25,000 Laps, and inspired to give!

Last week I was informed by our Aquatics Director that a member donated rescue tubes to our YMCA….however he also requested to remain anonymous.  I promptly wrote him a thank you note, and asked him to stop by my office so I could personally thank him.    When he stopped by yesterday, I asked him what had prompted him to donate the rescue tubes.  He proudly told me that he is approaching his 25,000 laps in our pool, which is a goal he set when we opened.  He told me how he had established such a great relationship with the lifeguards, who had even called him when he didn’t show for a week (due to illness).  He wanted to “give back” to the place that had become “like a second home” to him.  Now that’s pretty cool!

Are they ready? Do they understand what is at stake?

I just came from a Camp Counselor training.  Let me first say that I love camp…it is what got me into the YMCA, as I began my “career” as a camp counselor.  The camp experience forever changed my life.  Today, as I gave my  portion of the camp training, complete with my “cow hat” and camp songs, I couldn’t help but wonder; “Do they really get it?”  I could see the spark in many of the counselors eyes….but then there were some that seemed to be “clocking it in”.  For some, they get it, for others it is just a summer job.  Maybe I’m just getting old, but I have no patience for “cool counselors”.  Those are the counselors who think that they will inspire kids just by being “cool”, not through the creatvity, zanyness and passion that makes a truly impactful counselor.  So, with all that is at stake (the opportunity to be that “caring adult” in the presence of every child), I have impressed upon my Camp Director to only accept the best.  We can’t afford to have a counselor “clocking it in” this summer.  Let’s be sure that our camp staff is ready, and understand what is at stake.

Three degrees of separation

Through the work we do at the YMCA, I assume that we know how we impact members and staff.  Here is an example of YMCA impact on a person who came to our Y in the capacity of “aide” to a high school aged special needs individual.  As you read this, remember that she was here for her “job”.  She wasn’t using our facilities…she was working, and observing.

Words can not express how grateful I am for all of your kindness, generosity, hospitality and support this school year.  You have all played an integral part in Jacob’s success here at the YMCA.

I’ve never known such a collection of wonderful people who I am so proud to call “friends”.  I will miss each and every one of you this coming year!  But I look forward to stopping by and saying hello from time to time.  I wish you all continued success with this amazing establishment called the “Indian Valley Family YMCA”  Again, Thank you….much love.  Wendy

Another “Y Web” example

I received this email from a volunteer who attended our annual dinner.  Another example of the connections that the YMCA makes over the course of years.

Wanted to say “thank you” for the lovely volunteer recognition gift you gave me at the YMCA Annual Dinner Wednesday night. A wonderful surprise and very much appreciated!

 

I enjoyed working with you and Ceilia on the Strong Kids Campaign and was happy to learn we are at $90,000.  I am looking forward to attending the wine tasting event next Friday and will hold the positive thought that this will bring us to the goal of $95,000!!  It’s been a long time since I have been actively involved in the Y and I am delighted to be connected again!

 

Years ago I worked at the Vernon Y running a preschool program and also managed an art program.  Both of my daughters attended Y camps in the summer.  My husband Roger was a Hartford Y member also and attended the Y camps every year growing up in Hartford.

 

Again, a sincere pleasure to be on your team! Please keep me in mind for other volunteer opportunities. Now that I’m retired, I have more time to give!!

 

With Regards,

 

Elsa Arnett-Conley

 

The Web of the Y

As the Indian Valley Family YMCA celebrated its annual dinner last night with over one hundred volunteers, members and staff, it occured to me how many people were not only connected through the YMCA, but through various walks of life.  We have not only become a community within a community…but also an extension of the community that was already in existence.

Below is an example of that connection, as relayed to me via email from last year’s Member of the Year Kristen Naismith:

I wanted to say thank you for inviting me to the dinner last night. I had such a great time listening to everyone’s impact stories such as Sean’s. He is an amazing guy and if you stop and talk to him you can learn a lot from him. I loved watching people be surprised receiving their awards. I am so happy Jacob won the Volunteer award. He is such a pleasant young man and a hard worker. I was so surprised to see Christy with us. I have known her for a long time. She used to be an assistant to my orthodontist. She was my favorite. She is such a sweet caring person and I was sad to hear about her struggle with cancer, but she found the right facility and people who really care about her to help her get back on her feet for sure. I am happy to have seen her again. My favorite part of the night was being with the people that made such an impact to my life a year ago and still to this day, and hearing other people recognize them. They are very special people and I am so thankful for all they have done for me. Even though our facility has grown so much in the past year, they still make me feel like I am their favorite member everyday and that means a lot.  The Y is an amazing place to go to everyday and to see the difference it makes in everyone’s lives whether it be sending a child to camp through our unique fundraisers or kids learning their ABC’s in one of our preschools and people of all ages learning how to swim through lessons. I felt very blessed and thankful for this experience. Thank you!!

 

A Foreign Culture…..?

Have you ever been to another country that had a different language, a different style of dress, and food that was out of your norm?  If so, how were you introduced to the language, dress, food?  If you were lucky, you had a guide who enthusiastically taught you some keys words and phrases, presented a menu with descriptions of the contents, and perhaps gave you an article of dress to help you “fit in”.

Now imagine if you had no guide.  Would the language ever make sense?  Might the food seem too ‘foreign’ to even consider?  And wouldn’t your jeans and t-shirt stick out among the native attire?

Isn’t this the same as a YMCA?  Think about the “Y” language we use, and how we assume everyone will understand it when they enter our facilities.  Think about the menu of activities….are they inclusive enough?….even for a beginner?  Isn’t it great to see a new member wearing a Y t-shirt!  This is a simple way to help them “fit in”.

For those of us who “drink the kool-aid”, or have been around a while, please take a moment to consider how is really feels to be a new member, child care participant, or day camper.  Are we “walking the talk” when it comes to inclusiveness?  Are we sharing our culture in an exciting way, just like a guide in a foreign land?

Let’s not just be Y employees….let’s be Y ambassadors, guiding newbies into this wonderful world of the YMCA!

Just Gym and Swim? Not us!

This Monday night I was having a meeting with an ad hoc group of seven volunteers regarding the creation of a community garden that would assist the local food bank.  Having seven people give up thier time to volunteer is remarkable enough….but as we held the meeting in our conference room, I could hear the sounds of the drum class coming from the hallway.  Earlier in the day I was involved in a meeting regarding the rail trail that will connect to our YMCA property, and this Friday is our Open Mic night.  Of course we still have “gym and swim”, but the YMCA is so much more!

The second of two “firsts”

Our YMCA befriended Mark, Jenny and their children as soon as we opened our doors in 2010.  This amazing family had just adopted three young children, and needed a place like the YMCA.  Unfortunately, shortly after we opened, Mark was deployed to Afganistan.  Mark finally returned to his family last Monday….and THE FIRST thing they did together as a family was come to the Y!

The first of two “firsts”!

When I first me Peter, he rolled his wheelchair into my office asking about volunteer opportunities.  His skill made him a natural for our Board of Managers.  Unfortunately, as his Parkinson’s worsened, he was unable to participate as a volunteer or a member.  His health worsened significantly over the past year.  Then a miracle happened – a miracle of modern medicine.  In early January, Peter went through extensive surgery involving implanting electrodes and batteries and….(the rest was beyond my comprehesion).   Today, Peter  WALKED into the YMCA!  He explained that this was THE FIRST place that he wanted to visit when he was released from the hospital.  He knew that the YMCA will continue him on his journey towards improved health.  Peter told me that he had choices to go to other places, but there is no where that is as warm and welcoming as our YMCA.  He also told me he is ready to volunteer again!

Our Green Cow

Our lobby is lined with cows for each Strong Kids Campaign donor….but now we have a GREEN cow!  Why?  This is a special cow.  This cow represents a donation from a TWELVE YEAR OLD girl who gave Christmas money so that she can help another child in need!  What a role model!