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Longfellow Life
Our Monthly Newsletter
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A message from Laury Hammel, Longfellow President 
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 Dear Members,
We hope you enjoyed our first "Mandala Day" on Leap Day 2012, when we officially introduced the Longfellow Core Values that the management team and staff have been developing and refining for the past eight months. You can read more about this in the article below. Our next Mandala Day will be on March 29th when you can expect to have another opportunity to have some fun. Also, in another article we report on the exciting progress we've made to "Make Longfellow Sparkle". Literally every day we're making an improvement in how the club looks and feels. Many of you have come up to me and shared your happiness with our improvements, and have also offered suggestions that will enable us to "Make Longfellow Sparkle" even more brilliantly. We appreciate both the praise and the suggestions; please keep letting us know how you feel!
Caroline Donahue (Natick Assistant Manager/ Children's Program Director), Susan Hiit (Natick Assistant Manager/Sales Rep), Myke Farricker (Co-Owner/General Manager) and I just returned from Los Angeles where we participated in the International Health and Racquet Sports Association (IHRSA) Convention, which is the annual gathering of the international health club association. We're proud to say that Longfellow was a founding member of IHRSA, and this was my 31st consecutive IHRSA Convention. The Convention was incredibly inspiring, and we heard some spectacular keynote addresses, networked with many industry leaders, and learned so much! We learned a multitude of ways to "Wow our members with extraordinary customer service every day!"
The Longfellow staff is now getting geared up for another fantastic summer of camps and programs for young people of all ages. The Longfellow Camps have been running for forty years and kids love them! You can check with our web site (www.longfellowclubs.com) or at the front desk for all the information you need for helping the children in your life have a great summer at Longfellow! Sign up before April 1, 2012 and receive substantial savings.
After months of unseasonably warm weather, the days are getting longer, we've changed our clocks to Daylight Savings Time, and last Tuesday was the official first day of spring! Our daffodils are in full bloom about three weeks earlier than ever before. There is definitely more energy in the air, and we encourage you to use this energy to keep focused on your New Year's Resolutions and enjoy the wonderful benefits of consistent exercise and good health! Have fun!
Happy Spring!
Laury Hammel, President
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| A New Era for Longfellow! | |
Thanks to everyone who made our first "Mandala Day" such a great success! We officially presented these eight core values to the world on Leap Day, Wednesday, February 29. You can't have missed our new Mandala gracing the (freshly painted) walls of our clubs. This circular symbol is the combined effort of much deliberation and soul searching of  Longfellow's management team and staff, and the Mandala gives equal weight to each of the eight Longfellow Core Values listed thereon. We printed some amazing shirts with the Mandala on the back, and each of these eight different and amazing shirts further elaborates on each value, listing it's "Call to Action" on the front. We offered these shirts free on Wednesday to members who were willing to take part in the festivities that day, and will be selling these awesome shirts soon at a Longfellow near you. Below are just a few of the great things some of our members said on Wednesday about how Longfellow has emulated these values. Thanks for taking part!!!
 "My WOW experience is the feeling of community (family). It starts coming in when the front desk people greet us all by name - it's welcoming. The aquatics class is a group of caring and sharing folks - all the instructors know us and care for our well being. They're gifted this way. The community/family feeling is continued throughout the club. Some of the men's basketball guys work out upstairs or hang out in the hot tub. The same caring feeling is there. It's in Kinesis and in Sharyn's stretch class. Everyday there is a WOW experience at Longfellow. We watch our kids grow and we picnic around the pool. We support each other in health and illness and unfortunately at funerals. Longfellow's community involvement shines as well. Boy Scout Troop 1 in Cochituate plans a couple of swimming nights a year at both Natick and Wayland. It's a high point in their calendar of events. And Longfellow helps the military too. After an exercise class at Longfellow, and I have to go to work, I sparkle! An evening aquatics class under the stars also sparkles! Nothing like a swim on a hot summer night. I am grateful for the healthy knowledge I receive from the services of my community who help me sustain a sparkling and happy lifestyle - WOW!"
"I have a free membership at the Boston Sports Club where I teach, but I come here as it's a much better place in terms of all your core values."
"Just wanted to tell you that your staff goes above and beyond. Last summer one of the guests took my keys out of the key basket by mistake, but they didn't get returned until the next day. Meanwhile I was high and dry and stuck at the club without car keys - and I had to leave to pickup my husband from the train! Jude came to the rescue - she drove me in her car to my house so I could get my spare keys. She totally rescued me from a big problem. Thank you Jude!"
Come join us on our next Mandala Day this Thursday, March 29th!
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| Making Longfellow Sparkle! | |
We've been hard at work continuing the progress of making the clubs sparkle.
- The lobby, the front stairs, the women's locker room, the upstairs meeting room, the Living in Balance meeting room, and the corridor to the upstairs fitness room have all been repainted with vibrant new colors.
- New furniture for the front lobby and the office corridor has been ordered, and will be delivered in early April.
- The light at the top of the entrance driveway that would go on and off intermittently at night has been replaced, and we now have improved lighting at night in the parking lot.
Thank you for all of your understanding and cooperation as we continue to work throughout the club to make Longfellow sparkle!
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Longfellow on FaceBook!
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Do you like to be inspired and have your day uplifted!
Join the Longfellow Facebook Page and be inspired every Monday with a Quote of the week.
The Longfellow Facebook page continues to gain interest as more and more people "like" it. You can find us on Facebook under "The Longfellow Clubs - Wayland and Natick." "Liking" the Longfellow page means you'll have access to an excellent resource to support your health and fitness goals and give you a boost of inspiration.
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Exercise of the Month
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This is the first in our new series of exercises we'll be highlighting every month, all brought to you by the knowledgeable staff of our Fitness Department.
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Watch Sone Souvanna's Wood Chop Demo
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We've all heard the story (or been the one to tell it): Someone takes part in an activity or chore they don't normally do, and winds up earning an injury for their trouble. Whether it's shoveling snow, lifting furniture, wrestling with your kids, etc. - using muscles we don't normally pay attention to can get us into trouble.
Enter the WOOD CHOP! Here's a powerful and repetitive-motion movement that out in the back yard or woods can land you in bed recovering from a pull or strain or just plain soreness. We simulate the WOOD CHOP in the gym to engage these often neglected muscles and tissues, and the way they interact and work together (minus the cold and sharp axe.)
The result is a stronger and practically more resilient physique, one that will allow you to move through all the unexpected rigors and fun of life with far less likelihood of injury. Click on the picture and watch Longfellow's own Sone Souvanna show you how to execute the movement properly and safely. Then get to Longfellow today and get chopping!
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Little Longfellows - Vacation is coming! Vacation is coming!
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April School Vacation Program, April 17 - 20. Don't let your kids stay home all week! Let them enjoy themselves at Longfellow for a few days! We offer swimming, outside play, gym time, arts and crafts, and visitors such as Drumlin Farm! Sign up for one day or more! 9 am to 4 pm with extended day available.
 School Vacation Kidz Club
Don't need a full day but want to work out? School Vacation Kidz Club is open 9 am to 11:30 am so you can still take that exercise class!
Slam Dunk Basketball - Fit Kids - Kid's Yoga
Signup for our popular kids programs has begun! Sign up early as spaces fill fast. Slam Dunk Basketball starts March 27th. Fit Kids and Yoga start the week of April 23, 2012. Kids ages 5/6 and 7/8 years old.
Camp Longfellow
Pre-school Camp is almost full - don't wait any longer to sign up as we only have a few spaces left each week! Not sure if you want your kids to do Camp Longfellow? Call for more information and visit us to learn more! 508-653-4633 (x217) They will have a great time!
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Top Ten Reasons to Come to a Water Exercise Class
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 1. Your muscles need to recover from land workouts but you still want to stay active
2. You need to rest a nagging injury and still stave off frustration
3. Your body is asking for a change
4. You haven't been in a pool in 20 years
5. You want a great cardiovascular workout with a fabulous instructor
6. You want to get stronger and look toned
7. You want stronger abdominal muscles
8. You are training for a triathlon or a road race
9. You need classes that start early in the am or as late as 7pm
10. You want to meet some new friends and have fun
Check out our updated schedules for Natick and Wayland for a complete list of classes. Our schedule has a new look, designed by Children's Program Director in Natick, Caroline Donahue - THANK YOU CAROLINE!!!
If you have any questions, contact our Water Exercise Director Jane Polley at JPolley@Longfellowsportsclub.com.
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Nutrition
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 Jane Polley MS RD, LDN presented "Winning Nutrition For Teens" this month. The workshop focused on a positive relationship with food as a combination of healthy eating habits, food enjoyment, and relaxed meal times with family and friends. There is a direct connection among these factors and developing a healthy body image and maintaining a healthy weight.
This session provided education and strategies to guide teens in making winning food choices when they're at home, in school or "out on the town". Topics included blood sugar basics, after school snack ideas, and a "non-diet" approach to portion control and selective eating. These concepts will help teens want to make food choices they'll feel good about now and all their years to come.
"Winning Nutrition for Teens" was held at the Wayland Wellness Summit at Wayland High School on Sunday, March 18th from 1 pm - 4 pm. This 45 minute session was offered three times throughout the afternoon.
This event was sponsored by WaylandCares and Friends of Wayland Youth and Family Services.
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Heartbreakers!
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 Thanks so much to everyone who participated in last month's Heartbreaker! - the second in Longfellow's ongoing Adventure Race Series. And stay tuned, as everyone at Longfellow is already preparing and training for the Freedom Trail, an all outdoor event and the next race in this awesome series! Register now, and start training for this event, which will take place Saturday, May 5th and includes sessions with our personal trainers to get you ready for the big event. See you there!
 | | Longfellow Trainers in "The HeartBreaker! |
The following is what one participant had to say about "The HeartBreaker" event:
"Dan Salerno and his team of trainers did a great job setting up an indoor fitness challenge called "The Heartbreaker" It included running, pulling, jumping, pushing, throwing, and even math, something for everyone! Plus, each challenge was designed so that the participant can choose the level of difficultly appropriate for them. It was a great way to test your endurance or simply participate in something fun while raising money for local charities. These events continue to add motivation to my regular workouts plus it provides an opportunity to get to know more of the members. Thank you Dan, the trainers, and all the volunteers.
Sincerely,
Sharman O'Keefe"
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Aquatics News
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Our Spring Swim Session begins the week of March 26th. Registration is ongoing so if you have not registered already, add it to the list of things to do. We want to make sure you have a spot in the Spring session! The Spring session will be 7 weeks long, ending the week of May 14th, with no classes held school vacation week (April 16 - 20th).
 We have started our Drop-In Stroke Clinic on Wednesday's at 11AM. Mary teaches this half hour class. Come swim with us, getting tips on how to improve your stroke, work on new ones and improve your performance. This drop-in class is free to members!
Aquatics Director Robin Carroll is planning to run a Water Safety Instructor Crash Course during school vacation week in April. Classes will be 9 am to 3 pm Monday through Friday for that week. Participants need to be 16 years of age or older, have a basic knowledge of strokes and be able to attend all class sessions. If a participant completes the class successfully, they will be certified to teach American Red Cross Learn to Swim programs. The cost of the class is $350 for members.
See you in the pool!
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Group Exercise News
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A Spin For Hope Success!
Longfellow hosted a Spin For Hope benefit on Sunday March 4th from 7:30-10:30 am. This event helped raise money for the American Cancer Society, and was orchestrated by Longfellow's own Group Exercise director Lisa Wilkins. The club's spin instructors Judy Oxford, Ann Marie Bianco, and Galit Reuveni led 87 members through three hours of challenging rides! Thank you to all the members who made this a great event. Longfellow is proud of our members' efforts which raised $3,000 for the American Cancer Society!
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Tennis
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Singles Flex Leagues
Both Wayland and Natick hold a combined adult men and women's singles flex tennis league three sessions a year. The winter session is just starting and will be followed by the spring league. Congratulations are in order for the winners of the fall session! They are:
- Daytime Women's: Kathleen McVicar, Mary Beth Gordon, Erika Pond, Tracy Reed & Lauren Barbaresi.
- Evening/Weekend Women's: Janet Pearl, Svetlana Jorstad, Katie Kubie.
- Men's: Kevin Lew, Michael Friedman, Tony Liang, Craig Forman, Mark Seliber, Ken Chasin, Ravi Chandra.
National Tournament Play
Two of the DBH League women players recently expanded their tennis playing experience & horizons by playing in their first National Category II tournament held at the Ballen Isles Country Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
 Pictured right are: Gail Warden (left) & Sally Kellogg. Both Gail and Sally play on the Racquet Club's Division I DBH Team, which is the highest level team in the Dorothy Bruno Indoor Tennis League around Boston. Sally & Gail have been members of the Racquet Club for many years, as well as having captained and played on the Racquet Club's 4.5 USTA League Team.
Both said they loved the experience of playing and meeting women from all over the United States and are looking forward to competing many more times in national tournaments. Good luck to both of you!
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Birthday Parties
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From swimming to sports, arts to dance, we have something for every age. Our staff takes care of everything, from activities to paper goods.  Longfellow Sports Club offers an amazing party environment.
Longfellow has an experienced team that will set up, clean up, and help serve refreshments - just bring your birthday child and kids ready to party and play, and we'll do the rest! To reserve a party or get more information, call Lisa Furdon at Longfellow, 508-653-4633.
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Massage at Rebound Physical Therapy
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 Rebound has recently expanded its services and facility to better meet
the needs of our clients. We believe in getting to the whole root of a problem, enabling you to bring out the best in yourself. Though originally established as a physical therapy practice, we know that feeling better is not just about joint health, diet, and exercise. Your well-being involves the whole package. That is why we have added this special team of Massage Therapists to our group in Natick.
Differing from businesses that offer a 'ready-to-order' menu of therapeutic styles, at Rebound we know that  your needs can vary   from day to day. We recommend your therapy involves having an ongoing consultation with your therapist to determine the optimal mix of techniques and therapeutic approaches needed to best address your unique situation and symptoms. Our therapists have extensive experience and certifications in a vast variety of advanced massage techniques. These toolboxes enable each of them to always be ready to provide the optimal response to your body's needs.
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 Add a Free Month or Two
(or more)
to your Membership! |
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Did you know, if you refer a friend to join our club for an annual membership, you get a free additional month on your membership. The more you refer, the more months you get FREE. Your friend just has to mention your name when they join. |
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Save $20 on
ANY Birthday Party!
Have your child's Birthday Party at the Longfellow Sports Club!
Dance, Yoga, Munchkin, Arts and Crafts, Sports or Pool Parties!
Call Lisa @ 508 653 4633 for more details.
Coupon Expires 12/31/2011
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The Longfellow Purpose, Mission Statement, and Core Values
|  The Longfellow Purpose:
- To build a world where everyone's basic needs are met, and people experience love, happiness, and satisfaction.
- To create a model organization, through the development of successful health and recreation businesses, that works toward the fulfillment of our global vision.
The Longfellow Mission Statement:
The Longfellow Clubs are a locally owned and independent business committed to the health and well being of our community, and provide extraordinary fitness, recreational, and educational programs for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
We honor all Longfellow stakeholders and appreciate all they do to make us the vibrant community we are. All management decisions consider the needs of Longfellow stakeholders and it is our intention to:
- Love and care for our customer and to create a caring and compassionate culture that is committed to providing the highest level of customer service by exceeding expectations and saying yes if we can.
- Support every staff member in reaching their full potential as human beings - physically, mentally, and spiritually. We engage them in the management process and make every effort to pay a living wage with fair benefits to all staff members.
- Preserve our environment, minimize our carbon footprint, and join with others in our community to build a sustainable and just world.
- Work closely with individuals and nonprofit organizations to promote healthy, sustainable, and inclusive communities.
- Support the locally owned and independent business partners in our community and in our industry so that they can be financially successful and outstanding community citizens.
- Manage a profitable business that is a leader in our industry and provides a fair return to the owners and investors.
The Longfellow Core Values Mandala
We work to support the Longfellow Purpose and Mission Statement, embody the Longfellow Core Values, and lead by example as we: - Wow our members every day with extraordinary Customer Service
- Foster a caring and inclusive Longfellow Community and treat others with Respect and Dignity
- Create experiences that result in life-long Health and Transformation
- Contribute to our Community and our environment
- Express Appreciation with affirming words and deeds
- Make Longfellow Sparkle
- Share what we Know and Seek to learn more
- Deliver Happiness and have fun doing it
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