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Longfellow Life
Our Monthly Newsletter
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A message from Laury Hammel, Longfellow President 
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 Dear Members,
Happy Day After Ground Hog Day! Since that cute little prescient rodent saw his shadow we'll have six more weeks of winter. But what does that mean this year with so little cold and snow? With the mildest winter in recent memory it's been easy to get to the club so we've all lost the excuse of the weather being bad. Hopefully you're keeping your New Year's health resolutions and using the club as much as possible. It's good to keep in mind that every time you walk through the door at Longfellow you're doing something good for yourself and for your health.
As you can see from this newsletter there is a lot going on at Longfellow. I want to call special attention to our world famous swim team--the Stingrays! Below is a photo and story about their coach, Melissa Callaghan, being tossed in the pool after their recent victory! Great fun! We are beginning the process of repainting the lobby, the ladies room, and the upstairs meeting room area, as well as installing a new rug in the ladies locker room. We're also eagerly anticipating new furniture has been ordered that will be here sometime in February.
The club is energized about the upcoming Super Bowl, it should be a good one! Go Pats!
And finally, the Ground Hog's predictions or not, once we get to March we know spring is just around the corner.
Yours in health,
Laury Hammel, President
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| Making Longfellow Sparkle! | |
We've been hard at work continuing the progress of making the clubs sparkle.
- The two Natick Racquet Club locker rooms have undergone a complete facelift - new rugs, new lockers, new ceiling grid and tiles, newly painted walls, and new countertop in the ladies room. All that's left to do is add furniture for the separate seating areas in each room, which we are in the process of doing.
- New rugs have been installed in the ladies locker room, and the walls will be painted soon.
- The upstairs bathroom in the meeting area is finished, with new paint, mirrors and light fixtures.
- We have started painting the front lobby, the upstairs meeting room, and will soon be repainting the ladies locker room and the Living in Balance Meeting Room.
- The hallway behind the locker rooms, and the entrance corridor to the pool, have both been repainted and re-plastered where necessary.
Thank you for all of your understanding and cooperation as we continue to work throughout the club to make Longfellow sparkle!
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Longfellow on FaceBook!
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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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Fitness News
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Kick off the New Year right! Take advantage of our First Timers 5 Pack to get back in the routine after a long holiday season. 5 one-hour Personal Training sessions for just $249!
Want to get the whole family in shape? Try our Family Fitness Program. 5 fun one-hour sessions with your family of 3 or more for just $299
Is a group setting more up your alley? Try any one of our over 15 small group options, from Bootcamp with Janice or Adam, to Kinesis with Sarah or Beth, or TRX Suspension Training Classes with Ian or Sone. Try one or all for the same small price. Packages as low as $15 per session.
The Longfellow Adventure Race Series Heartbreaker race is filling up fast. Just 30 spots left for the Sunday, February 12th event! The Heartbreaker is our indoor version of the Warrior Dash, Spartan Race or Tough Mudder. We will be racing about the club completing rigors such as bucket carries, spin bikes, hurdles, tires and more. This race is for all ages! See photo at right. Come join the fun!
Don't get your heart broken! Come try one of our Prep Sessions to help you prepare for the race. Each registered participant receives 4 complimentary sessions. Each additional paid session Longfellow will donate $5 to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Entry fee for the race is $45, $25 for kids 13 and under. See you there!
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Introducing Pre-K @ Longfellow!
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Pre-K @ L ongfellow is a new pre-kindergarten program located within the Longfellow Sports Club in Natick that will open in September 2012. The program is available for children ages 4 and 5 years old, the year before entering Kindergarten. Our program offers a 3, 4 or 5-day program and follows the Natick Public School Calendar.
Our educational philosophy is to provide a nurturing program which enables children to develop self-esteem, confidence and trust, while at the same time learning how important it is to enjoy staying healthy and active. We offer a strong curriculum and a variety of projects and activities that build established foundations for learning. We work independently with the children and in small groups, and our learning centers offer experiences necessary for exploration as well as maintaining their interests.
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Laurianne Bonadio (l - Lead Teacher) and Karen Giorgio (r - Teacher)
set up for the 'Pre-K @ Longfellow' Open House
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Pre-K @ Longfellow provides Curriculum in the following areas:
* Visual Arts & Music: Allows for expression, creativity & exploration using different art mediums. Music to encourage dance, movement and singing & using musical instruments.
* Science: Exploring Earth & Space; Physical Space & Life Sciences and Technology.
* Math: Ideas & concepts about quantity and logical & special relationships incorporating graphing, patterns and numbers.
* Language Arts: Story-telling; journals; writing; reading and communication.
* Social Studies: Life experiences in the family, school, community, state, country & the world!
* Health: Nutrition; cooking; physical development; safety & healthcare and social & emotional health.
* Learning Centers: Art, Writing, Science, Puzzles, Blocks, Water/Sand Table, Dramatic play, Reading, and Manipulatives.
For more information about Pre-K @ Longfellow, please call Children's Programs Director Caroline Donahue at (508) 653 4633.
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Historic Win for the Longfellow Stingrays!
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Stingrays Coach Melissa Callaghan leading her troops to their biggest win ever!
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Congratulations to the Longfellow Stingrays Swim Team who beat the Wayland Junior Warriors by two points on Saturday January 21st in an exciting dual meet between the two teams at Longfellow. The Wayland Junior Warriors had been undefeated for nine years! It was a very close meet throughout, and each member of the Stingrays helped the team swim to victory.
Highlights included: - A new Stingray Team Record set by Ellen Ingwerson in the girls 13-14 50 fly (30.12)
- A new Stingray Team Record set by Connor Bert, Aaron Krueger, Andrew Scherrer and Luke O'Hare in the boys 11-12 200 free relay team (2:13.55).
- The 7 & 8 boys swept 1st through 9th place in the 25 free event
- The Stingrays won all but two of the free relays
- There were an amazing 86 personal bests during the meet - WOW!
 | | Coach Melissa Callaghan loving the time-honored tradition of the coach being thrown in the pool after the big win! |
The team has three more dual meets left in the season before the conclusion at Championships on March 10th at Boston University. Congratulations to Head Coach Melissa Callaghan, and all the coaches! Keep up the great work! |
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Bill Hayden's Story
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Bill Hayden (l) with Longfellow Personal Trainer Mauricio Sirias
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"I didn't understand why I had to crawl from my back yard to my bed that afternoon this past fall when I couldn't push my lawn mower any more. I walked regularly every day and did all the work around my house. I thought I was in pretty good shape. I have to admit that riding in a car for more than an hour was uncomfortable and getting in and out was becoming harder too, but that's what happens when you get to be 73, I told myself.
After lying in bed that afternoon and night, luckily I was able to get around a bit, but my lower back stabbed me with every movement. I told myself I'd do anything to feel good again.
Having heard of the Longfellow Sports Club, my wife and I decided to join. That's when I met Mauricio Sirias. He told me he had experience with seniors and explained that many of my muscles weren't developed and weren't helping my back. In my first session with him he taught me how to stand and how to walk properly (another blow to my macho pride). He showed me some very easy exercises to do to make me feel more comfortable and also to begin to build up my core.
From the beginning I was impressed with Mauricio's knowledge of his profession and of the human body. Mauricio exudes confidence. He is in great shape and makes me realize that he knows what he is doing and practices what he preaches. He is awesome.
As the weeks went by the exercises asked for more from me but they never seemed hard. Mauricio has a sense of just how much he can expect from someone. Before long my back felt pretty good, but I still had reminders that it was far from perfect. As the weeks went by, I kept doing everything that Mauricio asked of me. The weights were heavier and I was stretching more, but I was never discouraged because everything seemed fairly easy and I was truly feeling stronger. I told Mauricio he had made a new man of me, and I meant it.
At the end of January I still have more sessions with Mauricio, but now I can hop in and out of my car, saw logs with my older grandson, and lift the younger one over my shoulder without feeling it in my back. I still have a long way to go, but already Mauricio Sirias has given me a normal life."
Bill Hayden, Longfellow member
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Water Exercise News
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 It's 2012 and we are excited to experiment with a slightly different class format. Laila, Kathleen and Sally are happy to introduce Technique, Cardio and Core. Join them as they rotate teaching this amazing Tuesday 9:15 a.m. class. Each teacher will take a little more time to detail form and technique, done mainly in the deep end with a little in the transitional water depth (that area just between the shallow and the deep end) This is a perfect place to build core strength, work on balance, and "tip toe" into shallow water with very little impact. Join our spirited crew each week. This class is good for beginners, veterans or anyone who feels nervous in the water. We promise you the usual awesome cardiovascular workout with a new twist for a new year!!!
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Embrace Balance in 2012!
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Participants in Longfellow's Living In Balance Program have seen amazing results with this great weight loss and maintenance program. This is no diet, but a high-energy eating plan for life! In LIB sessions you will learn to develop and adopt an "offensive" strategy toward eating, and re-train your brain to make LASTING CHANGES. Our staff of professional dieticians will teach you to recognize the influence
 of salt, sugar and fat on your food choices, handle setbacks and frustrations, and make peace with food! LIB strategies will help you navigate the waters of weight
Increased Energy management, including the challenges associated with restaurant dining and social eating. Better nutrition can mean:
- Happier Moods
- Improved Cholesterol
- Improved Blood Pressure, Blood Sugar
- More Self Confidence
- Better Relationships
- More Productivity at Work
- Enhanced Appearance
The latest session of Living In Balance began on January 9. Give Jane Polley a call here at Longfellow at 508-653-4633, ext 213, or email at jpolley@longfellowsportsclub.com. We look forward to seeing you Living In Balance!
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Aquatics News
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 Happy New Year! We have started 2012 off with a bang with the swimming program overflowing with participants. There is still room in some classes, although Thursday afternoon and Saturday morning classes are full. There is still room in the Parent/Tot class on Saturday mornings if you would like to join. If you have questions about a certain class or time, please contact Robin Carroll at longfellowaquatics@gmail.com or call 508-653-4633 ext 215 for more information.
We also have our stroke clinics for adult swimmers, a drop in program to work on your technique and endurance for lap swimmers. If you are a fitness swimmer, but are not looking for a competitive swimming environment, this is for you. We can help you improve your efficiency and strength in the water, making your workout more time effective. Come join us on Wednesdays, at 11:00 AM. Looking forward to seeing you there!
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What is a Foam Roller and Why Should I Use One?
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Foam rollers offer many of the same benefits as a sports massage, without the big price tag. The roller not only stretches muscles and tendons but it also breaks down soft tissue adhesions and scar tissue. By using your own body weight and a cylindrical foam roller, you can perform a self-massage or myofascial release, break up trigger points, and soothe tight fascia while increasing blood flow and circulation to the soft tissues.
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Foam Rolling with Longfellow Personal Trainer Sone Souvanna
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How It Works:
The superficial fascia is a soft connective tissue located just below the skin. It wraps and connects the muscles, bones, nerves and blood vessels of the body. Together, muscle and fascia make up what is called the myofascia system. For various reasons including disuse, not enough stretching, or injuries, the fascia and the underlying muscle tissue can become stuck together. This is called an adhesion and it results in restricted muscle movement. It also causes pain, soreness and reduced flexibility or range of motion.
Myofascial release is a body work technique in which a practitioner uses gentle, sustained pressure on the soft tissues while applying traction to the fascia. This technique results in softening and lengthening (release) of the fascia and breaking down scar tissue or adhesions between skin, muscles and bones.
Myofascial release has also been shown to relieve muscle and joint pain as well as improving flexibility and range of motion. Foam rollers are inexpensive and with a bit of experimentation you can target just about any muscle group.
We can all benefit from some foam rolling so why not stop by the fitness room and learn how to use one soon!
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Group Exercise News
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Happy New Year! The Group Exercise department has many different classes to help you reach your fitness and health goals. Longfellow is very excited to bring BarSculpt to our club! It's a great workout that blends pilates, yoga, and sports conditioning into one class. You will work your core, legs, and more! BarSculpt is being offered on Tuesdays at 8:30-9:30 am and Fridays at 10:30-11:30 am with Lisa Wilkins. Also, new on the schedule is Cardio Circuit on Monday at 9:30-10:30 am with Christine Schremp in the small gym.
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Longfellow kicked off the new year with Bodypump! Sunday, January 15th marked the latest launch of this amazing muscle-sculpting and calorie-zapping class. Bodypump features traditional freeweight exercises in a supportive and energized setting. Classes are held Monday at 6:00 pm, Tuesday 6:30 pm, Thursday 8:30 am and 6:15 pm, Saturday 10:00 am, and Sunday 9:30 am. Drop by and try Bodypump today!
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Play Pickleball
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 | | and Longfellow's Dick Gellis teaming up |
Looking for a fun way to burn some holiday calories while having a great time? Try Pickleball! This sport combines the coolest parts of Ping Pong and Tennis, and is a real blast. Pickleball is played on a miniature tennis court, and uses wooden racquets that resemble oversized Ping Pong paddles. On these small courts the importance of running is diminished, and the focus placed more on technique. You can volley and smash points just like Tennis and Ping Pong. Pickleball is great fun and awesome for all ages, and a great way to stay active and agile! First visit is FREE! Cost is $10 for singles and couples are $5 per person for doubles. Pickleball runs every Monday 6:00 PM, Wednesday 6:00 PM, and Friday at 10:00 AM. Call us at 508-358-7355 to reserve your spot. Come join us on our Zip Zone courts in Wayland for some Pickleball!
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Summer Memberships are Here!
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Jump early into a Summer Membership!
Green leaves on trees and swimsuits may be months away, but it's not too early to start thinking about summer! If you are a current member and want to add your family for one of our legendary Summer Memberships, then don't hesitate! Summer Memberships run from May 26th- Sept. 3rd, and registration begins February 1st.
Sign up early (before April 30th) and take advantage of our price break! Please let your friends know about this great family summer membership opportunity to use the club and the pool. Contact membership in Natick at 508-653-4633 for more details and registration. See you in the pool!
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Little Longfellows!
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 Have a child going into Kindergarten? Enrollment has already started for Fall 2012 for our Later@Longfellow after school program. Call Caroline Donahue at 508 653 4633 or email longfellowkids@gmail.com.
Kid's Programs - It is almost time to sign up for our Spring Kid's Programs! We will be offering Slam Dunk Basketball, Fit Kids and Kid's Yoga. And don't forget to sign your kids up for our School Vacation Programs in February and April!
Birthday Wishes - A BIG
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Harris Demos and Maisy Donahue in the back, surrounded by their Later@ Longfellow friends on their birthday!
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Happy Birthday to Harris Demos and Maisy Donahue, our fabulous 'Later @ Longfellow' after school staff, who turned 18 in January! Later @ Longfellow staff and students celebrated with cake and popsicles. Both are Seniors at Natick High School.
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Tennis
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WOW! Big news at the Natick Racquet Club! The remodeling of the men's and ladies locker rooms is underway. Members have been commenting on how nice things are starting to look, and that they are being "wowed" by the changes! This updated look is a part of one of our company's new core values toward which we've been striving - to "sparkle" our club.
The Racquet Club has been buzzing with lots of our successful juniors being in the New England rankings, as well as active in the various programs offered at the club.
 One of the programs offered at the club is our junior excellence program. Over December school vacation week, an all day camp was held at the club for those who were available. Check out the picture to see some of these excellent juniors. They are from left to right: David Arango, Sinan Zerbe, Rod Rofougaran, and Dan Doubenski.
Five of Natick Racquet Club junior members are ranked in the top 10 of their various age groups for the year in USTA/New England. The players are: Griffin Posey, #3; Michael Dunayevskly #4; Arda Cataltepe #5; Sinan Zerbe #7; and Sam Feldman #9. This is a great accomplishment for these junior players who are very active in the junior clinic program at the Racquet Club, as well as achieving success in the various sanctioned tournaments. Congratulations to these players!
On the adult scene, the winter singles flex league is starting up at the end of January and all the women's and men's teams are underway for their second half of the season play. See you on the courts!
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Birthday Parties
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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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Save $20 on
ANY Birthday Party!
Have your child's Birthday Party at the Longfellow Sports Club!
Dance, Yoga, Munchkin, Arts and Crafts, Sports or Pool Parties!
Call Lisa @ 508 653 4633 for more details.
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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