob has worked at the Y for 4 ½ years. Prior to the Y Bob had a long career as a social worker and non-profit administrator. Bob and his wife Lindsay live in Portland and have two grown children Sam and Libby. They will celebrate their 30^th wedding anniversary next year and love to travel, hike, explore the outdoors, spend time with good friends and giving back such as their work with Habitat for Humanity.

What is your role at the Middlesex YMCA?

Charitable contributions help us to advance our mission and make all of our programs/services available to those who want/need them. Raising charitable contributions requires us to cultivate donors, keep donors engaged, informed and appreciated. New donor relationships comes from a more actively engaged membership/community and from a growing number of volunteers willing to tell the Y story. Board members providing active involvement in the financial development needs of the Y is an instrumental piece of the advancement process. My job is to bring these pieces together.

What it the most rewarding part of your job?

Helping donors who want to make a difference in the lives of children and families find a way to do that.

What makes the Y a special place? How does it impact the community?

I think our Y is one of the most diverse places in this community. There are a variety of people from multiple economic, racial and age groups that pass through our doors and they all intermingle here at the Y. We work hard to keep our doors open to any/all who want and need our services. Our men’s residence takes me back to early experiences that first drew me to social work. Our work with kids gives me a lift that I can’t imagine getting any place else. I love being part of a larger team who live out the values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility.

Medicare Made Clear

Determining which insurance coverage is best for you can be confusing, and its even more so when you add in all of the Medicare options.

To help you sort through all of the information and get answers to your questions, the Middelsex YMCA is proud to host two FREE information sessions called "Medicare Made Clear".

Choose the one session that is most convenient for you. And please invite a friend.

Session A- Wednesday, November 10th 11:00 am in the Hazen Room of the YMCA

Session B- Friday, November 12th 9:30 am in the Hazen Room of the YMCA

Each session will be approx 1 hour and we will provide coffee.

To reserve your seat please stop by the Front Desk of the YMCA or contact Helen at (860) 343-6230 or hpeaslee@midymca.org