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A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

Summer 2012

SoutheASt FAmilY YmCA

5930 Six mile lane louisville, KY 40218

GettinG A StronG StArt

member SpotliGht“I am Noah Burke, 13 years old, and part of the Southeast Family YMCA. I grew up playing Y soccer and attending summer camp. Because of those positive experiences I also grew up with the desire to help the Y help the community. Eventually I became a member of the Y and was a frequent, active participant. I spent most of my time playing basketball or talking to the staff and members.”

“After awhile I completed my YCP (Youth Certification Program) training and started using the wellness floor. About three weeks later a staff member asked me to help her. I thought it was a great idea and agreed. As I completed my tasks, she suggested I talk to Paul, our Membership Director, about the Teen Leader’s Club. I did, and soon became a volunteer at the YMCA. Now I spend my after-school hours helping out at the front desk, checking members in, and many other duties. I am giving back to the Y that helped shape my life. I am helping the Y help the community.”

Next time you see Noah around the Y be sure to let him know his work on behalf of the Y, our members and community is appreciated.

A Summer to ShineSummer is just around the corner and for many kids that means summer camp! This can be an exciting but sometimes stressful time for parents and kids as they prepare for a summer of new adventures and adjust to new routines. We have a few tips to help you ease into summer.

Let your kids help pick the camp: Y camps allow you to choose week by week, so you can mix it up based on convenience for you and the interests of your camper. Allowing them to help choose their camp gives them a sense of independence and gets them excited about going.

Help set expectations: Camp will be fun and exciting as your children try new things and meet new people. Both of these can be scary for a young child, but helping them to prepare by setting expectations will ease their anxiety.

Find a Buddy: Coordinate camp sign-up with your child’s friends, other parents in the neighborhood or your child’s schoolmates. Having a friend on the first day is a great way to get the summer started right.

Prepare for the First Day – Be sure to attend the kick-off event held by each Y Day Camp. You will meet the staff and learn what the Y has planned for the summer.

The Y offers a variety of camping options throughout Jefferson, Oldham and Bullitt Counties; including overnight camp experiences at YMCA Camp Piomingo. At the Y, kids take part in imaginative activities that nurture their spirits, challenge their minds and strengthen their bodies. Your child will enjoy fun summer activities like sports, swimming and arts and crafts as they learn the importance of healthy choices and staying active.

Register today at ymcalouisville.org.

47138_SE_News_Jun12.indd 1 5/2/12 8:02 AM

GettinG A StronG StArt | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

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upCominG eventSmay 18

Forever Young Health & Fitness Fair Northeast Y, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

may 30Forever Young Trip Stream Cliff Herb Farm

June 4Summer Day Camp Begins

June 7Forever Young Trip Tour of Graeter’s Ice Cream Factory

June 13Birthday Brunch

June 28Luncheon at Churchill Downs “Millionaires Row”

July 11Birthday Brunch

August 6Fall Soccer Registration Deadline

If you have questions about any of the activities, please contact Emily Pinto-Schmeling at [email protected].

prepArinG Youth For the FutureA Message from Your Executive Director, Tom WhortanYour first job, what was it? What do you remember about it? I can tell you who my boss was, how little I made, and that it shaped me and my approach to work, service and initiative.

In terms of the Y’s focus on youth development, I think one area that very few people think about is employment. The YMCA hires quite a few young staff members, many times teenagers who work summer day camp, youth sports, lifeguarding, Sunshine room, and front desk, among others. Also, at the Southeast YMCA we have given several recent college graduates (young people in my world view) their first full-time, professional positions. With both these groups I feel that the YMCA does a quality job of teaching and developing their work habits, approach to customer service and view of how to represent themselves and the organization. Your first job is such a memorable and crucial formative experience, as is your first full-time job after finishing school. It is where you learn that there are no more semesters or fresh starts every few months, that what you do matters and continues to matter on an ongoing basis. You learn to relate to huge varieties of people, how to meet customer needs and handle their complaints. You learn how to interact with fellow employees and supervisors without your parents interceding.

The YMCA is very intentional about the hiring, training and providing ongoing coaching to these young people. We expect to prepare them and give them the skills necessary to be excellent employees wherever they go next. Through formal means such as new hire orientations, performance reviews and ongoing coaching, we guide them as employees and set high standards for them to meet. There are also informal ways we develop these employees, such as intergenerational scheduling where our young staff are paired in work environments with more experienced staff who can mentor and guide them.

It is unlikely any of us became a quality staff person, wherever we are, by accident or happenstance. Somebody gave us a chance, pushed us to grow and made good choices about when to provide a pat on the back and when to provide a kick in the pants. It was a very exciting moment for me when one of our young full-time staff people, Jaclyn Acree, recently took a position at the YMCA in Huntsville, Alabama as a membership director. I was very pleased that we could

grow and develop her to the point where she could advance in her career.

Youth Development, when you look around the YMCA sometimes it is the kids in the program and sometimes it is the staff and sometimes it is both.

Warm wishes,

Tom Whortan Executive Director [email protected]

Tom

volunteer oF the YeArFreddie FlaspoehlerFreddie is the consummate volunteer sports coach. He coaches nearly all year with teams in basketball, baseball and flag football. He is patient and kind as he teaches and leads his teams each season. Many of his players are special needs and Freddie has a way of mentoring and guiding children of all skill levels. His kids come back, year after year. When a new youth sports director unwittingly split up his team, it didn’t take long for the phone to start ringing. She quickly learned that this amazing coach had quite a following. The staff, parents and children of the Southeast Y sincerely appreciate his dedication and commitment.



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horSinG ArounDWhitney Skirtich is a rare breed of camp counselor. In addition to her work with hundreds of kids at Camp Piomingo each summer, she manages the barn, trains horses, buys tack and keeps the Camp Piomingo herd of 24 horses groomed and healthy.

YMCA Camp Piomingo is a gem among summer camps in offering an English Equestrian Program. Where else but in Kentucky? Camp Piomingo’s one-week program offers new and beginning riders a chance to care for horses and learn basic riding skills. They learn about horse anatomy, breeds and colors, as well as the care and feeding of horses. Some may learn more riding advanced skills like cantering and jumping.

The two-week program is for more experienced riders. It expands on riding and horse-showing skills and includes an overnight trail experience.

“It’s fun to have a kid come through who’s never been on a horse, ever,” Whitney said. “You can see them develop their strength and independence and build confidence by learning to control a 1,000 pound animal. It’s great to see that progression.”

Both the one- and two-week program include a strong focus on safety. The Horsemanship Safety Association certifies all instructors. Whitney searches for horses that are affordable, but also quiet

A reCipe For better heAlthThe YMCA Food Service Cabinet, comprised of the food service managers and cooks from the Greater Louisville Association, is striving to increase the health quality of foods served within our programs. The

Cabinet provides a place for food service staff to creatively share and support one another throughout the process of providing high quality, nutritious foods.

Be on the lookout for healthy tips and recipes provided by the Cabinet.

Healthy Tip for the Home: Kids won’t eat their veggies? Dice up produce like

spinach and peppers and mix in with seasoned ground beef

for taco night.

Creativity in the Kitchen: Personal Pizzas (serves 4) Ingredients: 4 whole wheat Sandwich Thins 8 tablespoons pizza sauce 2 cups 2% Mozzarella cheese (shredded) fruit and vegetable toppings of your choice Directions: Pre-heat oven to 425°. Separate sandwiches into open-face halves. Place 1 tablespoon of pizza sauce and ¼ cup cheese on each half. Top with fruits and veggies. Bake 5 minutes or until golden brown.

and gentle. The herd includes Thoroughbreds, Arabians, Mustangs and two minis.

Over the last six years, Whitney, who has an equine business and science degree, has raised the level of the program from trail riding to more advanced skills related to showing and jumping. “It’s come a long way. We’ve improved the livestock, upgraded the property and updated the tack.”

Whitney, 29, lives at Camp Piomingo with her dog Lolla and offers weekly riding lessons at camp during the off-season. She uses the quieter months to make improvements to the barn and search for gentle, child-friendly horses. Her busiest week came last summer during week seven of camp when the kids got a bonus of taking their horses to show at the Meade County Fair. “That was a really stressful time,” she said. “But it was a lot of fun and it’s a huge success.”

Camp Piomingo former Executive Director Steve Merifield appreciates that Whitney is the “Triple Crown” of camp counselors. “She’s a barn manager, equestrian teacher and camp counselor rolled into one,” he said. “It’s hard to find someone like Whitney who’s as good with the kids as she is with the horses.”

Reserve a saddle in YMCA Camp Piomingo’s Equestrian Camp today by calling 800.411.5822 or go to ymcacamppiomingo.org.



prepArinG For the FutureI have had the good fortune of being selected for the Bingham Fellows Class of 2012 through the Leadership Louisville program. The Bingham Fellows will bring together 44 community leaders to explore and implement strategies that will broaden family, parent and community involvement in advancing student achievement. The opportunity is both timely and exciting to me because of a new emphasis the Y is putting on supporting education in our community and our involvement in the 55,000 Degrees Initiative. The Y has arrived at the “education table” as a matter of health. Data clearly shows that positive health outcomes are correlated to education attainment and vice versa.

Your Y is already involved in supporting families, particularly in their quest to raise healthy children. Everyone knows the Y provides swimming lessons and summer camp. But we strive to meet the educational needs of our members and their families as well, by bringing our resources and expertise to bear on the community-wide goal of a better educated population.

The YMCA Black Achievers Program is an excellent of example of how the Y promotes educational achievement in the community. Our YMCA Black Achievers Program mentors and motivates teens in grades 8-12 to pursue higher educational and career goals, so that they can reach their fullest potential.

Last year Erica Lee was named the Youth Achiever of the Year. With the encouragement of mentors and families, she was able to earn more than $100,000 in scholarships as she headed to the University of Louisville, where she is majoring in Accounting. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the 2012 Youth Achiever of the Year Tierra Price.

The YMCA Arcadia Program partners with African refugee and immigrant groups, as well as other community organizations, to offer educational and social support for new families adjusting to life in the United States. We provide daily out-of-school support to these middle- and high-school students, including meal service, tutoring, English as a second language instruction, computer lab access and counseling services. Your Y is also actively engaged in the community’s 55,000 Degrees effort, helping to put together a comprehensive network of safe and engaging activities for children during their out-of-school time.

Do you know someone – a family member or neighbor – who is watching one or more pre-school children in their home? Later this year, the Y will initiate an early learning readiness program. This evidence-based program will provide activities to ensure children in these in-home settings are prepared for school. If you know someone interested in learning readiness, please let them know!

Out in our branches, many of our directors and staff have found new and innovative ways to support the educational needs of the children who visit the Y. Several Ys offer tutoring for kids who come to the Y after school, and last year our

summer camps started to include reading as one of their activities.

There is more on the horizon. The Y’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, MIND and body for all. We look forward to seeing how the potent combination of active minds and active bodies will make Louisville a stronger community.

Warm regards,

Steve Tarver President/CEO [email protected]

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preparing youth for all their future endeavors is a responsibility the Y takes seriously. We rely on countless volunteers to help us fulfill this mission. if you are interested in serving the youth in our community, please call 587.9622 so we can help connect you to volunteer opportunities at the Y.



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help KiDS reACh their GoAlieS

builDinG heAlthY CommunitieSby Sasha belenkyIn the winter newsletter we wrote about the Louisville Youth Advocates — 30 middle and high school students from across West Louisville, who came together to advocate for policies that promote health equity in our community. Louisville was recently awarded a Childhood Obesity Prevention grant of $150,000 from the U. S. Conference of Mayors in large part because of the Louisville Youth Advocates, a group of young people from west Louisville who were convened by the YMCA to discover ways to improve the health of their community. Using the U. S. Conference of Mayors grant funds, the youth advocates will operate a community market and sell fresh produce to the Healthy in a Hurry corner stores located in target neighborhoods where fresh produce is not readily available. This project will benefit the youth advocates and small store owners directly while building a healthier foundation in those west Louisville communities.

by John lincolnAs a Y staff member I had coached soccer before, but last fall was the first time I coached as a dad. The season began with dreams of my three-year-old daughter dribbling through defenders and slamming the ball in the back of the net with speed and accuracy. As our first game approached I prepared to let my superstar know that she couldn’t score ALL the goals. She would have to pass the ball and be a good teammate. When the whistle blew my daughter ran straight to the ball, just like her coach taught her, and swung her foot to place a solid strike on the ball…and the ball rolled about seven inches. My soccer star began to cry as her teammate took her ball away. I knew then that my little girl was not quite the player I thought she was, and that was OK.

The season progressed and I can honestly say it’s the most fun I have ever had. Every kid on the team had a different personality, some were competitive and others just loved being on the field playing with their friends. The players didn’t care who won or lost. They didn’t care what the score was. They did care what snack was and they cared that their family was there to cheer them on. As coach and dad, I soon realized every Sunday offered a unique memory I would not soon forget. We were all one team having a great time and learning a little about soccer along the way.

Consider volunteering to coach your kids. I recommend starting early and coaching often. It might just be the coolest thing you will ever do. It was for this Dad.

lunChtime WArriorby Joanie leppingI was that kid in elementary school with the super lame lunch. I had no chance of getting anyone to trade for anything from my foam-top lunch box. Even I wasn’t interested in what I was eating some days (sorry, Mom). Sure, my peanut butter crackers, apple, carrots, and string cheese provided adequate, balanced nutrition, but they were hardly exciting. But those boring lunches were my parents’ way of providing a colorful, balanced, nutrient-dense meal which provided protein, carbs, fat, and fiber, while still being tasty.

My husband, Chris, and I don’t have children yet, but I can appreciate the effort my parents put into creating, buying, and packing a balanced lunch each day. When packing kids’ lunches, focus on covering all food groups, and, just like the lunch my Mom packed, keep it full of bright colors. Seem daunting? Just take it group by group. Those peanut butter and jelly sandwiches kids love? They cover 2 food groups–protein and grains. Throw in an apple, carrots, and some pretzels to round it out by covering your fruit and vegetable groups, and to add some carbohydrates for quick energy. Adding a sweet treat is okay but skip a day every now and then. Processed sugars result in short sugar highs and then a feeling of “hitting a wall”. When you want to add a treat, try making cookies using whole-wheat flour, oatmeal, or dried fruit. Delicious!

Here’s to a healthy, homemade lunchtime!

Registration for Fall youth sports opens June 1. Join us for soccer, flag football, volleyball and more. Visit ymcalouisville.org or the front desk to sign up!



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memberS ConneCtinG memberSNo matter where you spend your time at the Southeast Family YMCA, you will probably spot one of our New Member Ambassadors at some point during your visit. These warm, friendly volunteers are here to welcome you and help you explore the Y. Have you wanted to try a group fitness class but aren’t quite sure where to start or what to do? New Member Ambassadors will accompany you to a class and show you the ropes.

New Member Ambassadors care about your success. Sometimes, just knowing someone will miss you when you haven’t visited in a few days is the motivation you need to make it to the Y. They are dedicated to creating an environment where new and existing members feel connected to the YMCA’s mission, its members, and programs. Visit our website and be sure to check out the New Member Ambassadors page and be on the lookout for these friendly faces throughout the Southeast Y.

FoCuS on the FutureAt our Y, we know that our youth are our future. Without a lifestyle that includes physical activity and healthy eating their risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and other obesity related illnesses is high. The Southeast Y is committed to improving the future for our youth by improving their fitness. We have a variety of programs to engage kids early in physical activity in a way that is fun and motivating.

Our wellness department provides group fitness classes for our Kids’ Club participants and teens. Classes include Young Yoga, Kick Fit and Family Fitness. Our Youth Fitness Fundamentals class allows youth ages 10 to 13 to use the wellness center. The course teaches exercise principles, so kids learn proper exercise techniques that will benefit them not only now, but for the rest of their lives. Teens ages 14 and up are welcome to work out in the designated areas on our wellness floor and attend our group fitness classes. Our updated Youth/Teen Center is available each evening for ages 10-15. Kids and teens can work on homework, socialize with YMCA friends and play with our KINECT gaming system.

Our goal is to make visiting the Southeast Y a way to bring health and wellness to your child and your family. For more information about any of these programs or to share your ideas, contact our Wellness Director, Nicole V. Dean at [email protected].

Summertime iS FAmilY timeSpending time together engaged in positive, meaningful activities is a great was to bring your family closer together this summer! Here are few ways ideas:

• Schedule a family date. Ride bikes, have a picnic in a nearby park, or rake the leaves and jump in.

• Encourage sharing. During dinner call on someone to share something good about that day.

• Plan a walk around the neighborhood. Invite neighbors to join in.

• Designate a “no screen day” in your home this week, and have several books and games ready for everyone to play together.

• Head outdoors: Spend time outside with fun activities like hiking, walking, biking or playing sports.

• Clean out a closet, bedroom, garage or basement, and donate the items as a family. The kids can help by sorting their old toys and clothing.

• Volunteer in your community: Participate in a walk/run or bike event; prepare meals for a senior who live alone; or volunteer for a community clean-up project.

• Invite another family over for a family play date. Plan games and activities that let children and adults team up with each other.



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2012 YmCA Annual Giving CampaignGrAteFul GrAnDpArentS

For decades, the Y has pledged to turn no one away due to an inability to pay the regular fees for programs and services. One way the YMCA honors this pledge is with the charitable support raised from our members and our community during the Annual Giving Campaign.

Without the financial support of our donors through the Annual Giving Campaign, we could not fulfill our promise that the Y is FOR ALL. Throughout our YMCA of Greater Louisville community, more than 600 volunteers and 7,000 donors, came together to raise $1,378,417 for our Annual Giving Campaign. These contributions will fund life-changing programs that will help over 10,000 children, adults and families in our community to learn, grow and thrive.

What follows is the story of two grateful grandparents and how the YMCA’s Child Care Enrichment program allowed their four grandchildren to come home to them:

About two years ago, our 4 grandchildren were living in foster care in California. My wife and I were heartbroken, and we decided it was best if they would come live with us. When they first arrived in our home, we had quite a lot of expenses, and organizing ourselves took some time. We both work, but we could not afford the initial cost of child care. We applied and received short-term financial assistance for the YMCA’s Child Enrichment Program, and it greatly helped us keep our jobs and get through the initial shock of added expenses. The children quickly made friends, and I am convinced their attendance at CEP help greatly in their adjustment to their new life.

beCAuSe oF You!With the incredible support of our volunteers and donors the Southeast Family Y has raised $61,597 to date. These funds will remain in our Y to ensure that everyone can have a Y experience, regardless of financial circumstances.

My wife and I are very grateful to the Child Enrichment Program staff at Bloom Elementary for all they do for the children in their program. My kids wake up every school day eager to get to CEP. It is a great way to start our day. They enjoy their time with their school friends, and they admire, appreciate, and respect all CEP staff. Because of this program, my wife and I are worry-free and able to meet our work responsibilities knowing our grandkids are safe and enjoying a healthy, playful, and educationally supportive environment.


nonproFitorGAniZAtionu.S. poStAGe

pAiDlouiSville, KYpermit no. 152SoutheASt FAmilY YmCA

5930 Six Mile Lane Louisville, Kentucky 40218 Phone 502 491 9622 Fax 502 495 6607 E-mail [email protected] Blog: seymca.wordpress.com

We’re For everYoneAt the Y, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to be healthy, confident, connected and secure regardless of their financial situation. That’s why we make our programs and services available to everyone even if they are unable to pay the full fee; we have affordable membership and program rates for everyone.

You can support our mission by making a donation to the Annual Giving Campaign. Together we can help move people forward by ensuring access for all. To make a gift visit givetotheytoday.org.

hourSThe Southeast Family YMCA is open to our members over 100 hours a week and offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility in addition to a variety of programming options for you and your family. Listed below are the facility hours of operation. Please feel free to call 491.9622 with any questions.

Monday-Friday ......................5:30 a.m.-10 p.m.Saturday .......................................... 7 a.m.-7 p.m.Sunday ............................................11 a.m.-7 p.m.

holiday hoursMemorial Day ................................. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.Fourth of July ................................. 7 a.m.-7 p.m.Labor Day ........................................ 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

our miSSionTo put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

boArD oF DireCtorSSoutheast Family YMCAJohn BlairDebbie BrownCheryl BrunerMartha ChambersAlex ClevelandMike GraneGraham HonakerBob Hook IIILois KaufmanSewell LongSean MerktCrysten MinzenbergerPaula PilgrimDuane RileyTeresa ScherffiusSteve SextonGayle ShumakeAimee WebbJerry Wyman

Y StAFF

bob mayberry, building and Grounds [email protected]

ContACt inFormAtionHave a new address, phone number or email? Please share that information so that we may stay in touch with you. Any updated information is greatly appreciated!

peggy Donnelly,Administrative [email protected]

Carlos Darrull,Youth Sports [email protected]

Juli Gibson, Family program [email protected]

nicole Dean,Wellness [email protected]

tom Whortan, executive [email protected]

paul mcKim, membership [email protected]

Karen Averill, membership retention [email protected]


getting a strong - ymcalouisville.orglearn basic riding skills. they learn about horse anatomy,...

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