July 2008

Brand new Fun Zone now open!!!

Accepting children beginning age 3 months (reservation required for infants). If you are interested in donating any of the following items (new or gently used) to the department, please see Adam Gurevitz: DVD player, DVD children’s movies, Playdoh, paint supplies, coloring books, window clings, craft table, Barbies, baby dolls, play food, balls, baby swing, play yard, excer-saucer, bouncy seat, gaming console (Xbox, Wii, Playstation) and games. Thank you in advance for your support!

SPORTS
 Don’t miss out on a new session! Fall sports registration begins Monday, July 14^th. Fall sports include flag football for ages 5-7 and outdoor soccer for ages 3-7. The cost for all Fall sports is $25 for Primary Plus members, $33 for Primary members and $66 for others. Sign up at the Welcome Center or for more details contact our Sports Director, Ryan Penrod at ryan@ymcaofportage.org.

GYMNASTICS
Summer gymnastics is in full swing! The gymnasts have enjoyed welcoming back friends and meeting new friends! All beginner, intermediate and team classes meet at the high school. The gymnasts are working on learning new skills, perfecting skills and increasing their strength. Everyone has been achieving stars on their "value certificates", which is a great demonstration of how well they understand the YMCA’s core values. Stop by the YMCA on July 30^th when the gymnastics department is holding a Car Wash/Bake Sale/Cook out from 9:30 - 12 noon. Let one of our gymnasts wash your car or come treat yourself to a goodie made by our gymnastics families! The second summer session for gymnastics begins on Tuesday, July 22^nd. Stop by the YMCA to sign up today! For information on classes please contact Janet Grant, Gymnastics Director or check out the gymnastics link at www.ymcaofportage.org.

June 2008

How we will keep our promise to you in 2008

We will continue to keep our mission in the forefront of all we do; continue to provide quality programs and member services; continue to improve customer relations and service; continue membership and program growth based off of measurable objectives; base all programs on values and principles; staff will focus on long term vision for the association; continue strong board development; research, develop and implement programs and services that respond to our communities most dire needs; continue to position the YMCA as the community's leading charitable organization.
 

SPORTS
Summer basketball camp begins June 16th for kids ages 4-14! Ages 4-7 meet daily for one week from 9-10:30 a.m. and ages 8-14 meet daily from 11 - 12:30 p.m. The British are coming! Don' t miss out on the outdoor summer soccer camp instructed by professional soccer players from England being held June 23 - 27th at Imagination Glen. Summer Recess at the Y meets MWF from July 7th - August 1st. Kids will get to play basketball, dodgeball, kickball, volleyball and soccer. Ages 4-8 meet from 9-10:30 a.m. and ages 9-14 meet from 11-12:30 p.m. Sign up at the Welcome Center or for more details contact Ryan Penrod at ryan@ymcaofportage.org.

GYMNASTICS
The gymnastics team competed at the NW Indiana YMCA State Meet on May 18th. The level 3 team took 4th in their division. Kaylee Huddleston is the 4th place champ and Jamie Valadez is the 5th place champ in the level 3 age group. The level 4 team brought home the 3rd place trophy with a team score of 107.25. Bella Camacho is the 1st place champ with Hilary Zemlik taking 2nd. Not far behind is Hannah Zemlik in 4th for the level 4 division. Cristiana Camacho is the 3rd place prep opt champ in the silver division. There were many individual awards for girls in both levels. Great job, girls!! Congratulations to Abby Czapla-Zurek and Selena Sanchez who move from level 3 to level 4 and to Bella Camacho and Nikki Leveritt moving from level 4 to prep opt. We would like to welcome new team members Breanna Biggs, Ariana Delgado, Jasmine Cuadrado and Madison Beck! For information on summer classes please contact Janet Grant, Gymnastics Director or check out the gymnastics link at www.ymcaofportage.org.

FITNESS
More benefits of membership: FREE body fat testing the 3rd Friday of each month. Sign up at the cardio desk. The next FREE testing is on June 20th from 9-1 p.m. TRAIL KIDS will be starting July 1st! This exciting fitness class for kids ages 8-12 takes place outdoors on the trail (meet at the Welcome Center) and meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Do you enjoy running outdoors? Are you looking for a team  to run with or are you thinking about getting started running? Join our NEW "Y-Run" class! Classes are held Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8:00 a.m. Register at the Welcome Center today and get moving! For any fitness related questions, please contact Linda Mendez, Fitness Coordinator.

MEMBERSHIP
Don't miss out on our SUMMER SPECIAL membership! Only $1.00 per day! Memberships can be purchased until July 31st and all SUMMER SPECIAL memberships end August 31st.  Get fit with the YMCA this summer! Don't forget, all Primary Plus members will be offered a 30% savings on all programs (with the exception of Preschool and the Child Care & Development Center which are a 10% savings) as part of our Primary Plus Advantage program. Don 't miss out on the benefits of membership at the YMCA! The membership office hours are Monday & Tuesday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon. For more details contact Janet Grant in the membership department.

TEENS: CALLING ALL TEENS ENTERING 5TH - 8TH GRADE!!!
There will be a teen camp-out on Friday, June 27th from 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. Tents, dinner and breakfast will be provided and all teens must bring a sleeping bag and pillow. The cost is only $5 for members and $10 for others. Don't miss out on this exciting over-night opportunity at the YMCA!!

WAY TO GO
Congratulations to Richelle Bolinger, who just had her high school graduation commencement ceremony! She plans on attending IUN this summer and fall where she will major in elementary education.

May 2008

GYMNASTICS
Congratulations to Alexis Hall and Emma Havrilla who were promoted from the beginner gymnastics class to the intermediate class! The team girls had a meet at Horizon Gymnastics in Valpo on May 3^rd. Optional gymnasts brought the 2^nd place trophy home, level 4 took home the 3^rd place tropy and level 3 took 5^th in each of their divisions. The Spring season will finish up with the State meet in South Bend on May 18^th. There will be open try-outs on Tuesday, May 20^th and May 27^th for anyone interested in joining the YMCA Gymnastics team. Summer classes begin June 10^th. For information on tryouts or summer classes please contact Janet Grant, Gymnastics Director or check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org.

MEMBERSHIP
Don’t miss out on our SUMMER SPECIAL membership! Only $1.00 per day! Memberships can be purchased until July 31^st and all SUMMER SPECIAL memberships end August 31^st. Get fit with the YMCA this summer! Don’t forget, all Primary Plus members will be offered a 30% savings on all programs (with the exception of Preschool and the Child Care & Development Center which are a 10% savings) as part of our Primary Plus Advantage program. Don’t miss out on the benefits of membership at the YMCA! The membership office hours are Monday & Tuesday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon. For more details contact Janet Grant in the membership department.

Congratulations to our April Big T.O.E. Award winners:

Janet Grant, Carol Komenda, Marilyn Lindner, Andy Reyes, Cathi Srednoselac, Kresha Tabor and Kylee Yeomans
 

April 2008

Welcome Christy Cantrell,
Teen & Senior Activities Coordinator!!

Christy is completing her education this May from Ball State University with a degree in Elementary Education. Christy has served as the Camp Coordinator and volunteered in the Active Older Adult and sport programs at the Hobart YMCA. Please help us welcome Christy in her new position and check out her new JOY (Just Older Youth) club and events, as well as her new teen programs.

GYMNASTICS                
The gymnastics team hosted the Hollywood Stars Gymnastics Invitational Meet on Sunday, April 6^th. There were 8 teams and over 150 competitors in 3 different divisions. The P.R.E.P. Opt team placed 2^nd, level 4 placed 3^rd and level 3 placed 5^th in their divisions! A big thank you goes out to all of the amazing parents and gymnasts for helping to make this a successful event! The next meet is in South Bend on April 19^th. For information about joining classes please contact Janet Grant, Gymnastics Director or check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org.

March 2008

excitement for the wedding of coach Trisha Goetschel in a few weeks. All of the girls wish her a lifetime of happiness and dreams! The Preschool gymnastics program has also begun their new schedule with new times in the brand new room at the YMCA building. Don’t miss your chance to build your gymnastics skills from an early age! For information about joining classes please contact Janet Grant, Gymnastics Director or check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org (programs>gymnastics).

February 2008

3/3        3/3        3/3        3/3        3/3        3/3        

The youth and adult basketball leagues and the home school PE program begin the week of March 3rd!!!   Don't miss out on the new opportunity!!

GYMNASTICS
Gymnastics was the featured program for Membership WOW Day in January. The gymnasts hosted a raffle for a free month and ½ off a month of program fees. The winner of the free month is Lexi Sebert; the winner of the ½ off for team is Jackie Clark and the ½ off for progressive classes is Kaley Humphrey. Congratulations girls! The team gymnasts sponsored "Bring a Friend for a Week" and many girls came and tried out the class. The beginner/intermediate gymnasts will be hosting friends in February, so don’t miss out! For information about trying out for the team or joining classes please contact Janet Grant, Gymnastics Director or check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org (programs>gymnastics).

FITNESS
The Cybex department would like to welcome our new instructor, Kelly! Kelly is not only a Cybex instructor, but also an experienced and certified personal trainer. In addition to Kelly, we are also thrilled to offer quality training services from our other personal trainers Linda, Dan and Lene. Stop by our Fitness coordinator’s office in the cardio room or the Welcome Center for each trainers specific qualifications and to set up an appointment today. Don’t delay! These trainers can provide you with the most up-to-date exercises and training methods to maximize your time in the gym and get your body beach ready! 12 WEEK CHISEL participants are working very hard and doing very well! The week of February 18^th is the ½ way point, so don’t forget to schedule your next appointment for measurements at the Welcome Center. For any fitness related questions, please feel free to contact Linda Mendez, Fitness Coordinator.

PRESCHOOL
The students have been having a lot of fun learning their alphabet! Not only are they learning to recognize and write their letters, but they are also learning sign language! The classes will be celebrating Valentine’s Day with a party, thanks to all of our room parents! The students will have Valentines, games and yummy snacks! Registration for the 2008-2009 Preschool Academies begins on March 3^rd. For more information, please contact Lindsey Miller.

MEMBERSHIP
A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU! This is a great time to "RESOLVE TO BE INVOLVED AT THE Y!" Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this exceptional time for the Portage Township YMCA! With our expanded facility nearly complete and our membership growing rapidly, there will be limited memberships available, so don’t miss your chance! Take out a primary plus membership or UPGRADE your primary membership today! The membership office hours are Monday & Tuesday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon. For more details contact Janet Grant or Sarah Wilkins in the membership department.

BE INVOLVED
Are you an active YMCA member or program participant, but you’re wondering how you can get more involved? You can be a part of our Program/Membership Committee or you can join one of our Outreach Teams for our Annual Strong Kids Campaign. This year’s goal for the Strong Kids Campaign is $40,000 and all funds raised support our low-income youth and program participants. Ask Dave or Lindsey today if you’re interested in being more involved!

MASSAGE THERAPY
We have two very talented, experienced, certified therapists at your service to help you relax, unwind and heal sore muscles. Body Therapy by Nancy Joy, Alternative & Clinical Therapist, offers multiple quality services including Reiki therapy, Gi Gong and acupressure services as well as multiple types of massage including prenatal. Nancy Joy has over 14 years of experience in the industry. Kay Mauser is a professional member of AMTA (American Massage Therapy Association) and she specializes in pain relief through trigger point therapy and deep pressure massage. Kay is also experienced in other modalities such as Swedish (relaxation) massage, hot stone therapy and reflexology. Stop by the YMCA to make an appointment or visit our therapists today!

SPECIAL EVENTS
The 19^th Annual Bowl-A-Thon is scheduled for Sunday, March 30^th at Camelot Bowl! Team packets are available at the Welcome Center now! This is one of our most exciting annual events and a great opportunity to raise money for our Youth Scholarship Fund. This year’s goal is just over $27,000, so please help us help the kids!

STAFF ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to Gail Holliman for 12 years of service with the Portage Township YMCA this month! Thank you for all that you do!

Congratulations to our January Big T.O.E. Award winners:
Jamie Gore, Janice Krebs, Lindsey Miller, Debbie Pasternak & Cathi Srendnoselac

SAVE THE DATE

January 2008

Packets will be available at the Welcome Center on February 11^th! Space is limited,
so sign up fast! Don’t miss this chance to have fun with the Y and help us raise
funds to support the Youth Scholarship Program.

CHILD CARE  
As we start another exciting year in our Child Care and Development Center, we want to remind you that space is limited and there are only a few remaining spots! Our state-licensed Child Care and Development Center can offer your child a safe, educational and enriching environment from 2 years old through kindergarten. For more information, please contact Louise Pash, Child Care Director.

GYMNASTICS  
The team girls finished up their season with the State Meet in Peru on December 8^th. All of our gymnasts came home with individual awards. The Level 3 team placed third and the Level 4 team took home the 1^st place trophy beating out 7 other teams...this gives them the distinguished title of NW Indiana State Champs with an UNDEFEATED season! Congratulations to the team and coaches! The Spring season begins in February. For information about trying out for the team or joining classes please contact Janet Grant, Gymnastics Director or check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org (programs>gymnastics).

FITNESS 
Our Chiseled participants successfully completed the 4^th session of "12 WEEK CHISEL" at the end of December! Once again, the results were fantastic! A total of 27.5 lbs, 10.9% body fat and 31 3/4 inches was lost! Great job to all of the participants, keep up the good work! Test out our brand new Precor stretch trainer, Bosu ball and medicine balls located on the east side of our new cardio center. These supplies were purchased from the funds raised in the Aerob-a-thon, so a big thank you to all event participants! Remember, if you have any questions about the new equipment or you need an upgrade on your workout routine, stop by Linda Mendez’s office located at the south end of cardio room and she would love to assist you!

SPORTS 
Don’t miss out on the YMCA’s racquetball league starting January 14^th! Registration is open at the Welcome Center for singles and doubles. Youth and adult leagues will not be starting in January as previously scheduled due to a construction delay with the opening of the gymnasium. We are looking forward to an early spring start date for the leagues. Registration is still ongoing for youth and adult basketball and cheerleading. Save your spot today, don’t miss out on participating in our brand new gymnasium leagues! More information is available at the Welcome Center or contact Ryan Penrod at ryan@ymcaofportage.org

PRESCHOOL  
 Our Preschoolers finished up their lessons on numbers and they did a great job! They made their very own Christmas crafts, ornaments and presents for their parents. We had a great surprise visit from Santa himself during our Christmas parties. A big thank you to all of the room parents for your support in planning such great parties for the students! January begins the alphabet and brings a few new faces joining the classes. Registration for 2008-2009 school year is open to current participants starting February 4^th and open to the public starting March 3^rd. For more information, please contact Lindsey Miller at 762-9622 or lindsey@ymcaofportage.org.

MEMBERSHIP A NEW YEAR, A NEW YOU!
This is a great time to "RESOLVE TO BE INVOLVED AT THE Y!" Don’t miss out on your chance to be a part of this exceptional time for the Portage Township YMCA! With our expanded facility nearly complete and our membership growing rapidly, there will be limited membership available, so don’t miss your chance! Take out a primary plus membership or UPGRADE your primary membership today! The membership office hours are Monday & Tuesday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon. For more details contact Janet Grant or Sarah Wilkins in the membership department.

K-CARE AND Y-CARE  
It’s a new year and a great time to go through your toys and see what you don’t play with anymore. Remember the Y can put those toys to good use! We have 3 Y-Care sites, one K-Care site and two Preschool sites that would just love to have new toys to play with! The Jones site has some dolls with missing limbs, while other sites don’t have any dolls at all. What about those action figures? Are they seeing any action in the bottom of the toy box? Board games, cards, books and craft supplies are always welcome. So, clean out your basement, closet, toy box, drawers and under your bed! Feel free to bring items to the YMCA or to your site and we will give them new life! For more information on K-Care and Y-Care, please contact Janice Krebs, Youth Services Coordinator.

AQUATICS  
The pool at Portage High School West is open! Open swim is available 6-8:45 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and 7-8:45 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. Lap swim is available 6-8:45 p.m. Monday - Friday and Aquasize is offered from 6-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday. We also offer progressive swim lessons for infants through adults. Session I of swim lessons is January 7 - February 1 and session II is February 4 - 28. For information about Aquatics programs contact Sarah Wilkins.

STAFF ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to Pat Jandura for 13 years of service with the Portage Township YMCA this month! Thank you for all that you do!

December 2007

Northwest Indiana YMCA Champions - Fall 2007

Holiday Hours: Christmas Eve 4:00 a.m. until 12 noon
New Year’s Eve 4:00 a.m. until 12 noon with Membership open 9 a.m. until 12 noon
CLOSED Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

GYMNASTICS  
Congratulations to Kylee Yeomans, one of our coaches and gymnasts who recently made the high school gymnastics team! We will all be cheering for you! The YMCA team had two meets in November: the level 4 gymnasts took first place in their division at Lakeshore on November 11^th and at the Holiday meet in South Bend on November 17^th! Level 3 gymnasts won first in their division at Lakeshore and took third in South Bend! Great job, girls, and good luck at the State meet coming up in Peru! Check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org (programs>gymnastics).

FITNESS
A big thank you goes out to all of the members and fitness staff who participated in the aerob-a-thon! All participants received several door prizes that were donated by local businesses including Starbucks, GNC, Walmart, Zim’s Bike Shop, Rhame & Elwood, Portage Car Wash, Applebee’s, massage therapists Kay Guba and Nancy Joy, Nail Port, Mindy’s Hair Salon, Smart Style, Jimmy John’s, Bass Proshop, Aztec Tan, Yamaha, Peggy’s Florist, The J Railroad and Porter. Also donating were staff members Sue Fingerhoot and Pam Thomas! Thank you so much for making this event a success! More information to come soon on the outcome of the funds raised!

WINTER SPORTS
Due to space limitations at Portage High School, open basketball for the YMCA at Portage High School West has been cancelled. Please keep your eyes open for the YMCA’s gymnasium to open in the beginning of 2008! In the meantime, Portage residents can go to the PHS field house to play open basketball Monday-Thursday from 6-9 p.m. Registration is now open for youth basketball and cheerleading! As well, you can sign up now for our over 30 adult 4 on 4 half court league or the 18 and over adult league. More information is available at the Welcome Center or contact Ryan Penrod at ryan@ymcaofportage.org

PRESCHOOL
Our Preschool students have been very busy working on numbers! They made some very creative Thanksgiving crafts and had a fantastic corn feast while learning about Pilgrims and Indiana. The 4/5 year old students had the opportunity to experience a live turkey during their field trip to Chesterton Feed & Garden! December will be filled with many holiday festivities including a very special visit from Santa himself and a Christmas class party! For more information, please contact Lindsey Miller at 762-9622 or lindsey@ymcaofportage.org.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT UPDATE
The construction project is moving along on schedule, with the anticipated opening of the new locker rooms and cardio center in the next few weeks. All of the new cardio equipment and cardio theatre is projected to be delivered early this month. Once the new locker rooms are complete and the north wing is occupied, renovation of the existing facility will begin. The first areas to be renovated will be the fun zone and Preschool rooms. The gym equipment is expected to be installed by the end of the month, then the gym floor will be installed. We are all very excited to begin operating all of the new sections of the building, however it is imperative that we do not open until the facility is complete. I realize this has been a long process, but I believe the final product will greatly enhance your membership! Thank you for your continued patience and support!                        Dave Kasarda

MEMBERSHIP
Do you know a college student that will be home on winter break and wants to stay fit? Do you have a friend that wants to try the YMCA without making a long term commitment? The Winter Break membership special is currently available through December 29^th. This special membership is designed to meet the needs of anyone desiring a temporary membership at the YMCA. During this special, you may purchase a 2, 3 or 4 week membership for only $7 per week. The membership office hours are Monday & Tuesday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday from 8 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. - noon. For more details contact Janet or Sarah in the membership department.

WEIGHT LOSS PROGRAM
Teaching healthy lifestyle changes to manage weight loss for a lifetime!!! Sue Fingerhoot’s 13 week program begins January 9^th. For a great way to start off a new year & new you, join Sue on 13 consecutive Wednesdays at the YMCA from 5:30-6:30 p.m. starting January 9^th. The first week is free and gives you an introduction to how the program is run. Weekly weigh-ins are recommended, but optional. For program fees and more information, contact Sue Fingerhoot at 219-263-7240.

November 2007

Bring your friends, your family and join us for fitness, fellowship and fun!

GYMNASTICS
The middle school team finished up their season undefeated! They took the first place trophy home from the championship meet on October 16^th! Congratulations to Tara Kostelnik and Sara Kemper who joined the YMCA team after their middle school team seasoned finished up! The YMCA team had their first meet at Horizon in October. The level 4 team won first place against six other NW Indiana teams with a team score of 108.0! Good luck at your two meets in November girls! A big congratulations also goes out to Autumn Culp who moved from beginner to intermediate! Check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org (programs>gymnastics).

MEMBERSHIP
Do you know a college student that will be home on winter break and wants to stay fit? Do you have a friend that wants to try the YMCA without making a long term commitment? The Winter Break membership special will be available December 3^rd through December 29^th. This special membership is designed to meet the needs of anyone desiring a temporary membership at the YMCA. During this special, you may purchase a 2, 3 or 4 week membership for only $7 per week. The membership office hours are Monday & Tuesday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday from

March 30^th                      19th Annual Bowl-a-Thon
 

October 2007

Also, keep your eyes open for a questionnaire at the Welcome Center regarding gym programs. This is a perfect opportunity to tell us what you’d like to see in the gym. For 2008, plan to see youth & adult basketball leagues and cheerleading! For more information contact Ryan Penrod.

FITNESS
We would like to thank all of the staff and members who participated in America on the Move week activities! The aerob-a-thon on Saturday, September 29^th was a great success! Keep your eyes open for information regarding the next aerob-a-thon on November 17^th. The YMCA had a goal of 1 million steps for all of the AOM week activities and to our surprise and delight the grand total was: 2,188,395 steps! A special congratulations to the top three members: Don Nelson with 99,850 steps, Glen Stewart with 90,870 steps and Larry Cafin with 89,820 steps! Congratulations to our top three staff: Gail Holliman with 206,849 steps, Jack Fortenberry with 168,755 steps and our trusty leader Dave Kasarda with 142,230 steps. Great job! The third session of "12 WEEK CHISEL" has come to an end, and once again the results were phenomenal: 29.7% body fat reduction, 104 lbs. lost and 118.25 inches lost! Great job and continue the hard work, it pays off!

PRESCHOOL
The teachers have had so much fun getting to know all of the children this year! The children have been working hard on learning colors and shapes along with the rules and routines of school. They are all looking forward to school pictures this month (courtesy of Barry’s Photography) and the first field trip of the year to Coulters, where everyone will enjoy a hay ride and pick their very own pumpkin from the pumpkin patch! There are still spots available in the Tuesday/Thursday class. To register, stop by the Welcome Center today. For more information, please contact Lindsey Miller at 762-9622 or lindsey@ymcaofportage.org. As you can see, we are moving quickly on the expansion project! The roof is being placed on the gym and finishing touches to the expansion on the north side are being completed. We expect to occupy the new cardio center and locker rooms in late November. We expect to occupy the southern addition (including the Child Care and Development Center) in the next 30 days. Thank you for your continued patience during this project! The reward will be an amazing facility that will serve the growing needs of Portage Township and the surrounding communities!

MEMBERSHIP
Keep your eyes open for the new membership drive beginning October 15^th: Pointing in the "Y’s direction". New members receive a special gift when they join during this promotion. For more details contact Janet or Sarah in the membership department.

CHILD CARE
The children in the 5 year old room at the Child Care and Development Center have started their Kindergarten readiness curriculum! The 3/4 year old room has begun the Preschool curriculum and the 2 year olds are learning about outer space this month! The children enjoyed a visit earlier this month from firefighter Kris Kender! They learned about being safe in a fire and they got a chance to see his special firefighter attire! As we all prepare for this Halloween, the children and staff at the Child Care and Development Center wish you a safe and Happy Halloween!

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
 Please join us in welcoming all of our new members! If you see a new face, please take a second to say hello and find out a little about them. We want to personally welcome our "Fitness Barn" members! We hope you are enjoying your experience here, and we are so happy to provide you a new home!

GET INVOLVED
Registration for the 7^th Annual Turkey Trot will begin on Monday, October 15^th. This is a great opportunity to "take a load off" before you load up on turkey and fixin’s! The Turkey Trot will offer a 1K family fun walk, 1K youth run and 5K run. Awards in set age groups will be offered for the 1K youth run and the 5K run. Join us for fun, fitness and fellowship this Thanksgiving! For more information please contact Lindsey Miller.

STAFF ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to Jayne Griffith for 18 years of service and Louise Pash for 12 years of service with the Portage Township YMCA this month! Thank you for all that you do!

NOW FREE
Tai Chi is now a FREE class included with your Primary Plus membership! Classes are held Monday and Wednesday from 7:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. for beginners and 8-9 a.m. for intermediate/advanced. Try this class to rejuvenate your body, mind and spirit!

Congratulations to our September Big T.O.E. Award winners:

November 17^{th  -}   Family Fun event post-poned >>>  NEW DATE: JANUARY 26^TH

November 22^nd  -  7^th Annual Turkey Trot

September 2007

Join us in welcoming Ryan Penrod as our Sports Director!

Ryan joins us from Muncie, Indiana where he served as the Program Center Director of the Muncie Family YMCA since 2003. As a graduate of Ball State University, with a degree in Exercise Science and Sports Administration, Ryan has a strong passion for sports. We are VERY excited to have him with us, so please stop by Ryan’s temporary office next to the free weight room and join us in welcoming him!
 

GYMNASTICS
We want to congratulate Trisha Goetschel, one of our team coaches, on her recent engagement! Trisha is planning a spring wedding and we all wish her well! This summer Erica Gaffney, Kate Snyder and Alyssa Sass all advanced to level 4! We want to welcome Brooke Regaldo and Abby Alexander to level 3 team from our intermediate class. Good luck girls! Our middle school team in now up and running with 29 gymnasts! Please join us at our first meet on September 20^th in Merrillville. Check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org (programs>gymnastics).

FITNESS
Stop by the cardio room and check out the "Arc Trainer"! Don’t forget to vote if you like the machine and if you need help operating it, please ask Linda, Michelle or Lene. The 3^rd session of "12 WEEK CHISEL" will end the week of September 24^th. Be sure to sign up for your final measurements! By great demand, the 4^th session of "12 WEEK CHISEL" will begin Monday, October 1^st. Sign up now, space is limited! America on the Move week is coming up September 22-29th! Watch for materials or see Linda for a list of activities you can participate in! We’re working toward a healthier America one member at a time!

PRESCHOOL
We still have a few remaining spots available for Preschool, so don’t miss out! Give your child the priceless opportunity to get a head start on their education! We have classes for children 1 and 2 years out of Kindergarten. To register, stop by the Welcome Center today. For more information, please contact Lindsey Miller at 762-9622 or lindsey@ymcaofportage.org.

          September 22-29^th - - America on the Move Week

WELCOME CENTER
Please help us reduce the cost of lost towels by remembering to turn in your towels as you collect your membership card. We have a special "Stop & Drop" sign campaign throughout the building to help you remember! Your cooperation and support in this matter are GREATLY appreciated!!

MEMBERSHIP
"Back to School SPECIAL" for Parents! As a thank you to the parents who have children in our YMCA programs, you are invited to TRY THE "Y" FREE FOR A WEEK in September. If you decide to join at the end of your FREE week, we will also waive the joiner fee on your Primary Plus membership. Offer valid until September 30, 2007.

SPECIAL EVENT
A Tropical Paradise Event at the Mojito Beach Club at Clancy’s will be held on Tuesday, October 2^nd from 6-9 p.m. The event will feature a Polynesian buffet, punch and the Royal Polynesian Revue. Island attire is welcome but not required. Tickets are $15 each or two for $25. All proceeds benefit the Portage Fire Department and the Portage Township YMCA. Tickets can be purchased at the Welcome Center. For more information, please contact Marilyn Lindner at (219)762-9622.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS
Please join us in welcoming all of our new members! If you see a new face, please take a second to say hello and find out a little about them. We want to personally welcome our "Fitness Barn" members! We hope you are enjoying your experience here, and we are so happy to provide you a new home!

GET INVOLVED
We are going to have a great opportunity for you to get involved in our 7^th Annual Turkey Trot! Keep your eyes open this month for information regarding our "Turkey Trainers" that will shape and form a training routine to take you all the way to the finish line at our 5K run on Thanksgiving morning. "Turkey Trainers" will meet Saturdays starting October 6^th - November 17^th as they work toward successful completion of this customized training program! Watch for sign up information soon!

STAFF ANNIVERSARIES
Congratulations to our Executive Director, Dave Kasarda, celebrating 22 years and Lisa Peete celebrating 9 years of service with the Portage Township YMCA this month!

YMCA COOKBOOK
Don’t miss the opportunity to be a contributor to the "First Ever Portage Township YMCA Healthy Cookbook"! We are currently accepting submissions through September 12^th for healthy recipes. Stop by the Welcome Center to pick up a submission form or contact Marilyn Lindner at 762-9622 or marilyn@ymcaofportage.org.

August 2007

Adam is now the YMCA’s Customer Service Coordinator. Adam will have been with the YMCA 4 years this November. He started as a Welcome Center staff person and moved quickly up to become the Welcome Center supervisor, department head and evening membership coordinator. When asked about the YMCA Adam said, "I’ve always been intrigued by various social settings and social interaction in general, so being at the Welcome Center has given me the opportunity to interact with the members and the general public on a daily basis." Adam is "looking forward to seeing how the YMCA’s physical growth will positively affect our current and future members, as well as the community as a whole". We are very excited that Adam is growing with the YMCA, so please join us in congratulating him!

GYMNASTICS
We are finishing up our second summer session back at the high school. Many of our team girls have returned and they are preparing for the fall competition season with great enthusiasm! There will be a middle school team call out on Thursday, August 23^rd at Portage High School East at 5:15 p.m. This call out is open to any Portage middle school age student. No prior gymnastics experience is required. Fall developmental and team classes will begin the week of September 4^th. For more information regarding the gymnastics program stop by the YMCA, call Janet at 762-9622 or check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org (programs>gymnastics).

FITNESS
Congratulations to the following Trail Kids graduates: Josh, Jordan, Justin, Jon, Mack, Ruth, Sara, Spencer, Daniel, Joseph, Tim, Lindsey, Lauryn and Hannah. Keep up the good work! Fit Kids for September-December will be held on Tuesday and Thursday from 4-4:30 p.m. We would also like to welcome Lene Adkins to our Cybex staff! Lene is a certified personal trainer, so feel free to stop by and ask her your fitness questions.

PRESCHOOL
We still have a few remaining spots available for Preschool, so don’t miss out! Give your child the priceless opportunity to get a head start on their education! We have classes for children 1 and 2 years out of Kindergarten. To register, stop by the Welcome Center today. For more information, please contact Lindsey Miller at 762-9622 or lindsey@ymcaofportage.org.

CHILD CARE
The Childcare Center has had a fun and exciting summer! All of the children have been learning new concepts and reviewing what they had previously learned. Since the summer is coming to an end, our five year olds will be moving on to Kindergarten. We are sad to see them go, considering many of them have been with us since they were two years old, however we are excited for them to begin their new journey! With the transition of our five year olds, we will be moving our four year olds into the pre-Kindergarten room, which will offer new availability in our three year old room. We are very excited to begin our Preschool curriculum in September! For information regarding availability please call 364-9622.

                    September 22-29^thAmerica on the Move Week

WELCOME CENTER
We would like to welcome Ashley Rotering and Jackie Brick to our staff! We are also excited to inform you that the Welcome Center will be moving to the new entrance at the end of this month. We hope you find more convenience and efficiency with this transition!

K-CARE/Y-CARE
Since full day Kindergarten is not an option for you, we have the K-Care program to provide a fun, educational opportunity for your child during the half day they are not in school. Both morning and afternoon sessions are available at the YMCA with bus service provided to and from your child’s school. Y-Care services are also available to those enrolled in K-Care to ensure a full day of fun, educational, quality care for your school-aged child! Y-Care is provided from 6:30-8:45 a.m. and 2:00-6:00 p.m. Stop by the YMCA to sign up today! (Membership is required).

STAFF ANNIVERSARY
Congratulations to Janice Krebs, celebrating 10 years with the Portage Township YMCA this month!

YMCA COOKBOOK
Don’t miss the opportunity to be a contributor to the "First Ever Portage Township YMCA Healthy Cookbook"! We are currently accepting submissions through September 12^th for healthy recipes (early submissions are appreciated). Stop by the Welcome Center to pick up a submission form or contact Marilyn Lindner at 762-9622 or marilyn@ymcaofportage.org.

Big T.O.E. Award recipients for July:

New Building Hours begin Monday, July 9^th!!
Monday-Friday we will open at 4 a.m.

GYMNASTICS
We had so much fun during our first summer session! We apologize for any inconvenience associated with the last minute location change to Willowcreek Middle School. We are looking forward to returning to the High School on Tuesday, July 24^th when we begin our second four week session. For registration or more information regarding the summer gymnastics program stop by the YMCA, call Janet at 762-9622 or check out the gymnastics link on the YMCA web site at www.ymcaofportage.org (programs>gymnastics).

SUMMER DAY CAMP
We are flying through summer with our campers! Don’t forget, it’s not too late to register for Day Camp! Camp runs until August 17^th. Registration for K-Care and Y-Care for the 2007-2008 school year is quickly approaching! Registration opens to current Day Camp participants on July 9^th with no registration fee. Registration opens to the public on July 23^rd with a $15 registration fee. K-Care and Y-Care are safe, structured, enriching programs to accommodate your child care needs before and after school. Both programs offer fun, educational and safe environments for children enrolled in Portage Township Schools. For more information please call Janice Krebs at 762-9622.

FITNESS
The 2^nd set of YMCA CHISELED members have graduated! These participants not only worked hard and dedicated themselves to the program, but they also produced amazing results! The total weight loss for the group was 97 lbs. with a 26% total reduction in body fat and a total of 69 inches lost amongst our group! Great job! The next session of "12 WEEK CHISEL" starts on July 9^th. Sign up today and reserve your appointment for your "12 WEEK CHISEL" orientation. The participants of our June "TRAIL KIDS" class, which meets Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m., have done an outstanding job! Jordan, Sara, Ruth, Josh, Jon, Justin and Lindsey have all completed the June program! We also want to give a special thanks to the class assistant, Holli. For more information on these or any of our fitness programs, please contact Linda Mendez, Fitness Coordinator, at the YMCA. We are working towards a healthier community one member at a time!

MEMBERSHIP: Don’t miss out on our $1 a day summer membership special! Offer available until July 31^st and all summer special memberships expire on August 31^st. Stop by the YMCA for details or to sign up today!

SUMMER PROGRAMS: Check out our Kindergarten Review Camp! Children will have a comprehensive review of the educational skills learned in Preschool that will be utilized in Kindergarten. Topics will include: alphabet, numbers, colors, shapes, site words, opposites, first name/last name/address/phone number recognition as well as the YMCA’s four core values. This will be a week of review work mixed with fun and new experiences! Snack will be served daily. The camp is held August 6-10th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. For more details or to sign up now please stop by the YMCA!

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Is there a YMCA employee you would like to thank? Has a YMCA employee made a difference in your child’s life? Don’t just thank them, give them the Big T.O.E. Award! Fill out the coupon and drop it off at the YMCA or email your recognition to dave@ymcaofportage.org