Illinois Valley YMCA
 News
April 4, 2007

Senior Citizen Membership Sale

Seniors can join the YMCA now through April 13 for Senior Individuals at $18 per month and Senior Couples at $22 per month and save $100 off joiner fees. This senior deal is good for all new YMCA members. So, if you know of a senior who would be interested, please let them know. Enjoy the many benefits of a YMCA membership today.

Y Care Helps Everyone

Please consider a gift to the YMCA Y-Care Fund. Information is available at the YMCA. Y-Care granted assistance to nearly 300 individuals last year through the generous support of community members. Y-Care assisted with Day Camp care, Preschool Enrichment, youth programs, Before & After School Club, single parent family assistance, swim lessons, seniors and more. No one is turned away because of inability to pay through the support of Y-Care. Early bird donors:

Mary Jo Andrews
Missy & Gary Bertolino
Betty Bland
Sherri & Tom Boehm
Kristi Brewer
Tom Burkhart
Jack Cosgrove
J.L Eden
Lena Ernat
Howard & Judy Flahaut
Paul Funfsinn
Mary Gramsas
Bonnie & Bob Huber
Heidi & Bob Huber
Marilyn Humpage
Gordon Inman
Steve & Terry Kamnikar
Wendy Kenny
Mr. & Mrs. John Kerper
Dan Kleckner
Keith & Evelyn Klyn
David Ksiazkiewicz
Ina Kurz
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Kwit
Bob & Barbara Lyons
Sue & Mike Manning
Joseph Marcinkus
Jean Mikus
Kim Morrell
Monica Nedza
Greg Oseland
Dean Perino
Dave & Mary Beth Potthoff
Doug & Shala Reed
James Brian Rice
Larry & Sandi Rombout
John & Joanne Sabotta
Alice Schmidt
Robert & Mary Sczepaniak
Donald Scharlau
Diane Segher
Angie Senica
OJ Stoutner
Vince & Joan Suarez
Brian & Cari Towne
Laura Turner
Debra Wackerline
Mike & Lori Wallaert
Bob Wallock
Marianne & Harry Weide
Loretta Wisniewski
Ron & Pat Wren
Fran Zeller
Linda Zermeno

Business Donations

Debo Ace Hardware
McNabb Veterinary
O'Neal Steel
Schweickert & Ganassin

Gold Club Members $500 or more

CA Smith Builders, Inc.

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

YMCA has video surveillance for your safety

Weight Watchers at the Illinois Valley YMCA

 Weight Watchers being held at the Illinois Valley YMCA has met with a huge response. Most meetings are filled. The speakers are motivating and inspirational. If you need to take off a few of those holiday pounds or if you want to finally get the healthy eating lifestyle you always wanted, try a Weight Watchers meeting at the Illinois Valley YMCA. Below are days and times.

Monday Evening - 6:00 pm
Thursday Morning - 8:30 am
Thursday Morning - 10:00 am
Thursday Afternoon - 12:00 pm
Thursday Evening - 5:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:30 am

Preschool Enrichment

The preschoolers are off enjoying Spring Break the week of April 1-7 and will return following Easter on Tuesday April 10^th.

        We’re looking ahead to the last two months of school.  We’ll continue swimming and have one more day of tumbling.  As April ends, the classes will all be preparing for their “End-of-the-Year Programs” that will be held in May.
        Come join us on Saturday, April 14^th from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM for Healthy Kids Day.  We’ll have games and prizes.

        Registration for the 2007 – 2008 school year is underway.  Go to the Courtesy Counter to register your child for classes. 

Kinder Prep 1: (4-5 year olds) Mon.- Fri., 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Fee: $93 monthly,
Kinder Prep 2: (4-5 year olds) Mon./Wed./ Fri., 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Fee: $75 monthly,
Kinder Prep 3: (4-5 year olds) Mon - Fri., 12:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Fee: $93 monthly
*KinderPrep includes swimming

Supertykes I: (3 year olds) (4 days M, T, W, TH), 8:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m., Fee: $77 monthly,
Supertykes 2: (3 year olds) (3 days M, W, F), 1:00 pm-3:00 pm.., Fee: $70 monthly,
Supertykes 3: (3 year olds) (3 days M, W, F),10:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m., Fee: $70 monthly,
*SuperTykes includes occasional swim days

Just For Twos 1: (2 year olds) T/TH., 9:00 a.m.-10:00 am, Fee: $38 monthly,
Just For Twos 2: (2 year olds) T/TH.., 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., Fee: $38 monthly,
Just for Twos 3: (2 year olds) T/TH., 10:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m., Fee: $38 monthly,
*Not necessary to be toilet trained, but we do not change diapers.

Aquatic News

BRING YOUR GROUP FOR A DIP IN OUR POOL!

The Illinois Valley YMCA’s indoor aquatic center is available for private rental by groups or organizations. Plan a pool party for a group of school children or teens, arrange an exercise class for adults, or offer a swimming class to a group of homeschoolers. We’ll provide the pool and the staff; you provide the swimmers! To reserve the pool for a one-time or ongoing private group event or for additional information about rates and available times, contact Kristi Brewer at 815-223-7904 x11 or e-mail k_brewer@insightbb.com

WATER SAFETY TIPS

• Children or inexperienced swimmers should take precautions, such as wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD) when around the water.
• · Watch out for the dangerous “too’s” – too tired, too cold, too far from safety, too much sun, too much strenuous activity.
• · Set water safety rules for the whole family based on swimming abilities (for example, inexperienced swimmers should stay in water less than chest deep).
• · Be knowledgeable of the water environment you are in and its potential hazards, such as deep and shallow areas, currents, depth changes, obstructions and where the entry and exit points are located. The more informed you are, the more aware you will be of hazards and safe practices.
• · Use a feet-first entry when entering the water. Enter headfirst only when the area is clearly marked for diving and has no obstructions.
• · Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard.
• · Do not mix alcohol with swimming, diving or boating. Alcohol impairs your judgment, balance, and coordination, affects your swimming and diving skills, and reduces your body's ability to stay warm.

AQUATIC PROGRAM REGISTRATION REMINDER

All members and guests are advised that many programs and events have limited availability and registration is accepted on a first come first serve basis. To better serve our members and guests, it is highly recommended that members and guests register for aquatic programs in a timely manner. Keep in mind for class organization, proper placement of participants, ordering of supplies must be taken into consideration to offer excellent service and quality programs in aquatics. Some programs have a registration deadline of at least two days prior to the start of the class or event, especially swimming lessons. For example members and guests can register in March for a program that begins in April. Keep in mind that payment at the time of registration is also required for all aquatic programs and events. The Illinois Valley YMCA is more than happy to accommodate payment options or assist members and guests with scholarship information for all programs and events.

Illinois Valley Community Hospital April Activities at the Illinois Valley YMCA and
IVCH Center for Physical Rehab & Aquatics

April 10 - HbA1c Testing  8-10:30 am- $20.00 Call 780-3337 for an appointment - FREE blood pressure /glucose check - no appointment needed. Screenings are held at the YMCA
April 12 - "FRESHSTART" Smoking cessation Program 7 pm- Six FREE sessions now held in the conference room at the IVCH Center for Physical rehab & Aquatics - Additional dates: April 19,26, May 3, 10, 17 Please call to register
April 17 - FREE blood pressure screening for the "After Work Crowd" 4:30-5:30 pm at the YMCA

Wellness Center Update

Board members Don Aleksy, Tom Ptak and Chief Operating Officer, Mike Wallaert  will be taking a trip to Life Fitness headquarters in Schiller Park IL. on Thursday, April 5.

The Committee is looking to upgrade several pieces of cardio equipment and see what's new in strength training.

Also, they are hoping to purchase the brand new Summit trainer - this is a new kind of cardio-vascular training. This revolutionary machine combines the best of total body cross training and climbing into one intuitive product that will challenge every exerciser. User-defined stride lengths and five training positions allow exercisers to control workout intensity and target different muscle groups for truly versatile, and personalized workouts.

YMCA Wellness Magazine to make debut soon!

When Conflicts Arise

Many of us automatically fall into adversarial ways of thinking. Search for common ground, whose mission is to transform the way the world deals with conflict, advocates a cooperative approach to conflict resolution - where the parties involved understand and respect differences and work to find a mutually beneficial solution based on shared interests. So, whether it's at work, at home or on the playground, how do we move from an adversarial approach to a cooperative or "common ground" approach? By shifting our attitude and behavior. Some tips:

1. Accept that conflicts are a natural part of life: Conflict is neither positive nor negative - it is a normal and a natural result of diversity in our culture. we all have different points of view, needs and beliefs.

2. Treat conflict as an opportunity: Conflict provides a chance to both voice your own and listen to the other side of the story. Our greatest power comes when we make conscious choices. It is the way we choose to deal with the situation that determines the consequences.

3. Be aware of your initial reaction and take a deep breath: We all have automatic responses to conflict. We may want to run away, put up our defenses or dig in and fight. Instead of reacting quickly, take your time to think before reacting.

4. Choose your approach: There are always choices in a conflict. In choosing a win-lose approach, one person "gets their way," while in a win-win approach, we choose to solve the problem together in an effort to preserve the relationship. The best choice depends on the circumstance.

5. Listen and learn: Conflicts are often based on assumptions and lack of information. In order to get a better understanding, we need to ask questions and listen. Paraphrasing, or restating what you heard the other person say, can often bring greater clarification to their perspective.

6. Discover what's important: While there is frequently a lot of "hot air" expressed in a conflict, there are basic core issues at the heart of every disagreement. these may range from hurt feelings, unmet needs or a change in the relationship. Getting to the root of the conflict will help bring you closer to finding a resolution.

7. Respect each other: Conflicts can be very emotional. Whatever happens, we must show respect despite anger and hurt feelings. Stay away from name calling and blaming. To avoid creating lasting resentment and anger, try using "I feel" statements to express your feelings.

8. Find common ground: Often, when people compromise, the needs of both parties are unmet and the conflict reignites over time. Work to create a new "highest common denominator" by negotiating a resolution that is acceptable to both parties. Be creative as you brainstorm solutions.

A FINAL POINT... We can make a difference. By working together to find positive resolutions to conflict, we are choosing to create a place where it is safe to disagree - away from adversarial approaches, toward cooperative solutions.

Source: Search for Common Ground (Washington DC) www.sfcg.org

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

2006-2007 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.
Anne Francis Salon
Aplington, Kaufman, McClintock, Steele, Barry, Inc.
Apple Press
Biederstedt Appraisal Co.
C.A. Smith Builders (Gold Club)
Chamlin & Associates
Chapman's Mechanical (Gold Club)
Citizen's 1st National Bank (Gold Club)
City of Peru
Connecting Point Computers
Cosgrove Distributors
Debo Ace Hardware
Drs. Derango & Mueller DDS (Gold Club)
Eureka Savings Bank
Financial Plus Credit Union
First State Bank 
Fran Szott's Carpet & Flooring
Future Communications
Gary & Deb Dahl
Henry Hackman State Farm Insurance
Hueneburg Financial Group (Gold Club)
Illinois Valley Community College  (Gold Club)
Illinois Valley Community Hospital (Gold Club)
Illinois Valley Food Center
Jeff Perry Buick
Letterkraft Printers
MCS Advertising (Gold Club)
Machinery Maintenance
McNabb Veterinary
Mittal Steel
Richwoods Enterprises, Inc.
Schweickert & Ganassin
State Bank of Cherry
The Pro Body Shop
True Vision Enterprises
Tupperware
Wilcoxson & Associates, Ltd

 Upcoming Spring Programs at the YMCA. Please call for more information. All fees are due on the day you register.

Parents Night Out
Saturday, April 7
6pm-10pm
 

Make sure you are locking up your valuables at the YMCA.  Did you know that the YMCA has locks for sale?  They can be purchased at the courtesy counter or the concession stand. 

If you have any program ideas, please email Mike at  mwallaert@insightbb.com or feel free to call or stop in to see Mike.

YMCA offers birthday party services/pool parties.  Also, overnighters, after hours and special rentals. 

YMCA summer merchandise is on sale now -assorted Short Sleeved T-Shirts.  Check out our spring sale items, spring jackets, hooded sweatshirts all on sale. 

T Ball Fundamentals

Rag balls, batting tee, and smaller bats are used to teach baseball.

Group Fitness

We will be holding a Group Fitness Open House on April 25^th from 5:30 – 8:30 PM.  Mini classes will be offered including Kick-box, Indoor Cycling, Step, and Total Toning.  Regularly held classes will be cancelled for that night.  You are welcome to observe or participate.  Anyone new to Group Fitness classes will receive a certificate for free classes for the month of May.  More details will be posted later.

Unfortunately, due to lack of participation, we will have to cancel our Saturday 9:00 AM Yoga Class.  Try Gentle Yoga Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:00 AM or Monday and Wednesday at 6:30 PM. 

Ashtanga Yoga is held on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10:00 AM or Tuesday and Thursday at 6:30 PM.  We also offer one to one Yoga Classes for $20.00 a session.

Drip & Dry Group Fitness Classes

Fit Over 50

Join our new fitness class geared to men and women over 50 years of age. Cardio and weight bearing exercise for bone health. This class will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 am beginning on February 6th. $10/members and $30/non-members.

YMCA  Parties

Pool parties, tumbling parties, open gym parties and theme parties. Every party offers: YMCA staff, lifeguards, invitations, party room/poolside area.

*2 hour parties *Basic or Deluxe party

The new party room attached to the pool and concession stand will offer complete services. Tumble, swim, gym games, set-up, clean-up and supervision of any party is included in the new YMCA Party Service. We will even have a mascot for your party.

Call Karry at the YMCA at 223-7904
to set up your party today! Email Karry at:

k.duever@insightbb.com

YMCA Tumbling Program

Next Session: started February 26 and runs until April 14, 2007
The session starting April 16 and running until June 2nd 2007 has the same schedule as of this writing.

Tuesday 

Wednesday

Thursday

Saturday

Tae Kwon Do

Tae Kwon Do teaches self defense as well as improves self confidence, discipline, coordination, and physical and mental capabilities. Through Tae Kwon Do, students learn to become leaders, not followers, and they develop the ''yes, I can'' attitude when facing daily challenges at home, school or work.
The Illinois Valley YMCA's Tae Kwon Do is a branch school of the Won Jung Martial Arts Association of Rockford. Mr. Chris Kleckner, a 5th degree black belt, is the instructor with more than 15 years of experience.

Need some one on one Personal Training?

The YMCA can provide you with one on one personal training designed to meet your personal fitness needs. The American Council on Exercise Certified Trainer can assist you:

• Provide a personal fitness program that is specifically designed to your needs and goals.
• Instruct you on the importance of your personal program and how it works with your body.
• Encourage and support.
• Help motivate you in staying with your program.

Your personal trainer is ACE certified and YMCA trained. Sessions are 1 hour

Fees: 1 Session $20
          2 Sessions $35
          3 Sessions $55
          4 Sessions $70
          5 Sessions $80
Schedule with the YMCA at 223-7904.

Rent the YMCA for your group

The YMCA is open for group rentals! Have a party or special night for your company. YMCA can off exclusive use of the water park, concession area or other areas. Great way to get together in a healthy environment.

Water park can open Wednesday nights,
Sunday nights, or Saturday nights.

Schools, Day Care's, companies, and
family groups are always welcome.

Lockers Available

YMCA has permanent lockers available for a cost of $10.00 per month. Contact the courtesy counter to get a permanent locker today! This is also available to be paid through monthly bank draft.

Is it possible that I am so busy doing that I no longer have time to enjoy being?
     Wilson

Today, if you're not confused, you're probably not well informed.

Before I got married, I had six theories about bringing up children: now I have six children, and no theories.
     John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester

True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost.
     Charles Colton

Learn from the mistakes made by others. You won't live long enough to make them all yourself.
 

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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.