Family News

The Official Newsletter of the Meadville Family YMCA
Proudly serving 4700 Members and growing!!

Y Express - What's Going on

Starting in May we will be offering new wellness classes at the Y Express.  Here is the schedule:

Mondays - Zumba 12:00-12:45 PM,  Pilates 5 PM-6 PM
Wednesdays - Pilates 12:00-12:45PM
Thursdays - Tae Kwon Do-5:30 PM - 7 PM

But that is not all! We also have plans in the immediate future for Badminton, Table Tennis, basketball and much more. 

Remember that your Y membership includes access to the Y-Express.  That means that you now have access to two facilities right here in the Meadville area that offer new state of the art equipment and quality classes for you to take advantage of.  For more information stop by the front desk or call the Y-Express at 807-1700.

Awareness Event - National Trail Day

The American Hiking Society's National Trails Day is an annual trail awareness event that promotes healthy living, protects green spaces, educates adults and youth on the importance of trails and generates excitement for spending time in the outdoors.  More than 1,200 events are taking place around the country-visit www.AmericanHiking.org to find and event near you.  If hiking is new to you and your children, here are a few tips for fun and safe family hiking: Start with a  short trip-no more than an hour.Have a destination-reaching a waterfall or a beautiful vista.  Bring plenty of water-2 bottles per person.  Bring healthy snacks-go for nuts, whole grains and dried fruit.  Dress in extra layers-bring rain gear.  Pick up after yourself-teach your kids about keeping the environment clean.

Develop a list of wildlife you may see-find animals, collect pictures of leaves and birds or create a map.

Y-Member Spotlight

Congratulations Orealia Gordon! She is our YMCA Member of the Month.  Orealia has been a YMCA member going on two years and she works out at least five days a week, twice a day.  She said what she enjoys most about the YMCA is the friendly staff, the updated equipment, the abundance of classes to choose from, and the childcare provided while parents work out.  Orealia and her husband of 25 years, Anthony live in Meadville but are originally from Philadelphia.  They have four children Racheed 33, Khalif 29, Kamilah 27, Aalizahzo, and six grandchildren. She owns her own day care business "Orealia Gordon House of Child Care" During her spare time she enjoys family stuff, shopping, cooking, church events and working out.  She is a Deacuness at St. John Missionary Full Gospel Church, and is very active within

Y-Program Of The Month

The program of the month is Gymnastics Camp.  Camp is for children between the ages of 6 and 13.  It begins June 15 and runs thru June 19th from 9 AM - 12 PM at the Meadville YMCA Gymnasium.  Early drop off begins at 8 AM. The Coaches are Hannah Fuller and Lynn Lewandowski.  Some of the activities that will take place are low and high bean, tumbling, bars, springboard, floor routines and beam routines. 

it is the hope of the Meadville Family YMCA that no one be excluded from programs because of an inability to pay.  If you are in financial need, please fill out our scholarship form at the Members Services Desk.

Y-Employee Highlight

The Employee of the month goes to Jerry "Garcy" Salsberry.  Congratulations Jerry!  Jerry has been an employee of the YMCA going on seven months and works in the Janitorial/Maintenance department in the evenings.  He works six days a week, usually Tuesday through Sunday.  During his spare time he enjoys exercising and listening to music such as Classical, Classic Rock, Classic R and B, Blues and Lyrical Rap.  Also, he enjoys reading, learning new things, working, and spending time with family and friends.  Jerry is currently attending Kaplan University, studying for his Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice. 

Y-Volunteer in Action

The Volunteer in Action highlight for May is on Megan Farrell.  Megan currently resides in Conneaut Lake but is originally from South Carolina.  She comes in to the YMCA on Tuesdays and Thursdays to help with our Youth Gymnastics Program.  Part of Megan's background includes competing in Gymnastics most of her life and we feel privileged to have her expertise and knowledge at our disposal.  One of the reasons that she likes the YMCA is because of the variety of classes we offer.  We asked Megan what she would say to someone who is looking for an opportunity to volunteer and she said, "Just take the time and do it.  It is a very rewarding experience."  When Megan is not at the YMCA, she enjoys swimming, reading, and playing with her Chocolate Lab, Hallie in her spare time.  Thank you Megan!

Y-Childcare/Summer Day Camp

Summer is here and the kids are out of school. That means that is time for the YMCA 2009 Summer Day Camp. We will be enjoying adventure throughout Crawford and Erie counties. Our camp is designed around 11 weekly themes including "All about me", "The World Beyond", and even "Crazy Olympics." Some of our field trips include going to a Sea Wolves Game, and Putt Putt.  YMCA camp is about swimming, games, exploring our surroundings, and building new friendships in a fun, safe, and exciting atmosphere.  Just as with all our other programs, we place special emphasis on character development by incorporating the YMCA core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. Our camp runs from June 8th until August 28th. If you would like more info or to register, please contact Connie Gainor, Childcare Director at 336-2196.       

Quarterly Drawing June 25th!

Our spring quarterly drawing will soon be here, and we will be picking the winners on Thursday, June 25th.  We will be drawing a winner for a brand new gas grill, just in time for your next summer barbeque.  We will also be drawing a youth winner for two Splash Lagoon tickets or Chuck E Cheese tickets, which are also great summer prizes!  You must be a member of the Meadville YMCA to win.  So be sure that when you come in to exercise, you scan your membership card and fill out a drawing slip every time. 

Y-Fit Tip: Dave Says...

Training the high school athlete:   Training has become an essential part of a high school athlete's preparation for the upcoming sports seasons.  Athletes are finding that being stronger, faster and less resistant to fatigue will make them better participants and ultimately improve their teams.  However, the mistake many athletes make is that their training programs are limited to strength training only.  Although training with weights is important, smart athletes will make their programs more diverse.  This is what should be included in a sound athletic strength and conditioning program: 

Strength Training:  No matter what the sport, athletes will benefit from a program that emphasizes all of the major muscle groups, not just the major muscles used in their particular sport. 

Aerobic endurance:  An improved aerobic system will help prevent fatigue and improve recovery from bouts of anaerobic exercise. 

Anaerobic endurance:  Will help prevent fatigue in sports that require successive bouts of 100% intensity followed by short rest periods such as basketball, football, tennis, wrestling, and volleyball.  Flexibility:  Improves joint range of motion leading to improvement in sport skills. 

Agility/Power:  One aspect of athletic training has always made sense to me:  "the athlete that spends the least amount of time on ground is the better athlete."  Foot speed, change of direction and power (ply metric) training should be included in every athlete's training program.  Caution:  a good strength base should be in place before an athlete begins any power training.

The YMCA will be offering the "All-Star Athletic Development Summer Camp" to address these issues.  Anyone interested may contact David Wetsell, Personal Fitness Program Director, for details.