|
WHO'S WHO
Michael Carter, Executive Director
Carla Turner, Membership Engagement Director
Tanner Gilbert, Member Services Director
Jacquelyn Minor, Director of Community and Youth Services
Mark Edwards, Regional Sports Director
Patrice Williamson, Area Child Care Director
Mike Dinkeldein, Youth and Adult Sports Coordinator
Chayla Owens, Child Watch Coordinator
|
|
WINTER EVENTS
Free Nutrition Class every Wednesday – January 16 -- Feb 6 -- 1 --2:30 p.m.
FUN FAMILY NIGHT SERIES
January 11 -- 6:30 p.m. -- 8:30 p.m. -- Part I Family Arcade and Board Game Night.
April 12 -- 6:30 p.m. -- 8:30 p.m. – Part II -- Family Feud.
July 19 -- 6:30 p.m. -- 8:30 p.m. -- Part III -- Splatter Games (Come prepared to get wet).
October 11 -- Part IV -- Family Survivor.
|
|
MEMBER PROFILE
ALAN DAVIS
How would you describe yourself?
I am a 56-year-old African-American male who was diagnosed in 1995 with spinal fusion. I retired 17 years ago from LTV Steel as a construction electrician. Also, I was an introvert until coming to the YMCA and engaging and seeing others striving for excellence. The YMCA has improved my quality of life, mentally, physically and spiritually.
Tell us you got involved in the YMCA?
I was not happy with the other facility where I was involved. I was looking for a relaxed setting with a more structured regimen.
What was your first impression of the YMCA?
I was very impressed with the newness/layout of the facility. The personnel are very pleasant.
What's the best thing that has happened since working out at the YMCA?
Meeting the staff and becoming and a member has been great.
What do you wish other people knew about the YMCA?
I wish more people in the surrounding community were aware of the facility and what it has to offer. Once you come in, you’re sold.
Tell us something about some of the people you've met while working out at the YMCA.
Janet Moten was thinking of cancelling her membership. I walked up and introduced myself and invited her to the "Life Fitness Center." She now comes faithfully three times a week. Not only did I help save a member, I made a friend for life. We come on the same days and work out together.
Tell us about someone who has influenced you at the YMCA. Member Service Representative, Debbie Preston always has a cheerful and giving spirit. She is a living example of the YMCA mission statement.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about joining the YMCA?
Joining the YMCA is a truly a lovely experience. It gives you that something extra when you have nothing else. It is a definite stress release.
If you weren't using our services, what would you be doing instead, and what are you doing to enhance your time at the YMCA?
I would be a couch potato, depressed and not exercising the body. Instead I have named myself the "Warrensville Heights YMCA Ambassador" inviting people, engaging with the members and spreading my experience with others.
|
|  |
|
MESSAGE FROM THE BRANCH DIRECTOR
The Warrensville Heights Family YMCA achieved its first milestone in October by raising over $8,000 during the 2012 Annual Campaign. We are the first branch in the YMCA of Greater Cleveland Association to reach its annual goal and we are making history as a new branch achieving the campaign goal in its first six months of existence. I would like to personally thank staff, advisory board members and the local businesses for their contributions.
Since we did so well and the community need for financial assistance is increasing, we have been challenged with a higher goal this upcoming year. The 2013 Annual Campaign goal will be a combined goal of $35,000 between Warrensville and Southeast Family YMCA branches.
In November, we kicked off, the Association-wide 2013 Staff Campaign. I was proud in the first two weeks of the campaign to see our part-time, full-time and leadership staff giving at a significant level. This speaks volumes for our staff commitment to “The Cause.”
Because we are committed to “The Cause” we are able to assist with subsidizing fees for members who want to participate in our programs, but are unable to pay the full rate for memberships and programs such as swim lessons and day camp.
In a couple of months we will be kicking off our Community Campaign which will be full of fun and exciting activities in the branch such as a Swim-a-thon, Zumba-thon, and a basketball tournament. We will also be reaching out to the local businesses to request contributions.
I hope our community can count on you to join, “The Cause” with staff, advisory board members and myself by supporting the 2013 Annual Campaign.
What an incredible community.
Thank you,
Michael A. Carter
|
|
STAFF PROFILE: PERSONAL TRAINER MICHAEL ALEXANDER
With over 15 years of studying Holistic Health, and over 25 years studying Martial Arts, Michael D. Alexander, ACSM-CPT is a Certified Personal Trainer (via the American College of Sports Medicine), and a current candidate for a Bachelor’s Degree. in Sports Medicine & Exercise Science.
He is also a Holistic Health & Fitness Specialist, and Public Speaker. He has dedicated his life to helping people overcome adversity, in all walks of life.
Michael began his career as a private fitness trainer, but now works for the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. When asked why he left behind his private business for the YMCA, Michael says, “The YMCA has the ability to bring about change in the community, when it comes to health issues, like no other fitness organization can. For one, it’s a non-profit organization that offers membership scholarships for people who may not be able to normally afford membership fees. Who does that other than the Y? The Y is the only fitness facility that is truly family-friendly and goes out into the community to interact with the people.”
Michael (known by members as Michael A.) currently does personal training and group exercise instruction at the Warrensville Heights Family YMCA branch.
He specializes in Functional Training, Martial Arts conditioning and specialty group exercise classes that tone the muscles (i.e.. TRX & Kettlebells). If you are looking to strengthen your body and improve your body composition, Michael is waiting to assist you. For a list of Michael A’s classes, please visit our website: http://clevelandymca.org/branches/warrensville/index.html
|
|
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Please join us for our new class THE MIXX every Monday night from 7:30 – 8:20 p.m. The Mixx is the best of all worlds. Why? Because it’s always dynamic and always challenging. You will work your body in ways that you didn’t know it could work. Each week will offer a variety of different exercise techniques. Cardio, strength, coordination, flexibility, and a few surprises.
Do not forget to schedule your free 30 minute wellness coaching session at the member services desk for structure, guidance, and information on how to get the maximum results from your workouts.
CLASS SPOTLIGHT: TRX
Have you wondered what the large black rack in the Wellness Center is used for? This is the home of our TRX classes.
Born in the Navy SEALs, TRX body-weight exercises develop strength, balance, flexibility and core stability simultaneously.
Sound intimidating? The surprise is that TRX exercises can be done by literally EVERYONE! You adjust the way you stand during the exercises to make the workout as easy or as difficult as you wish - you are in total control. In fact, many people with faulty balance and health challenges especially love the TRX since the straps support their body weight.
The magic of the TRX system is that you are always working our in a natural, comfortable position ---- the TRX strap allows you adapt each exercise to perfectly fit your body. With the strap to hold on to, your body becomes the workout tool perfectly adapted to your unique needs and goals.
See our Group Exercise schedule for the many TRX class offerings - new sessions begin on January 7, February 11, and March 18. And - ask any personal trainer on duty to show you how the TRX system works.
|
|
ADULT AND YOUTH SPORTS
We are excited to announce our partnership with the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of their Junior Cavaliers program. Each participant enrolled in our winter or spring youth basketball program will receive a free ticket to the April 7 Cavs game. The game is also in conjunction with our annual Healthy Kids Day held at Quicken Loans Arena.
The YMCA Youth Basketball League is an instructional league based on age and level of play. Basketball game rules are adapted and fundamental skills are learned to maximize participants learning and enjoyment. Through this league, the Y aims to build character through teamwork and friendly competition. The success of the Y basketball league relies heavily on volunteer coaches and officials.
We also want to highlight our youth classes, including: martial arts, basketball, flag football, soccer, and sports combo.
For adults, we offer an adult basketball league, which is held on weeknights. The league is played on our NBA regulation court with NBA 3-point line.
Please contact Mark Edwards or Mike Dinkeldein with any questions on youth/adult sports.
|
|
COMMUNITY YOUTH SERVICES/TEEN CENTER
Calling All Volunteers
Volunteering is at the heart of local YMCA;s. In the early days, all YMCA leaders were volunteers. Today YMCA’s are led by volunteers and paid staff. An effective staff/volunteer partnership is evident in every cause-driven YMCA. Volunteering offers people a chance to get involved in community life and to show how much they care for others by running programs, setting policies, raising money, and solving neighborhood problems. By giving their time to others, volunteers also give themselves a chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
Program Volunteer Opportunities
- Adult Achievers
- Mentors and Tutors
- Parent Volunteers
- Join a Committee
For more information, go to www.clevelandymca.org or contact Jacquelyn Minor, Community and Youth Services Director, 216.518.9622, jminor@clevelandymca.org
|
|
AQUATICS NEWS
Swimming Lessons—Winter Sessions are five-week sessions
- Winter I—1/7/2013-2/10-2013
- Winter II—2/11/2013-3/17/2013
Sessions include one-30 minute swim lesson for five weeks.
Cost for Members: $30.
Cost for Program Members: $60.
The Southeast Stingrays began practice at the Warrensville High School Recreation Center on December 3. Practices will be held Monday-Friday from 6 -- 7:30 p.m.
Looking to learn a life skill as a family?
Join us in the pool for Family Swim Lessons. Up to 5 family members at one time can join us in the pool with an instructor and learn the basics of swimming and water safety. Cost: Members: $30; Program Members: $60.
|
|
