STARS APPEAR WITH JENSENS AT EXHIBITION

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA New YMCA Steering Committee and its New Y Tennis Center “Our Serve” Support Committee  announced the program for the Luke and Murphy Jensen Exhibition. This exhibition will be played beginning at 1:00 pm, Sunday, November 6 at the Y Main Facility on 3000 Racquet Club Drive in Traverse City. The Y is located just south of Airport Road behind the Logan’s Landing office complex.

From Ludington, Michigan, ambidextrous “Dual Hand Luke” and younger brother Murphy Jensen brought new life to professional tennis in the 1990s with their famous chest-butts, high-fives, and rock-n-roll style. Together they won 4 professional doubles titles, including the 1993 French Open Championship, just six months into their professional careers. Luke Jensen is currently the women’s tennis coach at Syracuse University while Murphy hosts the Tennis Channel’s “Open Access” and “Murphy’s Guide”, in additional to his coaching duties with the Washington Kastles of World Team Tennis.

Playing them at the Exhibition will be Jerry Linenger and Doug Mirabelli. Linenger, local YMCA member and born in Michigan, is a graduate of the US Naval Academy, holds two masters degrees, an MD and a PhD, and research. He is widely known as a former NASA Astronaut both on the Shuttle and spent 132 days on space station Mir as a scientist. Linenger has logged approximately 50 million miles and more than 200 orbits of Earth. He is a nationally known motivational speaker, philanthropist, and lives with his family in Suttons Bay.

Doug Mirabelli, local YMCA member, was a professional baseball player and was a 2004 & 2007 World Series Champion with the Boston Red Socks. Mirabelli was a major league catcher and played with the San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers, Red Soxs, and the San Diago Padres. He was a .231 hitter with 58 home runs and 206 RBIs in 566 games. He was well-known as the personal catcher for knuckleballer Tim Wakefield. He and his family lives in the Traverse City area and he is further known for his coaching and philanthropy. He is a realtor specializing in residential and commercial property.

The Jensens will also face off with the Y’s own top two 10 year old & under ranked players in the Midwest, Elliott Bandrowski (USTA Midwest 10s ranked #6) and CJ Shoults (USTA Midwest 10s ranked #5).

Lastly, the Jensens will play part of the tennis dynasty at the Y and ITF tennis pros and teachers, Joseph and James Van Deinse.

Earlier in the day there will be tennis clinics for both adults (starting at 11:30 am) and youth (starting at 12 noon).

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the New YMCA Tennis Center that will be built on Silver Lake Road. “We have an outstanding $2 million challenge gift depending on the Campaign Steering Committee to complete the Campaign by the end of the year,” according to Henry Peet, campaign chairperson. “The board changed its plan to make the Tennis Center a part of the first phase of construction. We are relying on the regional tennis community to step up with their donations and make this a reality.”

Tickets are still available by calling the Y at 231-933-9622.  Donations to the Tennis Center can be made on-line at www.4good4ever.org  

Happy Safe Halloween!

Happy Halloween from the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA!

Be Safe!

Picture from Halloween at the Y on Oct 28, 2011

Thanks sponsors to this weekend Jensen Exhibition

Call for tickets at 231-933-9622!

Y Men's Basketball Schedule

Click here for the Y Men's Winter Basketball schedule for the first half of the season. 2011/2012.

Come experience good competition in one of the longest lasting leagues in Traverse City... Y Basketball.  Call Barb Becket for more information. 231-933-9622 or www.gtbayymca.org 

Y CAC Luncheon a success!



Click here for donation form.



Y CAC Business Luncheon Today!

12th Annual Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Corporate Advisory Committee Business Leader Luncheon to be held today from 11:30 am - 1:00 pm sharp at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club.

Tickets still on sale!

Challenge Gift

$2 million challenge spurs YMCA effort 

By Carol South, Special to Traverse City Record Eagle, Monday, October 24, 2011, Front Page

TRAVERSE CITY — An anonymous donor is staking $2 million on a vision: a groundbreaking ceremony in January for the new Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. Within 18-24 months of that date, the community will begin enjoying a new 104,000-square-foot facility on Silver Lake Road in Garfield Township.

Thanks to an anonymous $2 million challenge, the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA capital campaign has issued a Pledge Challenge between now and Dec. 31. Here, Joseph Van Deinse, YMCA tennis pro, helps C.J. Shoults, 10, during a Tourney Team practice at the current facility on Racquet Club Drive. Special to the Record-eagle/Carol South 

The multimillion dollar gauntlet is geared to spur donations toward the facility’s capital campaign, which had slowed about halfway toward the $12 million goal for the Y Essential Phase. 

This phase will create a full-service recreational facility featuring swimming, tennis and fitness facilities, including six indoor tennis courts and multiple pools as well as fitness areas. 

“We’re hoping for the fall of 2013, which will be our 50th year,” said CEO Tom Van Deinse of the new facility’s anticipated grand opening. “For sure full opening in January 2014.” 

To make this ambitious dream come true, capital campaign officials last week announced an intense $2 Million Pledge/Challenge. They have 69 days to raise the capital campaign’s remaining $3.5 million or lose the pledge. The challenge has already prompted some longtime supporters to increase their offerings. The Oleson Foundation, for example, boosted its donation by $300,000. 

“It’s an exciting challenge, the donor really believes that a new YMCA is needed in this community,” said Henry Peet, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA’s New Y Campaign chairperson. “The goal is reachable and we’re very much hoping that it can be done by the end of the year.” 

The YMCA partners with the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation to conduct and administer the capital campaign. Donations to date allowed the YMCA last year to complete two athletic fields as well as parking, landscaping and an electronic sign. The fields have been used the past two seasons for Pop Warner football, soccer and lacrosse. 

It’s a critical time for the 2,000-member organization, where every pledge over the next 10 weeks is crucial.

“Since the challenge came out, we’ve had some more donations,” added Peet. 

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA has roots dating to a 1963 Front St. storefront. After some early struggles in the 1970s, the organization purchased and moved into its current facility on Racquet Club Drive in 1985. 

From there, athletic fields at the new location and a gymnastics/daycare facility, the YMCA now runs 65 programs and serves about 11,000-12,000 people. Van Deinse estimates that this figure will grow in the new facility to 31,000 from throughout the five-county region. 

The pool additions could also save lives: YMCA statistics show that 40 percent of seventh-graders in the region “can’t swim 25 yards to save their life or the life of a friend.” Projections estimate that Grand Traverse Bay’s YMCA aquatics program will teach more than 2,000 kids to swim annually. 

No longer will Van Deinse or other employees or volunteers field the stunned question: “Where’s the pool?”

“People say, ‘You’re kidding, you don’t have a pool here?’” said Van Deinse, who assumed leadership of the organization in 1999. 

The Shoults family of Traverse City are heavy users of the current YMCA facility who look forward to the new building. Jennifer Shoults, of Traverse City, has two sons — C.J., 10, and Mace, 8, — on the YCMA’s Tourney tennis team. Between their training and her workouts, the family is frequently on site. “I grew up going to a Y and when my oldest expressed an interest in tennis, we came here,” she said. “The program here is amazing. I like it that they care not just about the tennis, but they care about the kids.”

For more information about the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA, call 946-9622 or see www.gtbayymca.org. For more information on the 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.

Halloween at the Y - School aged

This program will be geared toward school aged children and youth. The Y Early Childhood Center will also be hosting a Halloween Party at the same time that is geared to a preschool family.

Halloween at the Y - Preschool

Programming for this event will be geared toward a pre-school family. 

The Main Y will be hosting a Halloween party at the same time for school aged children and youth.

$2 MILLION CHALLENGE PLEDGE GIVEN TO NEW Y

Henry Peet
New Y Campaign Chair

“It is truly remarkable,” says Henry Peet, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA New Y Campaign Chairperson. “We have had an anonymous donor willing to help us complete the fundraising for the New Y by giving us a $2 million challenge pledge. Simply put, if we are able to reach the campaign goal by the end of the year, he will give us a gift of $2 million to complete the fundraising. If we don’t raise the gifts and pledges we won’t get the gift. We have the opportunity to start the building process by the end of this year.”

With a portion of the $6 million already raised, site construction is complete allowing football, soccer, and lacrosse to be played now on two athletic fields. Fifty percent (50%) of the Campaign goal has been achieved to build the New Y Essential phase. This phase is designed to match the highest community needs including tennis and teaching people to swim.

To spark enthusiasm and additional donations, this anonymous donor has offered a $2 million Pledge/Challenge to the New Y Campaign! This $2 million Pledge/Challenge begins now through December 31, 2011- where by the goal would be achieved allowing for construction early in 2012 – or lose the pledge.

Tom Van Deinse
CEO, GT Bay YMCA

“This next two months will be the most critical time in the history of our Y,” said CEO Tom Van Deinse. “The success of the New Y Campaign will affect generations to come. This is one of those big moments in life that requires bold action now!”

With the news of the Pledge/Challenge, donations to the campaign have been increasing!  Specifically, long-time supporter of the new Y, The Oleson Foundation, has increased its prior donation by $300,000.  Additionally, new donors, like the Malone Family and prior donors alike, are supporting the campaign to help achieve this challenge! 

Information about donations can also be obtained at your Community Foundation at www.4good4ever.org. Other information about the New Y can be found at the Y website at www.gtbayymca.org .

“Every contribution or pledge before December 31^st will count – please consider supporting the completion of the NEW Y campaign!” says Peet.

Concept picture of new YMCA Essential Phase to be build on Silver Lake Road, Traverse City, Michigan

Click here - More information about the New Y

Click here - To make an on-line donation to the New Y through your Community Foundation.


Click here - Picture gallery of New YMCA

Y Pop Warner: Benzonia

Young Lakers stand tall (w/video)

By GREG GIELCZYK

Published: Monday, October 17, 2011 - Grand Traverse Insider.

Fundamentals, fun are focus of YMCA Pop Warner Football League


BENZONIA – A win over the Manistee team improved Glen Lake II's 
record to 5-0 in the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA's Pop Warner Football
League with only one game left in regular season play.


Obviously, the little Lakers have had a lot of fun playing football this year
 in Division III of the Junior Pee Wee’s.

More  story and video click here

Y Closed for Jensen Event then Reopen.

NOTICE!

THE YMCA WILL BE CLOSED SUN, NOV 6 UNTIL 5:00 PM FOR THE TENNIS EXHIBITION (TICKETS ON SALE NOW! 231-933-9622)

OPEN HOURS ON SUN, NOV 6 WILL BE 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Business Leaders: Your Invited!

Schmuckal Oil Traverse City State Bank and The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA Corporate Advisory Committee wishes to invite the Grand Traverse Bay Business Community to it annual free CAC Luncheon. This will be held at the Traverse City Golf and Country Club on Wednesday, October 26, 2011 11:30 am - 1:00 pm sharp Keynote speaker will be Syrena Rexroat giving an inspirational message. Click here for biographical information. Tom Van Deinse will also be speaking about the exciting story of the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA. We wish to thank our table sponsors: Cass Street ENT, Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors, Dr. Paul & Nancy Morris, Northwestern Bank, PCN Bank, JL Stephan Co. Reservations required. Call Carrie at  231-933-9633 or carrie@gtbayymca.org  by October 19, 2011 Table and Event Sponsors encouraged. Call Dave Eitland at 231933-9622 or dave@gtbayymca.org for more information.

 

Y Basketball This Season

For nearly 120 years, the game of basketball has been played at YMCAs. Dr. James Naismith, instructor at a Y in Springfield, Massachusetts, on a rainy day in 1891 invented the game to keep people active no matter the weather outside. His peach basket was connected 10 feet high used as the rim, and after creating the rules Naismith game was played in earnest.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA continues this tradition of basketball by having the sport learned and played by all ages in gymnasiums throughout our area. This YMCA has a philosophy of training skills of sports, then form teams to further learn the rules and play, then leagues, and the long tradition on play throughout a lifetime. Our men’s church league has been playing for over 30 years. Being a Y, the program in based on our four core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

The various levels of basketball taught and played at the Y in the coming months include:

·         PEE WEE SPORTS/BASKETBALL. This is the most basic level of basketball with ages 3 – 5 year olds learning the basics of dribbling, passing, and shooting. The class meets for six weeks beginning Wednesday, October 26 from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm and played at our main facility. Registration is $25 for Y members and $60 for non-members with a deadline for sign up of October 17.

·         BASKETBALL SKILLS. This class continues to focus on basic skills and begins to work on positions, strategy, rebounding, and blocking. The six week class beginning on October 26 at the main Y and is divided into two age levels: grades Kindergarten to 3 meets from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm and grades 4 to 6 meets from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Registration is $25 for Y members and $60 for non-members with a deadline for sign up of October 17.

·         FALL BOYS BASKETBALL LEAGUES. These teams are generally formed by school for grades 2 to 5. Eleven (11) players per team is the maximum size. All games are officiated. All players get a t-shirt. These games are played on Saturdays from November 12 to December 17. Registration is $35 for Y members and $70 for non-members with a deadline for sign up of October 28.

·         

     MENS WINTER BASKETBALL LEAGUE. This recreational league for men plays in five divisions (B1, B2, B3, 30 & Over, and Church) at area Traverse City gyms from the week of October 30 and concluding sometime in March 2012. The league plays in a round robin format with an end of season tournament. Registration is $550 team sponsor fee plus a $25 per player fee. Register now.

NOON DROP-IN GAMES. There is always a game going on! From noon to 2 pm on Tuesday and Thursdays. Stop by on your lunch hour for a quick game. Y members are free. Non-members are $10.

Call Barb Beckett at 231-933-9622 for more information about all Y basketball and other sport programs. Visit the Ys website at www.gtbayymca.org for detailed information and schedules.

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

Every kid deserves a Y!

Tom Van Deinse, CEO
Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

Grand Traverse Insider Article, 

published October 9, 2011

by Tom Van Deinse, CEO

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

Every Kid Deserves a Y

Annie Gerstner, Kendra Benak, Francie Flores, and Patricia Davis, at just 14 years old or younger, have already collected scores of first place gymnastics gold medals, and combined for 14 individual first place and a team third place state banner last year.

Their 44 Y Gymnastics teammates, led by Amy Davis, Kayla Brady, Rachel Ovalle, Olivia Flores, Darby Drake, Jade Turner, Annemarie Jenkins, and Kayla Brady have added enough gold of their own to fill a vault. 

Or at least a YMCA.

That’s the kind of quality programming offered at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA gymnastics center.  The YMCA believes that every kid deserves that kind of opportunity.  Every kid deserves a chance to be their best.  Every kid deserves a Y.

But gymnastics is just one of many programs offered by the Y.  Did you know that in all of the Midwest tennis section, comprised of Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan, only the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA tennis program has produced two top boys 10 & under tennis players this year?  Chicago kids couldn’t do it.  Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Detroit couldn’t do it. But two of our local Y kids did it.  CJ Shoults and Elliott Bandrowski are currently ranked fifth and sixth among the thousands of Midwest tennis players. 

And they’re not alone.  Sam Holmes, Paige Cooley, Christie Druskovic, Parker Berden, Austin Weiland, Sierra Falconer, Anne and Amanda Bandrowski, Kelly Milliken, and Mace Shoults are also YMCA tennis standouts.

That’s the kind of quality programming offered at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA tennis center.  The YMCA believes that every kid deserves that kind of opportunity.  Every kid deserves a chance to be their best.  Every kid deserves a Y.

The YMCA’s Early Childhood Education Center, too, is building budding champions every day, and the YMCA’s lacrosse program has created college scholarship opportunities for several players like Aadam Debevick.  Did you know that the YMCA’s Youth in Government program has even yielded a state governor, Ned Hartwick from Leland?  Or that professional basketball player Dan Majerle got his start at our local Y?  Or that football greats like the Bullough brothers and Dan Bazuin first learned their skills at our local Y? 

That’s the kind of quality programming that every kid deserves.  Every kid deserves a Y.

With more than 11,000 program users in 65 programs within the five county region, everyone knows the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA for its quantity of programming.  Thanks to the Y’s “Invest in Youth” annual scholarship fund drive, to be kicked off at the October 26 Corporate Advisory Committee luncheon, every kid has a chance to participate in YMCA programs. 

Quality programs.  The kinds of programs every kid deserves. Because every kid deserves a chance to be their best.

Every kid deserves a Y.

For more information about YMCA Invest in Youth or the free Corporate Advisory Committee luncheon, contact YMCA Director of Development and Marketing Dave Eitland at 933-YMCA or visit www.gtbayymca.org.

Y Early Childhood Center - Call for a tour!

JCPenney Ribbon Cutting and Giving

The JCPenney at the Grand Traverse Mall in Garfield Township (Traverse City, MI) was the site of a celebration this morning as management and staff of the local store had a ribbon cutting for their newly remodeled story. Part of that celebration was a presentation of a $2,000 check from the store to the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA for after school activities and programs.

Pictured here (L to R) are Dagny Monette, director of the Y Early Childhood Education Center; Tom Van Deinse, CEO, Grand Traverse Bay YMCA; Tom Stone, general store manager for JCPenney at Grand Traverse Mall, and Chuck Korn, Garfield Township Administrator in a check presentation following the ribbon cutting this morning. (October 7, 2011)

Pictured here are the many sales associates at the JCPenney store who have helped raise funds for the Y through the JCPenney Afterschool Round-up Program.

Y Family Night at Main Y TONIGHT!

Family Fun Night 

At the Main Y

Come join us for family friendly games of racquetball, basketball, tennis, ping pong, and more. All-you-can-eat pizza, beverages, and snack provided.

Location: 

Y Main Facility, 3000 Racquet Club Dr, Traverse City, MI

Dates/Sessions:  First Friday each month

(October - May)

Oct 7, Oct 28 (no Nov 4), Dec 2, Jan 6, Feb 3, Mar 2, Apr 6, May 4

Times: 6:00 - 9:00 pm

Y Member Fee: FREE

Non-member fee: $15 per family

Famed Jensen brothers come to YMCA in Traverse City!

“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 6 at 1:00 pm 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 3000 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!”

Sponsors to the event include ESPN – 1310 AM, Paul & Barb Bandrowski Family, David & Leslie Heimberger, Lou Anne Ford, Coldwell Banker Schmidt, and Jones Center for Pain Management in Traverse City.

Ticket information is available at the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA at 231-933-9622 or www.gtbayymca.org .

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 YMCA capital 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 tennis support group, attending the November 6 Jensen exhibition, or even contacting the Y about major gift naming opportunities.

For more information about the Jensen exhibition on November 6, or the New Y project, contact YMCA Director of Development and Marketing Dave Eitland at 231-933-YMCA (9622) or visit www.gtbayymca.org.

Photo Credit: Michael Keating/Cincinnati Enquirer- used with permission.

Hagerty Day of Caring

Hagerty Insurance Company of Traverse City, Michigan invited the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA along with 9 other regional charities for a "Hagerty Cares Day" on Thursday, October 6, 2011 at its home office. Pictured here is Dagny Monette, director of the YMCA Early Childhood Center ready to talk to Hagerty employees about the Center, volunteer opportunities like Baby Rockers, the 65 programs offered at the Y, and the New YMCA being built on Silver Lake Road in Traverse City.

Employees were asked to ask a trivia question of each of the charities. Ours was "What is the largest YMCA Program?"  The answer is Y Flag and Pop Warner Football is played by 2,198 participants with 325 coaches serving 30 communities in 11 northwest Michigan counties and is the largest GT Bay YMCA program.

Volunteer at the Y

The Y is for Social Responsibility, giving back and providing support to our neighbors.  The Y has been listening and responding to our communities’ most critical needs for 160 years. Whether developing skills or emotional well-being, welcoming and connecting diverse populations or advocating for healthier communities, the Y fosters the care and respect all people need and deserve. Through the Y, thousands of volunteers, donors, leaders and partners are empowering millions of people, and the communities in which they live, to be healthy, confident, connected and secure.

Last year some 500 volunteers served about 32,000 hours to help the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA advance its mission to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Some volunteer opportunities include: Click here

Hank and Sue Johnson are the "mystery guest readers" shown here at the Y Early Childhood Education Center.
Come and volunteer!