Y Spring Break Camp

Click here for informational flyer and registration form.

MARCH 26-30 6:45 am - 6:00
(Registration deadline: March 19)

Call Erica at 231-933-9622 for more information.

Join us for a swashbuckling good time!

Y Community Benefit Report

Click here for a copy of the community benefit report from the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA.

Click here for some mission facts and stories about the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

Boynton To Lead Y Soccer

Rob Boynton, Traverse City, is the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Soccer Coordinator. He brings with him over 35 years of experience. “I have been playing soccer with my neighborhood friends since I was in kindergarten,” said Boynton.  His first experience as coaching as an adult was with the Y Soccer program when he was 18.

Boynton was a preschool teacher, moved to working at summer camps, and then began coaching soccer as a career. He has coached YMCA Soccer, travel soccer, and “Select Soccer”. He went on to be the Traverse City Central Jr. Varsity Coach for six years. Boynton ran the Just for Kicks Sports in Traverse City for five years. He went to Leland as the Varsity Soccer coach for five years before coming to Traverse City Central to coach both the boys varsity soccer team and also the junior varsity girls team. Boynton continues to attend national training events to keep up-to-date on current soccer teaching activities and methods.

Traditionally at the Y, soccer has been played as an 11 vs. 11 format. “In order to help player development at the younger levels, we need to increase the number of touches and time on the ball for each child. To do this, we can decrease the number of players on the field and on the teams. Teams at the Y will start with smaller teams on smaller fields so that there can be more individual attention. As they grow in years the teams and fields will grow in size to eventually get to the regulations size and to 11 vs. 11 format,” according to Boynton. Grades K to 2 will be working in a 5 vs. 5 format on a smaller field. Grades 3, 4, and 5 will form their teams in an 8 vs. 8 format.  Middle grades will play in an 11 vs. 11 format on regulation sized fields,” explained Boynton.

At the same time, Boynton intends to expand the opportunities for coaches in a series of clinics. “This will give volunteer coaches the opportunity to see how a practice or game might be done with various techniques to give their team a broad experience in learning the skills of the game.” As with any Y program, Y Soccer will be done in the context of its four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Registration deadline for spring soccer is March 19 focusing on children in grades K to 8.   The season will extend from the week of April 9 to the week of May 14. Registration forms can be downloaded at www.gtbayymca.org.  For more information about Y Soccer & Softball contact the YMCA at 933-9622.

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The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA works every day to better our region, and solve issues that community members are concerned about. At the Y we offer programs that help kids reach their potential in a safe and healthy environment, that help families and individuals achieve better health, and that encourage every member of the region to get involved and make their community a better place. This is a goal that we have strived towards for decades, and our aim is to bring more services to as many people as possible in the key areas of: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

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Part of story previously released as an article in the Grand Traverse Insider.

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Y Adult Softball

Beginning this spring in April, an estimated 1,800 adult softball players will participate in YMCA Softball this year, with leagues for every level of play. 

The YMCA has managed this program at the well-groomed and beautiful fields of the Grand Traverse County Civic Center for the past 41 years.  Games are played Sunday through Friday evenings, including later games under the lights.  It is the YMCA's philosophy "everybody plays, everybody wins" so there are several leagues for different levels of competition. 

Adult Men’s League plays Monday through Friday evenings, with the “Senior” League playing Monday’s, “B” League Thursday’s, “C” League Tuesdays and “D” League Wednesdays & Fridays.    Registration runs from March 1^st – March 31^st, 2012.   Space is limited.  Just like the big leagues, the teams play under the lights each night.

The YMCA offers Sunday, Monday, and Friday evening Co-ed Softball Leagues, as the demand has been so great.  Sunday co-ed alone can accommodate 24 teams and Monday and Friday leagues can take 9 teams. Husbands and wives, business co-workers, or just a group of friends may make up any one team.  Registration period runs from March 1-March 31.

Y Women’s Softball Leagues plays Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings.   Registration deadline for the women’s league is April 16. When the women graduate from high school or college softball, we offer this league to keep their playing days going.    “There is such a deep history of softball in our region that is truly remarkable,” according to Barb Beckett, Softball League Director.

Contact Barb Beckett at 231-933-9622 for more information.

Power Restored

Power restored at Main YMCA. Open for business.

AT the Y: March 5, 2012

The Main Facility on 3000 Racquet Club Drive had NO power.
There will be No School's Out Program today due to lack of power.

The Y Early Childhood Center on 1100 Woodmere is open.

Thank you volunteers

NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684

231.933.9622 | www.gtbayymca.org | info@gtbayymca.org

http://newsgtbayymca.blogspot.com  | We are on Facebook & Twitter

CONTACT: Tom Van Deinse, CEO, tvd@gtbayymca.org , 231-933-9622

Tuesday, March 2, 2012

FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE

YMCA RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING PEOPLE & SERVICE

At last night’s 2012 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards Banquet, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Board of Directors recognized the outstanding service of people in the advancement of the mission of the YMCA. Cherryland Electric Cooperative was the event sponsor and winner of the YMCA’s Social Responsibility Award.

“Without the critical contribution of time, talents, and treasure by 438 volunteers giving some 29,896 hours of service, we could not accomplish all that we do in our 65 different programs,” said Tom Van Deinse, CEO. “The dollar value of their donated time exceeds $638,000.  If we had to pay directly for those volunteered services, we could not function as a Y, and we could not carry out our mission to put Judeo-Christian principals into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.”

Major award winners were Marc Judge (Board Volunteer of the Year), Dagny Monette and Don Spalla (Employees of the Year), Rich Roman (YMCA Youth Development Award), Diane Roach (YMCA Healthy Living Award), Rob and Phyllis Foster (Hank Johnson Philanthropy Award), and Al Crocker (Program Volunteer of the Year).

The YMCA’s commitment to strong kids, strong families and strong communities, was exemplified in these awards: Norah Galton (YMCA Strong Kid Award), Eric and Courtney Whinnery Family (YMCA Strong Family Award), Don and Gerry Oleson (YMCA Strong Communities Award).

Key volunteers in the success of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA’s capital campaign were also recognized.  Paul Schmuckal was named this year’s Dave and Beth Howard Y Champion, and the YMCA’s Lifetime Mission Award was given to the New Y campaign steering committee members, Adam Maas, Brett McGreaham, Dylan Davis, Greg Williams, Hank Johnson, Henry Peet, Jeanne Snow, Kim Pontius, Lynn Schultz, Marc Judge, and Dave Eitland.

The YMCA was also pleased to acknowledge the service of volunteers of their “150 Club” who gave over 150 hours of service to the organization last year. Honorees were Paul Bandrowski, Josh and Al Crocker, John and Laura Emery, Mike and Jeanette Ewing, Scott and Lisa Hoogerhyde, James and Nicole Humphreys, Hank and Sue Johnson, Marc and Kym Judge, Corey and Melissa Ostrum, Tina Piotrowski, Kim Pontius, Lynn Schultz, Mark and Jayna Steffel, Rita Whaley, Greg Williams, and Matt and Sara Wilson.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA annual meeting was also held in conjunction with this volunteer recognition event. Mike Carroll and Doug Cook were elected as new board members, while Jill Jones, Tina Piotrowski, John Russell, and Ron Williamson we reelected to new three year terms. 

Y MIDNIGHT MADNESS TOURNAMENT

For decades the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has had one of the premier winter 3-on-3 basketball tournaments for youth held in the region.

The Y Midnight Madness tournament for youth grades 5 – 9 will be held on Friday, March 16 beginning at 5:00 pm at the Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City. This is located just south of Airport Drive in the Logan’s Landing area.

Registration is by team. Fee is $120 per team of 3 or 4 players. Registration deadline is March 9. Forms are available at www.gtbayymca.org or the Front Desk of the Y Main Facility.

Contact Barb Beckett at 231-933-9622 for more information.

Why the Y?

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA works every day to better our region, and solve issues that community members are concerned about. At the Y we offer programs that help kids reach their potential in a safe and healthy environment, that help families and individuals achieve better health, and that encourage every member of the region to get involved and make their community a better place. This is a goal that we have strived towards since 1964, and our aim is to bring more services to as many people as possible in the key areas of: Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility. 

Y LAX LEAGUES

Y LAX SPRING LEAGUES BEING FORMED

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA announces their spring Y Lacrosse Leagues for youth in grades 1 – 8. This season’s play will be the weeks of April 9 to May 21. The leagues will play on Traverse City area fields including the New YMCA Meier Fields at 3700 W Silver Lake Road in Garfield Township. (1.6 miles on Silver lake Road west of Division/US 31.)

Leagues will be formed by grade groupings. Registration deadline is March 16 and forms are available at www.gtbayymca.org . Fees for grades 1 – 4 is $35 for Y members and $70 for non-members; for grades 5 – 6 is $55 and $90 for non-members; and for grades 7 -8 is $55 and $90 for non-members.

Players must bring stick, gloves, mouth guard, and helmet.  Players MUST have proper protective gear to play!

Contact Barb Beckett at 231-933-9622 for more information. 

School's Out Program Today at Y

Kids as Y School's Out Program today discussing what they are going to do for the balanced of the day. Contact Erica Wilson, pictured here, at camp@gtbayymca.org or 231-933-9622.

School's Out participant caught in the act of helping a friend. 

This program is based on the Ys 4-Core Values of

Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Homes Needed

Y Snow Day Program

St. Pat's Y Teen Dance - Change of date

Note the change of date of this month's Y teen dance!

Y School's Out Program - March 2 & 3

As with any days when TCAPS is closed, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA will offer its School’s Out Program for a half day on Thursday, March 1, noon – 6:00 pm and full day on Friday, March 2, 6:45 am – 6:00 pm.

“The YMCA School’s Out program provides parents a place for their children during the day when school is not in session,” said Erica Wilson supervisor of the program. “Like with all our YMCA programs, the School’s Out Program provides a values-based opportunity for children.”

Cost of the program is $25 for full day for non-members with YMCA members costing $16.  Half days are $10 for Y members and $20 for non-members. The program is at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Main Facility at 3000 Racquet Club Drive just south of South Airport Drive in Traverse City. This program is a licensed by the State of Michigan. This program is for 5 – 15 year olds.

In addition there will be a full day School’s Out Program on Friday, March 23, 6:45 am – 6:00 pm. Registration deadline is March 16.

For those who are planning Spring Break in town this year, our Y Spring Break Camp will be held March 26 – 30. Registration deadline is March 19.

The Y is for Youth Development. Contact Erica Wilson at the Y at 933-9622 for more information about our School’s Out Program or any of our camps.

March 2 - Y St Pat's Family Fun Night

St. Patrick's Day Teen Dance - March 3

Membership sign up Special

Join with a friend

YMCA Men’s Softball League

GRAND TRAVERSE BAY YMCA

2012 YMCA MEN’S SOFTBALL LEAGUE

What:                YMCA Men’s Softball League

When:                League begins April 30 at the Civic Center

Leagues:            ‘Senior” = (Monday)    “B” = (Thursday)   “C” = (Tuesday)   “D” = (Wednesday) Friday night is for overflow.

Cost:             $690.00 team fee

Registration:      Between March 1 and March 31, a $300.00 deposit is required to hold your spot in a league.  The balance is due by April 15.  Returning teams have priority registration status; others will be placed on a waiting list. Returning teams must follow registration deadlines, as we will begin taking waiting list teams April 1.  Please respond early, as space is limited!

Format:             Round robin league schedule with a tournament. Please check with League Director as to the legality of bats.

How to Pay:       Please make checks payable to “GT Bay YMCA” and drop off or mail to:

YMCA 3000 Racquet Club Dr Traverse City, MI  49684.                  231.933.9622

Notes : League home run limits: “B” = 6   “C” = 2   “D” = 1. All bats must be on the ASA approved list. Rosters will be kept in our umpire room, so that they may be referred to if needed. Names may be added or deleted from your roster by calling Barb Beckett (933-9622) who will update.

Rosters MUST be turned in to Barb by April 22. Click here for registration form.  Sign up early.

Y Women's Softball League

GRAND TRAVERSE BAY YMCA

YMCA 2012 Women’s  Softball League  

Where:        All games played at the Civic Center

Nights:        Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays (see league director for “A”, “B” League info)

Cost:           $690.00 per team fee. Fee must be paid in full to register

Deadline:   April 20

Play Begins: Week of May 14

Format:       Round robin league play.

Registration may be started by completing the form below and returning it along with your $690.00 team fee to the YMCA 3000 Racquet Club Dr. Traverse City, MI  49684. 


Click here for registration form. Contact Barb Beckett at 231.933.9622.
www.gtbayymca.org  .

Y Coed Softball League

GRAND TRAVERSE BAY YMCA

2012 COED SOFTBALL LEAGUE 

Registration Deadline: before March 31! 

Space limited! Do not wait to register!

             League:                     Starting Date & Number of Teams in League 

Sunday Competitive                 May 6  - first 12 teams paid

Sunday Recreational                May 6  - first 12 teams

Monday                                  May 7 – first 9 teams

Friday                                    May 11 – first 9 teams paid

Notes: Teams returning from last year have priority registration status; others will be placed on a waiting list. Regardless, all registration deadlines are enforced. Waiting list teams will be allowed to register on April 1. Your team must be paid in full to be included on the league schedule.  If you are a returning or new team trying to switch leagues, please circle above your 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd choice.

Click here for registration form. Contact League Director Barb Beckett at 231-933-9622.

www.gtbayymca.org .

Y Gymnasts Win National Meet

Turner, Davis, Flores 

Win National Meet

(Chicago, IL) – On the face of it, the challenge was insurmountable.  Over 4,000 gymnasts were on hand from 30 states plus Canada, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bermuda, and New Zealand.  It was confirmed by Guinness as the “World’s Largest Invitation Gymnastics Meet”, and only a venue as large as Chicago’s Navy Pier could accommodate the six full gyms required to host the event.

To top it off, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA’s top two gymnasts, Kendra Benak and Annie Gerstner, were unable to compete due illness. 

YMCA veterans Amy Davis and Francie Flores embraced the pressure, however, each winning gold medal all-around awards in their respective Level 7 age divisions with identical scores of 37.4.  “Amy and Francie competed against some great gymnasts, but came out on top,” said coach Jennifer Van Deinse.  “Those were great wins for both of them, but it was Jade Turner who really had a break-out performance.” 

10-year-old Turner rose to the occasion with a 37.05 gold-medal all-around championship performance at Level 6, winning the meet by capturing the gold on vault with a score of 9.2 and beam with a 9.55.  “Jade was not intimidated at all on this international stage,” said  Van Deinse.  “She was solid on all four events, and really earned her all-around gold.”

Altogether, the ten competing YMCA gymnasts brought home 44 individual medals, including ten first-place gold medals and three all-around championships.  “Those medal performances would be considered quite an accomplishment at any meet,” added co-coach Gina Van Deinse, “but it’s especially meaningful at the world’s largest gymnastics meet.  Still, we could have done better, and we’re going to get to work on that right away this week.”

At Level 5 for the YMCA team, Ryan Zrimec won 6^th-place all-around with a score of 35.125, while Summer Bennetts came in 10^th-place all-around.  Patricia Davis won bars with a score of 9.475, en route to a 4^th-place all-around finish at Level 7.  Combined with sister Amy’s all-around gold medal, including a first place 9.6 floor routine, and Flores’ all-around gold medal bolstered by a 2^nd-place 9.55 floor routine by Kayla Jackson, the YMCA Level 7 team missed the all-around gold team award by only four tenths of a point.

“We were happy the team came in 3^rd-place,” said Van Deinse.  “At a meet of this stature, any medal is phenomenal, but we’re going to work hard for that four tenths next year to take the team gold.”

Also competing for the YMCA team were Level 6 gymnasts Darby Drake, recording a gold medal beam routine and 5^th place all-around, and Kayla Brady, 4^th place all-around in her age division.   Annemarie Jenkins placed 14^th all-around.

The next meet for the YMCA gymnasts is the Tulip City Invitational to be held March 3 – 5 in Holland, Michigan.  For more information about YMCA gymnastics, contact gym director Betsy Van Deinse at 929-2869 or visit www.gtbayymca.org to find meet photos and more information.

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Pictures Attached, Tag lines:

All around champions: Amy Davis, Jade Turner and Francie Flores.

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Team.

back row left to right: Kayla Brady, Jade Turner, Annemarie Jenkins, Summer Bennetts, Ryan Zrimec, front row left to right: Rachel Ovalle, Patricia Davis, Francie Flores, Kendra Benak, Kayla Jackson, Annie Gerstner, Amy Davis