West Morris Y Sharks Compete in Parkland Winter Invitational

The West Morris YMCA Sharks travelled to Allentown, PA for the weekend of January 7-9, 2011 to compete in the Parkland Aquatic Club Winter Invitational. The meet is always a highlight of the winter season, since all members of the team 9 and over are eligible to participate. This year there were 128 swimmers who entered 852 individual events and 34 relays. The weekend got off to a tenuous start when a snow storm postponed the start of the meet until Saturday morning. Fortunately the meet hosts were able to reschedule Friday evening events as a mid-session on Sunday to allow all races to be contested.

While some swimmers travel back and forth each day, many choose to stay in a nearby hotel allowing for team bonding among swimmers and their parents as well. The weekend was a tremendous success with over 60% best times achieved in the pool and team spirit celebrated in the dry hours.

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.