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A Community Magazine from the YMCA of Greater Richmond Vol. 1 • Issue II • Spring 2009

InsIde: strengthened Resolve

Coping with Parkinson’s

Getting Ready for schoolTeen leaders prepare for YMCA

Blue Ridge Leaders’ School

spirit, Mind, BodyActive older adults form

friendships at the Y

spring Program Guide2009 camp information

Hospitality feels Good

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at camp

Register todaywww.ymcarichmond.org/camp

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Online Update 6 YMCA’s NEW Camp

Thunderbird Website

News 7Healthy Kids Day

Volunteer Appreciation

On the Cover: Davis Beatty at the Downtown YMCA, featured in “Hospitality Feels Good.” • Photography: Scott Elmquist

Community 8 Strengthened Resolve

Getting Ready for School

A YMCA Story 10Hospitality Feels Good

Healthy Living 12 Spirit, Mind, Body

What’s Your Y.Q.?

Quick and Easy Recipes for Kids 14

contents march – april 09

10 8

12

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President & CeO Barry M. Taylor

Executive Vice President/OperationsDick Lyons

Executive Vice President/Operations

Membership and Programs Karen Keegan

Senior Vice President & CFORandy Spears

Senior Vice President of PhilanthropyNancy Trego

Editorial BoardVice President

Marketing & CommunicationsD. Todd Gray

Creative Director Marketing & Communications

Larissa Tyler

Communications DirectorJohn Wallace

Electronic Marketing DirectorRyan Dalton

Vice President for Community Development & Programs

Tito Luna

Association Member Services DirectorNancie Wingo

Planned Giving DirectorJane Hamilton

ContributorsBruce Yoder, Evelyn Zak, Shawn West

Contributing PhotographersScott Elmquist, Cabay Fine Photography,

Casey Templeton

Our ValuesCaring, honesty, respect, and

responsibility are the basis for all that we do.

Tell us what you think of YMCA Connect. Please send us your comments or suggestions to

letters@ymcarichmond.org.

YMCA member corner

we want your feedback...

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YMCA of Greater Richmond

YMCA Connect is produced quarterly by the YMCA of Greater Richmond. The YMCA of Greater Richmond

is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. Contributions are deductible for income tax purposes to the

extent provided by law.

The Miracle of Holiday Bingo

There is a group of people out there who respond only tepidly to doctor’s

admonitions, an expanding waistline, and cholesterol/triglyceride numbers

that would make a cardiologist tremble. However, dangle Holiday

Bingo in front of those same people, throw in some unnamed small prize,

mix up the categories, and you’ve got a committed, passionate exerciser!

Go figure! It’s not about the health… It’s all about the smiley faces. I am

in that group, and now I’ve finally figured out what motivates me.

So, thanks to Holiday Bingo, I am back on an almost daily exercise

routine. I now have an arsenal of activities to choose from. Some were

surprises – after avoiding the pool like the plague, I discovered that I really enjoy water aerobics and swimming.

I’ve taken exercise classes I normally wouldn’t have tried…then loved them

(or in some cases, survived them – reward enough). I’ve learned how

to change the weight machines to fit and mixed cardio up with previously

untried machines. In the process, I’ve lost some of my body fat and exercise enough to gobble homemade holiday

goodies without gaining weight.

The miracle of this program is that your supportive staff and those 25

smiley faces made exercise fun, challenging but doable, and a regular

habit. Oh yes, and I get a prize.

Thank you,Sharon P. Eshler

I joined the Y about a month ago, and I think it’s fantastic! Best gym I’ve ever belonged to – varied equipment, plenty to go around; really great, quality classes (yoga, Pilates, Zumba); and friendly staff. Thanks for such a great gym!

Downtown YMCA Member

I know many athletes, especially runners, who “wear out” their knees over time. How can I prevent this and take care of my knees during exercise?

YMCA Member

Damage to the knees can be the result of a muscle imbalance, wear over time, injury or a combination. I suggest doing non-impact cardio (elliptical, bike, swimming) to reduce the impact on the knees. The addition of strength training will also build the muscles supporting the joint and make it stronger.

YMCA Wellness Director Carol Marie Crank

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are turning to the YMCA for a source of family support and a sense of community. The 2009 Planting Seeds of Hope Annual Giving Campaign makes it possible to ensure that the YMCA’s programs and services are Open to All regardless of income or financial resources. As one of the largest charities in the Commonwealth of Virginia endorsed by the Better Business Bureau, the YMCA of Greater Richmond relies upon the generosity of many folks to support our mission throughout the year. In 2009, generous individuals, corporations and foundations will provide approximately 3.2 million dollars in charitable contributions to enrich the lives of thousands.

The YMCA of Greater Richmond – your YMCA – is a reflection of the community it serves. Fifteen branches across the region serve their surrounding neighborhoods with programs tailored to our members’ needs. We do this by having conversations with you. Our new website makes it faster and easier for you to share your thoughts. So tell us what you think.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Barry M. TaylorPresident & CEO, YMCA of Greater Richmond

We build strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

President’s Letter

our mission

Since the 1800’s, the YMCA has been a pioneer in children’s camp experiences. The YMCA of Greater Richmond is no exception. We will be offering Day Camp programs at 14 branch sites for children of all ages - from creative preschool programs to teen extreme adventure camps. In this issue’s cover story, read about the YMCA’s commitment to providing a camp experience accessible to all children including those with special needs. I am sure you will be touched by the role a child’s camp opportunity plays in the lives of these families. I know I was.

The YMCA’s mission to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all recognizes no boundaries. We are always mindful of those who face the physical challenges of ailments such as arthritis and Parkinson’s, particularly focusing on programs and services that will support the needs of older adults. In the magazine’s Community Development pages, read about an exercise class at the John Rolfe Family YMCA and the impact it has on the lives of Parkinson’s patients. And learn how Active Adults are connecting with each other in Spirit, Mind & Body.

As the parent of a teen daughter, I know firsthand the challenges our children face everyday in school, their communities and often within their own homes. The YMCA’s Teen Leaders’ Club is full of inspiring students who have chosen a commitment to community service, academic achievement and support among peers as a path to success. In this issue you will read about several teen leaders who understand how “giving back feels good.”

During these challenging economic times, many members of our community are hurting and need help. We have seen a noticeable increase in families coming through our doors who

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

Spring is upon us and my daughter is already counting the days until the school year ends and she again becomes immersed in our YMCA Day Camp programs. Lauren will return to day camp with many friends she has met in recent years and embark upon a journey of adventure and new experiences.

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YMCA online

branch websitesChester Family YMCA www.chesterymca.org

Chickahominy Family YMCAwww.chickahominyymca.org

Downtown YMCAwww.downtownrichmondymca.org

Goochland Family YMCAwww.goochlandymca.org

James Center YMCAwww.jamescenterymca.org

John Rolfe Family YMCAwww.johnrolfeymca.org

Manchester Family YMCAwww.manchesterfamilyymca.org

Midlothian Family YMCAwww.midlothianymca.org

North Richmond YMCA Community Centerwww.northrichmondymca.org

Patrick Henry Family YMCAwww.patrickhenryymca.org

Elizabeth Randolph Lewis Powhatan YMCAwww.powhatanymca.org

Shady Grove Family YMCAwww.shadygroveymca.org

Southside Virginia Family YMCAwww.southsidevaymca.org

Tuckahoe Family YMCAwww.tuckahoeymca.org

YMCA Camp Thunderbird Outdoor Centerwww.campthunderbirdymca.org

It all begins with our new Camp Thunderbird Activity site that will pilot social networking features. This summer the staff, parents, and campers at Camp Thunderbird will be able to get online and stay connected – safe and secure!

Campers Can •Enjoy a rich, interactive experience•Securely log on and share camp stories with their friends•Upload photographs and video in a secure area accessible only to parents and campers

parents Can •Securely log on and share information about carpools•See the most updated activity schedules•View photographs of their campers and share their camp experience

staff Can •Stay informed with updated schedules•Utilize forums as opportunities to share their own experiences

Checkout www.ymcarichmond.org frequently to see the many improvements being made each day to enhance your YMCA member experience and broadly introduce social networking capabilities throughout the site!

www.ymcarichmond.org

Many members have taken the new website for a test drive over the past several months – our new calendar of events feature, the ability to create your own profile page, and easier access to online registration are just a few of the key improvements we’ve made.

A new round of website improvements is on the way and they will allow you to connect with the staff and members of the YMCA in a whole new way.

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volunteer appreciation

YMCA news

marchWomen’s History Month

3/4 - Annual Meeting Planting Seeds of Hope kick-off 3/28 - Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K

High school juniors Maurice Carter and Dominique Thaxton are YMCA Leaders’ Club participants at the Manchester Family YMCA. Like the leaders featured in our “Getting Ready for School” article (page 9), they are working toward Blue Ridge Leaders’ School in June and are busy racking up volunteer hours.

“My favorite part is helping in child care. The kids look up to us as role models and it’s a great feeling, ” said Dominique. “Even some of the kids that were in child care when we first started have now become leaders,” added Maurice, who has been active recruiting volunteers in church and the Y. “When I started three years ago we had 8 leaders, now we’ve grown to 19!”

Both think of their club as extended family. When asked of their accomplishments, Dominique replied, “knowing our service helps to break some of the negative stereotypes about teens makes us all proud.”

2009 Planting Seeds of Hope Annual Giving Campaign Kick Off

Led by Chair Marilyn Norman of Rutherford, Inc and Vice-Chair Rob Alexander of Capital One, the 2009 Planting Seeds of Hope Annual Giving Campaign kicks off with our Annual Meeting on March 4. Help support child care, summer camp and preschool; water safety and free swim lessons; and income-based membership rates so that everyone can be a part of the YMCA, regardless of their ability to pay.  Volunteer fundraising opportunities are also available. Visit www.ymcarichmond.org/donate to give today.

aprilParkinson’s Awareness Month

Arthritis Month

4/9 - 4/12 - National Volunteer Week

4/12 - Easter (YMCA branches closed)

4/18 - YMCA Healthy Kids Day

4/24 - 4/26 - Global Service Day

mayOlder Adult Month

5/2 - Mother’s Day

5/25 - Memorial Day (YMCA branches open normally and close at 4 p.m.)

Pending coditions, outdoor pools open Memorial Day Weekend!

YMCA Healthy Kids Day YMCA Healthy Kids Day is all new in 2009! Join us

on April 18 for a day of active outdoor activities at the Manchester Family YMCA skate park, extreme sports and rock climbing at the Tuckahoe Family YMCA, or kick it at the Chickahominy Family YMCA with a day of soccer. Each site will have professional athletes showcasing their skills as well as information and fun activities to promote healthy lifestyles for children and families. Visit www.ymcarichmond.org/HKD.

C a l e n d a r

YMCA Healthy Kids Day 2008

Tuckahoe Family YMCA preschool kids

Maurice Carter (bottom left center) and Dominique Thaxton (bottom right center) with child care participants

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YMCA community

“I had a very nice chair in my office. The kind that you sink into when you sit down. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2005, but in retrospect my first symptoms were a slight twitch of my finger and difficulty getting out of that chair,” remembered John Oehler,a 35-year Richmond resident, former dean of education at Virginia Commonwealth University and participant in John Rolfe Family YMCA’s Parkinson’s exercise class.

John’s experience is not uncommon to those diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder affecting over 1.5 million Americans with symptoms that include tremors, stiffness in the body, lack of balance and muscular degeneration due to a lack of dopamine production in the brain. Every Tuesday and Thursday, John and about 20 other individuals living with Parkinson’s disease meet at the John Rolfe Family YMCA for camaraderie, conversation and a great workout led by fitness instructor Keith Overstreet.

“The goal is to increase your functional strength,” Keith reminded the class as he led them through exercises designed to mimic every-day activities. After a group workout including stretching, resistance work and weight training, the class moved to the circuit room to work at their own pace. No stranger to working out, participant Lewis Mills was involved in athletic departments at three colleges prior to being diagnosed. “I’ve most noticed an

StrengthenedResolveoverall improvement in the strength of my body and arms, which has really helped with daily tasks,” said Lewis.

Participant Sallie Pleasants has made the trek from Cartersville twice a week since March 2007 to take part in the class. “My daughter saw a poster [about the class] shortly after I was diagnosed and insisted I come. Keith is very knowledgeable and does an excellent job explaining how the exercises impact our abilities to do certain tasks,” said Sallie.

Like Sallie, a lot of the participants find support within their family, but the bond they’ve formed as a class is something special. Prior to their exercises, you can find them gathered in the lounge area drinking coffee and socializing, often talking about their own struggles and sharing knowledge of what has worked and what hasn’t when it comes to medications and treatments. “When I’ve missed a few classes, I get such a warm welcome back,” said Oehler. “This is such a great program and the YMCA has really opened up to us like we’re family.”

April is National Parkinson’s Awareness Month. A cure has not yet been found, but we can spread awareness about Parkinson’s disease and let those living with its challenges know they’re not alone. Visit our website at www.ymcarichmond.org to find out more about the Parkinson’s exercise class at the John Rolfe Family YMCA, and for other Parkinson’s resources.

Members of the Parkinson’s class at the John Rolfe Family YMCA

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YMCA community

StrengthenedResolve getting ready for School

It’s not easy for a teenager to stay in shape, maintain a 2.5 GPA and volunteer over 100 hours, but if you’re a YMCA Leaders’ Club participant who wants to go to Blue Ridge Leaders’ School in June, that’s exactly what you must do.

YMCA Blue Ridge Leaders’ School in Black Mountain, NC is a physical education leadership development school. Since 1922, it has trained teenagers to become leaders in all aspects of YMCA wellness and physical education. Incorporating unity of spirit, mind and body, what teens learn here will be applied in their local YMCAs, planting positive role models to impact future generations through YMCA programs.

After starting its Leaders’ Club in 2004 with 7 leaders, the Midlothian Family YMCA hopes to match last year’s strong showing of over 30 attendees. Like Leaders’ Clubs at YMCAs across Richmond, they have been working hard to meet their requirements. “We volunteer a lot in child care programs, membership, aquatics and in the community. Giving back feels good, but I’m a bit of a Y nerd,” joked Andrew Hurley who will be a fourth-year attendee. Shannon Murphy, a fellow leader,

added, “A lot of friends think our volunteerism must be boring, but it’s really a lot of fun. We’re able to bond with children through programs, and we’ve even helped clean up Richmond Raceway.”

In addition to volunteer hours, leaders must fundraise to help offset transportation and lodging costs, but some of their toughest challenges are meeting the physical tests they must complete to receive a passing grade at the school. “It’s like one of those great sports moments,” said leader Matt Riley. “You don’t think you can make it, but everyone cheers you on until you do.” Another Midlothian leader, Catherine Meyers, summed it all up when she said, “The friends you make on the mountain become your family. The experiences you share are what makes you closer and wanting to come back year after year.”

The YMCA of Greater Richmond has Leaders’ Clubs in 9 branches. They are grown by their teenage participants, and other branches are looking to start their own. To become involved in a YMCA Leaders’ Club, visit www.richmond.org or call your local branch.

photography: Nancy Parker

Midlothian Family YMCA Teen Leaders’ Club

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Some children are in wheelchairs with feeding tubes. Others have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder or Down’s Syndrome. Children with cognitive and communication challenges struggle with simple social interactions. Life threatening allergies are a daily struggle for some of these young people.

Whatever their challenges, these children and their families share one joyful memory that they describe as a godsend. Each child was a YMCA summer camper in 2008. The kids are clambering to sign up for 2009; the parents are ready, too! As one parent put it, “It is an absolute gift to leave my child at the YMCA.”

Forty-two children with disabilities participated in the “EveryBuddy” program at YMCA Camp Thunderbird, a 100-acre slice of natural beauty in southern Chesterfield County. Four children attended summer camp in the Downtown YMCA’s Gottwald Conference Center which provided the intimate and accessible space necessary for youth in wheelchairs.

The love, respect and hospitality given to the children were in place long before the first day of camp. “Most camps won’t talk to us when we tell them our child has disabilities,” said Sandy Heinen, mother of six-year-old David who is diagnosed with autism. “Patrick Edmonds, Camp Thunderbird’s director, not only talked to us, he talked to our son. That’s unheard of in our world.”

Harry Weinstock agreed. His daughter, Britlyn, attended camp at the Downtown YMCA. “Michelle did a fabulous job. From top to bottom, the attitude among camp staff was that we will embrace the idea of serving kids with disabilities and we will embrace the children, too.” (Michelle Greenidge is the Director of Child Care at the Downtown YMCA.)

“The counselors’ love for our children was infectious,” continued Weinstock. “In other settings, maybe two or three children will show genuine interest and acceptance toward a child with multiple disabilities. At the YMCA, every kid was accepting. It was magical!”

When Davis Beatty’s mom, Vicki, pulled up in front of the Downtown YMCA, he began to kick his legs and smile broadly. Wheeled into the YMCA past the welcome desk, Davis greeted everyone with his best “Hi!” He knew that hospitality felt good.

Hospitality requires preparation. David Heinen’s list of allergies is longer than the zip line at Camp Thunderbird. Patrick Edmunds provided Sandy Heinen

A YMCA Story

Sandy Heinen with son David

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with the camp menu long before camp started so she could create appropriate substitutes. That way David’s lunch was similar to that of other campers and he wouldn’t stand out.

That’s another shared parental observation. At Camp Thunderbird and at the Downtown YMCA, children with disabilities were included in every activity. If dodge ball was the game, then Nerf Balls were thrown at you whether you were standing or sitting in a wheelchair.

At Camp Thunderbird, kids with disabilities learned to paddle a canoe, fish, or shoot an arrow alongside their typically developing peers. Ryan Setchel has attended this camp since she was six years old. Her younger brother, Aidan, who has autism spectrum disorder, attended this year and loved it! Not once did he employ his veto of this array of new activities with “That’s not tasty for Aidan.” Back home, his experience sparked a new family activity. He now canoes with his parents, Lisa Ann and Douglas!

The inclusive interaction had a powerful effect. Parents point to improved school performance, greater physical strength, and more appropriate social interactions. Sandy Heinen says of David, “The YMCA opened doors in my son’s brain so he could have experiences he had not been able to see before. I sent one child to camp and got another one back.”

Camp enriched parents, too. Mothers shared the joy they felt when their sons came home hot, hungry, tired, dirty, sweaty, and smelling of chlorine. The kids were not kept clean, confined or coddled. “Now I know what other mothers get to experience when their children come home from camp,” Thomas McDermott’s mother, Fran, said. “It is a blessing the YMCA has given me.”

The YMCA looked squarely in the eye of the need to provide an inclusive camp for children with disabilities. It didn’t blink. Through the love and commitment of the camp staff to the daily challenges met with grace and humor, the YMCA gave these kids and their parents a memorable gift.

That gift is epitomized in one word spoken by David who has difficulty putting words together. When his mother asked him what he thought of YMCA camp, he fought through the tendency most kids with autism have to look anywhere but at the person in front of them. He heard the question, looked his mom directly in her eyes, and said, “Happiness.”

by Bruce Yoderphotography: Scott Elmquist

ghghghghghgh

Davis Beatty

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On any given day, at any branch, in almost any direction, you run into them. . . active older adults! Their reasons for initially coming to the YMCA are as diverse as they are. They choose to stay in the YMCA because of what they find in common through personal connections!

A doctor’s diagnosis of arthritis or diabetes or maybe the loss of a spouse may motivate an older adult to join the YMCA. Ultimately, it’s the relationships forged through a Silver Sneakers exercise class, a canasta game, a painting class or a luncheon with friends that make the choice to stay in the YMCA an easy decision!

Jill Leighton, Healthy Lifestyles Director at the Tuckahoe Family YMCA, considers herself the luckiest employee in that branch because she gets to engage with active older adults every day by planning programs to meet their needs. She witnesses

how they nurture and care for one another and enjoys being on the receiving end of their collective kindness. “They’ve taught me that you’re a lot stronger than you think you are. They come to the Y to be happy, take care of one another, live healthier together. They’re more than members I work with, they’re my family, and family to one another.”

Throughout the YMCA of Greater Richmond, there are ample opportunities for active older adults to stimulate their spirit, mind and body and grow in community. How do you know when you have met an active older adult in the YMCA? Because of the laughter you hear, the smile you see and the warmth you feel when you are fortunate enough to bump into them while they are busily enjoying the Y. Modeling our mission and having a heck of a lot of fun in the process - it just doesn’t get any better than that!

YMCA healthy living

spirit, mind, body photography: Casey Templeton

At the Tuckahoe Family YMCA, active older adults enjoy a game of

Canasta (top) and a water ftiness class (bottom)

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Emily Mathews looks forward to coming to the YMCA after school. Running on the indoor track or using the elliptical machine at the Tuckahoe YMCA helps her relieve stress she accumulates throughout the day. Emily’s whole family likes to put play in their day at the YMCA.

Molly Shmidt has been a YMCA member for 6 months. Her friend Joe recommended the YMCA, and now she’s there all the time playing basketball. “The Tuckahoe Y is my Y,” says Molly.

Leslie Beck-Long has been a member of the YMCA for 15 years, and has worked at the YMCA nearly as long. Working in the Adventure Center at the Tuckahoe YMCA, Leslie helps others put play in their day through youth sports programs and the rockwall. But when her kids come to visit, it’s her turn.

What’s your

Y.Q.?Answer Key:1. Rockclimbing belay rope 2. Freeweight 3. Pool lane line 4. Resistance bands

Can you guess what these are?

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Ingredients 1 medium-long, thin carrot, sliced into thin roundsTiny cherry tomatoes, whole or sliced in halfBlack olives, sliced1 small bell pepper, any color, thinly sliced Alfalfa sprouts1 very small cucumber, sliced into thin rounds1 small container of whipped cream cheese1 or 2 bagels, cut in half

fun, quick, and easy recipes for kids

Directions

1. Arrange the vegetables in small bowls. 2. Spread cream cheese on bagel halves. 3. Decorate and eat!

Bagel FacesCourtesy of the John Rolfe family YMCA

[ we want your recipes ]Please submit your favorites. Recipes may be posted on our website and featured in

an upcoming issue of YMCA Connect. Send recipes to recipes@ymcarichmond.org.

Directions

1. Simply measure 1/2 cup of your kid’s favorite fruit and 1/2 cup of yogurt and freeze them in individual ziplock bags.

2. In the morning, pull a packet from the freezer, put it in a blender with 1/2 cup of milk and 1/2 cup of juice, and whir until smooth.

Try these combos:

Bananas and blueberries, banana yogurt, and pineapple-orange-banana juice Strawberries and bananas with strawberry yogurt and orange juice Raspberries and blueberries with vanilla yogurt and cranberry juice.

Items Needed

FruitYogurtZiplock bags

MilkJuice

Quick and Easy Smoothies

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At the YMCA, you can take a music lesson and learn how fun it is to play your own music.

Hearing the sounds of various instruments, rhythms, and melodies expose not only the ears, but the

mind as well. Appreciating multiple types of music sets a great foundation for appreciating multiple

types of people. That type of diversity is something we can all agree on - even if we can’t agree on

the radio station!

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YMCA of greater richmond2 West Franklin Street • Richmond, VA 23220804.649.9622 • www.ymcarichmond.org

NON-PROFITU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDRICHMOND, VA

PERMIT NO. 2077

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund awarded $10,204.65 to each of 8 YMCA branches to support after-school care; 18 $50 gift cards were given to each branch to give to the children’s families. Several local JCPenney stores designated YMCA branches as recipients of their “round-up campaign” in which customers were asked to round up their purchase to the next dollar. Gifts ranged from $3,000 to $5,000.

“JCPenney is a powerful partner of the YMCA of the USA, providing more than $3.6 million to care for children after school through YMCA programs nationwide. We were pleased to include a JCPenney store as a YMCA Bright Beginnings shopping site last summer.”

Barry M. Taylor, YMCA President & CEO

The Mary Morton Parsons Foundation provided $250,000 to help purchase four properties key to creating an opportunity for a future capital expansion of the Downtown YMCA. The Foundation has also presented a 2:1 challenge grant of $300,000 for this capital project.