OURVOICE

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENTFOR HEALTHY LIVINGFOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

CENTRAL BUCKS FAMILY YMCA

2500 Lower State Road, Doylestown, PA

Member & Volunteer Newsletter - Jan/Feb/Mar 2012

215-348-8131 • www.cbfymca.org

LIVINGOUR CAUSE

by Zane Moore, CEO Dear Friends,

Happy New Year and thank you for making my first year at Central Bucks Family YMCA so great. I have enjoyed meeting members of our Y family and

our community to explore ways the Y can address critical needs. Many times the question is asked of me; ‘Why do you enjoy working for the Y so much?’ The answer is simple – I see firsthand how the Y is living a cause to strengthen the foundation of this community. At our best, we nurture the potential of children and teens. We help thousands of health seekers realize their goals to well being. We create supportive environments for families to connect, seniors to thrive, and volunteers to serve. We collaborate with our neighborhood and community to provide opportunities to those in need.

But to truly strengthen community requires us to step away from the safety of our traditional activities and take bold strides to reach our neighbors who need us most. It means opening our doors to 7th graders at a time when they are beginning to make independent decisions; providing wellness to cancer patients at a time when survival seems far from possible; welcoming the special needs population with a membership that makes inclusion the norm; and innovating new initiatives to open pathways to wellness for all, regardless of your ability to pay. It means raising more money so no one is denied participation, and addressing the critical issues that threaten our community with compassionate program responses that reflect our principles.

WE’RE ONTHE MOVEONE FOR ALL& ALL FOR ONEby Bess Godin,Director of Development

In the past year or so, we’ve experienced tremendous changes. Our expanded and renovated facility improvements came to fruition. We welcomed the vibrant vision of a new CEO, Zane Moore. New programs and a new look in our materials have made our purpose more easily accessible. Moving our Community Support Campaign is the next step in making our Y better and stronger for one reason only: you.

We believe in belonging to the greater good, of being connected to friends we haven’t met yet and impacting the quality of life for all. Being part of the larger Y movement has led us to the momentous decision to move our fundraising campaign earlier in the year: you’ll be hearing from us at the end of March rather than in October.

Moving our campaign is the result of deep thought and meaningful feedback from some of the people it impacts the most: our volunteers. Think about your own life in the fall – kids going back to school, work obligations heating up at the end of the year and, of course, the holidays. Our volunteers commit hundreds of hours to helping us raise money critical to fulfilling our mission and advancing our cause. Adding the commitment of raising money for our Y during this hectic time became a barrier to many who wished to give of their time and talent.

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FEBRUARY IS HEART HEALTH MONTHDo you know if you’re at risk? We care about our members. Watch for information and events throughout the month.

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CELEBRATE BIRTHDAYS WITH A PARTY AT THE Y!

SPOTLIGHT ON SAFETYParking Lot SafetyFor the safety of all when using the parking lot we ask that you STOP at all stop signs and proceed slowly through the parking lot. We have had numerous complaints about members driving too quickly through the lot and not coming to a complete stop at the stop signs. Thank you for your cooperation to ensure the safety of all.

CLOSED: Memorial Day, May 28

PROGRAM SESSIONSWinter: Monday January 2 – Sunday February 26

Spring I: Monday February 27 – Sunday April 22Member Registration: Begins Mon, Feb 13Potential Member Registration: Begins Mon, Feb 20

Spring II: Monday April 23 - Sunday June 17Member Registration: Begins Mon, Apr 2Potential Member Registration: Begins Mon, Apr 9

SWIM SUCCESSWITH PRIVATE SWIM LESSONSPrivate swim lessons are a great way to give your child the extra help needed when learning to swim. Lessons are personalized to the needs of the swimmer and range from beginner to advanced/swim team level. Lessons can also be designed to focus on specific goals, like submerging, diving or competitive starts & turns. Special needs lessons also available. Contact Betsy McCormick, 215-348-8131, x1120, bmccmormick@cbfymca.org, to discuss your instructor preferences and scheduling needs.

Contact Caitlin Beaudoin at 215-348-8131, x 1138

7TH GRADERSTHRIVE AT THE Y Our seventh grade initiative has made tremendous impact on the youth of our community and their families. In just a few short months, over 300 area students have joined and are enjoying a variety of activities designed just for them including cooking, teen leaders and theater clubs. So spread the word and invite your friends! St. Francis of Assisi tells us, “…it is in giving that we receive.” We may have given free memberships to these students, but they are giving us so much more in return. Join us in lauding their commitment to leadership and volunteerism as demonstrated by their participation at our Martin Luther King Day event in January. All 7th graders are invited to join Teen Leaders on Thursday evenings.

For more information on our 7th grade clubs and programs, please contact Pat Kelly, 215-348-8131, x1117, pkelly@cbfymca.org.

iDoHEALTH &WELL-BEINGiDo is designed as a supportive, simple pathway towards leading a healthier, happier lifestyle in 2012. iDo welcomes all members ages 12 and older.

Once registered, iDo participants will receive a welcome packet which includes instructions, as well as a complimentary, iDo t-shirt!

The iDo initiative includes the weekly distribution of fun, motivating goal cards, electronic healthy newsletters, and 3 goal sharing sessions with fellow iDo participants. For more information on the iDo initiative, please contact Tricia Feinthel at (215) 348-8131 x1135. Members can also email Tricia at tfeinthel@cbfymca.org.

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PROVE THEMWRONGby Tricia Feinthel, Senior Director of Membership Development

Each January, due to the excitement of New Year’s resolutions, we welcome many new members into our Y family. Beginning with Winterfest in early January, our new members bring a newfound feeling of energy into our Y, throughout the locker rooms, Fitness Center, pools, gym, even the hallway. The Welcome Center, Child Watch, and lobby bustles with activity, instructors greet even more warm welcoming hellos, and long-standing members can be found helping new members navigate their way through their new Y home. In one simple word, it is community. So now I ask all of our new members to do one thing this year – prove them wrong.

According to a recent article in Time, only 65% of those who made New Year’s resolutions kept their promise for only part of the year, and 35% never even made it out of the gate. There are many reasons why New Year’s resolutions are not kept; for example goals are set too high or made unrealistically; but in 2012 let’s stay on course together, beginning with 3 simple steps:

1. Begin with your complimentary Fitness Evaluation or Re-Evaluation. Take a step in the right direction, meet one-on-one with a personal trainer to:

• Find your starting point baseline assessments reveal your current level in important areas of fitness

• Decide what area you are going pick to improve or change and set goals

• Set a plan to get there and have a personal trainer design a program to help you meet your goals by making small but noticeable progress

Learn more about how to schedule your personalized Fitness Evaluation by contacting Marsha Hughes, Personal Services Coordinator, at mhughes@cbfymca.org.

2. Take full advantage of your membership, experience different classes and clubs, and try all areas of the facility such as the pool, whirlpool, or sauna. Unsure as to what types of classes we offer or which group exercise classes would be right for you? Please see page 28-30 in our current brochure, and contact Amy McGahran, Group Exercise Coordinator at amcgahran@cbfymca.org or x1118. Before you take a dip, would you like a swim evaluation? We do this for adults and children alike! To hear more about our aquatics programming or to receive a complimentary swim evaluation, contact Betsy McCormick, Associate Director of Aquatics Swim Programs at bmccormick@cbfymca.org or x 1120. Ready to hit the ground running? We have a variety of running clubs to support the newest, slowest, or fastest of feet.

MENS LOCKER ROOM RENOVATIONS SLATED TO BEGIN MID TO LATE FEBRUARYby Ro Molyneux, COO

The Women’s Locker Room is completed and looks amazing! We are still listening to our members for any ‘tweaks’.

But, men don’t be jealous! We are preparing for the renovation of the men’s locker room now and will be ready to begin renovations

the third week of February. The colors, lockers, sinks, stalls, etc will be the same as the Women’s Locker Room. We will be asking for the men’s cooperation during the renovation by using the Boy’s Locker Room. We will be adding benches, but if you have additional needs or suggestions, please let me know. Water Park Pool LightsThe Water Park Pool will be closed during the eighth week of Winter session or beginning the 20th of February. During this time our contractor will be making some changes to the lighting design to improve the comfort and safety of all of our members. As you may know Aquatic programs are only 7 weeks and the 8th week is used for any necessary make up classes. Classes will be made up in the Traditional pool during the week of the 20th and the pool will reopen for Spring 1 session, February 27th.

Newly renovated Ladies Locker Room

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FEATURED EVENTSTuesday, Jan 24, 7:00pm Running Club Information NightTeen CenterGet information on our popular adult running club at this free information night. Contact Kevin Crail, 215-348-8131, x 1147 or kcrail@cbfymca.org.

Sunday, Jan 29, Noon to 1:30 PMFork & Feet Join us for a Back to Basics of Nutrition and Body Weight Boot Camp. Learn how to balance your energy before and after exercise with nutrition and use your own body weight to build strength! Both targeted at making your workout more effective.

Friday, February 3, 2012, 7-9:30pmFirst Friday - Winter’s BallJoin us for dancing, informal instruction, refreshments and mingling. Show off your ballroom, latin and swing dance steps to music provided by A+ Entertainment. All levels welcome! Childcare provided for participants of this event (pre-registration recommended at Welcome Center). Free to the community. For more information, please contact Rachel Mauer, rmauer@cbfymca.org or Doylestown Bookshop, 215-230-7610.

Thursday, Feb 16, 7:30am to 3pmGive Red! Blood DriveTeen Center What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than to give a gift truly from your heart - give blood. Register online at redcross.org or email rmauer@cbfymca.org for more info.

Saturday, Feb 25, 1:30-4:30pmJujitsu Workshop - Studio AWorld-renowned martial arts instructor, Sensei Allen Woodman, demonstrates and instructs the art of disarming and apprehending an assailant without serious injury.

Friday, March 2, 2012, 6-8:30pmFirst Friday - March MadnessFun sports, games and activities for the entire family. Free to the community. Contact Kevin Crail, kcrail@cbfymca.org 215-348-8131, x 1147 for details.

OTHER EVENTS OF NOTE:TEEN NIGHTS - Fridays, Teen Center, 7-10pmPre-Teen Nights, 4th-6th graders - Feb 3 and Mar 4; Performances Nights, 7th-12th graders - Feb 10 and Mar 9; 7th Graders only - Feb 17 and Mar16; Teens, 7th-9th graders - Feb 24 and Mar 23.Member Appreciation Days, Feb 14, 2:00-9:00pm and Feb 15, 6:00am-2:00pm; Mar 14, 2:00-9:00pm and Mar 15, 6:00am-2:00pm

Friday, March 2, 2012, 6 to 8pm Dr. Seuss’ Birthday Party Doylestown Bookshop, 16 South Main Street Doylestown, PA 18901Join the Doylestown Bookshop and Central Bucks Family YMCA as we celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday with fun, games, cake and a special visitor! For more information, please contact Rachel Mauer, Rmauer@cbfymca.org or Doylestown Bookshop, 215-230-7610.

Saturday, March 31, 2012Skate Opening DayJoin us for the opening day of the Y Skate park! Signed waiver is required for all participants. Contact Jay DePue for with questions, jdepue@cbfymca.org, 215-348-8131, x1143.

Saturday, April 28, 2012, 11 to 3Pm Healthy Kids – Get Up, Get Out and Play!Central Bucks Family YMCA and Doylestown Township Parks and Recreation invite you to get out and have fun. Learn and share games from childhood with your family, participate in nature activities and spend time together! Activities for all ages will be held at the Y and Central Park. Transportation between both sites will be provided. For more information contact Rachel Mauer, rmauer@cbfymca.org. For a schedule of events, check the Doylestown PA website at www.doylestownpa.org

Kinder Y Preschool Diversity spoons on display in lobby

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OUR VOICE l A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

New Board for 2012At the annual holiday celebration for our Y’s Board of Directors and Trustees in December, we welcomed a new slate of officers. Brian McLeod graciously accepted the gavel from outgoing Chair, Lou White, who retires for a second time from the Board and will be joining the Trustees. Taking the role of Vice-Chair is former Board Secretary Jane Antheil who also leads the group’s Strategic Planning Committee. Mike Mills, Treasurer for three years, also retired at the end of his tenure. Beth Clark, new to the Y Board, will be leading the Finance Committee as Treasurer in 2012. Chris Serpico, who is in his first term on the Board, has stepped up to the position of Secretary and will also be leading the Organizational Development Committee. Other committee leadership for this year include Eric Van Zanten who will chair Membership & Programming and Michele Frisbie who will chair Financial Development.

On that night, we said good-bye and thank you also to Mike Oeth for his full term of service; and to Vincent Menna, M.D. who’s leadership of the Organizational Development committee in 2011 brought a wonderful new group of volunteers to our board. The new class starting in January are: Bob Vernon, past board member and active fundraiser; Curtis Cowgill, long-time supporter of the Y, photographer extraordinaire, and world traveler; Krista Harper, a local attorney who’s love of the outdoors and thrill rides makes her a terrific addition to our Y Board; Brigitte Walker-Quinn, new marathoner and devoted runner who’s marketing expertise is likely to come in handy; Mark Gibbons, CFO of a local private school and an active advocate for the STARS program; Scott Levy, chief of the Doylestown Hospital medical staff and committed to forging new collaborative relationships between the Y and the medical community, particularly the soon-to-be-launched cancer wellness program; William Moore, another local attorney who’s been a long-time member of the “5 AM club” and has recently discovered how much more the Y is and does; Jon Myers, a private banker with US Trust (Bank of America) and self-professed advocate of the STARS program; Durriya Shamsi, newly arrived in Doylestown and family Y member, she is pursuing an advanced degree in special needs and is an active member of the STARS parent group.

As always, we are so grateful for the time, talents and generosity of our executive volunteers! Please say hello if you see them in class or the community.

For more information, please see page 30 in our current brochure, or contact Kevin Crail, Senior Director of Youth Development at kcrail@cbfymca.org or x1147.

3. Connect with fellow Y members during Membership Appreciation Day (hosted each month), relax by the fireplace over a cup of fresh coffee in our beautiful lobby, or come out for some Friday night fun during our First Friday monthly celebrations. On Friday February 3 First Friday will celebrate the joy of ballroom dancing including Child Watch for parents needing childcare, and free refreshments. For more information on special events at the Y, contact Rachel Mauer, Special Events/Volunteer Coordinator at rmauer@cbfymca.org or x1167.

Last but not least, be sure to visit the Welcome Center for any questions you may have; staff are highly skilled in listening to your needs, and will help guide you towards achieving greater support. My door is always open as well for conversation, suggestions, and questions. Together, let’s prove them wrong, stay on course with the Y, and achieve your New Year’s Resolution.

PROVE THEM WRONGcontinued from page 3

NEW PROGRAMS OFFEREDAT CAMP TAKODACamp registration is underway with a flurry of new camp programs available to the community. New camps including contemporary dance, cross country, rugby, Irish dance, firefighter camp, volleyball, and Girls on the Move. New summer programs for teens include teen leaders camp, tennis, art and cross country offered exclusively to ages 13-15. The 2012 camp brochure is available online on our website at www.cbfymca.org under the youth development tab. Questions about camp? Contact Kevin Crail, 215-348-8131, x1147.

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OUR CAUSEcontinued from page 1

SKATE PARK OPENTHRU WINTERSkate Park Winter Hours Through Feb 29*:Monday-Friday - 3-6PMSaturday-Sunday - 1-6PM

*Closed in March; Re-Opens March 31

Join Central Bucks Family YMCA’s Skate Coalition for exclusive skate times! Take trips to other skate parks (admission fees may apply), participate in special events. Receive a Skate Club T-shirt and more. Be a member of the original group! Must be a Y member to join.

Have private use of the Skate Park at your next birthday party. Contact Jay DePue for availability and pricing, jdepue@cbfymca.org.

We are an organization unified around a common cause - to strenghten the foundation of community life through Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility. We will continue to venture into new and challenging areas of service and to think and act in new ways. Living our cause means being bold, responsive, inclusive, and impactful. That’s what makes the Y so special. Thank you for being part of the family.

And by conducting our campaign earlier in the year, we give you time to consider your charitable giving as a whole. You still may choose what your gift supports at our Y, but we’ll only ask you once. So, it’s one campaign once a year to support all our programming.

I hope you’ll join us in giving back to our community this year. And most importantly, I thank you for your unfailing and moving generosity!

ON THE MOVEcontinued from page 1

MARTIAL ARTS SEMINARSJUJITSU WORKSHOPSaturday, February 25, 1:30-4:30pmInstructor: Renshi Sensei Allen WoodmanAges 12 and olderRenshi Sensei Allen Woodman, a 6th degree black belt from Japan teaches a realistic approach to safety and personal defense. The workshop teaches safe apprehension techniques to students of all levels. This Jujitsu system is the Taizan Ryu Taiho Jutsu program developed by 9th degree black belt and Soke Joe Miller (personal teacher to Sensei Allen Woodman for 25 years) in Japan for the special and military police for apprehension and detainment. The techniques involve joint locks, control techniques and common escape maneuvers from phsysical threats that people often face on the street.

EXPRESS YOURSELFArtists and photographers are invited to enter the ‘What the Y means to me’ ART CONTEST! Zane Moore, CEO, Central Bucks Family YMCA loves the Y and wantsto surround himself with meaningful art depicting what the Y means to our members.

So get out your pencils, paints and cameras and get started! Rules available online or at the Welcome Center.

Questions? Contact Trish Genghini at 215-348-8131, x 1114 or tgenghini@cbfymca.org

OUR VOICE l A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

BETTERTOGETHERA workout buddy can motivate you to exercise, even when you don’t want to, simply because you know someone else is counting on you. A workout buddy also provides socialization, encouragement, and safety. With a workout buddy, you can quickly add variety to your fitness routine, which will go a long way to keeping you motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Lastly, exercising in groups can provide support, accountability, and structure. Central Bucks Family YMCA wants to reward you for finding a workout buddy, and for building a lasting relationship through exercise.

During the entire month of February, get a new workout buddy to join our Y family, and BOTH of you will receive a dri-fit, zip-up jacket. Size and color orders will be taken at the time of membership registration, and jackets will be made available at our Welcome Center as of Monday, March 12, 2012.

Questions? Contact Maggie Baker or Kerry Boytin in membership at 215-348-8131.

YOUTH MEMBERSHIP= ADDED VALUEOur Youth Membership recently underwent a facelift to include more free programs and a monthly draft payment option. Youth membership now includes youth cardio fitness (6-11), Zumbatomic (6+), Yoga for Kidz (6+) and swim safety evaluations along with recreational swim, gymnasium and skate park privileges. Advantages to the youth membership include priority registration, savings in program pricing and a monthly draft option. The youth membership is $17/month with a $35 initial joining fee. Please contact our Welcome Center with questions about our new Youth Membership.

TOUGH MUDDERJoin the Y’s Tough Mudder training group and prepare for the challenge of a lifetime. Run, jump, throw, and crawl your way through 8 weeks of grueling workouts designed to help you conquer one of the toughest events. Tough Mudder takes place at Pocono Manor April 29th.

by Charles Klein, Tough Mudder Trainer Mud, freezing cold water and electricity. What do these things have in common? They are all part of the Tough Mudder! Do you have what it takes to push yourself beyond your comfort zone to see what you are capable of? Come to the training classes at the Y to see what we have to offer. All the trainers are here to help you and push you to be the fittest you can be. We will have fun and get a great workout at the same time.

by Mike Sobczak, Tough Mudder TrainerTough enough, a slang term that is thrown around society from people claiming to be physically tough because they have been through the worst. What about being mentally tough? A constant strive for success and ability to push one to their own limits and surpass them. What happens when a group of people strive together for one common goal and share the same struggles and triumphs together, that’s a force to be reckoned with. Running is one thing, but running with a group of your friends whom you’ve just spent 4 months training with is where the drive comes from. Camaraderie is our foundation for this group, we are going to push OURselves to OUR limits, surpass them as a team, and it won’t just be iDo… it will be WEDO. We enter into the Tough Mudder as Central Bucks Family YMCA and we will finish together as Central Bucks Family YMCA.

by Andrea Armstrong, Tough Mudder ParticipantThe Tough Mudder training class is what I am using to get back to that high school girl figure I used to have. I know that I am older and that my body has changed. Even if I can lose weight and get closer to that old jean size, I would consider the class a success. I am taking the Tough Mudder classes and I am quickly learning new exercises that my body is already benefiting from! The instructors are very enthusiastic and motivating. Motivation is what I lack, and the instructors provide it with positive attitudes and “go getter” demeanors. Weight has always been something that I have struggled with. It wasn’t until I was in 7th grade when I lost 20 pounds in a very short period of time, that I realized the amount of work I needed to put into exercise. That weight loss was due to vigorous basketball work outs, sometimes twice a day or more. As an adult, I do not have that kind of time to dedicate to the gym. My new struggle for weight loss will need to include healthier food choices as well. The workouts I am doing in class and on my own are just the beginning of what I think will be an everlasting journey back to health, because after all, it’s not a race… it’s a marathon. The Tough Mudder training and race will only be the end of the first chapter!

RUN FOR A CAUSECentral Bucks Family YMCA is proud to host the kick-off race in the Bucks 5k Series on March 25, 2012. The race will feature a 5k race/walk at 9:30am with a 9:00am 1-mile walk & fun run for all ages. Pre-registration is March 24 betweern 4 to 6pm at the Y. Race day registration begins at 7:00am. Awards, music, and food immediately follow the race. Contact Todd Canfield for details, 215-348-8131, x1185. Interested in volunteering for the event? Contact Angela Oprendek, aoprendek@cbfymca.org.

KINDER Y PRESCHOOL MOVING TO LENAPE VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHWe are excited to be relocating the preschool from New Britain Baptist Church to Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church, located at 321 West Butler Ave, New Britain. The new location is only a 1/2 mile from our current location and the facility will allow us to provide many amenities to our staff and preschool students, including:

• Smaller class sizes in a newer facility• Ample parking with Y buses on location• A large fenced in play area which will be built just for our students• Improved security for staff and students• Access to large stage and indoor gymnasium space • Classrooms with ajoining bathrooms

The move will take place over the weekend and the preschool will open at the new location on February 27, 2012. Camp Takoda Jr. for our campers age 2-5 will also be located at Lenape Valley Presbyterian Church this summer.

A DAY OF SERVICEMartin Luther King Day of Service 2012 was a rousing success at Central Bucks Family YMCA where volunteers packed personal care bags for those in need for distribution at the Bucks County Housing Group. Bags included shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes and toothpaste donated by local businesses and individuals including ACME Markets (Doylestown), Dr. Rob Riesenberg, DDS, PC and Dr. Richard Wilson, DDS. Lunch for all in attendance was donated by Dominos Pizza (Doylestown). Fifty volunteers comprised primarily of youth and their parents worked in assembly-line style to group products into bags for quick distribution to those in need. Thank you to all who volunteered!

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