Hello Nishna Valley,
I hope the fall weather has found you well and enjoying the sports of the season, cool nights with the windows open, and all the fun that goes with this time of year. Leslie and I always enjoyed the pumpkin patch with the kids and the fun of those days. It's a little tougher to get them to go these days as teenagers and young adults, but I would highly suggest this activity if you have little ones. Great times and great picture moments!
In the news this month I would like to draw your attention to the Governor's Healthiest State Initiative. "This Healthiest State Initiative will assist Iowans in learning about and applying proven methods to live longer, happier, and healthier lives," Branstad said. "We control more than 70 percent of the factors that influence our health. It is within our power to make a positive difference in our lives." The governors initiative will kick off with a "Start Somewhere" 1k walk on Friday October 7th at noon. Community members are encouraged to meet at Hy-Vee and walk to the Trojan Bowl to join the Atlantic School District student body. A short program will be held, and community walkers have the option of being bussed back to Hy-Vee. This walk and future activities will be coordinated through the Healthy Cass County Coalition made up of many organizations in our community, including the YMCA. We hope that you will join the governor, our coalition, and the YMCA in promoting and helping move our community and Iowa to be the healthiest state.
The Healthy Cass County Coalition is also urging residents to log onto http://www.bluezonesproject.com/citizens/signup to pledge their commitment to a healthier lifestyle. Iowa is preparing to choose ten communities for focused resources and the pledges will help Iowa decide which communities are ready for a healthier lifestyle. So please go to the above web site and pledge your support for your community to be picked as a "Blue Zone". Do it now. If you don't have access to the internet, we would be happy to help you here at the Y or you can visit the library and use their computers to sign up.
Our membership committee has come up with a new and fun membership benefit for you. Be on the lookout for a postcard with the title "Pick-a-Perk". As a Y member you get a choice of one of several different perks, from free guest passes to discounts off party rentals. Be watching for the post card and take advantage of yours today. You must redeem your perk by October 31st.
There are a couple of great opportunities for you to become involved in at your Y. We are looking for volunteers to help out at our Halloween Bash on October 29th from 2-4pm. It will be a great family fun event but we will need some volunteer help to pull it off. If you can help, be sure to give Michelle a call at 243-3934 and let her know you would like to help.
We are also looking for help to man the concession stand at the October 14th football game at the Trojan Bowl. We need helpers starting at 4:30pm and some at 6:00pm to work through the end of the game. We will have some Y staff and board members, and we would love to have a few of you help us as well. If you can help, again, call Michelle at the Y and she will give you the details. We appreciate your willingness to invest in your Y and your community. After all "the Y is not a club, we're a community" and we want everyone to be a part.
Until next time,
Dan
