Your Y Staff

  Mommie & Me

  Hello Everyone,

 As I sit down to write this month's ditty for the news letter I am excited about the opportunities that we have coming up for the YMCA membership. I want to highlight a few things here for you to pass on to your household, your neighbors, or anyone who may not be a member of your YMCA.

First off, when I speak about the YMCA I hope that you all realize that you are the YMCA. We as a group make up this great community organization called the Nishna Valley Family YMCA. We are a private not-for-profit membership organization and without each of you we would not exist. When there are many of us we become a strong force for youth,    family, and community support. Have you ever thought about what Atlantic would be like if this organization had not come to our community. What would your daily routine be like if the Atlantic Area Recreation Foundation would not have pressed on through the many hurdles in the way to get the new facility completed? What would the 125 plus kids be doing after school if they didn't come to the YMCA? When I talk about the YMCA, I am talking about you, me, us. We as a membership are the YMCA!

It's time to celebrate! The Jack and Jill Preschool turns 55 years old this year and we will be having a celebration on March 9^th. Please join us in the preschool room from 4 to 6 pm for refreshments and to celebrate the hundreds of kids who have begun their learning years at Jack and Jill.

We are also celebrating another milestone. 120 years ago the YMCA was first charted in Atlantic, Iowa. Yes, I did say 120 years ago. In 1890 the YMCA was first charted in Atlantic. The work that we do has changed over the years but the mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all, has not. What has been around in Atlantic for 120 years? Can you think of much? Not many organizations last that long. Yet here we are today stronger than ever. We are celebrating and giving presents to the community. We are looking for those who are not members yet so please forward this on to all your facebook and email buddies so that everyone can take advantage of it. We are playing off the 120 milestone. From March 7^th through March 13^th you can have a joiners fee of $1 (instead of $40); you can have your first months dues for $2 (instead of the monthly rate of up to $38); and with this kind of deal, you have 0 excuses for not joining your community YMCA! Get it?! 120.   Pass this information on to those who may not be members! Let's fill the place up! Spread the word!

On that note, we will be kicking off our 2010 Partnership With Youth Campaign on March 15^th. I'm sure that you have seen the signs around the Y for the campaign. This year's theme is "Flipp'n for the Y". This campaign raises funds for scholarships for youth and   families who may not otherwise be able to afford a YMCA membership. Last year your YMCA granted over 260 financially deserving families a reduced rate membership. No  one is ever turned away from the YMCA because they can't afford to pay the full rate.  This campaign insures those funds are available to provide this help to kids and families. As we proceed into this years campaign we are looking for each member to do their part. We hope that you  will consider making a gift to the campaign. Members supporting     members! We are excited that 82 of you have volunteered to help contact potential       donors. So when someone asks for a contribution please prayerfully consider a stretching donation to the families of our community. $8.33 added on to your monthly membership bank draft will give you a $100 donation at the end of the year. This is an easy way for everyone to make a difference without having to write a big check all at once. Please   consider it. Be a part of the solution! If you want to give now just pick up a flyer at the front desk.

In closing I just want to mention our annual dinner on March 23^rd. See the rest of the newsletter for more details. You are all invited for a free pancake supper to celebrate last years accomplishments and look forward to the new year! RSVP at the front desk.

Have a Great month!

Dan