ANNUAL CAMPAIGN 

At the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, no one is turned away because of an inability to pay.  Every year we provide scholarships to members of our community who do not have the ability to pay the membership and program fees.  Money to help assist these families in need come from our annual campaign.  We give out more than $80,000 in scholarships annually and a $25.00 donation will provide a swim lesson for a child.  Please consider helping with our annual campaign or sponsor a child or a family participate in the programs and services we offer.

A MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALEX NICHOLS

I cannot believe this entire year has passed us by so quickly.  As I reflect upon this past year, I must say, I am impressed with the foundation of our Chardon community.  It is not often that you find an idyllic community with such a strong sense of pride in being a member of the community and this makes me proud to be a part of this area.

What also makes me proud is our ability to help those in need.  Many see the Geauga Family YMCA as a place for working on health and wellness goals.  But, we are so much more to many people.  We are a place of solace for those in times of need.  We are a place for friendship for those living alone.  And most importantly we are a place to help strengthen the foundation of our community.  In fact we pride ourselves in our desire to help those in our community.

Did you know we have a scholarship program for those unable to pay for our services?  This is our way of giving back to those in need and helping promote our cause.  We believe in health and wellness services for each member of our community and in this giving time, we are proud to be able to help out.  I cannot tell you how often we hear, “my husband lost his job,” or “my child has trouble making friends,” or “my child is afraid of the water.”  If a neighbor said any of these things to you, would you find a way to help? 

If you would help, maybe we are the place for you to help your community.  We are always looking for community advocates to help advance our mission and the personal reward for helping someone overcome a personal matter is amazing.  I smile when I think of the times I have helped someone.  I smile because I have made a difference in a life and it is that pleasure that keeps me here in this industry.  Join us this holiday season and help make a difference in your community.

Holiday Blessings to you and your family.

Thank you,

Alex Nichols

SPORTS NEWS 

As we begin a new year the YMCA will also be bringing in new programs and new opportunities.  Our biggest and most exciting for early 2013 will be our partnership with the Jr. Cavaliers and our basketball program.  This partnership will allow all of our basketball participants to receive a voucher for a free ticket to a Cavaliers game.  We will also be offering a two for one option for our Winter and Spring 1 basketball leagues which will save people greatly when they register for both leagues at the same time.

Also in January we will be starting a new session of our Adult Basketball League and will be reformatting our league schedule to allow for more options.   

If you have any interest in participating you can sign-up as a team or as an individual free agent. 

We want to hear from you!  We have been offering our youth sports skills classes for many years now and have provided our members with new sports and different time options.  However we want to hear from you, please fill out our sports class survey to let us know what you would like to see.  Please contact Program Director Mike Dutton  for more information. 

STAFF PROFILE

It is with great excitement that Brian Merkich has joined the YMCA Leadership Team at the Geauga Family YMCA as our new Member Engagement Director. Brian comes to us from the Euclid Family YMCA where he was Membership Coordinator for the last two years. Originally from Youngstown, Brian is a graduate of Ohio University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management.

His main focus will be increasing membership and educating the community of the YMCA’s value and mission.

Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and four-year old daughter. He is an avid sports fan and loves all Cleveland sports teams. 

MEMBER PROFILE

This quarter our member profile highlights Beverly Speer.

Beverly has been a member here at the Geauga Family YMCA since September 2009.  She came to us after the gym she was attending closed down.  Some other members from that gym came at the same time and they are still here along with her.

Beverly has lived in Geauga County for 60 years.  She raised three children and now has eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.  In 2013 she will be 81-years-old.  You would never know it.

Beverly stays fit by attending the Y and she participates in yoga, Pilates and in the fitness room she likes the treadmill, rope and bike.  “You have to keep your feet on the floor to keep your bones strong.  You can’t sit around because you will fall apart.”

Beverly admits she didn’t start working out until she retired at age 65.  She was too busy with work.  She was an interior designer by trade.  After becoming a widow, her friends encouraged her to get out and meet some people so she started working out at the gym.  She made friends and met Walter, whom she describes as her “playmate,” in the youthful, active sense of someone to have fun with.

They walk, bike, hike and attend the Y together.  They enjoy a lot of the same activities.  Although she never attended a YMCA as a youth she learned to play and keep fit by playing outside as a child.

Beverly says attitude is the key in everything.  You have got to be positive and find humor in all things. 

One of her favorite sayings..”Life is not a dress rehearsal, this is the real thing…the best year is right now!”