THE EASTSIDER A NEWSLETTER FOR MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE VANDERBILT YMCA

IN THIS ISSUE • Summer Membership Campaign

• Summer Camp

• 2012 Strong Kids Campaign

• Hot Weather Exercise Tips

IMPORTANT DATES

• KIDS’ NIGHT OUT (Parents’ Night Off) Friday, June 1 6:00 - 9:00 pm

• FREE Blood Pressure and Body Fat Screenings Monday, June 4 12:00 - 2:00 pm and 5:00 - 7:00 pm

• FAMILY EVENT Family Movie Night Friday, June 15 6:00 pm

ENJOY THIS ISSUE? Feel free to share this newsletter with anyone who you think may find it useful.

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, IDEAS? Contact Meredith Ballew, editor, at mballew@ymcanyc.org.

FIND US ON FACEBOOK Become a fan of the Y on Facebook at facebook.com/vanderbiltymca and keep up-to-date on all of our latest events and programs!

1

VANDERBILT YMCA

224 East 47th Street; New York, NY

June 2012

ymcanyc.org/vanderbilt

VANDERBILT’S SPECIAL OLYMPIANS For nearly 20 years, for seven weeks in the spring, Tuesday nights at the Vanderbilt YMCA’s West Pool are filled with the joyous sounds of Special Olympics athletes training for competition in Aquatics events, led by Head Coach John Hutchins.

This year, the Vanderbilt YMCA is hosting 40 Special Olympians from Manhattan to prepare for the Special Olympics New York Summer Games, which will be held June 15-17 in Buffalo. Swimmers will compete in individual and relay events in a variety of strokes. Participating in the Special Olympics is a wonderful activity for special needs athletes, helping to generate confidence, positive self-image and strength. Here at the Y, they have the opportunity to train and to compete with others at their level, and on any given day, any of them can win the coveted Special Olympics gold, silver and bronze medals. For more information on the Special Olympics, please visit www.nyso.org.

SUMMER MEMBERSHIP CAMPAIGN The Vanderbilt YMCA wants everyone to enjoy an active, healthy summer for one great price with our Summer Membership Special: just $200 for an adult or $275 for the whole family! Membership is valid from date of join through Labor Day (September 3rd). Summer members will be able to continue their membership into the fall and have the Joiner’s fee waived.

Members, please tell your friends about this great offer and take advantage of our Member Rewards program to win cool, new Premium Y gear. Refer a friend to the Vanderbilt Y and if they join, we will give you a Rewards card to redeem your item of choice. Check out all of our Member Reward offerings online at www.ymcanyc.org/reward.

SUMMER CAMP Camp season 2012 is almost upon us! This summer, our campers will have the chance to participate in a wide range of activities, including swim, sports, field trips throughout NYC and much more. Our pre-teen and teen campers will also participate in leadership development activities, including community service initiatives that will help them develop leadership skills while making a positive impact on the community. With all that we have planned, campers are sure to never be bored this summer. Our Vanderbilt Y Camp staff is looking forward to leading our campers in another great season of fun, learning, and adventure!

STRONG KIDS CAMPAIGN Every year, the Y raises funds for youth programs and scholarships at the Vanderbilt YMCA. These scholarships allow children, families and individuals in financial need to take part in the Vanderbilt YMCA’s membership and programs. As a non-profit, we rely

upon donations from our members and friends to enable us to fulfill our mission of turning no one away due to an inability to pay.

We will be holding a Zumba-thon on June 13th and a Spin-a-thon on June 20th to help raise money for this great cause. Participants are asked to make a minimum donation of $30 and can register for these events at the front desk. All levels are welcome! Join us to get fit, have fun, and make a difference in a child’s life!

IT’S A VICTORY! Finally, please join us on Tuesday, June 26th at 6:30 pm in Studio C for our annual Strong Kids Victory Celebration. Celebrate our successes with food and fun. Please RSVP to Meredith Ballew at mballew@ymcanyc.org or 212-912-2525.

SUMMER EXERCISE TIPS The beginning of Summer has arrived and with the extra hours of daylight, it gives us all a great opportunity to spend more time enjoying the out-doors. Keep in mind the potential dangers that come with exercising in the extreme heat. Here are some do’s and don'ts while working out during the summer months:

• Drink plenty of fluids 15-20 minutes before your workout and every 15 minutes throughout the exercise.

• The heat can decrease your appetite. Try eating regular small meals 5-6 times a day, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Wear light, loose-fitting clothes that can breathe. Cotton is a good choice, but if your activity produces a lot of perspiration, choose clothing that is designed to wick away sweat.

• Wear sunscreen even if you workout early in the morning or late in the evening to help limit sun damage and prevent burns.

• Don’t adopt the “no pain, no gain” motto. Ignoring your body’s signals can be dangerous.

• Avoid physical activities between 10:00am-3:00pm, which is usually the hottest part of the day.

• HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

2