Friday, December 30, 2011

Y Family Fun Nights - Jan & Feb

Looking for something fun and affordable to do with your family this new year? Join us for Family Fun Nights at the YMCA! Family Fun Nights bring your family together in a safe and fun environment to keep your kids smiling and your budget in check. Each night usually has a theme or special activity.

Family Fun Nights at the YMCA are generally the first Friday of each month and held at the Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive. Come join us for family friendly games of racquetball, basketball, tennis, ping pong, or test your virtual skills on the Wii game console. Upcoming events will be held on January 6 and February 3.

Generally on the third Friday of each month, families gather at the Y Child Care Center, 1100 Woodmere Ste B. This night is geared toward families with younger children offering art projects, a huge gym, and a bounce house. Upcoming events will be held on January 20 and February 17.

Events at both locations are held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m. and all-you-can-eat pizza, beverages, and snacks are provided.

Admission is free to Y members and $15 per family for non-members. Click www.gtbayymca.org, our Facebook page, or Twitter for more information.

Theater, YMCA Fundraisers near goals


First published in the Traverse City Record-Eagle, Thursday, December 29, 2011

Theater, YMCA Fundraisers near goals

As year ends, campaigns try to beat deadlines
By James Russell, jrussell@record-eagle.com

TRAVERSE CITY – Two fundraising campaigns are inching toward the finish line, and last-minute donations could make for a very merry New Year’s celebration at one local organization.

Michael Moore is expected to announce today that the Traverse City Film Festival met its $500,000 fundraising goal for the State Theatre, with three days to spare.  The money will support the festival’s community fund, which provides 25-cent matinees and free movies, and help repair the State’s aging façade.

“It’s given people a chance to rally around the theater, and it’s been so heartwarming,” said Deb Lake, executive director of the film festival, which owns the theater.

Meanwhile, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is still looking for help before Jan. 1; it needs $1.08 million to make an end-of-the-year goal that could net an additional $2 million toward a new facility on Silver Lake Road.

An anonymous donor challenged the Y in October to raise the remaining $4 million of its $12 million capital campaign to receive the money.

“We’ve almost raised $3 million so far, so we’re pretty optimistic that it may happen,” said Dave Eitland, campaign director for the New YMCA Campaign.

The YMCA is raising money for a new 104,000-square-foot facility in Garfield Township to include indoor tennis courts, four pools in a new aquatic center, and up to seven fitness centers.

Eitland said he’s overwhelmed by the community’s generosity over the past two months – since the match started, donors have contributed $2.92 million.

“We’ve been getting gifts of $5, and gifts of $200,000,” he said.  “People are at the point where they know that it’s going to get built, and they’re finally engaging and willing to invest in it.”

The challenge pledge spurred several previous donors to up their contributions.

The Oleson Foundation pledged $300,000 over two years on top of the $450,000 it already donated over three years.

“This last grant was really intended to revitalize the campaign and jump-start commitments to reach the match,” said Kathy Huschke, Oleson Foundation’s executive director.  “It’s important to have things to do for our kids and families together.  There are lot of wonderful outside recreational activities, but there are some months when we can’t get out there.  The Olesons believe in the health and wellness of our youth and families.”

If the YMCA makes its goal, construction could begin in the spring.

The State Theatre also turned toward the community for help at the end of 2011.  In November, the nonprofit film festival kicked off the public portion of a fundraising campaign to fill budget holes and upgrade its aging façade.

The festival, which owns the theater, hoped to raise $500,000 by the end of the ear in a campaign it dubbed “Another Hundred Years.”

Lake said large grants from groups like Rotary Charities and Consumers Energy as well as smaller, individual donations contributed to a successful effort.

“We’ve had a ton of people who have given what they can:  $10, $50, $250,” Lake said.  “It’s been an opportunity for the community to think about what State means to them…It’s been really great for us to get everyone’s thoughts about the theater.”

For more information about Grand Traverse Bay YMCA’s capital campaign, or to donate, contact the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation at 935-4066 or see www.4good4ever.org.

For the latest on the film festival’s “Another Hundred Years” campaign, visit www.anotherhundredyears.org.

From the Community Foundation

Any online contributions made today or tomorrow will count toward 2011. Our online system captures the date and time of a contribution made. Though we will retrieve all of the donations when we are back in the office next week, we will be able to determine which were made in 2011 and which were not.

In terms of contributions or pledges mailed, in order to count toward 2011, the envelope must be postmarked on or before December 31, 2011.

Thanks!
Alison Metiva

Alison Metiva
Director of Communications and Grants Services
Community Foundation
250 E. Front Street, Ste. 310
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone (231) 935-4066 | Fax (231) 941-0021

 Online donation -  click here.

Download and mail a donation and multi-year pledge - click here

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

We are getting close!

As of December 26, 2011, we have $1,208,658 in donations to go to meet our Challenge Pledge by the end of the year and build the New YMCA. We need your donation today to reach our Challenge Pledge. Contribute on-line at www.4good4ever.org  or call 231-935-4066 and help us build this spring. Call 231-933-9622 for more information.

TEEN DANCE SATURDAY JAN 7 & NEW 9TH GRADE TEEN DANCE JAN 21

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Teen Program is now offering two teen dances throughout the school year in a safe, values-based environment.
The first will be for grades 6 – 8 and will be held on the first Saturday of each month. The second will be for grade 9 and will be held on the third Saturday of each month. In January, the grades 6 - 8 teen dance will be held on Saturday, January 7 from 7 – 10 pm. The grade 9 dance will be held on Saturday, January 21.

Listen to your favorite music, dance the night away, or challenge some friends to a game of basketball and use the Y facilities! The Teen Dances at the YMCA provide a fun, safe place for teens to hang out and just be themselves.
Admission is $8/per non-member and free to YMCA members. The price includes pizza. ID, proper dress, and proper conduct required.

The dance is at the YMCA Main Facility at 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City, just off South Airport Road behind Logan’s Landing office complex.

Adult volunteers are always needed. Parents are welcome to chaperone.

For more information on any of the Y Teen programs, contact Erica Wilson at wilsonerica2@gmail.com or call the Y at 231-933-9622.




Friday, December 23, 2011

Thursday, December 22, 2011

School's out fun club cancelled today.


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

Christmas Camp for ages 5 - 15

Parents : Need an alternative for your children???


Yes, you can still register. Late fee applies.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Blizzard Basketball Tournament

YMCA 2012 “Blizzard”

Boy’s 7th & 8th Grade Team Basketball Tournament

Cost:         $200.00 team fee
When:       January 28, 2012 --- 9:00 am start

Where:      Traverse City, Michigan Area GymsDeadline:   January 16, 2012

Format:     Round robin format. 7th & 8th are in separate divisions. All games are officiated and awards are given to the top team in each division.  Each team guaranteed 3 games.   Registration may be started by completing the form below and returning it along with $200.00 team fee to the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA 3000 Racquet Club Dr. Traverse City, MI  49684.

Contact Barb Beckett, tournament manager, at 231-933-9622 for more information. Click here for registration form.


16th Annual YMCA 2012 “Winter Jam” Adult Men’s Basketball Tournament


Cost:         $200.00 team Fee

When:       February 4 & 5, 2012 – Super Bowl Weekend (done by 3:00 Sunday)

Where:      Traverse City, Michigan Area Gyms

Deadline:   January 23, 2012

Format:     Round robin format. Guaranteed 4 games. Registration may be started by completing the form below and returning it along with $200.00 team fee to YMCA 3000 Racquet Club Dr Traverse City MI  49684

Contact Tournament Manager, Barb Beckett, 231-933-9622 for more information. Click here for registration form.

2012 Y Programs and Activities for Winter and Spring

Download by clicking here.
For more information link to www.gtbayymca.org 
call the Front Desk at 231-933-YMCA (9622)

For recreational gymnastics, volunteering, using the Y facilities, giving to Invest in Youth, blog, Facebook pages, membership, child care, school's out, snow days, Spring Break Camp, basketball skills, girls basketball league, PeeWee Sports, the Blizzard, Midnight Madness, Pop Warner signup, spring youth soccer leagues, lacrosse skills, teen programs, leaders club, teen dance grades 6-8, teen dance grade 9, Y Gymnastics, gymnastic fun teams, gymnastic competitive teams, private lessons, birthday parties at both Y Gymnastics Center and Y Main Facility, building rentals, youth group tennis lessons, girls tennis teams, private tennis lessons, tennis court fees, contract tennis reservations and sign up, adult group tennis lessons and leagues, ball machine rental, adult cardio tennis, free tennis to members, noon drop-in basketball, men's basketball league, women's basketball league, Winter Jam Tournament, spring softball leagues, wallyball, racquetball, handball, pickleball, circuit fitness training, secularized training rooms, new members fitness orientation, personal fitness training, child watch service, Y Youth WOW, C.S.I., boot camp, total body conditioning, pilates, zumba, circuit zumba, totally tone, hard "core", spice, family nights at Y Main Facility, family nights at Y Early Childhood Education Center, 400 families getting financial assistance, 60 families using the Y Early Childhood Education Center, over 550 donors contributing over $10.4 million to build the New Y, outrageous philanthropy, dedicated staff, 359 volunteers giving over 28,000 hours of service, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is founded on Christian principles and values, map, sign up now.

The Y is for YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, HEALTHY LIVING, SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Monday, December 19, 2011

New Y – A Reason for Optimism

First published in the Grand Traverse Insider, Sunday, December 18, 2011

New Y – A Reason for Optimism
By Henry Peet, Chairperson
New YMCA Capital Campaign

As we celebrate the Holiday Season and the end of the year, I take this opportunity to report on the New Y Campaign and offer some reflections on the year that is closing.

As you may have heard, in the fall we were given an awesome task and challenge. An anonymous donor challenged us to complete the fundraising of the Capital Campaign at that time we had only raised about half of our goal. The donor pledged a gift of $2 million if we could be matched 2:1 by $4 million in new gifts and pledges by December 31 …this year.

The donor’s challenge pledge has inspired some extraordinary giving. Rotary Charities increased their gift bringing their total Campaign gift to $1 million. The Oleson Foundation also made an additional gift for a total of $750,000 to the project. We have gotten over the course of the campaign over 500 gifts totaling $10.4 million.

People and organizations are stepping up and making first, second, and sometimes third gifts to the Capital Campaign. Others have made multi-year pledges which also count toward the Challenge. Every gift that is given, no matter the size, has helped us to get this far and still is critical for us to achieve our goal.

We are still looking to raise some $1.6 million as of this date (12/15/2011).
Yes, it will take some extraordinary giving by ordinary people, businesses, and philanthropic foundation over the next 15 days to make this goal. We are confident that people will step up and make the New YMCA a reality.

Construction of the facility will begin only after we have raised the necessary funds. With the help of this great community, that could be a few short months from now.

Since 1964, your Y has been meeting needs of children and families in our community that otherwise would go unmet.  We embody the founding principles of the YMCA movement.  We put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that strengthen the whole individual – the spirit, mind, and body.  We support the development and enrichment of each individual to build strong families and a strong community.  This we do for the entire population of our region, regardless of their economic circumstances. 

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is fundamentally a charitable institution, (a fact that escapes many people in our community.)  Our YMCA operates on a mixed income model that balances paid services and charitable activities.

Contributions make up the critical gap each year between the cost of programs for children and families and the income we derive from paying members and program users.
 
The case for the New YMCA remains compelling.  In fact, during this year of transition and change, the critical, unmet needs in our community became even clearer to those of us who lead the YMCA.  The proposed new facility is needed more than ever. 
·         Our 5-county region needs additional swimming pools.  In our studies we found that 40% of seventh graders could not swim 25 yards to save a friend. The New Y includes a training pool and a competitive pool.
·         Our 5-county region has no family-oriented, comprehensive recreational and health campus complex. The New Y’s pool, fitness, and tennis facilities will provide these. 
·         Our teens lack a place to meet, to socialize and to pursue athletic activities. The New Y includes teen fitness area and a teen center.
·         The lack of sound nutrition and physical activity are underlying causes of youth obesity, a national epidemic with significant costs to society. The New Y Fitness Center will include dedicated youth and senior fitness areas.
·         Tennis facilities, a major program of this Y, are in short supply in our region.  The New Y will include 6 indoor tennis courts.

The New YMCA delivers solutions to these needs through expanded programs in a new, comprehensive health and recreation center.  Essential areas within the proposed 100,000 square foot facility include swimming pools, fitness and exercise rooms, tennis center, and space for community use.  Outside the building are new playing fields for soccer, lacrosse and football. 
 
We have been continuing to tell the story of the New YMCA Campaign to people like you who support this vision for our region. Hundreds of volunteers have been in the process of making sure the right people hear the story and hopefully make a generous donation even in this economy.

Is there reason for optimism?  Yes, there is.  The YMCA movement began in England in 1844 to provide faith-based centers for supervised recreation, social engagement, and cultural activities.  In the US, the movement took root and adapted to our changing society.  At the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, we are non-denominational and inclusive, a welcoming center for a growing community.  The charitable model thrives in Traverse City. Our 65 programs currently serve over 11,000 users in our region regardless of financial means.  Our new Y will be a place for children and families throughout the region to gather in one place for wholesome, affordable recreation and skills development.   We are still defined by our principles and values. We are driven by a mission that is as relevant today as it was a century ago. 
  
Your support now is essential not only to fulfill this Challenge Pledge, but also to provide the region the health and recreational facility that it deserves. Everyone here in the Grand Traverse region deserves a great YMCA!

Your online donations can be taken at www.4good4ever.org or by calling our partner the Community Foundation at 935-4066. More information about the Campaign can be founded at www.gtbayymca.org or 933-9622.

Thank you for your support and your gifts to make the New Y a reality.

Henry Peet is the Campaign Chairperson for the New Y Capital Campaign.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

IRS offers tips for year end giving.

IR-2011-118
Full Text:

 

IRS Offers Tips for Year-End Giving
WASHINGTON — Individuals and businesses making contributions to charity should keep in mind several important tax law provisions that have taken effect in recent years. Some of these changes include the following:
Special Charitable Contributions for Certain IRA Owners
This provision, currently scheduled to expire at the end of 2011, offers older owners of individual retirement accounts (IRAs) a different way to give to charity. An IRA owner, age 70½ or over, can directly transfer tax-free up to $100,000 per year to an eligible charity. This option, created in 2006, is available for distributions from IRAs, regardless of whether the owners itemize their deductions. Distributions from employer-sponsored retirement plans, including SIMPLE IRAs and simplified employee pension (SEP) plans, are not eligible.
To qualify, the funds must be contributed directly by the IRA trustee to the eligible charity. Amounts so transferred are not taxable and no deduction is available for the transfer.
Not all charities are eligible. For example, donor-advised funds and supporting organizations are not eligible recipients.
Amounts transferred to a charity from an IRA are counted in determining whether the owner has met the IRA’s required minimum distribution. Where individuals have made nondeductible contributions to their traditional IRAs, a special rule treats transferred amounts as coming first from taxable funds, instead of proportionately from taxable and nontaxable funds, as would be the case with regular distributions. See Publication 590, Individual Retirement Arrangements (IRAs), for more information on qualified charitable distributions.
Rules for Clothing and Household Items
To be deductible, clothing and household items donated to charity generally must be in good used condition or better. A clothing or household item for which a taxpayer claims a deduction of over $500 does not have to meet this standard if the taxpayer includes a qualified appraisal of the item with the return. Household items include furniture, furnishings, electronics, appliances and linens.
Guidelines for Monetary Donations
To deduct any charitable donation of money, regardless of amount, a taxpayer must have a bank record or a written communication from the charity showing the name of the charity and the date and amount of the contribution. Bank records include canceled checks, bank or credit union statements, and credit card statements. Bank or credit union statements should show the name of the charity, the date, and the amount paid. Credit card statements should show the name of the charity, the date, and the transaction posting date.
Donations of money include those made in cash or by check, electronic funds transfer, credit card and payroll deduction. For payroll deductions, the taxpayer should retain a pay stub, a Form W-2 wage statement or other document furnished by the employer showing the total amount withheld for charity, along with the pledge card showing the name of the charity.
These requirements for the deduction of monetary donations do not change the long-standing requirement that a taxpayer obtain an acknowledgment from a charity for each deductible donation (either money or property) of $250 or more. However, one statement containing all of the required information may meet both requirements.
Reminders
To help taxpayers plan their holiday-season and year-end giving, the IRS offers the following additional reminders:
  • Contributions are deductible in the year made. Thus, donations charged to a credit card before the end of 2011 count for 2011. This is true even if the credit card bill isn’t paid until 2012. Also, checks count for 2011 as long as they are mailed in 2011.
  • Check that the organization is qualified. Only donations to qualified organizations are tax-deductible. IRS Publication 78, searchable and available online, lists most organizations that are qualified to receive deductible contributions. It can be found at IRS.gov under Search for Charities. In addition, churches, synagogues, temples, mosques and government agencies are eligible to receive deductible donations, even if they are not listed in Publication 78.
  • For individuals, only taxpayers who itemize their deductions on Form 1040 Schedule A can claim deductions for charitable contributions. This deduction is not available to individuals who choose the standard deduction, including anyone who files a short form (Form 1040A or 1040EZ). A taxpayer will have a tax savings only if the total itemized deductions (mortgage interest, charitable contributions, state and local taxes, etc.) exceed the standard deduction. Use the 2011 Form 1040 Schedule A to determine whether itemizing is better than claiming the standard deduction.
  • For all donations of property, including clothing and household items, get from the charity, if possible, a receipt that includes the name of the charity, date of the contribution, and a reasonably-detailed description of the donated property. If a donation is left at a charity’s unattended drop site, keep a written record of the donation that includes this information, as well as the fair market value of the property at the time of the donation and the method used to determine that value. Additional rules apply for a contribution of $250 or more.
  • The deduction for a motor vehicle, boat or airplane donated to charity is usually limited to the gross proceeds from its sale. This rule applies if the claimed value is more than $500. Form 1098-C, or a similar statement, must be provided to the donor by the organization and attached to the donor’s tax return.
  • If the amount of a taxpayer’s deduction for all noncash contributions is over $500, a properly-completed Form 8283 must be submitted with the tax return.
  • And, as always it’s important to keep good records and receipts.
IRS.gov has Additional information on charitable giving including:
On-line mini-course, Can I Deduct My Charitable Contributions?


From the IRS via the Planned Giving Design Center. thanks! 


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Provided solely for informational and educational purposes. Consult the IRS or your tax and legal professionals for more detailed information and how it information will effect your own situation. Always consider future circumstances before making a major gift to the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Your donation is needed!

Y Winter Women's Basketball Schedule

Here is where you will find the 2011/2012 Winter Women's Basketball League Schedule for the Grand Traversre Bay YMCA. Click here

Golden Day for Y

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, in another day of outstanding giving, received four gifts and pledges of $765,000 in one 24 hour period.

These gifts and pledges are being spurred on by a Challenge Pledge of $2 million to reach $4 million by December 31, 2011. The Campaign had reached the half way point ($6 million) when the Challenge was given.

“We are closing in on our goal,” according to Henry Peet, New Y Capital Campaign Chairperson. “We now have to receive a little over $1.5 million in gifts and pledges by the end of the year. This means nearly $4.5 million has been given since the Challenge was issued. People have stepped up to help us build the New Y.” Over 500 donations and pledges have been given to the Campaign thus far.

Gifts and multi-year pledges are being sought now of any size to fulfill this Challenge Pledge by the end of the year.

You can donate online at www.4good4ever.org or by calling our partner the Community Foundation at 935-4066. More information about the Campaign can be founded at www.gtbayymca.org or 933-9622.



Concept view of New Y Aquatic Center from second level viewing area.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Your help is needed NOW!

YMCA ECEC receives book donation

An anonymous employee group donated a large number of children's books this week to the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Early Childhood Education Center (ECEC), We are truly thankful for their generosity.


Paul Schmuckal Endorsement of New Y

Paul Schmuckal, Chairman, Schmuckal Oil Company,

Chairman YMCA Corporate Advisory Committee
Chairman, New Y Public Campaign

“The YMCA helps develop children with strong family-based activities. We clearly need an aquatics center, modern fitness and more. There are lots of seniors and plenty of young families who will be part of the new Y. Many people have moved here with expectations of a strong Y and we plan to meet those expectations.”

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Christmas Party at ECEC Family Night

Next Family Fun Night at the Y Early Childhood Education Center, 1100 Woodmere, Ste B will be December 16 from 6 - 8 pm. Play, Pizza, and Christmas Crafts. Call Dagny at 231-421-3568 for more information. This family night is geared to families of pre-schoolers.

Monday, December 12, 2011

The new Y – And Your Year-end Donation!

First published in the Traverse City Record Eagle as a Forum Editorial on Sunday, December 11, 2011.
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The new Y –  And Your Year-end Donation!
By Henry Peet, Chairperson, New YMCA Capital Campaign

Earlier this fall, an anonymous donor - who understands how important the New Y facility is for our region - pledged $2 million toward the campaign if the remaining $4 million needed to complete campaign goal was reached. The 2: 1 challenge requires the goal to be met by the end of 2011.  This donation has inspired and re-ignited the New Y drive – and this is the final month of this very generous challenge.

Since the announcement of this donation, individuals and organizations have been stepping forward with their gifts and pledges. Understanding how vital the New Y is to our community, some have increased their giving above what they had previously pledged. Others have taken advantage of the challenge to make their first commitment. The campaign goal is $12 million to initiate construction for the new Y.  With the $2 million challenge donation, an additional $1.6 million has been pledged as of this printing, leaving approximately $2.4 million still needed.  December 2011 is by far the most important month of the New Y campaign!

The needs for the new Y are well noted.
-          Aquatics: a recent survey indicated 40% of 7th graders couldn’t swim 25 yards. The New Y aquatics facility will provide them a place to learn.
-          There is no family oriented, full service recreational facility in the 5 county region. The New Y is the facility.
-          Youth obesity, leading to type II diabetes, is rising. The New Y will give youngsters a facility and instruction to achieve better fitness.
-          Indoor Tennis: At the Y, tennis provides a healthy activity that serves all age groups from young to experienced.
-          Teens need a safe, fun place to congregate and grow. The New Y is that place. There is no other full service facility where everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to pay. The New Y will continue the “no one denied” financial assistance program.

For those that have made 2011 donations - regardless of charity – please consider a PLEDGE for 2012 in response to the Y challenge.  Future pledges will be accepted and counted!  Please consider your gift or pledge now so we can complete the challenge in 2011 and begin construction of the new Y in 2012. 

Now is the time for people of good will and means to step up to the plate. Your pledge will help to make the New Y a reality.

Contact the Y at 231-933-9622 for more information or visit the Community Foundation at www.4good4ever.org  to make your pledge. Now is the time to make a commitment. Your year-end donation is needed at the Y! Thank you for your support.

Henry Peet is the volunteer chairperson of the New YMCA Capital Campaign and lives in Traverse City.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Christmas Camp 2011

Elks Lodge Gift to New Y!


Gary Horn (left), Past Exalted Ruler and Chairman of the Elks National Foundation Committee presents a gift to Tom Van Deinse (center), CEO, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, from the local Elks Lodge in Traverse City for the New YMCA Campaign.  Hugh Hall (right), is the current Exalted Ruler of the Elks Lodge. Both organizations share a passion of helping children to grow.   (Photo by John Russell)

If you would like to make a donation toward our $2 million Challenge Pledge, call our partner the Community Foundation at 231-935-4066 or on-line at www.4good4ever.org . You can receive more information about the New Y Campaign and any of the 65 programs at the Y by clicking  www.gtbayymca.org 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

In support of the New YMCA in Traverse City

There is no greater visible sign of a region's commitment to family values than the existence of a local YMCA.
- Rick & Kate Dahlstrom, Traverse City
in support of building a new YMCA
December 2011

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Gymnastics win in Grand Rapids

Davis, Jackson Win “On the Grand”

(Pictures added to bottom of article.)


The YMCA Level 6, 7, and 8 gymnastics teams competed at the Grand Rapids Gymnastics “On the Grand” Meet at DeVos Place this past weekend and came away with nine first place gold medals, including all-around gold medals for Patricia Davis and Kayla Jackson. 

“It was a good meet for us to see where our strengths and our weaknesses are,” said coach Jennifer Van Deinse, “especially since so many of the girls are competing at a higher level this year.”

Patricia Davis won her level 7 all-around championship by placing 1st on beam, and 2nd on bars, vault, and floor, en route to a meet-high score of 37.3.  Twin sister Amy Davis placed 2nd on beam, 3rd on bars, and 4th on floor and vault to place 2nd all-around with a score of 36.425.  With a 4th place all-around finish by Francie Flores, including a gold medal 9.4 floor routine, and a 7th place all-around finish by Rachel Ovalle, the YMCA girls secured 2nd place in the level 7 team scoring.

“Patricia and Amy have beautiful lines,” commented coach Betsy Van Deinse.  “It’s no surprise they took 1st and 2nd all-around.  They’re both such strong competitors.”

Kayla Jackson won the “Xcel platinum” division, with an all-around score of 36.275 by placing 1st on vault, beam, and floor, while landing in 8th place on bars.  “Kayla had a great meet,” said coach Jennifer Van Deinse, adding, “As she continues to improve her bars, she’s going to be tough to beat this year.” Olivia Flores also competed for the Y Xcel team, turning in a 6th place all-around performance.

Jade Turner led the Y’s level 6 team with a 2nd place all-around score of 35.350, including a 9.25 beam routine.  The level 6 team also captured 3rd, 5th, and 10th place individual all-around medals with strong performances by Darby Drake (1st place vault), Kayla Brady, and Annemarie Jenkins.

Competing in their first year at level 8, Annie Gerstner and Kendra Benak won 2nd and 4th place all-around honors.  Benak took 2nd on floor and 3rd on beam, while Gerstner’s 1st place gold medal vault qualified her for the individual event championships held Sunday, where she placed 2nd among all individual champion competitors.  “Annie continues to dominate the state on vault,” commented coach Gina Van Deinse, “despite the fact that this is her first year at level 8.  We’re so proud of her, and all the girls.”

With 26 level 3 – 5 gymnasts, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA also brought one of the state’s largest “fun meet” teams to Grand Rapids.  Competing at the event were Amanda Sweeney, Olyvia Galton, Hadley Hilner, Erin Evans, Dahlia Evans, Jordyn Fortier, Julia Tabaczka, Seryna Javin, Malorie Hood, Sophia Thompson, Ciarra Reicha, Maddie Bies, Aiden Warren, Kora Voss, Norah Galton, Emily Laferriere, Tabitha Fouch, Meredith Gallagher, Ava Wendel, Ella Wendel, Haley McClellen, Elzaya Williams, Avery Wisniewski, Allie Corpus, Xue Ferguson, and Samantha Berta.

The next meet for the YMCA gymnasts is the Twistars Invitational to be held January 6 – 8 in Lansing.

For more information about Y Gymnastics contact Betsy Van Deinse at 929-2869 or visit www.gtbayymca.org.


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Level 6's: Annemarie Jenkins, Kayla Brady, Darby Drake and Jade Turner


Level 7's: Francie Flores, Rachel Ovalle, Patricia Davis and Amy Davis

Level 8's: Annie Gerstner and Kendra Benak