Montgomery County Y News
Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Foundation Grant
by Kristi Potts on 02/27/14
YMCA
NEWS RELEASE
Immediate
Release
Friday,
February 28th, 2014
After applying for a grant in January of 2014, the Montgomery County Family YMCA received information on Thursday, February 27th, 2014 that the YMCA’s submitted grant was awarded a grant funding from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Foundation (Fort Worth, Texas) in the amount of $900.
Nick Zimmer, Executive Director of the YMCA, indicated that the funds will be used for the YMCA’s 2014 Annual Campaign “The Y. So Much More” program that assists those who wish to become members of the YMCA or participate in a YMCA program but are experiencing some financial limitations. Zimmer expressed the YMCA’s deepest appreciation towards the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Foundation’s ongoing support of the YMCA. According to Zimmer the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway Foundation has been a supporter of the Montgomery County Family YMCA since it started operations nearly 19 years ago.
The YMCA’s 2014 annual campaign goal has been set for $56,000 and so far we have raised nearly $11,000. The YMCA plans to kickoff our public phase of the 2014 annual campaign on Thursday, March 13th, 2014 at the YMCA’s multi-purpose room from 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. on a drop-in basis. The YMCA in addition to conducting a personal ask phase of the campaign this spring will also be involved in tax sale work this spring and summer, host the YMCA’s annual four person best ball golf tournament on Saturday, September 20th, 2014 at the Red Oak Country Club, Red Oak, Iowa-watch for more information on this event, and we simply try to connect with all of our all of our YMCA members to share that the YMCA is a true cause-driven mission organization.
If
you need assistance to join the YMCA, or wish to participate in a YMCA program,
or want to contribute to this very essential program that will strengthen yourself,
your community, and the YMCA, please contact the YMCA at 101 East Cherry
Street, Red Oak, Iowa located in the beautiful Red Oak Legion Park, phone the Y
at 712-623-2161 or email us at mcymca@mcymca.com.
American Heart Month Tips
by Kristi Potts on 02/27/14
American Heart Month Tips
February is American Heart Month, and as a leading nonprofit dedicated to improving the nation’s health and well-being, the Montgomery County Family YMCA offers the following tips to help families in Montgomery County be heart healthy.
1. Get Physical: Being physically active every day is fun and can improve the function of your heart. Plan and schedule opportunities for active play; for example, include a brisk 10-minute trip around the block after meals or a 10-minute walking break during the day. If your family enjoys active video games, select versions that require moving the body’s large muscle groups while playing.
2. Take a Snooze: Lack of sleep has been associated with elevated cholesterol and blood pressure. Adults need at least seven, but no more than nine hours of sleep at night to aid with the prevention of heart disease. Children need 10-12 hours of sleep per night.
3. Shape Up Those Recipes: Makeover your family’s favorite recipes by reducing the amount of salt and saturated fat and substituting a lower fat food (for example low-fat yogurt instead of sour cream) can make a recipe healthier without sacrificing taste.
4. Feeling the Pressure: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lowering or maintaining normal blood pressure can greatly reduce your risk for heart disease and stroke. Nearly 1 in 3 adults (about 67 million people) has high blood pressure and more than half of them don’t have it under control. Get your blood pressure checked regularly and discuss the results with you doctor.
5. Play Together: Spending time together as a family is a great way to reduce stress, which is important to heart health. Make homemade valentines for your children’s classmates or build a snow fort together in the yard or the park.
For
more information on how your family can live a healthy, active life, visit
www.mcymca.com
2014 Annual Campaign to Support Community Needs
by Kristi Potts on 02/25/14
Montgomery County Family YMCA Launches 2014 Annual Campaign to Support Community Needs
Red Oak, Iowa, Monday, February 24th, 2014 – The Montgomery County Family YMCA is launching its Annual Campaign, ”The Y. So Much More.” on Thursday, March 13 to ensure that everyone in Montgomery County has access to vital community programs and resources that support youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Every day, the Montgomery County Family YMCA works to support the people and neighborhoods that need it most by addressing community matters, such as fitness and healthy lifestyle for all ages, chronic health issues, school partnerships, and to serve as a center for social networking.
“Throughout Montgomery County, countless people know the “the Y”. But there’s so much more to our Y than one might think”, said Nick Zimmer, Executive Director, Montgomery County Family YMCA. “The Y is more than a gym. It’s a cause. As a charity, we’re dedicated to nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving the nation’s health and well-being, and giving back and providing support to our neighbors.”
This year, the Montgomery County Family YMCA has set a goal to raise $56,000. Nick Zimmer, Executive Director , Montgomery County Family YMCA indicated so far with early gifts that have arrived to the YMCA,” the campaign has already off to a wonderful start of nearly $9,000 raised so far.”
Funds raised will support a wide range of activities from athletics to summer day camp. The Y doesn't just strengthen bodies – it strengthens people, families and communities.
Last year, charitable gifts
from YMCA donors made it possible for kids to have a safe place to learn and
build confidence after school; for families to reconnect and grow together; for
members of the community of all ages, access to fitness education and training
to reach their full potential.
The Annual Campaign kick-off event will take place on Thursday, March 13, 2014 from 8 am to 7:30 pm (throughout the day in the Multi-Purpose Room).
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s
leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy
living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21
million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to
nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and
well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support
neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the
long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to
deliver, lasting personal and social change.
The Montgomery County Family YMCA's mission is to put
Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit,
mind and body for all! We provide
health and wellness, youth sports, senior programs, teen programs, aquatics,
and group exercise instruction. In our 66,000 sq. /ft. state of the art
facility we serve over 917 households with membership totaling over 2,338.
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, or visit www.mcymca.com for
more information.
Valentine's Day Drawing WINNERS!
by Kristi Potts on 02/25/14
An
amazing YMCA Red Oak Play & Stay Package from Red Coach Inn &
Restaurant and Montgomery County Family YMCA was won by Steve and Tammy Philby
and family of Red Oak, IA as a Valentine’s Day Appreciation Gift Promotion for
being a current member of the YMCA. The drawing was held on Tuesday, February
11th, 2014 at 8 p.m. for this special prize package.
The
Red Oak Play & Stay Package ($200 Value) includes: a one night stay at the
beautiful Red Coach Inn in Red Oak, Iowa, a $30 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.
YMCA Corner
by Kristi Potts on 02/13/14
After suffering a heart attack in
2012, Mike Olson knew things needed to change. When he started cardiac rehab,
the doctors recommended walking and exercising for 30 minutes every other day. He
joined the YMCA that fall and has continued coming even after his rehab was
finished.
When asked about his condition
during this time he said, “The doctors saw an improvement in my health. I lost
50 lbs, had more energy, felt stronger, and had better coordination.”
The Y is more than a gym. It’s a
cause with a commitment
to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a
sense of social responsibility. Mike first started giving back by participating
in the board development committee and is now on the Board of Directors and
head of the Aquatics/Program Committee this year.
If
you have a Y story you would like to share with us please contact Anne Stewart
at 712-623-2161 or by e-mail at astewart@mcymca.com.
