Strong Kids Drive, more parking and no-no to tobacco. It's the Positive Spin Newsletter for Junen't and

As it enters its final stretch, the Strong Kids Drive needs your help to succeed. We believe all kids should grow up with a YMCA in their lives. Not just the ones whose parents can afford it.

Each year, the Mankato YMCA reaches out to members asking their help in keeping the Y accessible to low-income families by making their memberships affordable.

The United Way helps with this cause, as do membership fees. Yet with the Y providing one of every seven members financial assistance with their fees, the need continues.

This year, the Strong Kids Drive goal is $140,000. As of today, we're halfway there, but need your help to reach the goal.

Please remember that through the drive, low-income families in the Mankato area join the Y and have access to programs that are proven to improve the lives of kids. Programs including:

The acclaimed YMCA Preschool, giving kids an early advantage.
After School Adventures. Safe and engaging activities, fostering great results.
Brother/Sister mentoring, pairing good influences with at-risk kids.
Summer camps, giving kids of all ages a chance to explore the world around them.
Youth In Government/Model United Nations. Hands-on training at changing the world.
Youth Sports. Stressing character-building and teamwork.

Please join us in making a real difference for families. Send or bring in a contribution to 1401 S. Riverfront Drive. You can also contribute online.

Child Watch for older kids opens

The Y will be offering a school-age Child Watch beginning this month. Children must have completed kindergarten to take part.

The program, beginning June 10, runs from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Mondays through Fridays in the Pepsi Cube. Parents will register the kids in the Child Watch room.

The structure is similar to the existing process for younger children: Parents pay the regular Child Watch rate and need to stay in the building (or the trail) and sign the child in and out from the program.

A few twists on yoga

Some upcoming yoga classes with a specific interest include:

Run Yoga is a one-hour class with 30 minutes of running followed by relaxing and restorative yoga. All levels of experience at running and yoga are welcome to join the class, which runs from 5:40 to 6:40 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout summer sessions, the first of which begins June 3. Other session starts are July 2 and Aug. 5.

Prenatal Yoga focuses on strengthening, flexibility, breathing and stress relief for the expectant mother. Session 1 begins June 11 and Session 2 July 9. Both sessions have classes at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays.

Mommy and Me Yoga is for moms or caregivers with infants from 6 weeks old to pre-crawling. Class will include music, massage and movement. Session 1 begins June 11 and Session 2 on July 9. Both sessions have classes on Tuesdays at 9 a.m.

Check the summer catalog for more yoga offerings. For registration or questions, call 387-8255.

YMCA Preschool
registration underway

Mankato YMCA preschool is accepting registrations for the 2013-2014 school year.

Formerly titled Discovery, this is the longstanding preschool program that beautifully prepares children for school through stimulating activities that nurture and inspire curiosity and a desire to learn more.

Kids have all the fun -- from swim lessons to music to gym time -- and parents have the peace of mind that they're in an environment infused with good values.

For more information, contact Margo Dietz or Cheryl Ballard at 387-8255.

Get your business in the Y

front lobby

Have you noticed the digital message boards in the Y lobby and the Life Center? Not only are these display terminals a more colorful and attractive way to provide members with the latest Y news flashes, it's an affordable way for businesses to support the Y while reaching potential customers.

For $100 a month, your professionally designed message will rotate among messages at the rate of six times per hour for every hour of operation. Crunching the numbers, that adds up to 2,735 showings of your message per week, and a rate of .03 per message.

Interested? We're limiting the number of sponsors to 20, so stop by the lobby and Life Center and have a look. Email or call

Joe Tougas to sign up at 345-9807.

The Mankato Family YMCA is now formally a tobacco-free facility, inside and out.

While the interior of the building has long been smoke-free, the Y has been working with the American Cancer Society to establish a firm policy that prohibits the use of all tobacco products on YMCA grounds, including the parking lot.

Such products include not only standard cigarettes, but chewing tobacco, snuff and electronic cigarettes.

"Tobacco use is inconsistent with healthy living, period," said YMCA Executive Director John Kind. "We're happy to clarify this policy for members and hope it inspires those who do smoke to seek ways to quit."

More parking spots coming in September

After a bit of real estate demolition, about 25 additional parking stalls will be available at the Y by September.

As part of its $3 million renovation plan, the Y this month purchased the small apartment building next to the facility.

The building will be leveled through July and August to make room for parking stalls. Stay tuned - more talks are underway with surrounding property owners.

Building manager position available

The Mankato Family YMCA is searching for a part-time Building Manager. This position is responsible for supervising and overseeing the daily operations of the facility including giving tours, assisting members, supervising staff and assisting the front desk team.

The position requires the ability to handle a variety of situations as they arise. Flexible shifts available include days, evenings and weekends.

A high school education or the equivalent is required. Please download an application and return to HR@mankatoymca.com or stop by at 1401 South Riverfront Drive to pick up an application.

Not subscribed to the newsletter? Join our list. It's free, easy and a great way to stay in step with what's new at the Y.