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Longfellow Life
Our Monthly Newsletter
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A Letter from Longfellow's President  | |
Dear Members and Friends,
It's certainly getting dark early these days. In fact, sometimes it seems like the sun sets just shortly after lunch. The good news is that in just a few days the days will begin to get longer, and we'll be seeing more light - even if that may mean the `warriors of winter' will soon be upon us. But the darker, colder, and snowier it gets, the warmer and lighter Longfellow becomes. Our long-time members know our staff is dedicated to the health and happiness of our members, and that we have never shut down the club because of bad weather. We may have closed early or opened a bit late (rarely) but you can count on Longfellow to be here for you and your fitness and health needs - always! If it's snowing, you can assume that we'll be open; but if it's really bad outside, you may want to call first to see how long we'll be open. Now is the time of year when we begin to take a look at how our past year was for us, and what we want to accomplish in the new year of 2012. And high on most folks list of New Year's resolutions is to be more fit and healthy. That's why we're here! We want to make it easy for you to accomplish your fitness goals for 2012. This newsletter is chock full of ways you can plan your year so you can be in even better physical condition, and have fun doing it. We wish you all peace and joy in the upcoming holiday season, and we encourage you to start planning now to make 2012 your best year yet! My friend Frank says to me every morning as he is leaving his workout at 6 am (just when I'm beginning my workout), "Today is the best day of my life!"
With gratitude,
Laury Hammel, President
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| Women's Locker Room Remodeling Update! | |
How do you like the new color scheme? Our thanks to Mike `Mad Dog' Gallagher for his great work in adding a fresh coat of paint to most of the walls at the club. Mad Dog is now working at the Longfellow Sports Club in Natick , and we welcome Tony DaPaz who has jumped in and worked many a night to continue where Mad Dog left off. You may have noticed that with all of this painting that there is no smell because we're using
Benjamin Moore low VOC paint.
And we're happy to say that we are putting in new rugs throughout the club, and as of this writing our dynamite tile and rug contractor John LaCava has installed the first area with our new rug squares in the tennis lobby, tennis bubble viewing area, and the Keiser strength machine area. We think you'll love the new look - we certainly do! New furniture will be arriving in January to accent our new rugs. And this rug was installed with environmentally and people friendly adhesive, that is solvent-free, zero VOC Calculated, Anti-microbial Protection, Alcohol and Ammonia-free, and non-flammable.
The Women's Locker Room has now finished Phase 3 of the 8 Phase Construction project. The complete project will take a while, but you can be sure that our contractors are working long hours into the night to keep this process as painless as possible, and to get it done right and as soon as possible. We thank you for your patience.
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Upcoming Fundraiser for the Lauren Astley Memorial Fund
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We'd like to let you know about an upcoming event that will be supporting the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund. The event will celebrate the life of this amazing young woman, whom we tragically lost this past summer.
It will be held on Monday January 2nd here at The Longfellow Club in Wayland, and the exact programming of the event has been finalized.The day will include a dance, tennis events, basketball clinics and play, kids events, Yoga and Pilates classes, Chair massage, and door prizes. Please click here Lauren Astley Jan. 2nd Fundraiser to see the flyer with all the times and details of the day.
All proceeds will go directly to the Lauren Dunne Astley Memorial Fund her parents have set up in her honor. The Fund's mission is to promote dynamic educational programs, particularly those in the areas of the development of healthy teen relationships, the arts, and community service.
We invite all of our members and their guests to attend this event to continue keeping Lauren's sparkling spirit alive in our hearts.
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Check Out Longfellow's Facebook Page by LIKING Us!
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Do you like to be inspired and have your day uplifted!
Join the Longfellow Facebook Page and be inspired every Monday with a Quote of the week.
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.
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Little Longfellows
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The Longfellow Children's center has had a very busy and fun fall season. We've been enjoying the lovely warm weather and getting outside a lot! We talked about this past Thanksgiving and all of the wonderful things in our lives for which we are thankful. Sometimes it helps to be reminded of our blessings by our children, whose thoughts are so sweet and kind. Here are some of our pre-k students' comments;
Justin is thankful for his dog, Miley!
Sarah is thankful for coloring books (who doesn't love those?!)
Sierra is thankful for sparkly headbands!!
Kian is thankful for being happy :)
Noa is thankful for when her friends give her kisses and hugs
Will is thankful for being able to play at home
Yasha is thankful for toys!
Patrick is thankful for his dog, Honey
Kolya is thankful for his bird, Chi-Cha
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Assistant Teacher Billy Vitello with his class of 5 year olds (Pssst - Billy's the one with the red hat!)
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We are thankful for our wonderful families, who share their beautiful children with us every day. They make our lives so much better, and keep things in perspective. This is the best job in the world! Happy Holidays from the staff at the Children's Center!
Our students are looking forward to winter break and we are happy to provide a fun, active program for their enjoyment. Tuesday, December 27 - Friday, December 30 we are holding our winter camp program. From 8:30 - 4:00 daily (or 8:30 - 1:00 if children are 12 months to preschool age) we offer games, art, sports and dance plus swimming for preschool children and older. Lunch and snacks are included, and children may come early or stay late (7:30 am - 6:00 pm) for an additional fee. Parents may choose to sign up for any number of days. Call us for more information at 508-358-0710.
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Group Exercise News
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Lumina will be closed on the following three days: Christmas Day, December 26 and New Year's Day. Lumina members may use The Longfellow Club on December 26 & New Year's Day.
The Longfellow Club will be closed on Christmas Day, December 25.
There will be no Group Exercise classes on December 26 due to it being the celebrated holiday for Christmas. There will be some classes on New Year's Day, so please be on the lookout for our special holiday schedule due out soon. An updated and regular schedule will begin on Monday January 2, 2012.
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Football Kids
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Congratulations to the Lincoln Sudbury HS Varsity Football team for having an outstanding year! Teresa Newton-Moineau has helped many of the kids on the LS football teams for the last 7 years, getting them in shape for their season & helping them recover from games with stretching, rolling & pool therapy. Teresa has become very attached to these kids, and loves helping them in any way she
can to prepare them for their future. Many are members of Longfellow and have worked out here over the years.
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Teresa surrounded by her LSHS Superstars!
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This years class was very special. Some of these kids started at 5 years old in the basketball classes here at Longfellow. Other than being great friends, they are great teammates who help each other any way they can.
They went 10-1 in their season this year, and 5-0 in the Dual County League. They won the first game in the playoffs on November 29th, coming from behind to beat Barnstable 14-13! They then went to the Super Bowl on Saturday December 3rd to play against Everett HS who were 12-0 and happened to be the #1 High School Team in New England. The LS boys didn't care; they just came to play their hardest & tried to come out on top. It was a great game & they gave it all they
had, but Everett was just too much for them at the end...they lost 36-13. It was a hard-fought game though, one in which the LSHS team never gave up. They should be so proud of all their accomplishments this year.
This team had great leadership with Matt Cahill, Kyle Ashley, Pat Mullin & Ricky Antonellis. They had Heart, Belief, Confidence, and Self-Respect for themselves & their value as a team. You couldn't ask more from them , and they are going to miss Teresa since this was her last year working with the team. She's so happy it all ended with their going to the Super bowl. She sends a special Thank You to Kyle, Pat, Matt, Chris Whitehouse, John Woodward, Tim Krumsiek, Jack Harris, Brett Skloff, Steven Howd, Jon Sidari, Brian Carroll, Joe Kenney, Justin Lesko & others for working with her & treating her with the respect & appreciation that she has taught them through the years.
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Welcome "Mad Dog!"
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 | Mike "Mad Dog" Gallagher
in one of his rare stationary poses! |
Please welcome Mike Gallagher to our family of Longfellow employees. He recently came on board as one of our maintenance staff. Mike's nickname is Mad Dog, which compliments well his personality, as you may have noticed if you've seen him flying around the club at top speed doing all manner of needful projects.
Mad Dog is bringing lots of color to our family of Longfellow clubs via his high energy and bright can-do personality, as well as all the numerous painting jobs he's been doing. The clubs are looking brighter all the time!
Mad Dog is also an avid cyclist, who once held the world record for longest time spent on a stationary bicycle. He pedaled 115 hours straight on the cycle, averaging 18 miles per hour for a total distance of 2,277 miles over the five days of his challenge. During this time he also raised $48,000 for needy children in New Hampshire. He held that world record for about six months, until the prior record holder returned and topped Mad Dog's new record in its near infancy, adding ten hours onto the total.
If you see Mad Dog, please welcome him to the club, congratulate him on his record, and challenge him to a bike race (or all three). Welcome Mad Dog!
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Kids Fitness News
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 KIDS YOGA
Kids yoga is happening at Lumina on Wednesdays 4:00 - 4:45 pm for 10-14 years old, and 4:45 - 5:30 pm for 6-9 years old. The new session is starting January 4th, and continues through February 14th. Call Lumina for more info and to 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 for their age. Keep your kids active! Days are Mondays at 4:00 - 5 pm. Call Teresa at 508-358-7355 x317 for more info. The next session starts January 9th, and runs through February 12th. Minimum of 3 students to run the class. Pre-Sign up at the Longfellow front desk.
 KIDS BASKETBALL
Kids Basketball will begin the week of January 4th, and continue through February 15th. Classes for kids ages 6 & 7 are Wednesdays from 4 - 5 pm, and ages 4 & 5 are Thursdays at 1:30-2:15 pm. Sign up at the Longfellow front desk.
TRIFECTA CLASS for AGES 8 - 11
Basketball, Hockey & Soccer will be played on Studio 1 on Tuesdays from 4 - 5 pm on Tuesdays beginning January 3rd, and running through February 13th.
Open to all boys & girls 8-11 years old. Sign up at the Longfellow front desk. Call Teresa at 508-358-7355 x317 for more info.
HS BOYS WINTER CONDITIONING
Starting Nov. 28th, and continuing through March 9th, Winter Conditioning Classes for High School boys will begin on Mondays from 5:15 - 6:30 pm, Wednesdays 2:30 - 4:00 pm, and Fridays 4:00 - 5:30 pm. Strength training, cardiovascular endurance, agility, footwork, speed, core & flexibility training & games will all be included! Drop in $15 per day. Email Teresa for more info at Tnewtonmoineau@gmail.com
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Aquatics News
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Sign up now for Session II swim lessons at the Aquatics Academy. Session II will start the first week of January and run for 12 weeks. We still have room in many classes, so don't wait until the last minute to learn to swim before summer arrives. We have many times available for pre-schoolers in the morning and early afternoons. We also have classes every afternoon and on the weekends for older kids and preschoolers who are not free during the day. Check out our schedule online at www.longfellowclubs.com or call 508-358-7355 X238 for more information.
 We also have private lessons available at convenient times with any of our great teachers. Our swim instructors are American Red Cross WSI certified and work with all ages and abilities. We believe in teaching children the skills they need to learn to swim and be safe in and around the water.
During winter break we will be offering Lifeguard Training, WSI courses and Lifeguard Re-certification Courses. Get ready for a great summer job at the pool!
Our Stroke and Endurance class for teenagers on Tuesday and Thursday evenings has been a huge success - come see all the fun they're having while improving their swimming and getting in some exercise with friends. The class is coached by our swim team coaches Laura Lawson and Janna Yamron.
Call 508-358-7355 x 238 or e-mail longfellowswim@gmail.com for more information. Come try one of our great programs, or just come hang out in the pool and warm your bones in our hot tub this winter. See you at the pool!
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Tennis News
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ZIP ZONE NEWS
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Longfellow Tennis Pro Patrick Loranger
instructing some future tennis pros
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Junior Team Tennis...........USTA Jr. Team Tennis began this month. We have a 10 & Under Orange Ball team, and an 8 & Under Red Ball team. Please see our Junior Event List for Team Practice times. If you have any questions and want to join a team, please let any of the pros at Longfellow know or call Jamey Finchum at the Zip Zone at 508-358-9675, or email Jamey at jamey@zipzonetennis.com
Zip Zone Super Clinic ...........The Zip Zone is running a December Super Clinic from Monday, December 26th through Friday, December 30th from 9:00 - 1:00 pm. Cost is $55/day or $250/week - includes lunch. To sign up, please call the Zip Zone at 508-358-9675.
2nd Session at Zip Zone..........The 2nd session at the Zip Zone begins on January 3rd. We have openings for all levels of play! If you are interested in signing up, please contact the Zip Zone! (www.zipzonetennis.com) JUNIOR NEWS
2nd session has begun.....Second session began the week of December 12th for Junior Programs. We have a few openings left in Orange Ball, Green Ball, Pre HS and High School! The Longfellow Tennis Club prides itself on teaching your children how to play tennis! If you are interested in finding out more or signing your child up, please contact Phil Parrish at lftennisdirector@hotmail.com or Jamey Finchum at jamey@zipzonetennis.com
Congratulations..............Congrats to Noah Criss for cracking the top 20 in the Boys 12s. He is ranked 17 currently. Congrats to Elizabeth Erbafina and her partner, who defeated Longfellow Players Dasha Kostikina and Natalia Proncheck in the latest 18 Level 6 Girls doubles final. Congrats to Kris Labovitch who finaled his first Boys 16 Level 7 Tournament at Westford! Congratulations for Longfellow Players Cameron Ferguson and Dasha Kostikina for qualifying for the National Open over Thanksgiving.
College Clinics.......Calling all College Players home from school! Longfellow will be offering clinics to help you prepare to return for school tennis. Dates will be:
December 19th - 22nd, 1:00 - 2:30 pm; December 27th - 29th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm; January 3rd - 5th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm; and January 9th - 12th, 1:00 - 2:30 pm. The cost will be $25 per session.
High Performance Holiday Match Play..................High Performance Holiday Match Play is running December 26th - 30th, 3:00 - 5:00 pm. Cost is $25.00 per day. If you are interested in signing up, please call Eric Westcott at 508-358-7355 or email him at eswsgw@yahoo.com.
ADULT TENNIS
Check out the Longfellow members and guests below having fun at the Halloween Mixed Doubles Event. Left to Right Back row - Sandi Williams, Chris Coronado, Carol DeBold, Joe DeBold, Andre Niemierko, Ewa Niemierko, Bill McVicar, Steve Orloff, Robin Callahan and Sarah Liepert. Left to Right Front Row - Colin and Melody Anderson, Rosemary and Connor Comrie, Cathy Baird, Chris Mulroney, Steve Driscoll and Emily Manders
Mixed Doubles at Longfellow..........Longfellow sponsors fun social mixed doubles events through out the year (like our Halloween Event pictured above). We raised over $1300 in our OxFam Mixed Doubles Tournament over Thanksgiving. Our New Year Mixed Doubles is coming up on Dec 30th. Valentine's Day in February, and Spring Fling in March, are coming soon in 2012. Mixed Doubles events are open to members and non-members. This is a great way to get out and meet new tennis players and have a fun social night. It's also a great "date night". If you're interested in playing Mixed Doubles, please contact Lorie or Phil at the club.
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Water Exercise News
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 Train for the Tri is back!!! You don't have to wait for the weather to heat up to start training for those warm weather triathlons you have your sights set on. This class will focus on the aquatic portion of your races, to help you cut through the water and the competition when your big day arrives. Jane will help you prepare for a spring triathlon, take your swimming to the next level, or simply loosen up your muscles and wake up for the day. We just held our first session on Thursday, December 15th, and the next will be on January 5th. Class includes:
- Shallow Water Sprints
- Deep Water Rubber Tubing
- A swim workout including stroke drills and technique
Going forward, the class will meet at 9 am on the first Thursday of each month. Come to class and bring a friend!!!
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Nutrition News
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Jane Polley of Longfellow's
Nutrition Department
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Ready or not, the holidays are upon us! And with them as always arrive the sweet onslaught of festive and filling foods. Here are some great suggestions for successful eating from your friends at Longfellow's Nutrition Program:
- If you don't have time to get to the club, get outside and go for a walk or run in the morning in our crisp New England air - it will create energy for the day and give you a buffer of a few extra calories to enjoy at the next party.
- Eat until you feel satisfied, not stuffed. Remember that taste buds fatigue. Eating too much has a diminishing return on the enjoyment of food.
- Keep in mind "My Plate" (the replacement for the food pyramid) and make ½ your plate vegetables and salad. Many people make nice salads to serve at parties. They often get overlooked. Enjoy greens at these festivities and at home. Prepare some roasted vegetables in advance so they are ready to eat when you get home tired, late and hungry.
- Eat at a moderate pace and savor your food. This is easier said than done, but with a little consciousness it can be done and will help to prolong the enjoyment of the meal.
- Plan for desserts. Many people bake traditional recipes from scratch during this time of year. These goodies could be "worth the calories." Take an offensive approach and make room for them into your daily food budget. This way, you can get the best of both worlds - delicious treats while maintaining your health!!!
Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas!!!
NOTE: Most nutritional counseling is covered under health insurance. To schedule a session with any one of our fabulous staff, contact Jane at JPolley@Longfellowsportsclub.com or leave a message at (508) 358-3067 ext. 322.
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Longfellow's Legendary Birthday Parties
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 Need a fun, active and engaging place to have your child's next birthday party? At the Longfellow Children's Center and The Longfellow Club we provide just that with many different options to choose from. Our talented, enthusiastic staff will do all the work and we provide all the components of a fabulous party, leaving you free to sit back and enjoy the fun (and take pictures, of course!)
At The Children's Center, we utilize our huge indoor playground with the "Amazing Maze" and treehouse structure for lots of active fun. Our Party Coordinators know lots of age-appropriate awesome games, and our staff does all of the set-up, clean-up and everything in between, including pizza, drinks, decorated paper goods and party favors.
At The Longfellow Club, kids can choose to swim in our heated, year-round pool and play games on the basketball floor. Parents may also combine the pool with the maze at the Children's Center for the best party ever. Consider us for your next party. Tell us you read about us in the newsletter and the birthday child is free! Call us today at 508-358-0710 to schedule your child's next birthday celebration.
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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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