YMCA Gets a Lift!

The Skagit Valley Family YMCA has a new lift in its pool thanks to a generous donation! The pool lift is used to get those with physical disabilities in and out of the pool, which, for many, is an important part of physical therapy and living a more fulfilling life. The Y pool is one of the only pools with a lift in the area.

Barbara Allen, 72, of Camano Island has only been a member of the Y since May, but has already made a big difference at the Y and to those who have trouble getting in and out of the pool. Allen, who is in a wheel chair, gave a donation to replace the old lift, which was old and sometimes unpredictable, according to Aquatics Director Jean McAdams.

"Lots of people come to the Y specifically because we have a lift and they can't do the needed therapy anywhere else," McAdams said.

The Y is important because it helps people who can't be helped anywhere else," Allen said.

She hopes the new lift will extend the invitation the Y already tries to impart: that everyone, all people of all categories, are welcome at the Y.

"This is where you come to get healthy," Allen said.

Allen uses the Y pool for physical therapy and has seen the improvements it has made in her life and the lives of others who use the lift and the pool. When she first started coming to the Y for pool therapy, she had to hold onto the ledge. She is now able to walk around the pool with the help of flotation devices. Allen notes there are several others who probably would not be able to walk if they did not have the opportunity to use the pool lift at the Y and utilize pool therapy.

Allen admits her donation was a little self-serving because she uses the lift, but no one at the Y sees it that way.

"She filled a need for a group of people that often gets overlooked," McAdams said.

Caring is one of the Y core values and Allen showed that she cares for those who need a little extra help.

"It was an honor and privlege to do it," Allen said of her donation. "I know how important that lift was to me...[It could help] people who might be able to walk again."

Zumbatomic!

Do your kids love to dance? Do you want to find fun opportunities for your kids to be active? Then register them for Zumbatomic!

Zumbatomic is Zumba designed just for kids ages 4 to 7. Zumbatomic melds music, dance, and energy so your kids have fun dancing and getting fit! Fitness Director Stefanie Ash (and popular adult Zumba instructor) became a certified Zumbatomic instructor in July, so bring on the fun!

The Zumbatomic class will be in the YMCA Activity Center (next door to the Y) 4pm-5pm on Mondays and Wednesdays. It is a four week session October 4-Nov. 3. Register your kids Aug. 30-Oct. 1 at the Y or over the phone. Zumbatomic is FREE for members of the Y, program members need to pay $25.

If you have questions about Zumbatomic, contact Stefanie Ash at s.ash@skagitymca.org or call 360-336-9622. Sign up your kids today and let the party begin!

Newspaper Articles!

Did you happen to read the Argus and Skagit Valley Herald this past week?! If you did, you may have seen a couple articles about Cindy Lindquist, Skagit Valley Family YMCA Membership Director, and her 30 years with us! The articles may sound familiar to those of you who get our newsletter because a similar article ran in our most recent newsletter.

If you didn't see the articles, check out the Aug. 10 edition of the Argus (front page!) and the Aug. 15 edition of the Skagit Valley Herald in the Living section. In the Skagit Valley Herald you will see a big picture of Cindy and Vivienne Harrington (right), Cindy's favorite swim student and former YMCA 'employee!'

Pool Closure, Schedule Change

Mark your calendars: the pool will be closed Aug. 21-Aug. 29 for maintenance and cleaning. The fall pool schedule will take effect on Aug. 30. Check out the association-wide calendar for important dates for all programs!

Successful Blood Drive!

Thank you to everyone who donated blood this past Monday, July 26. The Puget Sound Blood Center parked their mobile bus in the Skagit Valley Family YMCA parking lot and we had a great turnout. We had 27 people come out and donate blood in about 6 hours, which is the 2nd highest turnout we've had!

The supply is low of all types of blood all around the Puget Sound area, so thank you to everyone who stopped by and made a difference! Take the next opportunity to donate blood if you can, whether it's at the Y or not. Give life, Give blood!

Newsletters Are Here!

Look for the latest edition of the Skagit Valley Family YMCA newsletter in your mailbox, at the YMCA, and (soon) on the web site, http://www.skagitymca.org/. There are some really great messages about how the Y makes a difference in the lives of people in our community! The newsletter shows how the Y strengthens community with Youth Development, Healthy Living, and Social Responsibility.

Look for the article about how you have made a difference with your Step-Up Campaign contribution. Together, we raised a record amount this year! Thank you for investing in your community!

You will also see an article about Membership Director Cindy Lindquist who is celebrating her 30th year with the Skagit Valley Family YMCA! Her hard work and dedication has made a big difference in Skagit Valley over the years, so the next time you are at the Y, stop by and say "Thank you!"

Thank you Cindy!

New Calendar!

Do you have a tough time keeping track of all the wonderful offerings at the Skagit Valley Family YMCA? Check out the new association-wide event calendar on our web site!

The calendar has registration opening/closing dates for sports, dates for swim lessons, child care camp dates, special events, and more! If you are trying to figure out what session of swim lessons your child can participate in without interfering with soccer, than our new calendar is the place to go. Forgot when the Fall facility hours go into affect? It's all there on the calendar!

We will be constantly updating the calendar as dates get added or changed, but be sure to check the program schedules/fliers before making plans because all information is subject to change.