Cincinnati Bengals
Join us for YMCA Day with the Cincinnati Bengals as they take
on the Atlanta Falcons at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 14 at Paul Brown Stadium.
When you purchase a ticket for September 14, you will be entered into a drawing to win a free pair of tickets to the Bengals-Panthers game on October 12 and special Bengals prize baskets!
You must purchase tickets by noon on Friday, September 12, 2014 to be eligible for the ticket/basket giveaways. Winners
will be announced that afternoon.
Use promo code: YMCA
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Need Help Choosing the Right Health
Plan for You?
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The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is excited to offer you the services of RetireMED�iQ!
RetireMED�iQ will be holding educational meetings starting in October at several YMCA locations to support retirees with health plan selection and enrollment process - all at no cost to you!
Call 1-844-388-6565 with questions or to schedule your appointment with a licensed Benefit Advisor today.
Watch a short video
to learn more >>
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#Party4ACause
Saturday,
November 15, 2014
Join the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati and the Naked Karate Girls on Saturday, November 15 for a night of fun, dancing, and food. All proceeds support youth development programs.
Get Tickets >
Fall and Winter Events Guide
Take advantage of a wide variety of fun events this fall and winter. Choose from over 50 YMCA events.
Download Now >>
Free Workouts in
Washington Park
The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati continues the popular Saturday workouts in downtown's beautiful Washington Park. Join us every Saturday at
9 a.m., through October 26.
View Schedule >>
The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is launching an exciting new fitness program for children called Born to Move™. The free Born to Move™ classes, for ages 6-16, will begin in October 2014. Families are invited to participate in the program that utilizes energizing music, games, dance, magic, and the power of imagination to encourage kids to get active. Contact your nearest YMCA for
program dates and times.
Learn more about the program >>
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What's Happening
at Camp Ernst |
Ranch Days
October 5 and
November 2
Ages: 9-15
The perfect opportunity to brush up on your skills or a great introduction into the Ranch Camp program! Groups will rotate between arena riding, trail riding, and group training.
Kids Night Out
October 4-5
Ages: 6-15
Drop the kids off at
6 p.m. on Friday and pick them up on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. They'll get to have fun and make new friends!
Your camper will stay overnight in Camp Ernst's Lakeview Lodge with other children their age and camp counselors. The fun includes games, crafts, a campfire, hikes, and more. Dinner and breakfast are included.
Register Now >>
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Five Things to Know About the Flu and Flu Vaccine
The National Institutes of Health estimates the annual economic burden for the flu at $87 billion. That's right. Billion. Hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and millions of lost days of work. Not to mention the fact that the flu will knock you on your back and make you feel really crummy for one to two weeks. So, what are you doing to prep yourself and your family for the upcoming flu season?
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It's a great time of year to begin something new. Whether you are setting new family schedules to include homework time and afterschool pick-ups, trying a new fitness class, or listening to the little ones we have been reading to now begin to read to us for the first time, it is the start of school and the chance to renew healthy habits for all ages.
In over 100 schools throughout Greater Cincinnati, the Y partners with parents and teachers to offer balanced out-of-school programs that provide time to laugh, learn, and sweat, while still completing homework and exploring future careers under the guidance of quality staff who mentor each youth. The Y's early childhood and afterschool child care programs also provide parents with the place-of-mind that children are safe and thriving while parents work to support their families.
In this edition, check out the Y's new Outdoor Adventure Club, focused on giving teens the chance to explore nature and build their confidence outdoors. Be inspired by the grandmother who has learned to swim so she can enjoy and watch over her grandson's safety. The Y teaches adults of all ages to become safer and more comfortable in the water. Consider becoming a mentor. The Y's Reach and Rise Mentoring program can connect you with a young person who needs the support and guidance of a caring adult.
Confidence. Peace-of-mind. Safety. Giving Back. These are just a few of the ways you can try something new at the Y this fall. As the cooler temperatures approach, just remember, the Y is a great place to be and belong. At the Y, we join together to build a community of friends, provide support and enriching experiences for each child, and encourage adults of all ages so they can be their very best.
Speaking of the very best, we lost a dear Y leader and friend with the passing of George Edmiston last week. George was the President of the Northern Kentucky YMCA and then, after the merger of Northern Kentucky with Cincinnati, served as the President of the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati until his retirement. He was a man with a big presence and a huge heart. His legacy of leadership lives on in so many ways.
Together we can do so much more. Thanks for encouraging those around you to connect and thrive!
See you at the Y!
President & CEO Sandy Walker |
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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
Ignite a Passion for Nature
The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati is introducing a program this fall designed to encourage teens to explore the great outdoors. Since it was founded in 2013, over 4,000 young people have taken part in Outdoor Adventure Clubs programs. This school year, as part of the Y, the program is expanding to serve even more urban teens at 18 locations in Cincinnati Public and Northern Kentucky schools. "We're introducing urban teens to lifelong outdoor recreational activities that will help them live more active, healthy lives," said YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Outdoor Adventure Clubs Program Director Denny McFadden.
"I couldn't even ride a bike before I went on my first trip with the club," said Lonaee Ladson of Madisonville. "I learned how to ride and made an inseparable friend along the way."
"Each time I see an inner city kid gain the skills necessary to successfully kayak on a moving stream, hike or mountain bike a rugged trail, climb a 50-foot rock wall, pitch a tent, or ski and snowboard for the very first time I truly believe that we are sowing the seeds of confidence that will help propel these young individuals through high school, college, and beyond, leading to a more successful and fulfilling career, family, and community," said McFadden.
With an anticipated outreach to over 4,000 teens this school year, the popular program is expected to eventually expand to include suburban and rural neighborhoods across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. For more information about the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Outdoor Adventure Clubs, call (513) 362-YMCA or visit the website www.MyY.org.
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HEALTHY LIVING
Everyone Can Learn
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68-year-old Linda Martin from Finneytown is ready to make a big splash. "Earlier this year, my grandson in Colorado wanted me to get into the pool with him, and I had to tell him I couldn't. I didn't know how to swim," she said. "Since I made sure my children could swim, I figured it was time for me to learn too." In April 2014, she started swim lessons at the Powel Crosley, Jr. YMCA. "I thought my instructor was crazy when she told me to put my head underwater," said Linda. "She reassured me I would be fine...and I was." Linda can hardly wait for her grandson to come for a visit; she plans to hop into the pool and surprise him with her new ability to swim.
"Kids and grandkids are the primary reasons that adults are encouraged to learn to swim," said Gamble-Nippert YMCA Aquatic Director Ann Rice. "Many times, they have to overcome their fears. But, once they do and start floating and paddling around, it's great to see their confidence soar. Many adults in our YMCA classes become friends as a result of the bond that forms as they work together and encourage each other."
In YMCA swim lessons, participants learn and practice new swimming skills and feel a sense of achievement from mastering something new that they can enjoy the rest of their lives. The participants are more comfortable and secure around water, as they learn water safety and improve their swim skills. The YMCA of Greater Cincinnati offers child, adult and adaptive swim lessons, and competitive swim programs. For more information, call (513) 362-YMCA or visit the website www.MyY.org.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
This is What It's All About
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When you meet LonZell Hill, you immediately notice his physique, stature, and confidence. It's not hard to imagine him in his past career as a high performing four-year wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints (#87), later moving to Canadian football. While his college and professional career in football was amazing, Hill says his current team is what he hopes will be his biggest and best accomplishment to date...working with youth at the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati.
As interim director of the Y's Reach and Rise mentoring program, Hill works with children, adults and mentors to move young people from being at-risk to helping them thrive in school, at home, and in their community. "Hailey's dad was in prison and her mom had a drug problem," said Hill. "When she came to the Y, she was very shy and wouldn't speak, because she had a speech impediment. Today, through the loving guidance of a mentor, she is thriving and has come out of her shell."
Hill thoroughly enjoys his new career, and is grateful for the opportunity to give back to his community. "My parents always encouraged me to make a positive difference," he said. "Growing up, both of my parents did a lot to help our community, especially the kids in the neighborhood. My dad (who also played for the NFL) ran a free football camp and my mom (a teacher) was always feeding and taking care of neighborhood kids at our house. I don't think people realize the impact they have on kids, whether it's taking time to help them read, or to learn a new skill. I know. I am still in contact with some of the amazing adults who helped keep me on the right track, as I was growing up."
Hill said his career in football has helped him tackle numerous hurdles in life. "On the field, there were no barriers between races," said Hill. "We were all one family. We stuck together, win or lose. We encouraged each other that it's not over until the final seconds tick off the clock. Those are some of the motivational perspectives that I want to share with kids today. Never give up. I want these young people to know there are people here at the YMCA who care, who recognize they are worthy, and are willing to help them succeed in school and in life."
Hill is also an active volunteer with the Global Centers for Excellence and is a youth football an track coach.
For more information about the YMCA of Greater Cincinnati Reach and Rise Mentoring Program, email LonZell Hill or call (513) 246-3233.
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