Building Awareness, Fostering Community

On March 1^st, the Middlesex Y officially kicked off its 2012 Community Support Campaign. This year, we’re raising awareness and financial support for three of our important focus areas:

Strong Kids, providing local children in need with access to the many life changing programs such as Summer Camp, Before and After School Care, Youth Sports, Swim Lessons and Youth Enrichment; 

Building Healthy Communities, beyond traditional exercise and movement, working to address some of today’s most critical health needs including diabetes, arthritis and obesity and assuring that everyone in our community, regardless of their ability to pay, have the opportunity to live healthier lives; 

Lessons for Life, providing swim lessons and water safety instruction for any child or adult who wishes to learn this critical lifesaving skill.

During this time, we encourage everyone to join our cause,” urges Board Chair Richard Carella. “When we all pitch-in and help our neighbors, we make a meaningful, enduring impact in the lives of children and families, and ultimately strengthen our community.” 

Throughout the month, dedicated Y staff members and volunteers have planned, coordinated and held exciting and fun events to help raise funds and awareness for our 2012 Community Support Campaign.  From BINGO to a swim-a-thon, spin-a-thon; a Hoop and Shoot Contest; to a Hip Hop Party and Dodge Ball Tournament, the month was action packed.  This weekend, 16 teams registered for the second annual Dodge Ball Tournament, which raised more than $1,500 for the campaign. 

Great articles appeared in the Middletown Press:

http://www.middletownpress.com/articles/2012/03/26/news/doc4f700152c3da0737907752.txt?viewmode=fullstory and the Middletown Patch: http://middletown-ct.patch.com/articles/dodge#photo-9416160. If you participated in any of these events, thank you!  We hope you had fun.  We look forward to next year!

We thank all of our supporters! It is with YOU that the Middlesex Y will remain an essential part of our community, providing accessibility for children and teens, for families, for residents, for active older adults…for ALL.

As a non-profit organization, the Middlesex Y relies on the generous contributions from you, members, friends, participants and community members, ensuring that all of our programs remain accessible to all.  To learn more about how you can contribute to the Middlesex Y’s 2012 Community Support Campaign, please visit: www.midymca.org/giving.html or call me at 860-343-6232, via email at jcarso@midymca.org. 

Middlesex YMCA to Offer Youth Triathlon Training Program

A new YMCA youth fitness program will introduce 7^th and 8^th grade students living in Middletown to the challenging sport of triathlon racing. Through a grant funded by the Middletown Health Department, the YMCA will offer a free program that will begin the week of March 19^th and run through the first week in August. The training program includes swimming, biking and running instruction that will conclude with participation in the annual YMCA Camp Ingersoll Triathlon that will be held on August 5, 2012. Swimming instruction led by Caitlin Urciuoli will be held at Woodrow Wilson Middle School on Monday afternoons beginning March 19^th. Fitness, running and biking training led by Kristin Champagne will take place Thursday afternoons at the YMCA.

Transportation will be provided through the WWMS SWAGG afterschool program. Registration is required and can be done through the WWMS SWAGG program or at the YMCA. For more information check out the YMCA website at www.midymca.org.

The YMCA hopes to inspire youth to engage in a fitness routine that is fun, challenging and rewarding. Triathlon training offers young people a venue for health and wellness, self esteem, goal setting and a sense of achievement. The YMCA wants to engage a diverse group of young people who may have never considered training for a triathlon but are enthusiastic about the challenge. Beginners are welcome! Please contact Michele Rulnick at 860-343-6217 with any questions.

Strengthening the Community: The Middlesex Y’s 2012 Community Support Campaign

When you stop and think about the YMCA, what comes to mind? 

Did you know that the most frequent answer is: a gym and a pool?  While it’s true that the Y, and in particular the Middlesex Y, boasts two swimming pools and impressive gym facilities, there is so much more to our story.

Since 1886, the Middlesex Y has been instrumental in providing positive, healthy, life-changing opportunities and accessibility for all who seek to reach their full potential. The Middlesex Y has and continues to serve the community through its programs and services, ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. 

Each year, more than 11,250 youth, families and residents participate in programs such as Kids Korner, Camp Ingersoll, Barracuda Swim Team, Youth Fitness and Exercise, special Family Nights and Events, Therapeutic Mentoring, Personal Fitness and Housing for Men. 

For many individuals and families, these life changing programs would not be accessible without financial assistance. Fortunately, the Middlesex Y has never turned anyone away due to lack of funds.  This has always been, and remains true today, thanks to our generous donors.  Each year, more than $300,000 is given to our community members to ensure that each and every person who wants to participate is able to.  

  

March 1^st marks the official kickoff of our 2012 Community Support Campaign. During the month, members of the Y community (Board members, staff and community volunteers) will be sharing their Y stories, and the tremendous impact our Y has on kids, families and individuals every day, with others. We want to share the good work of the Middlesex Y.

During this time, we also ask you, our members, donors, friends and participants to join us.  As a non-profit organization, the Middlesex Y relies on generous contributions from you, ensuring that all of our programs remain accessible to all. 

To learn more about how you can contribute to the Middlesex Y’s 2012 Community Support Campaign, please visit: www.midymca.org/giving.html or contact Jessica Carso, Director of Development at 860-343-6254 or via email at jcarso@midymca.org. 

We also invite you to share your Y story with us!  Send along your story to Jessica via email. Stories submitted may be used in our communications and outreach materials.

There’s more to tell…stay tuned for another Community Support post soon!

YMCA Camp Ingersoll Registrations and Pavilions!

It's been quite a busy start to the year here at camp. Camp Registration is underway and it is off to a very strong start. So far we have received just about 300 more registrations than we did at this time last year! Our specialty camps are quickly filling up, so register now if you haven't done so already. For a complete list of our closed programs, visit our website: www.campingersoll.org.

Steve, working with Pearce Remodeling LLC, has completed the construction of our new Herb Mayo Wee Hut! All that is left is a couple coats of paint and stain.

This new addition to camp will allow the Wee Wonders and Kiddy Kampers to each have their own activity space exclusively for their own programs. This means a larger area for crafts, special projects, liquid sunshine shelter and overall program improvement. I can't wait to see it full of Wees!

We got another surprise last week when Durham Fitness donated a Walk-In Cooler to Camp! The plan is to assemble this 10' x 12' feature near the Kiddy Kamp and Wee Huts so that these Units will be able store their lunches and cooking projects, thus eliminating the walk up to the Long House! The Kiddy Kamp and Wee Wonder Staff especially want to Thank Durham Fitness for that!

There are more site improvements and updates on the way so stay tuned!

50/50 Fitness Competition - Camp Director Challenge #4

Another fine Monday Morning!

Since this is the Final Week and the Final Challenge, let's put all the pieces together! For this week's challenge we're gonna complete a full body workout and throw in some running. Take a look:

Tony's Challenge

Complete a 30 min Upper Body Workout
Complete a 30 min Lower Body Workout
Complete a 15 min Ab/Core Workout
Run at least 10 miles

You can do your own exercises, I will be doing mostly body weight resistance, push ups, pull ups, lunges/swats, etc... Contestants must complete all the workouts to receive the bonus points, partial points will not be awarded for individual workouts.

Good luck and stay fit!

50/50 Fitness Competition - Camp Director Challenge #3

Happy Monday Morning!

Not only is today Monday, but it is also the first day of Open Registration for YMCA Camp Ingersoll! Another sign that summer will be here before you know it.

If you are like me, you spent the day yesterday eating foods that you maybe should have turned down at a Superbowl gathering. For me, let's just say that my body is regretting all the home made nachos, wings, pizza and other appetizers I ingested during the game. I need to burn it all off this week!

Camper Director's Weekly Challenge:

Workout at the Y 5 times.

You can run, swim, lift, use the elliptical or whatever you want, but get into the Y. We're halfway through and this is the week to put the time in.

See you at the Y and stay fit.

Kids' Korner Gives Back: A Look at Community Service

Caring, honesty, respect and responsibility are the four character values embraced by the YMCA. Our Kids’ Korner before and after school programs are committed to teaching children the importance of helping others. Our sites have been completing community service projects throughout the school year that have made a difference. Check out what we have done so far!

Bielefield: Children and staff coordinated a coat drive this winter. Families were asked to bring in gently used coats that were donated to the Goodwill.

ECS: The kids at ECS recognized that the cleanliness of their school grounds and play scape was becoming an issue. They decided to take matters into their own hands and dedicated a day to cleaning up garbage up on the playground and school yard.

Farm Hill: Staff and children created crafts around the holidays that were donated to local senior centers to brighten the decor!

Lawrence: Children are writing and designing their own books based off of the February theme of caring. Once these books are completed they will hopefully be able to read them in classrooms of younger kids at Lawrence.

Macdonough: The children and staff recently held a Dental Drive to benefit Amazing Grace Food Pantry. They visited the pantry, advertised their drive and collected new toothbrushes, dental floss, mouthwash and toothpaste. They recently delivered over 85 pounds supplies to Amazing Grace!

Snow: Snow School Kids' Korner had their Annual Sandwich Day. Parents, staff, and children participated in a service learning project where they assembled over 250 sandwiches that were donated to St. Vincent De Paul Place. Donations for sandwiches are contributed from Kids' Korner families and staff.

Spencer: The children at Spencer are collecting baby care supplies for the ABC Women’s Shelter in Middletown. They are collecting items such as baby wipes, food, formula and diapers. If you would like to help them, please let us know!

Valley View: Children and staff coordinated two different food drives, one for the Amazing Grace Food Pantry and one for a local animal shelter. They collected non-perishable food items for humans and pet food and supplies for our 4 legged friends.

Wesley: The staff and children held a bake sale during parent/teacher conferences. This bake sale was truly a group effort; families and staff donated baked goods, the youngers advertised and the olders perfected their sales pitch and sold the baked goods. They raised $295.00! The kids decided to donate the money to the Meriden Humane Society and a local church to help provide Christmas presents to local families.

Woodside: The kids and staff created a Mitten Tree at the program. They asked people to bring in new mittens, hats and gloves to donate to a shelter in Middletown. Thank you to the teachers, families and Kids’ Korner staff at WIS for helping collect 60 items to donate!

We are proud of the children, families and staff who have completed these projects! Please stay tuned for more upcoming projects.

50/50 Fitness Competition - Camp Director Challenge #2

Good Morning Campers!!

I hope many of you completed last week's challenge of running a total of 12 miles! After some reflection on my challenged based event ahead, I imagine myself of crawling through miles of mud under barbed wire fence and through tunnels, it occurs to me that I'll need some upper body strength. So here is my Upper Body Strength Challenge:

Complete a total of 275 push ups!

My training team and I (Maegan), will do a variety of push up exercises over a course of two separate workouts. But again you can complete the challenge anyway you like, as long as you get to 275 by next Monday.

Good Luck and Stay Fit!

50/50 Fitness Competition - Camp Director Challenge #1

Alright 50/50 contestants as this fitness challenge is about to officially kick-off I first want to thank you for participating. Half of the money raised will help give some children an opportunity they would not otherwise have to experience YMCA Camp Ingersoll this summer. A truly great thing, thank you.

A little about my challenges (I promise the remainder challenges won't be this long winded):

I've been trying to increase my level of fitness for a few years now and in my quest for health, I recently registered for a Tough Mudder event to be held this May. A 10 mile extreme obstacle course that involves running up a mountain, climbing and crawling through mud along with other crazy obstacles. I hear that it requires a mix of stamina, strength and mental toughness to complete. So as I prepare for my adventure, I am challenging you to complete a portion of my training regiment. Important note: I, along with my training partner Maegan, will be completing all my challenges issued each week. Some may be harder than others, but they all are challenging to me! Each challenge must be completed prior to the following Monday and remember our core character value of Honesty!

Tony's Challenge Week 1
I need to get some mileage under my belt, so I figure that a running challenge is a nice way to start. I know it's cold outside, but that's part of the challenge, plus there are plenty of treadmills available.

Run a total of 12 miles

Good luck and stay fit!

Staying Healthy this Holiday is Easier Than You Think

Staying Healthy this Holiday is Easier Than You Think

Tis the season for Holiday shopping, parties, gatherings and a whole lot of homemade Holiday cooking! For most of us, the Holiday Season disrupts our normal health routines and habits. Spinning class is replaced by an office party and our evening Zumba class is spent at the mall trying to complete the never ending shopping list. To make it even worse as we go for Grandma’s special snowmen brownies a voice in our head tells us over and over again, “Don’t do it!” or “You’re gonna regret that!” We can be too hard on ourselves during this time of year, but here are some things to consider before you get down on indulging and some tips on how to enjoy your holidays this year:

1. First, you’re most likely not going to gain ten pounds between now and New Year’s Day. No matter what has happened since Thanksgiving and what you have planned for the remainder of 2011, according to research the average person gains between 1 and 4 pounds during this time. Not great, but not ten pounds either, so celebrate!
2. Be real with yourself. You’re most likely not going to lose weight, adjust your goal to try to avoid gaining weight.
3. Plan time to exercise. As I mentioned, routines are disrupted and classes or gym time is missed, so try to find other ways to exercise. Park farther away at the mall. Not only will you avoid those ugly parking battles, you’ll most likely save time parking and walking the extra 20 yards than driving around trying to find that great spot close to the entrance. Finding an extra five minutes in everyday tasks can add up! If you can plan time to exercise that is great, it can be a fantastic stress reliever!
4. Don’t try to skip a meal prior to a party, that just leads to over eating. Instead eat a raw vegetable or piece of fruit, that will curb your appetite a bit and boost your confidence. It’s like they say, one good decision leads to another.
5. When you are faced with a goody filled buffet, stick with your favorites temptation and pass on those foods you can live without.

Remember that the Holidays are about being with family and friends, not necessarily the food. So enjoy the time you have together, create some new memories and worry less about what to eat. Besides, there’s always your New Year’s Resolutions to help get back on track!

For more tips visit: CPMC Sutter Health

Happy Holidays!

Santa's Workshop a Great Success

Teaching children the importance of giving and sharing can be a challenge especially during the holiday season when the mantra, "I WANT..." can be heard everywhere. Adults need to role model generosity, compassion, empathy and philanthropy if they expect children to grow up to be good neighbors.
Last Thursday the Y gave families the opportunity to share the true meaning of Christmas with an event called Santa's Workshop. More than 30 people packed the Hazen Room and brought toys that were then wrapped and will be delivered to ABC Women's Center and NEAT. Children enjoyed making crafts, and eating cookies but the highlight of the evening was definitely Santa Claus making an appearance to thank the children for their donations.
There was a wonderful feeling of Christmas in the room that night. Everyone was smiling and laughing and enjoying being together. And that is the best way to teach values, by doing more than talking about sharing, by having children actually share.

Thank you to Tony Sharillo, Melanie Carfora, Amy Cardoza, Dave Jacob, Maegan Musanti, Kevin Devery and the staff of the Therapeutic Support Mentoring Program for all of their work and support.

Middlesex YMCA Addressing Youth Obesity

The significant increase in youth obesity and the resulting health crisis that many of our young people face requires intervention and action. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that in 2008, more than one third of children and adolescents were overweight or obese. This statistic is alarming but what is most sobering is the impact that obesity has on the quality of life of these individuals and the short and long term cost to society. It is a societal imperative that we reverse the trend and help young people gain back a healthy lifestyle.

The YMCA is for healthy living and we are committed to teaching our youth that an active lifestyle is attainable and enjoyable. Our message is that it is fun to be fit, to play hard, to run and jump and move your body. In 2006 the YMCA Kids’ Korner after school programs introduced the CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Child Health) curriculum in our eleven after school programs. This wellness curriculum is comprised of physical fitness games, activities and nutritional resources. Y staff facilitates a daily active game and integrates the nutrition materials into cooking clubs, group discussion and science clubs. Parent survey results indicate that 75% of children have shown an improvement in their fitness level as a result of this program. Feedback from staff, families and children proves that the program is encouraging active lifestyles and making a real difference in the activity level of children.

In September 2011 the YMCA was awarded a grant from the Aetna Foundation to expand the reach and scope of the CATCH program. As a result, the YMCA now facilitates CATCH activities three days a week at five elementary schools in Middletown (Macdonough, Bielefield, Wesley, Farm Hill and Snow). The activities are popular amongst the children and Y staff provides incentives for participation. Currently close to 500 children are participating in CATCH activities at these schools and the number of participants is increasing weekly.

The YMCA is encouraging inactive children to embrace a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise. It is important that children see positive role models making healthy choices. Families need to exercise together. Go for walks, ride bikes, swim at the Y, ice skate or roller skate. If you can’t get outside then at least turn off the TV and turn on an active video game. The following links are resources for families.

http://www.health.com/health/family

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fitness/FL00030

http://www.acefitness.org/fitfacts/fitfacts.aspx?category=14

http://www.letsgo.org/