School-Based Mentoring kicks off, Shape-Up Challenge coming, Women's Retreat and more

AWAY WE GO!

The Y LAUNCHES ITS CAPITAL CAMPAIGN WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM SOME BIG-HEARTED FRIENDS

The Jan. 20 launch of Growing Up: The 2012 Capital Campaign drew a couple of hundred friends of the Y to celebrate our expanding future and improved service to members.

Taylor Corp. CEO and Timberwolves owner (and former Y board president) Glen Taylor spoke on what the Y meant to him in raising his children.

He expressed confidence that the ambitious $3 million remodeling project would become reality because of the role the Y has played for so many in the area.

For more on the remodeling, including architectural renderings, visit the campaign's web page here.

For more on the Jan. 20 celebration, visit the blog Word Around the Y.

Bring the Family: Feb. 25 indoor triathlon includes a kids version

The Y is adding a younger twist to the annual indoor triathlon, taking place at 9 a.m. Feb. 25.

New this year is the Kid's Triathlon Fun, a program giving kids their own version of the indoor tri. They can swim laps or take on an obstacle course for the swimming component; ride their own bikes or the Y's cycle bikes for the biking portion; and run on the indoor track.

Each participant will receive a medal and goggles if registered by Feb. 12.

The indoor tri for adults takes place the same day. The goals are swimming for 15 minutes, biking for 20 (using the indoor cycles) and running for 20 minutes. T-shirts are guaranteed for participants who register by Feb. 12.

School-Based Mentoring officially launches with a celebration Feb. 8

Everyone is welcome to join members of the YMCA, the Mankato School District and area volunteers at the official launch of the Y's School-Based Mentoring program noon Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Franklin Elementary School.

School-Based Mentoring pairs individual students with adult volunteers who then meet for an hour a week - usually at school during lunch - to visit, share experiences and learn about each other. It's a program designed to

give kids one more positive influence in their lives. The program was recently featured in the Feb. 1 Mankato Free Press.

In Mankato, the program has been taking place at four schools with volunteers from five businesses as well as individuals from the Mankato area. The program now has 90 pairings and will expand to other schools as more businesses and individuals participate. The Y oversees the program in collaboration with the school district and the United Way.

The event at Franklin, which served as the pilot school for the program, will include lunch and brief presentations by members of the Y staff. It is free and open to the public.

Interested in being a mentor? Contact coordinator Cheryl Hamond or call 345-9815.

Notes in brief...

Volunteers are needed from 7:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Saturday, March 17 for the St. Patrick's Day 5K run/walk at the Y. We're looking for help in registration, refreshments and route safety. Contact Joy at 345-9813 ... Last call for getting your team in the Under-35 basketball league. Monday night games begin Feb. 20 and run through May 21. Click here for more information and a registration sheet ... Thursday night adult dodgeball begins Feb. 23 and registration ends Feb. 10. Form a team now, with a maximum of 10. Download a form and more information here ... February 22 is the registration deadline for the 38th Annual City Racquetball Tournament at the Y ... Spring youth sports are around the corner, with Feb. 10 the deadline for indoor soccer. Check our web page for registration information on all upcoming youth sports.

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S
HAPE UP CHALLENGE SHAPING UP

The Mankato Family YMCA's Shape Up Challenge turns 30 this year. That's 30 years of encouraging groups all over the Mankato area to combine personal fitness with good old-fashioned team competition.

Now is the time for businesses and organizations to start rallying to get a team together. The competition begins April 25 and runs four weeks. The more individuals workout, the better their team does in the standings.

Registration forms and instructions on forming teams are available here (in two pages.) For more information contact Joy Leafblad at 345-9813.

New vending machine keeps the 'good' in goodies.

Be sure to check out the new snack machine in the food court overlooking the lap pool. We've added a refrigerated vending machine with Clif Bars, Pirate's Booty, Silk and other products well-known to health-conscious snackers.

Now they'll hopefully be known to -- and tried by -- the members of the Y who get those mid-day cravings for something sweet and/or carb-y.

Gustie volleyball coach Kelly Sandstrom to address 2012 Women's Retreat

Kelly Sandstrom

It's a day of relaxation and enjoying sessions of yoga, pilates, massage as well as hand and foot treatments from Daisy Blue Naturals.

Guest speaker Kelly Sandstrom will give a talk titled "Women and Body Image: Be Your Own Role Model."

Sandstrom is assistant volleyball coach at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter. She is a 2010 graduate of Minnesota State University, Mankato and was a star volleyball player at the university from 2006-2009.

Cost is $25 for members, $50 for non-members. Register at the YMCA front desk or call 387-8255.