The Loss of a Truly Great Greenwich Resident and Friend

Here is a post from one of our members, Amy Dixon, honoring the memory of another one of our members, Carol Kana. We are deeply saddened by Carol’s passing and all of us at the Y will miss her

– Ed Philipp

blindsommelier

I’m on vacation in sunny Rhode Island, preparing for another glorious beach-filled day of swimming and children and laughter.  Exactly 14 months ago, my friend Carol Kana re-introduced me to the sport I had grown up loving so much through her membership and relationships at the local YMCA.  You see, Carol had Polio as a child, rendering her legs poorly developed and had been confined to braces and a scooter during her adult life.  

You may think this tragic, but she not only thumbed her nose at her disability, she darn-well gave it the middle finger.  Carol’s toughness stemmed from her can-do attitude and former career as a probation/ corrections officer.  Her way of feeling ‘whole’ and able-bodied was to help those that were physically challenged around her to also be successful and live a full life like hers.  I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end…

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Lower Level Update: Entrances, Locker Rooms, Historic Pool

As of now, we are unable to open the lower level which includes the original pool, men’s and women’s locker rooms, the new entrances from the garage and Mason St lot and our new childcare rooms because we do not have TCO’s from the Town of Greenwich.

We apologize for not providing an update sooner; however we were waiting to have a definitive timeline on when we expected to be able to open the lower level.  Unfortunately we still do not have that timeline, but we are getting much closer.

• At our last inspection, an unenclosed vertical opening was discovered.  The opening serves as a chase way for about 4 main HVAC ducts.  Since this opening is in the main hallway on the lower level it effects the TCO for the entire area.
• We are waiting on a sketch of the enclosure from our architect so that we can provide it to the Building Department for approval.  We expect to have the completed sketch on Monday.
• Once the sketch is approved we will proceed with the work and schedule an inspection with the Building Department.

In the meantime you will notice that we have begun to rearrange the fitness center by moving many of our selectorized strength machines into the round room adjacent to the fitness center.  This will allow us to create a stretching area in the main room and add more free weight equipment.

As a result of this rearrangement, the traffic pattern as you enter the building needs to change.  After you scan your membership card you will now be directed to go straight through the fitness center into the main hallway.

We appreciate everyone’s patience with this situation, and we hope to have it resolved soon.

Sincerely,

Edward Philipp, CEO

Timothy Wagner, Facilities Director

What the Y Means to Me

I wanted to share the story below from a member about the impact the YMCA of Greenwich has made on her and her family.  Enjoy.

When my family decided to come to Greenwich for my son to attend a school suited for his learning style we left a small town where everyone knew your name, we had friends and we were part of a community.  When your child needs something you are prepared to give that up. 

We sold our home and came to Greenwich, soon after we arrived, my husband lost his job and all of our savings had gone into our son’s education.  My husband and I felt pretty low, we had to access the United Way and many other services that I never dreamed I would ever had needed.  Quickly I returned to nursing, and was trying to keep us all afloat when a colleague said “Why don’t you come do yoga at the Y and relax for one hour as my guest”.  I hadn’t exercised in years, I didn’t know anyone in this town, no one talked to me and we felt a part of nothing, so I said ‘yes.’  I walked into the Y and everyone smiled at the front desk and Bobby shook my hand.  The instructor asked who I was–I felt dignity again. 

All the people in the class looked like they were having the time of their lives, laughing and jumping.  I put my head down and ran to the back of the class and breathed for the first time in years.  The people, I could tell, wouldn’t let you not smile, wouldn’t let you feel sorry for yourself.  I made friends, real friends here at the Y.  I come now and people know my name, they care.  People here helped me find a home and stop renting.  They helped me find me again.  I am a better mother, nurse and wife for it.  My family is finally grounded here.

Never underestimate how important it is to be connected to a healthy supportive community.  We can’t and shouldn’t walk around like ghosts.  My children feel better about themselves and they participate in the Y’s youth programs.  At the Y no one makes me feel poor or not good enough.  It’s a place that keeps giving and you find yourself wanting to give back in return.  It isn’t just a slogan; that the Y makes Strong Families, Strong Friendships and Strong Communities.

Facility Update January 2013

As you may have seen on the local news or in the local newspaper, we held our Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this past Saturday.

Read about it here: http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/article/Renovated-YMCA-of-Greenwich-debuts-4170180.php

Here are some of the areas that we were able to recently open or will be open soon:

• New Spin Studio on 2^nd Floor is now open.
• 2^nd Group Exercise Studio is now open.
  • Check new schedules here: Schedules
    
  • Boxing area on 2^nd floor is now open. (limited access between 3-5pm, M-F)
• Indoor running track will be opening the week of January 14^th.

While the ceremony signified the end of construction, we still have a few hurdles to get over before we can fully open the building.  As of now, the only area that we are unable to open is the lower level which includes the original pool, men’s and women’s locker rooms, the weight room and our new childcare rooms because we do not have TCO’s from the Town of Greenwich.

• The repair of the original pool is ongoing, and we hope to have it open sometime after the end of the month.
• During the electrical inspection this past Friday, it was discovered that we need additional emergency lighting in both locker rooms as well as the hallways.  We are working with our electrician to get this rectified.
• We have spoken with the Fire Marshall and expect to hear by the end of the week what changes we will need to make to re-open the weight room.

We apologize for the length of this project and the inconvenience it has caused.  Once the electrical work is completed, we will schedule an inspection, and hopefully, we will be granted our TCO.  We appreciate everyone’s patience with this project.

Sincerely,

Edward Philipp, CEO

Timothy Wagner, Facilities Director

Women Don’t Slack Off This Fall Season: Exercise!

Hopefully you will enjoy this guest post.

 

For some people, autumn is the perfect time to neglect exercising, but it is the absolute worse time to slack off. In the fall, your diet may change, and you may eat more foods with more fat content and calorie content. To remain healthy through the autumn season, here are some helpful exercises:

 

Outdoor Exercises for the Fall 

Offset Reverse Dumbbell Lunge: This exercise targets the hips, thighs and abdominal muscles. To begin this exercise, hold the dumbbell in the right hand. The elbow should be bent, and one end of the weight should lightly touch the right shoulder. The hand should be positioned in a way that the one end of the weight faces away from the body.

 

With the left foot, step backward into a kneeling position. The left knee should almost touch the ground. Return to the original position and repeat the motion for eight to 12 repetitions. The exercise can also be completed without the weight if the original exercise is too difficult.

 

Underhand Grip Rear Lateral Raise: This exercise works the rear shoulders and upper back. Stand with your feet standing shoulder width apart. The knees should be slightly bent. Slowly bend the body at the hips until the upper torso is parallel to the floor and perpendicular to the lower body. Allow the dumbbells to hand down. Raise the arms to the sides until the arms form a “T” with the body. The elbows should not be bent and the torso should not be moved. Lower the dumbbells back to the original position.

 

Swiss Ball Dumbbell Chest Press: This exercise will target the triceps, chest, abdominals, shoulders and hips. With a pair of dumbbells in your hand, ensure that the back and  is resting on the ball. The hips should be raised. The body, from the knees to the shoulders, should be in a straight line. The lower leg should be perpendicular to the body. Extend the dumbbells over the body. The arms should be straight and the palms should face outward. Return the dumbbells to the starting point.

 

Indoor Exercises for the Fall

When the weather is cold or rainy, you will quickly realize the benefits of home gym equipment. Treadmills and ellipticals are great for cardiovascular exercise and also for strength building. Consider purchasing home gym equipment to remain motivated and focused during the fall months. This is a time when most people will neglect exercise because swimsuit season is over in most areas of the country. Resist the urge to become sedentary and remain active throughout the autumn season. Your body will thank you!

 

Women: Get Active!

Don’t neglect your exercise regimen this fall. As you age, your body will be able to better able to manage old age. Your bones will be stronger, and if you fall, your body will be able to withstand it. So, get active and get started exercising today.

 

Jim Rollince is a member of the creating writing department of Gym Source
He enjoys writing about Fitness, Nutrition, and many other related topics.

Construction Update October 4th

As you can see by walking through the building, construction is starting to come to an end.  We hope that the work will be complete by October 15^th.  Here are the things that are still being worked on:

• Flooring in the Childcare Rooms on the lower level
• Parking Lot – grading, curb cuts driveway entrances, paving, striping
• Complete electrical punchlist & fixture installs
• Belgian block curb at handicap ramp
• Complete elevator
• Complete stone tile at elevator lobby
• Complete rubber tile at main corridor
• Install fence at play areas
• Install exterior wall lights at parking area
• Finish work in the locker rooms
• Install windows at childcare rooms
• Complete HVAC balancing, valves, adjust

We will continue to update you frequently as to the progress of the work, including when the renovated locker rooms will come online.  We appreciate everyone’s patience with this project.

Construction Update 9/28/2012

When we started construction up again in the Spring, we targeted the end of September as the completion date for all the work.

We are happy to say that most of all the major work is now complete.  (The wooden stair tower is down!) We have received several TCO’s (Temporary Certificates of Occupancy) for several of the new areas such as the 2^nd floor and a large portion of the 1^st floor.  We expect the Mason St. parking lot to be paved sometime next week and the work on the lower level will be completed soon as well.  Once all work is completed we will complete the “loose” details and begin using the new areas.  

Going forward we will update you frequently as to the progress of the work, including when the renovated locker rooms will come online.  We appreciate everyone’s patience with this project.

Edward Philipp, CEO

Timothy Wagner, Facilities Director

I heard a scary thing, he cares about the members.

“I heard a scary thing, he cares about the members.”  That was what a fellow member told one of the Y’s Board members recently when discussing me.  Not sure about scary, but I do care about the members of the Y.  In my opinion the members are the lifeblood of the Y and should be our main focus as an organization.

With that in mind we would like to welcome you to the YMCA of Greenwich’s “Living Our Cause” Blog.  We have developed this blog as a way to better communicate with our members and community.  We will be sharing stories that demonstrate the things the Y does to strengthen our community as well as other posts by staff that you will find interesting.  We will also use this blog as a way for me to communicate with the Y community.

I joined the staff team here at the YMCA of Greenwich on August 20^th and it has been a fun and busy time filled with learning.  I am really excited about leading this great organization; we have great opportunity ahead of us with the building renovation almost completed.

Member Service/Satisfaction is very important to me and I will be working hard along with our staff team to serve you in the best possible way.  Member feedback is very important and I hope that you will share with us where we need to improve and also what we are doing well.  Currently we have two easy ways to give us feedback:

1. Click on the How Are We Doing button on our website, www.greenwichymca.org
2. Stop at the front desk and ask for a comment form

In either case we will get back to you within 24 hours to address your concern.  Another tool we are going to use is an annual Member Satisfaction Survey that will be conducted by Seer Analytics.  We expect the survey to be conducted in October or November (to help us with this please stop at the front desk and share your email address with us.)  We will use the results from the survey to develop improvement plans going forward.

Until next time…..

Ed Philipp

President/CEO

ephilipp@gwymca.org

Follow Ed on twitter @GreenwichYCEO