UPCOMING EVENTS
Y-STARS
Y-Stars is a free motivational program which runs from April 15 until July 15.
This event encourages members to visit the Y 36 times over three months. That’s three times per week for three months. Free t-shirts are given out for every member who can achieve the 36 visits over three months. Register at the front desk before April 15.
KIDS NIGHT OUT
Kids’ Night Out is happening the last Friday of every month, right here at the Lakewood Family YMCA. Your child, 12 and under, can join us for food and fun from 6 to 9 p.m., while you can take some time for yourself.
Cost for children of Lakewood Family YMCA members: $15. Program members: $25.
FLICK AND FLOAT
Flick and Float in the pool is the first Friday of every month, at 7 p.m. The cost is $3 per child, and the pool closes at 6 p.m. in preparation.
Bring your floats and enjoy a fun family movie. Previous movies have included Finding Nemo, The Little Mermaid, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
CERTIFIED BABYSITTING INSTRUCTION
Become a certified babysitter from Noon to 4 p.m. March 23.
The cost is $75. Register at the front desk.
EASTER EGG DIVE AND HUNT
From 4-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, join us for a fun-filled afternoon of swimming with the EASTER EGG DIVE and HUNT and egg coloring. Bring your swim suit and towel. Cost is $3 for Members and $5 for Program Members. |
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MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: JIM HEFFERNAN
Jim Heffernan has been a member of the YMCA since 1990.
At that time he frequently visited the West Side YMCA, which used to be located at West 32 Street and Franklin Avenue. He and a friend would regularly visit, and he enjoyed swimming and water aerobics.
Heffernan was also a member in 1958 as a child.
He noticed that exercise alone did not take his weight off, and he needed motivation to change his diet as well.
The 90-Day Weight Loss Challenge, a program for members that was launched in September 2012, was his that source of motivation. He had a conversation with his doctor about his challenges with breathing. He weighed 283 pounds and his lungs were not able to expand to their full capacity.
His son is a nurse and would tell him that he should be at 169 pounds for his stature, according to the Body Mass Index chart. Thanks to the front desk staff, he was recruited into the challenge.
His doctor recommended some easy changes to his eating habits, such as more fiber, vegetables, and protein. He reduced his sugar and flour intake, and supplemented his diet with fresh fruit, more complex carbohydrates, and protein. For example, instead of a rich dessert full of sugar, he eats fresh berries with a little bit of whipped cream. He did not go to a nutritionist, but simply had a conversation with his doctor. He also read literature in the public domain on how to make quick and easy changes to diet.
Instead of eating potatoes with his dinner, he eats cauliflower with olives and green beans. He has not reduced his food intake but made smart choices in his diet.
He also participates in water aerobics at the YMCA five days per week. Jim said that his greatest source of motivation was the support he received from all of his good friends at the YMCA and his family. He won a 3-month membership and decided to give it to his daughter’s family.
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A MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR GARY RICK
As you are aware, we have had several major facility/equipment breakdowns over the last couple of months, most notably the swimming pool, sauna and whirlpool.
They say that things often happen in threes. I want to apologize for this process taking longer than expected. To compound the challenge, after purchasing and installing the new sauna a power surge resulted in a melted breaker. We have purchased a higher amperage breaker. I am happy to say that we now have a brand new pool heater, a brand new sauna and a fully-repaired whirlpool.
Lakewood Comes to the Y
Over the next few months we are inviting local professionals and business owners to present educational information sessions to our members. Last month we had Dr. Marc Duran from the Cleveland Clinic answer member questions about health related to exercise. Many of our members took advantage of the free advice. In April we will be having an “Ask the Pediatrician” event featuring local Pediatrician, Dr. John Bennett. This will be held from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 13 in the lobby.
If you are a business owner and/or professional in Lakewood and would like to provide an educational opportunity relating to your business please let us know. Please note that this is not opportunity to sell to our members, but to educate them in some fashion that is of benefit to them. Our corporate policy prohibits the posting of advertising materials on our walls, windows or counters.
Annual Campaign Update
I would like to thank all of those who contributed to our Annual Campaign for 2012, which just completed. We raised $80,000 which is the most we have ever raised on an annual basis.
In 2012 the Lakewood Family YMCA subsidized a more than $165,000 in scholarships to members in need of financial assistance. Your generosity helps the YMCA fulfill its mission in not turning anyone away due to inability to pay.
Now it is time to start on this year’s goal of $80,000. We are kicking off this year’s campaign from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday March 5 at the Local Bar and Grill directly across from the Lakewood Family YMCA on Detroit Avenue. We would love to have you join us if you would like to help generate funds for this year’s campaign effort.
The more individuals that we have helping the better. There are many in Lakewood who depend on our efforts.
If you would like to join us for the kickoff please RSVP to Gary Rick at grick@clevelandymca.org.
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STAFF PROFILE: DELINDA HUPKA
Please join us in welcoming Delinda Hupka to the position of Health & Wellness Director as of Tuesday, February 19.
We are excited to work with her because of her history with the Greater Cleveland YMCA: she served in the late 90’s and early 2000’s as Group Exercise Coordinator for the West Shore and Lakewood Family YMCAs.
She took a leave of absence from the YMCA to develop her skills in sales, and now she has returned with a new desire to manage our Health & Wellness department.
Delinda is AFFA certified, Mad Dogg Certified, and Spinning® Instructor certified.
She has over 20 years of experience as an instructor and trainer. Throughout her career, she has obtained numerous certifications in personal training and group exercise; mat certification, kickboxing, and RAPS®, and she also obtained group exercise instructor trainer certification through the YMCA (to name a few).
She is very passionate about exercise and educating people on how to improve their fitness level. She teaches Spinning, Muscle Conditioning, RAPS®, Step, Kickboxing, Pilates, Fitness Over 50, and Warm Water Arthritis classes.
She has been married to her husband Kevin ( a retired Cleveland Police Officer who now works as an Elvis Impersonator and Dealer at the Horseshoe Casino downtown) for over 25 years. They are the parents of three children; Lauryn 23, who is the mother of a two-year-old son named Tyler), Alyssa, 20, and Nick, 14.
For all the members that remember when she was pregnant with Nick and teaching...he is now 6' 2 and weighs 250 pounds and attends St.Edward High School.
All of her children have been raised with the Lakewood Family YMCA as a part of their life.
She is very excited to be back.
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Membership Notes from Mike Caprino, Member Engagement Director
To our current members: thanks for support of the Y, and to our new members: welcome.
I would like to take this opportunity to clarify the guest policy at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland:
- All guests to the Y must be accompanied by a member in good standing.
- All full members in good standing may bring up to two guests to the Y during any visit.
- The guests must be over 18 and not have an outstanding balance if they were previous members. An individual may be a guest at the Y for three visits at no charge. There is a $10 per visit fee after that.
- A member under the age of 18 may not have a guest under any circumstances.
- An individual under the age of 18 may not be a guest at the Y unless they are accompanied by a custodial adult and are the guest of a member in good standing.
- A member may not bring a child under 13 to the Y unless they are the custodial adult.
- (The exception to this guideline is a member in good standing may bring a child under 13 with them to the Y as long as the child is a member in good standing with the Y and the Y has written permission from the child’s custodial adult.)
- Program participants do not have guest privileges. Hosting a guest is a privilege reserved for full members.
The purpose of these guidelines is to ensure a safe environment for all visitors to the Y whether they are members or guests. Practically, this helps to ensure parking and space for all full members, while allowing individuals to sample the Lakewood Y and its programs.
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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 www.clevelandymca.org/communities or email us at diabetesprevention@clevelandy.org |
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