My February Resolutions

First published in the Grand Traverse Insider, Sunday, January 29. 2012

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by Tom Van Deinse, CEO

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

My February Resolutions

The good news?  I did not break my 2012 resolution to never procrastinate.  The bad news is that I put off my 2012 resolutions until today!  So, better late than never, here are my February resolutions:

I resolve to take off this winter weight before spring. 

I know I’m not alone, but I know I’ll do it, too.  After all the holiday meals, I’ve finally resumed a better diet, and I’m hitting more tennis balls and enjoying the sauna at the Y.  Others are giving the Y treadmills a workout or enjoying the greatly expanded menu of exercise classes.

As the CEO of the Y, I resolve to help the rest of the community get healthier, too. 

That’s why we’re hosting a smoking cessation class, offering a program called YMCA Youth Working on Wellness (Y Youth WOW), and providing more opportunities to join the Y with our financial assistance program and free joiner fee period through Valentine’s Day. 

I resolve to share the Y story. 

In a recent membership campaign, we registered over 600 new YMCA members.  How did we do it?  We let the Y programs sell themselves.  Some just wanted to lose weight, like me, and some wanted to tone up.  Others wanted to enjoy year-round pickleball, tennis, or basketball.  Still others were looking to take advantage of the member discounts on popular programs like gymnastics, child care, YMCA Pop Warner football, or lacrosse.  At the YMCA you and your family can get fit and have fun for less!  It’s a great story that everyone should hear.

I resolve to get the New Y open in 2013. 

Of course, the credit for the hard work of raising the funds goes to the volunteers and community members.  Rob and Phyllis Foster, Dave and Beth Howard, and Jerry and Don Oleson teamed up with nearly 900 donors to get us to the point where construction of the New Y can begin this spring.  Volunteers like Henry Peet and Paul Schmuckal and scores of others will make my New Y resolution an easy one to fulfill.

I further resolve to offer anyone who missed the chance to support the New Y before the end of 2011 the chance to support it now. You’ll be recognized as part of this great community success story, no matter what size your gift.  The New Y will be built on gifts ranging from $5 to $2 million, validating that the YMCA’s focus on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility really is, as our mission states, “for all”. 

Tom Van Deinse
CEO, GT Bay YMCA

My final 2012 resolution is to complete my 2013 resolutions before December 31 this year… if I get around to it!

For more information about YMCA programs or the New Y contact CEO Tom Van Deinse at tvd@gtbayymca.org, call 933-YMCA, or visit www.gtbayymca.org.

Y Family Fun Nights in February

Looking for something fun and affordable to do with your family? 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, and ping pong. Upcoming events will be held on February 3. This will have a Valentine Day theme.

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 February 17. Even though after the 14th, this family night will have a Valentine's Theme.

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 http://www.gtbayymca.org/ , our Facebook page, or Twitter for more information.
 
Next Family Fun Nights in March will be on Friday, March 2 at the Main YMCA near South Airport Road and Friday, March 16 at the Y Early Childhood Education Center, 1100 Woodmere, Ste. B. in Traverse City. (Watch out for leprechauns and pots of gold!)

Kalamazoo Gymnastic Meet Pictures

(Kalamazoo, MI) Each of the 13 Grand Traverse Bay YMCA gymnasts competing in the Snowfest Invitational State Qualifier in Kalamazoo this past weekend will be headed to their respective state meet later this spring.  And they’ll be going for the gold.

“The girls had a great meet,” said coach Jennifer Van Deinse.  “It was one of the most consistent performances we’ve seen at every level.”

Click here for full story.

Level 8 Annie Gerstner 

Level 8 Kendra Benak

Level 7 Patricia Davis

Level 7 Francie Flores

Level 6 Jade Turner

Level 7 Team

back row: Francie Flores, Kayla Jackson and Olivia Flores front row: Amy Davis and Patricia Davis

Y Valentine Teen Dance

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: Erica Wilson, Erica@gtbayymca.org , 231-933-9622, or Tom Van Deinse, CEO, tvd@gtbayymca.org , 231-933-9622

Friday, January 27, 2012

FOR IMMEDATE RELEASE

TEEN VALENTINE’S DAY FORMAL AT Y

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA staff and DJ Josh are dressing up for a rocking time at this month Teen Dance to be held at the Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, just south of S. Airport Road in Traverse City.

The Teen Dance will be a valentine’s formal for grades 6 to 8 on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 7:00 pm – 10 pm.

We are asking you to open your hearts to area food pantries and bring canned goods to be entered into a prize drawing.

Admission is with pictured student ID, is free to Y members and $8 for non-members. Proper conduct and dress are required. No bags allowed. Parents are required to drop off and pickup their children.

Erica Wilson, Y Teen Supervisor, says, “Our Y teen dances are a safe and secure place to have fun. Beside the dance, teens can experience the fun of the entire Y Main Facility. Parents and chaperones over 18 years are always welcomed to help out.” Contact Erica at 933-9622 or Erica@gtbayymca.org  to volunteer for the event.

The Y is for Youth Development and provides teen programming in keeping with its Judeo-Christian values. More information at its website at www.gtbayymca.org, Facebook, or Twitter. 

YMCA GYMNASTS QUALIFY FOR STATE MEET

Pictures are found by clicking here.

(Kalamazoo, MI) Each of the 13 Grand Traverse Bay YMCA gymnasts competing in the Snowfest Invitational State Qualifier in Kalamazoo this past weekend will be headed to their respective state meet later this spring.  And they’ll be going for the gold.

“The girls had a great meet,” said coach Jennifer Van Deinse.  “It was one of the most consistent performances we’ve seen at every level.”

Francie Flores, Annie Gerstner, Patricia Davis and Kendra Benak each turned in gold-medal all-around performances.  At level 8 Gerstner swept the gold by winning vault (9.450), bars (9.150), beam (9.150), and floor (9.500) for a first-place all-around score of 37.600.  Kendra Benak captured her first-place all-around medal in the level 8 14&up division by winning bars and floor, while placing second on vault and beam for a score of 36.850. 

In the level 7 12-13 year old division Francie Flores won bars and beam and placed second on vault and floor for her gold-medal 37.600 all-around award.  In the 14& up division of level 7 the YMCA girls swept first through fourth place all-around awards.  Olivia Flores placed fourth, Amy Davis took third, including first place gold medals on vault (9.525) and floor (a stunning 9.650 routine), and Kayla Jackson placed second, less than a point short of Patricia Davis’ all-around gold score of 37.600.  Davis won vault (9.525), bars (9.250), and beam (9.475), and placed second to twin sister Amy in the floor exercise.

“We brought home 18 gold medals, including the level 7 first-place team award,” commented coach Gina Van Deinse.  The level 6 team placed third.

“We were especially proud of our level 5 girls,” added Van Deinse.  “We had just moved Jordyn Fortier up to level 5 as the required third gymnast to fill out a team.  Yet with a strong meet from teammates Summer Bennetts and Ryan Zrimec, they were able to place third along with our level 6 team, even while competing against much bigger and much more experienced teams.”

The YMCA’s level 6 gymnasts include Darby Drake (third place all-around, including a first-place bar routine), Annemarie Jenkins (fourth place all-around, including a second-place bar routine), and Kayla Brady (seventh place all-around).

Coach Jennifer Van Deinse sees a successful future for the YMCA teams.  “When the younger girls see the hard work in practice pay off with 18 gold medals this weekend for the level 6, 7 and 8 girls, it really inspires them.”

She adds, “But this is no time to rest on our laurels.  There’s a lot of work yet to do if we’re going to make a good showing when we get to state... not to mention our next meet.”

The next meet for the YMCA gymnasts is the world-renowned Chicago Style Invitational, to be held at Navy Pier February 10 – 12.

For more information about Y Gymnastics, call gym director Betsy Van Deinse at 929-2869, stop in to the Y Gymnastics facility at 1100 Woodmere, Suite A, or visit the YMCA website at www.gtbayymca.org. 

Thanks TCAPS

Thanks to the Traverse City Area Public Schools for creating a community information page to provide information to students and parents on the region's programs and activities including the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA.  Click here to see their site. Click on image to enlarge.

Click to www.gtbayymca.org or call the Front Desk at 231-993-9622 for more information of the more than 65 programs of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. Yes, we are on Facebook and Twitter.

Y Pee Wee Sports: 3 - 5 year olds

Pee Wee Sports/Soccer provides a variety of sports - soccer, basketball, and many more. This program is for pre-school kids ages 3 - 5 years.  Parents encouraged to be involved and play as family.

Location: YMCA Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Dr, TC
Dates/Sessions: Tue, Feb 21 for 5 weeks
Times: 4:30 - 5:30 pm

Click here for registration form
Registration Deadline: Feb 14
Y Member Fee: $20   Non-member fee: $50
There is a $10 late free charge for registration after deadline.

MIDNIGHT MADNESS BB TOURNAMENT

2012 “MIDNIGHT MADNESS” BOY’S & GIRL’S GRADES 4 - 9 TEAM “3-ON-3” BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

When: March 16, 5:00 pm start
Where: Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City

Registration Deadline: March 9, 2011
Must register as a team. Preregistration required. Click here for registration form.
Cost: $120 team fee per team of 3 or 4.

Format: Every player gets a t-shirt. This is the biggest and best basketball event in the Traverse City region.

Brackets, rules, t-shirts available at the Y Main Facility on Thurs, Mar 15, 12 noon – 8 pm.

Contact Barb at 231-933-9622 or www.gtbayymca.org .

Youth Soccer Leagues: Grades K - 8

These coed recreational leagues emphasize fun and safety for grades K- 8. Teams are made by school and special request so you can play with your friends. Coaches are volunteers.

League Dates: Week of Apr 9 - Week of May 14
                       Sat & some Tue & Thu

Click here for Registration Information:
Before Feb 28, Y members $25, Non-members $60
Before Mar 19, Y members $35, Non-member $70
After Mar 19, Y members $45, Non-members $80

Coaches Meeting: Wednesday, Apr 4, 6:00 pm, @ Y Main Facility

Contact Rob or Barb at 231-933-9622 or www.gtbaymca.org .

Lacrosse Youth Leagues: Grades 1 - 8

The fastest sport on two feet. Lacrosse hand-eye coordination, run-ning, teamwork, fitness, rules, safety, proper competition, and Y four core values … it’s all covered! Bring stick, gloves, helmet You MUST have proper protective gear to play!

Registration Deadline: Mar 16

Dates: Week of Apr 9 to Week of May 21

Click here for registration form

Grades 1 - 4 League Y members: $35 Non-members: $70
Grades 5 & 6 League Y members: $55 Non-members: $90
Grades 7 & 8 League Y members: $55 Non-members: $90

For more information contact Barb at 231-933-9622 or www.gtbayymca.org 

Lacrosse Skills: Grades 1 - 8

The fastest sport on two feet!

Lacrosse hand-eye coordination, running, teamwork, fitness, rules, safety, proper competition, and Y four core values … it’s all covered! Instructional practices and scrimmages. Bring stick, cleats, gloves, helmet. You MUST have proper protective gear to play!

Registration Deadline: Feb 6

Dates/Times: Feb 13 - Mar 19
Grades 1 - 4 on Mon 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Grades 5 - 8 on Mon 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Y Member Fee: $35      Non-member Fee: $70
Location: YMCA Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, TC

Contact Barb at 231-933-9622 for more information or www.gtbayymca.org .

Credit: John Russell, Great Lakes Images

Basketball Skills: Grades K - 5

Click here for registration form.

Well rounded skills program where children learn this popular
sport in the context of the YMCA’s four core values of caring,
honesty, respect, and responsibility. Kids should bring a water
bottle. Program is held at YMCA Main Facility.

Registration Deadline: Feb 14
Season: Tue, Feb 21 for 5 weeks

Grades K-2 meets 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm
Grades 3-5 meets 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Location: Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, TC

Fee: $20 Y Members $50 Non-members

Save $50! Become a Y Member Today!

We will waive the joiner fee if you become a Y member before

2/14/2012. Click here for more information.

Thanks from Traverse City State Bank

Thanks to the Traverse City State Bank for the recognition of the New YMCA Steering Committee at their VIP event on Thursday, January 19, 2012

Pictured L – R: Marc Judge, YMCA Board Chair and TCSB Vice President; Paul Schmuckal – New YMCA Public Campaign Chair; Henry Peet, New YMCA Campaign Chair; Connie Deneweth, TCSB CEO 

at the Traverse City State Bank's VIP Event on January 19, 2012.

Y SNOW DAY - JAN 23

Y SNOW DAY
FULL DAY, MONDAY, JANUARY 23RD

School’s Out Fun Club is a licensed program for ages 5 - 15. Children will participate in a full range of activities both in-doors and outdoors (weather permitting) including crafts, sports, and other camp-like activities in a values-based environment.

Location: YMCA Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Dr, TC
Dates/Sessions: When TCAPS cancels
Times: 6:45 am - 6 pm

Registration Form - CLICK HERE

This weekend at the Y

TONIGHT! - Family Fun Night at the Y Early Childhood Education Center, 1100 Woodmere, Ste. B, Traverse City, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Fun for the whole family, program geared to preschool families. Y Members - Free, Non-members - $15/family. 231-421-3568

TOMORROW NIGHT! - NEW 9TH GRADE DANCE! Saturday Night (1/22), 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Dr, Traverse City. Student ID, proper attire and conduct required. Y Members - Free, Non-member - $8. Parents and volunteers (18 yrs and older) welcomed to chaperone. Call  231-933-9622.

9th Grade Dance at Y on Sat Jan 21

Coming Events - Jan/Feb

Today - Y School's Out

Kids at today's Y School's Out Program enjoying themselves with Y Staff.  Call Main Y at 231-933-9622 for more information or your registration.

Help Wanted: PRE-SCHOOL AND SCHOOL-AGE ASSISTANTS

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is seeking qualified Assistants for both our preschool and school-age programs. We are looking for enthusiastic applicants with a passion for working with children. Educational background in Early Childhood or Elementary Education and/or experience preferred. CPR and First Aid certification required.

Contact Dagny at 231-421-3568 or dagny@gtbayymca.org

NEED SOME HELP TO STOP SMOKING?

TC SmokeFree and the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA will be sponsoring a smoking cessation support group at the Y. 

These meetings will be held on Mondays beginning January 23 from 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the YMCA Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Drive, Traverse City. The Y is located just south of South Airport Road behind the Logan’s Landing Office Park and adjacent to the Boardman River Nature area.

These seven-session meetings will provide people the resources and tools necessary to make this year the you can quit smoking. The fee for each session is $5. A completion certificate will be granted to those who attend all seven weeks.

For more information contact David North of TC SmokeFree support group at 933-0293 or on the Facebook page. More information can be found at the Y home page at www.gtbayymca.org

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is for healthy living.

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CONTACT: David North, TC Smoke Free, konnieanddavid@gmail.com, 231-933-0203, and Tom Van Deinse, CEO, tvd@gtbayymca.org , 231-933-9622

Royal Bash

(Lansing, MI) The YMCA girls gymnastics team won 14 gold first-place medals this weekend at the Lansing Twistars “Royal Bash” invitational meet.  The annual meet, one of Michigan’s largest invitationals, took on a British theme this year to honor Lansing’s Jordyn Wieber, at just 16 years old the reigning world champion and U.S. Olympic hopeful.  Wieber was on hand to watch the more than 1,000 gymnasts in attendance.

Three YMCA gymnasts won all-around medals in their divisions. 

Patricia Davis edged out twin sister Amy by less than a point with an all-around score of 36.625 to win the gold medal at level 7.  Davis captured the crown by winning the first-place gold medal on vault, beam, and floor, having to settle for second place only on the uneven bars. 

Kayla Jackson also took first place on vault, beam, and floor to win gold medal all-around honors in her division.  “Kayla was rock-solid this weekend,” commented coach Jennifer Van Deinse.  Jackson finished with a 37.2 all-around score, including a 9.6 on both beam and floor.

At level 8, Annie Gerstner’s gold medal 9.15 beam routine and 9.2 vault catapulted her to first place all-around with a score of 36.3.  “Annie had another powerful, impressive meet,” said coach Gina Van Deinse. 

Other first-place gold medal performances were turned in by Kayla Brady (9.050 bars), Francie Flores (9.325 floor), and Jade Turner (9.725 beam).  “Jade takes great pride in her beam routine, and really put on an exceptional performance this weekend,” said Van Deinse.

Also competing for the YMCA team were Ryan Zrimec (level 5), Summer Bennetts (level 5), Darby Drake (level 6), Annemarie Jenkins (level 6), Olivia Flores (level 7), and Kendra Benak (level 8).  Bennetts placed seventh all-around, Turner second all-around, and Brady fourth all-around.  Benak placed third all-around with second-place routines on bars and floor and a fourth-place vault.  Sisters Francie and Olivia Flores placed third and fourth all-around, respectively.

The next meet for the YMCA gymnasts is the Greater Kalamazoo World of Gymnastics Invitational/State Qualifier to be held in Kalamazoo, Michigan January 21 – 22.

For more information about Y Gymnastics, call gym director Betsy Van Deinse at 929-2869, stop in to the Y Gymnastics facility at 1100 Woodmere, Suite A, or visit the YMCA website at www.gtbayymca.org

Level 7 Amy & Patricia Davis. Twistars Invitational in Lansing

Level 8 Annie Gerstner.  At Twistars 1/6-1/8/2012 Lansing

Y School's Out Today

Y SCHOOL’S OUT FUN CLUB
SNOW DAY - FULL DAY, Friday, Jan 13


School’s Out Fun Club is a licensed program for ages 5 - 15. Children will participate in a full range of activities both in-doors and outdoors (weather permitting) including crafts, sports, and other camp-like activities in a values-based environment.


Location: YMCA Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Dr, Traverse City
Dates/Sessions: When TCAPS cancels
Times: 6:45 am - 6 pm 


Go to www.gtbayymca.org for more information.

Updated Y Fitness Calendar

Click here for the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Fitness program calendar.

Call 231-933-9622 for more information.

YMCA meets donation deadline

Thanks 7 & 4 News for their coverage of the New Y!

Click here for story: YMCA meets donation deadline: The Traverse City YMCA hopes to break ground this spring on the construction of a planned 85,000 square foot community recreational building.

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Concept drawing entering into the Y Tennis Center at the New YMCA in Traverse City, MI. The Tennis Center will have 6 indoor courts; 4 up and 2 down with stadium seating and center court coffee area. The Center will also have an upper level viewing area.

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Reaches Fundraising Goal

Click here to see story: Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Reaches Fundraising Goal

9 & 10 News Story about New Y

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Exterior View of New YMCA in Traverse City from athletic fields perspective.

www.gtbayymca.org for more information.

From TC Ticker - New Y

Dream for New Y Poised to Become Reality

2012 is poised to be the year of the New Y. In five months, more than 600 community donors stepped forward, contributing $4 million in new gifts and pledges. These contributions met the challenge pledge of an anonymous donor, who committed in early fall to give $2 million if matched by an additional $4 million in gifts. This will allow the Y to begin construction on a planned 85,000 square-foot community recreational facility. YMCA officials expect to begin the bidding process in the next several weeks and are aiming to break ground this spring. Efforts to raise $12 million toward the New Y began in 2007, with an eye on providing a family-oriented, full-service facility, featuring tennis, swimming and fitness amenities.

Click here for TC Ticker site.

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Concept drawing of New Y Aquatic Center. Click picture to enlarge

New Y To Be Built Through Extraordinary Giving!

What will the New Y look like? Click here

For Immediate Release                                                        

January 10, 2012

Contacts:

Tom Van Deinse, GT Bay YMCA CEO, 933-9622

Marc Judge, GT Bay YMCA Board Chair, 995-5558

Henry Peet, New Y Campaign Chair, 946-2184

Phil Ellis, Community Foundation Director, 935-4066

Paul Schmuckal, New Y Public Campaign Chair, 946-2800

Dream for New Y Poised to Become Reality

Traverse City – With the start of the new year comes news that 2012 is poised to be the year of the New Y.

In five months time, more than 600 community donors stepped forward, contributing $4 million in new gifts and pledges. These contributions met the challenge pledge of an anonymous donor, who committed in early-fall to give $2 million, if matched by an additional $4 million in gifts, thus allowing the Y to begin construction on a planned 85,000 square foot community recreational facility.

YMCA officials expect to begin the bidding process in the next several weeks and are aiming to break ground this spring. Efforts to raise $12 million toward the New Y began in 2007, with an eye on providing a family oriented full-service facility, featuring tennis, swimming and fitness amenities.

“Like many fundraising efforts across the area, we felt the effects of a down market in 2009 and donations slowed dramatically,” said Marc Judge, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Board Chair. “However, as 2010 ended and 2011 began, a group of dedicated volunteers reaffirmed their commitment and reignited the campaign.”

Judge said this campaign committee went to work, holding special celebrity events to raise the visibility of the campaign and the awareness of the need for a New Y. This past summer, Janet Evans, a five-time Olympic gold medalist who learned to swim at a Y, came to Traverse City from her home in California. Additionally, this fall, another event featured the Jensen Brothers, most famous as French Open Tennis champions, who got their start in tennis at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA while growing up in Ludington.

“These events resulted in tremendous region-wide visibility and newfound interest in the New Y campaign. They sparked new, significant donations from local individuals in our community and ultimately resulted in the $2 million challenge pledge,” said Judge.

Robert and Phyllis Foster, the donors behind the challenge pledge, say they recognized that something dramatic must happen to make the New Y a reality and decided that a challenge would be a great way to encourage donors at all levels. 

“This is an investment in the community and we are thrilled to see all of the support the community has shown for the Y,” said Rob Foster. “We are thankful for the major gifts and are especially thankful for the people who stretched their own giving abilities and made commitments at any level.”

Henry Peet, New Y campaign chair, and Paul Schmuckal, New Y public campaign chair, credit the Fosters for their generosity and for creating a concrete, defined, momentum-building timeline. 

“The support of the challenge pledge donors was certainly critical to helping bring the New Y dream to reality,” said Peet. “It created a sense of urgency and created a ground-swell of support to raise the funds now!” 

Tom Van Deinse, YMCA CEO, added that more than 850 donors contributed gifts large and small to the effort.

“We reached the $4 million goal on the last day possible, so every gift of every size can be seen as the one that made the challenge a success,” said Van Deinse.

Foster joined in acknowledging the many donors who contributed to the New Y effort.

“Recognizing that there are more than 850 donors to this campaign gives us the confidence that the community will continue to support this wonderful resource in the future,” said Foster. “We are also thankful for and impressed by all those behind the scenes who played a role in bringing this dream to reality, including the dedicated campaign volunteers and the staff of the YMCA.”

Peet announced that the tremendous outpouring of community support to meet the challenge pledge will allow construction of the New Y to begin this year, but added, “There remains the opportunity for everyone to become a part of this success story. We anticipate additional support as people now realize that the dream is becoming a reality. Many responded to and helped meet the challenge pledge, others were key in the earliest stages of the dream for a New Y for this region, and others can still take advantage of opportunities to support the New Y.”

“We’re very excited this 10-year dream of a New Y is finally becoming a reality,” added Judge, “but the real goal is not the facility itself. It’s the programs our communities need, like learn-to-swim and youth obesity prevention and family fitness opportunities that will bring the greatest benefits. The New Y truly is for everyone.” 

For more information about the New Y, go to www.gtbayymca.org or contact Tom Van Deinse at 933-9622 or tvd@gtbayymca.org. Donations are accepted at www.4good4ever.org. All donations will be recognized unless otherwise specified and naming opportunities are still available.

From left, Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation Executive Director Phill Ellis, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA CEO Tom Van Deinse, Board Chair Marc Judge and New Y Campaign Chair Henry Peet stand on the grounds of the future home of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA on Silver Lake Road, which reached it's New YMCA Campaign fundraising goal.Traverse City (MI) Record-Eagle/Jan-Michael Stump

Youth WOW program

Great story by local 7 and 4 news about the YMCA Youth Working on Wellness program.

Watch here!

Click here for more information.

Valentine's Dance for grades 6, 7, 8

Y Family Night Tonight!

Y Happenings for Jan 2012

Diabetes PATH Workshops

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is a proud member of the Bay Area Senior Advocates who is promoting this program. The Y is for Healthy Living.

Y SNOW DAY TODAY!

On days when Traverse City or TCAPS are not in session for snow days, the YMCA offers programming for school age children called Y School’s Out.

The program is located at the main YMCA and students can spend the day in a safe and fun environment playing sports, challenging their friends to board games, testing their virtual skills on the Wii console, creating art projects, and much more. Each child is to bring a sack lunch/beverage (no candy/pop), and an afternoon snack is provided.

Location: YMCA Main Facility

3000 Racquet Club Dr, Traverse City

Dates: Snow Days

Times: 6:45 am to 6:00 pm (full days)

Y Member Fee: $16/full day, $10/half day

Non-member fee: $25/full day, $20/half day

Contact Erica Wilson at 933-9622 or www.gtbayymca.org  for more information.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: BE FIT IN 2012!

First published in the Grand Traverse Insider on Sunday, January 1, 2012

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: BE FIT IN 2012!

By Martha Videan, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

Happy New Year 2012!  Once again it’s time to step boldly into a new year. Filled with zeal and excitement, many of us will take the opportunity to reevaluate personal goals and priorities. The process that brings us closer to making a change is thought provoking.  Personal goal oriented success goes hand in hand with mindset and approach.

Many of us ring in the New Year with health and fitness goals. Well-intended candidates are eager to loose accumulated pounds and promise to hit the gym everyday. Others choose stress reduction techniques that are tried and true.  Habits that put some of us in the high-risk category can be all too often just plain old hard to break!  With all systems on go the calendar marks January 1^st.

To get your New Years resolutions off to a good start these suggestions can help you make healthy and attainable goals this year.

First: be realistic.  Determine where you would like to see yourself in six months.  Plan to evaluate your progress on a regular basis and don’t abandon your idea.  You may need to “fine tune” your plan along the way.  Break your goal down into smaller goals that will help you reach your end result.  If you want to loose weight, plan time during the week to exercise.  Choose activities that are appealing to you.  Try a new activity that you’ve always wanted to take a crack at.  Be realistic about the time you can commit to your exercise plan.  Start slow and then add a new class or activity to keep things fun and interesting.  Make your exercise choices become a part of daily life.  Try walking from the back of the parking lot instead of choosing the spot closest to the front door.  Ride your bike or walk to a destination instead of driving. Even in the winter!  Be active for at least 2 ½ hours per week.  If your resolution is to eat healthier, begin by eliminating one unhealthy food from your diet at a time, not ALL unhealthy food all at once. Grab a healthy snack like fruit, nuts or low-fat cheese.  Follow the USDA, http://www.choosemyplate.gov/ , the new way for healthy food choices and serving sizes. 

Second:  Surround yourself with people and places that will support your goals.  Social support can be a great strengthener of motivation.  Rely on your friends to support you in your resolutions and do the same for them.

Third: Make your goals S.M.A.R.T.

Specific:  What are you trying to achieve? and Why? .   Identify the purpose of your efforts.  Make your goals simple and clear.  Write down what your goals are and why you are doing them.

Measurable:  Choose a goal with measurable progress so you can see change, overcome setbacks, keep on track and adhere to your commitment.

Attainable:   Ensure that your goal is attainable by considering financial resources, your current living situation and time available.  Set your goal as a challenge, but not too far out or too short.  You don’t want to become discouraged.

Realistic:  Ideally, you would want to return to your high school weight.  Set your goal to a weight that you know you will feel better.  You may just want to fit more easily into a favorite pair of jeans.

Time-bound:  Using dates and times as measurements toward successful completion of your goal are critical.  Build in a reward system for milestones:  a massage, a getaway weekend, whatever makes you happy and keeps you motivated to stay on track.

It’s important to put your goals in writing.  You will remember exactly what you are trying to achieve and how you plan to get there.  Create the atmosphere for success and meet each day with a compassion for the influences that surround you.  Revisit your goals often and always know that your best effort, great or small, brings you closer to the outcome that you set out to achieve. 

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, www.gtbayymca.org, has a variety of activities that will inspire those young and old enough to be young at heart.  The YMCA offers fitness classes that include Boot Camp, Zumba, Mat Pilates, Strength and Conditioning and TRX.  You will find a variety of tennis classes, basketball leagues even pickle ball.  The weight room is available to YMCA members and a staff member will be happy to show you the ropes! Call 933-9622 for more information.

Martha Videan is a ACE Certified Personal Trainer and a Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Fitness Instructor