YMCA of the Fox Cities 

EMPLOYEE E-NEWSLETTER
Fox West YMCA
May/June 2016
Hours of Operation
Beginning May 28, 2016


Building Hours
Monday - Friday - 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday - 5:45 AM - 3:00 PM
Sunday - 7:30 AM - 3:00 PM



Kids' Corner

Monday - Friday - 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Monday - Thursday - 4:00 - 7:15 PM

Saturday - 8:00-11:00 AM (September - May)

Sunday - CLOSED
Session and Registration Dates
Summer 1 Session - June 6 - July 17, 2016
 
Member Registration - May 2, 2016
Silver Sneakers Registration- May 4, 2016
General Public Registration- May 19, 2016
 
Summer 2 Session - July 18 - August 21, 2016
 
Member Registration - July 11, 2016
Silver Sneakers Registration- July 13, 2016
General Public Registration- July 14, 2016
 
As a reminder, the YMCA will be closed Saturday, July 4 in observance of Independence Day
 
Remember, as employees, you are also members of the Y!  In addition to a FREE Y membership you receive wonderful discounts on programs and services.  We encourage you to utilize your membership, participate in classes and programs.  This gives you a great opportunity to meet and get to know our members and other staff and learn more about all of the wonderful classes and programs we offer.  Take a little time for yourself to recharge and re-energize each and every day! 

From the Desk of

Brenda Johnson

FWY Executive Director






Amazing summers start at the YMCA! 




The Fox West YMCA is a great place for kids to spend the summer.  Youth have fun, learn new skills, make new friends and learn to appreciate the world more fully.   The Fox West YMCA is located on 34 acres of land for youth to explore, run and play. That, along with our many programs, new gym and wellness center is the perfect environment for youth to stay active and healthy all summer long. 
Children 6 years of age and under must be accompanied by a parent when in our facility or on our trail or property, if not enrolled in a program/class.  This measure is for the safety of all children, due to the size of our facility, equipment in our facility and scope of land we are situated on.  We ask for parental discretion when it comes to children between the ages of 6-10.
Youth ages 10-14, who complete a Youth Orientation, may use our new wellness center with a parent.  Our goal is to provide access to youth to enable them to learn, grow and thrive at the Y!


Wishing you a safe and active summer!


Brenda
2016 Annual Campaign
Our Annual Campaign helps provide financial assistance for individuals who could not otherwise afford the YMCA's life-enhancing programs and memberships. You know better than anyone else what the Y is all about and how it changes lives for the better. Please continue your support of the annual giving campaign and consider increasing your donation if you're able.


76 Fox West YMCA employees have pledged meaningful gifts totaling $8,969 to our Annual Campaign!  This is 99.6% of our $9,000 branch Staff Goal!


623 YMCA of the Fox Cities employees have pledged meaningful gifts totaling $92,083. This is 97% of our $95,000 Association Staff Goal!!
Thank you for your generosity and for all that you do to make the Y a great place for all!


If you have not yet had the opportunity to pledge a gift to the campaign, but would like to be a part of our campaign efforts please reach out to your supervisor, Nichole Nielsen, our Administrative Assistant or Brenda Johnson, Executive Director.  We hope you will consider a gift to our campaign!  Thank you in advance for your support! 
Capital  Campaign Update: 
We are nearing completion of our Growing Stronger Together Capital Campaign/Construction project at the Fox West YMCA.   Thank you for your tremendous support and patience throughout this entire project.  


KEY DATES:
 
JUNE 3 - Miron Adventure Zone Playground Build
JUNE 6-21 - Parking lot renovation - LIMITED PARKING AVAILABLE.


 
JUNE 27 - 2nd Floor Dance Studio and Mind/Body Studio Opens!
JUNE 28, 2016 - Ribbon Cutting Ceremony 4:00 PM
      WE HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US. 
      A FORMAL INVITATION TO FOLLOW! 


Miron Adventure Zone - Playground Build
Due to inclement weather forecast for Saturday, June 4th we moved our playground build to Friday, June 3.  Even with short notice over 20 individuals (Y program and management staff, wellness staff, school age and childcare staff, Y volunteers and members of our Fox West Y Board and YMCA of the Fox Cities Corporate team) came together to make the long awaited goal of providing a safe, functional and age appropriate playground, for children enrolled in our childcare and school age programs a reality.   When complete our new playground will also feature a beautiful poured surface, sod, a new fence, some smaller play structures and some educational gardens! 


 







YMCA OF THE FOX CITIES STAFF DIVERSITY, INCLUSION AND GLOBAL COMMITTEE
Even if you are not a bookworm, consider reading What If?: Short Stories to Spark Diversity Dialogue, by Steve Long-Nguyen Robbins.  It is a thought provoking book to create conversations around diversity.  In the 26 chapters, the author tries to go over a wide range of diverse topics to make the reader think.  This is a great read for a book club or for personal reflection.


In it he asks questions such as "What if....the world isn't as we think it is?"   Or "What if...we could listen more and judge less?" or "What if...we could be more flexible and adaptable?"  They are all great questions for the family as well. 


Other good books on diversity:
          
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R. Banaji
         
Reinventing Diversity by Howard J Ross
          
Everyday Bias by Howard Ross
          
he Loudest Duck by Laura A Liswood


Employee Wellness Health Tip for May-
 

Catching Quality ZZZZ's
When it comes to sleep, it's not just quantity that matters-its quality. How you feel during your waking hours hinges greatly on how well you sleep. Similarly, the cure for daytime fatigue and sleep difficulties can often be found in your daily routine. Your sleep schedule, bedtime habits, and day-to-day lifestyle choices can make an enormous difference to the quality of your nightly rest. The following tips will help you optimize your sleep so you can be productive, mentally sharp, emotionally balanced, and full of energy all day long.


How to sleep better tip 1: Support your body's natural rhythms
If you keep a regular sleep schedule-going to bed and getting up at the same time each day-you will feel much more refreshed and energized than if you sleep the same number of hours at different times. Start by setting a realistic bedtime that will work with your lifestyle. Avoid sleeping in-even on weekends or nights you've stayed up late.  If you need to make up for a late night, opt for a daytime nap rather than sleeping in. Napping is a good way to recharge and make up for lost sleep hours but if you tend to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night, napping can make things worse. If insomnia is a problem for you, consider eliminating naps altogether or limiting them to 15 to 20 minutes in the early afternoon.


How to sleep better tip 2: Control your exposure to light
Spending long days in an office away from natural light can impact your daytime wakefulness and make your brain sleepy. During the day expose yourself to bright sunlight in the morning. Spend more time outside during daylight. Try to take your work breaks outside in sunlight, exercise outside, or walk your dog during the day instead of at night.
Let as much natural light into your home or workspace as possible. Keep curtains and blinds open during the day, and try to move your desk closer to the window.  At night avoid bright screens within 2 hours of your bedtime. This includes the screen on your phone, tablet, computer, or TV.  When it's time to sleep, make sure the room is dark. The darker it is, the better you'll sleep. Keep the lights down if you get up during the night. If you need to get up during the night, avoid turning on the lights if possible. If you need some light to move around safely, try installing a dim nightlight in the hall or bathroom or using a small flashlight. This will make it easier for you to fall back to sleep.


How to sleep better tip 3: Get regular exercise
Studies show that regular exercisers sleep better and feel less sleepy during the day. Regular exercise also improves the symptoms of insomnia and sleep apnea and increases the amount of time you spend in the deep, restorative stages of sleep.  The more vigorously you exercise, the more powerful the sleep benefits. But even light exercise-such as walking for just 10 minutes a day-improves sleep quality.  Try to finish moderate to vigorous workouts at least 3 hours before your bedtime. If you're still experiencing sleep difficulties, move your workouts even earlier. For some people, it can take up to 6 hours for the body to fully cool down after exercise to a temperature conducive to sleep.


How to sleep better tip 4: Be smart about what you eat and drink
Your daytime eating habits play a role in how well you sleep. It's particularly important to watch what you put in your body in the hours leading up to your bedtime.  Consider eliminating caffeine after lunch or cutting back your overall intake.  Try to make dinnertime earlier in the evening, and avoid heavy, rich foods within two hours of bed. Avoid alcohol before bed. While a nightcap may help you relax and fall asleep faster, it interferes with your sleep cycle once you're out. For some people, a light snack before bed can help promote sleep. For others, eating before bed can lead to indigestion and make sleeping more difficult. Experiment with your food habits to determine your optimum evening meals and snacks. If you need a bedtime snack, try half a turkey sandwich or a small bowl of whole-grain, low-sugar cereal or granola with milk or yogurt or a banana.
 
How to sleep better tip 5: Wind down and clear your head
Do you find yourself unable to sleep or waking up night after night? Residual stress, worry, and anger from your day can make it very difficult to sleep well. When you wake up or can't get to sleep, take note of what seems to be the recurring theme. That will help you figure out what you need to do to get your stress and anger under control during the day.  If the stress of managing work, family, or school is keeping you awake, you may need help with stress management. By learning how to manage your time effectively, handle stress in a productive way, and maintain a calm, positive outlook, you'll be able to sleep better at night.  Relaxation is beneficial for everyone, but especially for those struggling with sleep. Some simple relaxation techniques include deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or visualizing a peaceful, restful place. Close your eyes and imagine a place or activity that is calming and peaceful for you.


How to sleep better tip 6: Improve your sleep environment
Keep noise down. If you can't avoid or eliminate noise from barking dogs, loud neighbors, city traffic, or other people in your household, try masking it with a fan, recordings of soothing sounds, or white noise. You can buy a special sound machine or generate your own white noise by setting your radio between stations. Earplugs may also help.  Keep your room cool. The temperature of your bedroom also affects sleep. Most people sleep best in a slightly cool room (around 65� F or 18� C) with adequate ventilation. A bedroom that is too hot or too cold can interfere with quality sleep.  Make sure your bed is comfortable. Your bed covers should leave you enough room to stretch and turn comfortably without becoming tangled. If you often wake up with a sore back or an aching neck, you may need to invest in a new mattress or a try a different pillow. Experiment with different levels of mattress firmness, foam or egg crate toppers, and pillows that provide more or less support.


How to sleep better tip 7: Ways to get back to sleep
It's normal to wake briefly during the night. In fact, a good sleeper won't even remember it. But if you're waking up during the night and having trouble falling back asleep, the following tips may help.  Stay out of your head. The key to getting back to sleep is continuing to cue your body for sleep, so remain in bed in a relaxed position. Hard as it may be, try not to stress over the fact that you're awake or your inability to fall asleep again, because that very stress and anxiety encourages your body to stay awake. A good way to stay out of your head is to focus on the feelings and sensations in your body or to practice breathing exercises.  Postpone worrying and brainstorming. If you wake during the night feeling anxious about something, make a brief note of it on paper and postpone worrying about it until the next day when you are fresh and it will be easier to resolve. Similarly, if a brainstorm or great idea is keeping you awake, make a note of it on paper and fall back to sleep knowing you'll be much more productive and creative after a good night's rest.


If, despite your best efforts at self-help, you are still troubled by any of the following symptoms, you may have a sleep disorder that requires additional treatment:


Persistent daytime sleepiness or fatigue


Loud snoring accompanied by pauses in breathing


Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep


Unrefreshing sleep


Frequent morning headaches


Crawling sensations in your legs or arms at night


Inability to move while falling asleep or waking up


Physically acting out dreams during sleep


Falling asleep at inappropriate times
 
Are you ready for bed now?


Employee Wellness Health Tip for June-
 

Tips to Exercising Outdoors


By: Andrew Weich, Wellness Intern


            With summer weather in full force more people are going to be active and want to exercise outside. There are a few tips that everyone who is moving their indoor exercise routines outside should know. These tips are very easy to follow and will make your outdoor exercise experience a lot more enjoyable.
            
Tip #1: When you are used to working out at room temperature it's easy to forget the affects the heat can have on you. It can take up to two weeks to get acclimated to the weather. Try starting with light workouts or shorter workouts until you and your body get use to exercising in the summer heat. While exercising outside if you get a headache or start feeling dizzy stop exercise for the day and get hydrated and try again the next day.
           
 Tip#2: The type of clothing you wear while exercising inside and outside can be very different. While exercising inside cotton is fine to wear because you are in a nice cool climate. While exercising outside the ideal clothing to wear would be something polyester because it provides more protection than cotton. Also try wearing clothing that is dyed lighter colors like a light blue or neon yellow but both these options are perfectly fine. The best option would be specifically designed clothing for outdoor running because it is extra-tight knitted and blocks UV rays better than normal materials.
           
 Tip#3: While exercising outside make sure you have the proper skin protection. Sunscreen is a must in the summer while exercising outside. Sweat is like water when it gets on your skin. It helps your body absorbs the UV rays and you will get burnt faster. So always put sunscreen on before your workouts and bring the bottle of screen with you on your workout if possible. Once you start sweating the sunscreen is going to become less effective so it is going to need to be reapplied.
           
 Tip#4: Hydration, hydration, hydration. Staying hydrated while exercising outside is very important. 30 minutes before your workout have a glass of water to help stay hydrated at the beginning of your workout. Always bring water with you while exercising outside if possible. Taking drinks periodically if not even thirsty is ideal to do because it will keep you hydrated and feeling well during your exercise.
            
Tip#5: There are many ways to exercise outside besides just running. Try finding a local park and using the resources they have to get a workout there. For example find a park bench and do box jumps or step up lunges. Using parks with stairs for incline and decline pushups or a change in cardio that day. Parks have a lot to offer for exercise routines that people don't even think of so get out there and explore.
            
These are just some tips to help you have a more enjoyable and successful outdoor workout. I hope you use these tips to your advantage while exercising outside because it is different than exercising indoor and needs to be treated that way by taking these tips into consideration. Now everyone go out there and enjoy the nice weather while it's here.
Staff Spotlight
 
  
 
This month (May), our staff spotlight is on Angela Bahrke Stuewer.  Angela works in the Group Fitness Department. Get to know Angela better in her answers below!


  
  1.  Why do you like working at the Y?
I love my job at the Y. In fact, I always tell people it's my dream job. (If I ever win the lottery, you still see me working at the Y!) Everything from the staff, leadership and members make working at the Y more like a hobby than a job.
 
I've never worked anywhere that encourages self-improvement and growth, like the Y. There are so many opportunities to learn, share and become a better person. Who wouldn't want to be a part of that?
 
Being active and healthy are incredibly important to me. And being able to share that with other likeminded people is truly a blessing.
 

2. What are some of your hobbies?

I love to read. I can't end my day without cracking open a book - any book.
 
I love to just hang out with my son and husband. They are my everything.
 

3.           Where is your favorite travel destination?

I've traveled to quite a few places around the US, Canada and Europe. My favorite places always end up being the ones that look more like home - Door County and Big Sky, Montana. If I ever win the lottery, you'll find me teaching Cycling in Fish Creek or Big Sky!
 

4.           Who inspires you and why?

My husband, Mike, inspires me. As much as he drives me nuts, I'm crazy about him. He's so good at keeping things positive and even-keeled. When everything is spinning out-of-control, he's the person I look to, to find peace (and help). I love the fact that he can make me laugh or join me for a cry, if that's what needed to get over the next hurdle. And he's my (realistic) cheerleader. He's supportive, even when he knows my ideas might be too-big-for-my-britches. This has been huge me, as I try to find a balance between work and family.
 

5.           What are three of your favorite movies?

(I haven't watched in a movie in 2+ years, no lie. But I could tell my favorite shows, though.)
1. The Walking Dead
2. The Goldbergs
3. The Big Bang Theory


Staff Spotlight
 
  
 
This month (June), our staff spotlight is on Theresa Vatland. Theresa works in the Member Services Department. Get to know Theresa better in her answers below!




1.           Why do you like working at the Y?

I enjoy the people
 

2.           What are some of your hobbies?

I love to golf, bowl, quilt, knit and crochet.
 

3.           Where is your favorite travel destination?

Any Island South where there is a beach and is warm
 

4.           Who inspires you and why?

My mother-in-law.
She came from a large family like me and we share the same core values.
Family, Friends and Religion.
 

5.           What are three of your favorite movies?

  1.   Frequency  
  2.  Anything Disney
  3. White Christmas   
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:
 
Becky Decker                           School Age
Mary Jo Driessen                      Childcare
Maureen Hatchell & Team           Member Services
Maggie Pawlowski                     Wellness
Amber Radtke                          School Age
Kirsten Rice & Team                  Wellness
Jodi Schwaegler                        Childcare
Lynn Tetzlaff                            Childcare
Laura Van Buskirk                     Member Services
Years of Service Anniversaries
Congratulations to the following Fox West YMCA staff members who celebrate service anniversaries in the month of May:


Laura AugustFitnessCelebrating 14 years
Maureen KiserMember ServicesCelebrating 8 years
Shannon BruxChildcareCelebrating 6 years
Theresa ManginWellness CenterCelebrating 6 years
Rebecca ThompsonWellness CenterCelebrating 5 years
Ali MachlicaSchool AgeCelebrating 4 years
Shane RuecklSports & RecCelebrating 4 years
Hannah SchraufnagelGrowth & DevelopmentCelebrating 3 years
Zane DrummondSports & RecCelebrating 2 years
Brittney JudgeSports & RecCelebrating 2 years
Molly DaemmrichChildcareCelebrating 2 years
Tanya RosenthalAquaticsCelebrating 2 years
Megan HerzfeldtWellness CenterCelebrating 2 years
Renee EhlersAquaticsCelebrating 1 year
Kyler MeredithArts & HumanityCelebrating 1 year
Lisa KrauseFitnessCelebrating 1 year
Nichole NielsenAdministrationCelebrating 1 year
Denyal GarskiArts & HumanityCelebrating 1 year
Connor KeslerWellness CenterCelebrating 1 year




Congratulations to the following Fox West YMCA staff members who celebrate service anniversaries in the month of June:


Kevin JakubekSports & RecCelebrating 24 years
Nicole BoydAquaticsCelebrating 14 years
Tanya ArpsFitnessCelebrating 8 years
Maggie PawlowskiWellness CenterCelebrating 6 years
Andrea RenkasFitnessCelebrating 6 years
Marta WesenickFitnessCelebrating 4 years
Elizabeth CoenenSchool AgeCelebrating 4 years
Katherine LongMember ServicesCelebrating 3 years
Joshua LaceySports & RecCelebrating 2 years
Jordan LaceySports & RecCelebrating 2 years
Nicholas KippenhanSports & RecCelebrating 2 years
Jacob ZiegertSports & RecCelebrating 1 year
Judy OdleChildcareCelebrating 1 year
Logan StaeSports & RecCelebrating 1 year
Holly BoyceWellness CenterCelebrating 1 year
Steven SeitzAquaticsCelebrating 1 year


Happy Birthday!
The following Fox West Y employees are celebrating a May birthday!  Please join me in wishing them a "Happy Birthday!"


Emily MaroChild CareMay2
Christine KuehlWellness CenterMay6
Mary Jo DriessenChild CareMay13
Amber RadtkeSchool AgeMay17
Timothy ArentWellness CenterMay17
Frank BloomerTeenMay17
Jennifer Van AstenMember ServicesMay19
Katherine RamsaySchool AgeMay23
Emily WilsonSports & RecMay23
Kimberly HuettlAquaticsMay27
Kirsten RiceWellness CenterMay27
Michael VeithTeenMay27
Laura AugustFitnessMay28
Carley JensenFitnessMay28
Jordan LaceySports & RecMay28
Judy OdleChild CareMay29


The following Fox West Y employees are celebrating a June birthday!  Please join me in wishing them a "Happy Birthday!"


Megan SkallaFitnessJune1
Arianna SchmitzWellness CenterJune4
Logan StaeSports & RecJune4
Katherine LongMembershipJune11
Nicholas KippenhanSports & RecJune13
Jessica SheehyWellness CenterJune17
McKinley BakichAquaticsJune19
Tanya RosenthalAquaticsJune19
Jennifer BrielmaierChildcareJune19
Christina MischlerChildcareJune19
Pamela CaseTeenJune19
Megan BengsonChildcareJune20
Kathy ZiehlFitnessJune20
Vanessa LemkeFitnessJune21
Joseph SchroederSports & RecJune22
Lynn TetzlaffChildcareJune26
Ann DeShaneyMembershipJune27
Randi MorackAquaticsJune28
Diane StordockAquaticsJune29
Angela GassGrowth & DevelopmentJune29


     
Welcome New Staff!
Welcome May New Staff!
Jennifer Kreps           Kids Corner
Jordan Martzahl         Wellness Center
Kelly Mercer              Kids Corner
Rhea Rindt                Teen
Michael Veith             Building Supervisor
 
Welcome June New Staff!
Matthew Bierman       Maintenance
Damont Brunson        Sports & Rec
Denielle Everson        Childcare
John Jacobson            Sports & Rec
YMCA of the Fox Cities Trainings
Fox West YMCA
Quarterly Customer Service Training
 
REGISTER TODAY FOR ONE OF THE TRAINING TIMES BELOW!!!
Thursday, June 30, 2016
10:30-11:30 AM
AND
6:00-7:00 PM
Fox West YMCA
Take a tour of our new 2nd floor Dance Studio and Mind/Body Studio!!


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 previous Newsletter Quiz, Kari Magolski received a $5 gift certificate to Panera Bread. Would you like to be our next prize winner? Email nnielsen@ymcafoxcities.org with your answers to the following questions to be included in the May/June prize drawing. Good luck!
  1.  On which day in June is the largest amount of birthdays here at the FWY?
  2.  Which day is the ribbon cutting ceremony going to be held?
  3.  How many Fox West YMCA employees have pledged meaningful gifts totaling $8,969 to our Annual Campaign?

Questions or Comments?

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



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YMCA of the Fox Cities | 229 East College Ave | Appleton | WI | 54911