Winter 2012 Newsletter

WINTER SPORTS & LEAGUES

Power in Pink GIRLS ONLY League Ages 5 – 7
This league was designed with girls in mind. This program will enrich girls’ experiences through team sport with other girls their age. Another great aspect of this program is the engagement of parents, specifically mothers, who are highly encouraged to become a volunteer coach/role model for this division. This girls-only league emphasizes developing skills, improving self-esteem, learning fair play and having fun while teaching the fundamentals of sports.

Winter Youth Basketball League Starting January 9
Ages 3 &4, 5 & 6, 7 & 8, 9 – 11, and 12 – 14 years old. This league emphasizes developing skills, improving self-esteem, learning fair play and having fun while teaching the fundamentals of basketball. Games are held on Saturday. Costs are $45 for Members & $85 for Program Members, registration deadline is Dec. 31. There will be a $5 late fee for sign ups after Dec. 31. Price includes a reversible mesh jersey.

If you would like to get your child some extra practice before their games, we also have our Basketball Skills Class on Mondays for all ages. Where we have seen kid’s skills really improve from the first class to the last.

Adult Basketball League Starting January 9
4 on 4 League that is open to anyone 18 years and older. You can put a team of friends together or be a free agent and be placed on a team. Sign up deadline is Dec. 31, afterwards there is a $30 late fee. Any questions please email Jim Bodnar, jbodnar@clevelandyma.org.

Friday Night Dodge Ball
Fun for the whole family with safe foam dodge balls. Must register before showing up. There are two different age groups: 5- 8 and 9 – 14 years old, parents can play too!

Parents Night Out has moved to Saturday Nights!
Parents want a nice Saturday night without the kids? Bring the kids for a night filled of fun at the YMCA. They swim, eat, play, and watch a movie. Bring their swim suit and pajamas!

Sunday Family Programs
Looking for something to do on Sundays? Coming in 2012, the West Shore YMCA will be adding Sunday Family Programs. Any suggestions please email Jim Bodnar, jbodnar@clevelandymca.org.

Look for:
West Shore YMCA Winter Baseball Camp! Interested or have any questions please ask Jim Bodnar, Program Coordinator.

HEALTH & WELLNESS UPDATE

The Health & Wellness Department is starting some new classes!  In order to better serve our members we’ve added an additional yoga class to the schedule.  The class will be taught by Wellness Director, Christin Vernick and will be on Tuesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. - 7:05 p.m. We are hoping to grow our yoga population here at West Shore so try us out!  We also still have the Thursday evening Yoga/Pilates Fusion class taught by instructor Rob Shulman.

In addition to the yoga we’ve added a Steady and Stable class to the schedule.  This class is designed for anyone who has trouble or is not confident in their balance.  Also taught by our Wellness Director, the class will focus on exercises that strengthen muscles used to balance and practice balancing in different ways in order to help increase balance ability.

Health & Wellness also has a new staff member!  Jake Lewis joined us Nov. 14 on the fitness floor. With a great personal history of physical activity and fitness he is a wonderful resource and happy face for our members in the fitness area and weight room.  Working mostly mornings, say hello to Jake and give him a warm welcome to West Shore YMCA.

Member was an inspiration to others

On behalf of the West Shore family, it is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Laurie Fumic one of our West Shore Family YMCA members.  Laurie joined our facility after participating in our Go Fit! program in 2010.  I didn’t know Laurie when she first joined, but word quickly spread about this incredible woman.  We were truly amazed by her positive spirit despite her circumstances. Laurie had been diagnosed with cancer and was managing her cancer with diet and felt it was important to continue being as active as possible. Laurie was in the Y regularly and quickly endeared herself to the staff. Her incredible courage, determination and beautiful spirit are an inspiration to all who knew her. The West Shore staff feels truly blessed to have had her in our lives and we will think of her every day that we walk into the Y. She will continue to be a daily reminder of why we are here to serve the members.

The following tribute is from Laurie’s family and we would like to share it with the rest of our West Shore family.

Laurie Cisar Fumic was ahead of her time. Long before many were so actively involved in the safe keeping of our planet, Laurie had the sensitivity and passion caring for our environment and all of God’s creatures. Laurie, the youngest of five children, was exceptionally gifted. In addition to being a stellar student, reading on an adult level by 4th grade, she excelled at ballet, piano and organ. Laurie began her higher education with a scholarship at Case Western Reserve University.   She later graduated from Ohio State with a degree in Zoology. Beyond college, Laurie continued her pursuit of addressing global issues and relevant local environmental issues, as an active participant. She also found time to put her talents as a professional proofreader to work as a successful lifelong vocation.

As a member of the Northern Ohio Association of Herpetology, Laurie loved animals and had an affinity for reptiles and birds. Amongst other critters, she cared for several pet iguanas. Her Sun Conure Parrot was appropriately named “Baby”, who acted as if she were her child. 

Laurie loved the outdoors, especially when it was on a bike. As an avid cyclist she participated in many local events, and on any given day or season could be seen riding most anywhere in the Cleveland area. Her travel mode was definitely green, and her heart was always focused on a healthy and smarter way of living. 

After being diagnosed with stage four breast cancer in March 2009, Laurie initially followed traditional medical advice and began chemotherapy. After four of six rounds of chemo gave her uterine cancer (a rare but listed side effect), in her typical style she sought a better option, rather than accepting what others might. After reading Dr. Peter D’Adamo’s Blood Type Diet book she became interested in implementing the Blood Type Diet. She traveled to Connecticut for a personal consultation with Dr. D’Adamo. She astonished doctors as well as friends with her energy and commitment to battle the cancer.   She was tireless in this fight for her life and credits the Blood Type Diet for giving her two and a half additional years. Laurie was also the first to admit that none of her dedication would have been possible without the constant support of her wonderful husband, Nick, who prepared all her meals. Nick remained the her biggest supporter and constant caregiver through her final days here. 

Being environmentally conscious, Laurie left a small footprint on this earth, but for those she touched and for those who were privileged to know her, she left a lifetime of memories that will make her passing a bit sad.  But only for a moment, because she also gave us the chance to remember all of the wonderful things she did in her life.