UPCOMING EVENTS

Winter Membership Campaign 100% off Joiner Fee – a $100 savings.  December 17 – January 31, 2013.  If you contribute $25 to the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Annual Campaign, you will be entered into a drawing to win a weekend family getaway.

January 21, 2013 
Martin Luther King Day of Service at the Y -- Noon-5 p.m.

January 25, 2013    
Zumba-thon Fund-raiser for Annual Campaign.

February 7, 2013
FAFSA Completion for high school seniors and parents.

CHILD WATCH COMING TO THE DOWNTOWN YMCA JANUARY 7

MESSAGE FROM THE BRANCH DIRECTOR

As we end 2012 and begin the New Year, we reflect on our success for the year and the exciting opportunities which have come our way.  As the Branch Director, for the last six months it has been a pleasure to serve you.  I have had the opportunity to meet so many great members and hear great stories that helped me understand how special the Downtown Y is to this community.

I have the opportunity to work with a group of talented and dedicated staff that is engaging with our members every day.  I have also had the opportunity to meet so many dedicated leaders in this community who want to see success in the city of Cleveland.

From the surveys that were done recently, our members wanted to know more about what the Y does in the community.  We are a partner with the Higher Education Compact of Greater Cleveland, we run an after-school youth sports program and L.I.F.E. program at Marion Sterling Elementary School, we opened a new childcare site at the Old Stone Church on Public Square, and we have collaborated with Safe Haven to run a suspension program at Marion Sterling Elementary School.

The Clevelanders In Motion branch of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland did Body Age Screenings at six  Recreation Centers in Cleveland.  The We Run The City Youth Marathon Program provides advocacy for complete streets projects and the bicycling community, runs Central bike and swim club, and provides healthy recipes and walking maps.  We are looking forward to an exciting New Year at the Downtown YMCA.

Laura E. Floyd

MEMBER PROFILE:  Adrienne Arnold

Adrienne Arnold has been a member of the Downtown YMCA for 2 ½ years.  She is the mother of three children grandmother to four.

During her pregnancies, Adrienne gained a lot of weight and through the years she has struggled with it.  Her first interaction with the Y was enrolling in the goFit! Program which was collaboration with Cleveland Clinic.  After the three months of a sponsored membership she was hooked on the Y and made a decision to join and become a member of our family.

“My weight loss journey has been a struggle but I am winning the battle. I have lost 70 pounds and at 55-years-old I am in the best shape of my life. I watch what I eat by adding more fruits and vegetables and cutting back on high calorie snacks and empty calories, and I stopped drinking sugar filled drinks.  Water is my favorite drink.

I love coming to the Y. It really gives me a great sense of accomplishment.”

Her first class was spinning and it remains one of her favorites.  She loves Zumba and has her “spa” day in the pool, whirlpool and sauna.  After a long day at work as a machine operator with Bonne Bell making cosmetics, Adrienne looks forward to the Y. 

She constantly talks to her co-workers about how much fun she has at the Y.  They cannot believe how much energy she has after work to work out.  In her spare time, Adrienne enjoys spending time with her family, going to the movies, reading, crafting, cooking and baking.

Over the summer she fell in love with bike riding again at the Metroparks towpath and she also enjoys walking and listening to music. 

STAFF PROFILE:
Wellness Coordinator Allen Stokes

Wellness Coordinator Allen Stokes has been with the YMCA of Greater Cleveland almost 10 years.  He started at the Hillcrest branch as the Program Director.  He ran sports skill classes and sport leagues wellness classes, Achievers and Leaders Clubs.

In 2009, Stokes was transferred to the Downtown Y to meet the wellness needs of our members and the community.  Allen is dedicated and passionate about what we do at the Y.

“I believe in our mission and I have a passion for people.”

Stokes currently teaches boot camp and group cycling.  He is one of our personal trainers and a wellness coach.  In his time away from the Y, Stokes is involved in ministry at his church.  He strongly believes in serving others through that ministry work.  For his fitness regimen, he does a lot of cross-training involving sports conditioning and athletic training.  If you are interested in personal training or setting up a wellness coaching session Allen can help you.