Employee E-Newsletter - Fox West YMCA

YMCA of the Fox Cities

EMPLOYEE E-NEWSLETTER

Fox West YMCA

May 2014

From the desk of:

Brenda Johnson

FWY Executive Director

If you attended summer camp as a child, you know the profound positive effects that still matter to you as an adult.

But if you didn't have the opportunity to attend camp as a child, you may not realize just how good the experience is for children. You may not know why so many parents are committed to sending their kids to camp.

We all want the best opportunities for our children: good health, the ability to get along well with others, good problem solving skills, and a host of resiliency skills such as good self-esteem, self-reliance, confidence, life-skills and healthy social behaviors. The camp experience offers an opportunity for youth to develop all of these skills and discover and explore their talents and interests in a nurturing, fun and positive environment, away from the distractions of technology.

Each summer, at camp, a unique setting is created. A community is constructed where youth interact with positive role models who have time to listen, talk, relax, and reflect. They learn to work together with other youth, make choices, take responsibility, develop creative skills, build independence and self-reliance, and gain confidence. All are necessary steps on a child's path to a healthy, productive life.

Our YMCA of the Fox Cities Camp Nan A Bo Sho is an ACA-accredited resident camp on beautiful Waubee Lake in Lakewood, WI. I encourage you to consider sending your child to one of the many weeklong summer camp opportunities or signing up for one of the many family camps to explore and share camp together. Traditional camp activities include: Archery, Arts & Crafts, Riflery, Swimming, Sailing, Canoeing, Fishing, Nature Studies, Rowing, Cooperative Games, Hiking, Sports & Games, Camp Outs, Campfires, Paddle Boats, Funyaks, and Disc Golf. Restrooms and hot showers are centrally located. Campers 12 and older may participate in High Ropes and Zip line activities. All campers may participate in climbing wall activities.

YMCA of the Fox Cities employees also receive an employee discount on camp. Please visit our website for all the details www.ymcafoxcities.org. Take time this summer to explore and try something new!

Wishing you a fun, relaxing and memory filled summer!

Brenda Johnson

	Now Showing: My Y Story!

	NEW! Walking Class

	The Fox West YMCA is offering a new outdoor walking class called "Walk Your Way to Wellness". The class will be held Mondays and Wednesdays from 10:00 - 10:45 AM. The session will run June 9th-August 20th. Walking improves heart health, strengthens arm, shoulder, and leg muscles, and boosts metabolism. The class will incorporate walking at varying speeds and intensities, while also using the strength stations along the walking trail around the Fox West YMCA. The class is is FREE for Y members and $28 for the general public.

	"Step It Up" Walking Program Coming in June

	Looking for some motivation to get outside and take a walk in the gorgeous summer weather? The Employee Wellness Committee will be offering a walking incentive program in June. Information coming soon!

	Summer Memberships

	The YMCA of the Fox Cities will be offering 3-month Summer Memberships. The cost will be $160 for adults and $220 for families. They will be available for purchase from May 19 - June 30.

	Aqua Force Swim Club

	Aqua Force Swim Club is a new swim and water fitness program is for kids ages 12 - 13, or those who have finished Shark Level. The Club is a great way to improve confidence in and out of the water. Participants will refine their swim strokes while also learning about water safety and basic first aid. Sign up for the summer session now!

	Staff Diversity Committee

	The YMCA of the Fox Cities prides itself for being a diverse organization. We continue to strive to promote diversity and inclusion within our YMCA programs and in our community. Our Staff Diversity Committee meets monthly and includes representatives from each of the branches. We continue to participate in community events such as Juneteeth Day in Appleton's City Park where we will be offering activities in the Children's Village on Sunday, June 22nd. For 2014, we are also focusing on our staff. We will be looking to hold 2-3 trainings for staff on diversity and inclusion. We also will be including informational pieces in each month's Staff Newsletter. Finally, we are investigating the creation of Diversity Circles that would be available to staff and members where they would meet and discuss specific topics related to diversity and inclusion. If you are interested in finding out more about our Diversity initiative or would like to assist our Staff Diversity Committee, please contact Brian Rammer, 886.2136 or brammer@ymcafoxcities.org or any one of our Staff Diversity Committee Members: Brian Rammer, Jeanne Hoest, Judy Seibel, Kevin Jakubek, Paula Beyer, Kathy Tennyson, Maria de Leon, Sue Pawlowski & Tom Wendt

Staff Spotlight

This month, our staff spotlight is on Lynn Ann Wierschem. Lynn Ann works in the Growth & Development department. Get to know Lynn Ann better in her answers below!

Why do you like working at the Y?
I enjoy working at the YMCA. It is a very fun, positive, and rewarding job. Working with children and helping them learn is an amazing feeling.
What are some of your hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my three girls, traveling, camping, gardening, cooking, and anything outdoors.
What is your favorite travel destination?
Some of my favorite places to travel are Door County and Sanibel Island, FL. I do lots of traveling with my girls. We enjoy picnics, camping, fishing, and just about anything outdoors!
Who inspires you and why?
I have always been inspired by my grandmother! She always was caring, positive, and a happy spirit! I loved how much she helped out anyone and always was seen either laughing or full of smiles!
What are three of your favorite movies?
1. The Notebook
2. Couples Retreat
3. Hunger Games

	Extra Mile Award Recipients

	The Extra Mile Award recognizes employees who have gone above and beyond what is expected; performing exemplary service, modeling the Y's four core values, and making a difference in people's lives. The following individuals recently received an Extra Mile Award: Rebecca Thompson - Aquatics Sam Burkhalter - Aquatics Troy Jahns - Aquatics Amanda Van Schyndel - Kids Corner Linda Budner - School Age/4K Wrap Randy Hofstetter - Maintenance Paul Bady - Aquatics Kim Edeler - Wellness Rob Henke - Building Supervisor Joann Meyer - Member Services

	Service Anniversaries

	Congratulations to the following Fox West YMCA staff members who celebrate service anniversaries in the month of May: Laura August - 12 years Maureen Kiser - 6 years Kristal Delbecchi - 6 years Shannon Brux - 4 years Kayla Tetzlaff - 4 years Theresa Mangin - 4 years Lisa Luedtke - 3 years Ryan Bogdan - 3 years Rebecca Thompson - 3 years Neil Gloudemans - 2 years Briana Klink - 2 years Stephani Van Groll - 2 years Alethia Schell - 2 years Ali Machlica - 2 years Shane Rueckl - 2 years Hannah Schraufnagel - 1 year Sarah Olk - 1 year Melissa Cummings - 1 year Jacob Coenen - 1 year Calista Hoewisch - 1 year

Welcome New Staff!

Aquatics

Hannah Caves
Renee Gentz
Holly Hage
Matthew Vanselow

Youth Sports
Ryan Arent

Health & Fitness
Eryn Mansfield

Kids Corner
Emily Maro

Preschool
Brenda Wiesner

School Age
Linda Budner
Kali Krull
Erika Lohrer

	Session and Registration Dates

	Spring Session - April 14 to June 1 Summer Session - June 9 to August 24 Summer Session 1 - June 9 to July 20 Summer Session 2 - July 20 to August 24 To register for classes via Online Edge, click here.

	YMCA of the Fox Cities Trainings

	Please click here to review and register for required YMCA of the Fox Cities employee trainings. Trainings must be completed to be eligible for your earned year-end performance increase. **IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE TRAINING YOU SIGNED UP FOR, YOU MUST CALL THE BRANCH WHERE THE TRAINING IS BEING HELD WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE TRAINING TO CANCEL YOUR SPOT. IF YOU DO NOT CALL OR SHOW FOR THE TRAINING, IT IS CONSIDERED A MISSED SHIFT AND YOU WILL BE GIVEN A VERBAL OR WRITTEN WARNING BY YOUR SUPERVISOR.

	Looking for a free lunch?? Enter our Newsletter Contest!

	Congratulations to the winner of our April Newsletter Quiz, Maureen Kiser! Maureen will receive a $5 gift certificate to Panera Bread. Would you like to be our next prize winner? Email astevens@ymcafoxcities.org with your answers to the following questions to be included in the May prize drawing. Good luck! 1. Where is Camp Nan A Bo Sho located? 2. What is the date of the Fishy 5K? 3. Who is celebrating a service anniversary of 12 years this month?

	Questions or Comments?

	Email Angie Stevens at astevens@ymcafoxcities.org if you have any questions about the newsletter, or if you have something you'd like included in future issues.