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