From Strong Kids to LIVESTRONG, it's a mighty, mighty Positive Spin newsletter for July.

STRONG KIDS CAMPAIGN HITS GOAL

The 2013 Strong Kids Campaign, "Promising Futures," appears in line to hit its goal of $140,000.

At the June 25 Board of Directors Meeting, campaign chair DeeDra Vosburg reported that the campaign had amassed $120,000 and outstanding pledges totaling more than $20,000 will bring the campaign to its goal.

Our thanks to all who volunteered to raise the funds, and those who provided them. A special thank you goes to The Y's Club with a generous gift of $10,000. Your help allows low-income families become part of the Y family.

BUSINESS BEFORE HOURS HERE JULY 17

Scenes from the Dec. 2009 Business Before Hours at the Y.

The Mankato Family YMCA will get a chance to show off its new remodeling, renovation and programs early in the morning July 17 as part of Greater Mankato Growth's Business Before Hours series.

The event takes place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. at the Y and gives GMG members an opportunity to learn more about each other and keep up with the latest changes and trends in the Mankato area business community.

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.

LIVESTRONG CANCER SUPPORT PROGRAM IN THE WORKS AT THE Y

If you are an adult cancer survivor eager to reclaim your energy, your fitness and your "normal," you'll want to check out LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA.

LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a free 12-week program offering cancer survivors specialized physical fitness training designed to help reclaim their health and well-being following a cancer diagnosis.

The program is open to members and non-members alike, at any stage of their diagnosis.

The classes are scheduled to begin in October. For more information on signing up, contact Joy Leafblad at 345-9813.

Businesses sought for School-Based Mentoring

For the past two years, a handful of area businesses have made a positive difference in the life of kids.

They've done this by allowing interested staff members to participate as mentors in the School-Based Mentoring program coordinated by the Y and the Mankato School District.

As the new school year approaches, so does the hope of further expanding the program.

School-Based Mentoring pairs an adult with a kid for weekly one-hour activities at school, usually during the lunch hour.

It's an hour that both tend to look forward to, and it's a program that has flourished in its two years.

Businesses interested in learning more are asked to contact the Y's Program Coordinator Cheryl Hamond at 507-345-9809.

More parking spots coming in September

After a bit of real estate demolition, about 15 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.

Guest fee added at the Y

The Mankato Family YMCA will charge a flat $2 for visitors who sign in as guests.

With well more than 200 guests coming into the facility each month, the fee was added as an incentive for people to become members of the Y, allowing for more accountability and security in the building.

The $2 applies to guest families as well as individuals, and takes effect in September. Individuals are allowed to be guests at the Y twice in a year.

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