| April 2009 |
Vol. 2, Issue 3 |
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| Greetings! |
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Camping season is fast approaching. If you'd like to send your child to a day camp or overnight camp, see all the options for adventures below. There's something below for the big kids too! |
| Artsy Affair celebrates 30 years on Saturday, April 4 |
 The YMCA of Cambridge proudly announces the 30th annual Artsy Affair in support of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. The festivities occur Saturday, April 4 from 6-10 p.m. at the Chaplin Family YMCA. The evening will have both a live art auction, featuring Cambridge artist Laurie Wonfor Nolan, and a silent auction. With gourmet hors d'oeuvres provided by the Blackshop Restaurant and a wind octet provided by the KW Symphony, the affair promises to be both delicious and classy. Tickets ($20 in advance and $25 at the door) can be purchased at any Cambridge Scotiabank location or the Chaplin Family YMCA. To learn more, visit ymcacambridge.com or call 519-623-9622. The YMCA greatly appreciates the support of all of its sponsors and donors of silent auction items. We are especially grateful for the continued support of Scotiabank as our lead sponsor. | |
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My YMCA Story: Brandon and Drew need your help to reach their goals |
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The YMCA Strong Kids Campaign this year placed a strong emphasis on 'Y stories' to encourage gifts that help folks facing financial difficulties in these tough times particpate in Y programs and services. So in this issue, we present the stories of two Y Kids who are doing their part to help others.
Brandon's Story:
I am one of the youth that comes to the youth centre for 2 years. I have volunteered at band shows, programs, and over special events that the youth centre has. I was asked to join the youth council about 7 months ago and now i sit as the youth chair of the council. Read Brandon's story.
Drew's Story:
My name is Drew and I am four years old. I have been a member at the YMCA since I was three. I love coming to the YMCA. One of my favourite things to do at the YMCA is go swimming. Read Drew's story. Many more storytellers |
| Summer is fast approaching. Have you registered your child for camp? |
 Spring is finally here and summer is right around the corner. Now is the time to get your child registered for a YMCA Day Camp. There are many options including a wide range of special interest camps in Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge.
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| Annual General Meetings: Tuesday, April 28 |
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The Annual General Meetings for the
YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener Waterloo
April 28
Registration 5:30 p.m. Refreshments 5:45 p.m. Program 6 p.m.
Program:
- Cambridge Business Meeting
- KW Business Meeting
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Chaplin Family YMCA, 250 Hespeler Road, Cambridge
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| How you can build strong kids through parent involvement in schooling |
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Typically parent involvement in schooling decreases as a child gets older but it is important throughout your child's school years. Try this:
- Regularly ask your child about school and to see her or his homework.
- If you can't attend a school event with your child, find someone who can.
- Make an effort to meet and get to know school staff.
- Be an advocate for your child; don't be afraid to speak up on school issues that concern you.
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| YMCA of Cambridge Cultural Diversity Plan |
 For a number of years now the City of Cambridge's has partnered with the YMCA's Cross Cultural and Immigrant Services providing funding for the Cultural Diversity Program which was previously known as the Race Relations Program. This very successful program mobilizes the skills and capacities of our diverse community, by providing opportunities and resources to create an inclusive, respectful and engaged Cambridge.
Earlier this year, a three year plan for enhancing cultural diversity in Cambridge was released. Read the plan. |
| A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA hosts CAN-BIKE programs |
 CAN -BIKE returns to Waterloo Region with the YMCA as a partner. There are three types of programming happening:
1) Train the Trainers courses - Four day sessions April 21 - 24 and Apr 28 - May 1 - to train the instructors who will then run the Adult workshops and the summer day camps. These courses are being coordinated through Colleen Cooper and the Region of Waterloo. The YMCA is hosting this event at Kaufman but the registration and inquiries are going through Colleen 519-883-2008, ext. 5324. Cost is $100
2) Adult Workshops - Three one-day sessions, May 24, May 31 and June 7. The A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA is both hosting and registering participants. Call 519-743-5201. The cost is $40.00.
3) Youth Summer Day Camp - We will be running the CAN-BIKE program as a Special Interest Summer Day Camp. Kids can select from four one-week sessions at the A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA and three one-week sessions at YMCA RIM Park. Registration is now open.
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| FIT TIP: Sensible Shopping |
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by Dave Patterson, BSc (Kin), MTS
A.R. Kaufman Family YMCA Volunteer
So many of us wish to guard against improper eating habits for ourselves and our loved ones. But it's too late if you are starting in the kitchen. If we are to make needed changes or simply maintain healthy choices, it begins at the grocery store.
How can we shop smarter?
1. Make a list. It's so simple but keeping a running list till shopping day will help hold you to healthier choices and this is also a proven method for saving money.
2. Develop a menu. Plan the week's meals and shop accordingly. Having a plan ensures balanced, quality meals and minimizes spur of the moment decisions.
3. Here's a big one for me: never shop while hungry. Even a piece of fruit or granola bar prior to shopping helps to reduce binge-buying. Everything looks good when we shop famished.
4. The fresher the better. The more fresh fruits and vegetables, and even fresh meat and fish for that matter - so conversely, the fewer packaged, processed products - the better. Processed foods usually contain more fat and higher counts of sodium and unwanted colouring and flavouring. It's true: good things grow in Ontario. Enjoy the tastes of the season. Remember: stay fit ... for life!
Check out these shopping tips from:
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| New web portal launched for newcomers to Canada |
A one stop web portal has been launched for potential immigrants interested in living in Waterloo Region and newcomers already living here. It includes links to all relevant services including those provided by the YMCA in Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge. |
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Parkinson's symptoms ease with exercise, Laurier study shows |
Barbara Aggerholm, RECORD STAFF
People with Parkinson's disease walked better and had fewer tremors after doing a unique exercise program developed at a local research centre for movement disorders, a new study says.
The "eye-opening" study raises the hope that the effects might last, and even become permanent, after the person stops exercising, says Quincy Almeida, director of the Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University.
The tests took place at the research-treatment centre in the former public school on Hickory Street in Waterloo, and at three YMCAs in Kitchener, Cambridge and Oakville.
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| What's your story? |
Tell us how the YMCA has made an impact upon your life or on someone close to you. Use our fillable PDF form or send us an e-mail to ymcastories@ckwymca.ca. We would love to share your story with people interested in the benefits of making the YMCA a part of your life.
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| Upcoming Events |
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The YMCA Ontario Early Years Centre is running Parachute Fun at its main site at University & Bridge on April 15, 6 - 6:30 p.m. Registration is required. Call 519-741-8585. | |
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The YMCAs of Cambridge & Kitchener-Waterloo |
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Overnight camp 