STAUNTON-AUGUSTA YMCA
One member's health scare becomes a cause, preparing families for the to return to school, handball players compete, and so much more!
NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2026
P. 3 Meet YCON Cathy Leonard P. 4 Ready, Set, Thrive p. 8 Saying Goodbye to Mason Luck P. 10 Handball Creates Connections P. 12 Understanding Broken Heart Syndrome P. 22 Movement Matters
Three Sites serving Staunton and Augusta County
Register online at SAYMCA.ORG
NO JOINING FEE All month!
Y Site (SCS Elementary Schools) Fees per month: Member $338/ Non-member $416 Registration: $30 per child
CONTACT: Associate Executive Director Kristi Hatcher at kristi@saymca.org
By Aidan Johnson Cathy Leonard has been part of the YMCA community for decades, ever since she first walked through the doors in the 1980s and immediately felt something click. “It felt like I belonged to a family,” Cathy says. The Y gave her a place where physical health and mental well‑being connected, and that positive energy kept her coming back again and again. As a long‑distance runner in her 40s, Cathy loved staying active, but the wear on her knees pushed her to look for something different. What she found at the Y wasn’t just exercise, it was community. “I get so much more satisfaction being part of a class,” she explained. The music, the movement, and the people kept her strong without the soreness she felt running alone. When Cathy retired from teaching, she knew she didn’t want to sit still. Instead, she earned her group fitness certification and began teaching morning classes. Fit for Life quickly became her second home. “We connect with our music and our dancing,” she says. “For 55 minutes, we leave reality, all our problems and cares of the world.” Her impact stretches beyond the studio. She’s built friendships, inspired members, and even brought her own family into the fold; her son and grandson are now members, too. “The Y has become part of my family,” she says. What does Cathy hope others take away from her story? That classes like Fit for Life strengthen more than the body. “It benefits you mentally,” she said. “The enthusiasm of the members inspires me to work harder. We just connect.” If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a YCON, email Marketing and Communications Coordinator Eleanor Rixey at eleanor@saymca.org.
Elementary-Age Students
AFTERSCHOOL ADVENTURE CLUB
To register online, create an account through saymca.org. Complete the enrollment request by selecting your site. From there you will receive an email inviting you to use Player Space. That is where you can upload the required forms and complete the enrollment process.
Wilson Elementary School Fees per month: Member $276/ Non-member $326 Registration: $30 per child
Clymore Elementary School Fees per month: Member $276/ Non-member $326 Registration: $30 per child
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When a child struggles in school, it's easy to immediately ask, "Why aren't they trying harder?" But what if we asked a different question? "What's making this difficult?" Simple Shift, Big Difference That reframing has the potential to change everything. Imagine your child comes home with a disappointing grade. Instead of immediately focusing on the number, you say, "I know this grade isn't what you were hoping for, and I can see you're disappointed. I'm not disappointed in you - I'm frustrated because I know how hard this feels. Can we talk about what's making this class difficult? I want to understand how I can help." That conversation doesn't lower expectations. It communicates something even more important: We're on the same team. When children know they are understood instead of judged, they become much more willing to share what they're experiencing. Maybe they're overwhelmed by sensory distractions. Maybe they're struggling to stay organized. Maybe anxiety is making it difficult to focus. Maybe they simply need information presented in a different way. Curiosity builds stronger relationships than criticism. Looking back, some of the greatest advocates in my life weren't the people who had all the answers. They were the people who took the time to ask questions, listen without judgment, and believe that I was doing the best I could with the resources I had. Those moments taught me something I carry with me and pull from on almost a daily basis: Understanding a person is often more valuable than assuming you already know the answer. Education has changed tremendously during my lifetime. When I first started school, many students receiving special education were taught in separate classrooms away from their peers. Today, many more students learn alongside their classmates while receiving accommodations and services that help them succeed. That is something worth celebrating. But progress is not the finish line. Aiming for Immersion True inclusion isn't simply about sharing the same classroom. It's about creating an environment where every student feels welcomed, respected, understood, and given the opportunity to reach their full potential. That requires parents, teachers, classmates, coaches, community organizations, and neighbors to continue learning, listening, and advocating. Inclusion isn't a destination we have reached. It is a commitment we continue to make every day. As we begin another school year, I hope we remember something simple but powerful. A clinical diagnosis tells us something about how a child learns. It doesn't tell us who they are. Behind every IEP (Individual Education Plan), every accommodation, every therapy appointment, and every challenge is a child who wants the same things every other child longs for - to belong, to learn, to laugh, to make friends, and to know someone believes in them. When a child walks through the school doors this fall, they aren't carrying a diagnosis into the classroom. They're carrying hopes, talents, fears, questions, and dreams. Our job isn't to define them by the challenges they face. Our job is to help them discover the strengths they already possess. Every day we have another opportunity to make our classrooms, our community, and our conversations more inclusive than they were yesterday. This school year, let's choose empathy before assumptions. Let's ask questions before making judgments. Let's celebrate strengths while supporting challenges. Most importantly, let's remember to see the child before the diagnosis. Because every child deserves more than an education. Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive. I'd Love to Hear From You The Coping Corner is written with our YMCA community in mind, and I'd love your input. If there's a mental health, resilience, parenting, or wellness topic you'd like to see featured in a future issue, please feel free to email me at brian@saymca.org. Your ideas and experiences help shape these articles, and together we can continue building a community where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and empowered.
COPING CORNER: Ready, Set, Thrive
and every child has strengths worth celebrating.
"A clinical diagnosis tells us something about how a child learns. It doesn't tell us who they are."
Every child grows differently ...
Training Ourselves to See the Student, Not the Diagnosis By Brian Ringgold
ROCK STEADY BOXER SPOTLIGHT
By Henry Team, Rock Steady Boxing Participant
Stan Quillen
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WIN THIS SCULPTURE!
Did You Know? Mary’s pride and joy are her two wonderful granddaughters and two great-grandchildren. Every Thursday night is a special time for the family to gather for dinner.
Tickets on sale at the Front Desk. Cash or checks made out to the SAYMCA.
"Male and Female Cardinal" is the creation of artist Henry Team. Every year Team spends months lovingly crafting these highly detailed sculptures from wood. He donates these masterpieces to help raise money for the Rock Steady Boxing program at The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA YMCA. When you purchase raffle tickets, you directly support people like Henry.
Raffle Ticket Prices 1 for $3 3 for $5 10 for $20 Drawing date TBD
Born: September 18, 1946, right here in Staunton, at King’s Daughters Hospital. Joined Rock Steady: May 23, 2024. Lives in: Staunton with her husband of 62 years, Doug. Doug and Mary have a daughter, Donna, who lives nearby in Waynesboro. Career: If you take one look at Mary, you can easily see that she worked as a hair stylist for 62 years - as long as she and Doug have been married, in fact! She graduated from Staunton School of Cosmetology in 1964 and married Doug that same year. Hobbies: Both Mary and Doug enjoy going to their camp in Churchville as much as they can, where Mary can be found working in the garden and enjoying hosting friends and family. Favorite Place to Travel/Vacation: Pigeon Forge, Tennessee has always been a favorite place of Mary’s. The couples also like to travel like going to Las Vegas and taking cruises. Favorite thing about Rock Steady? Mary shares the same sentiment that many of our boxers do - it’s the people who make up Rock Steady and the camaraderie between everyone. Favorite Rock Steady Punch? The Right Hook (#6)
Mary Cox
Championship, All-Star Game Showcase League's Talent By Eleanor Rixey
As we say goodbye to Mason Luck, "Mr. Mason," we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible impact he has had on our YMCA and Community Child Care (CCC) families during the past three years. Mason began his SAYMCA journey engaging with youth in the Teen Center before transitioning to become the Lead Afterschool Teacher at CCC, when the Y welcomed Community Child Care into its fold. While moving from working with teens to elementary-aged children came with a learning curve, Mason quickly discovered what a fun, energetic, and wonderful group of kids they are - and the children and staff benefited immediately. When asked what lesson he'll carry with him from his time at the Y, Mason didn't hesitate: patience. More importantly, he shared that one of the greatest things he's learned is to simply have fun. Anyone who has watched him interact with our children knows he demonstrated that philosophy on a daily basis. As Mason begins an exciting new chapter with Virginia Panel Corporation, he's looking forward to exploring a career that allows him to work with his hands - something he has always enjoyed. While this marks a significant milestone in his journey, he sees it as the beginning of a new adventure and is excited to see where it leads. The good news? This isn't a forever goodbye. Mason plans to stay connected with the YMCA and hopes to lend a hand during special events, weekends, and Teen Center activities whenever he's needed. As he put it best, "It's more of a 'see you later' than a goodbye." "Mr. Mason," thank you for your patience, your positivity, your sense of fun, and the care you've shown every child and family you've served. You've made a lasting difference in our community, and you'll always be a part of the SAYMCA network. We wish you all the best, and can't wait to see you again!
Join the Power User community!
Power Users 2026
Neuro
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Miss no more than 4 weeks during the year
STAFF FEATURE: Farewell and Good Luck to Mr. Mason
Show up. Stay consistent. EARN GOLD!
Power User status can be yours:
Check in 39+ days OR check in each week
Recent Graduates Don't Pause Learning, Serving Before Heading to College By Dawn Medley
The GOLD TOWEL is not about perfection - it's about commitment. Earn YOUR gold this quarter.
Check in during this quarter: July 1 - September 30
Consistency Earns Recognition
A (Brief) History of Handball One of the world’s oldest organized ball sports, handball play can be linked back to the baths of the Roman Empire, and there is much debate about the origins of the modern game. Here are a few things that we do know, milestones that most handball researchers and players (often one in the same) point to as important developments in the history of the game: 1420s: King James I of Scotland plays a form of handball in his castle cellar 1500s: Handball is played widely in Ireland, where the game continues to have a strong national presence today 1880s: Irish immigrants brought handball to New York City and San Francisco; rules have remained mostly unchanged in today’s game 1887: First international match held - featured Irish and American champion Early 1900s: Indoor game (4-wall) popularized at YMCAs 1951: US Handball Association (USHA) formed to standardize rules and organize regional and statewide tournaments; racquetball is introduced as an alternative to handball around this time Read the full article on the USHA website, ushandball.org. POSSIBLE SPACE FOR HANDBALL BASICS
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Dedicated Handball Players Build Recognition for Ancient Sport By Dawn Medley
Tom Stocks, left, and Jason LaRose, right, represented the SAYMCA in the No Frills Handball tournament in June, winning their division.
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Jason LaRose has been playing handball at the Y since 2000, saying that he loves the satisfaction of hitting the ball without a racket.
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Handball Group Thrives on Connection
All you need to do is take a right turn from the front desk at the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA YMCA to encounter what look like two larger-than life display cases situated along a hallway in the heart of the building. The brightly-lit 20x40-foot rooms might be occupied by people using a few of the rackets stored at the entrance to the first space, or you could see younger children and parents enjoying a moment of unstructured play. But if it is late morning on a Wednesday, you will are likely to find yourself caught up in a pretty intense scene. Inside each box with 20-foot ceilings, members of small, unofficial but dedicated, group - mostly guys ranging in age from late teens to 70s - will be swinging, dodging, sliding, and thudding into walls in pursuit of a small, blue object that whizzes around them at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. They are fully engaged in handball - a sport with ancient roots, only a few modern adaptations, and a small, but mighty, following in the United States. The nearby rackets are untouched. The only thing separating player from ball is a glove (occasionally, even those are absent in favor of a bare-handed match). They are sweaty, arched over to catch their breath … and grinning. They just can’t help but love it. “I’ve tried racquetball, pickleball, tennis - all the racket sports - but there is something addicting for me about getting into just the right position and hitting something with my hand. There is something special about that point of contact - feeling it right here - that doesn’t happen when there is something between me and the ball,” said Jason LaRose, pressing his left fingers gently into the palm of his right hand. A lifelong basketball player who took up outdoor one-wall handball during the pandemic, when indoor facilities were shuttered, LaRose recently teamed up with fellow Staunton player Tom Stocks to test his skills against nationally ranked handball players at a tournament in Reston, Virginia. Despite not having played the three-wall doubles version of the game together before, the duo won all three of their matches to sweep their division and put the SAYMCA on the map among the nationwide community of handballers. "We get used to playing with the same people locally," said Joe McCue, who has been playing handball at the SAYMCA since the late 1970s. "A tournament allows players from different places to see how their ability stacks up against people from the region who also love to play the game," McCue said. The No Frills Tournament that LaRose and Stocks competed in is one of the most competitive in the Virginia, Maryland, DC area, according to McCue. "Most handball players have a real competitive nature," he said. Proving McCue's point, LaRose, his teeanage son, and Staunton player Matt Bailie are gearing up for another tournament appearance August 15 in Columbia, Maryland. "It's one of those games that is fairly easy to learn, but almost impossible to master. It's a challenge every single time," McCue added. As a competitive handball player for decades, Stocks is fond of saying that “there are no shortcuts or cheating in handball.” He explained that one of the most difficult aspects is learning to rely on both hands equally. Even when he’s not playing, LaRose is often thinking about how to improve his game - using his non-dominant left hand to throw the ball against the wall, brush his teeth, and even chop wood. Almost everything he does at the Y - plyometrics, speed and agility drills, weightlifting - is informed by a drive to play his best. For those who are wondering: Yes, it does hurt - at first. "Most new players aren't hitting the ball correctly; they're slapping at it," said Stocks. "When people learn proper technique, the pain doesn't last long." Those who work through the initial discomfort are rewarded with an adrenaline-fueled sport that is as strategic as it is physical. Stocks was a widely revered player until he badly tore his bicep in 2014. He had hung up his gloves for about eight years when a friend and SAYMCA member invited him to play with the thriving group in Staunton. He has been a regular since 2024, driving more than 200 miles roundtrip each week not only to improve his own game, but also to serve as a mentor and encourage newer players. Like many YMCAs and other fitness facilities, Stocks' "home" Y in Midlothian - just outside of Richmond - doesn't have any handball courts. Some never had designated courts; others have phased them out to make room for more popular racket sports or other activities. "The reality is that handball doesn't enjoy widespread popularity like some sports, but there are pockets of players who get together regularly and really enjoy it. They make each other better. When you find that, it's special," Stocks said. He considers Staunton his "pocket," and he is determined to help keep the group active. All three men agreed that shameless recruiting is key to keeping the sport viable locally. “If you’re walking and breathing, you’re a potential handball player to us,” Stocks laughed. “We try not to let anyone pass the court without harassing them about playing.” The SAYMCA group has about 25 members; of those, around a dozen participate regularly, McCue said. Stocks believes they have a good shot at continuing and competing at a high level if that core number grows from 12 to 20. "Handball is exhausting. It gets in your head. It follows you around outside the court," said LaRose. "And we come back anyway." PO
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Corner
Broken Heart Syndrome, or Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, is considered rare but significant. Characterized by sudden weakening and enlarging of the muscles of the heart - which causes difficulty pumping blood - it can be misdiagnosed as a heart attack, so it is difficult to determine the likelihood of it occurring.
Key Takeaways: Heart Attack or Broken Heart Syndrome?
MISSION HIGHLIGHT: Nina Rhodes
After more than 20 years as an intensive care nurse, Nina Rhodes thought she understood heart disease. She had spent decades caring for cardiac patients, educating families and recognizing the warning signs of medical emergencies. She maintained an active lifestyle, attended group fitness classes at The SAYMCA and understood the importance of taking care of her health. Her proactive lifestyle is what ultimately saved her life. So when she found herself doubled over with chest pressure and relentless vomiting one night in November 2025, she knew something was seriously wrong. "I've got to go to the ER," she told her husband. The Nurse Becomes the Patient Doctors initially treated Rhodes as they would any patient experiencing a serious cardiac event. After having an echocardiogram and a heart catheterization, she finally received an unexpected diagnosis. "My doctor said 'It's Broken Heart Syndrome,'" Rhodes said. Although she had cared for cardiac patients throughout her nursing career, Rhodes never imagined she would develop the condition herself. Unlike a typical heart attack, Broken Heart Syndrome - also called Takotsubo Syndrome - is not caused by blocked arteries. Instead, it is most often triggered by intense emotional or physical stress and occurs most frequently in postmenopausal women. Typically, you hear this condition mentioned when one spouse dies and the other passes quickly after. Rhodes recalled her cardiologist explaining that this form of cardiomyopathy is triggered by stress. Looking back, Rhodes believes that years of caregiving and life's everyday stresses had taken a greater toll than she realized. "I think the stress is what caused it," she said. But her healthy lifestyle prepared her body to sustain this type of trauma. ' "You know, if you hadn't been so healthy to start with, we wouldn't be talking," her doctor told her. Rhodes hopes her experience helps others recognize that stress can have profound effects on physical health. "I want women to know it does happen," she said. "I want people to be aware." One Step at a Time Her recovery was gradual. She completed a 10-week cardiac rehab program called RxEx at Augusta Health before returning to the Y. And when she did return, even walking around the YMCA's indoor track proved difficult. Her husband was there to support her the entire time, even when she couldn't complete a full lap. "I got halfway ... and I had to come back," she recalled. Rather than becoming discouraged, Rhodes focused on small, achievable goals. With her husband there to encourage her, she kept getting stronger. Her persistence over the course of a few weeks paid off. "'One day," I said to myself, 'I'm going to go all the way around,'" Rhodes said. That day eventually came. "I felt so good," she said. "I finally went all the way around the track." From Patient to Advocate Today, Rhodes encourages others recovering from illness - or facing any difficult challenge - to be patient with themselves. "Creating small goals for yourself, and then congratulating yourself, is the best way to go," she said. Throughout her recovery, Rhodes also found encouragement from her YMCA community and church family. Members of her beloved group fitness community reached out to offer their support. "The cards - oh my gosh. I can't tell you how good that felt," she said. It was the emotional realization that her "Y Family" was there to bolster her and then welcome her back when she was strong enough. In the eight months since her incident, Rhodes is grateful to have been able to resume her regular routine. She hopes sharing her story will encourage others to pay attention not only to physical symptoms, but also to the effects that prolonged stress can have on the body. "If I could tell anybody, [I would say], 'If you're feeling this, you need to talk to somebody,'" she said. Mental health can be incredibly difficult to discuss. Fear of being rejected or the shame of admitting you need help can force people to retreat into silence. Life takes over and leaves you without the space to recognize what is happening within. If you or someone you care for is experiencing intense levels of stress, grief, or anxiety reach out to someone you trust or a local mental health services organization. Talking about it reduces the stigma. For more information on mental health visit CDC.gov or ask your medical provider for resources. For more information on Broken Heart Syndrome and other cardiovascular conditions visit HEART.ORG.
MISSION HIGHLIGHT: Explaining Broken Heart Syndrome
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BROKEN HEART SYNDROME characterized by angina (chest pain), shortness of breath, intense vomiting triggered by intense emotional experiences, even positive ones angiogram shows no evidence of blockages of coronary arteries tests show "ballooning" and unusual movement in the lower left heart chamber typical recovery in less than 2 months; oftentimes patients feel better within a few weeks most at risk: women over 50; people with a history of anxiety, depression or other psychiatric disorders, or neurological disorders like seizures or strokes; individuals who have experienced recent stressful events HEART ATTACK most common symptom is crushing, squeezing, or pressing intense chest pain (angina) caused by long-term build up of fatty deposits within blood vessel walls (atherosclerosis), usually compounded by a blood clot in a narrowed artery tests show evidence of coronary artery blockage typical recovery in 4 to 12 weeks most at risk: men over 45 and women over 55; individuals with one or more risk factors including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and family history of coronary artery disease
Former Nurse Spreads Awareness of Uncommon Heart Condition After Diagnosis By Eleanor Rixey
Nina Rhodes, left, finds strength in the connections she makes in group fitness classes. This support helped her recover from a major cardiac event.
CONNECT WITH US!
CPR and First Aid Training Does your job require you to be CPR/FA certified? Do you need to keep your certification current? Interested in learning how to save a life? We offer a four-hour class that will give you the tools you need. August 15 | 8 - 1 PM $85 Members/ $100 Non-members
We are so excited about our new website: SAYMCA.ORG It integrates with the software we use to manage memberships and program registrations. Members and program participants can: Join online Access their account through the website Register for programs online with ease Your experience matters to us! Email Eleanor Rixey at eleanor@saymca.org with any questions or concerns.
PICKLEBALL See Basketball Court Schedule Free for members. $10 Drop in rate for non-members.
You can opt out anytime. Just reply STOP.
ADULT PROGRAMS
EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION Free for ages 15+ Sign up at the front desk today!
BIBLE STUDY 9 AM Mondays Multipurpose Room
We're making it easier than ever to get the news you care about! Opt in to receive text messages about facility updates. Update your email to find out about news and member rewards.
MAHJONG 10:30 AM Fridays Multipurpose Room
Login or create your account today!
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IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS!
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Text SAYMCA to 545-39
Gentle Aqua Fit with Joyce
LAND and WATER GROUP FITNESS
Arms & Core Bums &Tums (BB Court) Barre Fit 4 Life (BB Court) Lift & Pump Muscle Max Senior Fitness Step Strength Tabata Zumba
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Adaptive Yoga Tai Chi Chu'an Chair Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Gentle Flow Yoga Pilates Men's Yoga PACE Wall Yoga (Racquetball Court)
NOW HIRING!!
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GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN THE CARDIO/STRENGTH STUDIO
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN THE MIND-BODY STUDIO
CERTIFIED AQUATIC G.F. INSTRUCTORS!!
Cycling classes available in the Cycling Studio Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 PM
Aquatic Group Fitness ( No classes August 4, 5, 6 & 7 )
Print outs available at the front desk with class descriptions on the back. Challenge yourself to try to attend 3 classes a week!
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Group fitness classes are included with your membership! Non-members can purchase a pass of 10 classes for $90.
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
AQUAFIT 9-9:55 AM Peggy
AQUA YOGA 9 - 9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 10-10:55 AM Peggy
SPLASHBURNER 10 - 10:55 AM Karen
AQUA YOGA 11 - 11:55 AM Karen
GENTLE AQUAFIT 11:15AM - 12PM Joyce
SPLASHBURNER 6:00 - 7 PM Karen
FRIDAY
SPLASHBURNER 9-9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 10-10:55 AM Karen
SPLASHBURNER 6:00 - 7 PM Jenn
Low Back Seminar and Hannahs class
As school buses begin rolling through neighborhoods and store shelves fill with notebooks, backpacks, and lunch boxes, many families celebrate the excitement of a new school year. Fresh starts, new teachers, new classrooms, and endless possibilities fill the air. Yet beneath the excitement is a form of grief that often goes unnoticed. It is the quiet grief of transition. Grief is not only experienced after death; it is any emotional response to a significant change or loss. For many parents, the end of summer means saying goodbye to leisurely mornings, family adventures, spontaneous ice cream trips, vacations, late-night movies, and precious moments spent together. For students, it may mean leaving behind carefree days, favorite summer camps, friendships, vacations with grandparents, or the comfort of home. Although these changes may seem small, they represent real losses that deserve to be acknowledged. Recognizing this allows families to move through the season with grace instead of guilt. Parents often carry hidden grief while preparing everyone else. They shop for school supplies, organize schedules, attend open houses, complete paperwork, and make sure every detail is in place. In the midst of the busy-ness, they may long for family breakfasts, afternoon walks, or simply having their children nearby. Students experience grief in ways adults sometimes overlook. Some are excited about seeing friends again while secretly feeling nervous about fitting in. Others wonder if they will like their teacher, succeed academically, or make new friends. Some children are grieving because a favorite teacher retired, a close friend moved away, or they transferred to a new school. Others experienced family changes over the summer. It is beneficial for adults to remember that a child’s behavior is often communication. One of the greatest gifts parents can offer during this transition is emotional safety. A few practical tips for a smooth transition: Create opportunities for conversation without rushing to solve every problem. Ask, “What are you excited about this school year?” “What are you nervous about?” “What do you hope happens this year?” “How can I pray for you?” Rather than changing everything overnight, begin adjusting bedtimes, mealtimes, and morning routines gradually. Practice the school morning routine before classes begin. For myself and many others, faith serves as an incredible anchor during seasons of transition. God specializes in guiding His children through change. Throughout Scripture we see people stepping into unfamiliar seasons with uncertainty, yet God remained faithful every step of the way. Whether it was Joshua leading Israel into the Promised Land, Esther stepping into purpose, or the disciples following Jesus into unfamiliar territory, God never abandoned them during transition. He will not abandon your family either. Every new school year is an opportunity for growth. Children grow academically. Parents grow emotionally. Families grow spiritually. The goal is not simply surviving another school year. The goal is learning together, encouraging one another, and trusting God throughout every assignment, every challenge, every friendship, and every milestone. Together, you can transform this season of change into a season of hope, resilience, and joy. Every new beginning is another opportunity for God to write a beautiful chapter in your family's story. Guiding Scripture: Proverbs 3, verses 5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA | 708 N. COALTER ST. STAUNTON, VA. | (540) 885-8089 | SAYMCA.ORG
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) began in 1987 as a summer service program for Kansas City youth. Today, YVC is a network of affiliated organizations across the U.S. and Canada running that same program by engaging youth ages 11-18 in team-based, structured, diverse, flexible service-learning opportunities. We are proud to support a local chapter of this wonderful organization!
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT: The Hidden Grief of Summer's End
For more information and to sign up visit YVC online:
Letting Go of Summer and Embracing a New Season Together By Coach Ann McEwen
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Most of us know that exercise is important. We celebrate completing a workout, checking off a fitness or yoga class, or finishing a long run. But what if I told you that one of the most powerful contributors to your health isn't your workout at all? It's the movement that happens during the rest of your day. This is called Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, or NEAT for short. While the name may sound complicated, the concept is quite simple. NEAT includes all the movement you do outside of intentional exercise. So this includes walking to the mailbox, carrying groceries in from your car, climbing the stairs to the yoga studio, gardening, cleaning your house, playing with your kids or grandkids, or even pacing while talking on the phone. While these activities may seem insignificant, over the course of a day they can really add up. Research has shown that people of similar ages, body sizes, and exercise habits can have very different levels of daily energy expenditure (calorie burn), depending on how much they move throughout the rest of the day. For example, two people may each complete 60 minutes of moderate exercise and strength training, but one spends the remainder of the day sitting at a computer while the other is frequently getting up, walking, and staying active. Those seemingly small moments of movement can make a meaningful difference over the course of a day. Because of this, NEAT is something I often explore with nutrition clients who have weight-loss goals. A client may be completing several workouts each week and eating nutritious, balanced meals but still feel frustrated that the scale is not changing. While weight loss is influenced by many factors, it ultimately requires the body to use more energy than it takes in over time. Structured exercise contributes to the “calories out” side of that equation, but it represents only a small portion of the day. NEAT helps us look at everything happening outside of those workouts. Increasing everyday movement - through more walking, standing, household tasks, or other daily activities - can raise total energy expenditure without requiring another formal workout. But the benefits of NEAT extend far beyond calorie burn. Moving more throughout the day helps keep blood flowing, improves circulation, supports joint mobility, and reduces the stiffness that comes with prolonged sitting. Regular movement also helps regulate blood sugar by encouraging muscles to use glucose more efficiently. In other words, our bodies were designed to move, and they function better when they do. This message is especially important as summer winds down and routines begin to change. Whether you're returning to the classroom, the office, or simply settling back into a busier schedule, it's easy to spend more hours sitting without realizing it. Long commutes, meetings, homework, and after-school activities can quietly replace many of the natural opportunities for movement that summer often provides. So let’s look for small ways to build movement into the day you already have: ● Park a little farther from the entrance. ● Take the stairs instead of the elevator. ● Walk while talking on the phone. ● Stand up and stretch every hour if you work at a desk. ● Walk the sidelines during your child's practice instead of sitting. ● Take a 5-10 minute walk after meals. ● Carry your groceries instead of pushing the cart to your car. ● Play outside with your kids or grandkids instead of watching from a chair. One of my favorite ways to think about it is this: exercise is something you do; movement is part of how you live. Both matter, but they serve different purposes. A great workout can't completely undo an otherwise sedentary day, just as taking more steps doesn't replace the benefits of strength training or cardiovascular exercise. The goal isn't to choose one or the other - it's to make both part of a healthy lifestyle. This month I’d love to challenge you! Look for five extra opportunities to move every day. Take the stairs. Walk while you wait. Stand instead of sit. Park a little farther away. Those small moments may seem insignificant, but over days, weeks, and months, they add up to something powerful.
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: N.E.A.T.
Movement, Not Just Exercise, Matters By Jess Wiley, MS
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