Hal Welsh East Area Family YMCA

Our April schedule of classes starts tomorrow! No pre-registration is required, just log on to the Virtual Y site with your YMCA of Central New York log-in information and you can join the classes when they go live! Visit ymcacny.org/virtualy to get started. Questions? Contact Jess ([email protected]) for more information.

March is National Women's History Month and we wanted to highlight some amazing women who have made major accomplishments in their lifetime. Today's spotlight is on Maya Angelou. Maya Angelou was an American poet, singer, memoirist, and civil rights activist. She published seven autobiographies, three books of essays, several books of poetry, and is credited with a list of plays, movies, and television shows spanning over 50 years.... "I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

We're springing in to fun with a Spring Fling Parents' Night Out this Saturday! On April 10th from 4-7pm, kids ages 6 weeks to 12 years old can enjoy an evening of gym time, crafts, a movie, and a provided dinner. Children should come with a water bottle and a diaper bag with extra clothes labeled with their name. Space is limited and COVID protocols will be followed. Sign up today: https://bit.ly/2PBmuv8

Today we celebrated the Wonderful World of Disney! We started off with a virtual trip to Orlando and enjoyed rides at the park, the parade and a magical fireworks show! We absolutely had to decorate our own Mickey/Minne and everyone found a new friend in Forky! What an enchanting day!

JOIN US THIS SATURDAY FOR BAKING! This Saturday is our next baking class. We will be making home made doughnuts. This class will be held in the school age room from 10am to 1 pm. Each teen will learn how to make this recipe and will be able to recreate it at home to share with their families. Please contact Noelle Downey Teen Coordinator for more information. [email protected] Check out some of our previous culinary master pieces!

Check out our April schedule of virtual classes! No pre-registration is required, just log on to the Virtual Y site with your YMCA of Central New York log-in information and you can join the classes when they go live! Visit ymcacny.org/virtualy to get started. Questions? Contact Jess ([email protected]) for more information.

It’s almost time to Rally for the Y! During the month of April, you can earn 10 cents per mile when you use an Expresso Bike. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or just looking for a way to warm up for your workout, you can make a difference. Click to learn more: https://ymcacny.org/blog/expresso-rally-2021

We are so thankful to have support from local businesses and community members. Through support from banner sponsors like UnitedHealthcare, we have been able to provide events and programs throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about getting involved with our banner partnership program, please contact Tess Kenney - [email protected]

It’s Child Abuse Prevention Month, and all month long we’ll be providing tips and advice for parents and caregivers to help prevent and spot child abuse. Follow along all month! First up, we wanted to share more about two trainings provided by Darkness to Light. The first is about protecting children during a crisis and the other is about learning to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse. You can learn more about both of these trainings here: https://bit.ly/3sTPtc3

Camp is safe and fun in 2021 at the Y! Registration for the summer begins tomorrow, January 20th. Get started and learn more at https://ycny.org/camps

Did you miss last weekend's Parents' Night Out? No worries, there's another one on Saturday, January 30th. Choose from either 11am - 2pm or 4pm - 7pm and let your kids enjoy our Penguins and Polar Bears themed Parents' Night Out. Take a well-deserved break while your kids have a blast! This event is open for children aged 6 weeks - 8 years old. Children should come with a change of clothes or a diaper bag labeled with their names. Help stop the spread- everyone ages 2+ must ...wear a mask. Registration is required. Reserve your spot today! Afternoon Session - https://bit.ly/3oqYbfm Evening Session - https://bit.ly/35avBaz

ATTENTION MEMBERS & FAMILIES! Our School Age Childcare families are participating A Snowman contest and we need your help! Each family was asked to help their snowmen make it safely through the winter and we are asking all YOU to vote for your favorite! Simply like your favorite picture by Thursday February 4th by 8pm The picture with the most likes will win a family fun basket!

Our next Parents' Night Out is happening soon! Join us on Saturday, February 13th from 4-8pm for a special Valentine's Day PNO. Kids ages 6 weeks - 12 years old can enjoy a fun evening full of craft time, a catered dinner, a bounce house, and a dance party! Kids ages 4 and older should come dressed with a bathing suit under their clothes, because they'll have the chance to spend time in the pool! Space is limited and registration is required, so don't miss out on a great eve...ning of fun for the kids and relaxation for the parents! Sign up today: https://bit.ly/3coITVp (Ages 6 months - 3 years) or https://bit.ly/3agyMiT (Ages 4-12). As part of our continued efforts to stop the spread, kids ages 2 and older must wear a mask. If you have questions, please reach out to Emily ([email protected]) or Lindsey ([email protected]) for more information.

Today, we reflect on the terrible acts of terrorism committed yesterday at our nation’s Capitol building. The YMCA of Central New York condemns the violence that was perpetrated by those who would seek to undermine our government. We think of all the children who have participated in our Youth and Government program and what a privilege it has been for them (and our staff and volunteers) to debate democratically in the very chairs where our leaders sit. Our Y will continue to... work every day to create safe, welcoming spaces, both physically and virtually, for ALL to come together to strengthen our community. We join with this message shared by the YMCA of the USA, and like our Y Movement, will always be committed to preserving and strengthening the democracy upon which our nation is founded, and we stand united with those who share that commitment. Edwin J. Kelley, Jr. - Interim CEO/President Fran Nichols - Chairman, Chief Volunteer Officer https://www.ymca.net//statement-from-ymca-of-the-usa-presi

BABYSITTING COURSE! Join us in our upcoming babysitting course. In this course we will be focusing on many different parts of babysitting which include, the business side of babysitting, child development, specific needs and expectations, and basic first aid. Please contact Noelle Downey Teen Coordinator for more information. [email protected] Upcoming classes:... 1/ 23 from 10 am to 2 pm. Located in the Teen Center. 1/30 from 10 am to 2 pm. New VRITUAL option! (Ask for more details!)

We're looking ahead at 2021 and we want to hear from you. Please take a moment to share your thoughts with us as we work together to strengthen our Y and our community. https://ycny.org/membersurvey

Introducing Y Social Circle- an inclusive small-group program focused on offering a variety of free classes open to members of all abilities, ages 16+. Join us as we continue to create socially-inclusive environments within our community. Classes will run from January 18 - February 27 and will take place three days a week at the Hal Welsh East Area Family YMCA in Fayetteville. Choose from:... - Explorations in Art with Pualani on Mondays from 3:30-5:00pm - Cooking Class with Noelle on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00pm - Fitness-WERQ classes with Terri on Thursdays from 3:00pm-4:00pm Class sizes are limited. Sign up today: ycny.org/YSocialCircle This program is made possible through partnerships with The Kelberman Center and New York State Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.

Thank you all who participated in this years Holiday Giving Tree! We received so much support and was able to help so many in our community. Our Leaders Club participants helped organize and wrap many gifts this past week and a huge thank you them. We hope you all have a wonderful and safe holiday! We appreciate you all very much!

Save the Date! Registration for our upcoming SACC and Camp Programs starts soon: Summer Camp January 20th 2021/2022 Before and After School Program February 17th 2021/2022 Preschool February 17th College for Kids April 5th... Visit https://ycny.org/programs/children-teens/camps for more information and to learn how to register.

The Northside YMCA Women's Wellness Center, located at 900 N. McBride Street in the city of Syracuse, is now open to the public. The YMCA of Central New York is the operator of this facility, which was created through a grass-roots community collaboration. Learn more about the space and a new virtual women's speaker series: https://ycny.org//northside-womens-wellness-center-open-pu

ONE DAY BAKING CLASS! During the holiday break we had a one day baking class that was so much fun. We made homemade cut out cookies with homemade icing. Look below for some of the awesome cookies we made. We will be having another class this upcoming session with a new dessert recipe. Please join us on January 16th from 10 am to 1 pm for our next baking class. In the program we learn how to make a homemade dessert. This class we will be making cinnamon rolls. You can go to our website and sign up or contact Noelle Downey Teen Coordinator for more information. [email protected]

We’re having a blast this week dressing up for Prime Time’s Spirit week! Join us Wednesday, December 23 for ugly sweater day!

We are making a long-overdue change for one of our dearest camp programs. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3oHHxIJ

Bertram L. Lawson II has been named our next President and Chief Executive Officer and is scheduled to step into this role on February 8. Welcome! https://ycny.org//bertram-l-lawson-ii-named-next-president

Now hiring for Before and After School Child Care! While the school year may look different, our programs continue to keep children safe, active, and engaged. You can help make a difference. Apply today at ycny.org/careers

Have you seen the banners hanging up at the Y when you go to work out? Those belong to our banner partners- local businesses and community members who help support the Y throughout the year. We would like to thank Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists, P.C. for their continued support of the YMCA of Central New York. If you would like to learn more about getting involved with our banner partnership program, please contact Tess Kenney - [email protected].

Join us for a Flick & Float on Saturday, January 23rd from 4-7:30pm. We'll be enjoying play time in the pool, a break for dinner, and then finishing the evening with a screening of Disney/Pixar's new movie "Soul". This event is open to kids ages 4-12. Come ready to swim and bring a water bottle, a towel, goggles (if needed), and a change of clothes. Space is limited. Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/38Jbi6w

Are you interested in endurance training for long-distance running? You should join our Distance Run and Triathlon Training group at the Y. This 22-26 week long program will help you gain strength, endurance, accountability, and comradery while also preparing you for races. Our RRCA-certified coaches will help you meet your goal for 2021. Training starts February 2nd and will take place at the Jamesville-Dewitt Track on Tuesdays at 6:30pm. Register today: https://bit.ly/36gonlS For more information, Contact Jennifer Hughes ([email protected])

Join us for Parents' Night Out! On January 16th from 4-7pm, parents can drop their kids off at the Hal Welsh East Area Family YMCA for an evening of fun and games. Kids from ages 6 weeks to 8 years old are welcome. Children should come with a change of clothes or a diaper bag labeled with their names. Help stop the spread- everyone ages 2+ must wear a mask. Registration is required. Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/3neyLk3

Take some time today to ask, How are you feeling? These honest, on-going conversations with kids strengthen bonds. Fill out the Family Code of Conduct worksheet together as a family. You don’t have to fill it out all at once - take it One Day at a Time. https://bit.ly/3dPzeGh (English) or https://bit.ly/3jp9RfF (Spanish) #FiveDaysofAction You can find all the resources from the week so far on our website: https://bit.ly/3dVCM9N

We are still working on fixing the issue with our website. Again, you may click through the warning your browser gives you - the issue is not malicious and we are working on the update. You can also access Daxko directly for program registration by visiting https://operations.daxko.com/Online/5222/ProgramsV2/Home.mvc

Our new Virtual Y class schedule start today! Check out the new classes we are offering this month. Enjoy the quality of a Y workout from the comfort of your home. Registration is open now. Visit ycny.org/virtual-ymca to sign up!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: LIZ SCHEIBEL Volunteers are an important part of our organization. It’s only through the support of our volunteers and donors that we are able to give back to our communities. When you volunteer at the Y, you take an active role in bringing about meaningful change in your community. Liz has been an active volunteer for many years. She has participated in our Annual... Campaign, Togetherhood, and the Y’s Active Adults program. She moved to the area many years ago and was looking for a community to call home after retiring from the military. Liz came to the Y and met Judy O’Shea who introduced her to the Active Adults program. Liz immediately got involved. She makes meals for friends who have recently undergone surgery or feeling under the weather. She has assisted members with a ride to and from appointments and Y events. She is an active participant in our Active Adult volunteer committee and helps plan and execute Y Active Adult Programming. She has been a huge participant in Togetherhood projects at Clear Path and the Ronald McDonald House. She championed the Active Adults campaign for our branch in 2019; she set and exceeded the group goals. Liz is great friend to everyone, and we are blessed to have her as an active volunteer at our Y. Thank you Liz for your dedication and commitment to our Y! If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Y, please visit ycny.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog or email Mary Beth - [email protected]

Safe adults are the ones kids know they can trust if they need help. Learn more about what it means to be the safe adult in your child’s life, and use these worksheets to help your kids recognize safe adults: https://bit.ly/2HvDIG5 & https://bit.ly/2Hs50xc #FiveDaysofAction You can find a compilation of the week's resources so far on our website: https://bit.ly/3dVCM9N

Did you know that we have art classes that you can take from home? We have 7 virtual art classes beginning next week. Discover your new favorite artist in our "Not-So-Famous" Artist series, get feedback for your clay creations in our Ceramic Design class, or learn some new drawing techniques in our Character Design class for teens or An Introduction to Drawing for adults. Explore all the classes we have available and register online: https://bit.ly/2WNVEjv

ATTENTION MEMBERS & FAMILIES! Our School Age Childcare families are participating in a jack-o-lantern contest and we need your help. Each family was asked to carve the most creative pumpkin and we are asking all YOU to vote for your favorite! Simply like your favorite picture by Thursday, October 29th, at 8pm! The picture with the most likes will win a family fun Halloween Basket!

Our new Virtual Y class schedule start Monday, January 4th! Check out the new classes we are offering in January. Enjoy the quality of a Y workout from the comfort of your home. Registration begins Friday, January 1. Visit ycny.org/virtualy for more information about all of our Virtual Programming. *There are no virtual classes scheduled Friday, January 1st for the New Year holiday.

We are having a temporary issue with an expired security certificate on our website at ycny.org and are in the process of resolving it. Please know that you can safely continue on to the website if your browser will allow you to click through - the issue is not malicious, just an update needing to be made. Thank you for your patience and understanding!

We’re all taking things one day at a time. With changes to your regular routines, are you looking for ways to keep your kids busy and safe at the same time? Check out a sample daily calendar of activities here: https://bit.ly/37yYcII (English) or https://bit.ly/2IPeD9p (Spanish) #FiveDaysofAction If you missed yesterday's prompt, you can find it here: https://ycny.org/blog/five-days-action

We have a special Halloween Prime Time scheduled for Friday morning. Kids attending Prime Time during the morning will be able to pick a pumpkin to decorate and then take home with them. We will only have 30 small pumpkins available, so space is limited. Pumpkins will be available on Friday October 30 starting at 9:00am, and will run until 12:45pm or until the pumpkins run out. For more information, please contact Lindsey Williams: [email protected]. Visit our website to register for Prime Time: ycny.org/reservations

Are your kids spending more time online or in front of a screen? Take time today to talk to your kids about the joys and dangers of the internet. Find tips for starting the conversation here: https://bit.ly/37zWVBl (English) or https://bit.ly/35uGV0u (Spanish) #FiveDaysofAction

Hey School Age Families!! Our SACC friends are loving the leaves and sunshine today! Don’t forget to send your awesome jack-o-lantern pictures to Ms Sam by Monday to be entered into the Halloween Contest! We cannot wait to see what you all create!

Next week, from October 26-30, we will be participating in 5 Days of Action. The Five Days of Action is a week designed to raise awareness and inspire adults to take action to protect children from sexual abuse. We will sharing daily resources for parents, caregivers, and communities to take things One Day at a Time. These tips, tools, activities, and resources will be shared here and compiled on our website for you to share.

Congratulations to our YMCA of CNY team for finishing 3rd in running and 2nd for cycling in the One NY CARES Virtual Challenge! Individuals still have until December 24th to complete the challenge - keep up the amazing work! https://leaderboard.onenycares.com/

We're inviting our members and community to join us for a virtual Annual Meeting on October 21st. Register to attend today! https://ycny.org/annualmeeting

The YMCA of Central New York's Youth And Government program is open for registration for the 2020-2021 school year for students in grades 9-12. Youth And Government is a national YMCA program that involves thousands of teens nationwide in state-organized, model-government programs. New York State YMCA Youth & Government provides the education, the problem-solving experience, and the social arena for New York’s future leaders to develop and strengthen their skills and confiden...ce to better serve their communities. The Youth And Government group meets every Monday from 6:30-8:00pm online and in-person at the Hal Welsh East Area Family YMCA in Fayetteville and the Northwest Family YMCA in Baldwinsville. Registration online is required. For more information, please contact Tess Kenney (Northwest) - [email protected], or Noelle Downey (Hal Welsh East) - [email protected].

Join us in our upcoming babysitting course! At the end of this fun and interactive class each participant will receive a certificate for his or her completion of the Babysitting Course. Topics include: emergencies, strangers, how to get a job, babysitter’s responsibilities, diapering, feeding, basic first aid, ideas for entertaining children, and much more! Our next class is this Saturday the 17th from 10 am to 2 pm. To sign up please go to our website.

Join our Child Care Team! Do you love working with kids? Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life? Apply now! https://ycny.org/careers

We love seeing the personal impact that the Y has in the lives of our members. Earlier this year, one of our members made a bird feeder in one of the Arts Classes. During the closure, one of our teachers was able to help hang it up outside the member's house so she and her husband could enjoy birdwatching. Check out the art classes at the Y: https://bit.ly/37uu8xD

Join us for some Christmas fun in Prime Time! Next week, embrace your Christmas spirit as we have different themed days Monday through Wednesday. On Monday, 12/21, wear your favorite Christmas Pajamas to Prime Time. We will make a Christmas ornament and have some not-so-hot Hot Chocolate to go! Tuesday, 12/22, is Christmas Colors/Crazy Hat Day. Deck out in red and green and throw on your favorite hat to complete your look! We will make fingerprint Christmas trees and have c...andy canes for all our friends to take home. Wednesday, 12/23, is Ugly Christmas Sweater Day. Wear your silliest, most festive sweater to get ready for Christmas! We will make a handprint Santa craft and have reindeer food for everyone to take home.

Santa Claus is coming to town! Friday, 12/18 from 5:30pm-7:30pm at the North Area Family YMCA in Liverpool, and Sunday, 12/20 from 10am-12pm at the Northwest Family YMCA in Baldwinsville. Grab a cookie kit to go, and don't forget your camera for a photo op with Santa! Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/3nkMR42

Our Gators are having so much fun today!! We are very grateful to our partners Access CNY and the Kelberman Center for helping us serve so many children and families in our community. 2020 hasn’t been easy, but we are still here for YOU. #ycny #YKidsInc #inclusion #hope #resilience #fun #safety

There's still time to place a bid in the YMCA Art Studios Auction. Bidding ends Sunday 12/13 at 8pm! https://www.facebook.com/events/528704651424797/?active_tab=discussion

Wishing all of our Jewish friends in the community a Happy Chanukah!

Our Residence Director Harlan Dunn recently visited Bridge Street to share more about all of the ways our members and community can support the men and seniors that call the Y home this holiday season. Learn more about how you can help! https://ycny.org//supporting-our-residents-during-holiday-

Don’t miss out on Parents’ Night Out! This Saturday, December 12th from 4:00-7:00pm, take a well-deserved break while your kids have a blast at the Y! It’s a Winter Wonderland for kids ages 2-8. Children should come with a change of clothes or a diaper bag labeled with their names. Help us stop the spread- everyone must wear a mask! For more information about Parents’ Night Out, contact Emily ([email protected]) or Lindsey ([email protected]). ... You can also sign up online: https://bit.ly/36ty2pG

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: ANNE MATT Volunteers are an important part of our organization. It’s only through the support of our volunteers and donors that we are able to give back to our communities. When you volunteer at the Y, you take an active role in bringing about meaningful change in your community. Anne is a mother, a wife and a Rockstar volunteer! She has been an active Y member and donor for many years. She has volunteered her service as a member of the Hal Welsh Board o...f Directors, a Metro Board Member. Anne helped to build the Manlius branch board of directors from scratch in 2019 and now leads that group of volunteers as Manlius board Chair. She has been a vital part of recruiting and providing support for the Manlius Y and community. Her service has been invaluable. Thank you, Anne, for your commitment to the Y organization. We appreciate you and all you have done to make our community a better place. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Y, please visit ycny.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog or email Mary Beth - [email protected]

Support the Art Studios of the YMCA of Central New York while getting beautiful and unique holiday gifts through our Online Art Auction! All proceeds go directly to scholarships for art classes. https://www.facebook.com/events/528704651424797/?active_tab=discussion

Our December Parents' Night Out is almost here! On Saturday, December 12th from 4:00-7:00pm, kids from ages 2-8 can have a blast at the Y while you take a well-deserved break. Help us stop the spread, everyone must wear a mask! Children should come with a change of clothes or diaper bag labeled with their names. For more information, contact Emily ([email protected]) or Lindsey ([email protected]). ... You can also sign up online: https://bit.ly/36ty2pG

Join us on Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm for our one day baking class. We will be making home made sugar cookies and decorating them for the holidays. This program is for ages 10 to 16. Please contact Noelle Downey Teen Coordinator if you have any questions. [email protected]

Your commitment to our mission on #GivingTuesday and beyond will help our community to not only recover from this pandemic, but to grow and thrive. Thank you for your continued support of our Y. (And it's not too late to make your gift! https://www.ymcaforgood.org/organi/ymca-of-central-new-york)

Join us for demo classes of Women’s Cardio Boxing on Tuesday December 8th at 10:30am, Thursday, December 10th at 4:30pm, or Saturday, December 12th at 8:00am. The goal of this class is to ramp up your cardio conditioning and improve your muscular endurance! For more information, please contact Patty Ryan - [email protected] or (315) 637-2025, ext. 225 or Steve Comstock (315) 559-9794 Masks & 6-foot social distancing rules apply!

No matter what challenges the future brings, we can overcome them together. Give to the YMCA of Central New York this #GivingTuesday and help create a stronger community for all. https://www.ymcaforgood.org/organi/ymca-of-central-new-york

We wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who has so far participated in this years Giving Tree! Tomorrow is the last day for you to return any items from a tag specifically stated to be returned by December 2nd. If you did not pick up a tag with that written on it you have until the 16th of December to return those gifts. We appreciate everyone who has helped us this year in providing gifts to many of our community members! Thank you so much!!!

Can we count on your support this #GivingTuesday? Every dollar donated to our Y stays local and makes a lasting impact on our community. Your gift will help us continue support the recovery efforts of our families, our community, and our YMCA. https://www.ymcaforgood.org/organi/ymca-of-central-new-york

A lot has changed at the Y over this past year, but our commitment has remained the sameto always be here for our community when people need us most, with open arms and caring hearts. Now, as we approach Giving Tuesday on December 1, we’re asking for your help, so that we can continue to support our neighbors and strengthen our community. https://www.ymcaforgood.org/organi/ymca-of-central-new-york

Our new Virtual Y fitness class schedule starts next week! We're excited to be able to continue to offer LIVE group exercise classes that you can participate in from the comfort of your own home. We're also launching our new virtual platform for our members at ycny.org/virtual-ymca and you can try it out! Sign in to your Y account, find your class, and register via Zoom. We're continuing to build and refine this platform along with partners at Ys across the country, so stay tuned for more classes and features! You can also continue to access these classes via GroupExPro on our website by visiting ycny.org/reservations. Choose the Virtual Category filter to see all virtual classes, find the class you want to take, and register via the Zoom link.

Today is the last day to get your At-Home Exercise kits at their reduced introductory rate of $45. These kits were curated by our Y staff to give you all the items you'll need to maximize your workouts in the comfort of your home, and they are a perfect partner for our virtual workouts or personal training sessions. Each kit contains a stability ball with pump and chart of basic exercises, 3 Versa Bands, a resistance band with handles, and a jump rope. Reserve yours at your local branch today: https://bit.ly/2UMP1wN

We want you to know that our entire YMCA is grateful for our members and donors and their support this year, especially as we continue to fight the pandemic in our community. This commitment to our mission will help our community to not only recover from this pandemic, but to grow and thrive. And the Y will be here for you.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to understand the impacts the new orange and yellow designations will have on our association. Our Downtown branch is in an orange zone and all others are now in yellow zones. Here’s what that means: https://ycny.org//updates-orange-yellow-zone-designations-

Thank you for your patience as we learn more about how the new yellow and orange zone designations by the state in Onondaga County may temporarily affect our branch operations. We will have more information for you as soon as it is available. Thank you for being part of our Y community!

HOME ALONE COURSE THIS SATURDAY! Come join us this Saturday November 28th from 10 am to 12 pm. This is a rescheduled class but is opened to all who would like to join. We will be going over important information your child might need to know when staying home alone. Now that many children are virtually learning parts of the week, this might be a good chance for your child to learn more about staying home alone and for you to have a little peace of mind. Please contact Noelle Downey, Teen Coordinator at 315-637-2025 ext. 230 or [email protected]

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: TRACY NOBLE Volunteers are an important part of our organization. It’s only through the support of our volunteers and donors that we are able to give back to our communities. When you volunteer at the Y, you take an active role in bringing about meaningful change in your community. Tracy Noble is the perfect example of why the Y values board members so much. She bridges the gap to our community and helps support our Y programs in a way only a community v...olunteer can. During our hybrid childcare, many students from the FM school district spend entire days at both the Manlius and Fayetteville branches. The FM school district was kind enough to send us staff in order to support these students during virtual learning. This new process for all of us has been a huge change, with speed bumps and hurdles figuring out the flow of how FM staff and our program work together. Tracy, in her capacity as both a volunteer and FM employee, worked as a bridge understanding both the Y and the school district. Through her hard work, communication, and dedication to seeing FM students succeed, we streamlined our communication and created a much more successful environment at the Manlius Y. We value Tracy and her dedication to our community. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Y, please visit ycny.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog or email Mary Beth - [email protected]

Please note that we'll be tracking attendance pool side for our lap lanes. As a courtesy to your fellow members, if you do not show up or let us know you have to cancel, you will not be able to make a reservation for two weeks. Thank you for your understanding as we work to make our pools more available for all!

No one could have imagined how much things would change in 2020 and how important the Y’s work would be to our community. We couldn’t do it without your help. Plan to support us on #GivingTuesday to ensure that this critical work continues. https://bit.ly/2YFgeop

Join us this week on Wednesday at 11:00am, as PROActive Physical Therapy leads a FREE workshop at our Manlius branch to help people with shoulder pain or those who would like to prevent shoulder injuries. To sign up for this free workshop, please call 315-692-2336. Space is limited to 20 people, so be sure to sign up soon!

We want to thank all of our members and staff for everything they’ve been doing to help #StopTheSpread in our community! We want to remind you that we will continue to keep our members informed about updates from the Y through a variety of channels. Learn more about what we're doing and what you can do: https://ycny.org/blog/continuing-keep-our-community-safe

Join us next week on Wednesday November 18th at 11:00am, as PROActive Physical Therapy leads a FREE workshop at our Manlius branch to help people with shoulder pain or those who would like to prevent shoulder injuries. To sign up for this free workshop, please call 315-692-2336. Space is limited to 20 people, so be sure to sign up soon!

Check it out! Parents Night Out is back! The theme is Gobble til' You Wobble! On November 21, 2020 from 4-7, families with kids from ages 2-8 can enjoy a night of crafts, movies, and structured gym time. For dinner, we will have Turkey rolls ups with mash potatoes, apple sauce and 100% fruit juice! All safety precautions will be followed. Kids ages 2 and up must always wear a mask. Register today: https://bit.ly/3n95dVm

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT: THE YMCA WALKING CLUB Volunteers are an important part of our organization. It’s only through the support of our volunteers and donors that we are able to give back to our communities. When you volunteer at the Y, you take an active role in bringing about meaningful change in your community. "We have a strong community within our Y organization that I am blessed to be a part of. Eight years ago I started the Y walking club. When the group first started t...here were a handful of participants. Today we have close to 50 registered in the group and 30 very active members. This club is a group of individuals ranging in fitness levels and abilities but they all have something in common, friendship. This group of friends have been amazing. They have helped clean up the gardens at Clear Path for Veterans. They have participated in Food Drives and Clothing Drives. They helped provide supplies for the Ronald McDonald House and have served food at a local community service event. They have participated in our annual campaign to support others within our Y community. During COVID many of these participants connected via ZOOM. Some of the members were experiencing illness, depression and isolation. As a result, they supported one another with cards, coffee, special treats and phone calls. They check in on one another on a regular basis and are there to support one another and our Y. All new participants are welcomed into our community. I am so thankful for this group of volunteers and their service to our Y and the community." If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Y, please visit ycny.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog or email Mary Beth - [email protected]

**NOW AVAILABLE: HOME WORKOUT KITS** The YMCA of Central New York is now offering At-Home Workout Kits so you can experience the benefits of the Y in the safety and comfort of your own home. Kits include: - 1 Stability Ball & Pump - 1 Stability Ball Exercise Chart - 3 Versa Bands... - 1 Resistance Band with Handle - 1 Jump Rope Kits are available at your local branch for $45. This introductory price is available through Friday, November 27th. Get yours here: https://bit.ly/38iAcKj

Today at 3:00pm, access to the Men's Locker Room will reopen.

Come check out the Hal Walsh East Area Family YMCA Teen/ Tween Programs. We have worked hard to have programs for everyone with safety in mind! Join us this fall in some of our favorite programs. We will have virtual options for most programs please contact Noelle Downey, Teen Coordinator for more information! Programs offered in our Fall 2 session: 11/8 - 12/19 -Home Alone Course on Saturday November 21st from 10 am to 12 pm -One-Day Baking Class on Saturday December 5th... from 10 am to 1 pm -Babysitting Course on Saturday December 12th from 10 am to 2 pm -Six Week Cooking Creations Class Wednesday from November 11th to December 16th -Youth and Government Mondays from 6:30 pm to 8 pm -YPALS Wednesdays from 5 pm to 6 pm with group, teen time is from 6 pm to 7 pm -Jr. Leaders Club Thursday from 5 pm to 6 pm starting December 3rd -Leaders Club Thursday from 6:30 pm to 8 pm Registration is open!

The Mobile Mammography van will be back at the Northwest Family YMCA on Thursday, November 12th from 10am - 3pm. Upstate University Hospital provides this vital service for women ages 40 and older who have not had a mammogram in the past year and show no signs or symptoms of breast cancer. For more information or to make an appointment, visit upstate.edu/noexcuses or call (315) 464-2582. Reservations are required, so don't wait to make yours today!

In case you missed our earlier announcement: This Tuesday, November 3rd, we will be offering extended Prime Time hours so parents and caretakers can go vote. Prime Time will be available until 8:00pm on Tuesday only. Members can sign up early for this extended care: https://operations.daxko.com//Visit/ScheduleVisitBranchInf COVID rules apply: Children with symptoms will not be admitted; masks must be worn by kids age 2 and older.

On Election Day next Tuesday (11/3), we will be offering extended Prime Time hours so parents and caretakers can go vote. Prime Time will be available until 8:00pm on Tuesday only. Members can sign up early for this extended care: https://operations.daxko.com//Visit/ScheduleVisitBranchInf COVID rules apply: Children with symptoms will not be admitted; masks must be worn by kids age 2 and older.

The school year is well underway and that means that our Leaders Club and Junior Leaders Club are ramping up as well. These clubs are for students in grades 5-8 (Junior Leaders Club) and grades 9-12 (Leaders Club). Both clubs are Nationwide YMCA programs for teens that develops leaders through character development training, service learning and social development with the outcome of personal growth. Participants have the opportunity to attend regional conferences multiple ti...mes a year that unite them with teens from all around the Northeast to create lasting friendships. The Junior Leaders Club meets on Thursdays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm and the Leaders Club meets on Thursdays from 6:30pm - 8:00pm. Both clubs have an option for students to participate virtually. The cost for the school year is $25. For more information, please contact Noelle - [email protected]. (Picture: Students at a Leaders Club event in Fall 2019)

By talking with other adults and our kids, we are setting expectations for everyone about what keeping kids safe means. This helps us all be prepared to protect kids under any circumstances. Want to learn more? Take the Protecting Children During a Crisis training at no charge: https://www.d2l.org//ad/protecting-children-during-crisis/ #FiveDaysofAction ... To view all the resources from this week, visit our website: ycny.org/blog/five-days-action

Kids’ behavior can help you understand how they’re feeling, even when they can’t tell you. Learn more about the signs of abuse and how to recognize them https://www.d2l.org/get-help/identifying-abuse/ #FiveDaysofAction To see the rest of the resources and activities compiled for this week, visit our website: ycny.org/blog/five-days-action

You’re not alone. There are services available that can help if you’re in need. Check out some helpful resources in our area: https://bit.ly/3meXHaJ (English) or https://bit.ly/2TkVKgQ (Spanish) #FiveDaysofAction To find more resources and activities, visit our website: ycny.org/blog/five-days-action