Hello Y Nation,

I always enjoy the beginning of September as it means several things. It means the kids are heading back to school and getting into a routine which means the Y is getting set for the school year as well. It also means the Y has gone through some cleanup and maintenance. Fresh paint and floor refinishing always mean a fresh new outlook and start.

The wood floors are finished, the pool is painted, the crumbling concrete out front has been replaced, and the landscaping out front has a fresh new look. Behind the scenes the major pool mechanical systems have all been gone through, vacuuming of the rafters of the north gym, carpets are scheduled for cleaning and some for replacement, and this is on top of the general maintenance going on all year long. If you have a chance please let Allen and the janitorial staff  know how much you appreciate the way they keep the facility and equipment in great shape. If you have had a chance to visit other Y facilities you will quickly realize that our facility and equipment are top notch. We appreciate all that Allen and his staff do to keep it that way. We also are fortunate to have the mechanical systems installer who helped build the building reside right here in town. Camblin Mechanical was the contractor who put in the mechanical systems and they do the quarterly maintenance on those systems. We are fortunate to have them on speed dial and only minutes away in the rare case that something goes wrong. We also appreciate their quick responses to our calls no matter what the issue.

As this new season starts, so does a host of new programs. We hope that you will take advantage of the many youth and adult programming opportunities going on at your Y. The youth sports activities are gearing up as well as the kickoff of new fitness classes. If you are not in a group fitness class, you should really think of trying one out. Starting this month you can try the Saturday Sampler classes. All of our weekly group land classes are offered on a rotating basis on Saturday mornings so that you can try different ones and maybe even bring a friend. There is great motivation when you are in the room with 30 other people of all different shapes and sizes, all trying to better themselves. Come get pumped up by your fellow Y members and hold each other accountable to be there the next time. We all need a little help from our friends and when you give help and encouragement to someone else those benefits come back to lift you up as well. Be someone's encouragement today!

All of our childcare programs are in full swing as well. If you are looking for full or part time childcare you can enroll your child at the Ann W. Wickman Center operated by the Y at 703 Linn Street, or if you are looking for preschool education services you can check out the Jack and Jill Preschool operated by the Y right here in our main building. If you need before and/or after school care for your school age child we can do that right here at 1100 Maple as well in our TLC Program. It's not too late to sign up so give us a call at the front desk if your child needs some structured care by state certified programs.

In closing, we are excited about the new school year and look forward to "doing life" together with you. We are grateful for your membership and your participation and we are always open for your suggestions and comments to help improve your Y. You may see any of our staff, myself, or one of our volunteer board members. Their pictures and names are all listed on the wall in the main lobby and any of us would be happy to speak with you.

Sincerely,

Dan