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Longfellow Life
Our Monthly Newsletter
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| 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 |
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Longfellow's Resident Iron Man | |
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
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"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!
 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."
 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! |
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Check Out Longfellow's Facebook Page by LIKING Us! | |
 The 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!
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Tennis Association Honors Phil Parrish |
Our very own Phil Parrish has been named
PTR Massachusetts Member of the Year!
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Longfellow's Phil Parrish (right) |
The Professional Tennis Registry (PTR) presented its annual awards during the 2011 PTR International Tennis Symposium. The event - which includes over 50 on-court and classroom presentations for tennis teachers and coaches, a tennis trade show and tournament - was held February 18-24, at PTR Headquarters on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Longfellow's Phil Parrish, of Framingham, Massachusetts, was named PTR Member of the Year for Massachusetts. This award is presented to a PTR member who has shown dedication and diligence in promoting and supporting tennis and PTR. Phil, the Director of Tennis at The Longfellow Club, was also honored as a 25 Year PTR Member.
PTR is the largest global organization of tennis teaching professionals with more than 14,000 members in 121 countries. It has the greatest percentage of multicultural and women members of any such organization. PTR is dedicated to educating, certifying and servicing tennis teachers and coaches around the world in order to grow the game. |
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Tennis News |
USTA Leagues Want You! - The Longfellow Club runs the following USTA Leagues. We would love to have you join our teams and have some fun. Matches begin in May and finish in July! We have teams for Men (3.5 and 4.0), Women( 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 3.5), Seniors (3.0, 3.5 and 4.0) and Super Seniors (8.0) Sign up now by calling Lorie Gochenour at 508-358-7355 or emailing her at Lorie@longfellowclubs.com.
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Photo Credit |
We Want Spring! We Want Spring! Is it too early to be thinking spring? Of course not! Women's Spring League is starting its signups now. Practices start in April; matches start early May, and run through mid June. If you are interested in playing spring league for Longfellow, sign up now by calling Lorie Gochenour at 508-358-7355 or emailing her at Lorie@longfellowclubs.com.
Zip Zone Events: - March 19th USTA Red Ball Tournament 1-3 pm
- March 26th Tennis & a Movie (MegaMind) 4:45-8:00.
For more information on Zip Zone Events, please contact the Zip Zone at 508-358-9675 or tennis@finchum.net
I Want To Be A Club Champ! After all your hard work over the fall and winter, let's put it on the line by playing The Longfellow Club Championships Double Elimination Singles Tournament. Sign up by March 20 - matches start March 28th. To sign up, please contact either Phil Parrish at lftennisdirector@hotmail.com or Lorie Gochenour at lorie@longfellowclubs.com. As always, please visit the tennis section of our website to peruse all our amazing programs.
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Pilates Reformer Classes |
The Pilates Reformer is a piece of exercise equipm ent capable of being used by people over a wide range of ages and athletic abilities. The Reformer repertoire of exercises increases the strength in the core while working upper and lower body muscles. At Lumina this past month of February, through our "Free Reformer classes", we have taught almost 500 people in classes over a period of 25 days. Most everyone who has tried the Reformer during this promotion has had a great experience, leaving them wanting more time on the equipment!
 Lumina is now holding Reformer classes everyday - morning, afternoon and night. Check out the schedule to see if there is a class for you! Click here for our Pilates Reformer Schedule. If a group setting doesn't work for you, Lumina offers semi-privates and private lessons, for more specialized attention. Lumina is currently offering the best rate in the area, a promotional rate of 5 classes for $99! Give it a try! For more information, call Lumina at 508-358-6022. |
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Water Exercise |
 A 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!!! |
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Show Your Legs Some Love |
Leg Extensions vs. Squats
We in the fitness department are often asked, "Which exercise is better: the leg extension machine, or a free-weight squat?" The circumstances of each individual play a role in determining if one, the other, both (or neither!) exercise is right for you. First, some interesting facts about each exercise:
Leg Extension
The leg extension is an "open-chain" exercise, which means the extremity (the foot in this
case) is free to move during the exercise because it is not fixed on the ground. Open-chain exercises, like the leg extension, do a good job of targeting one set of
muscles (the quadriceps, in this case) but they cause more force to be transmitted directly to the joint. The force produced in open-chain exercises is a "shear" force. In the leg extension, the shear force is across the knee joint. The leg extension usually begins with the knee flexed at 90 degrees. The ligaments that protect the knee (ACL, etc.) are at their weakest when the knee is at 90 degrees! Thus, the argument against leg extensions is that they produce a tremendous shearing force across the knee when it is at its least stable!
Squat The squat is a "closed-chain" exercise, which means the extremity (the foot) is fixed onto the ground. Closed-chain exercises work multiple muscle groups at once. These exercises also work the muscles in a more "functional" manner, in that very few activities in life require solely isolated joint movements, a la open-chain exercises. The force produced at the knee joint when your feet are fixed on the ground is a "compressive" force. During the squat when the knee is at 90 degrees (i.e., at its least stable), the compressive force actually helps to stabilize the knee joint. Although there is much evidence in support of squats over leg extensions, the following caveats should be considered. Isolation exercises, such as leg extensions, are effective for evening out muscle imbalances. Performing leg extensions with a very light weight will put less shear force on the knee, and using great technique you can still work the quadriceps muscles very hard. Partial repetitions, where you only work the last 15 degrees of extension, are excellent for strengthening the vastus medialis longus (VML), which keeps the knee-cap stable. Leg extensions still have their place, but the free-weight squat is a superior exercise when performed correctly. If free-weight squats are a good choice for you, then investing in some training with one of our personal trainers will pay future dividends: healthy knees, healthy back, and strong legs. After working with us, you will be able to incorporate this technically demanding yet effective exercise into your workouts with confidence, knowing that you are avoiding the potential pitfalls caused by poor technique. We are a knowledgeable and obliging fitness staff - please turn to us to help you learn the exercises that are best suited for you! |
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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  followed 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 members. Lent began 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 making
 - 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 @ JPolley@Longfellowsportsclub.com Check out our ongoing nutrition and exercise tips on our Facebook page too. Our dynamic staff is ready to help you succeed! |
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Spring into Aquatics! |
As we are heading into spring it is a great time to start thinking about swimming. Session 2 of the swim school has been a great success and only has a few more weeks left. We start Session 3 on April 4th and sign up has already started. We are running a six-week intensive program which is perfect to develop some new skills before summer. In Session 2 we have a few classes with room available to join now and roll right into the Session 3. Our teachers are Red Cross certified water safety instructors with a lot of experience with all ages. We offer classes during the day for pre-school and kindergarten children and after school for older kids. We have levels and times to fit all your needs. You can join the group lessons, or we offer private and semi private lessons as well.
 During the summer we are offering 9 one-week sessions for members to take swim lessons. They will be offered Monday through Thursday from 11:10am-11:40am. The continuity of lessons each day really helps kids learn quickly!
Did you know we have a summer swim team at Longfellow? We do and it's a lot of fun! The team will be coached again this summer by Alexandra Otte, Janna Yamron, Laura Lawson and Janet Vitello. They won their championships for the last two years and have had a great time doing it. The team is about improving and having fun. You do not need to be a Longfellow member to join.
American Red Cross Lifeguard, Lifeguard Re-Certification, and WSI classes will be taught during April vacation and other convenient times throughout the spring and early summer. Get ready for your summer job!
For more information on any of our classes and programs contact Aquatics Director Cordelia Lydon at 508-358-7355 x 238 or e-mail longfellowswim@gmail.com. Click here for our 2011 Aquatics Academy brochure.
See you at the pool!
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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, to raise 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.
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 (Natick Front Desk) and Dick Gellis (Wayland Club).
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 a FREE massage at Rebound Physical Therapy or a private tennis lesson with none other than Laury Hammel himself.
Longfellow President and Founder, Laury Hammel, 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.
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Little Longfellows | |
This month at the Longfellow Children's Center we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring with (hopefully) melting snow and warmer weather! Our classes will be talking about growing things in our garden, and what kinds of foods we eat that are grown nearby by local farmers. We are also working on a school-wide art installation called "whom do you love?" focusing on the special people in our students' lives. It will be displayed in our lobby - please come by and check it out!
April Vacation Camp will be held at the center from Tuesday, April 19 - Friday, April 22. Sign up for any number of days for a fantastic way to spend the week off from school with sports, swimming, arts and crafts and lunch included!
As spring arrives we focus on our summer plans - don't forget to sign up now for camp and enjoy significant savings! We offer several discounts based on early payment (by April 1st) and quantity purchase.
Check us out on the website @ www.longfellowclubs.com or call us at 508-358-0710 to receive a brochure by mail. Our camps have something for everyone from ages 12 months to 15 years, with an arts camp, sports camp and CIT program. We will happily provide references for any of our programs. Click here to check out descriptions and schedules for all our kids programs!!!
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Kids Fitness | |
Kids Yoga is happening at Lumina on Wednesdays from 4:15-5pm for 10-14 year olds,
and from 5-5:45pm for 6-9 year olds. A new session started March 2, so call Lumina for more info & sign up at 508-358-6022.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM
We're looking for middle school kids to workout and learn about cardiovascular exercise
and strength training appropriate for their age. Keep your kids active! Classes are Mondays at 4:30-5:30pm. Call Teresa at 508-358-7355 x317 for more info. Next session starts Feb. 28 - April 11, 2011. Minimum is 3 students. Sign up at front desk.
YOUTH BASKETBALL
The last session for Youth Basketball starts March 2 - April 14. classes for 4 & 5 year olds are Wednesdays from 4:15-5pm, and classes for and 6, 7 & 8 year olds are Thursdays from 4-5pm. Sign up at the Longfellow front desk.
TRIFECTA CLASS for AGES 8 - 11
On Tuesdays from 4-5:25 pm, starting March 22 - April 12, we offer a class that is 30 minutes of Tennis at the zip zone, 30 minutes of Basketball, & 25 minutes of swimming. all participants must have a bathing suit, towel & water bottle. There is a minimum is 4 students to run the class. Sign up at the Longfellow front desk.
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Longfellow Kids Fitness Day | |
 KIDS Helping KIDS with CANCER SUNDAYAPRIL 3, 2011 11:30-3pm
ALL PROCEEDS go to the CHRISTOPHER'S HAVEN Foundation that HELPS Families with children who have cancer.
ACTIVITIES FOR AGES 4-14
DONATION of $15 per child is suggested
- 11:30-1:30pm - CHILDREN'S CENTER (Ages 4-10) Activities, Games & Arts/Crafts
- 11:30-1:30pm ZIP ZONE TENNIS (ages 4-9)
- 11:30-1:30pm DANCE JAM with KELLY & JUSTIN Studio 1- Longfellow (ages 8-14) With DJ Darren
- 12-12:30pm KIDS YOGA at Lumina (ages 10-14)
- 12:30-1pm KIDS MAT PILATES at Lumina (ages 10-14)
- 12:30-1pm KIDS YOGA at Lumina (ages 6-9) KIDS YOGA taught by our own Carol Kagan!
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Photo Credit |
- 1:00-2:00pm STRENGTH TRAINING with Kathy at Longfellow
- 1:30-2:00pm KIDS BASKETBALL at Longfellow (ages 4 & 5)
- 2-2:30pm KIDS BASKETBALL at Longfellow (ages 6,7 & 8)
- 2:30-3pm ULTIMATE BASKETBALL (ages 10-14)
- 1:30-3pm POOL (free swim & fun races) ages 4-14
SIGN UP at LONGFELLOW on Sunday April 3rd at the
CHRISTOPHER HAVEN TABLE in the front LOBBY.
Must have a WRIST BAND to participate
HEALTHY SNACKS WILL BE PROVIDED at the LONGFELLOWCLUB in the CAFÉ area. RAFFLES will also be available. PARENTS WELCOME to WATCH!!!!!
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Film Screening Benefit | |
Jed Hammel, Membership Representative at The Longfellow Club in Wayland and Director/Founder of The Filmshift Festival, is screening two films and is having a special live acoustic set with singer/songwriter Kate Vargas to raise money for the Friday Night Supper Program (FNSP), a charitable food program at the Arlington Street Church in Boston.
 Tickets: $10
Buy in advance online here:
http://www.filmshift.org/tickets/
When/Where
Sunday, March 20th @ 3pm
The Somerville Theater - Davis Square - Somerville
55 Davis Square
Somerville, MA 02144
(617) 625-5700
Audience Door Prize Sponsors Include: Improv Boston, Michael Manning Photography, Powderhouse Productions, and Redtree Productions
In its 2nd year, the Filmshift Festival has expanded to include regular screenings that will lead up to our main festival in October 2011.
Our first event is on Sunday, March 20th at the Somerville Theater at 3pm. All proceeds (not including venue costs) from these events will be donated to different charities, starting with The Friday Night Supper Program (FNSP). Tickets are $10 per person.
FNSP provides a warm nutritious meal to anyone in need in a safe and dignified environment every Friday night, and Jed is strongly committed to supporting the cause. Our March screening features 3 varied offerings:
"Art From The Streets"
A feature documentary that follows the lives of handful of people who create and share their art while participating at a resource/community center for homeless individuals.
The film tells this story by tracking five of the artists over the course of a year. Viewers will visit homeless camps, learn the daily challenges of street life, and witness the strengths of human character. You will also experience the 2-day show and sale where the artists' work is sold and where they interact with people that they rarely have a chance to encounter in such a positive way.
"The Legacy"
A critically-acclaimed short film produced by Jed Hammel that recently won the Best Comic-Related Film at the world famous Comic Con 2010. "The Legacy" is about a young boy who believes his father is a Super Hero.
Live Performance by Kate Vargas
Singer/songwriter (and former FNSP volunteer) Kate Vargas will open the event with an acoustic set of her songs as well as some covers.
Hope to see you there! |
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Did you know - if you refer a friend who joins Longfellow for an annual membership, then you get a free additional month added onto your membership? The more new members you refer who join, the more months you get FREE! Your friend just needs to mention your name when they join for you to get your free month. |
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| The Longfellow Purpose and Mission Statement |
 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 is a locally owned and independent business committed to the health and well being of our community, and provides 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 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.
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