Sense of Humor

One of the reasons I love the Y is because of the relationships I form simply by being on an exercise machine next to someone, looking like I need help and someone assists, or being in the locker room at the same time every day. Such is a relationship of fun and teasing that I’ve developed with the Graeffs.

In 1998, when Eileen Graeff retired, she went shopping for a fitness center where she could not only keep herself physically fit, but also a place where she could make friends and build a community of support for herself and her husband Bill.

Eileen and Bill visited several different fitness centers and they liked the way the Dancel Family Center Y in Ellicott City “felt” best out of all their visits. It felt like more than a gym – they got “good vibes.” It felt like a place where they would be not only welcomed, but also supported and embraced. They saw people talking to each other and being nice.

At the beginning, The Graeffs participated only in Aquasize classes before eventually branching out to other activities in the center. Today they enjoy the company of the people in their first Aquasize class as well as other members and employees. One such employee is Kathy Klein. Kathy works in the Fitness Center. “You hear her before you see her” they share. “She has a laugh that makes you laugh!!” And Kathy has the same feelings for the Graeffs. A native of Canada, she refers to the Graeffs as her American family.

Sherri Hendrix, a member of the Y, knows that she can count on seeing Eileen and Bill on the treadmill or on a bicycle – always with a book. Neither of them are ever too involved to give a look and deliver a very pleasant “Hello, how are you today?” Sherri considers them very special friends.

The Graeffs have remained consistent members at the Y through many of life’s hurdles.

In 2008 Eileen had breast cancer and came through chemo with no problems. She attributes this to staying fit and keeping her life as “normal” as possible through the healing process.

Bill had a hip replacement and then… Eileen broke her arm!! Before her arm was healed, Bill fell on ice broke his other hip!! As soon as they were able, the Graeffs were back at the Y working out in their normal workout routine.

Katy, who works at the front desk of the Dancel Family Center Y, loves their attitude, friendliness, Bill’s teasing (do you hear a reoccurring theme here?), and says she could go on and on about the positive attributes of Bill and Eileen.

I look forward to Eileen’s pleasant “Hello” and Bill’s sarcasm, even when he’s splashing me from his Arthritis class while I’m taking a swim lesson!!

Posted by Jessica Pearsall, Fitness Instructor, Dancel Family Center Y

A Proud Moment for the Y

One of the Carroll County Family Center Y’s proudest moments was when Nicole Hurley became a winner at the 2010 Special Olympics. Nicole works at the Carroll County Family Center Y in the Child-Watch room. Nicole, 32, has been involved in the Special Olympics since she was 5 years old. In 2010, She placed Silver in Backstroke, Bronze in 100 Freestyle, and 24th place in swimming relays. Way to go Nicole!

Posted by Stacie Jones Blogs, Member Services Representative, Carroll County Family Center Y

Exercising at the Playground

I’ve been super stressed lately. Luckily, I’ve been able to get to the Y for a walk on the treadmill or free-weights. It’s so convenient to have the gym next door to Tootie’s school… it’s hard to make excuses why I shouldn’t stop in, even for a few minutes to do something.

There were a few weeks that I didn’t make it into the gym at all. Another convenience of the Weinberg Y is the huge playground right across the parking lot. After school, Tootie and I would stop over for “only ten minutes” and manage to stay on the playground for about 40 minutes. One school friend turned into two, to three, then what felt like half her class was on the playground with us.

I sat and chatted with the parents - always good to be in the company of folks who know what you’re going through. And of course, there’s the requisite swing pushing, slide waiting, and monkey bar lifting that every parent has to do. Those days made me feel just as relaxed as my workouts.

So, maybe I should give myself more credit. Each day, I (we), do something at the gym to relieve stress. Sometimes it’s structured and indoors. Other times, it’s whatever happens on the playground. Gotta love the Y and the diversity of exercise it offers!

Posted by Angie Kirk, Y Preschooler Parent, Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Family Center Y

Finding a New Passion!

I have a friend, Michelle, whose life is interesting – she has a husband with an extremely demanding and time consuming job. A son, Jackson, who is nine, extremely loyal to his family, loves beaches and outdoor activities and has every support need possible. He needs support to eat, drink, dress, etc. He also has seizures about every 15 minutes. Michelle’s second child is Chloe. She is six and very very spirited. She loves to ask lots and lots of questions, loves shoes and is five going on 19. The last of Michelle’s children is Haley. Haley loves to give the thumbs up, has a contagious smile, is four and happens to have an extra chromosome – commonly known as Down syndrome.

Michelle called one day to ask if I would do the Iron Girl (a swim, bike, run triathlon) with her. I had no idea what is was, but replied, “Absolutely” – which is how I respond to anything Michelle asks me. I didn’t have a bathing suit or a bike. Last year was my first Iron Girl and I fell in love with the event.

I thank Michelle for the wonderful gift she gave me. I also thank the Y staff who coached me along all through my training – encouraged me to stay on the treadmill when I wanted to get out, urged me back into the pool when I thought I was done and who cleared lanes for me to practice when the pool was full. The Y staff and members listened to my fears and encouraged me – they were even there the day of the event. Without Michelle’s invitation and the Y family’s encouragement and support, I would not have discovered this new passion!!

Posted by Jessica Pearsall, Fitness Instructor, Dancel Family Center Y

Youth and Government Wrap Up

The 2010 Maryland YMCA Youth and Government Session has officially come to a close and it was a wonderful conference! Most events of this size are not complete without some problems and stress but we hardly felt a bump in the road. The students this year were some of the best I've ever had the privilege to know. Their dedication to a job well done meant less for me to worry about and those pesky little problems just faded into the background far overshadowed by their leadership, success and accomplishment. This year, more than any I've ever attended, the students stepped out of their comfort zone to get to know students in other delegations. The Youth Governor and Youth Lt. Governor lead the way with their high energy and easy going attitudes.

The highlight of the trip for most of the participants was the Youth Lt. Governor's Banquet with Governor Martin O'Malley as the keynote speaker. Governor O'Malley also stayed to help hand out awards and take pictures with the students. Also in attendance at the banquet were CEO's, school principals, Y execs and many honored guests. We were privileged to have so much support!

As the summer approaches our students are preparing for CONA (Conference on National Affairs). Maryland will send its largest delegation in many, many years with 14 students and one advisor traveling to North Carolina for the national conference. I am so proud of our students and so thankful for our advisors. It was a great year!

Posted by Amy Maloy, State Director, MD Youth and Government, Y of Central Maryland

Staying Dedicated to Working-Out

Well, here is the end of another week and I have been working hard over the last several weeks to get myself into better shape. I have been working with some friends doing a workout called Insanity. The program calls for us to follow assigned workouts 6x/week, but we only are able to meet and do it 3x/week. In between these workouts I am at the Y doing classes or working in the fitness center. Why is it that it takes NO TIME AT ALL to get out of shape and LOTS OF TIME and DEDICATION to get back into shape!!! I know that I can’t make time stand still, and summer is around the corner, so I am going to forge ahead and as the saying goes “slow and steady wins the race!”

Posted by Peggy Curet, Member Services Representative, Carroll County Family Center Y

Beverly, Eleanor, & Marva – Examples for all of us

I teach strength training, and for the last five years Beverly, Eleanor, and Marva have been attending my class. I aspire to grow as a person and be just like them!!

These three women have many qualities that I admire. You would never know that they are attending class together because they spend their “free” time sharing what they know with other students. They provide positive support when someone is struggling, and share their own “journey” to becoming comfortable in class. They introduce themselves to new students, and always try to make them feel welcomed. Another quality I admire about these three women is that they schedule time to workout together in the fitness room. They believe that because they set aside a specific “date” to meet, it helps them to stay on a fitness routine and spend quality time with friends.

They often express how grateful they are for what they have, including their health and their families. They are always pleasant, have a great sense of humor and such a joy to see at the Y. Beverly, Eleanor, Marva – thank you for the example.

Posted by Jessica Pearsall, Fitness Instructor, Dancel Family Center Y