YMCA Times April Newsletter

Mentors Make a Difference
The YMCA's Mentoring and Academic Enrichment Program for second and third graders took their monthly field trip to the Kilmarnock Animal Hospital last month. Dr. Joyce Cunningham gave a thorough and fun behind the scenes tour of the facility.

The eleven children and six adults meet weekly on Wednesdays, from 3:30-5:15, to work on homework, crafts, and reading comprehension skills. April's field trip is a visit to the Mayfair House in Kilmarnock.

If you are able to commit the time once a week to help a child build a stronger future, please contact Donna McGrath at 435-0223, or dmcgrath@peninsulaymca.org.

Heart to Heart Luncheon

Swank's on Main recently served as the venue for the "Heart-to-Heart Luncheon," a valentine-making gathering hosted by Eska Beckstoffer and Swanks' owners, John and Wilma Tripodi. The event raised almost $3,000 for the Guardian Program.

Lavishly created decorations by Elizabeth Miller, with the help of Marguerite Slaughter and Ann Meekins, adorned both the exterior and interior of the restaurant. The event attracted more than 40 ladies armed with scissors, glue and paper lace doilies as Miller led them in the valentine-making session.

Beckstoffer has been a key fundraising volunteer for the Y for over four years as Event Chair of the Ball in the Halls, and this year has expanded her role to lead and facilitate other fundraising events and campaigns. "In these struggling economic times, the Y's need to raise funds continues to grow. By asking supporters to host these smaller events, we hope to involve more of our community and to educate those who don't understand that the Y is not just a health club but a cornerstone of our community," said Beckstoffer.

Amy Groh of Specials donated a beautiful white and silver enameled bangle bracelet as a door prize, and Susan Brown was the lucky winner. Many other volunteers, including Susan & Bob Wayland, Mary "Mac" Council, Peggy Estes, Sue Broadway, and Caroline Shifflett, participated in the event by donating their time, helping with invitations, food preparation, serving, and recruitment.

For more information on how you can become involved in upcoming events, please e-mail Susan Johnson at sjohnson@peninsulaymca.org.

Coffee House Steaming HOT!

A steaming mix of live music was served last month at the Northern Neck Y's "Coffee House." This sold-out event, which took place at the Lancaster Players Playhouse, featured an eclectic group of local musicians and raised $1500 for the Guardian Program.

Musicians included "Trees Walking," (Jim Wright, Jessica Crabill, Linda Soukup and Mike Ahart), Dave Bresett, "New Resolution" pictured above, (Bill DuVall, Bucky Beauchamp and Scarlet Taylor), Celeste and Mark Gates, Jerry Brockman, Dave Hershiser, and Wes Charlton.

The event was organized by volunteers Ben Estes and Dave Bresett, who were also MC's that evening.

"I couldn't believe the range of talent! I love how this event brings local musicians of all backgrounds together while doing so much for the families and children in our area," said volunteer, Peggy Estes.

Wes Charlton, who gave 10% of his CD sales that evening to the Guardian Program, told the audience, "Most people on the Guardian Program aren't here tonight because they can't afford the $15.00 ticket price. You're helping send kids to camp, providing after school care and all the other things the Y does in this community."

For more information on the next Coffee House, contact Susan Johnson at sjohnson@peninsulaymca.org.

WIN ONE OF THREE FABULOUS VACATIONS!

Would you like to take a chance on a fabulous vacation AND help disadvantaged children in our area? The winner of the YMCA's vacation drawing will have a choice of three amazing vacation packages:
Carnival

Hawaii! 4 nights at the Westin Maui or Westin Waikiki for two, including airfare.
Cruise! Cruise for two to Alaska or the Caribbean for a week on Carnival ships, including airfare.
Orlando! Take the kids or grandkids to Orlando to the Nickelodeon Family Suites for 4 nights, including breakfast and airfare for four.

The tickets are only $20! How about cruising to Alaska for $20? Whether your ticket is chosen or not, you will be a winner in supporting children and families who need assistance in our community to participate in Y activities. ALL the profit from the drawing will go to the Northern Neck Y's Guardian Program.

Please give yourself a chance to win a great trip, and give local children and families a chance of a better life! Now more than ever in these economically difficult times, we need your help. The drawing will be held on August 1, 2009. Winners will have a year to redeem their trip.

For more information, e-mail Susan Johnson at sjohnson@peninsulaymca.org.

Save the Date!

Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 5:30pm join us for our annual Northern Neck Family YMCA fundraiser. "Jammin' in the Gym," Sundress & Sandals ~ Guys No Ties.

The party of the year! Sip summer drinks, dine at our delectable dinner buffet, bid on 10 fabulous live auction items, and then kick off those sandals as you dance the night away to the 11-piece show and dance band, KOS.

All proceeds benefit the Northern Neck Family YMCA Guardian Program.

Lifeguard Course

Red Cross Lifeguard Certification Course is scheduled for May. Cost is $120 Members/$140 Non-Members. Classes are scheduled for May 8-10 and 15-17, Fridays 5-8pm, Saturdays & Sundays 8am-4pm at both YMCA pools, the Lively Outdoor and Kilmarnock Indoor. Participants must be 16 years of age or older and able to swim 300 yards without stopping. Register in person at the YMCA or online by visiting our website. Hurry! Registration ends May 7.

YMCA Mission: To put Christian principles into practice
through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.