Huggies Awards Swim Grant to the West Morris Area YMCA

The West Morris Area YMCA is one of 150 Y's across the country to be awarded a $1,000 grant from the Kimberly Clark Corporation. This Huggies grant will provide financial support for 6 children with their parents or guardians the opportunity to participate in our parent-child enrichment classes (for 6 month to 5 year olds).

Children are our most valuable resource. Along with basic needs of food, shelter and education, they also need to be loved, guided and supported in their transitions to adulthood. The West Morris Area YMCA Strong Kids Campaign (our financial assistance program) believes that every child, regardless of their family's financial situation, deserves the experience of YMCA programs and services.

The generous grant from Kimberly Clark helps us enhance our outreach efforts to underserved communities. For details about our financial assistance program or ways you can help support the campaign, visit our website: www.wmaymca.com.

Best Family Aquatics Center

The Clyde Utz Aquatic Center at the West Morris Area YMCA has been selected as the Best Family Aquatics Center for 2010 by Aquatics International, a leader in the aquatics field. This recognition highlights the different areas within the Aquatic Center including the 25-meter competition pool maintained at 82 degrees and the 25-yard shallow, warm-water pool maintained at 88 degrees. The center also features a custom built 12 person spa with dual level water jets, a 15 person steam room with a multi-level seating area, and a built-in sound system with waterproof wireless microphones in both pools used during the greatly expanded schedule of aqua fitness classes.

The most unique area is the Aqua Cube designed specifically for aquatic rehab and circuit training classes.It's equipped with ballet bars, parallel bars, strength training equipment and an underwater bike.

All areas within the aquatic center maintain separate environments, HVAC and filtration systems. The facility also uses ultravilet disinfestion and air quality control.

A judge commented, "The careful planning in the West Morris expansion is evident. I love the variety of programming."

Super 90

Are you looking for an intense fitness workout, but one that will be kinder to your muscles and joints? Try SUPER 90, a 90 minute aquatic circuit combining six different high-level water exercise classes (including hydrospin, AQx Deep Water Running, and Aqua Zumba) to be held at the West Morris Area YMCA on Wednesday, November 17th from 6:30 until 8:00pm. These classes would be a perfect compliment to land training for those who run, cycle, or are looking for a fitness challenge. The evening will conclude with Yoga by Candlelight and a reception to follow. There will be free gifts for the first 50 participants, and a raffle of Zumba towels and AQx water shoes. Be prepared to sweat in the pool!
Contact Kathy Fisher to register for this program at 973-366-1120, ext. 14.

Thrill the World

West Morris Area YMCA staff and members participated in "Thrill the World", a world-wide dance event on Saturday, October 23rd, done to the choreography and music of Michael Jackson's Thriller. Participants included (Top, left to right) Corinne Argenziano, Alison Warner, Maureen Watson, Laurel Ranger, Margie Mitchell, Donna Lombardi, Melissa Fagan; (Middle, l to r) Marcy Marcuso, Roberta Hoffman, Janel Morrissey, Debbie Potter, Stacey Bolnick; and (Front, l to r) Kathy Lamia, Kaitlyn Lamia, and Sasha Forman. To enjoy the full performance, log on to YouTube and search for West Morris YMCA Thrill the World.

Group Fitness News

Come check out the new "Barre" at the Y! The ballet barre that is! "Barre Essentials" is a unique small group training class that will burn fat, shape muscles, improve flexibility and reshape your body! This quick paced class will get your heart rate up and increase your core strength while using light weights, floor work and of course, the ballet barre! Stop at the front desk of of the Y for class days, times, and fees. This class starts on October 4th and runs for six weeks.

Also starting on October 4th are the Youth Fitness Classes. These classes are offered at no charge to all Full Youth or Family members. Ages 5 to 7 will enjoy Skills and Drills, Aquatic Kid Power, Jr., and JIF (Jump into Fitness), a jump roping class. Classes offered for those who are ages 8 through 12 are Zumba, JIF, Power Hour, Aquatic Kid Power, and Yoga.

For more information on any of these programs, stop by the Front Desk of the West Morris Y or call 973-366-1120 to speak with Kathy Lamia, Group Fitness Coordinator.

The Campers Are Here

The halls of the West Morris YMCA are reverberating with the sounds of over 500 children enthusiastically participating in summer camp programs. Camps are located in five different locations, with two groups of younger children on site at the Y, two groups of older campers in separate areas of Hedden Park, and a fifth camp of varying ages in Long Valley at Schooley's Mountain Park. In addition to swim lessons or free swims at the YMCA pools, campers participate in sports, gymnastics, crafts, and fitness activities in lovely outdoor settings. All camps take a weekly off-site trip to a location geared to suit the campers' ages. Younger campers also benefit from the CATCH program (Coordinated Approach To Children's Health) which utilizes both nutrition and fitness components, proven to help fight childhood obesity.

Many campers will enjoy the full eight weeks of camp this year. Close to 50% of campers return each year for the full twelve year program from We, Me, You Club for three to five year olds, through Camp Wide Horizons for first to fourth graders, and on to Youth Adventure Camp in fifth to ninth grade and the Counselor-In-Training program for ninth and tenth graders. Whether participating for the full summer or only enrolling for one or two sessions, each camper can look forward to a fun-filled time at West Morris YMCA Day Camp.

West Morris YMCA to offer Super Soaker Swim Lessons

Super Soaker is a Learn to Swim program for the beginning swimmer ages 3 to 10 years. The condensed session, held daily June 21-25, will focus on water safety, floating, correct breathing technique, and strokes on front and back. Registration forms and evaluation dates (for those who are new to the Y program) are available on the website www.wmaymca.com or at the front desk. Call 973-366-1120 ext. 35 for more information.

Specially Priced Memberships for College Students

Full time students looking to stay in shape and increase their fitness level while back at home for the summer should take advantage of the specially priced Summer College Student memberships available at the West Morris Area YMCA. These all-inclusive memberships include use of the pool and cardio room, the weight and strength training area with indoor track, land and aquatic fitness classes in a fully air-conditioned environment for only $150. Stop by the Y's Front Desk today with your college ID to sign up or call 973-366-1120 ext. 11 for more information.

Teens, Improve your Fitness this Summer!

The West Morris YMCA announces six different Fitness Clinics to be offered this summer starting on July 6th. These clinics are for teens, ages 12 to 16, both girls and boys, for beginners and for experienced athletes. Each clinic meets twice a week for a 90 minute session, runs for five weeks, and is open to both members and non-members of the Y. Get Up and Go for Beginners, Basic Boot Camp and Girls Just Wanna Have Fun are three of the clinics available. Call 973-366-1120 ext. 24 for more information or stop in to the Y to sign up at the front desk. These clinics will fill quickly. Join in the fun today!

Register Now for Summer Day Camp

Registration is ongoing for Summer Day Camp at the West Morris YMCA. Sessions are available from June 28th through August 20th for first through ninth graders. Campers participate in sports, fitness, crafts, swim instruction, and pool activites plus a weekly field trip. Call 973-366-1120 for more information.

Clyde Utz Centers Dedicated at Annual Meeting

During the Annual Meeting of the West Morris YMCA on Thursday, March 25th, the Clyde Utz Family Center and the Clyde Utz Aquatic Center were formally dedicated. Mr. Utz was a long-time Randolph resident who was a teacher in the Dover school system. Upon his death, he gifted the Y with his estate. This very thoughtful bequest will benefit many at the YMCA for years to come. The Family Center houses a babysitting facility, exercise studios, and an expansion of the weight training area. The Aquatic Center includes the Warm Water Pool, an excellent environment for swim lessons, aquatic exercise classes, and physical rehabilitation in the Aqua Cube.
The dedication included the reading of a Resolution from Senator Anthony Bucco, a Citation from Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen and a Proclamation from Randolph Mayor Jay Alpert. The bronze plaque honoring the generosity of Clyde Utz was unveiled and will be displayed in the lobby of the Y.

Their Hearts Belong to Daddy

On Sunday, January 31st, over 80 pairs of fathers and daughters gathered at the Meadow Wood Manor in Randolph for a Valentine's Day Father-Daughter Sweetheart Dance. They are part of the West Morris YMCA's Indian Princess Program. This is a year-round program that focuses on building and enhancing relationships between fathers and daughters ages Kindergarten through Third Grade. Other 2010 activities include an Adopt-a -Trail project in Hedden Park, a Spring Campout and a Family Picnic. For more information on this program or its companion Indian Guide Program for fathers and sons, contact Andy Thompson at the YMCA at 973-366-1120, ext. 34.

Open House at the West Morris Area YMCA

An Open House will be held at the West Morris Y in Randolph on Saturday, January 16th from 9 AM to 5 PM. Stop by to tour our expanded facility which includes a new warm-water pool with Aqua Cube and receive a free gift while supplies last. In-person registration will be available for swim classes and summer day camp. Children will enjoy complimentary face painting and balloons. Call 973-366-1120 for more information.