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LIVING OUR CAUSE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

GROWING OUR FUTURE

Y TEENS Being a teen in today’s world is not easy. Adolescence is a transition period between

childhood and adulthood, and all transitional periods involve some stress and disruptions.

Organizations such as the Y perhaps play a more important role now than ever in

providing a place where teens can find solace.

Whether it’s playing a game of hoops or just hanging out and passing the time with

friends, Y teens can take comfort in knowing they are in a secure and friendly environment

that welcomes them to play an active role in promoting the Y core values of respect,

responsibility, honesty and caring throughout our community.

Ray Ray’s Story At age 13, Ray Ray has been a Y member for 8 years. He is one of many ‘Y babies’ who

spends afternoons and summers here at the Y. While active in extracurricular school

activities, he finds that there are still times when he simply needs a safe place to belong

and hang out with old or make new friends. Free WiFi is a bonus when homework needs to

be completed and health and fitness opportunities are steps away. He notes that he

would one day love to see a dedicated teen space added - us too, Ray Ray!

(Continued on page 2)

A NEWSLETTER FOR Y MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS

IN THIS ISSUE

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Y Teens - Ray Ray’s Story

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT: Massage Therapy

AQUATIC CENTER:

Lifeguard Certification

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM: Professional Role Models

HEALTH & WELLNESS:

Classes and FitLinxx

FROM OUR DIRECTOR’S DESK: Jean Bock, Executive Director

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Important Dates

STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Employees of the Month

ENJOY THIS ISSUE?

Feel free to share this newsletter with

anyone whom you think may find it useful.

QUESTIONS,

COMMENTS, IDEAS?

Contact Amy, at alemaster@ymcashoals.org.

YMCA OF THE SHOALS

2121 Helton Drive, Florence, AL

December 2016

ymcashoals.org

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We Are Family At the Y, one of our main focus areas is Youth Development. Through examples of

leadership and mentoring, Y staff interact with teens on a daily basis. Whether it’s taking

time to explain and enforce facility rules and requirements or going the extra mile to make

our teen members feel welcomed and wanted, it is our goal for these youth to have a place

to belong that also fosters growth and development.

It is often said that children are our future. Through proper nurturing and education, the Y

works to see that all youth, not just facility members, have the opportunity to learn, grow,

and thrive. We hope that as steps toward adulthood are taken, these youth can reflect on

their time spent at the Y and continue a legacy of commitment and giving back to our

community. Thanks in part to his exposure and involvement with a community-minded

organization at such a young age, Ray Ray notes that he intends to remain an active Y

member well into his adult years.

FACILITY SPOTLIGHT

MASSAGE THERAPY

Have you met Mary and Sandra? If not, you should! Your Y has not one, but two Licensed

Massage Therapists on site and ready to serve. Just right of our lobby you’ll find a serene

space for relaxation and pampering.

Massage therapy is the manipulation of soft tissue of the body with intentions of

positively affecting the health and well being of the client. Therapeutic massage promotes

health, relaxation and well being.

Massage has proven to reduce stress, release muscular tension, increase circulation, and

decrease recovery time due to injury and

physical activity while fulfilling the need for

human touch.

Services Offered

Gift certificates are available. We accept

appointments and/or walk-ins.

(Massage services are priced below.)

Upper Body $45 - 30 min

Full Body $65 - 1 hr

Pregnancy Massage $65 - 1 hr

(after 1st trimester)

Full 1 1/2 hr Body $80 - 90 min

Hot Stone Therapy $80 - 90 min

Pampered Feet & Hands $45 - 30 min

Chair Massage $30 - 30 min

Call us @ 256-246-9622 or stop by the

courtesy counter to schedule your

appointment.

(Continued from front cover)

ARE YOU

WHISTLE WORTHY?

The YMCA Lifeguard course is a unique

program that prepares lifeguards with skills

for this demanding and important

responsibility. The course provides a

comprehensive education centered on

preventing accidents in aquatic

environments and using rescue skills when

needed.

The program focuses on the practical

knowledge that lifeguards need, including

accident prevention, patron safety, victim

recognition, rescue skills, and problem solving

as well as how to give emergency care and

document an incident. In addition, the YMCA

Lifeguarding course enables you to learn and

apply safety principles vital to your own

well-being, develop leadership skills, learn

how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and

improve your decision-making skills.

You must pass a swim test in order to

register for a class. The class is divided into

9 hours of online course work and 27 hours

taught here at the Y. Call Erin at the Y

(256.246.9622) to sign up for the swim test

or for more information.

REMINDER:

The Y offers traditional group swim

lessons for kids, private lessons - for both

kids and adults, open family swimming and

a variety of shallow and deep water group

classes. Plan now for a safe and fun swim

season!

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BEFORE & AFTER

SCHOOL PROGRAM

With a focus on safety, health, social

growth and academic enhancement, our Y

afterschool program serves kindergartners

thru 6th grade with a variety of

programmatic and activity options to

explore and develop their interests and

talents.

Professional Role Models

The Afterschool leader is responsible for

planning, leading and implementing

recreational and creative experiences for

children in a group setting. He or she

provides high quality recreational

experiences for school aged children that

focus on the YMCA core values: honesty,

respect, responsibility and caring.

Counselors are CPR & 1st Aid certified.

Program Goals

Learn values

Personal growth

Develop skills and assets

Appreciate diversity

Become better leaders and supporters

Have fun

The YMCA Before and After School program

is a great way for kids to start and end the

day. Whether you need before-school care,

after-school care or both, the Y provides a

safe place for kids to spend time with other

kids so their parents can work without

worrying. Transportation to and from

schools is subject to change based on

enrollment.

Check the website and social media, as well

as in-house postings, for registration dates

or inquire at the courtesy counter regarding

program availability and pricing. Financial

assistance is available for those who

qualify. Be sure to ask for an application!

SPIRIT, MIND, BODY

YMCA Yoga and Pilates classes will help you develop flexibility, strength and balance. By

emphasizing symmetry of body and mind, classes will improve your body awareness,

helping you live more comfortably.

Yoga

Breathe & Bend

Y Barre

STOTT Pilates

Yoga & Strength in Chairs

Health and wellness classes are designed

for individuals of all ages who want to improve strength and flexibility without building

bulk. Classes meet the needs for people of varying stages of physical ability whether your

intent is workout or rehab.

The classes are included in your Y membership - what are you waiting for?!

DISCOVER YOUR POWER

FitLinxx is our workout tracking and coaching system that

tracks strength and cardio workouts, as well as studio

classes. Members are able to get connected to our facility.

You become engaged and motivated to continue on your

path to good health.

If you have not scheduled an appointment with a fitness

coach, contact our fitness desk and do so right away.

Staff will assist you as you set up your personalized workout

on various pieces of equipment. Your information is

password protected and even better, you can win prizes!

GET FIT TOGETHER

Group exercise is about having fun, making friends and getting an energetic and dynamic workout in the camaraderie of others. From Cycle to Zumba to Cardio Pump, at the Y we offer a variety of classes designed to accommodate all fitness levels for members 13 and older. These 80 plus classes are included in your Y membership!

Class Schedules Schedules are updated monthly and can be

found on our website ymcashoals.org, on our FREE mobile app or pick up copy at the

courtesy counter.

Instructors are subject to substitution and any changes in time and/or location are provided with as much notice as possible through our social media sites and personal contact if

available.

Know your limits and defy them-give group ex

a try!

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CALENDAR

OF EVENTS

December 24 CLOSE @ Noon

25 CLOSED

31 CLOSE @ Noon

January 01 OPEN 1:00 - 5:00

10 CPR/1st Aid 10 am

11 CPR/1st Aid 6 pm

February 07 CPR/1st Aid 6 pm

08 CPR/1st Aid 10 am

FROM OUR DIRECTOR’S DESK

Greetings on behalf of the Y staff and Board of Directors. I'd like to thank you for being a

part of the YMCA of the Shoals this year. We hope you view your Y membership as an

investment in your health and the health of our community.

Are you benefiting from your membership or do you need a nudge now and then to

maintain a healthy lifestyle? Our offerings for members include over 125 land and water

classes each week. They are for beginners to seasoned athletes. Perhaps trying something

different will spur you on in your quest to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

While the YMCA stands for Young Men's Christian Association, we are perhaps the most

diverse gathering place in our community. I like that about our Y. I also like to see all ages

relaxing in the lobby. We not only need exercise to stay healthy, we need relationships and

social places to hang out in order to thrive. Did you know we provide free coffee?

This year has seen a large membership and usage increase. Some months have shown over

2,000 increased card swipes this year. Please bear with us as we try to accommodate the

influx of new members after the first of the year. It is my hope that you will help these

new members feel welcome in their desire to get into the exercise habit.

And last but certainly not least, did you know that you can make a charitable donation on

our website? Go to ymcashoals.org and click on "donate." Or you may always drop a check

in the mail or stop by the courtesy counter.

Thanks again for being a valued Y member and sharing our commitment to nurturing the

potential of youth, promoting healthy living and fostering a sense of social responsibility. I

welcome any thoughts or questions that you'd like to discuss.

Best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.

Jean Bock

Executive Director

GIVE TODAY

FOR TOMORROW

We are a non-profit organization and strengthening community is our cause. With your support, we can make sure that everyone who needs the Y has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Together, we have meaningful impact on our community , one person at a time.

STAFF SPOTLIGHT

EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTH - YOU ARE APPRECIATED!

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER

NICKIE FOUNTAIN MICHAEL LOGSDON

(BUSINESS OFFICE) (LIFEGUARD) JASON HARBISON

(AFTER SCHOOL CARE)