Happy November to all of you,
Again, another November rolls around and I turn my thoughts to how thankful I am for the blessings God has granted us over the past year. When I say us, I am referring to me, my family, our communities, the YMCA, and our country. Many times we get so involved in the day-to-day, the next project, the next event, the next whatever, (you fill in the blank), that we forget how much we are truly blessed. Sometimes it takes getting out of our "normal" in order for us to realize our blessings. When we lose something, we realize how much we took it for granted.
Over the last couple of months I have had the opportunity to be in several different communities for Y functions. Again, I find myself coming home and realizing how truly blessed I am, we are. I am thankful for the small-town feel of our Y. I appreciate the warmth that comes from
knowing the faces or names of everyone walking through our doors. I like seeing kids light up out in public when they see their teacher away from the school building. Or talking with senior citizens who tell me how wonderful they feel now that they are attending one of the Y's many exercise classes. Thousands of people are being touched in so many ways, and each of them has a Y story to tell. I am thankful for each of you. This Y is only as good as its members and I thank you for being a part and caring to take part, to be involved, to be a member, to volunteer, to donate, to trust, to sign up. For all these things I want to say thank you and I thank God for each of you and what you do to make our Y everything it is today. Your participation is the life-blood of your Y.
A big thank you to all of you who participated in the Governor's "Start Somewhere" walk. 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.
Do you know someone who is not a member of your Y? You need to let anyone who is not a member know about our "2011" membership special. Tell your neighbors, friends, relatives,
co-workers etc. The board has authorized 20 days of savings to celebrate my 20 years of
employment with the Nishna Valley Family YMCA. November 1-20 we will be running our "2011" special....
$ 2 joiners fee
0 excuses
$ 1 first month dues
1 free YMCA workout towel
Already a member? Stop by the Y on Monday, November 7th and help me celebrate with snack all day long.
In other news the Y Board has authorized the position(s) of a "Wellness Coach" for the fitness floor. Our goal is to have this new employee or two be present on the fitness floor to help our members and guests with any questions or assistance they may need while working out. The current plan is to have this person available to you Mon-Thurs from 3 to 8 pm. This position has just been approved. If you know someone who has a good knowledge of exercise, fitness,
nutrition, and is great with people, please have them give me a call. This is a great part time
opportunity for the right person.
Lastly, as we start to look at the close of the year we want to remind you of the opportunity you have to give to our Partnership with Youth Campaign. Or you can make an end of the year gift to a specific Y project or a tax saving donation to the YMCA Reserve Fund. Tax saving
opportunities are available to you for making a qualifying gift to the YMCA. If you have any questions you may certainly contact me, your financial planner, or tax specialist. The YMCA has many programs or projects that fit anyone's philanthropic interests.
Have a wonderfully thankful November!
Dan
