SANFORD-SPRINGVALE YMCA

JANUARY, 2016 - In This Issue:
WE'RE MORE THAN A GYM.  WE'RE A CAUSE.
The Sanford-Springvale YMCA, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening the communities we serve. We focus on developing the potential of kids, improving individual health and well-being, and giving back and supporting our neighbors.
   
Over 9,000 children, adults and seniors walk through our doors every year. Each of their goals and needs maybe a little different, but they all leave with a stronger spirit, mind and body.
 
...But there is so much more we could be doing.  Our communities continue to grow and the needs of individuals and families continue to increase and we must grow with them.
 
Our vision of a larger and newer facility is slowly, but steadily becoming a reality.  The walls of the addition are up and interior work is underway. 
 
We have successfully raised $2.3 million and are striving to raise another $1.7.  All levels of giving can make a difference.
 
One way to give is to purchase a personalized paver, which will be placed in the garden path connecting the old and the new entrance.  Don't miss out on this opportunity to support our efforts and to have your gift recognized for a lifetime.
 
The Y. So Much Moreā„¢
 
New Youth Membership
We are pleased to announce that we have added a new youth membership for ages 0 - 12 years old.  The monthly fee for this age group is now $15, reduced from $21. 
 
CURRENT YOUTH MEMBERSHIP RATES:
 
Youth 0 - 12 years         $15/month
Youth Age 13                 FREE
Youth Age 14 - 17 yrs    $21/month  

Upcoming Events
Y INTERACT LEADERS CLUB
Every 2nd & 4th Wednesday
6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
 
YMCA CLOSING EARLY FOR ANNUAL ALL STAFF MEETING
January 14
Closing at 5:45 pm

SAFESITTER BABYSITTING COURSE
January 29
3:30 pm - 8:30 pm

FAMILY LUAU
January 30
3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
FREE TO COMMUNITY

HEALTHY HAPPY HOUR
February 5
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

USES & BENEFITS OF FOAM ROLLERS
February 11
6:30 pm

SWEETHEART DANCE
February 12
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

VALENTINE DROP & DATE
February 13
5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION
February 15 - 17
8:30 am - 4:00 pm
 
FIRST AID, CPR & AED CERTIFICATION
February 19
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm

SAFESITTER BABYSITTING COURSE
February 26
3:30 pm - 8:30 pm




YMCA directors recognized for outstanding service
AYP Chapter 5 Awards
In December, the Association of YMCA Professionals Chapter 5 held its winter conference in York where seven YMCA professionals were recognized for their outstanding achievements. The Sanford-Springvale YMCA had two directors recognized for their service in improving the lives of youth, families and seniors in our community.
 
Sarah Littlefield, YMCA Aquatics Director, received the Rookie Award for her passion for and dedication to the YMCA. At 16, Sarah started at the YMCA as a volunteer swim instructor teaching children life saving and confidence building swim skills. At 18, she joined our team of lifeguards making sure everyone in the pool was kept safe. Through the years, she continued to take on more responsibilities and last year took on the new challenge as the head of the aquatics department. In her new role, she was faced with many challenges and approached each one with confidence and grace.
 
"Sarah takes an enormous amount of pride in all that she does for our Y. She is the definition of a team player...she is the first one to step up and help in any situation," said Matt Ouellette, Youth & Family Services Director.
 
Thea Murphy, YMCA Trafton Center Director, received the Outstanding Director Award for her tireless dedication to improving the lives of seniors in the Sanford Springvale community. Thea has created a safe and welcoming environment for seniors to gather and enjoy social interaction, wellness programs and learn new skills vital to helping them maintain an active, independent and healthy lifestyle.
 
"Thea is a dedicated and passionate advocate for seniors in our community. She truly embodies the mission and philosophy of the YMCA," said Andy Orazio, YMCA CEO.
Thea Murphy, Andy Orazio and Sarah Littlefield
Genest Concrete helping to pave the way
Walkway to new entrance complete
We continue to make small, but exciting gains with our expansion project. In December, the walkway to the new building entrance was completed. The entrance walkway is the first step in the completion of the new garden walkway that will connect to the old entrance. The garden walkway will be completed with engraved pavers purchased by donors. We will begin the garden walkway this summer so there is still time to purchase pavers.
 
The expansion project is being fully funded by donations. Genest Concrete has generously donated materials to the expansion project throughout the years, including the pavers and labor for the entrance walkway.
 
"Everything the Y does is in service of making us - as individuals and a community - better. I started going to the YMCA when it was just a basketball court at the Town Hall. The YMCA is still my place to go to improve my overall health and well-being. At Genest Concrete, we are pleased to support the expansion project so more youth, families and seniors can join our Y community," said Chris Genest, General Manager, Genest Concrete.
Chris Genest, General Manager, Genest Concrete
Titans come out on top against the Boothbay Region YMCA Dolphin Swim Team
The Sanford-Springvale YMCA Titans Swim Team hosted the Boothbay Harbor Regional YMCA Dolphin Swim Team on Saturday, January 9.  The Titans ended the meet with 1,800 points and the Dolphins ended with 700 points.                                                                         
 
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make this swim meet a success...from running the scoreboard and concessions to timing and announcing events.                                                                         
 
The next home meet will be on Saturday, January 23.
Tiffy Twombly, Claudia Hart, Rachael Raymond and Heidi Demers ready for the 200 yard freestyle relay.

Titans keeping shoes out of landfills and raising money.
Shoe fundraiser
The YMCA Titans Swim Team has collected 1,300 pairs of shoes with a goal to collect 2,500 by February 20.  Please consider bringing your gently worn shoes to the YMCA and dropping  them in the bin located in the lobby.                                                                           
 
All donated shoes will be purchased and redistributed by Funds2Org to microenterprises in developing nations.
Sawyer Hurlburt, age 3, donating his shoes to the Titans' shoe drive.