Y Night at Beach Bums, Sat Sept 3 @ 7:05 pm

9:30 am - 12:30 pm  

TC Central HS Tennis Courts

Play and support the New Y Tennis Center!
  

REGISTRATION

at Front Desk of Y Main Facility

3000 Racquet Club Drive, TC or 

231-933-YMCA (9622)

Here is what we need:

 

We'd really like to get one more adult junior team to make an even number!

We'd really like to get several more junior/junior teams to make for a good ability mix!

We'd really like to get one or two more 8.0 teams to assure good matches.

What a great time we will have if you participate!

Click here for registration information.

Please help us get the word out and forward this email to your friends.

Call in your registration at the Y at 231-933-9622 or come to the Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive. Contact Tom Van Deinse at tvd@gtbayymca.org

Y Closed Labor Day; New Fall Hours

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA announced that its main facility, gymnastics center, day care center, and programs are closed on Monday, September 5, 2011 for the US observance of Labor Day.

The Y main facility will be open on its fall schedule after Labor Day. The main facility located at 3000 Racquet Club Drive, just south of Airport Road, in Traverse City, will be open Monday – Friday from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm, Saturday from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, and Sunday from 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

More information about the YMCA’s 65 or more programs can be found at the organization’s website at www.gtbayymca.org. The Y is a powerful association of men, women and children of all ages and from all walks of life joined together by a shared passion: to strengthen the foundations of community. Come join us!

Y Kinderkickers and Pee Wee Sports

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is offering this fall a combination session combining a variety of sports and we call it Kinderkickers and Pee Wee Sports.

This basic introduction to soccer, basketball, floor hockey, and other basic skills sports is geared for boys and girls in preschool, 3 - 5 year olds. They will learn the basics of soccer and other sports in a non-competitive, fun, values-based and supporting atmosphere where safety, skills, and teamwork are the focus. Class meets outdoors unless weather demands a move inside. Parents are encouraged to get involved in class exercises.

Y Pee Wee Sports/Kinderkickers is held at the YMCA Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Dr in Traverse City on Wednesdays from September 14 to October 19 from 4:30 to 5:50 pm. Registration is due September 4 with fees for Y members at $25 and non-members at $60.

Contact Barb Beckett at 933-9622 about these or any other Y sport activities. Our website is www.gtbayymca.org .

The Y is for youth development where our programs and activities nurture the potential of every child and teen. The Y believes that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through the Y, millions of youth today are taking a greater interest in learning; making smarter life choices; and cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, the pursuit of higher education and goal achievement.

 “It’s more than just a membership … It’s the YMCA!”

Sign up for Y Youth Soccer

As part of its long standing tradition of creating values-based, sports skills programs, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA offers its fall coed soccer leagues for grades Kindergarten to 8.

Photo at New Y Meijer Athletic Fields on
Silver Lake Road in Garfield Twp

 “These coed recreational leagues emphasize fun, safety, sportsmanship and the Judeo-Christian values of honesty, respect, caring and responsibility. The Y is different in that way,” says Rob Boynton, Y Soccer Coordinator. “Six games are on Saturday mornings with some games played midweek. We play on local fields. Teams are made by school and special request so you can play with your friends. Coaches are volunteers.” There will be a coaches meeting at the Y on Wednesday, September 7 at 6:00 pm.

League play will be from September 24 to October 29. Registration is $25 for YMCA members and $60 for non-members.

If you would like more information about YMCA fall soccer, please contact Rob Boynton the Y at 933-9622.  Or visit our website at www.gtbayymca.org.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is for youth development. We build character one kid at a time.

Y WOMEN’S FALL BASKETBALL

The YMCA began offering a Fall Women’s Basketball League a five years ago, to align with the switch in seasons made by the Michigan High School Athletic Association.   It’s been a very popular program ever since, and the league has been filled to capacity over the past years.

The league is open to teams of women, high school age and above. In the past many local high schools have taken advantage of this league to “get prepared” for their upcoming high school seasons that begin in November.  The league plays by local high school rules and all games are called by registered officials.  The league has filled up very quickly in the past and is a round robin format.

Registration deadline for the basketball league is September 8 with the season playing Sundays beginning September 18 to November 6.  The cost is $325 per team plus a $25 per player fee. Registration forms are available at

www.gtbayymca.org .

Call Barb Beckett at 933-9622 for more information.

 “It’s more than just a membership … It’s the YMCA!”

LIGHTING THE FIRE FOR EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN

First published in the Grand Traverse Insider – Sunday, August 14, 2011


LIGHTING THE FIRE FOR EDUCATION OF OUR CHILDREN
By Dagny Monette, Y Child Care, Camps, and Family Director

Our country is finally realizing that education doesn’t begin at Kindergarten, it begins at birth. The creation of the new “Michigan Office of Great Start” within our state’s Department of Education is one sign that things are starting to shift. With this new office, the Governor has declared what educators already knew, our children deserve a “great start” to their education and they deserve to get it now.

Children entering elementary school today have a very different experience than what we did at their age. This is not the kindergarten of our childhoods. Children in kindergarten today are learning what first graders would have been expected to learn just a generation ago. It’s up to us, the parents, the educators, and the members of our society, to make sure that these children are prepared to enter into the first year of their formal education.

Research has proven that preschool is the foundation students need for kindergarten. The strength of that foundation is critical. This is where quality plays a huge role. Children who receive quality early education experiences are more likely to read and write at a higher level, score higher on standardized tests, and are more likely to graduate high school and go on to college.

Though, kindergarten readiness isn’t just about the academics. Quality preschool programs help children develop cognitively, emotionally, socially, and physically.

Quality preschool programs provide children with opportunities to acquire and develop important language skills. Children who have more exposure to language, reading, and storytelling grow up to be better readers and writers. Children who have had the opportunity to learn social skills in preschool walk into kindergarten excited at the prospect of making new friends and have the advantage of understanding what is expected of them in a classroom setting.

According to the National Institute for Early Education Research, in addition to gaining the math and early reading skills that children need for school, preschool programs help children learn to respect and cooperate with others. Preschool education helps children to develop a love for learning, gain confidence in themselves, and learn to work cooperatively with others. Those are the strengths that will truly give our children a great start in school.

W.B. Yeats said, “Education is not the filing of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” At the YMCA Early Childhood Education Center, we are lighting that fire for students from infancy through age five!

We do it by providing early childhood classrooms that are age appropriate, spacious, and staffed by well trained teachers and assistants. We create a positive learning environment by providing hands-on large and small group activities that engage children in their own learning. We believe that for young children, work is play and we make that work fun and interesting. We want children to love school and to love their work.

Of course, at the Y, it’s also about helping children grow into responsible adult members of society. The YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility are key to the character development of the children we serve. Whether it’s in the Infant classroom, in one of our two Toddler rooms, or in either our Preschool or PreK classroom, we take education seriously. We strive to grow strong kids, strong families, strong communities.

For more information on our Early Childhood Education program, contact Dagny Monette at 231- 421-3568 or childcare@gtbayymca.org .

Y Flag Football Sign-up

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Flag Football is a recreational program designed for youngsters new to the sport of football as well as those not quite ready for tackle football who want to learn how to play the sport, brush up on the rules, tactics, and skills, improve their game and most importantly, HAVE FUN! Our focus is on football education, participation, and sportsmanship. All equipment is provided. All games are officiated. All players get awards for participating.

Y Flag Football is offered in two divisions. The session is from week of September 19 to the week of October 24. People in grades 2 and 3 will play on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. People in grades 4 and 5 will play on Wednesdays or Thursdays from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. All sessions are held at the Y Main Facility, south of South Airport Road.

Y members registration fee is $25 and non-members is $60. Forms are available at http://www.gtbayymca.org/ or at the Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City. Registration deadline is September 9.

Contact Rob Boynton at 231-933-9622 at the Y for more information.

At the Y we are for youth development in a values based program.

Tennis Events

First Published in the Grand Traverse Insider, Sunday, August 21, 2011

YMCA Tennis – “So-o-o-o Kickin’”

“We have to bring back American tennis!” So says 1993 French Open doubles champion Luke Jensen, adding, “you’ve already got the talent – now all it takes is hard work and dedication.” 

Jensen was speaking to the top American 18 and under boys tennis players at the annual “Nats at the Zoo” national tournament held in Kalamazoo earlier this month.  He was there with his brother and doubles champion Murphy Jensen to put on an opening ceremony doubles exhibition for the crowd of 500 tennis enthusiasts.

The Jensens themselves are no strangers to hard work, and were always considered scrappy fighters on the tennis court.  They espouse the same principles that the YMCA teaches in all of its tennis programs, for tots all the way up to older adults – hard work, dedication, and an attitude of fun can take you as far as you want to go in life, on or off the tennis court. 

It is that very combination of hard work and fun that has produced two current Midwest Section top ten players from the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, Elliott Bandrowski (Midwest Boys 10s #6) and CJ Shoults (Midwest Boys 10s #5).  “At the Y, every kid has a chance to be a CJ or an Elliott or even a Luke or a Murphy,” said YMCA CEO and tennis pro Tom Van Deinse.  “That’s what we do at the Y – we build strong kids!”

Ludington natives, Luke and Murphy Jensen will return to Northern Michigan this November to put on another exhibition – this time to promote fundraising efforts for the six-court tennis facility portion of the New Y project in Traverse City.  Known for their flamboyant character both on and off the court, the duo are sure to put on a great show, to be held at the current aged YMCA facility on Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City.  “Murphy and I are going to spice it up a bit.  That ‘exo’ could get so-o-o-o kickin’,”  Jensen told us.  “I was just up there last winter training for the Iditarod,” added Murphy, now a California resident and neighbor of Sam Query, a top American tennis star.  “I love it up there.  We’ll have a great time!”

“The exhibition is a few months away,” commented Van Deinse, “but the festivities begin in just a few weeks.” On Saturday, September 3 the ‘Our Serve’ tennis group will put on a fundraising tennis tournament.  Proceeds will help construct the New Y tennis facility, and winners may even qualify for a chance to hit with the Jensens at the November exhibition.  “We expect a great tournament turnout,” said Van Deinse, “everybody wants to meet the Jensens!” Registration deadline is August 27. Click here for registration form.

The YMCA board of directors changed plans recently to include the six-court indoor tennis facility on the first phase of construction of the New Y.  “Now is the time for the tennis community to stand up and show support for the project,” said Henry Peet, New Y campaign chair.

Van Deinse noted that besides donating through the Community Foundation’s website at www.4good4ever.org, tennis supporters could follow Peet’s invitation to support the project by attending the September 3 fundraiser, joining the “Our Serve” New Y support group, attending the November Jensen exhibition, or even contacting the Y about major gift naming opportunities.

For more information about the September 3 tennis fundraiser, the Jensen exhibition in November, or the New Y project, contact YMCA Director of Development and Marketing Dave Eitland at 933-YMCA or visit www.gtbayymca.org.

Help wanted at Y

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has immediate part-time openings for

• GYMNASTICS COACHES - Recreation level, pre-team, and boys.
• FAMILY PROGRAM SUPERVISOR -  Camp, teens, and family programming.
• EVENING JANITOR

Send resumes to: tvd@gtbayymca.org

081811

Y Fall Programs

New Y Tennis Event!

Jensens appear for tennis exhibition

Helping you live better ....

Call the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Front Desk at 231-933-9622 or come in for at tour at 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City.  www.gtbayymca.org

help wanted

About the Y

About the Y

From Y-USA websites

The Y’s Mission: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

The Y’s Cause: At the Y, strengthening community is their cause. Every day, the Y works side by side with its neighbors to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, committed to strengthening communities in the areas of youth development, healthy living and social responsibility:

• Youth Development: Nurturing the potential of every child and teen.

The Y believes that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. That’s why, through the Y, millions of youth today are taking a greater interest in learning; making smarter life choices; and cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, the pursuit of higher education and goal achievement.

• Healthy Living: Improving the nation’s health and well-being.

In communities across the nation, the Y is a leading voice on health and well-being. With a mission centered on balance, the Y brings families closer together, encourages good health and fosters connections through fitness, sports, fun and shared interests. As a result, millions of youth, adults and families are receiving the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.

• Social Responsibility: Giving back and providing support to our neighbors.

Across the country, the Y helps people give back and assist their neighbors by offering them opportunities to volunteer, advocate and support programs that strengthen community.

Involvement at the Y: The Y hopes to engage more people in the communities it serves whether it is as a member, volunteer, supporter or advocate. To learn more visit ymca.net. Each YMCA association is an independent, autonomous organization with its own governing board, professional staff and assets.

The Y By the Numbers:

• There are more than 2,600 locations in 10,000 communities across the country.

• 21 million people (12 million adults and 9 million youth) of all ages, incomes, backgrounds and abilities come to the Y to learn, grow and thrive.

• Kids, parents, individuals, and business and community leaders make up the Y’s 500,000 volunteers.

• 20,000 full time staff.

Youth Working on Wellness (Youth WOW)

click here to download registration form.

click here to download health appraisal form.

Fall Fitness Schedule - 080911

Click here for the updated 2011 Fall Fitness Class Schedule.

Y Tennis Fall Sign Up

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA offers tennis programs for any age and any skill level with lessons, league play, open court time, and contract court time. Their experienced staff of tennis professionals make the Y Tennis experience unique in the region.

Just ask 90+ year old Wally Bruder, who plays three times a week as part of the YMCA’s “contract time” option.  Or ask 10 year old triplets Faith, Hope, and Grace Kurtz, who take group lessons Saturday mornings.  Ask Barb Polzin, USTA Adult League player and an admitted tennis-addict, or ask any of the 80 boys  who will play in the YMCA Junior High League this fall, for many their first experience with tennis.  Ask the players on the tennis teams from St. Francis, West, Central, or TC Christian, or ask Joyce Weise, whose knee operation hasn’t keep her off the courts.  Ask Paul and Barb Bandrowski.  They can be found at the Y courts most any day with their five kids who all play tennis alongside them, including the youngest, Elliott, currently ranked #6 in the Midwest Tennis Association. You can also find C.J. Shoults, ranked #5 in the Midwest.

“YMCA tennis really is for everyone,” exclaims Janet “Jandy” Cooley whose daughter Paige has played tennis since she was three, and is currently a top ranked 14 and under tournament competitor.

They’ll all tell you the same thing – “YMCA tennis is a great way to learn the game, get a great workout, or just have a lot of fun!”

One of the reasons for the success of the YMCA tennis program is that commitment to excellence goes hand in hand with commitment to mission.  Tennis pros Tom, Joseph, and James Van Deinse and Andy Caldwell have all played international satellite level tour qualifiers, and as past winner of the Northern Michigan Tennis Association Sportsmanship Award, Coach Joseph tells the parents of his students, “Not every kid will grow up to be a top ranked player, but every kid can learn to have fun, and every kid can be taught the YMCA values of honesty, respect, caring and responsibility.  We do that in our tennis program just like we do in each of our programs.”

 “Nearly 40% of our current YMCA membership is related to tennis,” explains YMCA CEO Tom Van Deinse.  “Y Tennis is our biggest and most cost-effective program.”

Whether it is individual or group lessons, indoor or outdoor, for fun or ranked competition, contract time or free time to members, Y Tennis provides the means for people of all ages to play and be fit.

This fall is no exception. Beginning on September 19 a grade 6 to 8 Boys league will begin. Individual schools have the option of forming teams by school.

Group and individual lessons in divisions 3 – 5 years, grades K – 3, grades 4 – 6, junior high and high school, an all the way up to adult  to Adult Cardio Tennis Classes begin September 12. Every age and skill level can find a place in the Y Tennis Program.

Tennis Contract Time allows individuals and groups to reserve their courts in 17 week blocks to play both this fall and winter. Contact Barb Beckett for availability of courts.  Contract time begins September 6.

For more information about Y Tennis or other YMCA programs, log on to www.gtbayymca.org, or contact the Front Desk at our main Y facility at 933-9622 or info@gtbayymca.org.   

Yes you can!

Help Wanted

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA seeks a part-time supervisor of its teen, family, and camp programs. Contact Tom Van Deinse, tvd@gtbayymca.org or 231-933-9622 for more information. Applications available at the Front Desk at the main Y facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City. Include resume and references.

At the Y we are for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

Y Fall Softball

“It must be the smell of the grass or the changing of seasons. Or the fellowship of coming together to play. Or the joy of hitting the ball and the running of bases. Or the great fields we play on. Or the friendly competition played in the context of the Y’s core values. Or because it is just fun is why people continue to play softball in the fall,” according to Barb Beckett, Y Sports Director. “People are continuing surprised that the softball that happens at the Civic Center fields are Y programs and they have been for over 20 years.”

Y Men’s Fall Softball will be held on Monday and Wednesday evening with double header games whenever possible beginning September 12 at the GT Civic Center fields. It is a round robin league schedule with the first ten team registered forming the league. Registration by team is $425. And the registration deadline is August 25.

Y Coed Fall Softball will be held on Sunday late afternoons and evening beginning on September 11 at the GT Civic Center and play an approximate seven week season. The first 16 teams that are registered will form the league. Registration by team is $425 and the deadline is August 25.

Registration forms can be download and more information can be obtained at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA website at www.gtbayymca.org or calling Barb Beckett at the Y at 933-9622. “It’s more than just a membership … It’s the YMCA!”

Sign-up Now!

Click to enlarge.

Click here for current program brochure or pick one up at the Front Desk at the Y Main Facility

Sign up for YMCA Pop Warner Football

Click picture to enlarge.