Illinois Valley YMCA
 News
July 19, 2007

Y Care Helps Everyone
Y Care begins with CARE

Thanks to the many who have donated to Y Care. The campaign is off to a great start!! Y Care granted assistance to nearly 300 individuals last year through the support of community members. No one is turned away because of inability to pay. Please consider a Y Care gift today.

Wayne & Delores Acuncius
Toni Albert
Carol & Allen Alcorn
Mary Jo Andrews
James Armstrong
Missy & Gary Bertolino
Betty Bland
Sherri & Tom Boehm
Kristi Brewer
Tom Burkhart
John & Linda Carls
Bob & Shelly Chapman
Jack Cosgrove
Ronda & Andy Dillinger
J.L Eden
Lena Ernat
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Finley
Howard & Judy Flahaut
Paul Funfsinn
Mary Gramsas
Dwight Heckert
Kevin & Julie Hextell
Bonnie & Bob Huber
Heidi & Bob Huber
Marilyn Humpage
Gordon Inman
Don & Ruth Janka
Steve & Terry Kamnikar
Wendy Kenny
Mr. & Mrs. John Kerper
Dan Kleckner
Keith & Evelyn Klyn
Mike & Kay Kozel
David Ksiazkiewicz
Ina Kurz
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Kwit
Dorothy Lode
Eugene Lunkin
Craig & Laura Lunn
Bob & Barbara Lyons
Julie Manahan
Sue & Mike Manning
Joseph Marcinkus
Bob & Connie Marini
George & Pat Marple
Jean Mikus
Kim Morrell
Gina Mudge
Monica Nedza
Greg Oseland
Dona Ostermeyer
Dean Perino
Nancy Porter
Dave & Mary Beth Potthoff
Doug & Shala Reed
James Brian Rice
Maria Rodriguez
Larry & Sandi Rombout
John & Joanne Sabotta
James Sadnick
Donald Scharlau
Alice Schmidt
Mike & Colleen Schmidt
Pat Schmidt
Robert & Mary Sczepaniak
Diane Seghers
Angie Senica
Cleo Sims
Mike & Lyle Sitterly
Jolene Slingsby
Audrey Smudzinski
Scott Stanke & Alice Mueller
OJ Stoutner
Vince & Joan Suarez
Clay & Paula Swank
Brian & Cari Towne
Marian Turchi
Laura Turner
Mark Turner
Joseph & Shirley Vasquez
Debra Wackerline
Mike & Lori Wallaert
Bob Wallock
Bob & Dolores Waszkowiak
Marianne & Harry Weide
Loretta Wisniewski
Ron & Pat Wren
Wayne & Carol Zebron
Fran Zeller
Linda Zermeno

Business Donations

Amcore Bank
Apple Press
Biederstedt Appraisal
Buzzi Unicem USA
Carol's Upholstery
Chamlin & Associates
Darren Line D.D.S.
Debo Ace Hardware
D.J. Sickley Construction Co., Inc.
First Federal Savings Bank
Granville Floor & Wall Covering, Inc.
Hummer Insurance
Huntsman
Illinois Valley Construction Association
Mario's Maples
McNabb Veterinary
MCS Advertising
O'Neal Steel
Pottinger Concrete & Construction
Schweickert & Ganassin
Smith's Sales & Service
T.E.S.T. Inc.
Woodland Path LLC

Gold Club Members $500 or more

Black Bros. Co.
CA Smith Builders, Inc.
First State Bank
Thomas Kovacic
Mittal Steel USA - Hennepin

IVCH News for July

www.ivch.org

The first and third Mondays of each month at 6:30 PM -
"Possibilities" - DBSA of Illinois Valley Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance

July 28 - 1-10PM - Fourth Annual Cops4Cancer Benefit
Cedar Point Park

We have welcomed a Senior Group to the Y this Summer.  They meet twice a month for various activities.  Call Karry Kurtz for more information 815/223-7904. 

Swim Your Way to Greater Flexibility  

Looking for a way to get fit that's relaxing and refreshing, as well as good for you?  Take to the water.

Swimming burns fat; lowers cholesterol; and builds your heart, lungs and muscles - but it carries less risk for injury than other high-impact exercises, such as running.  Water's buoyancy reduces the stress on your joints, bones, and muscles.  As a result, you're less likely to get stiff and sore. 

An excellent way to increase flexibility and stamina, swimming often is thought of as strictly an aerobic activity to work the cardio-vascular system.  But swimming also offers a strength-training workout.  Just like weights, water provides resistance when you push or pull it away from you.

Swimming is good for just about everyone.  While it doesn't strengthen bones as much as weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or running, it's ideal for those with arthritis or knee or back problems.  New exercisers, pregnant women, older adults, overweight people, and those recovering from injuries can participate safely in this water workout.  But check with your doctor first. 

Ready to take the plunge?  Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week.  Once in the water, start with stretching and warm-up exercises, such as walking through the water or kicking.  This gradually speeds up your heart rate and gives muscles and joints a chance to warm up. 

Next, swim laps, alternating different strokes.  Gradually increase and then decrease your intensity. 

Finally, swim a lap or two at a relaxed pace for a cool down, and then stretch.  If you aren't a good swimmer and can only swim for a few minutes at a time, supplement your swimming with walking in the water.  Consider taking a few lessons from a local lifeguard or swim coach to improve your technique and increase your enjoyment.  

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

BILLY THE CLOWN

Starting this summer, we have added 2 new options for Birthday Parties! 
Billie the Clown can be added to any Birthday Party.  She does a magic and comedy show.  She also does face painting and it can be added to any party as well.  If her show is added to pool parties, the party will be extended for an additional half hour. 

We are also adding Glamour Parties for Girls.  Further details are coming!! 

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

DOLPHIN SWIM TEAM NEWS

OPEN HOUSE September 9th from 3-6 PM for Swim Team sign up and registration. 

ROOKIE WEEK is September 17th - 20th from 6-7 PM.

COME JOIN US FOR THE FUN!! 

Learn proper stroke technique, sportsmanship, goal setting, and competitive spirit!  Coaches are American Swim Coaches Association and USA Swimming certified.  The program is open to all athletes ages 5 - 21, with a minimum requirement of the ability to swim 25 yards (one length of the pool) by the end of the first week of practice.  That first week is called "Rookie Week" and it is an opportunity to come and try out the team with no financial obligation.

Dolphin swimmers hail from many areas in north central Illinois; as far west as Princeton, south as Varna, north as Mendota, and east as Ottawa, with all towns within those borders represented.  Competitions are held, usually on Saturdays, in accordance with USA swimming rules at various area YMCA's and include season end District, State and National opportunities, with these last three dependent on achieving qualifying times for the respective meets.  The team strives to have qualifiers in all areas, and many of our athletes help us achieve this goal!!

Swimming practices are held at two locations:  the Link Aquatic Facility at the Illinois Valley YMCA (6:00 - 7:00 & 7:00 - 8:00 pm) and the Hennepin Pool (4:00 - 5:00 pm), Monday through Thursday.  There is also an "elite" level practice at the YMCA from 6:00 - 8:00 pm on Fridays.  Athlete's ability level will determine practice time within above time frames, with novice swimmers in the water from 6-7, advanced swimmers from 7-8, and elite swimmers from 6-8.  Coaches will determine ability level and assign practice times to all swimmers. 

Practices and swim meet attendance are not mandatory; however, athletes will see quicker improvement in both swimming technique and stamina as they become more involved with the program.  We have a signup sheet posted weekly regarding whether you will attend that week's meet and DO require attendance at a minimum of TWO practices that week.  This team policy allows athletes to participate at whatever level feels comfortable to them, with the hope that their love of both sport and swimming in particular inspires them to greater success!!

Rookie week begins September 17th, the first swim meet is October 27th, and the season runs through early April, with swim meets just about every weekend, holidays excluded.  The team also hosts an Awards Banquet, held at season's end, in order to recognize outstanding performances throughout the year. 

Participation fees are $100 per swimmer per year.  You must also have a currently paid YMCA membership.  Scholarships are available for families needing them.  Contact the YMCA for more information about these rates. 

For additional information or to answer any questions, call Head Coach Rob McNally at 667-4253.

YMCA Tumbling Program

The 6 Week Summer Session II starts July 23rd and runs until September 1st. 

Go to http://www.ivymca.com/tumble.htm for more information. 

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.

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
Studio 718
The Pro Body Shop
True Vision Enterprises
Tupperware
Wilcoxson & Associates, Ltd

YMCA Pre-School 2007-2008

Pre-School begins in September!! 

We have openings in our programs for 2, 3 & 4 year olds. 

KinderPrep (4 Year Olds)
        #1   8:30 am - 11:30 am  MTWTF  
        #2   9:00 am - 12:00 pm  MWF
        #3   12:00 pm - 3:00 pm  MTWTF

SuperTykes (3 Year Olds)
        #1   8:30 am - 10:30 am   MTWT
        #2   1:00 pm - 3:00 pm     MWF
        #3   10:45 am - 12:45 pm  MWF

Just for Two's (2 Year Olds)
        #1   9:00 am - 10:00 am   Tues/Thurs
        #2   10:30 am - 11:30 am  Tues/Thurs
        #3   10:45 am - 11:45 am   Tues/Thurs

MEET & GREET (for those registered for a class)
Wednesday, August 29th
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm or 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
Tuesday September 4th & Wednesday September 5th

CHEERLEADER CAMPS

SUPER STARS CHEERLEADERS
Same as above but more challenging cheers!!
WHEN:  July 23-27
TIME:     9:00 - 10:30
WHO:    Kids in grades 1st - 3rd

CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONS
Same as above but more focus on what would be needed to make a real cheerleading team!!
WHEN:  August 6-10
TIME:     9:00 - 10:30
WHO:    Kids in grades 4th - 6th

FEES FOR CHEERLEADING CAMPS:
$15/week for YMCA Members
$25/week for Non-YMCA Members

*Wear comfy clothes and tennis shoes.
*Parent viewing will be on Friday.

DANCE/TUMBLING CAMPS

5-8 YEAR OLDS
AN INTRODUCTION LEVEL CLASS TO BALLET, JAZZ, AND TUMBLING.   BASIC JAZZ AND BALLET STEPS WILL BE TAUGHT.  A  FUN DANCE WILL BE TAUGHT USING THE DANCE SKILLS THEY LEARN!  BEGINNER LEVEL TUMBLING WILL BE TAUGHT AS WELL.  TUMBLING CLASS WILL INCLUDE LEARNING CARTWHEELS, JUMPS, TRAMPOLINE, BRIDGES, KICKOVERS AND HANDSTANDS.   

WHEN:   July 23-27
TIME:      11:00 - 12:30
WHO:     Kids ages 5-8
 

AGES 9 AND UP
AN INTRODUCTORY LEVEL CLASS TO DANCE AND TUMBLING.  STUDENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO A VARIETY OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF DANCE INCLUDING BALLET, JAZZ, POM AND KICK.  A FUN DANCE WILL BE LEARNED USING THE SKILLS TAUGHT IN CLASS.  TUMBLING CLASS WILL INCLUDE WORKING ON STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING, JUMPING, ROUNDOFFS, CARTWHEELS, HANDSTANDS, AND INTRODUCING BACK HAND SPRINGS.   

WHEN:   August 6-10
TIME:      11:00 - 12:30
WHO:     Kids ages 9 and up

FEES FOR DANCE/TUMBLING CLASSES:
$15/week for YMCA Members
$25/week for Non-YMCA Members

*Wear leotard or comfy clothes (socks needed for dance)
*Parent viewing allowed on Friday.

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.

GROUP FITNESS SUMMER CHALLENGE
The Group Fitness Summer Challenge has been encouraging class participants to try different classes.  Breaking out of the same old routine is great for your mind and your body.  Remember, you need to keep shocking your body with new activities.  The winners of the Challenge for the first week of July are Peggy Dzierzynski, Colleen Clancy and Kathy Cassiday. 

For the month of August, we will offer a free beginners Yoga class on Tuesday and Thursday at 9:00 AM.  Yoga is great for all ages.  If you can't touch your toes, you need Yoga. 

If you have questions, suggestions or comments, direct them to Wendy Kenny at wkenny@insightbb.com.

Land & Water Group Fitness Classes

HARDCORE MEMBER CHALLENGE RESULTS

Division "B"
4 Person All Male
Bill Wujek  1735
Sean Brannon  60
Joe Savage  465
Total 2260 - 1st Place

Division "C"
2 Person Team
Kris Selquist  1715
Elaine Moreno  2740
Total 4455 - 1st Place

Division "D"
Married Couples
Mike Ketter  1697
Jill Ketter  2272
Total 3969 - 1st Place

Division "E"
Parent with Child
Tracey Jaegle  1635
Cassie Jaegle  80
Total 1715 - 1st Place

Division "F"
Individual
Elaine Moreno  2740 - 1st Place
Jill Ketter  2272 - 2nd Place
Bill Wujek  1735 - 3rd Place
Kris Selquist  1715 - 4th Place
Mike Ketter  1697 - 5th Place
Judy Piscia  295 - 6th Place

Division "G"
Seniors
Tom Burkhart  330 - 1st Place

FIRST PLACE FINISHERS RECEIVE A T-SHIRT!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ILLINOIS VALLEY YMCA AQUATIC STAFF!

Ellis & Associates Great Lakes Regional Lifeguard Challenge 5^th Place Champions!
July 12 & 13th the IV YMCA Lifeguards participated in a Lifeguard and first-aid skills competition in which our lifeguards placed 5^th out of 14 teams. Congratulate lifeguards next you take a dip in the pool!

Jump In and find out what it is all about!
ILLINOIS VALLEY YMCA MASTERS SWIMMING
18 & older Group Swimming; FREE For July & August!
Coached workout Tuesdays at 6:00 pm & Wednesdays at 6:00 am.
Can’t make a coached workout? Weekly workouts posted near the lap pool- swim when you can! Visit www.ivymca.com/aquatics/htm for more detailed information!

Grab this Opportunity! WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Not just another job but a career! A career at the Illinois Valley YMCA Link Aquatic Center begins with a culture that embraces individuals who are fun, friendly, driven, and committed to the safety of every YMCA member. Benefits include: highly competitive pay, training provided, free individual membership to the YMCA, Free fitness class and program discounts.
Join our award winning staff in the following positions for the Illinois Valley YMCA Link Aquatic Center:

• Part-time Morning Lifeguards ($10.00/hr)
• Part-time Afternoon, Evening, Weekend Lifeguards ($7.50/hr +)
• Part-time Lifeguard Supervisors
• Part-time Swim Instructors
• Part-time Water Fitness Instructors

FRIENDLY REMINDER, NEW HOURS  FOR THE AQUATIC CENTER!
Pick one up at the courtesy counter, Call 815-223-7904 or Visit us on the web at www.ivymca.com.  

NOTE: The Aquatic Center will be closed for annual facility maintenance August – September 3. We will re-open for regular scheduled hours Tuesday September 4, 2007.

TRY TRAINING AT YOUR OWN PACE
CPR, first-aid, AED, bloodborne pathogens and lifeguarding online at: http://www.ecsinstitute.org/courses/
The final practical examination can be completed at the YMCA.
Call 815-223-7904 ext. 11 for more information.

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 YMCA: Water Safety Tips
Protect yourself and your children by taking these simple precautions.
The most important safety measure is to watch children constantly when they are at the beach or near the pool or any containers of water. Many kids will not call out or splash when they are in danger.

• Empty containers or kiddie pools as soon as you are finished using them.
• Always enter the water feet first.
• Never swim alone, and don't let other adults, teens or children swim alone.
• Make sure the water is deep enough (at least 9 feet deep, according to the American Red Cross) before jumping in or diving.
• If you can't swim or don't know CPR, enroll yourself in classes. A significant number of drownings have been prevented because parents had these skills.
• Don't mix alcohol and water: each year, up to half of all adult drownings are linked to alcohol use.
• Don't chew gum or eat food while in the water-you could choke.
• Introduce your kids to the water early. Use bath time to familiarize them with floating and being underwater. Enroll them in swimming and CPR classes.
• Use regulation life preservers and floatation devices exclusively. Don't rely on water wings or air floats for safety.

 Personal Training
at the YMCA
 Looking to improve your strength or endurance? Call the YMCA Courtesy counter staff to set up a one on one training session with a YMCA personal trainer.
Mike Visione
Kim Zimmerman
Andy Swenson

*One on one sessions start at $20.00 an hour for one session. Discounts on multiple sessions. Can also schedule time with a partner.

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,
Saturday nights or sunday 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.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"I will speak ill of no man, and speak all the good I know of everyone"
- Benjamin Franklin

"A goal is a dream with a deadline"
- Steve Smith

"Initiative is doing the right thing without being told"

"A leading authority is anyone who has guessed right more than once"

"A wise man knows everything; a shrew one, everybody"

If you would like to unsubscribe to this newsletter, please click on the link below and put UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject line and send back to us ivymca@insightbb.com 

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

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