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Longfellow Life
Our Monthly Newsletter
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A message from Laury Hammel,  | |
 Dear Members,
Summer is here - finally! We hope you've all had a chance to enjoy swimming and relaxing at our outdoor pools. Taking a short swim and/or a whirlpool is a great way to recover after a good hard workout, and we encourage you all to take advantage of this healthy pleasure.
Don't miss our annual Ice Cream Social, happening this Sunday, June 26th, from noon to 5 pm. Free ice cream from noon to 2 pm, with a kids magic show from 1:45 - 2:30. That will be followed by the Annual Big Splash contest for kids and adults, a limbo contest, family fitness fun (new this year!), a kids basketball free throw contest, and then the highlight of the day - the family water balloon contest! Come join us for this great afternoon of fun and sun by the pool!
Longfellow is also proud to announce that we have recently installed a state-of-the-art tennis court lighting system at our Wayland club that will offer more even and effective lighting for our tennis players and will be using 50% of the wattage. This system will also have the added advantage of turning on immediately after being turned off as opposed to the older system that required 10 minutes to restart. We'll be bringing the same system to Natick in the future.
Longfellow runs summer camps for all ages at both Natick and Wayland, and we have openings for last-minute sign-ups--see information below. Many of our tennis campers will be participating in the annual New England Junior Championships at Yale University beginning on Saturday, June 25, and we'll give you an update of their results in our July Newsletter!
Yours in health,
Laury Hammel, President
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Longfellow on FaceBook!
|  Our recent Facebook contest has been a terrific success and we received a fantastic list of things our members like about Longfellow. Here's one of our favorites from Kristen Kiser - "The number 1 reason why I like longfellow is because all the people are friendly, the club has new equipment with personal tvs and there is never a wait to use a machine. The pool is now salt water u can't beat that."
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.
Continuing our offer to help motivate you to 'like' us, we'll give two free guest passes to the next 25 people who 'like' Longfellow and post on our page the "#1 Reason that I like Longfellow."
Join in the fun and don't hesitate to ask some questions and chime in with your own cool and interesting posts!
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Come to our Legendary Ice Cream Social! | | Bring your family to Longfellow this Sunday for our annual Ice Cream Social! What better way to kick off summer than an afternoon filled with games, prizes, and of course - plenty of ice cream and toppings! There will be face painting and great music too! This amazing event is free for members. See you Sunday!!!
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A Working Mom's Three-Prong Approach to Weight Loss
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Longfellow member Emily Neill shared with us her experience and continuing success in reaching her fitness goals. Her story was so full of great advice and anecdotes, that we had to trim it down to fit our newsletter! To read the full article, please visit our Facebook page. Happy reading!
Last year, I thought to myself, I am a mother of two kids (ages 5 and 3), a Vice President at a nationally-known company, and really want to lose 20 pounds. With my crazy work schedule, a family to care for, and meals being constantly eaten out, how is this ever going to be possible?
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Longfellow Member
Emily Neill
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I tried several different "diet" programs and exercise regimens and found that nothing really produced the results I was seeking. I knew that I needed a mix of eating the right foods, exercising the right amount, and holding myself accountable for my results, but I just couldn't find the right resources to help me get there.
Then I had an "aha" moment and decided not to focus on just one plan, but to seek advice and coaching on the three different elements I reference above. Before I tell you my formula for the success I've had thus far, I will let you know that I'm down 13 of the 20 pounds, so this plan seems to be working for me.
Eating the right foods
I pride myself on being a pretty healthy eater. (Although I will admit I have my weaknesses when it comes to wine, pizza and potato chips.) What I learned, however, was that I was not losing weight, nor was I exercising at my most optimal energy levels. I saw the signs posted around Longfellow regarding the nutrition programs they offer, and I decided to check it out. It started with Jane, who listened to my needs and teamed me up with Andrea Stein. They helped me in determining how I could utilize my health insurance plan to help defray the costs, which was music to my ears.
Andrea was an incredible resource for me. We met only once per week, and she was very flexible with my schedule, allowing me to meet with her long after what most people would consider "business hours." I weighed in at the start of our meetings, and we'd spend some time reviewing what I ate the prior week, and challenges on the horizon for the following week. She was never judgmental if I made bad choices. She just suggested what would have been better choices, and set me on the right track for the next 7 days.
 Finding the right exercise program
I am a very goal-oriented person, so to stay focused on exercise I signed up for athletic events that were 3 to 5 months in the future. When you know you have to show up at the starting line, and have paid good money to do so, you are more likely achieve your goals. The sign-up can be as short and simple as a local 5K run (3.1 miles). These runs are usually for good charities, and they're very well-organized. If you've never done races like these before, start small and work your way up. Trust me - you'll feel very rewarded when you cross the finish line. Have you already done a 5K? Then sign up for a 10K, or a half marathon. Challenge yourself to go out of your comfort zone.
Holding yourself accountable
Andrea was a great resource for me, but it got to a point where I felt the ball was now in my court. So I decided to join an online group to help keep track of my results. You log your own calorie intake, exercise, and weight loss, and watch your progress over time. As long as you stay within the points allotted, this program is a no-brainer. If you need to physically show up and have someone weigh you in, perhaps staying with a nutritionist might be better for you. I also suggest you incorporate family members into your plan. My kids love stickers. So we now have a weight-loss chart for Mommy, whereby they get to put a sticker on the chart for every pound I lose. Trust me - they keep asking when they can put another sticker on the chart. Talk about pressure to lose weight!
I completed the Danskin Triathlon in Orlando in May (Mother's Day) with my husband and two boys cheering me on! I had a lot of fun and everything was perfect.... weather, water temperature, crowd, course. I am looking forward to doing
another tri very soon!
In sum, my 3-prong approach seems to be working for me. Everyone is different in how they approach eating and exercise, so my plan might not be the perfect fit for you. But what I can tell you is that there are terrific, cost-effective resources out there to help you. If you see me at the gym, please ask me how the other 7 pounds are coming along - it will certainly motivate me to get there!
-Emily Neill
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Big Baby Comes to Longfellow!
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 | | Two Celebrities at Longfellow - Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Longfellow's Mascot Willow, with Jude Hartley (l) and Lisa Furdon (r) |
Longfellow was all abuzz when Celtics Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Cedric Maxwell led a basketball clinic for over sixty 5th - 8th graders at the Sports Club this past Tuesday from 3:30 - 4:30. Big Baby and Cedric were very gracious as they led the young basketball players through their paces during the clinic, leading defensive, dribbling, and layup drills. Afterwards they both signed autographs, and both Cedric and Big Baby were thrilled to get their chance to pose with the club mascot Willow!
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Group Exercise News
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We want to welcome all of our new summer members to the Longfellow Sports Club. The Group Exercise Program has lots of exciting classes to fit all levels of fitness. We have many classes, including Yoga, Spin, Body Pump, Muscle Conditioning, Zumba, Pilates, and Kick Box just to name a few. Try a class today and if you have any questions about Group Exercise please contact Lisa Wilkins, Group Exercise Director. Have a safe, fun, and healthy summer!
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Little Longfellows
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Megan (left) and mom Sherri Gates. Congrats Sherri on winning your free massage!
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Camp Longfellow
It's not too late to sign up for Camp!
There are still some spaces left in our All Star camp program! With swimming, tennis, field trips, arts and crafts, gym and plenty of fun - what more could your kids want to do this summer!? Call Caroline Donahue, Camp Director, at 508-653-4633 for registration information.
Relay for Life Raffle Winners!
Congratulations to Sherri Gates on winning the FREE massage from Rebound Physical Therapy!
The winner of the FREE tennis lesson with Laury Hammel was the Carcanague Family! Thank to all those who have donated to the Relay for Life. Longfellow Warriors has raised over $1500!
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Longfellow's Phil Parrish Honored
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 | | Phil Parrish with his wife Jenniferat the International Tennis Hall of Fame. |
Longfellow Tennis Director, Phil Parrish, was awarded the Gardner Chase Award in Newport on June 13th at the International Tennis Hall of Fame. His award was given at the New England Tennis Hall of Fame Induction. He was lauded for his work with all level and ages of players as a teacher, providing tournaments for all level of players year round, and creating programs that brought tennis to communities surrounding The Longfellow Club. He was also recognized for his work in 10 and under tennis, providing USTA workshops for clubs, along with his program and formation of the Zip Zone, the first indoor facility dedicated to 10 and under tennis in the country.
By winning this award, Phil joins Longfellow President Laury Hammel who won the award in 1991.
Phil has been the Director of Tennis at Wayland Longfellow for the last 8 years and has led the largest and most prestigious tennis program in New England. Before coming to Longfellow, Phil worked at Reebok for 13 years, the last 4 of which he served as the National Director of Team Sales.
Congratulations Phil - we are all proud of you, and feel very lucky to have you as part of the Longfellow family as our Director of Tennis in Wayland.
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Relay for Life a Super (and Soggy) Success!
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 | | Wayland Staff member Dick Gellis at Relay for Life |
Longfellow's Relay for Life team - 'Longfellow Warriors' took part in the relay June 12th. It rained, it poured, it was cold and we were all determined to raise awareness and help give those with cancer more birthdays!
The team fundraised together and to date the team has raised $1600, with money still coming in. The goal is $2000! Thanks to all the members and staff for helping us reach that goal.
Lisa Weinman, a long-time Longfellow staff member, a cancer survivor and a member of the 'Longfellow Warriors' team, said the following about the event:
"Thank you so much for being a part of our 2011 Relay For Life Team. Your presence, support, and fundraising efforts mean so much to me. I appreciate your understanding that I was unable to walk as fast as all of you, and I could only do two laps at a time, due to my breast cancer that has spread to my spine. (But I have come a long way from 2009 when I needed a cane.) And-- despite the rain-- I had an awesome time. Thanks to my caregivers and for all your can-do, positive attitude to get ALL of this done."
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Lisa Weinman (left) with Marcy Bailey Adams setting up the Longfellow tent!
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Thanks to Myke Farricker, General Manager, for the membership certificate for our raffle basket, and for making an appearance at the Relay in the rain. Also huge shout outs to some people behind the scenes --- Max Polatin from Kidz Club, our artist extraordinaire, who painted our great looking 'Longfellow Warriors' banner!! Caroline's husband Dan for setting up and taking down the tent in the rain. Jessa Huff from Rebound located right inside our very own Longfellow -- my all around awesome physical therapist who helped to get me where I am today. And, finally, my husband Gary and son Harry-- both of whom make the fight against cancer so worth it.
Hope to see all of you and more at a sunny Relay For Life 2012! Save your camouflage bandanas as we will be the 'Longfellow Warriors' again with the theme "Kiss Cancer Good-Bye!"
Go Longfellow Warriors!!!!!!!
-Lisa Weinman
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Fitness News
|  Fun Family Fitness Program-Get fit for summer with the whole family. Come join our new Family Fitness Program, a 5-hour long Personal Training session for you and your family. Session must include 3 or more family members. Don't miss out on this amazing deal. Just $299/family.
Get fit and suntanned all at the same time. Come down and join our Outdoor Bootcamp. Session times are forming now. Sessions will be held outside on the hills and basketball court. We will be using ropes, kettlebells, bands, bodyweight and more. When the session is over cool your body off in the pool. Contact Co-Fitness Director Dan Salerno for more information. Session prices as low as $15 for this 45-minute heart pumping class.
Body Part Blast week coming soon. Do you want to learn how to blast those abs? Tone your glutes? Shape up your beach arms? Then come meet a Fitness Team Member for a complimentary 30-minute session targeting which body part you want. Sign ups will be at the fitness desk. Contact Dan Salerno to reserve your time. |
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Aquatics Summer News |
Registration for the Longfellow Summer Member Swim Lessons is underway! These sessions, which are 9 weeks long, run June 27th through August 21st. Signups are by the week, and there are still spots available! Classes are 30 minutes long and run Mondays through Thursdays. Contact the aquatics dept. at longfellowaquatics@gmail.com or 508-653-4633 x215 to register. See you in the pool. |
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Zumba in the pool!
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Justin Falxa
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Introducing Aqua Zumba with Justin Falxa! Justin is an accomplished Latin dancer and Zumba teacher. There was a special event & family class held on Tuesday, June 21 from 6:30-8:00 pm in the Wayland Longfellow pool. Zumba was held from 6:30-7:30 p.m. with over 50 participants! As a bonus, there was an additional workout in the deep end from 7:30-8:00 p.m. with other members of the water exercise staff, each of whom taught one of their favorite exercises. We held this class as a fund-raiser for the tornado victims in western MA and raised $500. Thank you to all the families and friends who took part in this great event!
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Introducing MEN'S LIVING IN BALANCE Program
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 | | Brandon Krebs |
Brandon Krebs, BS RD, LDN
will be hosting a 4-week mini Living in Balance course just for men on Saturday mornings starting in late June. This course will specifically focus on weight loss, decreasing cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar. Take active steps to help you to enjoy more quality of life not only with your family, but also in in your professional and personal activities (tennis, golf, tennis, biking, running, swimming...) For more details and costs and POSSIBLE HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE, contact Jane Polley MS RD, LDN at
JPolley@Longfellowsportsclub.com
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Tennis News
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is offering children's summer fun tennis
instructional clinics. They run Monday through Thursday late afternoons for ages 4 - 13yrs. Classes are held on a weekly basis and signups can be made by calling the Natick Racquet Club at 508-653-4606.
The Racquet Club also offers opportunities for adult play and instruction as follows:
Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9:30-11 a.m.
Cardio Tennis on Friday mornings 8:30 - 9:30.
Adult tennis clinics are held in June, July and August on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 -8 p.m. The beginner clinic is held on Monday evenings. If interested, call the Racquet Club to sign up.
60 Foot Lines to Be Installed...........The Longfellow Club and Natick Racquet Club
will have 60 foot lines placed on our current tennis courts, so that our 10 and under players now have an official court to play and train! No worries about it interfering with your play. They blend right into the current paint job and are only 1.5 inches wide. All USTA 10 and under events must now be held on 60 foot permanent courts. If you have any questions or comments, please call Phil Parrish at Longfellow
Hammel Tennis Camp Begins 38th Year................
Nearly four decades of fun and learning how to play and improve your tennis! It's not too late to sign up and join the fun. We have programs for all ages, 1/2 day or full day. For more information, please contact Phil Parrish, Camp Director at 508-358-7355x 206 or at hammeltenniscamp@hotmail.com.
Applications can be downloaded at longfellowclubs.com.
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4th Annual National Adaptive
Tennis Tournament
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Handi-Racket Tennis, the USTA award winning adaptive tennis program, held it's 4th Annual National Adaptive Tennis Tournament June 9 - 11, 2011 at Wayland Longfellow! The players included eight tennis athletes from "Special Pops" in Atlanta, GA, two from Wakefield, RI, 2 from the "Lob Stars" of Hanover, MA, & thirteen Handi-Racket Tennis athletes! The Longfellow athletes included: David Broden, Chris May, Matthew Miller, Bruce Paru, Todd Reis, Peter Sabino, Meg Schilling, Jeremy Schwarz, Rayna Segelman, Barbara Smith, Janice Smith, Sydney Swartz, and Dan Widrich.
 Beautiful purple & white tie-dye shirts celebrated the Tournament theme of "Peace & Love This Game"! The Tournament sponsors in addition to Handi-Racket & Longfellow were Legacy Financial Advisors, Medfield, MA, The Hullinger Family, Sudbury, MA, & The Jack Widrich Foundation, Miami Beach, FL. The Tournament was supported by USTA NE!
Many Longfellow members assisted us during the Tournament as umpires, linespeople & ballpeople. They were Suzi Barnes, Sharon Kissane, Pat Chaput, Liz Holland, Patricia & Jay Latimer, Judy Kennedy, Marian Bressel, Amy Miller, Michelle Touw, Lisa & Tony Nasch, Alex Smith, Ani Harlan, & Melissa Parrish. Ball girls were youngsters from our tennis clinics & their soccer playing friends: Lily, Callie, Mallory, Danya, Sophia, Caitlin, & Shea! Lunches were provided by Linda Fritz & her cafe staff! Tennis pros Tonya Romanowski, Eileen Roux, Phil Parrish, Paul Sullivan & Sylvia Swartz also helped during the weekend!
The Tournament concluded with a Banquet & Dinner Dance Saturday evening at the Newton Marriott - the host hotel! The highlight of the evening was the awards ceremony! Athletes received trophies & medals for their excellence! Also the Lee Hammel Sportsmanship Trophy was presented to Kelly Kettles of Atlanta!!! We appreciate all the help we received from our wonderful members & staff!
Our 5th Annual National Tournament will be held here in 2013. This November we will travel to Atlanta to play in the Special Pops Tourney! Next June, Handi-Racket Tennis will celebrate 35 years of great tennis opportunities to our passionate adaptive tennis community! For more information about our program and/or how you can help, call Sylvia Swartz @ 508-358-7355, X210!
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Laury Hammel Wins Singles and Doubles
at the New England Slams Hardcourts |
 | | Laury Hammel. |
For the second year in a row, Longfellow president, Laury Hammel, won the New England Men's 60's Slams Hardcourt Championships. Recently coming off an elbow injury in the winter and early spring, this year's competition proved to be a bit tougher test for Laury. He played four singles and two doubles matches (four of which went three sets) and was on the court for a total of 14 hours from Friday afternoon to Sunday (6.5 hours on court on Sunday).
Laury was improving as the tournament progressed and in the finals beat his doubles partner, George Deptula in his shortest match 6-2, 6-4. This was followed by a tough three-hour
 | | Laury Hammel (l) with his doubles partner George Deptula. |
semi-finals that George and Laury eked out 6-7, 6-2, 7-6. The finals of doubles was also very close as these two tired guys got behind 1-4 in the first set and then ramped up their play and closed out the tournament 6-4, 6-4--walking off the court at 5 pm on Sunday.
On another competitive front--in the USTA Men's 60's Team Competition--Laury wrote a long and colorful story of the New England Team's success in Arizona. Read all about the Bad Boys of Boston by clicking this link:. Link to "Bad Boys of Boston" story |
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Positive Spin for ALS Bike Ride
Rescheduled for September 18th!
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As many of you know, the annual Positive Spin for ALS Bike Ride scheduled for June 12 was postponed due to an unfavorable weather forecast. The new date has been set for Sunday, Sept. 18! Over the years the ride has raised over $700,000 for research and patient care for those afflicted with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). You can choose a 10, 25, 50, or 70 mile ride, all starting and ending at Longfellow with a cookout. The ride is in memory of Pete Farricker, Myke's brother, who passed away from ALS in 2001 at the age of 45. The picture to the left shows members of the 1982 Ultimate Frisbee World Championship Team that Pete was a member of, and that rides each year in Pete's memory. So come join us at Wayland Longfellow, get some exercise riding through the beautiful backroad foliage of MetroWest, have some fun, and contribute to others less fortunate than ourselves. Hope to see you there!
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Longfellow Juniors Win
State High School Championships
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Longfellow juniors continue to have great success in high school tennis. Will Spector (who will be attending Brown University in the fall) pulled a rare double championships winning the Mass State Individual Championships and the Mass State Division III Boy's Team Championships playing for Weston High School that is coached by Longfellow's own George Conlon.
Needham junior, Aaron Revzin, did nearly as well as he won the Eastern MA South Division in the individual championships reaching the final four. Playing number one, Aaron's Needham High School boys team won the MA State Division I State Championships defeating the powerhouse of St John's 5-0. Other Longfellow juniors included #2 singles Aaron Segel, #3 singles Phile Weiner, and playing on the #1 doubles team, Matthew Bejian.
Nithila Asokaraj from Acton-Boxboro won the Mass State North Division individuals and reached the final four of the MA State Championships.
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Mesa Mei Wins New England
Men's Open Championships
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 | | Mesa Mei (l) and his coach Laury Hamnmel |
Former Longfellow junior, Mesa Mei, recently won the New England Men's Open Sectional Championships at the Ocean Edge Resort on Cape Cod. Mesa is nineteen years old and has been working with Longfellow and Laury Hammel, his private coach, since he was nine years old. Seeded fourth, he was the surprise champion and cruised through the draw winning this prestigious event without losing a set.
An interesting part of this amazing accomplishment is that in the juniors Mesa had a long tradition of not playing well at the sectional championships. Although last year he placed second in the 18 and Under Championships, he had never won it. Now that he is out of the juniors, he took his tennis to a whole new level of excellence.
Mesa just completed his freshman year at Xavier in Ohio which is a Division I school where he played #4 and finished with an excellent winning record.
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Birthday Parties | |
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. |
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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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Sign up for a week of Camp Longfellow Natick
and receive $25 off! |
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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 |
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Our 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.
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