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Longfellow Life 
 Our Monthly Newsletter  

www.longfellowclubs.com                                                                                                                                    March 2011
What's Inside
"Like" Us for Free Passes!
Aquatics
Little Longfellows
Water Exercise
Group Exercise
Nutrition
Sharyn's Stretch Class
Relay for Life!
Tennis
Fitness
Birthday Parties
IronMan Member Dean McNabb
Our Values
Join Our Mailing List!
Quick Links
 
Dear Members and Friends,

Dear Members and Friends,

  
If you want to have some fun and learn interesting things that will help you get the most out of your workouts and even inspire you, please consider joining the Longfellow Facebook page.  Our Facebook page is also a quick and easy way to keep abreast of what is going on at Longfellow, and it's not easy to keep up with all that's happening here! 
  
Today our thoughts turn to our Sisters and Brothers in Japan who are suffering from the most intense earthquake in recorded history followed by a terrible tsunami and damaged nuclear reactors spewing radiation.  This week's Longfellow Facebook Quotation of the Week is from William Penn:
  
"I expect to pass through life but once.  If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again." 
  
We are making it easy for Longfellow members and friends to "show kindness to a fellow being" by joining our community in reaching out to our friends in Japan.  The Longfellow Management Team is aiming to raise $10,000 at our clubs to provide emergency relief to those suffering from the earthquake and the tsunami that followed.  Through encouraging individual donations and promoting specific activities, Longfellow staff members will ask everyone to join in a campaign to support the International Red Cross and/or the Mercy Corps in their relief efforts in Japan. 
  
Watching the footage from the earthquake and tsunami in Japan left me speechless.  Millions of survivors are without access to water, and 380,000 are displaced in very cold temperatures.  Right now is the time to get funds to relief organizations like Mercy Corps and their partner, Peace Winds. Mercy Corps is working to help survivors of Japan's earthquake and tsunami with their longstanding partner, Peace Winds.  Peace Winds helicoptered emergency supplies  -- including tents, blankets, cooking fuel, tarps, rice and bread -- to families evacuated from homes in the tsunami-devastated city of Kesennuma.
 
Mercy Corps meets all 20 of the Better Business Bureau's standards for charity accountability.
Charity Navigator gave Mercy Corps the highest rating in organizational efficiency. Mercy Corps is a 501(c)3 charity. Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by U.S. law. Your donation will be used to meet immediate and longer-term needs of earthquake survivors. 
  
Longfellow is starting the campaign by donating $500 to Mercy Corps.  Please consider making a generous donation and make out your checks to the Red Cross or Mercy Corps and leave them at the front desk, and we'll send the checks asap.  Together we can help out at an even higher level.   " ...let us do it now". 
 

Yours in health,

 

Laury Hammel

Longfellow on FaceBook!

Check Out Longfellow's Facebook Page by "LIKING" Us!

facebookThe Longfellow Facebook page is rapidly gaining 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. Every day we post interesting and fun information that you'll find valuable for your quality of life, and you'll score a few good deals and have some fun while you're at it!

To help motivate you to 'like' us, we'll give two free guest passes to the first 50 people who 'like' Longfellow and post on our page the "#1 Reason that I like Longfellow." Don't miss out on the fun and the inspiration - like Longfellow's Facebook page and feel free to ask some questions and chime with your own cool and interesting posts!

Aquatics 

swim teamThe Stingrays Swim Team had a great winter finishing the regular season with 6 wins and 2 losses. They are on their way to Championships at Boston University on Saturday March 12th. Wish them luck.  

 

Registration for Longfellow Aquatics Academy's Spring Session 2011 is well underway! This session, which is 6 weeks long, runs April 4th - May 21st. Spots are still available as well as the opportunity for private lessons to get everyone comfortable in the water again before summer arrives!  

 

Contact Patrick at [email protected]

508-653-4633 x215 to register

Little Longfellows

Back by popular demand! Kids (and Parents!) Night Out

Friday March 25th 6 - 9 pm

 

LSC Halloween Face Painting

Bring your children down to Longfellow for an evening of swimming, gym time, arts and crafts and fun so you can go out on a romantic date, or just have some peace and quiet! Pizza available for $2 per slice. Register by calling Childrens' Program Director Caroline Donahue at 508-653-4633 or email [email protected]

 

 

April School Vacation Program! 

Tuesday April 19 -

Friday April 22

  • Sign up for one or more days at our fun, active school vacation program.
  • Your kids can swim, play games in our gym, enjoy crafts, and hang out with friends!
  • Visitors from Drumlin Farm and Mad Science will be coming!
  • All kids participate in Kid's Yoga or FitKidz.
  • We might even get to play outside, depending on the weather!
  • Don't delay....this program only has limited spots, so call today!
  • Call Caroline Donahue at 508 653 4633 or email [email protected]

 

Slam Dunk Basketball!

We still have space in our 7 & 8 year-old program starting Tuesday, March 15th. This ten-week class will teach your kids the fundamentals and basic skills for playing basketball. Coach Ron Johnson has been coaching kids here at Longfellow for over ten years! Don't wait to sign up as this class only takes 12 kids per age group!

Water Exercise

water exerciseA Member's Water Aerobics Story:

 

"Before starting these classes, I could never maintain a steady exercise routine. Since I've started swimming with Lily, Brenda, and Kathy, I swim 4-5 times/week and have a great time! This is so great for my health and well-being. In addition, the classes are filled with such nice and fun people. What a bonus! Thank you so much for having both the day and night water aerobics classes. Depending on my schedule I can sometimes make the classes during the day, and it's a great way to start the day. The night classes are vital because I am definitely out of work by then, and can swim. Again, thank you for having such a great program at Longfellow. Water aerobics is fun and the workout is great! Most important are the teachers. They are so TOTALLY awesome!!!! Lily, Brenda, and Kathy are fun, funny, and they make an hour workout seem like 10 minutes. It's made a huge difference in the quality of my life. I really appreciate it!!"

 

-Fran Friedman

 

Click our Water Exercise Schedule or Class Descriptions for more info. See you at the pool!!!

 

Group Exercise

Iron DumbellBody Pump Release #77 - We will be launching Body Pump's newest release the beginning of April!!! Body Pump increases strength and endurance, tones and shapes, and helps maintain bone health through weights-based resistance training to the latest hard hitting and inspiring tunes!! If you haven't tried Body Pump, now is the time!!! Details on theKeiser Bikes launch date coming soon!

 

Keiser Bikes - We are so glad everyone is loving the new Keiser bikes!!! Unfortunately, because of some damage to the bikes (which has been repaired), the cycle room will be locked when not in use and instructors will be unlocking and re-locking the door before and after their classes to better preserve the bikes.

Nutrition

Although the religious meanings are different, there are some similarities in Lent and Yom Kippur - both represent a time for fasting, eating less and reflecting more. All this is cutting caloriesfollowed by a celebration. This year, as you observe your own holidays, consider learning more, understanding more, and experiencing more from your own faith and from the beliefs of friends and perhaps other family membersLent begins on March 9. Consider "giving something up" for the next 40 days. Then ask yourself if this or something else is a change you would like to continue after Easter. Begin to cement in your mind the strategies and ways of thinking that are working for you now:

  • less decision makingBlueberries Handfull
  • a determined commitment and focus
  • dealing with short-term discomfort
  • substitutes that are satisfying

Setting a specific goal and reaching it in a relatively short amount of time can positively impact your whole year. Think about your goals now and look ahead because we will be revisiting this concept at sundown on Oct. 7th, the start of Yom Kippur. If you need support to make progress during the next 40 days, contact Jane @ [email protected] Check out our ongoing nutrition and exercise tips on our Facebook page too. Our dynamic staff is ready to help you succeed!

 

Sharyn's Stretch Class

At age 23, I was going to Northeastern University getting my masters degree in Exercise Physiology. I needed to conduct a research study for my Thesis, so I asked Laury Hammel if I could do it at Longfellow. It was an 8 week long strength training program for people 60-85 years old. It resulted in my meeting over 500 people who had never exercised

Sharyn Richards
Sharyn Richards 

regularly and gave them the opportunity to come to a health club and get proper and safe instruction. The outcome was fantastic! - not just the physical changes that resulted, but the connections I made with my new friends and the relationships they made with each other. I not only completed my thesis, but learned that this aging population can still achieve fitness goals and so began our exercise journey together.

 

A decade later I continue to teach a gentle stretch class. Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday many of the same people who came in to our club unsure of themselves now inspire me each day with their accomplishments and achievements. My friends come to class regularly. They are creatures of habit, and can be found working out in their favored spot each class.

 

The benefits of exercise are numerous. Moderate exercise can ease the aging process and help to relieve some problems associated with getting older. The many benefits include: relieving insomnia, reducing back and joint pain, lowering stress and tension, increasing social ability, flexibility, muscle tone and helping to maintain a healthy weight.

 

Exercise can help you age gracefully, gain or maintain your independence and high quality of life. It gives you more self-confidence to do anything and can be a great social outlet. While growing older for many brings uncertainty, moderate exercise can mean taking control of your life and body and perhaps slowing down the aging process.

 

My friend and participant who is 75 years young and has been attending my class for about 7 years, had this to say: "Though I came to class with the attitude that classes were not my style - I usually like to work out on my own - your reputation persuaded me to give it a try. As you know, I don't often miss a session and have broadcast your abilities to my world. I'm age-appropriately healthy, meaning, I believe, that my joints   

Sharyn's Classare not supple. Some - especially my hips - give me pain if I don't stretch regularly and seriously. My back, too, used to occasionally 'go out', causing significant discomfort. With your class, I'm pain free, can swivel my neck enough to drive comfortably, and maintain what little height I have (I've lost only 1/2 inch from my best-ever 5' 1/2")."

 

I look out to the faces of my class and see people who have faced medical issues, loss of spouses or family members, financial hardships, downsizing of their homes and a lifetime of ups and downs. I know that each of them have their own personal story. I realize that my class is not just about exercise and feeling good, but also is a place to come to feel welcomed and part of a community. I feel such inspiration, motivation and gratitude for their participation.


We all are aging each day. It is up to us to make the most of our time and opportunities. My stretch class is Monday and Wednesdays at 3pm and Fridays at 1pm - come join us. I hope to meet you soon!

 

- Sharyn Richards, Personal Trainer and Group Exercise Instructor

 

Our Reason to Relay

Longfellow Staff Members are making a difference by teaming up to participate in the American Cancer Society's 'Relay for Life'.

 

Our team, 'Longfellow Warriors', so named because we won't give up on a cure for cancer without a fight, will camp out overnight and take turns walking around the track at Bowditch Field in Framingham on June 11 through June 12. We're raising money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society create a world with less cancer, and more birthdays! Saving lives from cancer starts one team, one participant, and one dollar at a time.

 

Relay for Life

Our team is doing its part to make sure that new treatments continue to be found. Our team consists of the following Longfellow Employees from both Natick and Wayland clubs: (from left to right) Caroline Donahue (Co-Chair/Children's Program Director, Natick), Sharyn Richards (Membership Director Natick) Marcy Bailey-Adams (Nursery, Natick), Lisa Weinman (Co-Chair/Kidz Club Natick), Cathy Kelly (Kidz Club Natick/Front Desk Wayland), Courtney Adams (Nursery/Kidz Club Natick), Karen Giorgio (After School/Kidz Club Natick), Linda Fritz (Cafe Manager Wayland), Meg Power (Kidz Club Natick). Not shown are Myke Farricker (General Manager), Sean Sullivan (Front Desk, Natick) and Dick Gellis (Front Desk Wayland).

 

All these staff members are fantastic, and are dedicated to winning this fight against cancer! Please consider making a donation. The impact we can make together is much greater than what any of us could do alone! If you make a donation of $5, your name will be entered into a RAFFLE to win either a FREE massage at Rebound Physical Therapy, or a private tennis lesson with none other than Longfellow President and Founder Laury Hammel himself.

 

Laury was recently ranked #1 in the Men's 60 Singles, and in the Men's 60 Doubles with his partner George Deptula. The USTA New England final rankings for 2010 were announced in February and this was the fourth year in a row and the sixth time in the past eight years that Laury was ranked #1 in New England in singles in his age division. This brings his total number to ten #1 New England rankings in a combination of singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Laury was also ranked #14 in 2010 in the nation in the Men's 60 singles, a member of the New England Tennis Hall of Fame and has taught hundreds of nationally-ranked juniors. Value - priceless!

 

Raffle Winner will be announced June 1!


Donate at the Front Desk at any club or click here to give online.

Tennis

 

hammel tennis campNow is the time for anyone interested in learning how to play tennis or to improve their tennis game to think about signing up for one of our highly rated tennis instructional clinics at the Natick Racquet Club. A new series of junior clinics will be starting up the last week in March for twelve weeks. A free on-court evaluation will be given to place your child in the appropriate clinic. We start teaching tennis to four-year-olds and have a progressive program through the high school years at all levels.

 

Any junior interested in signing up for a series of group lessons should give the Racquet Club a call or go onto our website: www.longfellowclubs.com and check out all the junior clinics we offer. Erin Reeves is the director of tennis and she will be more than happy to speak with you and find the appropriate clinic for your child.

 

We also have adult clinics available for those adults who would like to learn how to play the game or improve their skills.  If interested in getting involved in one of our adult clinics, call Holly Osler, the adult program director, at the Racquet Club: 508-653-4606.
 
Fitness News
Sone

Sone Souvanna 

Mari

Mariana Conway 

Please congratulate Mariana Conway and Sone Souvanna on passing an advanced credential certification through the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Mariana recently passed a Performance Enhancement Specialist course designed for training athletes, and Sone passed a Corrective Exercise Specialist course designed to help in the post rehabilitation process and correct muscle imbalances.

 

Need to kickstart your fitness routine before spring? The First Timers 5-Pack is a great deal for anyone who has completed fewer than 5 sessions at the Longfellow Sports Club. Five one hour training sessions with any one of our certified trainers for only $249!

 

Did you know that we offer every member a free fitness evaluation? This evaluation will include body composition measurements, blood pressure check, and a quick movement assessment. Contact Dan Salerno or Sarah Krueger to schedule your evaluation with anyone on the fitness team.

Birthday Parties
Party Kids

Photo Credit 

Longfellow Sports Club offers an amazing party environment.

 

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 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.

IronMan Member Dean McNabb

 

Dean McNabb has been a dedicated Longfellow member for 10 years.  He is 64 years young and an inspiration to us all.  He is an amazing athlete & person, and so kind to all who meet him. I only hope I can be the athlete he is. This is his story... 

 -Teresa Newton-Moineau, Fitness Director

 

 

McNabb
Dean McNabb 

"In 1998, I was approached by one of my co-workers who asked me if I would be interested in running & competing in the senior games at Reggie Lewis Arena.  It was a track meet between all the states comprised of Senior athletes over the age of 40.  I hadn't run competitively since high school but she thought I would be a good candidate and could help the team from Massachusetts. At the time, I was playing golf once a week and was out of shape.


The race was in 4 weeks and I signed up to enter & run the one & two mile. I had a mere month to get in shape!


When the race came, I ran a 6:05 mile, but my friend Goldie won, with a 4:37 mile for over 40!  That was a record! My 2 mile time was 12:25 which put me in 3rd place. I got a medal and my running career was off to a flying start!


 

McNabb Biking

In 1998, I entered 68 road races -5Ks, 10Ks, 5 milers, 10 milers - it didn't matter.  In my age group I was winning or placing every time I ran. I was becoming a collector of trophies & medals!

 


I did my first Boston Marathon in 1999, having just missed the qualifying time by 3 minutes & 47 seconds. The next year in 2000, I qualified by 21 seconds!


In May of 2000, I wanted more than what running offered so I signed up to do my first Triathlon. During that event I remember how scared I was as I lined up for the swim, not knowing what to do or if I would be able to swim the full half mile & survive. I started doggy-paddling along to try and go forward in a straight line and then I saw this guy next to me swimming with a rope around his neck pulling someone in a raft - they passed me like I was standing still!  It was Dick & Rick Hoyt.  People were clapping & cheering and I thought it was for me until I realized it was for them.


Dick would also ride with his son in a basket in front of the bike and then run while pushing him in a wheelchair.  It was SO inspiring to see this unfold in front of me and that's all it took for more motivation.  That afternoon, I signed up for my first Ironman in Florida in October of 2000.   I joined Longfellow to learn to swim.  It was a struggle because I had to learn to swim freestyle.  I swam at noon and after work everyday.  Finally after 6 weeks, I was able to swim a quarter mile while keeping my head above the water. From 2000 - 2010, I have completed & participated in an average of 20 triathlons annually." 


 

McNabb Running

Dean's Race History:

 

Boston Marathons - 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005


2002 Canon LI Marathon


1999 Senior Olympic Games - 5k, 10k


Great Floridian Ironman - 2000-2006


Arizona Ironman - 2007


Florida Ironman - 2007-2010


USA Triathlon All American 2003


Team USA Member


2004 - ITU Long Course Championship -Sater Sweden


Triathlon Age Group Champion - 2002 - 2009


Overall Triathlon Age Group Champion - 2007, 2008, 2009

 

Wow! Congratulations, Dean, on being an inspiration to us all!

 

 

 

 

 

logo LSC 4 color  Add a Free Month or Two     (or more) to your Membership!

  

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.

logo LSC 4 color  Save 10% on

Yoga Birthday Parties!

 

Have fun with our NEW Yoga Birthday Party!  Learn basic yoga while incorporating playing games and being creative, with story telling based on poses we learn! For ages 5 and up.

 

Only at Longfellow Sports Club, Natick                  Coupon Expires 12/31/2011

  
Our Values
logo longfellow clubsThe 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.