ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 

Thank you to those of you who participated in the recent Indoor Triathlon, and especially Geauga Family YMCA Advisory Board Members Susan Fogarty, Rick Simmons and Bryan Wadsworth for their valiant efforts to ensure a successful event.

And we would be remiss if we forgot to thank our event sponsors, Kent State University’s Geauga Campus, Phil Prosser Photography, UH Geauga and GoodGreens Inc. 

We had a nice level of participation and this event helped bring awareness around our annual campaign that supports the cost of membership for people unable to pay for our programs and services.  Coming up soon will be the Annual Campaign Golf Outing and we will provide more details as they become available. 

A MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEX NICHOLS

The sun is shining and there are some hints that spring will arrive soon.  But wait one day and we will swear we live in the tundra and spring will begin in June.  Then the next day, spring jackets will be back again.  What a yo-yo.

Winter may be an up and down season, but at the Geauga Family YMCA we are happy to keep providing solid programs and services.  One of our most solid programs is the summer camp program for children.  I cannot tell you how many times we hear a member say, “I remember going to a YMCA camp as a child.”

This is one of the most positive things we like to hear and we know that providing youth opportunities for growth through summer camp contributes to helping build the foundation of our future. 

Growth and development are important for our future as well and because it helps us strengthen the foundation of our community by being a hub of health and wellness services.  We are now nearing our peak membership units and we will be reviewing existing programs to see what we can do to continue to provide the high quality services that are expected by each of you.  Some have asked for more senior programs and others have asked for changes to the group exercise schedule. 

We thank each of you for speaking up and requesting additional programs and services.  We strive to provide the best health and wellness services in the county and hope that we can continue to have a positive impact for our community. 

Alex Nichols

INTRODUCING THE DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM

Diabetes is a serious health condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and blindness. Prediabetes is a potentially reversible condition, and 79 million people in the United States are estimated to have it. If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes, or believe you may be at risk for developing the disease, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help you develop a healthier lifestyle and work with you to reduce the risks this condition can pose to your health.

Based on effective efforts researched by the National Institutes of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program will help you learn about and adopt the healthy eating and physical activity habits that have been proven to reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.  Through the 12 month lifestyle change program you will receive support and encouragement from both a trained lifestyle coach and fellow classmates as you develop a plan for improving and maintaining your overall well-being.

For more information visit the Diabetes Prevention Program web site  or email us.

AQUATICS NEWS

Swim Lesson Sessions: Spring I- Monday March 18 to Sunday April 28. Spring II – Monday, April 29 to Sunday June 9.  Private lessons are available at any time.  Contact the aquatics department at 440-285-7543 for more information.

American Red Cross Lifeguard Class

Spring I, April 3 - May 1, Wednesdays from 6-9 p.m. and Saturdays (4/6) and (4/20) from 11a.m. – 2 p.m.

SPORTS PROGRAMS

Spring is almost here and will be a busy time for our youth programming.  We will again be offering Spring Flag Football, along with our other spring and summer sports including t-ball, outdoor soccer and volleyball.  Our skills classes will be switching to our spring/summer schedule starting in late April and will be offering a bunch of new time options for busy families.  Martial art continues and includes classes for youth and adults and will again be hosting an adult self defense class in late summer. 

It is never too early to make your summer plans!  The Geauga Family YMCA will once again be providing there annual Summer Day Camp.  The YMCA Day Camp focuses on providing your children with a fun and enjoyable summer through teamwork, friendly competition and fun weekly themes.  There will be a variety of sports and fun week options to choose from with each session lasting one week.

The YMCA Day Camp operates from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and campers will be given the opportunity to learn and develop new skills, play games, make new friends and have a safe and enjoyable summer.

Who is Sports Camp for?  Youth ages 6-12 who have interest in developing sport skills, making friends and most important having fun. 

What is done in each camp?  Each camp will have the following: skills sessions, scrimmages – games, free time, pool time, lunch, occasional movie, and miscellaneous games/activities.

Please look to sign-up now or find more information by visiting your branch.

MEMBER PROFILE: ED LUOMA

Ed Luoma has been a member at the Geauga Family YMCA since 2006, as a participant in the SilverSneakers fitness program.  SilverSneakers is a program that some Medicare Supplemental insurance carriers have as an added benefit for their clients. 

Beside having the use of the fitness room and pool there are certain fitness classes choreographed especially for the senior population over the age of 65. 

He loves the classes and the socialization within the group.

In addition to the various classes, Luoma works-out in the fitness room using the Nautilus equipment to work his upper and lower body, and then on to the exercise bike. 

Turning 80 this year, Luoma was born in Geauga County in 1933, grew up in the Burton area, and graduated from Burton High School in 1952.  Right after graduation, he and two of his high school buddies ventured to Cleveland to enlist in the Marine’s he went to Korea to serve his country.  He returned home and then worked in construction for Burton Rubber Company for 30 years.

If you ever attend the Great Geauga County Fair, you may have notice the Luoma Horseshoe Pavilion.  It is named for Ed’s older brother who competed in horseshoes at the world level and his best showing was number 12 in the World. 

STAFF PROFILE:  CAROL YUKO

Carol Yuko was born and raised in Geauga County.  She is a graduate of West Geauga High School and Ohio Wesleyan University.  After traveling for a year for Delta Delta Delta Sorority as a Field Advisor, she studied painting and drawing at the University of Kansas. 

Carol resided in Boston for 22 years and worked in advertising, art instruction and art therapy.  She joined the staff of the Geauga Family YMCA in September of 2011.  When she is not at the Y, Carol and her dog, Sky, help her mom stay in the family home.