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

An Active Tootie!

Tootie makes me laugh. In the middle of Target she stretches and she tells me she’s exercising. When I’m sitting down watching TV, she tells me I need to exercise more, get moving. When I enroll her in Sports Mix, swimming, Tiny Dancers she’s sometimes too shy to participate. Two months ago, I took off from work to watch her NOT dance in a dance recital. She did the steps ad nauseam at home-but at show time, nothing.

At least I can be happy that she knows what healthy behaviors are. She recognizes a warm up, cool down, and the importance of physical activity. She calls me out if I’m walking fast, but should be running, and she has a great internal meter for knowing how much she’s been active and “neeeeding” to get some exercise.

I have to credit the Y with her knowledge and appreciation of a healthy, active lifestyle. Heaven knows if it were up to me she wouldn’t be as active as she is. Over time, she’s done really well with breaking out of her shell, doing more activities and participating more broadly. The pre-school has worked out a partnership with the Y to include some health and wellness activities in the pre-school program, so although I can’t take her, a Y staff member takes her to weekday classes in the Y health and wellness center. This has allowed her to try more activities than she otherwise would have.

Maybe one of these days I’ll have to admonish her for being too much in the spotlight. For the time being, I’m glad she’s the healthy, active girl that’s slowly moving us both off the sidelines!

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

Energy to Burn!

I have a five year old son. If you have a son, that's all the information you need to know. If however you don't have the privilege of living with a boy, let me explain. He is overflowing with energy and, while capable of sitting still, doesn't enjoy it and would prefer to mimic a bag of microwave popcorn. He is loud - think rock concert mosh pit volume. He is curious and is always trying to figure out how something works. He loves tools and has taken apart numerous things in our home, like the chairs, and the banister. He likes to hide, when I'm running late, and he thinks it's hilarious when I can't find him. He teases his sister about 75% of the time, but the rest of the time (when he's not sleeping) he calls her princess and tells her she's beautiful. He is more than a handful, but I wouldn't trade his personality for anything... well, maybe for a couple more hours of sleep but that's it.

As you can imagine a child with such energy and enthusiasm for life just blesses his teachers and coaches each day by his presence in their class. Ok, maybe not. Maybe I find myself apologizing on a regular basis for his shenanigans. Maybe we have long talks in the car before his Y Tot's Day Out class about listening to the teacher. Maybe some days that works.

I am hugely grateful for his Tot's teachers and his Youth Sports coaches. Their patience with my son goes above and beyond the call of duty. The simple fact that he enjoys his time at the Y and asks to go back speaks volumes about their investment.
I picked him up from Youth Sports the other day to find that he had a new coach. I was opening up my mouth to offer an apology for his energy when Coach Mike said, "Christopher did great today! He showed me how high he could count by counting his jumps on the mini-trampoline." And THAT is why I love the Y. A brand new coach that saw a high-energy child and used the tools at his disposal to get that energy out. He managed to find it fun to work with my wonderfully crazy boy.

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

ME TIME

My job as a Site Manager here at the Y can be challenging at times. Managing three Head Start centers, 25 staff, a host of children and families; as well as my own family at home can be overwhelming some days. Although it is very important to be accountable to others, sometimes taking time out for myself is the one thing I don't have time to do. Recently while listening to talk radio, the guest talked about the importance of "knowing yourself." She talked about discovering new things and reintroducing yourself to things you love. I know it’s easier said than done, but it’s very important and I am going to try because I don't want my very own "Bucket List.” Also, it's clear that you must care for yourself before you can care for others. So, go get that book that you started reading or writing, go see that movie you've been wanting to see, have dinner at your favorite restaurant or book that weekend gateway you so desperately need! Make today the day you schedule time for yourself, even if you have to schedule it for next week (lol). JUST DO IT!!!!

Posted by Felecia Veale-Buckson, Baltimore County Head Start Site Manager, Y of Central Maryland

Getting Back on Track

Of all times of the year when you should be stepping up the exercise routine, this is one of them...but I haven't seen the gym in 2 weeks. I can't believe how quickly you start to feel sluggish (and how fast the pounds come back on) when you don't keep up with exercise. I want to feel healthy again soon. My cousin who was several sizes bigger than me is now a couple of sizes smaller than me, so I'm hoping her success inspires me to get back on track. I'm so proud of her!

Posted by Wendy Smith-Wilczynski, Y Member and Preschooler Parent, Carroll County

Body Pump Off and Running!

Body Pump is off and running - - - and popular!!! So popular that members wait in line to get a ticket for the session. Some of the members wait as long as 30 minutes in line. Rather than complaining about the wait, one of the members suggested that as members come in the front door, they sign in that they want a ticket for class and then they can work out instead of waiting – what an effective approach – solution focused and a great idea.

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

My First Marathon!

I recently ran my first marathon! I can still remember when a mile was so hard for me to do – I never imagined I’d be doing a marathon. I didn’t get there over night and I didn’t get across the finish line alone. With all the snow this winter, I did most of my training on the treadmill in the Y. Staff and member began to notice my patter and long run days. They would stop by, ask about my training, make sure I had water and nourishment, and encourage me. The coolest part about completing the marathon was all of the excitement from the staff and members at the Y the first day back after the marathon – they were more excited than I was!!

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

A Busy Saturday at the Y

Last Saturday the Y of Central Maryland celebrated Healthy Kids Day. At our Carroll County Y, it was a very busy day for us. We not only had our normal activities of exercise classes, swim lessons, and the fitness center being busy, but we had many employees on hand to help set up and be available for the activities planned for this day. We had many community groups available to share information about safety, nutrition, exercise and having fun while taking care of our bodies.

One of the best parts of the day for me was having all the staff who work at the front desk participating in this event. Because most of us are part-time employees, we don’t get to see each other often. It was nice to see everyone there to help out with this event, but also to reconnect with everyone. I think I work with one of the best groups of people I have ever worked with. The personalities are all diverse but we are all supportive of each other and I ALWAYS end up laughing with the stories they tell.

Although this is a little bragging on my part, the Carroll Y is very fortunate to have the group of people they have working at the front desk. They are hard working, available to offer information, an ear to listen or a much-needed smile at a moment’s notice. For me, as I went from a member at our Y to an employee, it was in part, because of the front desk staff always ready to help with body, mind but also lifting the spirits of the members at our Y.

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

Save the “Mommy Guilt”

I often have “Mommy Guilt” when I add up all the hours Tootie is in pre-school. In the morning, I drop her off between 8:30 and 9:00am. At pick up I’m there between 5:45 and 6:27pm (the Pre-school closes at 6:30). Most times I rush through the door to find her immersed in a coloring project, dancing with her friends, or “reading” a book.

I build up all these thoughts in my mind about how much time she stays at school, how long we’re apart, etc. Add to some of these long days, my exercise routine that includes classes at the Y, and that could extend her day by another hour or two.

Every now and again, I have to take a breath. I get to school and realize she’s well taken care of, and actually having fun! Her nine or ten hour day has been filled with singing, dancing, arts and crafts, reading, nature walks, and all the hard work of being a pre-schooler. When I take her over to the Y for my classes, she fusses for a while, but gets right in the swing of things with the Child Watch staff and all the activities they provide.

It’s good to know that I can save the “Mommy Guilt” for some other occasion. When she’s at school, she’s in good hands. When I’m working on the “Mommy Gut” at the gym, she’s still in good hands. Maybe I can channel my guilt elsewhere… like the fact that she won’t be getting a $50,000 car for her 16th birthday, like the kids on MTV.

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

To Be Young at Heart

Here at the Y of Central Maryland Baltimore County Head Start, we have a teacher who has never forgotten how it feels to be a young child. Mrs. Nadene Evelyn is 57 years young, and has worked for the Y for over ten years. She has three adult children and eight grand children. Yet, Nadene has taken it upon herself to be our resident Choosy.

Who is Choosy you may ask? Choosy is an ambassador for healthy children and the prevention of childhood obesity. Through contemporary music, dance and appropriate activities, Nadene (as Choosy) spends up to 45 minutes in a costume that can get up to 90 degrees. Nadene (as Choosy) talks to children about making healthy food choices and showing them how to move their bodies as a way to promote exercise and fitness. Nadene visits all ten of our Baltimore County Head Start centers and on April 17, she will visit our Druid Hill Y Head Start program in Baltimore city.

No one had to ask Nadene to have the Choosy costume made and she receives no pay to do it, she just loved the message Choosy gives to young children. When asked why she does this, she replied “The children, they love Choosy. I love seeing the fun they have while dancing and moving, and the smiles on their little faces. That’s what makes me want to do this, that’s my pay.” Many of us are younger and have more nimble bodies than Mrs. Nadene, but are we willing to step out of our adulthood (RUSH, RUSH, RUSH… and RUSH) to take the time to become a child’s hero? Wow TO BE YOUNG AT HEART!

Posted by Felecia Veale-Buckson, Baltimore County Head Start Site Manager, Y of Central Maryland

Exercising Outside

Thank goodness the weather is warming up and spring-time is here!!! I recently got back out to use the walking path which goes all the way around our Carroll Family Center Y. It is a beautiful path which many people use. One time around the path equals about a half-mile. Usually when I walk, it is with a small group of people and we are walking fast to get our cardio workout in, but also talking and sharing and before you know, we have done several miles! Using the path just brings in another dimension of exercise, but also allows us to be outside.

So many people use the path. I have seen people go in for their classes and then meet up with some friends and they all walk to catch-up on things. We have many runners using it and even the local high school has kids that run from their school over to the path and then back to the school. It’s nice to see that the Carroll Family Center Y not only offers all the typical fitness/cardio equipment and classes, but also gives us this beautiful outdoor path to use.

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

A Day with the Y

Just when I was excited to get back to running a 5k once per week, it seems like the pounds decide not to run away! Of course, the kids’ Easter baskets don’t help the situation. Tomorrow is a new day—and thankfully tomorrow isn’t the day I need to wear a swimsuit. I donated blood last week, and my blood pressure was great, so I guess I’m doing something right. Health is the main goal! I have a feeling we’re going to be worked extra hard in Monday’s body sculpt class. I need it!

My older son was so excited about Y preschool last week. They had an egg hunt and made baskets out of paper bags to collect their eggs. He even offered to share some with his younger brother, so that was shocking! I was a bit worried that he might be bringing home bad habits from school, but so far I’ve only noticed good ones. Before Easter dinner he even said, “God is great. God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.” (That's what they say before their snack at school.) How sweet!

Posted by Wendy Smith-Wilczynski, Y Member and Preschooler Parent, Carroll County

Family Time

My name is Felecia Veale-Buckson and I am a Site Manager for the Y of Central Maryland Head Start. I manage our Merritt Park, Fleming and Towson Head Start Centers. I have worked for many years servicing children and families throughout Maryland. Through my blog I hope to bring readers closer to Head Start and the amazing work we do for children and families.

On March 11, 2010 our Fleming Center hosted “Lunch With Dad” as a way to boost male involvement. Each child was given an invitation to attend with a male who plays a role in the child’s life. This meant dads, step dads, granddads, uncles, male cousins… any positive male. On the day of the lunch, we were happy to see the number of men who attended and one mother. Yes, one mother. As the men filed into the room I approached mom and asked why she was going into the lunch room with the males. She responded “I am her mother and father…, and she ask me if her daddy did not show up to the house in the morning could she still have lunch and I told her yes.” Needless to say dad did not show up as promised and mom was very adamant about her decision. While we were talking, unbeknown to us, a father of twins in the program and a neighbor of the mother walked up to us and said “if you don’t mind, I will take her in the room with me and my children; she can eat with us.” I saw the relief on mom’s face; she agreed and allowed her daughter to go in the room with the others. I told mom that she did the right thing and I understood her reasons and applauded her efforts. The lunch was a great success the children enjoyed the time spent with the males, they took pictures and made plans for other activities. That’s why “IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO RAISE A CHILD.”

Posted by Felecia Veale-Buckson, Baltimore County Head Start Site Manager, Y of Central Maryland

Teen Leaders in Y Youth and Government Program

This past weekend I had the privilege to oversee the Maryland YMCA Youth and Government Pre-Legislative Session. Students from schools and Y's all over Maryland came together for a day of speeches, elections and debates. The Youth Governor and Lt. Governor lead with style and class and I was impressed all over again by these teenagers and their maturity.

In my experience as a Y employee I have never met a group of people as enthusiastic as high school students. When I am out of ideas, they have one more great one. When I see a dead end, they find an opportunity. When I am discouraged, they bring hope. When I am exhausted, they keep going until everything is finished. I am sure that any person who has ever griped about "those teenagers" has never spent time with these young people. I am honored to guide their program and excited to see their leadership shine. It almost seems unethical to take a paycheck when the students do so much hard work.

I am looking forward to the Legislative Session next month where we will spend three days in Annapolis using the actual State House and Committee rooms to argue legislation, pass Youth-Bills and experience our government first hand.

To learn more about Y Youth and Government, visit Chris Ader-Soto’s expert opinion blog on this program at http://ymdopinion.blogspot.com/.

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