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 MARATHON EVE ROUND-UP
KidsK and Pasta Feed precede the Mankato Marathon
The Y is proud to sponsor The Mankato Family YMCA KidsK, taking place Oct. 21 -- the night before the big Marathon itself.
This exciting event for kids starts at 4:40 p.m. at Sibley Park. There's a limit of 300 participants and kids can register here. As with all youth sports at the Y, the idea with this race isn't competition, it's getting the kids' bodies and spirits up and running for a great time. No times will be recorded, but there will be a timer at the end of the run.
The packet pickup for all KidK runners will be from 3:30 to 4:30 at Sibley Park, with all runners expected at the race site at 4:30.
That afternoon and evening, the Mankato Marathon Pasta Feed will get underway. This year's pasta feed will be focused on the downtown area with participation from Pub 500, Number 4, Loose Moose and Olive's.
Chefs at each location will be serving up a special pasta dish (or dishes) just for the occasion. Tickets are $12, can be used at any of the four restaurants and are for sale at the Y.
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Shoes off, parents up, lifeguards closer .... what's going on with the pools at the Y?
A number of changes have been implemented in the pool area for safety's sake, changes that affect lifeguards, swimmers and parents of swim students. The Y's new Aquatics Director, Jenni Robb, said the changes help with safety concerns from lifeguard visibility to sanitation.
Most drastic, perhaps, is how parents are advised to watch the classes from either the lobby or snack area observation decks rather than from poolside. Other changes include lifeguard positioning and shoes on the deck.
Having parents watch from outside the pool area instead of poolside clears valuable space in the case of emergencies, Robb says.
"We have three guards on duty during lessons and they really need a clear path to the participants if something should ever happen in our pool area during that time," Robb says. Both the front lobby and snack room have large observation decks to the pool. And Robb adds that parents are welcome in the pool area on the first and final days of each swim session.
Speaking of poolside, everyone will be asked to go barefoot if they're in the pool area. "(Shoes) carry harmful bacteria and other germs that can be harmful to the people using the aquatic facilities," Robb says.
Swimmers will also notice that the lifeguards are stationed closer to the pools for a better view of the bottom. Robb says the Y will eventually have elevated stands in the lap pool for an even better view. And don't take it personally if the lifeguard on duty doesn't seem interested in chatting -- it's for safety reasons. "They are not ignoring you, I promise," Robb says. "They are instructed to concentrate on scanning their area of responsibility so that they are ready in case they need to react to an emergency."
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Author series kicks off at Silver Sneakers gathering
 Mary Huntley (left) and Judy Appel were the inaugural guests for a Silver Sneakers series of author talks that will bring memoir and non-fiction writers to the monthly Friday morning gatherings.
The co-authors of "The Amazing Attributes of Aging: Silly and Sacred Stories of Blue Garter Friends" shared their stories -- as well as their scrapbooks -- covering the friendship of 36 women from the Mankato High School Class of 1958.
Huntley will return to the club on Oct. 28 to discuss another book with another collaborator. Huntley and Edna Thayer will share their work "A Mirthful Spirit: Embracing Laughter for Wellness." Their talk will be at 10 a.m. in the Pepsi Cube.
The book not only encourages using laughter and humor to help stay healthy, but offers tips how to keep the humor going through life.
Wellness Director Joy Leafblad says she'll continue to bring in area writers with stories to share that are of interest to the Silver Sneakers crew.
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Skateboard Park Open House honors Betty Chesley
The upcoming skating contest showing off the new and improved skate park equipment is named after the woman who made it all possible.
Longtime Y supporter Betty Chesley passed away Sept. 1, yet she left behind a legacy of healthy youth by virtue of her annual gifts to maintain and improve the Chesley Roller Sports Park on Jaycee Court near Minnesota State University, Mankato.
To honor the warm heart and generosity that has kept the park going for years, the Betty Chesley Memorial Contest will take place with events at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9.
The park will also host an open house from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9. For questions, call the Skate Park at 387-8222.
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Shoe program expands to include younger kids
Once again, the Mankato Family YMCA and the Mankato School District are teaming up to collect gently used running shoes at the Y and give them to district students.
Runners are encouraged to bring in their used shoes to the Life Center drop-off point throughout October and early November. These shoes help financially struggling families provide shoes kids need for school.
This year, we're also asking that anyone with used children's shoes bring them to the drop-off site as well.
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Erin Hatlestad to head corporate wellness
Y fitness instructor Erin Hatlestad is the new Worksite Wellness coordinator for the Y.
Hatlestad will be leading efforts at connecting with area businesses to promote our classes and seminars designed specifically for the workplace. She brings to her position not only two years of cycling, Pilates and strength training at the Y, but seven years of experience in the business world as a marketing strategist and financial developer. "My philosophy is with a little guidance, anyone can find a workout approach that works for them," Hatlestad says. To learn more about the Worksite Wellness program, call 387-8255. |
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News & notes
The Mankato Symphony Orchestra opens a new season of concerts for families Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Y. "Bach's Lunch" will feature characters including Bach going about their work and their dilemmas, all to the delight of kids being introduced to classical music. Tickets to the concert, which takes place in the aerobics studio, are available at the Mankato Symphony Orchestra or the Twin River Council for the Arts....Sign up now for the Nov. 12 Women's Retreat at the Y. It's a day of dance fitness, yoga, Pilates, pampering and more and pampering. Details will be in the November newsletter, but we do have Chris Schull signed on as the keynote speaker...Halloween at the Y takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28 at the Y. Games, crafts, relay races, family aerobics and more. Be sure to wear costumes...Sign up anytime for the self-paced Passport To Wellness program. You'll work out and make your way to various worldly stops along the way, filling up your passport and ultimately This motivating "tour" is $5 for members and runs through Nov. 5. Sign up at the Life Center.
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