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All Great Communities Share a Common Feature
All great communities share a common feature. Evolving within them and crucial to their existence are these distinctive gathering places. These places become part of the daily life and image of the community. They make even the stranger feel at home. When the Y is at its best it offers this kind of welcoming experience.
It is unfortunate that most communities have become more and more disconnected. Robert Putnam, Harvard Professor and author of Bowling Alone, even notes that this dis-connect is increasing within the immediate family unit. Putnam notes that there’s been a decline of about a third, maybe even as much as 40% in the frequency with which people eat with their own family. That’s a startling change because the practice of breaking bread in the evening with your immediate family is a really universal phenomenon. It’s kind of interesting that in our lifetime we’re actually watching the family dinner became extinct, and we are doing little or nothing to stop it!
Putnam notes that often true connectedness happens over meals. Our grandmothers taught us that “birds of a feather flock together.” When you are sick or in trouble, often times someone who looks like you brings you soup or a casserole. This is called Bonding Social Capital.
When you get together with different cultures and people unlike you, it is called bridging social capital. Great communities offer many opportunities to bridge social capital. These opportunities are such a valuable resource but hard to develop.
The YMCA’s Prayer Breakfast is an innovative way for our community to connect. The uniting of our community around prayer has been especially successful in creating a connection that reaches out to bridge different races, different ethnic groups, different generations, and even different social classes.
Too many times Cleveland County focuses on what divides us – age, race, neighborhood, and college football. How often do we come together on what unites us? The community prayer breakfast is just that event. For the past 16 years, the YMCA has hosted the annual event with great success. I want to invite you to join others from across Cleveland County on Friday, May 4th from 6:45am-8:15am at the Dover Foundation YMCA. You can purchase tickets to this event at any of our branches.
Don’t miss this opportunity to break bread with your neighbor – the neighbor you have yet to meet!
Give Back on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Before we all knew the adult Martin Luther King, he was just another kid at the Butler St. Y!
As residents of Cleveland County prepare for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on Jan. 16, the YMCA encourages everyone to honor this holiday by giving back and supporting our neighbors.
At the YMCA we believe that all kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. The Y strives to ensure that the youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement.
Volunteering at nonprofit organizations like the Y that have a longstanding history of meeting the ever-changing needs of its children can provide rewarding experiences that benefit the community as a whole. In Shelby, Shacoya Stroud volunteers at the Girls Club YMCA as a mentor and a tutor. Her work today could have life changing impact on a young girl who may revolutionize the world tomorrow.
Across the county, the Y helps individuals give back and assist their neighbors by offering support, volunteer opportunities and programs that help strengthen community. Each of our volunteers’ selflessness and willingness to roll up their sleeves to give back helps improve the lives of thousands of kids, adults and families.
Whether helping adults better cope with cancer through our Livestrong program, building self esteem at Girls on the Run or preventing chronic disease and building healthier communities through collaborations, the Y fosters the care and respect all people deserve.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is the perfect time to get into a volunteer routine.
It’s a Brand New Day for the YMCA – Strategic Plan
The Cleveland County Family YMCA has an impressive history, yet we all believe that we have tremendous untapped potential to transform our community.
Almost twenty years ago, our predecessors recognized the power of combining the Christian mission of the YMCA with a great community deep-rooted in the values of faith, family and service. Since 1992, thousands have had their lives impacted on the sports fields, in the swimming pools, on treadmills, in board rooms and in classrooms. It feels like yesterday that we were this brand new organization, taking on opportunities and challenges. Today, it is hard to imagine life without the YMCA. The foresight of past leaders has strategically placed the Y across the county and has woven us deep into the daily fabric of the lives of children and families throughout our region.
For the past year, hundreds of constituents have participated in a wide-ranging process designed to develop an overarching vision. The effort has involved community leaders, members, teens, staff and volunteers – all of whom have shown enormous enthusiasm for the future of the Y. We take pride in our accomplishments, yet we share the belief that we are capable of so much more. The end result is a planning document that details precisely where we want to focus our considerable talents and the progress we expect to achieve.
The Y will blend our unique assets and past experiences as we harness the collective spirit of our organization. The success of our Y will continue as we build on the foundational values of our institution. We begin a new day at the Cleveland County Family YMCA — one where we commit to strengthening the foundations of our community by working in partnership with our neighbors to ensure that ALL people have the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.
The Cleveland County Family YMCA will provide the breadth of outstanding programs and membership opportunities essential to being a WORLD CLASS YMCA. In outlining distinct priorities, however, we demonstrate our commitment to new forms of excellence. Through concentrated efforts, we will realize unprecedented work, both for our community and for society at large.
Our key strategic goal areas are:
- Youth Development
- Healthy Lifestyles
- Social Responsibility
We selected these areas after a review of our existing strengths and areas of common interest across the global YMCA movement. By elevating them, we commit to achieve prominence as an institution known for exemplary efforts in these realms. The plan that follows describes our priorities in detail. Just as important, it provides context for the kind of community we seek to become.
Our plan not only articulates these principles, but also describes the specific steps we will take to fulfill all of our goals. Moreover, it details specific metrics we will use to chart our progress. We will report annually on our results.
Our organization is filled with the best and brightest staff and volunteers, and the diversity of our membership creates incredible strength and synergy. By executing this plan, we will create an environment where future collaboration contributes to discovery and understanding in extraordinary ways. The enthusiasm and imagination in our efforts ultimately impact the lives of children and families across our region. We will, in short, become an institution that achieves the remarkable possibilities dreamed by our founders in 1992. An institution with a powerful sense of purpose that inspires every individual in our community.
Learn more about the Mission, Vision, and Values of the Cleveland County Family YMCA.
Yours in Service,
Sallie Craig
Chief Volunteer Officer
Bill Plowden
Vice-Chair/Chair-Elect
Cameron Corder
Chief Executive Officer
Melanie Beier hired as Wellness Director of the Dover Foundation YMCA
The Dover Foundation YMCA is pleased to announce that Melanie Beier will be joining the YMCA team on Monday, November 28th, 2011 in the position of Wellness Director.
Melanie graduated from North Park University in Chicago with a degree in Exercise Science. She most recently completed her Master of Science in Kinesiology and Sports Studies from Eastern Illinois University (EIU) in Charleston, IL.
She brings unique talents and experience to our YMCA. Most recently, she was at the Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center where she interned in the Cardiac Rehab program. She also has worked in a hospital wellness center as a personal trainer. During her graduate program, she managed the community wellness center at EIU. Along with supervision of the staff, her job entailed providing fitness assessments, VO2 bike testing, personal training and teaching group fitness classes.
She has a Personal Trainer certification from the American College of Sports Medicine. She is a certified group fitness instructor with the American Council on Exercise and instructor certification for Schwinn Cycling Spinning.
YMCA CEO, Cameron Corder noted, “In all my years of hiring people, I can’t remember anyone who had such impeccable references. Melanie will bring great energy to not only our Dover branch but to our Healthy Lifestyles strategic initiatives.”
The job search had over 60 applicants. Ms. Beier has completed two phone interviews, submitted provided a writing sample, taken an internet profile, and has participated in face to face interviews with Dover staff, Dover volunteers and Y Executives.
The Y will be planning some meet and greets for Melanie to meet the membership.
Microsoft Awards YMCA Software Grant
L-R Sallie Craig YMCA Board Chair, Michele Thomas and Tammy Calvin from Microsoft, and Dr Steve Thornburg YMCA Board Member
The Cleveland County Family YMCA announced at its August board meeting a software grant from Microsoft Corporation that is valued at more than $265,000.
“At Microsoft, we believe technology can do amazing things. That’s why we partner with thousands of organizations like the YMCA to help each one achieve its mission,” said Reggie Isaacs, Microsoft Charlotte Campus Director. “We wish to provide technology tools, training and resources that can help change peoples’ lives and transform communities.”
Isaac adds, “With partners like the Y, we are focused on transforming education, fostering local innovation, and enabling organizations to create a continuous cycle of sustained growth and opportunity.”
This is the YMCA’s second Microsoft Grant. The first grant was awarded in 2006.
Sallie Craig, YMCA Board Chair thanked Microsoft. “This Microsoft support will greatly help our YMCA meet our strategic objectives. This technology will enhance our afterschool programs at the Girls Club and other branches, improve our ability to serve the community with the library in Boiling Springs and strengthen our work with our community partners.”
YMCA Board Members Larry Corry, Greg McInnis and Rev. William Thompson help congratulate Microsoft
YMCA CEO Cameron Corder added, “The Cleveland County Family YMCA has created a strategic direction that will focus on developing assets in our young people, establishing prevention efforts that fight chronic diseases and work toward change that will strengthen neighborhoods and communities across our region. The Cleveland County Family YMCA is for Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.”
A special video was made by the kids in Y summer camp and all of the participants at the announcement wore special “NERD” glasses.
The Cleveland County Family YMCA has served the region since 1992 and continues to expand their network to meet the ever-changing needs of the local community. They have facility branches in Kings Mountain, Shelby and Boiling Springs. It has Program Centers called the Girls Club YMCA and the Gardner-Webb Student YMCA. The Y also operates River Bend YMCA Golf Course, a result of a gift from Paul and Margaret Porter. Currently, the Cleveland County Family YMCA has over 14,000 members and serves close to 20,000 individuals, from toddlers to seniors, in their programs. The organization is dedicated to enriching the lives of all people through programs that strengthen spirit, mind and body. Financial assistance is available to all individuals who demonstrate proven need through the OPEN DOORS initiative.
(L-R Sallie Craig YMCA Board Chair, Michele Thomas and Tammy Calvin from Microsoft, and Dr Steve Thornburg YMCA Board Member)
(YMCA Board Members Larry Corry, Greg McInnis and Rev. William Thompson help congratulate Microsoft)
Summer at the Y
PPG Has a Green Thumb
In the summer of 2010, past PPG Plant Manager Tim Mathis was at a YMCA meeting when a community garden was discussed. Together, he and YMCA CEO, Cameron Corder, plotted a strategy for a garden at the PPG plant. When Mathis was transferred up to Pittsburgh, the new PPG leader, Greg McInnis, kept the dream alive.
With the support of the local 4H and Cooperative Extension, PPG is able to provide support to the Children’s Home and also the Cleveland County Potato project. McInnis noted, “Our vision is to reach out to more children and families across our county.”
Corder noted, “It has been inspiring to see the PPG employees out working this garden. Funny how our partnership with PPG has been about helping employees be healthier and in the end we work together to improve the health of our community.”
And the idea is spreading…………Thanks to Drew Rogers’ Eagle Project, the Dover YMCA has 4 small vegetable beds. The tomatoes plants were donated by Emily Yelton’s late mother Lucy Bryant. The staff has started affectionately calling the garden “Lucy’s Garden.”
The Ruby Hunt has also planted a garden and even has the Farmer’s Market coming to the branch once a week.
Everyone should have access to fresh vegetables. Make sure you share your extra produce!
Swim Time is Fun Time, but Don’t Forget Safety First!
The last week of schools brought on the hundreds of school groups that like to celebrate a successful school year with games and swimming at the YMCA. And now that school is officially out for the summer, the pools at Ruby, Kings Mountain and Dover YMCAs are filled with kids and families.
YMCA Lifeguards are some of the best trained guards in the community. We spend a tremendous amount of time in not just procedural training but in actual risk management and accident prevention.
Safety at the pool is JOB ONE, and to ensure safety, everyone must be focused on safety, not just the lifeguards. Make sure when you are at the pool that you listen to and support the lifeguards, report any unsafe activity, and watch for all kids and not just your own!
Did you know that the YMCA has a vision of “Drown Proofing” every child in the county? Can you help us make that a reality?
Summer Better than Others!
For hundreds of kids, summer camp at the Y will be the best part of their break from school. And for many teenagers, the Y is just a safe place for them to connect with friends and make new friends. In fact, the Y branches often feel like they become the “Town’s Baby Sitter.”
Kids breath energy into the buildings. Sure they make our hallways dirtier, noisier, and more crowded. 70 Years ago Martin Luther King was just another kid at the Y. Do you see the potential in the kids or do you just see inconvenience? Your smile and your encouragement may just be the random act of kindness that some young person needs. Nurture the greatness and potential in all kids!
LiveStrong at the YMCA
The Cleveland County Family YMCA is part of a consortium of YMCAs that have partnered with the Lance Armstrong Foundation to offer LiveStrong at the YMCA.
LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is a twelve-week, small group program designed for adult cancer survivors. This program fulfills the important need of supporting the increasing number of cancer survivors who find themselves in the transitional period between completing their cancer treatment and the shift to feeling physically and emotionally strong enough to attempt to return to their normal life or their “new normal”. The program is conducted outside of medical facilities to emphasize that LIVESTRONG at the YMCA is about health, not disease.
Our goal is to help participants build muscle mass and muscle strength, increase flexibility and endurance and improve functional ability. Additional goals include reducing the severity of therapy side effects, preventing unwanted weight changes and improving energy levels and self esteem. A final goal of the program is to assist participants in developing their own physical fitness program so they can continue to practice a healthy lifestyle, not only as part of their recovery, but as a way of life. In addition to the physical benefits, the program provides participants a supportive environment and a feeling of community with their fellow survivors, YMCA staff and members.
YMCA fitness instructors work with each participant to fit the program to their individual needs. The instructors are trained in the elements of cancer, post rehab exercise and supportive cancer care.
Let us know if you or a friend would be a candidate for this program!
Meet Our Newest Faces!
Meet Taffy Allen
Wellness Director at the Kings Mountain YMCA
Born in Banner Elk, NC
Graduate of Greensboro College
Husband is Stephen and they have two daughters, Mallory and Katie
She loves the TV show Glee and Italian Food
Meet Crystal Johnson
Executive Director at the Girls Club YMCA
Born in Columbia, SC
Graduate of NC State and Forestview High School
She was in the Power Sound of the South Marching Band while at NC State
She loves the TV show America’s Funniest Videos and makes a mean macaroni and cheese
YMCA Recognizes Cleveland County Healthcare System
Recently, the YMCA recognized Cleveland County Healthcare System with the 2011 Servant Leadership Award. In 2008, the YMCA created the Servant Leadership Award to recognize those entities that support the Y and model the value of Servant Leadership. Past recipients have been PPG, First National Bank and the Dover Foundation.
The Cleveland County Healthcare System is involved with many critical issues facing our community. 13 years ago, the YMCA and the hospital formed a partnership that has been modeled by Y’s and hospital across the country. Tens of Thousands of lives have been impacted through healthier lifestyles because of the Y and the hospital’s unique partnership. The hospital is also a partner in helping the Y deliver impactful programs at the Girls Club YMCA and Black Achievers. Their partnership and support has been a cornerstone to the Y’s success. Their presence in our mission will impact so many more lives in the future.
Sheri DeShazo was present from the hospital to accept the award at this year’s annual Prayer Breakfast.
The Y is…
Dear Friends,
Spring Break week our Y’s were hopping. This week proves the point that the Y is the town’s baby sitter!
Some people think they know the Y and the often box us into some stereotypes. I have heard us called an upscale fitness center, a place for teenagers to just hangout, and the senior center. If you really look close you will see that the Y is so much more.
If you look closely, the Y is Walter standing by the outdoor pool at the Ruby Hunt YMCA taking a fly fishing class. Walter is planning a fishing trip with his grandson. The fly fishing class leads to an afternoon in a stream that creates memories for a lifetime.
If you look closely, the Y is an auction for the Kings Mountain YMCA. It is a great night for adults to dress up, spend time with friends, dance and buy things that they probably don’t need. But they know that by spending they are helping kids be safe for the summer. The auction leads to a summer full of memories.
If you look closely the Y is Crystal Johnson. Crystal is the new Director of the Girls Club YMCA and she is a bundle of energy. It has been awesome to see her instantly engage with moms and their daughters and share in how we can give hope in the lives of girls.
If you look closely, the Y is Dr. Chris Cerjan giving check-ups to stuffed animals at Healthy Kids Day. Dr. Cerjan is teaching our children the importance of seeing a doctor and getting regular physicals. I wonder how many lives will be saved by early detections of cancer, diabetes or heart conditions by this fun, crazy and simple act?
If you look closely the Y is Tony Capotosta, a student at GWU, who will spend some time interning with the YMCA in Santiago, Chile. He will be working with kids in the Santiago YMCA programs. It is amazing how we are changing the world from Boiling Springs, NC.
If you look closely it is Phillip taking First Tee classes at River Bend YMCA Golf Course. He is dreaming of being Phil Mickelson but is really learning values that will help him navigate those crucial teenage years into adulthood.
If you look closely it is wonderfully warm memories of great YMCA friends Jake Kiser and Sonny Huggins. Their passing saddens us, but their impact will forever be remembered.
If you look closely it is Robert in our Black Achiever program, being helped navigate FASFA forms. He will soon be the first in his family to attend college.
Thank you for being such an important part of our YMCA family. If you look closely you are helping us be about Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.
Respectfully,
Cameron
The YMCA and Golf
These days are not the best days to own a golf course. The economic times in the last few years has hurt the game. The River Bend YMCA Golf Course, like most other courses have seen their rounds played decrease the last few years. Worldwide, equipment sales are down and some have predicted that golf is becoming less and less relevant.
The YMCA and others that are in the golf business are doing more than just wringing hands and watching our hair turn gray. Have you seen my hair lately? At River Bend, we have been trying to figure out the one question that we feel is the answer; How do we make golf an activity that fits in with life as it is lived today?
The pessimists say golf doesn’t fit in, that golf is too expensive and too time consuming. Recently I read an article where the author championed the strength of spending four uninterrupted hours with friends. Enjoying the time out on the course away from all the distractions of life, with friends, is a perfect afternoon. Even I check the blackberry while I play, but golf at its best is played without the interruptions. No phones, no computers and no worries.
Our First Tee program has been a bright spot and has offered us some excitement for the future of the game. First Tee is built on honor, values and character. It is foundational to the rich history of the game. But that is not what sells to most people. Golf Course designer, Rees Jones says, “Pushing golf like that is like a mother pushing vegetables.”
I think the future of golf has to be more family friendly. I think there is great opportunities for a family to come out together and walk 9 holes. There you have fitness, family and fun. I think golf will grow when parents and children spend time side by side on the driving range. For me, I feel guilty being away from family for 4 hours on the weekend, but four hours with my son, with my dad, my brother, my nephews or nieces makes for a QUALITY afternoon.
I think golf needs to become more about couples. I can see the die-hard golfers gasping for air, but there can be great appeal for a husband and wife sharing the game together. Walking 9 holes or even time in the cart creates more benefits than just a lower handicap. Golf with friends has been the foundation of the sport, but when couples come together on a beautiful afternoon, well that is a good day.
When you drill down on it, it is not that expensive. Throw in a coke and a hot dog and you are paying roughly the same cost as a dinner and a movie. River Bend will throw in the sunshine and fresh air!
The future of golf will soon be pictures of families playing together and posting these pictures on Facebook. New personal bests or beautiful courses experienced will continue to be shared. A day of golf is always re-hashed and retold in dramatic fashions.
Come back to your friends, your family, to the great outdoors and to an experience that which can be spiritual if you let it. Turn away from the 24/7 plugged in life that we lead every day. Golf is coming back and you and your child can be first in line!
See you on the Tee-Box,
CAM
