|
YMCA of the Capital Area Newsletter -
Y Connection January 2024
| |
PROVIDING CHRISTMAS WISHES | |
|
We would like to thank everyone who adopted an angel for our 18th Annual Angel Tree! A big thanks to title sponsor for the 4th year in a row, Future Athletes of Louisiana, Inc.! Thank you to our Y members, Sales & Marketing Executives of Greater Baton Rouge (SME), Gage, Citizens Bank and Trust, Vivid Ink, Gerry Lane Chevrolet, City Cafe for your support! Because of your generosity, we were able to provide 1,763 gifts to 463 children in need this Christmas.
Messages of thanks from some of the recipients:
🎄Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, especially mine as a grandmother and Mom to be able to see a smile on my grandchild face to know they will be able to open something means the world to me, thank you!! I'm a single mom and grandma, thank you and my heart is filled with gratitude and there won't be a day that goes by especially during the holidays that I won't think of the YMCA! thank you and I will send pictures of my grandson holding and opening the gifts. I am over the joy in my tears are flowing really fast my heart's racing you don't know how much this means, thank you and have a blessed holiday!
🎄On behalf of my daughter and I we would like to thank everyone that made it possible for her to be selected. May God continue to shower each and everyone of you with his blessings… Merry Christmas
🎄I cannot tell you how much this means to me and to the children you are helping. I am speechless as to the kindness of the YMCA, sponsors and everyone who donated gifts. Wow, just wow, that’s all I can say. I’m in tears. Thank you!
| |
MENTORS MAKE A DIFFERENCE | |
|
January is National Mentoring Month, so we would like to encourage adult members of our community to become mentors. Did you know? 78% of young people are more likely to volunteer regularly in their communities with a mentor. Mentoring is a vital component of positive youth development. Learn more about becoming a Y mentor or mentee by visiting us online to learn about Y programs or contact Jeremey Miller at jmiller@ymcabr.org.
| |
Monday, January 15th is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, this is a great opportunity to learn more about volunteerism at the Y! We would also like to take this opportunity to celebrate our current volunteers who contribute to our Y throughout the year!
At the Y, neighbors from all backgrounds and walks of life discover common ground and broaden their perspectives. Consider volunteering your time to making sure our newest members of the community feel welcomed and valued. Learn more on how you can get involved.
| | |
|
|
It's Resolution Bingo time! Grab your bingo card today to complete challenges and win great prizes! Resolution Bingo is designed to help you with your New Year's resolutions.
Resolution bingo is an easy and fun way to start your new year off right. To participate, grab a bingo card from the front desk and complete daily challenges. As you complete challenges, try to make a "bingo" to win a free t-shirt and other prizes. But don't just stop at Bingo; keep going for additional prizes. Bingo cards are located at the front desk and it's FREE for all members to participate.
| |
BODY COMPOSITION CHALLENGE | |
|
The Evolt 360 body composition scanner is now available at the Y!
Our Evolt 360 body composition scanner can provide you with over 30 measures including body fat percentage, muscle mass, visceral fat mass, bio-age, and a bio-wellness index of overall health, in as little as 2 minutes by simply removing your shoes and socks.
| |
|
We know the impact that results and achievement can have on your overall health and drive you to continue to achieve more in your health and wellness journey. We also know that sustainable lifestyle changes don’t happen overnight, so we’ve put together a 12-week wellness challenge designed to help you determine what works for you and make changes that stick!
In this challenge, you will receive three Evolt body composition scans (a pre-challenge scan, a midpoint scan, and a post-challenge scan) so you can better track your progress, nutritional guidance from our registered dietitian, exercise tips, and more! Points will be awarded for body composition changes in weight, body fat loss, muscle gain, and visceral fat loss. The participant who earns the most points wins and can choose their prize of a 60-minute nutritional consult, a 60-minute personal training session, or a free month of an adult membership!
All YMCA members are invited to participate. Please note that all body composition scans for the January challenge will occur at Paula G. Manship YMCA. Register to participate!
| |
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY RATES ON THE RISE-AGAIN! | |
|
Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference! We have exciting news to share that can boost retirement income and support the Y. For the third time in just 18 months, payout rates for a charitable gift annuity (CGA) have increased. Rates are now higher than they have been in 16 years, making it a great time to consider this type of gift that benefits you and the Y.
Click HERE to see an example of how you may benefit, or contact Stacey Howell at showell@ymcabr.org or 225-295-6680 to discuss the increased benefits you can receive from a CGA.
| |
OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW | |
The start of the new year is a great time to take a look at all of your current habits. Are there any habits you currently have that can be tweaked, even just a little bit, in order to turn them into healthy habits? We’re happy to share at least four healthy habits you can begin today to make sure your 2024 is off to a great start! | |
Stop hitting snooze. Snooze, sleep, repeat. Studies have shown that the fight against getting out of bed as soon as your alarm goes off actually has a negative effect on your health. Instead of reaching for that snooze button, let’s make it a habit to get up and get a productive start to your day. | |  |
Skip the sugar. We get it – that caffeinated soft drink or large sugar-filled latte sure sounds like a good pick me up when the mid-afternoon slump rolls around. However, cutting out these sweet treats and replacing them with water can do wonders for your daily sugar and calorie intake. | | |
|
Find new moves. If you are starting to dread your workouts, then maybe it’s time to switch them up. Getting stuck in a workout rut can possibly lead you plateauing or quitting your routine all together. If you’re starting to roll your eyes at the thought of lacing up your sneakers, we encourage you to try a new group exercise class or workout format than what you’re used to.
| | |
No nightly scrolling. It may be one of the hardest habits to break – lying in bed, the comfort of the blue glow on your face as you scroll mindlessly through the internet. Studies show that looking at your phone before snoozing can have negative effects on your quality of sleep. Since we know sleep is just as important for your health as any other activity, we suggest powering down your device and allowing the sandman to do his job, naturally. | | |
|
This month's member spotlight is Nancy Manning!
Nancy has been a member of the YMCA since February of 2023, and she was inspired to join by her husband and the chance to keep moving. Some of the activities that Nancy has enjoyed the most at the Y are the aquatic group exercise classes, chair yoga, line dancing, and the light and low classes.
The Y has impacted Nancy's life by helping her to meet a lot of new, friendly people.
To someone interested in joining the Y, Nancy would say, "It is a very upbeat place. Everyone is willing to help you find classes that better fit your needs. Everyone always welcomes you with open arms and never judges."
| |
|
We would like to thank our Y members who donated socks for the annual "Sock It Drive" sock collection drive in partnership with Baton Rouge Parents Magazine. Our Y association collected 1,680 pairs of socks for children and adults in need! Thank you for your continued support!
The next opportunity to give back will be our Easter basket drive for foster children beginning in February.
| | | |
| |
|
UPCOMING
EVENTS
January 1 - February 29: Resolution Bingo
January 1: New Year's Day, Open 8am until 2pm.
January 2: T-shirt Tuesday, wear a Y shirt to the Y!
January 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 17: Member Appreciation Day
January 26: Friend Friday, Y
members can bring a guest for free.
January 28: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament
| |
At the Y, you’ll find more than just a place to work out. With opportunities to connect with neighbors and give back to your community, you’ll discover a greater sense of purpose too. Join now for a $0 joining fee (save up to $100)! Join online or at the Y using the code “purpose”. Find your purpose, Find your Y! | | | | | |
