 As we approach Thanksgiving, we are all aware of how thankful we are for our spirited and inspiring members who make it possible for us to live our mission each and every day. It is through the many programs offered that relationships are built, friendships are made and lives are changed. As we move into a new season, check out the many ways the Y can be your partner in wellness and fun. Download your Program Guide today! |
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On Tuesday, November 13 at the Lincoln Center, we will host our annual Youth Investment Banquet & Silent Auction. Hear from award winning author Chris Crutcher and bid for an impressive selection of silent auction items such as vacation packages, themed baskets and more. This event will help raise much needed financial support and community awareness for the Youth Investment Program, which intervenes and invests in the lives of at-risk teens.
We provide support, guidance and the opportunity to fulfill community service requirements through a variety of job settings. Teens are encouraged in life goal-setting and enhancing their work skills by working closely with adult mentors in a productive and positive environment.
Come as you are after work and enjoy some dinner and entertainment. It's not too late to RSVP for this event. Click the RSVP link in the Invitation below.
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The YMCA of the Inland Northwest is one of 74 Y's nationwide participating in the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, a lifestyle modification program that helps people reduce their risk for type 2 diabetes by helping them learn more about eating healthier, increasing physical activity, and creating positive choices.
An estimated one in three adults in the U.S. has pre-diabetes, yet just 7% of those individuals know they have it. People with pre-diabetes are at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and other chronic diseases such as heart disease and stroke.
Individuals who participate in the YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program take part in a year-long program beginning with 16 one-hour sessions with a trained lifestyle coach. Following these sessions, participants meet monthly for added support in reaching their ultimate goals of reducing body weight by 5-7% and participating in 150 minutes of physical activity per month.
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North Spokane YMCA
Bonneville Power will replace two wooden power poles located in the middle of the North parking lot. During this replacement, the parking lot will be closed. However, there will be a parking lot North of the facility, near the pavilion.
This temporary closure will take place near the week of December 10th. Please check with Member Services for the latest information.
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Feel free to have that extra spoonful of stuffing or slice of pumpkin pie, because we will be having a special, day-after-Thanksgiving group exercise schedule at all 3 of our facilities. Click the image on the left in order to view our Turkey Burn group-ex schedule.
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Getting a good night's sleep may be one of the best things you can do for your health other than being active and eating right. Below you'll find 3 simple strategies we can all use to get the sleep we need to be both healthy and happy.
1) Watch What and When You Eat: Eating dinner at least two hours before bedtime and eating slowly both increase your chances of a good night's rest. Also, since caffeine can take a long time to make its way out of your system, try to avoid caffeine at least eight hours before bedtime.
2) Don't Clock-Watch: If you find yourself unable to fall asleep or you awaken in the middle of the night with something on your mind, try not to toss and turn as you watch the clock. Get out of bed and do something to divert your attention
until you feel yourself getting drowsy again (read a book, take a warm bath, listen to soothing music, etc.)
3) Create A Sleep-Friendly Environment: Find ways to make your bedroom as sleep friendly as possible. By ensuring that your room is quiet,
dark, and comfortable, you set yourself up for a good night's rest. Fans, humidifiers, the right blankets and a comfortable mattress may all be ways to improve both the quality of your sleep and your health.
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| Nov 13: Youth Investment Auction @ The Lincoln Center |
Nov 23: Black Friday Child Watch @ Valley Y (4:30am-Noon, Kindergarten - 7th Grade)
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Nov 23: Christmas Tree Sale begins @ Valley Y |
Dec 19: Registration Deadline for the annual
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Vote for the Y
Our Y has been nominated along with other worthy non-profits in Spokane to participate in the 'Cash for Your Community' campaign from the Allstate Foundation. How can you help? Your vote decides where Allstate donates $50,000. The top three organizations with the highest number of votes will receive $35,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.
Must be 18 years or older. Limit one "vote" selection per person.
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Be There
Written By: Alex Blackburn
Teenagers: Truly, one could spend their entire existence studying this stage of life and in the end find nothing rational, consistent, or in any way helpful toward gaining an understanding of those crazy years. Teens want hot chocolate in the summer and ice cream in the winter. When they get home from school the first thing they look for is food. Yet even if the fridge is full, there is nothing to eat. They can have a computer with Internet, a Wii with twenty plus games, a basketball hoop in the driveway, four friends over, and insist there is nothing to do, or have a closet full of clothes but have nothing to wear.
Sincerely, teenagers can be tough to understand. I know this, because I too was once extremely difficult to understand.
I remember my teenage years with mostly a cringe. During my time working in the Central YMCA Teen Center, I've learned that teens are capable of producing a variety of emotions in you. They'll make you think with their life pressing questions. They'll surprise you with their cleverness and thoughtfulness, and then test your patience as they ignore your request of "please throw your trash away" for the fifth time. They'll tug at your heart as they slowly let you see who they really are and the baggage they already carry at such a young age. But most of the time, they'll make you laugh.

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Volunteer Spotlight:
Ruthe Harshman

Ruthe Harshman, a volunteer for the YMCA corporate offices, recently celebrated her 85th birthday. Ruthe brings a sharp and witty personality to brighten the day of all those who visit.
Ruthe had known of the YMCA sponsored Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and came to volunteer her services. However, her smile and charm persuaded the YMCA to keep her for the Reception position.
When Ruthe told her supervisor at Shriner's Hospital she was leaving (after 33 years of volunteer work), she was told, "You will when pigs fly." Ruthe, being Ruthe, found a pink pig with wings and presented it to her supervisor the next day! As a native of Moscow, Idaho, Ruthe claims that her time in Spokane should qualify her as a native of Spokane. It is simply a joy to have her presence at the Y. Thanks Ruthe!
For more info on volunteering at the Y, contact Tony Manley at nmanley@ymcaspokane.org or call (509)777-9622 ext 479
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History of the YMCA Quiz
Alright everyone, time to put your thinking caps on! Win a $10 gift card to either Emerald City Smoothies or Starbucks by completing the quiz below. Send your responses to Marc Morris at mmorris@ymcaspokane.org. Only participation is necessary to be entered into the drawing!
1) What sports were invented at the YMCA?
A. Racquetball
B. Volleyball
C. Basketball
D. A & C E. All of the Above
2) What are the four Core Values of the YMCA? A.Caring, Trustworthy, Educated, Helpful B. Caring, Honesty, Respect, Responsibility C. Social Responsibility, Healthy Living, Youth Development, Affordability D. Love, Trust, Faith, Encouragement
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