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YMCa OF Western nOrtH CarOlina neWsletter

Fall 2011 / Winter 2012

YMCas in Western nOrtH CarOlina JOin tOgetHer

The Boards of Directors of the Henderson County Family YMCA and the YMCA of Western North Carolina have officially voted to combine forces. The Henderson County Family YMCA will become a member of the YMCA of Western North Carolina family on January 1, 2012. The vote came after two years of discussions and a Henderson County community forum. The two Ys will combine resources and operate as the YMCA of Western North Carolina. Paul Vest will continue to serve as CEO. He noted, This unity enables us to be more innovative, create and launch new programs, improve facilities, and offer more benefits to our members. We will expand our base of volunteers, donors, and partners enabling us to positively impact more children and families, especially in underserved communities. Were putting together a transition team of board members and staff from both organizations to facilitate the formal implementation of the partnership, and legal aspects should be finalized by the end of the year. Our focus will remain on connecting with our members and the community. We will continue to strive to create extraordinary experiences that exceed your expectations, said John Mikos, Chief Operating Officer of Y-WNC. We have an exciting future ahead of us, and we are well positioned to make even greater contributions to the community that we serve.
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Partner HigHligHts
Healthier Communities Partners are businesses and individuals committed annually to our cause-driven organization and its impact in western North Carolina. Our relationship with these very special donors goes beyond monetary contributions. Our Partners share our dedication to healthy living, social responsibility, and youth development. Longtime Partner, Pepsi Bottling Company values the Ys commitment to educating our members and program participants on the importance of healthy living. When people take care of themselves and theyre active then they feel better, they have more confidence, and their lives are better, noted John Teeter, Pepsis Vice President. Through its subsidy programs, the Y offers this opportunity to all members of our community regardless of their income. The company understands that when residents get involved in their communities, they can make a difference. The Ys new brand and programs are right on target. By engaging in healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility, we can work together to bring about positive change in our communities, John continued. Through monetary gifts, in-kind donations, and volunteer services, Pepsi is helping us help you, your neighbors, and your community.

liVestrOng at tHe YMCa

amys story
For Amy Loy, doing water aerobics at the Y and being in tune with her body may have been a lifesaver. While teaching her water aerobics class at the Y, Amy felt something itchy and uncomfortable in her right breast. Since her symptoms were ambiguous and there was no family history of breast cancer, Amys doctors werent concerned, but Amy wasnt satisfied and insisted on a mammogram. The results showed a tumor, and after a needle biopsy, Amys worst fears were realized, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Amy turned to her family, friends, and Y water aerobics classes for support. The members of her classes were compassionate offering hugs, smiles, encouragement, and words of comfort. Throughout her lumpectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, her Y family was a tremendous support. Two weeks after Amys first chemotherapy, she taught water aerobics class as usual. When she took her shower in the locker room after the class, most of her hair fell to the floor. This was a very traumatic experience, but Amys
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Clear Channel Asheville became a Healthier Communities Partner because the companys own philosophy falls in line with ours. The group of radio stations understands that it not only provides its listeners entertainment, but also access to important community information. The Ys vast array of programs and services are making this community a better place for all of our residents. Were proud to support them and help spread the Y message, said Caroline Earley, Director of Sales. Its our youth development and health-related programs that hit the mark for Clear Channel Asheville. The Ys programs can have a big impact on the long-term health of our children and our community, Caroline added. By working together with the Y, our Partners are helping make Western North Carolina a better place to be for all. For more information on becoming a Partner, contact Dana Davis, Financial Development Director, at 828 210 9656 or ddavis@ymcawnc.org.

Y VOiCE | YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLiNA NEWSLETTER

neigHbOrHOOd Y at WOOdFin deliVers reCess PrOgraM tO WOOdFin eleMentarY

For us, Youth Development means nurturing the potential of every child, and encouraging healthy, active lifestyles is increasingly important for the programs we develop. Beginning this month, the Neighborhood Y at Woodfin will engage students at Woodfin Elementary School during recess. Activities focus on healthy living, team and character development, and education on the benefits of exercise. The Recess Program allows students the opportunity for an extra hour per week of exercise and a nutritional component will be designed for each grade level to help inspire healthy eating choices. The collaboration with Woodfin Elementary School came when the Neighborhood Y at Woodfin and Buncombe County Parks, Greenways and Recreation Services, with the help of a grant from Fit Community, saw the need for a safe way for children and families to walk to school. In an assessment from the Safe Routes to School National Training Program, a Walking School Bus Program was designed for the school. Set to begin in spring 2012, the benefits of this program are many, from fewer cars on the road, to more active children, and more involved parents. The Walking School Bus is on hold until the sidewalk is laid, so the staff at the Woodfin Y found The Recess Program to be ideal for maintaining relationships with the families, youth, and community we serve. For more information about the program, please contact Christine Maiello, Membership and Healthy Living Program Coordinator, at 828 505 3990 or cmaiello@ymcawnc.org. Funds to support this program will be raised through the 2012 Healthier Communities Campaign.

liVestrOng... (continued from page 1)

water aerobics buddies were in the locker room to offer support and clean up the hair. Not long after that, the class surprised Amy with a cancer survivor shower. They gave Amy funny stuffed animals, books to make her laugh, scarves, and more. A Y employee and fellow water aerobics teacher even gave Amy a rainbow clown wig to wear! On really bad days, Amy wore that wig so other people would smile at her, lift her spirits, and make her smile back. Amy exercised as often as she could to ward off depression, which is a natural side effect of chemotherapy. The Y not only gave Amy a place to exercise, but became a builtin support group. Knowing firsthand how important exercise is to cancer survivors, Amy will be leading LiVEstrOng at the YMCA classes in the pool. A program designed for cancer survivors, LiVEstrOng at the YMCA helps patients get their lives back. The association-wide program focuses on regaining strength and fitness, emotional wellbeing for both survivors and their families, and providing a supportive community where those affected by cancer can connect. The need for this type of program is so great in our community that enrollment is filled and weve begun a waiting list. Were committed to socially responsible programs like LiVEstrOng at the YMCA because they empower participants to be healthy, confident, connected, and secure. The LiVEstrOng at the YMCA program is free. The Healthier Communities Campaign is funding the $65,000 program. For more information or to support the program, please contact Misty Guinn, LiVEstrOng at the YMCA Project Manager, at 828 210 9601 or mguinn@ymcawnc.org.

YOutH Fit FOr liFe nOW in its 5tH Year

Youth Fit For Life is halfway through its 5th year thanks in part to grants from Mission Hospital Health System and the United Way. YFFL has served thousands of children across Western North Carolina educating them on the four core components of healthy living - strength, cardio, nutrition, and behavioral education. Because of the myriad of contributed support, YFFL is offered at 19 afterschool sites for 24 weeks of the school year, double the size since the programs start. Through our Childhood Obesity Prevention Program, we have added cooking demos and gardenrelated activities to each site once each month. We have also added a group exercise class once a month at each location. Qualified wellness coaches are implementing both the physical activity and nutrition components of the program. At a recent cooking class, wellness coaches Kelly and Brittany explained to the children that they would be making a carrot and raisin salad. As soon as I announced the name of the recipe, about half of the kids yelled out, Eww! or Gross! saying that they didnt like salad, or carrots, or raisins, recalled Kelly. Both Kelly and Brittany were surprised when only one student of the 60 they cooked with
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that day wouldnt try the salad. In fact, many of the children asked to take a copy of the recipe home so they could make it with their families. It was incredibly inspiring to see the kids working together, learning about healthy food, and wanting to share that knowledge with others! This is exactly why I work at the Y, Kelly added. Youth Fit For Life is funded in part by the Healthier Communities Campaign, Mission Hospital Health System, United Way, Asheville Citizen Times, and PepsiCo. For more information, contact Abby Smith, Youth Development Coordinator, at 828 775 5323 or asmith@ymcawnc.org.

WelCOMe neW bOard MeMbers

We recently welcomed our new board members at the annual meeting: incoming Board Chair Amy Hanks (Beverly Hanks Mortgage) Tracy Buchanan (CarePartners) Mike Crawford (Dixon Hughes) Brad Galbraith (Biltmore Farms) Kathy Guyette (Mission Hospitals) Gibbie Harris (Buncombe County Department of Health)

Our neW Center adVisOrY CHairs:

Charles Davis (Asheville Center) Gerald Greene (Corpening Center) Lisa Lindsay (Reuter Center) Steve White (Woodfin Center) Kiki Matthews (Hendersonville Center)

Y VOiCE | YMCA OF WESTERN NORTH CAROLiNA NEWSLETTER

tOP 10 reasOns tO giVe tO tHe Y beFOre tHe end OF tHe Year

10. On average, Americans spend 15% of their annual income on things they dont needmore than they spend on education in their lifetime. 9. North Carolina has one of the lowest median incomes in the country and ranked 10th on the list of Americas Poorest states. 8. Aunt Dot is probably going to re-gift that sweateror anything else you give her. 7. You can create a legacy through a planned gift now, and it wont hurt. 6. Being philanthropic is a direct reflection of your values. 5. It feels good. 4. The Y will leverage your gift for greater impact. 3. Instead of one gift, youll be part of more than 4,000 giftsthe number of people served in 2011. 2. You can claim your contribution on your taxes. 1. Making a difference in someones life WILL last longer than the fruitcake.
Your gift to the Healthier Communities Campaign or the Endowment Fund can be made On-line in person Over the phone Cash, credit, stocks, bequests, life income gifts, etc., no boats please. A gift to the endowment of $1,000 or more will establish your membership in the Heritage Club.

POP Warner atHletes sCOring On and OFF tHe Field

In just its 2nd year, our Pop Warner football program grew by more than 15% rounding out the season with 430 players. We also added the cheerleading program and had 75 participants in our 1st year. More than 100 participants were recognized as scholar athletes at our end of season celebration. These students achieved a 96% grade point average in their academic subjects. Aaron Cziraky, Youth Development Director/Sports at the Reuter Family Y, noted, This is a distinct honor for those participants playing and cheering in Junior Peewee, Junior Midget, and Unlimited Divisions. Two YMCA of WNC teams represented the association at the Mid-South Regional Playoffs in Gastonia, NC. Aaron continued, It was a great experience for the kids, families, and everyone involved showcasing football in Western North Carolina. We look forward to next season and the opportunity to showcase both football and cheerleading at the regional level. Pop Warner teaches its participants the fundamentals of football and cheerleading while emphasizing the importance of scholastic fitness. All participants must have a 2.0/70% GPA or higher to participate. Beyond the field and classroom, coaches are shaping these young men and women to be the best individuals they can be teaching them teamwork, discipline, sportsmanship, and leadership skills that they will carry with them through life. Aaron summed up the experience, I can speak firsthand from growing up and playing Pop Warner that it helped shape me into the man I am today. I still carry all those memories and friendships with me to this day. This year, more than 385 children received financial assistance or scholarship enabling them to participate in Y Sports Programs, including Pop Warner. Pop Warner is funded in part by the Healthier Communities Campaign.

HaPPY HOlidaYs FrOM tHe Y!

Where you can make a difference.
For more information please visit our website and click on the GiVE tab, or contact Dana Davis, Financial Development Director, at ddavis@ymcawnc.org or 828 210 9656.

YMCas JOin tOgetHer... (continued from page 1)

Members of both the HCFYMCA and Y-WNC will be granted full-facility access effective immediately with all membership privileges, guidelines, procedures, and policies in place for the respective Y Center. Please check with each Center to learn more about these membership privileges and policies. Your Y membership access now includes Corpening Memorial Y in Marion, Asheville Y in downtown Asheville, Reuter Y in South Buncombe County, the Neighborhood Y in Woodfin, and Henderson County Family YMCA in downtown Hendersonville. You wont notice any discernible program or membership changes for either YMCA, and any future changes will be gradual and geared toward enhancing and expanding members experience at their local facility. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting partnership moves forward.

Our 2010-2011 annual report is now available online at ymcawnc.org/about-us

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neigHbOrHOOd YMCa at WOOdFin 828 505 3990

reuter FaMilY YMCa 828 651 YMCA (9622)

asHeVille YMCa 828 210 YMCA (9622)

YMCa OF Western nOrtH CarOlina neWsletter

Y VOiCe

COrPening MeMOrial Y breaks grOund On greenWaY

Construction on the McDowell County, Corpening Memorial YMCA Greenway is underway. The project will occur in two phases. The first phase is a trail encircling the Corpening Memorial Y and McDowell Senior Center making a 0.8-mile loop. Phase Two will connect this trail with the medical park adding another mile in length. We anticipate completing Phase One in mid-late January and hope to launch construction of Phase Two immediately after. Funding for the project was made possible by the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, McDowell County, and the Maxwell M. Corpening Jr. Memorial Center. This project ties in with the McDowell County Greenway Master Plan.

COrPOrate OFFiCe 828 251 5909

do you like us? be a Fan on Facebook and youll always be in the loop on whats going on at your Y. Just visit facebook.com/YMCaWnC and click like.

CHildCare serViCes 828 210 2273

COrPening MeMOrial YMCa 828 659 YMCA (9622)

ymcawnc.org

53 Asheland Avenue, Suite 105 Asheville, NC 28801 P 828 251 5909

YMCa OF Western nOrtH CarOlina

For more information on making a difference in our community, please contact Dana Davis, Director of Financial Development, at ddavis@ymcawnc.org or 828 210 9656.

Would you like to receive our enewsletter? Contact Angie Williford at awilliford@ymcawnc.org to sign up.
Asheville, NC 28801 53 Asheland Avenue, Suite 105

Fall 2011 / Winter 2012

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

YMCa MissiOn

aFtersCHOOl PrOgraM exPands tO blaCk MOuntain

After meeting with Buncombe County Schools officials, staff, parents, and participating children, the Y officially opened an afterschool program at Black Mountain Primary at the request of the school system. Now serving more than 65 additional children, the Y made significant investments in new equipment to bring the special programming offered at other Y afterschool programs to Black Mountain. Children now have the opportunity to engage in enrichment, fitness programs, swimming, field trips, family nights, family events, and Y summer camp programming. At our most recent family night, nearly all of the 65 families attended the event which included a free family dinner, craft activities, and family sports programming in the gym. For information on this exciting new program or any of our youth and family programming at the Child Care Services YMCA, please contact Jim Spearin, Executive Youth Development Director, at 828 210 2273 or jspearin@ymcawnc.org.

ASHEViLLE, NC PERMiT NO. 171

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