Montgomery County Y News

YMCA Goals for 2016

by Kristi Potts on 03/05/16

February, 2016
YMCA NEWS

FROM: MONTGOMERY COUNTY FAMILY YMCA

Newly elected Montgomery County Family YMCA Board of Director’s President Mike Olson announced the YMCA’s 2016 goals. The YMCA will continue to honor the mission of the YMCA: “to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body of all!” The YMCA will continue to honor the core values of honesty, faith, respect, responsibility, and caring and also honor the new YMCA efforts for social development, healthy living, and youth development.

YMCA Goals for 2016

Montgomery County Family YMCA President of the Board of Director’s, Mike Olson announced the YMCA 2016 goals and objective statements within the areas of: programs, volunteer/staff development, membership, financial/endowment development, and facility development.

TO HONOR THE MISSION OF THE YMCA – To put Christian principals into practice through programs that build healthy body, mind, and spirit for all.

TO HONOR THE CORE VALUES of the YMCA of caring, honesty, respect, faith, and responsibility that will build strong kids, strong families and strong communities.

THE NEW HONOR FOR THE YMCA’S efforts for Social Development, Healthy Living, and Youth Development.

MEMBERSHIP

1. Listen to our members and potential members and fulfill their needs to the best of our abilities by being flexible to their needs.

2. Increase the focus on retaining our members and to continually strive to convert the casual member into an invested member through volunteerism and contribution.

3. Work with membership/marketing special events/religious emphasis committee to create some exciting promotions.

4. Continually look to develop membership opportunities with local business within the community and area.

5. The creation of the “Business of the Month” program. To simply spot light one of our local / area business to simply show the YMCA’s appreciation for the business.

6. Continue the YMCA’s top notch efforts within our social media programming, website, Facebook, email newsletters along with working with our local/area/regional media outlets to share the great stories about the YMCA.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

1. Keep striving for the highest level of customer service to our members and guests.

2. Continue to train customer service reps and building supervisors to help grow in their position to best serve our members and guests.

3. Hold monthly customer service reps/building supervisor meetings.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

1. Provide a clean health/wellness area which can be used by health seekers of all ages to reach their goals, which will help them to continually strive to better themselves.

2. Look to develop or recruit programs that participants not only enjoy but also help them develop and maintain a fitter “self”.

3. See that regular maintenance on equipment is completed to keep potential problems down to a minimum.

ADULT & YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAMS/TENNIS CENTER ACTIVITIES

1. Continue to offer quality programs and work to develop new programs, both physical & non-physical, that address member’s needs.

2. Evaluate programs as to whether they continue to serve the members’ best interests.

3. Promote tennis programs to area residents and other regional tennis centers & recreational facilities.

4. In January, 2016, the YMCA has started the integration of the RAPTOR software for use n background checks or staff, members and guests to continually provide a safe environment at the YMCA.

PROPERTY & GROUNDS

1. Maintain a safe and clean work environment.

2. Work to repair any problems in a timely manner.

3. Continue to follow our current plan of Risk Management that was put in place to help protect our customers and ourselves.

4. Continue to secure new endowment long term funding for major maintenance reserve to be used for major equipment repairs and replacement.

5. Keep repair and supply cost as low as possible.

6. The YMCA has been researching our swimming pool surface life expectancy. We have started the grant inquiry process with the Iowa Rural Cultural Affairs Infrastructure grant funding that has been developed for rural YMCA’s such as the Montgomery County Family YMCA.

7. To maintain the energy efficiency of the building and if possible find new ways and ideas for cost savings.

8. The YMCA in 2016 has set the goal to have our entire YMCA facility using LED lighting , this includes the Carder Indoor Tennis Center, Jazzercise / Fitness center and the rest of the YMCA that has not already be converted to LED lighting.

9. The YMCA has set a goal through grant funding to complete our last locker room conversion of plastic lockers installed into the YMCA’s special needs locker room. Also to have a new tile flooring for the main stairway to the indoor track and wellness areas on the 2nd floor of the YMCA. The YMCA also hopes through grant funding programming to secure enough funds for a new water heater that will be more cost efficient to operate.

10. Continue to install more finger guards around the Y’s facility on the doors at the Y that do not have finger guards on them at present.

AQUATICS

Continue offering swimming lessons that teach our children how to swim and be safe around the water.
Continue to increase the number of lifeguards on staff.
Offer 2-3 Lifeguarding Classes throughout the year.
1. Continue the monthly trainings and in-services for the current Lifeguard staff keeping skills and professionalism at a top level.
2. Increase enrollment and consistency with the Y’s winter youth swim team program.
KIDS PROGRAMS

1. Increase participation and offering of DAY CAMPS. Providing more structured and educational day camping programs.

2. Develop more programs for children of all ages.

3. Be a role model for the youth in the YMCA for behavior and giving back to the community.

FINANCIALLY

1. To offer and run the YMCA’s annual campaign with the collaborative efforts with the collaborative efforts with the aid of the YMCA of USA Iowa Collaborative Annual Campaign and the Y USA nationwide campaign efforts. The 2016 campaign goal has been set at $58,000.This program is conducted annually to honor the YMCA’s long standing policy that no one is denied YMCA membership or program services due to financial limitations.

2. YMCA Endowment Program continues to grow its principal amount of $1.5 million dollars and obtain the safest rate of return interest for the YMCA’s investment earnings to assist the operational of the YMCA.

3. To continue to grow the YMCA’s “Our Future is in Your Hands” endowment principal fund presently at $600,000 which is restricted long term maintenance needs.

4. Continue to raise funding for the YMCA’s endowment “Our Future is in Your Hands” program that assists the YMCA’s long term maintenance needs of the YMCA.

5. The YMCA will host another Endowment Heritage Club Dinner in early October to celebrate the commitment of the YMCA’s donors and generosity to the YMCA’s long term success and future.

6. YMCA will work each day through the mission of the YMCA to balance our operating budget.

7. Secure grant funding and other support funds for various program operations. Continue to assist in making Red Oak and Montgomery County a great place to live and work.

8. Continue to promote the YMCA’s “Gift of Grain” program to area landowners and production owners to create a win/win situation for the area farmer and at the same time the YMCA.

9. Continue to offer one of the finest benefit golf tournaments in the area to assist the YMCA’s Annual Campaign program “For a better us”.

10. To offer another “sell out” of 300 squares for the YMCA’s annual Mystery Drop event that takes annually in October. These funds allow the YMCA to purchase new facility items that benefit our members, guest and staff as well as assist the YMCA’s endowment and operational needs.

PERSONNEL – Staff/Volunteers

1. Continue staff development by providing training to grow professionally with emphasis on in house training. In 2016 more emphasis with on line trainings related to “child abuse protection awareness “ and on going review of CPR/First Aid for all of our employees as well as their recertification process.

2. YMCA employees in 2016 will continue to be members of the YMCA as part of an employee benefit package. Each employee will have the opportunity to enjoy the YMCA and stay fit and enjoy wellness opportunities at the YMCA, when not meeting the needs of our members and guests.

3. Continue Board and Committee development. Recruit the best volunteers to work for the mission of the YMCA with the aid and leadership of the Board Development Committee.

4. Provide recognition for staff and volunteers.

5. Place emphasis on volunteer development with having more members involved with different roles of volunteering with the YMCA to help close the gap between facility members and having facility members become donor members as well as being volunteers. This will create more volunteer leaders for the YMCA in various areas; youth sports, committees, Board of Director roles and strengthen our membership retention base.

6. To be the best staff possible in all areas of the YMCA for quality programming, customer service, safety, facility care, and connecting with as many of our members as possible.

7. The YMCA plans to continue the strong momentum of the “Togetherhood” program that is made up of a wide range of volunteers from the area to provide needed programs to make things better for the community that we live, work, learn and play in.

8. The YMCA in February of 2016 will be meeting with a dedicated group of volunteers that will focus on the results from the 2015 Community Needs Assessment survey results that were released in early December, 2015. This committee will help priorities the needs of the community and give direction on necessary and needed partnerships to address some of these exciting and yet challenging community needs.

9. The YMCA will be working with the YMCA of the USA from May – July 2016 for a three – five year strategic planning in the areas of (programming/major facility replacement cost/leadership success planning).

The Montgomery County Family YMCA serves 2,702 members and 1,143 program participants of which 1,298 are under the age of 18. The YMCA has a staff of 40 and over 300 volunteers which served over 1,954 hours of work.

The YMCA looks forward to continuing its partnerships with area organizations, schools and the health care field to assist with programs that benefit the entire community and service area.

YMCA 2015 Board of Director President, Brian Mensen, expressed his deepest appreciation to all the dedicated staff, volunteers, members, donors and area residents who help make the Montgomery County Family YMCA the best it can be in meeting the social, physical, spiritual, and recreational needs of our members and guests.

To learn more about the YMCA’s membership/program/volunteer opportunities, contact the YMCA at 712-623-2161, visit the YMCA at 101 E. Cherry St. in Red Oak or visit the YMCA’s website at www.mcymca.com.

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March 2016 Newsletter

by Kristi Potts on 03/05/16

THIS IS YOUR Y

IN THIS ISSUE
-Zoe For President
-Member Spotlight
-Volunteer of the Month
-Annual Campaign
-Tennis Center Project
-Lockers Ad
-Letter of the Month
-Stay & Play
-Kiwanis TRYathlon
-Will It Float?
-Love your Neighbor
-Winter Activities
-Volunteer

ZOE FOR PRESIDENT

Amidst the heat of this election, when politicians everywhere are arguing over who’s most qualified to make the country better, the Y would like to introduce a candidate EVERYONE can get behind: Zoe, a one-year-old girl. From early education to career readiness, the Y gives kids like Zoe the support they need to be president…potentially…in like, 2064. Zoe represents the potential the Y sees in all kids to one day become president if they’re nurtured properly and given the right opportunities. When you donate to Zoe’s campaign, you’re donating to your local Y, Montgomery County Family YMCA, supporting the programs and services that give kids like Zoe what they need to thrive from childhood to old age. When you give to Zoe, you’re giving for a better us.

The Y sees the potential in all children and how in supporting all kids, the Y can help create a better future for all. And whether that’s a teacher, firefighter or the next president of the United States, Zoe is showing that with the Y’s support, all kids have the opportunity to become their best selves.

The power behind this campaign is you and Montgomery County Family YMCA! Your community’s engagement with Zoe for President and with local media plays a key role in the campaign’s success.

Zoe’s site ZoeForPresident.net has campaign videos and a way to make donations.

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT UPDATE
LISA WHIGHAM

An amazing Red Oak Play & Stay Package from Red Coach Inn & Restaurant and Montgomery County Family YMCA was won by Lisa Whigham of Red Oak as a Valentine’s Day Appreciation Gift Promotion for being a current member of the YMCA. Lisa has been an active member of the Y since it opened in Red Oak and comes in regularly to take part in classes such as Express Pump and swimming laps in the pool. As she explained, “My husband has to take heart medication and I consider my membership a way of preventing this and other pain while enjoying a good time with friends.”

The drawing was held on Tuesday, February 9th, 2016 at 8 p.m. for this special prize package. The Red Oak Play & Stay Package includes: a one night stay at the beautiful Red Coach Inn in Red Oak, Iowa, a $10 food voucher at the Red Coach Restaurant, and their choice of indoor tennis court time at the Montgomery County Family YMCA, 2 tickets to a live production at the wonderful Wilson Performing Arts Center, or championship golf for two with a golf cart at the Red Oak Country Club.

February was American Heart Month and as a leading community-based network committed to improving the nation’s health; the Montgomery County family YMCA urges everyone to help prevent heart disease by lowering your blood pressure.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the nation’s number one killer, responsible for 1 in 4 deaths each year in the United States. Additionally, 1 in 3 adults have high blood pressure with less than half having it under control. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording your blood pressure at least twice a month over a four month period, along with regular physical activity, proper nutrition and reducing sodium intake, may lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.

“There are many factors in keeping your heart healthy and having a handle on your blood pressure is an effective tool in preventing heart disease,” said Nick Zimmer, Executive Director, Montgomery County Family YMCA. “Whether you have high blood pressure or are at risk for heart disease, the Y has many options available that can help.”

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
CATHY JARRETT

The YMCA recognizes Cathy Jarrett for volunteer services with executive director Nick Zimmer in finding and applying for invaluable grants to fund such projects as the annual campaign, LED Light project, and others over the years. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at the YMCA contact Nick Zimmer, Executive Director at 712-623-2161 or execdir@mcymca.com.

ANNUAL CAMPAIGN

The Annual Campaign is designed so that everyone in Montgomery County and the area has access to vital community/area programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

This year, the Montgomery County Family YMCA has raised $12,370.47 so far.

TENNIS CENTER
PROJECT

The Carder Tennis Center has become a regional attraction for adult, youth, family, high school, and college play over the years, but in order to maintain the same level of excellence we must make changes!

Some changes include:

· Energy and cost efficient LED Lighting
· New tennis nets
· Repainting of the tennis courts in the current ATP blue professional court colors
· New ten and under court lines to increase Junior Tennis playability and family playability.

We are working on local, county, regional, and even national grants and have already raised $110,234.71 for the facility Enhancement.

To learn more about how you can support the Y’s cause, please contact Nick Zimmer, Executive Director at 712-623-2161 or execdir@mcymca.com.

Did you know that you can contribute to our Montgomery County Family YMCA using AmazonSmile when you make purchases?

The link to the account is: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/42-1433436

Thank you for any support you give to our YMCA through this program.

WILL IT FLOAT?

Students from the Red Oak Middle School signed up for an Extend Learning Opportunity. Students that signed up for Will It Float were from grades 6^th-8^th, and all different learning levels. The task students were given was to build a boat that would be able to hold 1 to 2 people and be able to float across the pool at the YMCA. Students were given materials of duct tape and cardboard. They learned the importance of working with others and accomplishing a task. Students got one try to get it right and worked collaboratively with each other and had to complete the task within a four week time period.

On February 19^th, 2016, the Will It Float group headed to the YMCA to see if their projects were up for the competition. Out of the five groups of students four of the boats were successful in the mission to float across the pool at the Montgomery YMCA. The fastest time was 49 seconds and the group consisted of four 8^th grade girls: Yaeline Ramos, Haley Plambeck, Kendal Klells, and Chelsey Gilleland.

ANNUAL LOCKERS
AVAILABLE

Tired of lugging that heavy gym bag back and forth? Want to be able to go directly from the Y to work or other activities?

Consider purchasing a locker!

Lockers in the Men’s/Boy’s Locker Room, Women’s/Girl’s Locker Room, and Family Locker Room can be rented annually for only $60 for the medium lockers and $90 for the large lockers.

So forget the hassle of remembering your swim suit, shampoo, sneakers, etc. and see someone at the front desk today!

LETTER OF
THE MONTH

QUIDDITCH

QUALITY

WE’RE MORE THAN A GYM.
WE’RE A CAUSE.

STAY & PLAY

The Red Oak Stay & Play Package is something special for all! This program has been designed to bring tourism into Red Oak and to “Stay & Play” in Red Oak.

For only $99+ applicable taxes, (double occupancy) you will enjoy:

· One (1) Night stay at the Red Coach Inn
· $10 Food Voucher at the Red Coach Restaurant
· Voucher for your choice of indoor tennis, golf or 2 tickets to a performance at the Wilson Performing Arts Center.

This is a $200 package for only $99 and a great opportunity to invite friends, family, plan a business retreat, or maybe plan your own little local getaway.

Visit www.redcoachredoak.com or call 1-800-544-6002 for details & reservations! **

**Advance Reservations required. Blackout dates and other restrictions may apply

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR

The YMCA’s TOGETHERHOOD committee coordinated a project called “Love Your Neighbor” during the dates of February 1st – February 14^th to gather canned goods/non-perishable items for delivery to area food pantries.

Also, cash donations received were used to help purchase gift cards to local grocery stores for distribution to the food pantries at West Central Development, Christ’s Cupboard, and the Free Medical Clinic in Red Oak, Iowa.

For more information on the YMCA TOGETHERHOOD program and how you can be involved, please call 712-623-2161 or e-mail Gerry Lundgren at gerrylun@myfmtc.com.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteering is something that EVERYONE can do! Let us help you find a way to share your time, talent, and treasure.

VOLUNTEER IN 3 EASY STEPS:

STEP 1 - Find a volunteer opportunity that you are interested in and contact the appropriate Y staff.

STEP 2 - Complete a volunteer application form at the YMCA’s Front Desk or on our website www.mcymca.com.

WINTER HOURS

Monday-Thursday
5 am - 9 pm
Friday
5 am - 8 pm
Saturday
8 am - 4:30 pm
Sunday
2 - 7 pm

*FACILITY HOURS DO NOT REFLECT POOL HOURS.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Junior Open Indoor Tennis Tournament
March 5th & 6th
Shamrock Shuffle
March 12th
Good Friday Breakfast
March 25th
Easter-YMCA Closed
March 27th
LED Tennis Light Installation
April 1st - 5th
SHARP Self-Defense Course
April 2nd
3rd—8th Grade Tiger Baseball Camp
April 2nd
Kiwanis Club 7th Annual TRYathlon
April 30th
Kiwanis Club Kids TRYathlon
April 30th

Ongoing Programs

Private Swim Lessons
Early Risers Boot Camp
Jazzercise
Tumbling
Martial Arts
Adult Tennis Lessons
Youth Tennis Lessons
Yoga
Express Pump

Registration forms are located in the lobby information kiosk and online at www.mcymca.com.

---------------------------------------------

Did you know that you can now contribute to our Montgomery County Family YMCA using AmazonSmile when you make purchases?

The link to the account is: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/42-1433436
Thank you for any support you give to our YMCA through this program

---------------------------------------------

*If you have questions or wish to receive this newsletter,
please e-mail astewart@mcymca.com.

A special thank you to our newsletters sponsors!

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Tennis Court UPDATES!

by Kristi Potts on 02/12/16

Montgomery County Family YMCA Press Release (Red Oak, Iowa)
February, 2016.

Current Tennis Lighting

Proposed Lighting Changes

Immediate YMCA Sporting/ News:

The Montgomery County Family YMCA (Red Oak, Iowa) recently received information from the United States Tennis Association of White Plains, New York and the Missouri Valley Tennis Association of Overland Park, Kansas that the YMCA will earn a $7,000 grant from the United States Tennis Association and a $2,000 grant from the Missouri Valley Tennis Association for facility enhancement projects within the beautiful Carder Indoor Tennis Center .

This spring 2016 the Montgomery County Family YMCA will be coordinating over $113,000 worth of tennis facility enhancements to the Carder Indoor Tennis Center to continue to make the center one of the finest in the United States.

Nick Zimmer, YMCA Executive Director, shared the two outstanding grants totaling $9,000 from the United States Tennis Association and the Missouri Valley Tennis Association that the Montgomery County Family YMCA is a proud member of both of these organizations as well as the Iowa Tennis Association will provide Carder Indoor Tennis programs community/area/regional access to safe, appealing and functional tennis environments. The United States Tennis Association is proud to partner with the Montgomery County Family YMCA to promote a lifelong healthy activity and to improve tennis programming by advancing the latest tennis innovations for all programs according to Senior Director of Market Development & Collegiate Tennis Virgil Christian of White Plans, New York.

Zimmer mentioned in addition to the grant awards from the United States Tennis Association and the Missouri Valley Tennis Association the indoor tennis facility enhancement project has had the generosity of over 30 private donors, regional, and county foundation grants the Carder Indoor Center will in mid-April have new LED lighting in the entire center to create brighter lighting and yet see tremendous energy cost savings with the installation of LED lighting. Then in late May, 2016 the Carder Tennis Center courts will have all four courts repainted, along with having ten and under lines on the courts painted to create more tennis play for families and younger beginner tennis players. The YMCA will also install four new tennis nets when needed through the fundraising efforts.

To learn more about the Montgomery County Family YMCA’s Carder Indoor Tennis Center and programs offered throughout the year with the Montgomery County Family YMCA such as:
•           Court rental.
•           Year round group tennis lessons for youth and adults with an adult teaching professional.
•           Year round private tennis lessons for youth and adults with teaching professional.
•           Year round tennis leagues for adults.
•           Tennis tournaments for youth and adults.
•           Sunday afternoon family member free tennis play from November – April in the Carder Indoor Tennis Center.

•           Summer Tennis junior tennis lessons and inter-club tennis matches in Omaha, NE from junior players. Under the direction of an adult teaching professional
•           Court four rental during non-tennis league time for football throwing, softball, baseball catching & pitching practice.
•           Area High School’s, Colleges and or Universities wishing to have their matches or even practices held at the Montgomery County Family YMCA, one can contact John Blomstedt , YMCA Program Operational Manager at 712-623-2161 or email John @ progdir@mcymca.com to work out rental fees and court time in the beautiful Carder Indoor Tennis Center.

To learn how you can become a donor to this program and have your name be proudly displayed on professional designed donor display in the lower level of the Carder Indoor Tennis one can contact Nick Zimmer, Executive Director of the Montgomery County Family YMCA, 712-623-2161 ext.: #13 , email Nick at execdir@mcymca.com or stop in to visit the Montgomery County Family YMCA located in the beautiful Red Oak Legion Park , 101 East Cherry Street, Red Oak, Iowa.

For more information on the Montgomery County Family YMCA, or how one can become a member, volunteer, donor, or simply involved with the Montgomery County Family YMCA, please stop in for a visit or tour of the YMCA, call the YMCA at 712-623-2161, or visit the YMCA on Facebook, or the Y’s website at www.mcymca.com.

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Good Friday Breakfast

by Kristi Potts on 02/11/16

Montgomery County Family YMCA Press Release (Red Oak, Iowa)
Tuesday, February 9^th, 2016

Pastor Will Brown

YMCA News for Immediate Release

The Montgomery County Family YMCA in partnership with the Montgomery County Family YMCA Men’s Thursday Bible Study Group and the Montgomery County Ministerial Fellowship would like to invite you and your family to the 5th Annual Good Friday Breakfast on Friday, March 25^th, 2016 at 6:30 am - 7:45 am in the YMCA’s multi-purpose room. Pastor Will Brown from First Christian Church, Red Oak, Iowa will be the featured speaker with an uplifting message, “Is it really finished?”. Vern Olson from Red Oak will be performing outstanding musical numbers with a breakfast buffet to enjoy.

Please RSVP by Wednesday, March 23^rd, 2016 at 5 pm.

Reservations can be made in person at the YMCA with event payment or over the phone.

Contact us at 712-623-2161, or stop in at the Montgomery County Family YMCA located at the beautiful Red Oak Legion Park, 101 East Cherry Street, Red Oak, Iowa, visit the YMCA on Facebook, or the Y’s website at www.mcymca.com for more information.

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Valentine's Day Drawing WINNER!

by Kristi Potts on 02/11/16

Montgomery County Family YMCA Press Release (Red Oak, Iowa)
Thursday, February 11^th, 2016

YMCA News for Immediate Release

An amazing Red Oak Play & Stay Package from co sponsored by Red Coach Inn & Restaurant and Montgomery County Family YMCA both of Red Oak, Iowa was won by Lisa Whigham of Red Oak as a Valentine’s Day Appreciation Gift Promotion for being a current member of the YMCA. The drawing was held on Tuesday, February 9th, 2016 at 8 p.m. for this special prize package.

The Red Oak Play & Stay Package includes: a one night stay at the beautiful Red Coach Inn in Red Oak, Iowa, a $10 food voucher at the Red Coach Restaurant, and their choice of indoor tennis court time at the Montgomery County Family YMCA, 2 tickets to a live production at the wonderful Wilson Performing Arts Center, or championship golf for two with a golf cart at the Red Oak Country Club.

The YMCA plans to have a free Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Appreciation Drawing for our members prior to both of these holidays.

For more information on how one can become a member, volunteer, donor, or simply involved with the Montgomery County Family YMCA, please stop in for a visit or tour of the YMCA, call the YMCA at 712-623-2161, or visit the YMCA on Facebook, or the Y’s website at www.mcymca.com.

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