| Oct. 2008 |
Vol. 1, Issue 7 |
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| Greetings! |
| Thank you for your interest in the YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo. We would like as many people as possible to be aware of the opportunities we offer for people to belong and to reach for their personal goals. Please use the forward feature at the end of this e-mail to send it to family and friends who you think may like to know more about the YMCA.
Thanks! |
| Last chance for YMCA Peace Medallion nominations |
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The YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo each seek nominations of individuals and groups who are making a difference in our schools, neighbourhoods, workplaces, and communities or across the world. Nominations are being accepted in three categories:
- Strong Kid: This category recognizes young people under 19 years old who are acting today to change our world rather than waiting to be a leader of tomorrow.
- Strong Role Model: An adult (19 years +) who inspires others-especially kids-by demonstrating how we can all be socially responsible.
- Strong Community: A group can make a difference by thinking globally or acting locally. It could be a Waterloo Region based group or a local branch of a national or international organization.
Nominations close October 20. Full details and an online nomination form are available at: ymcacambridge.com or kwymca.org . Nomination forms are also available at all YMCA locations.
YMCA World Peace Week Activities:
Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA Peace Medallion Gala
Thursday, November 20, 2008, 7 - 8 p.m.
Kitchener City Hall - Rotunda
Featuring a performance by Robyn Dell'Unto
YMCA of Cambridge
Citizenship Court & Peace Medallion Ceremony
Friday, November 21, 2008, 1 - 2 p.m.
Cambridge City Hall
Kitchener-Waterloo Citizenship Court
Monday, November 17, 2008, 2 - 3 p.m.
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA - Studio
Youth Engagement Evening
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Multi-faith Gathering
Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 7 - 9 p.m.
Islamic Centre of Cambridge | |
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| My YMCA Story: Laszlo Hegedus - Challenging goal achieved with support |
In September our print newsletter, YMCA Stories, featured several interesting stories about people and programs at our YMCAs. Two of them focussed on the relationships that people have built at the Family YMCAs and as a result made an impact upon people's lives.
In November 2005, Laszlo Hegedus started coming to the Chaplin Family YMCA. He weighed 432 pounds-which on anyone's frame is unhealthy. His weight was causing him a great deal of problems- even walking was an issue. He began by doing physiotherapy in the pool. This was helpful because the pool provided an atmosphere of almost no impact, which would save Laszlo's already strained joints from more damage caused from the exercises and his weight.
Read the rest of Laszlo's story |
| Give generously to your local United Way |
The YMCA is a member of the United Way in both Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo. We are extremely grateful for the support that we receive because it helps us to ensure more people can enjoy the benefits of YMCA programs and services.
We encourage you to give to your local United Way. Just click on the links above. |
| Jingle Bell Run - November 23 |
 
In support of the
YMCA Strong Kids Campaign
November 23, 2008
2.5 K Fun Walk/Run - 10 a.m. 5K Run - 10:40 a.m.
 Costume competition! Lots of prizes and refreshments! Fun for the entire family!
Free "Wicking" T-shirt for the first 350 participants
To learn more, call: 519-623-YMCA (9622)
Sponsored in part by:
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| How you can build strong kids with family support |
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Family life provides high levels of love and support. Try this:
- Use and expect courtesy and respect for family members in public and at home.
- Start family traditions and rituals such as family service, game nights, seasonal outings or family meetings.
- Prepare and eat a meal together weekly as a family.
- Find lots of ways to show your family members that you love them: leave notes where they will find them, do a chore that isn't your responsibility, give hugs, be kind to one another.
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| Sprains and Strains |
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by Dave Patterson, BSc (Kin), MTS
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA Volunteer
If you lead an active lifestyle, you may at some point sustain a minor injury. Being sidelined can be painful, frustrating and depressing. But don't give up! Follow a few simple guidelines so you can bounce back quickly and confidently.
1. Diagnosis. A sprain is a pull or tear of a ligament; a strain is damage to a muscle or its tendon. Whenever soft tissue is pulled, it's a good idea to consult your doctor to confirm the type and severity of injury.
2. Treatment. Basic First Aid teaches R.I.C.E. which stands for: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation. Most important is ice: when applied immediately after tissue damage, it can literally cut healing time in half.
3. Rehab. Even simple sprains, once healed, need proper stretching and progressive strengthening activities. These aid in the healing process and actually protect against the possibility of re-injury.
4. Think long-term. Taking the time to treat an issue well will ensure optimal healing and enable you to participate or compete in the long run.
Remember: stay fit for life! To learn more:
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| Collaboration Update: Host English Conversation Circles expand into Cambridge |
The YMCA Host Program, operated by the KW YMCA, has seen a dramatic growth in its number of Conversation Circles over the last year. Recently after meeting with representatives of libraries and community centers to find new ways to support newcomers to Canada who were learning English, three new circles were added in Kitchener-Waterloo to the four existing ones. And now the circles have expanded into Cambridge.
It started with Ann and Ormond Bowman who loved meeting people from countries around the world. Shortly after being matched in the YMCA Host Program in 2006 the two began running an "unofficial" Conversation Circle for a group of newcomers with the help of several friends from Cedar Creek Community Church. The group always went beyond conversation by including canoe trips and mall walks, along with several holiday and birthday celebrations, helping newcomers to feel welcome.
The YMCA Host Program supported their efforts by helping them to promote their circles. When the time came for Ann and Ormond to begin looking for a new location, it was a natural step for the church group and the Host Program to meet to establish a formal partnership-especially since the Host Program service area had recently expanded to include Cambridge and the KW YMCA was collaborating with the YMCA of Cambridge.
With a partnership with the Cedar Creek Community Church and a similar approach to expansion as in Kitchener-Waterloo, three Conversation Circles have been established in Cambridge. The partners first approached the Cambridge Public Library. They were very interested in the idea and the three groups signed an agreement to begin a circle. It has only been a few weeks but already 13 newcomers to Canada are attending with more registered. Staff at the library has been extremely helpful. This program includes programming for childcare and homework assistance. Pre-registration is not required. It is run with the help of 18 volunteers. Representatives from Greenway-Chaplin Community Centre and the Alison Neighbourhood Community Centre also expressed an interest in hosting a Conversation Circle, and these will be run in the future. If successful it is likely that additional similar services will be offered throughout Cambridge with the help of the YMCA Host Program and more dedicated volunteers. More information on collaboration is posted on both the YMCA of Cambridge and Kitchener-Waterloo YMCA websites. |
| Upcoming events and notes on past events |
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The Chaplin Family YMCA presents a Wellness Health Fair on October 20 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and 4 - 8 p.m.. Many local health organizations are participating. To learn more, call 519-621-3250 ext. 278.
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Teens may want to check out the Z beside the Y's Part II of Battle of the Bands, Saturday, Sept. 18, 6 - 11. Cost is $7 or $5 with a non perishable food item.
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The YMCA Ontario Early Years Centre is running an early literacy program at A.R. Kaufman Public School from Oct. 31 - Dec. 19 from 9:30 - 11 a.m. Registration is required. Call 519-741-8585.
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November 6 is the official opening ceremonies at J.W. Gerth Public School--which is also the site of one our two new YMCA Child Care centres.
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The YMCA Outdoor Centre offers Family Weekends and Reunions. To inquire about availability for your family weekend or reunion please contact our Outdoor Services office Monday - Friday between 9 - 5 p.m. at 519-699-5100 or e-mail us at camp@kwymca.org with "family weekend" in the subject line.
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The YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo |
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