After an 11-week closure due to rising COVID-19 cases, your Y reopened on Wednesday, February 3, to grateful members.
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Y Member Michael
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Despite the limited nature of Y services in light of Lane County's Extreme Risk classification, members wore huge smiles (under masks) and enthusiasm for the opportunities to move in ways they couldn't at home.
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Y Member Linda
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On Thursday, Michael Reidy left his workout with a smile from ear to ear and said, "I'm so excited to be able to work out again and use all of the equipment," he says. "And of course, I'm looking forward to renewing old friendships here."
The Y's closure not only interfered with Michael's social connections, but also his wellness goals. "I have a goal to workout every day so I hope we all stay healthy and the Y stays open so that can happen," he says.
Thursday morning also found Joanie and Bob Fulton, who were playing singles tennis.
"I think the Y's done an absolutely fabulous job with keeping things safe. They're constantly cleaning everything and the inside of the tennis center is absolutely spotless," Joanie says. "We would come play every day if we could---it's so good to see friends. We've missed them so much."
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Y Member Jim
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Linda Boyers also felt relieved and happy to get back in the doors of the Tennis Center. "I'm 83 and I'm very fit, and tennis is what I need to help me stay that way," she says.
Jim Peterson was thrilled to have the opportunity Thursday to return to his routine: biking to the Y to swim 50 laps.
"Swimming is very therapeutic for me," he says. "I'm just so grateful the Y is open."
Lane County remains classified as Extreme Risk related to COVID-19, so Y staff have redesigned procedures to meet the new public health guidance and keep members and staff safe.
This means members:
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Must make a reservation for use of the facility
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Are limited to 45 minutes of fitness activity inside the Y
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Will be limited to groups of 6 or fewer in a given area (Areas: Health & Wellness; Aquatics; and Tennis Center)
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Must maintain 25 feet of physical distancing
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Must wear face coverings or masks (face shields are no longer permitted)
For all of the details about returning to your Y, click HERE.
We are so excited to have you back safely at the Y!
Beloved Eugene Y Board member and Longtime YMCA Advocate, Fred Mohr, Passed Away in January
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Fred Mohr, a YMCA Board member for the past 24 years, died peacefully in January.
"It is devastating and heartbreaking," says CEO Brian Steffen. "I always treasured his insights, smile and noble wisdom. The Y has lost a formidable advocate and supporter."
Fred was known for his kind and strong leadership on the board, as well as the in-house expert on parliamentary process and procedures.
"Fred was the kind of caring, thoughtful and knowledgeable volunteer that every organization wishes would join its board," says Board President Chip Radebaugh. "He is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed."
Fellow Board members are grieving.
"He was a dear friend, a strong forehand on the tennis court, and a reliable, rational, and thoughtful force on our Board of Directors," says fellow Board member Rich Clark. "We have lost a gem of a human being. May we all strive to reflect his wisdom, grace and sterling character."
Read a beautiful tribute to his life HERE. Youth Development Staff first at the Y for COVID-19 vaccine
Your Y's Youth Development staff have been providing essential child care services to working families since March, when organizations and businesses closed in response to the global pandemic.
They've been on the frontlines caring for children and supporting their academic and physical growth, but also keeping the community protected by wearing masks, physically distancing, avoiding crowds, washing their hands often, and sanitizing shared surfaces regularly.
These essential workers had an opportunity to help stop COVID-19 using another prevention tool: vaccination. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect your health and prevent disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other leading public health authorities. Vaccines work with your body's natural defenses so your body will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed (also called "immunity").
"COVID-19 vaccination is one of the strongest tools we can use to fight this pandemic together," says CEO Brian Steffen.
Getting vaccinated adds an important layer of protection for you, your family, and loved ones. The CDC notes that:
- All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States are very effective at preventing the disease.
- The most common side effects are pain in the arm where you got the shot, feeling tired, headache, body aches, chills and fever.
- Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available-wearing masks, staying at least 6 feet apart from people who don't live with you, avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, washing your hands frequently, and getting vaccinated.
We want everyone in our community to be safe and get back to hugging our families and friends and shaking hands with our neighbors. We miss you!
For more information about vaccines, visit CDC's website HERE. For more information about Oregon's distribution of vaccines, click HERE.
Families Invited to Learn How to Prepare for Disasters
Your Y has partnered with the American Red Cross to bring the Pillowcase Project to families to ensure that they are ready for any disaster.
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The Pillowcase Project is a free 60-minute virtual presentation that teaches children in grades kindergarten through 5th grade about emergencies that may happen in our region, how to cope in stressful situations, and how to be prepared in advance.
American Red Cross volunteers lead students through a "Learn, Practice, Share" framework to engage them in disaster preparedness and survival skills. They provide a digital copy of a workbook with activities and teach each child how to fill a pillowcase or backpack with personal items in case of an emergency.
What: American Red Cross Pillowcase Project
Why: To help families prepare for disasters
Who: Students grades K to 5 and their families
Date: Wednesday, February 24
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Register: By Google form HERE.
100-Mile Swim Challenge and Escape 2020 Triathlon Participants Celebrated
The Y's doors were closed in January, so Y staff took a bright Youth Development bus to deliver Escape 2020 triathlon gear and 100-mile swim gear to participants who completed these challenges.
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Y staff couldn't pass up the opportunity to celebrate these remarkable members, who despite facility closures continued to push forward with their goals.
Your Y's first on-your-own triathlon registered participants to swim 2.5 miles, bike 112 miles and run or walk 26 miles between October and December. Dubbed Escape 2020 Triathlon," this event encouraged people to "leave 2020 in the dust!"
"I was so desperate for a challenge since there were no races this season due to COVID," says Y member Ann Craig. "I just started doing triathlons last year---a feat I NEVER thought I could accomplish. So, when the Y's triathlon came up, it was perfect for me. And, these were the perfect COVID-safe activities."
COVID threw another obstacle at Escape 2020 triathlon participants: closed pools due to the Governor's order to halt rising COVID cases.
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"When pools closed due to COVID, I didn't think I would finish the swim challenge. But, I started getting up extra early--- 4:45 a.m.--- and swimming outside at Amazon for the 5:30 a.m. swim," Ann says. "There were many dark and cold mornings when I didn't feel like getting up, but I wanted to finish the challenge. Even though the challenge is over, I'm still going. It's not easy, but it's absolutely worth it."
Ann---like many others---recognized that physical activity was crucial to dealing with the stress of a global pandemic. Ann attends virtual classes, Outdoor Studio classes, and challenges that push her to take on more.
"I can't control my world---that has never been more clear than during COVID---but I can control whether or not I get to the pool or onto the bike," she says. "Sometimes that's all you get, and you realize it's all you need."
Virtual Y Hub Offers Limitless Fitness Opportunities
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Keep up with your New Year's resolutions and crush this year's fitness goals with help from the Virtual Y Hub.
The Virtual Y Hub's library contains hundreds of recorded fitness classes, such as yoga, low-impact aerobics, Pilates, Mix-It and so many more. Or connect real-time with your favorite instructors for one of the more than 20 live virtual classes offered each week.
The best part? It's from the comfort of your home!
Barre, Chair Fitness, Turbo Kick, Cardo Strength or balance training---the choices are almost limitless.
Active members have access to all of the virtual options with their membership number. Virtual-only access is available for $20 a month. Learn MORE. Outdoor Studio continues outdoor classes, adds a sixth!
Your Y's Outdoor Studio classes have been available since December, in accordance with public health guidance regarding outdoor fitness. Rain and low temperatures have not deterred our hardcore members from participating in their favorite workouts!
Your Y has added another Outdoor Studio class so that there is one every day Monday through Saturday. Find the schedule HERE.
Remember: You must register for Outdoor Studio classes and capacity is limited to 9.
Black History Month Highlights Notable Achievements, Provides Opportunities to Learn More and Stand in Solidarity
February is Black History Month. In 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month, calling upon the public to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history."
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Your Y celebrates those accomplishments through our social media pages this month. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and learn about Carter Woodson, William A. Hunton, Madam C.J. Walker, Dr. Leo B. Marsh and more influential historic figures.
Then please join us from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, for an Unlearning Systemic Racism Town Hall hosted by the Y's African American CEOs. It is an opportunity to converse about health equity, hear young changemaker perspectives on the topic of systemic racism, and much more. Learn more and register HERE.
On Friday, Feb. 26, your Y invites you to wear black to stand in solidarity with the Black community. You can share a social post with the hashtag #WeWearBlack and explain why you wear black.
In addition, PeaceHealth Oregon, in partnership with Eugene Marathon, recently announced Strides for Social Justice-a free, family-friendly program of self-guided tours designed to educate participants on the contributions, achievements and milestones of Black residents in our community. The project was started after the senseless death of George Floyd prompted a nationwide racial reckoning. It aims to educate and enlighten our own community. Starting on Feb. 19, download the free app to your phone and walk, run, ride or roll the routes to landmarks around town.
Creating Healthy Habits in the 2021 Health Reset Challenge
More than 115 people are building healthy habits with your Y's 6-week 2021 Reset Challenge!
Mary Steinberg-Pichey signed up for the Reset Challenge to create some balance this year. "It's a great way to make some positive goals around being vibrant, healthy and alive. With COVID-19, motivation has been hard, so this challenge will help me put one foot in front of the other."
Mary is focused on walking more often and doing more aerobic activities.
Y member Coral Reed decided to join to work on improving her sleep. "With the beginning of a new year, it's a great theme. The goal-setting aspect is really interesting to me."
So far, members have been trying new fitness activities or increasing their duration of exercise; eating mindfully; making sure they are hydrated; and improving sleep and relieving stress. The goal-tracking sheet is helping members keep up with their attainable, realistic goals and track progress.
We are so thrilled with how many people wanted to reset with the Y, and we can't wait to see how these members stick with it for the entirety of 2021!
Heard Around Town
The Register-Guard toured your Y last Tuesday to witness Y staff reconfiguring spaces and hanging new signage in order to reopen under the new public health guidance.
"It takes a village to think through all of (the new guidelines) and make it more than numbers on a page," Miller said. She likened adjusting the equipment, spacing and anticipating members' needs across the three areas to solving a puzzle.
"We know not just the fitness industry, but our community and our members. We just have to take the guidelines and fit them into what we know our folks need," Miller said.
KLCC visited your Y on the first day of our reopening and spoke to members thrilled to be back to their routine.
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"59-year-old James Gordon-Peterson has been a Y member for 30 years. Adjusting his goggle straps, he says it's been a spell.
"I think (the closure) was mentally taxing on a lot of folks that depend on (the Y), just as part of their daily routine. I certainly missed it a lot."
The February issue of Northwest 50 Plus features Health & Wellness Director Kim Miller's workout routine for couples (and your Y's own CEO Brian and his wife Jessica)!
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"Having a workout partner is known to help people stick with a workout routine, but research shows that if your partner is also your spouse or love interest, you'll stick with a fitness program longer and your relationship will benefit," she writes. "Exercising together can lead to deeper connections, promote intimacy and spice up your physical relationship."
Stay Tuned
Your Y's Art for All Wall is being readied for a new art installation by Y member John Tasker, who focuses on hands in his artwork.
"Old and young alike gather together with hands that help to point the way, express friendship or lend a helping hand," he writes in his exhibit's description.
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Art for All Wall February
2021 installation |
Find the Art for All Wall in the hallway between the pool and the gym. Closures due to COVID-19 have interrupted your Y's schedule for exhibits, but Y staff hope to continue showing artwork throughout 2021.
Celebrate the Year of the Ox!
Join the National YMCA Asian Pacific Islander Leadership Network for our 1st Virtual Lunar New Year Festival.
Get ready to ring in the 2021 Lunar New Year and enjoy a variety
of activities, demonstrations, and performances by local YMCA leaders and community members.
