Illinois Valley YMCA
 News
March 16, 2006

 Link Aquatic Center Construction moving quickly

Construction on the new 62,000 sq. ft. addition to the Illinois Valley YMCA which includes 3 separate pools is moving ahead rapidly. The area will include a new entrance area, complete offices, community meeting room, 3 new preschool classrooms, new babysitting area, concession stand, birthday party room, men & women's locker rooms, family changing area, courtesy counter and more. The pools include an 8 lane multi-purpose pool which will be used for a variety of activities, classes, and swim team. It will also include a family fun pool with a zero depth entry area, water colors playground, lazy river, water slide and a variety of geysers and water toys. The therapy pool designed by physical therapists and orthopedic surgeons will feature a number of jets and benches to improve your quality of life. The entire construction will be completed by September. 

Family Fun Pool

Family Fun Pool

Front courtesy counter area

Office area coming along!

 Miller Building to enhance rehabilitation

  The new Miller Building attached to the YMCA Link Aquatic Center will include 15,500 sq. ft of area utilized for the purpose of physical therapy and rehabilitation. The two story building is attached to the therapy pool and operated by Illinois Valley Community Hospital. The area will include the most modern and effective therapy equipment available. Illinois Valley Community Hospital will utilize both land and water therapy. 

New area to have Senior/teen Center for social events

The YMCA will add a senior center for activities during the day and an after school center for kids. The center will include an area to relax, socialize and have a variety of programs included.

For vending machines in senior/teen area

YMCA looking for following:

* Meeting room large table for board room, community meetings

Please note that children under 14 years of age are not allowed in the Wellness Center. Kids from 14-17 can get a blue training card and be able to come into the Wellness Center to work out. This is for safety purposes.

Visit the YMCA web site at:
http://www.ivymca.com

New Signature LifeFitness Selectorized weight equipment proving very popular

Rated as the top new weight equipment in today's exercise market, the new 10 station Signature LifeFitness equipment has been a popular bonus for YMCA members. The new series arrived in February  and features individual machines in the following areas: bicep curl, triceps press, row/rear deltoid, chest press, fly, leg extensions, seated leg curl, seated leg press, and glute. The Selectorized is smooth, easy to adjust with fantastic range of motion. A great compliment to the present equipment.

LifeFitness Selectorized weight equipment

YMCA Hours

M-F   5:00 am - 10:00 pm
Saturday   6:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday  6:00 am - 8:00 pm

The YMCA will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 16

Y-Care - Give today to help others!!!

The YMCA Y-Care program provides financial assistance for those unable to afford important family services. Y-Care funds provide child care, teen activities, and family scholarships. No one is turned away because of inability to pay. Y-Care is the backbone of valuable community services.

Register for Summer Day Camp and receive a YMCA tote bag at no charge. Available at the Courtesy Counter.

Friday Night Dodgeball

The YMCA offers Friday night Dodgeball league for kids. Kids enjoy the safe action of YMCA Dodgeball on Friday nights. Games last about 2 hours and kids enjoy team play and socialize in a great atmosphere.

New playground for ages 2-5 is coming soon

We will be getting new equipment and putting it up along with the old equipment. We will have lots of fun for the kids!

Healthy Kids Day April 8th from 10-12 noon. Mark your calendars - fun for the whole family!

YMCA staff goes to Arizona for new software

On February 22nd and 23rd, 3 staff members flew to Fountain Hills Arizona to meet with the new software company, Christianson Computer Company (CCC) staff that will be doing our new software when the new area goes in. The CCC staff learned from the YMCA staff what the YMCA needs to have from the software. This is an exciting time for the YMCA with a whole new network, hardware and software system going in. There will be new cards with photo ID for the members and faster, more efficient handling of accounts and check ins. It will be slow at first and will need patience from both the membership and staff. Once it is in place and going, it will be a great improvement over the present software and we will be able to give our members much greater service. We will be able to register and pay for programs online and check in will be streamlined. Many new things going on behind the scenes to give our membership new, faster, and more efficient services.

Wellness Center Etiquette 101

The Wellness Center can be an intimidating place, especially for those new to exercise. Paying attention to proper etiquette is the best way to ensure your fellow Wellness Center goers will welcome you back.
"Wellness Center intimidation can be a significant factor, preventing individuals from reaping the many important benefits of exercise," says Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief exercise physiologist for the *American Council on Exercise (ACE). "Walking through the YMCA doors is the first step, but building your comfort zone in the Wellness Center starts with respecting others around you."
Here are ACE's tips for blending in with the regulars:

• Be Polite. Avoid lingering on machines too long and making a lot of noise. (loud singing, grunting, and cell-phone conversations are taboo in the Wellness Center.

• Maintain hygiene. The Wellness Center is a public place, so be considerate and leave all the machines clean after using them. Wipe your sweat off the equipment once you're finished.

• Restack your weights: Leaving weights that are too heavy for someone else to put away could place them at risk for injury. Always pick up after yourself.

• Keep a low profile: When joining a new group exercise class with detailed choreography, stand near the back of the room and let the experienced group work out near the front. Respect the limited space by staying a reasonable distance away from others.

• Hire a personal trainer: There's no better way to learn the ins and outs of the Wellness Center than by working with a trainer for a few sessions. He or she can show you how to safely and properly use the equipment.

*The American Council on Exercise (ACE) America's Authority on Fitness, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the benefits of physical activity and protecting consumers against unsafe and ineffective fitness products and instruction. For more information, visit www.acefitness.org

Write to Mike Visione at ivymca@ivnet.com with training or fitness questions.

(If you have trouble reading this newsletter from the email, enlarge it by double clicking on the email message in your inbox and then maximize it from there)

Special thanks to the many businesses who have contributed to the YMCA Invest in Youth Advertisers Campaign.  Thank you to the following:

2005-2006 Invest in Youth Supporters

Click on the business name to take you to their web site or to the location of their business. If the link does not work, please email us and we will try to correct it. If you are a business that does not have a link here and you have a web site, please email us with the address.
Aplington, Kaufman, McClintock, Steele & Barry, Ltd.
Amcore Bank
Apple Press
ARC Financial
Buzzi Unicem, U.S.A.
CA Smith Builders
CF Industries
Lee Ceresa, D.D.S.
Chamlin & Associates
Chapman's Mechanical
Citizen's 1st National Bank
City of Peru
Connecting Point Computers
Cosgrove Distributors
Debo Ace Hardware
Dresbach Distributors
Eureka Savings Bank
First State Bank 
Hueneburg Financial Group
IVCH
Illinois Valley Business Equipment
Illinois Valley Community College
Illinois Valley Food Center
John Pohar & Sons
LaSalle National Bank
Letterkraft Printers
MCS Advertising
Machinery Maintenance
Marty Chiropractic
McNabb Veterinary
Peru Insurance Center
Anthony Raccuglia & Associates
Raymond James Financial Services
Schweickert & Ganassin
Spring Valley City Bank
State Bank of Cherry
Fran Szott's Carpet & Flooring
Tee Group Films
Terry Monroe Buick
TEST, Inc.
The Pro Body Shop
Union Bank Insurance Group
Wilcoxson & Associates, Ltd
Women's Health Care Center

Youth Sports and Enrichment

Hockey
Hockey started on February 25th. We have 27 participants from Kindergarten to 4th grade. Participants learn the basics of Hockey and play the game.

Girl's Volleyball
This program began on February 25th. There are 17 girls participating from ages 8-14. Girls learn the basics of volleyball and play games.

Dodgeball
Dodgeball began of Friday, March 3rd. There are 14 teams in the Dodgeball League. Every Friday night more than 100 kids come to the YMCA to play Dodgeball.

Parent's Night Out
This ran on Saturday, March 4th with more than 70 children attending. We had face painting, Dodgeball, football, movies and more were offered. Next Parent's Night Out is Saturday, April 1. This is an Easter Parent's Night Out with an Easter egg hunt.

Spring Break Camp
begins April 10-14. This camp is for boys and girls ages 5-12. Camp begins at 7 am and ends at 5:30 pm. Camp is $80 for members and $95 for non-members. Kids must bring a sack lunch. We will keep kids busy, happy and safe.

Men's League
Has 8 teams playing. Playoffs will begin on March 22nd. Right now, Skoogs Pub and Grill has the best record at 6-0. God luck in the playoffs!

Jr. High Dance
The next Jr. High Dance is this Saturday. Don’t miss it! Join High Voltage DJ service at the Illinois Valley YMCA on Saturday, March 18^th from 7:00-10:00 p.m. Bring a friend and come join the fun at the YMCA! Fee is $3/members and $5/non-member. Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and students are not permitted to leave until 10:00 p.m. Parents are required to pick up students at 10:00 p.m. sharp.

For more information on these programs contact Ryan Luecke at 223-7904 voicemail #43.

YMCA Before and After School Program

Spring is just around the corner and with the nicer weather, all of our after school programs are looking forward to going outside. We are still doing our usual homework activities, sport activities, and thinking games. Invoices have been sent out so watch for those. It is very important to keep your account current so we can keep our before and after school programs above standard.

Birthday Party Service

Let the YMCA plan and organize your child's next birthday party. Catered and uncatered parties are available. Call for specifics and prices or go to our web site at www.ivymca.com

Group Fitness

Get ready everyone! April 1st (All Fool's Day Hmmmm?) we are holding a Group Fitness Marathon. That's Saturday, from 9 am - 12 pm in the Group Fitness and Cycling rooms. You don't have to be a regular Group Fitness participant to take this challenge. It's also a good time to try a class you've never tried before. There will be a variety of classes to choose from. All regular classes will be canceled that day.
    Congratulations to all of the St. Margaret's staff that started their own "Biggest Loser" competition. About thirty-two are participating, and at last count had lost 253 pounds collectively! They have been attending indoor cycling, total toning, and Pilates classes religiously.
     Pay attention to those signs outside on the drive coming in. Slow down - enjoy life. John Jensen said, "The trouble with life in the fast lane is that you get to the other end in a hurry." Try one of our Yoga classes for help in "slowing down". You can see a schedule of classes on our web site.
www.ivymca.com/grpfit.com

Preschool

The preschool registration for 2006-2007 is well under way with classes filling up quickly. We are offering swimming and tumbling as part of our curriculum. Healthy Kids Day is just around the corner. Hope to see you there! Our preschool class offerings are as follows:

Kinder Prep 1: (4-5 year olds) Mon.- Fri., 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Fee: $90 monthly, YMCA Members only
Kinder Prep 2: (4-5 year olds) Mon.- Fri., 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Fee: $90 monthly, YMCA Members only
Kinder Prep 3: (4-5 year olds) Mon./Wed./Fri., 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Fee: $68 monthly YMCA Members only
This class includes swimming and tumbling

SuperTykes I: (3 year olds) (4 days M, T, W, TH), 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Fee: $75 monthly, YMCA Members only
SuperTykes 2: (3 year olds) (4 days M, T, W, TH), 1:00 pm-3:00 pm.., Fee: $75 monthly, YMCA Members only
SuperTykes 3: (3 year olds) (3 days M, W, F),10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Fee: $68 monthly, YMCA Members only
SuperTykes 4: (3 year olds) (3 days M, W, F),1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m., Fee: $68 monthly, YMCA Members only
This class includes swimming and tumbling

Just For Twos 1: (2 year olds) Mon./Wed., 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Fee: $35
monthly, YMCA Members only
Just For Twos 2: (2 year olds) T/TH.., 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m., Fee: $35 monthly, YMCA Members only
Just for Twos 3: (2 year olds) T/TH., 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Fee: $35 monthly, YMCA members only
Just for Twos 4: (2 year olds) T/TH., 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m., Fee: $35 monthly, YMCA members only
Just for Twos 5: (2 year olds) T/TH., 1:00 pm-2:00 pm., Fee: $35 monthly, YMCA members only

For complete preschool information, please go to our web page at:
www.ivymca.com/prschrch.htm  or call the YMCA at 223-7904

Cooking Class

April 4th will be the date for our Spring Cooking with Kids class. The class meets at 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm

Spring Tumbling

Term II Monday February 27-Saturday, April 15th

Term III Monday, April 17-June 3

For complete information on our innovative tumbling program, please visit our web page at:
http://www.ivymca.com/tumble.htm

Reminders:

• Adult gym closed Fridays from 4-7 pm for Dodgeball League.

Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.
     Confucius

Think twice before burdening a friend with a secret.

Never promise more than you can deliver.

When an old man dies, a library burns to the ground.
     Old African Saying

Life takes on meaning when you become motivated. Set goals and charge after them in an unstoppable manner.

The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him.
     Henry Stinson

Be bold in what you stand for and careful what you fall for.

Forethought is better than afterthought.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.
     Mahatama Ghandi

Failure to prepare is preparing to fail.
     John Wooden

When two men in a business always agree, one of them is unnecessary.

Success is the maximum utilization of the ability that you have.
     Zig Ziglar

If you don't know where you are going, how can you expect to get there?
     Basil S. Walsh

*Thoughts for a vital life*

1. When everything seems to be coming your way, you may be either in the wrong lane or going the wrong way.

2. Every so often, push your luck.

3. Noting is more depressing than to feel bad in the morning without having any fun the night before.

4. Never underestimate your power to change yourself.

5. The colder the X-ray table, the more of your body is required on it.

6. Instead of using the word problem, substitute the word opportunity.

7. Never buy an article of clothing thinking it will fit if you lose a couple of pounds.

8. Every once in awhile, take the scenic route.

9. Bills travel through the mail at twice the speed of checks.

10. Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
     

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ivymca@ivnet.com 

We are always looking for suggestions to improve your YMCA. Email us,  at ivymca@ivnet.com , fill out a solution paper at the training desk, or give Dave Potthoff a call at 223-7904.