YOUR SSY ON THE FLY - Capital District YMCA

YOUR SSY
ON THE FLY
SOUTHERN SARATOGA YMCA
1 Wall Street, Clifton Park, 12065
March 2016
www.cdymca.org
YOUR BRANCH PUBLICATION FOR SOUTHERN SARATOGA YMCA NEWS
The Y: Helping Those in Need
On February 17th, the Southern Saratoga YMCA invited our
Running Start families into our facility for an afternoon
filled with family fun! Families were able to bounce on our
pool inflatable, Scorch and our bounce houses in the gym.
Each family was able to leave the Y with a bag of health &
beauty supplies as well as food to get them through the
school break week. All items were donated by our members and Hannaford here in Clifton Park. Families that participated were very
happy and grateful to
enjoy some fun at the
Y and to be able to
take home needed
items to help their
family. Thank you to
everyone who donated
items to support this
fun event!
Its not too late to make a donation to the Southern Saratoga YMCA’s 2016 Annual Campaign. Programs like Running
Start are run 100% on in-kind and monetary donations.
Please consider making a donation today to help support
the many programs offered at the Y to help individuals in
need. 100% of your donation stays at our facility to help
those in need. We currently are at 78% of our fundraising
goal, help us to reach $120,000! Please stop by the front
desk to make your donation today!
OUR MISSION
To put Christian principles intro practice
through programs that build healthy
spirt, mind and body for all.
UPCOMING EVENTS &
IMPORTANT DATES
March 1-31st
Purchase Hannaford Blue Bag at the Clifton
Park branch when checking out, $1 per bag
will be given to the Y to support the Annual
Campaign!
March 9th, 11am
Genealogy Presentation
March 10th, 5:30pm
Horse Event
Saratoga Chamber of Commerce
GYMS A and B Closed
March 15-17th
Track Area Closed
Painting the walls in the track
March 17th
St. Patrick's Day
March 19th
Egg Hunt and Easter Bunny at Kidzlodge
10-10:30am 2-5 year olds
11-11:30am 6 and older
March 23rd 10:30am-12:30pm
Health Screening in Lobby
Top: Kids in action on
Scorch the Dragon during our
Break Week Bounce Day.
Left: Children in our after
school program helping fill
bags with food and health and
beauty supplies.
March 26th, 3-5pm
Scorch Inflatable in Pool 3-4pm
Egg Hunt in Pool 4-5pm
March 27th
Easter Sunday, Y is Closed
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Meet the Staff of the Southern Saratoga YMCA
Sarah Heslin
Executive Director
Aaron Ditch
Membership Director
Cheryl Misiewicz
Member Services Manager
Mike Scidmore
Program Director
Darrah Osgood
Kim Dandino
Childcare Director
Molly Moran
Aquatics Director
Guy Beattie
Property Director
Lisa Rivet
Wellness Coordinator
Do you have an improvement idea, or
would you like to thank someone, or
acknowledge a good deed?
Feel free to use a Member Comment Card, located by the front desk.
Our team reviews all comment cards and follows
up with either a phone call, email or post’s them
on our comment card board.
Thank you, Southern Saratoga YMCA
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Member of the month: Todd Mace (Mace Family)
We have a lot of long standing members at our facility which is
the greatest complement you can provide us. We have family's
who generationally come to the YMCA because they understand
the sense of community and the health and wellness benefits the
Y provides. The Mace Family is a great example of one of those
families. They have been active members for 14 years and we believe they understand the benefits the YMCA can provide.
You can see the Todd and his family using the Southern Saratoga
YMCA regularly throughout the week and weekends. Christopher
is on our Swim Team and Nicholas participates in all sorts of programs, like Junior Pacers for example. Melissa is an instructor for
us and specializes in Zumba.
Congratulations to Todd and his family for being our March Members of the Month.
Employee of the Month: Cameryn Raymond, Sam Mysliwiec
Cameryn Raymond and Samantha Mysliwiec, popularly known on the
pool deck as Cam and Sam.
Cameryn has been with us since 2014, she started at the YMCA as a
lifeguard, always keeping the pool deck safe. Recently she became a
swim instructor, a position she truly shines at. She does a great job
teaching infants all the way to the adults. Cam is constantly implementing new techniques for her lessons. She interacts with her students in a
positive and fun way and is an excellent role model for all who take lessons. Cam also does a great job at communicating with the parents
about their children’s progress, she involves the whole family in her programs making all feel welcome. Congratulations Cameryn!
Samantha has been at our YMCA since 2014. She began here as a swim
instructor and lifeguard. In 2014 she took our YSI class and became a
YMCA Swim Lesson Instructor. Sam quickly became a go-to swim instructor and really helped our Saturday morning swim lessons thrive. In
January Sam was promoted to the Head Swim Instructor position. She
helps train new instructors, keeps a close eye on the progress of all of
our swimmers and makes sure lessons are always running smooth. With
Sam’s dedication and hard work we have been able to make our swim
lesson program grow. She is truly a cause driven leader. Congratulations Sam!
Download the YMCA App
For facility closings, class
cancellations, class schedules, and
facility updated (pool or hot tub
closure) please refer to our free
app. To download the app, please
following these simple directions or
ask a YMCA employee to help you
the next time you are at the Y:
Apple:
- Go to app store
- Search: Capital District YMCA
- Click Download
- You now have the Y APP
- Open App and select your home
branch
To Receive notifications:
- Click top right menu
- Click Settings
- Slide your push notifications on
- You will now receive any and all
information we send out!
AARP TAX-AIDE PROGRAM
IS AT THE
SOUTHERN SARATOGA YMCA
TO PROVIDE FREE
Healthy Laughs
Caps Lock
A computer-illiterate client once called the help
desk of a computer repair company asking how to
change her password.
"Okay," the technician said, after punching in a
few keys. "Log in using the password 123456."
"Is that all in caps?" she asked.
ASSISTANCE WITH PREPARATION
OF INCOME TAX RETURNS.
THURSDAYS
(Now THRU APRIL 14th)
HAVE YOUR TAX RETURNS PREPARED
AND ELECTRONICALLY FILED AT NO COST.
CALL 2-1-1 (A UNITED WAY SERVICE)
TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
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Active Older Adult Corner: provided by Lori Delehanty
BITS & PIECES
HEALTHY MONDAYS!
Saratoga County Public Nurses will be here on Wednesday,
March 23rd from 10:30—12:30.
Monday can be a fresh start
and an ideal day to take a few
moments to make your health
a priority and set up your
healthy intentions for the
week.
There will be a Genealogy presentation on Wednesday,
March 9th at 11:00 am See front desk for details.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH:
SAVORY BEAN-SPINACH SOUP
.15 oz. can small white beans, rinsed & drained
.1 3/4 c water
.1/2 c converted rice
.3/4 c chopped onion
.1 1/2 tsp. dried basil
.2 cloves garlic, minced
.8 c chopped fresh spinach
leaves
MAKE MONDAYS MEATLESS
MONDAYS!
On average, Americans
consume eight ounces of meat
per day — 45 percent more
than the USDA recommends.
Going meatless at least once a
week can help you consume a
diet lower in saturated fat and
reduce your risk for chronic
preventable conditions like
cardiovascular disease, cancer,
diabetes and obesity.
Interested in learning more?
Visit the USDA’s Choose My
Plate Tips for Vegetarians.
________________________
.2 14 oz. cans vegetable
broth
.15 oz. can tomato puree
In a 3—4 quart slow cooker combine vegetable broth,
tomato puree, beans, water, rice, onion, basil, garlic
salt & pepper to taste.
Cover and cook on low for 5—7 hours or on high for
2—3 hours.
Just before serving, stir in spinach and parmesan
cheese.
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Membership Department: provided by Aaron Ditch
February Raffle Basket
Winner:
Kathleen Schleich
Congratulations to my good
friend Kathleen, we hope you
enjoy your $50.00 gift card to
Wheatfields. I am so happy
your finally won.
Keep your eye out for our
Chinese New Year: A Success
The Southern Saratoga YMCA hosted a Chinese New Year festival for the
first time on February 8th. The event was considered a success! We had
Hop Gar Kung Fu Academy who provided the Lion Dance accompanied by
drums. Chef Jessie provided the cooking class where kids learned how to
make wonton soup and fortune cookies. There was an arts and crafts
room where families made construction paper lion dance figures, Chinese
drums and monkey masks. We also had a table to find out what was celebrated the year you were born, this year is the year of the monkey.
Thank you to all of our volunteers the night of the event: Cheryl Misiewicz, Laurie Wiedenhoefer, Lori Delehanty, Chef Jessie, Terrance
Clarke, Lauren Clarke, Lochlain Clarke, Keith Martin, Cheryl Granato,
Darrah Osgood and our Black and Latino Achievers students.
February basket and be sure
to enter your name into the
drawing.
Did you know you could get
a free month of
membership?
Just have the friend who joins
with us reference your name
when they sign up and we will
take care of the rest.
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Childcare Department: provided by Kim Dandino
Parents Night Out
Science Crew
The SUNY Poly Children’s Museum of Science and Technology
Science Crew is a multi-week STEM based after school program
that is being piloted for children in our afterschool program at
the YMCA. Students in grades 2-5 will be introduced to a
variety of science, technology, engineering and math concepts
in this hour-long, weekly program. Science Crew provides an
opportunity for children to be immersed in hands-on inquiry
based learning over the course of 15 weeks.
Topics that the Science Crew program includes are:
Countertop Chemistry
Magnetism & Electricity
Simple Machines
Moms and Dads, do you need some
time to go to dinner, shopping, the
movies, or just time to relax for a few
hours? Take advantage of our
Kids/Parents Night Out program
options. Kids love their time at the Y,
in our safe, fun setting, playing
games, telling stories, watching
movies, making crafts, and enjoying a
snack while supervised by our Child
Watch Staff. Your child will love this
fun home away from home! Please
register at our front desk.
Reservations are recommended.
All ages are welcome!
Schedule: Fridays 5:30pm-8:00pm
Cost: Members $12
Community Rate $16
Drop and Shop
Need time to yourself, for grocery
shopping, a hair cut, or a doctor’s
appointment? We can help with our
Drop and Shop baby-sitting service.
We’ll watch your children, giving you
stress-free time while your children
enjoy time with friends playing games,
making crafts, and more.
Ages: 6 weeks + up
Cost: Members Only
$7 per child per hour (Up to 2.5
hours)
Schedule:
We are very excited to collaborate with the Children’s Museum
of Science and Technology in bringing STEM Activities to our
afterschool programs!
Mon-Fri. • 8:30AM-1:30PM
Mon-Thurs •3:45-8:45PM
Saturdays • 8:45AM-3:00PM
Sundays • 8:45AM-3:00PM
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Property Department: provided by Guy Beattie
New Property Improvements
Locker Room Improvements
We heard from members that our shower values in the locker
rooms have been leaking and are hard to turn off. Our Maintenance
Technician has been building the parts needed for this repair prior
to entering the locker rooms to ensure the locker rooms are closed
as little as possible.
We now have two shower valves to finish in Men’s locker room and
5 in ladies locker room. As we continue to repair the remaining
shower valves notice will be posted well in advance when ladies
locker room will be closed.
Notice has been posted on our sandwich boards as you enter the
facility. Please keep an eye on the sandwich board as future dates
will be set for the remaining valves in the Women’s Locker Room .
Thank you for your patience
Track Closure
WE’RE SPRUCING UP THE TRACK
Stay tuned for a fresh clean look on our track walls.
TRACK WALLS WILL BE PAINTED
The Southern Saratoga YMCA is continuing its brand revitalization in the track area. Please
stay tuned for a fresh look in this area. We will be converting our walls to match our brand
revitalization.
Track Closed March 14-16th
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WELLNESS DEPARTMENT
2016 Indoor Triathlon
Please see below for a photo of the participants and volunteers of
our 2016 Indoor Triathlon. Thank you to all participants, we hope
you enjoyed yourselves. A special thank you to our volunteers who
helped make the event a successful one.
SSY SPRING HAS SPRUNG DISTANCE
FESTIVAL!!!
Sunday, May 1st
8:00 am: 22nd Annual Anyone Can Tri Outdoor Triathlon:
$45
8:30 am: 10 Mile/5K Run and 3K Walk $35/$25/$15
11:00 am: Kids Outdoor Triathlon $20
Register On-Line at
www.zippyreg.com
Please help
Welcome Lisa
Rivet as our new
Wellness
Coordinator!
Lisa Rivet comes to us
from the Troy
branch. Lisa has 17
years of experience and
teaches many formats, including Pilates Mat, Step,
Spinning, Pedaling for
Parkinson’s, and other
strength based classes.
Lisa will be here full-time
as of Monday, March 8th.
Wellness Director
Update
Gina Laviolette, our past
Wellness Directors, last
day with us was Friday,
February 26th. We are
currently looking for a
new Wellness Director and
hope to have someone
hired by April 1st. We
wish Gina the best in her
future endeavors, she will
be greatly missed here at
the branch!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!
Please contact Aaron Ditch at [email protected] to help volun8
Will You Sew For A Cause?
February is Heart Month and all around the Y, we are raising awareness of heart related diseases and some habits to stay
healthy. Back by popular demand, we are excited to announce another way to give back to our community through the Hug
A Heart program.
What is Hug A Heart?
Hug A Heart is a program where you can volunteer to sew a heart-shaped pillow that will be donated to cardiac patients at
local hospitals. These heart-shaped pillows are used to help ease pain and aide in post-surgery recovery.
Completed pillows can be dropped off at all Capital District YMCA locations by March 31. Thank you for taking the time to
help us strengthen our community.
DIRECTIONS TO SEW THE HEART PILLOW
1. Use fabrics that are comforting to the touch – fleece, microfibers, flannels, 100% cottons or velvets. It should
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be washable at 40° C. Fabrics do not have to be the same. Play with some fun and cheerful combinations
that are soft, feminine designs for women, or special designs for men.
You will need two pieces of fabric about 16 x 20 inches (40 x 50 cm). Pin or trace the heart pattern on the fabric and cut. There is already a ½ inch (1.5 cm) seam allowance in the pattern.
Place fabric right sides together and stitch all sides with the ½ inch (1.5 cm) seam allowance, leaving a 4 inch
(10 cm) opening to turn.
Clip excess fabric at corners and notch inside and outside curves.
Turn pillow right side out.
Press lightly, then stuff with fibrefill (about 170 grams).
Stitch fabric opening closed by hand or machine.
Place in a plastic bag, close with a pretty ribbon/card.
Bring the completed pillow to your closest YMCA so we can deliver to Ellis Medicine.
See the front desk for a template.
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Program Department: provided by Mike Scidmore
Sports Camp Is Back!
The February Ultimate Sports camp will be back! We will learn how to
play soccer, basketball, football, floor hockey, lacrosse and more!
Camp Runs February 16th - 19th. Be sure to get a spot today!
Saturday Night
Live!
Join us select Saturday Nights
through out the school year with
your friends for a night of fun!
Every night there is a different
theme.
FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
It was a fun Friday at SSY with our President’s Week Bounce Night. At
least 50 families came through the doors to bounce those mid-winter
blues away! In addition to bouncing and dancing, children were able to
compete in
scooter
relays!
A BIG
thank you
to Program
and Property staff
for helping
to set up
and oversee safe
use of the
bounce
houses.
Basketball, sports, games, bouncy
bounce, movies, pizza, concession,
and more!!!!!
Grades: 5th– 8th
Time: 7-10pm
Begins: September 26th!
Cost: $5 for members
$7 for non-members
For more information please
contact:
[email protected]
(518)371-2139 ext. 5555
Things to Remember!
When entering the gyms this winter season please
be sure to have a change of shoes and or make
sure the soles of your shoes are completely dry
and do not have any salt debris on them before
entering the gyms. Thank You.
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Kidzlodge Early Learning Center: provided by Libby Volkmann
UPCOMING EVENTS:
March 2016
Watch for the announcement regarding Kinder Care Registration
March 2—Dance Lessons with Miss Eve will resume
March 9, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. — Family Fitness Fun Night at Kidzlodge
March 19- Easter Egg Hunt at Kidzlodge
March 26, 3 p.m.-5 p.m. — Family Fun Swim
March 27—Easter Sunday — Southern Saratoga YMCA is closed
April 2016
April 30– Healthy Kids Day
May 2016
May 3—Teacher Appreciation Day
May 6 —Mother’s Day Breakfast at Kidzlodge
NATIONAL WEAR RED DAY—FEBRUARY 5, 2016
In support of women fighting heart disease, the staff and children wore red.
Please join KidzLodge as we congratulate Emma
Petrus on receiving the Cause Driven Leader
award for the month of February.
Emma has been employed at Kidzlodge since
December of 2014 as an Assistant Teacher in
Porcupines, one of our K-Care classrooms. Emma
is the type of person that parents feel at ease
leaving their children with and administrators feel
lucky to say are on their team; she is constantly
upbeat, patient, professional, and mature. Additionally, kindergartners need a lot of warmth and
understanding and Emma provides them with that
day in and day out. As the Lead Teacher in Emma’s classroom stated, “Emma enjoys working
with all children and giving them her full attention. She does projects and gets the children to
use their creativity. She also loves playing/
interacting with them in the Adventure Center.”
At the same time, Emma’s positive influence has
extended to other classrooms at Kidzlodge and
that can be contributed to her consistent willingness to be a team player. For example, she is
always willing to help out no matter which age
group she is being asked to work with. Not only
that, but she does so with a smile and a positive
attitude.
Emma’s commitment to KidzLodge is highlighted
in everything that she does and we are happy to
have the chance to spotlight her this month.
Thank you, Emma!
CHINESE NEW YEAR PHOTOS
One of our Raccoon
children’s parents read a
story to the class and
helped them make fish
with Chinese paper.
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Aquatics Department: provided by Molly Moran
Water Polo
We are pleased that we
are going to be offering a
water polo club at the
Southern Saratoga YMCA.
There will be an free informational day at
5:45p on Saturday March 26th. After that
water polo will be on Saturdays at 5:45,
the cost is $35 for 7 Saturday evenings
beginning April 2nd. Please reach out to
Molly Moran with any questions at
518371-2139 x 5530.
March Family Fun Night
Please join us for some Aquatic Easter Fun on
Saturday March 26th from 3p-5p.
Open Swim
Scorch will be inflated from 3p-4p.
Underwater Easter Egg Hunt from 4p-5p.
Please bring family and friends and come join
us for some fun!
Pool Rules:
A friendly reminder of the pool rules
The pool is open only when a lifeguard is on duty.
A soap shower is required before entering the water.
Swimsuits are required—please do not wear cut-offs or street clothes.
Barracudas
The Barracudas season is coming to an end.
Right now we are preparing for Leagues,
States and our Jessica Salmon even made it
to Nationals in Greensboro North Carolina!
Wish our Barracudas the best of luck!
Spring League:
Try Outs will be April 11th-15th
League begins 4/18 and runs through 6/10.
Contact Dan Carter regarding Try [email protected]
518-371-2139 x 5531
Please do not enter the water if you have any communicable diseases, rashes, or open sores; please do not wear bandages in the water.
Urination, discharge of fecal matter, spitting, and nose blowing are all prohibited.
Please do not bring glass, food, or gum into the pool area—plastic water
bottles are okay.
An adult must actively supervise children under the age of 12.
Children who are not yet potty trained must wear swim diapers or tightfitting plastic pants over their diapers.
An adult in the water must accompany children who do not swim on their
own, and/or who are wearing floatation devices. No Aqua Joggers are
allowed in open Swim.
A swim test may be required to determine if a participant may swim in the
deep end.
Please walk slowly on the deck at all times.
Dive in the deep end only.
Perform forward jumps and dives only--no flips or twists.
No wrestling, dunking, or sitting on other people's shoulders.
Please stay off of the ropes and lane lines.
Kickboards are for use during swim lessons and lap swim only; barbells and
mats are for use during swim lessons and adult fitness classes only.
Lap lanes are for continuous lap swimmers or joggers only.
Pool set up may change depending on the number of swimmers present, and
the types of activities going on at the time.
When you hear 3 short whistle blast, please exit the pool immediately.
Please cooperate with the lifeguards--they are here to help
ensure that your swim is a safe one, and they have the
authority to make decisions regarding abuse of the rules
or unsafe conditions.
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