STAUNTON-AUGUSTA YMCA
New leaders welcome nearly 100 students to familiar, trusted afterschool programs in Staunton and Augusta County.
NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER 2026
P. 4 Finding Joy in New Experiences P. 7 Rock Steady Spotlight p. 8 Member Hits 90s in Stride P. 12 Afterschool Leaders Celebrate New Year P. 18 The Heart of CPR/First Aid Training P. 22 Fall for Dietary Fiber This Season
NO JOINING FEE All month!
Ringgold uses adaptive hand-held controls to participate in Blue Goji's bike challenges. That company is a leader in combining gaming with exercise and is working with the Y to make sure their equipment is inclusive.
4
5
Recently, I was talking with one of our senior members at the YMCA when he made an observation that stuck with me: As we get older, we can sometimes become more resistant to change. I thought about that conversation afterward because there is a fundamental truth behind what he was saying. The longer we live, the more routines we develop. We learn what works for us, what we enjoy, and what makes us comfortable. There is nothing inherently wrong with that. Familiarity can provide stability and a sense of control. But what happens when being comfortable begins to prevent us from trying something new? September's newsletter theme is celebration. I realize that - at first glance - writing about resistance to change might seem like a peculiar direction to take that topic. But as I sat with the idea a little longer, the connection became clear: One of the things worth celebrating at every age is our ability to grow. Why We Like the Familiar Change asks something of us. We have to learn, adjust, think differently, and sometimes admit that we don't know how to do something yet. That can be uncomfortable whether we're 18 or 80. As we accumulate life experience, we also accumulate routines. Something new can disrupt what has worked perfectly well for years. Sometimes our reflexive response becomes, "Why should I change?" Staying mentally and physically engaged doesn't necessarily require completely reinventing our lives. Sometimes growth begins with a much smaller endeavor: trying a new activity, learning how to use a piece of technology, talking to someone new, taking a different class, or simply allowing ourselves to be a beginner again. Our brains also retain an incredible capacity to learn and adapt throughout life. Research into neuroplasticity reminds us that learning isn't something reserved for childhood. Physical activity, social connection, mentally stimulating activities, and continuing to challenge ourselves all have important roles in healthy aging. That 'Something New' Might Be Right Upstairs That brings me to something we have right here at the Staunton-Augusta YMCA: our Blue Goji cycling equipment. If you've walked past the bikes and thought, "I don't know what that is," or, "I'm too old for video games," or simply, "That's not for me," I want to challenge you to reconsider. Blue Goji combines physical movement with interactive games that require attention, reaction, decision-making, coordination, and other mental skills. Research into this broader type of activity - sometimes called exergaming - suggests that combining physical exercise with cognitively engaging activities is a promising way to support healthy aging. That doesn't mean playing a game is a magic solution for preventing cognitive decline. Healthy aging is much more complicated than that. But it does give us another enjoyable way to challenge our bodies and minds simultaneously I am grateful that I can speak about this equipment from personal experience, and even more happy that I have an avenue to share that experience with you. Finding My Own Way to Play As someone who uses a power wheelchair, I don't usually approach exercise equipment the same way as other SAYMCA members. Sometimes I have to adapt an activity, experiment with it, or work with someone to help me figure out how I can participate. Using the Blue Goji platform has been one of those encouraging experiences for me. Rather than taking one look at the bikes and deciding that they weren't designed for someone like me, I had the opportunity to discover ways that I could adapt the setup to my needs. I've been able to exercise, play the games, challenge myself, and have fun while doing it. The activity taught me a lesson that extends far beyond exercise equipment. It's easy for our first reaction to something unfamiliar to be, "That's not for me." Maybe a better question is, "Is there a way this could work for me?" Those two responses can lead us in very different directions. Adaptation doesn't mean everyone has to participate in exactly the same way. What challenges me may be completely different from what challenges you. The important part is that we remain curious enough to discover what we're each capable of. Celebrating What Comes Next Growing older gives us something incredibly valuable: experience. We shouldn't discard the routines, traditions, relationships, or lessons that have served us well simply because something newer exists. But honoring where we've been doesn't require us to stop discovering where we can go next. Maybe celebration isn't only looking backward and recognizing everything we've accomplished. Maybe it's also recognizing that our story isn't finished. There are still people we haven't met. Skills and information we haven't learned. Activities we haven't tried. And there may even be a Blue Goji game upstairs at the Y that you haven't played yet. So this month, I have a small challenge for you: try something unfamiliar. You don't have to be great at it. You don't even have to like it enough to do it again. Give yourself permission to be curious, to ask for help, and perhaps even to laugh at yourself while figuring it out. Whether we're 8, 38, 68, or 98, growing older doesn't have to mean we're finished growing. That's something worth celebrating.
COPING CORNER: Celebrating Change
Looking for Motivation? Try these simple challenges to help you grow more comfortable with change. Try a new group fitness class Ask a fitness attendant in our Wellness Center to show you how to use a different piece of equipment Is there a type of exercise you have been wanting to try but don't have the confidence, yet, to pursue it? Reach out to a staff member or ask someone you are familiar with for advice. Our Mini-Movement Health Challenge is a great way to get connected with our Y community and the leaders offer useful tips on how to adapt each challenge to fit your needs. Sign up in our Wellness Center today! Helpful Reminders Change can be hard. Assess your expectations and make sure you aren't putting undue pressure on yourself. We often mistakenly feel like if we aren't "good" at something then we should quit. You won't know until you try, try again whether something will work for you. Take it slow. Don't try to modify everything overnight. Whether you are looking to build healthy habits or expand on those you already have, at the Y you will find people who are ready to welcome and support you on your journey.
Finding Joy in New Experiences By Brian Ringgold
ROCK STEADY BOXER SPOTLIGHT
Neuro fundraiser and bake sale
Stan Quillen
6
Did You Know? Doug is a lucky guy! At age 5 1/2, he was outside playing in the yard while his dad mowed the grass. The lawn tractor got away from his dad and nearly ran over Doug. Fortunately, the blades never touched him, but injuries from the safety shield required 98 stitches and Doug being confined for months as he healed.
Born: October 25, 1951 in Harrisonburg, Virginia Joined Rock Steady: April 30, 2021 Lives in: New Hope, Virginia, with Rowena, his wife of soon-to-be 50 years (in November). They have three children: two girls and a boy. Career: Doug grew up in construction, working summers for his dad. He started studying drafting and design at Blue Ridge Community College, but he was called up by the Selective Service in YEAR, which took him to Chicago, where he met his wife. Doug went to work as a driver for UPS in September 1976, the same year that he and Rowena were married. He stuck with it, retiring in 2016 after 39 years with UPS. We now know that’s where he got those great driving skills! Hobbies: If you have known Doug for a while, you know that he stays busy! One of his hobbies is splitting firewood (a great physical activity). He also volunteers for his church and with Love, Inc., where you can often find him helping out. Favorite Place to Travel/Vacation: Doug and Rowena like going to Maine and they even went to California in 1995 on a month-long camping/travel vacation. Favorite thing about Rock Steady? It's clear he loves each participant and instructor. In addition to being punctual to each class, Doug loves conversing with everyone! Favorite Rock Steady Punch? Hook, Hook! #3 and #6 - if you watch closely, you'll notice that sometimes switches his boxing stance to accommodate his lower back.
Doug Myers
Miss no more than 4 weeks during the year
8
Check in during this quarter: July 1 - September 30
Power Users, like Jim Beahm, reflect the principle of showing up - no matter what - and proving that dedication over performance is what matters. Ready to join our Power User Community?
Competitive Runner, Computer Programmer, Coach Reflects on Legacy and Longevity By Eleanor Rixey
SHOW UP. STAY CONSISTENT.
Check in 39+ days OR check in each week
“I always look ahead.” At 91 years old, Jim Beahm - whose athletic achievements will be honored this year by his alma mater, Bridgewater College - keeps his gaze fixed on the future. His resolve is unflinching. This mindset is something he developed during the miles he spent running cross-country in college and then as a competitive runner through adulthood. It has kept him grounded and able to adapt through life’s hurdles and the complexities of aging. Competitive by nature, Beahm was always playing sports, but long distance running was something in which he truly excelled. He had natural ability, but that didn't mean it wasn't challenging. “I never really liked running for just the heck of it,“ he recalled. “Physically, I was a natural runner, but I wasn't able to use my complete running ability because of my mentality.” This is something he overcame while running in college. After a two-year stint serving his country in the Army, Beahm returned to Bridgewater College to finish his degree in math and lead the track and field and cross country teams to multiple victories during his tenure. “I like to win,” he said matter-of-factly. And his team at Bridgewater experienced the benefit of that competitive streak. “I came back, and that's all we did was win.” Beahm held the third-best time for the school's two-mile race. He also played an integral role in the team’s success in many events in 1961. He was never one to let anyone tell him what to do. He is fiercely independent, and that tenacity is what it takes to be the leader of the pack. Just as he enjoyed pushing the bounds with long distance running, Beahm also found a career that allowed him to explore new horizons. A computer programmer by trade, he worked for a company that was contracted by NASA. “I developed programs for the Apollo project and Skylab project,” he said proudly. He was so successful in his career that he was able to retire early at age 56. But that didn’t mean it was time to slow down. Beahm decided it was time to give back. Thinking about the impact his former coaches had on him sparked a desire to share that with the next generation of runners. From 1992-97, Beahm coached the girls cross country team at Riverheads High School. “That's what makes me feel really good. And I'm able to help other youngsters.” He began a new career as a competitive runner during this time. “I continued to run road races and masters, and continued to win my age group. I'm All-American in the masters,” he shared. “I felt like my running was my transportation,” he said. It was who he was. Running was always the constant in his adult life - until a bicycle accident left him with a broken hip. “I had stopped running competitively when I was 72. I was just running for my exercise then.” Some might say it gets harder to adapt as we age. At 82, faced with the daunting task of recovering from a broken hip, Beahm knew what he had to do. "I had to stop running completely then. And that's why I do more at the Y now,” he said. Rather than lament his injury, he did what comes naturally - he figured out what he was still able to do. ”I feel like I really knew how to adapt. And keep moving forward,” he explained. Beahm joined the Y in 1997 and developed a rigorous routine that involves coming at least three days a week, spending more than two hours at the facility each time. What works well for him is coming to The Wellness Center for strength and cardio, followed by stretching. He then visits the pool deck to swim, or use the hot tub, steam room or saunas. “I take advantage of every- thing,” he said. Active Older Adults Coordinator Carol Byrd said, “He is an amazing senior. I've seen him slow down a bit, but he's never stopped, always upbeat, ready to come in and enjoy the Y.” Beahm is realistic about how it feels to exercise in his 90s: "I sometimes feel a little sluggish when I get started, and then when I leave here, I feel very relaxed.” Beahm is part of a growing class of nonagenarians in the United States. As we learn more as a society about what it means to age well, people like Beahm are redefining aging. Adopting a flexible mindset is key, in his experience, to maintaining independence. "[If] at a certain point, you can't do something, [then] you gotta find out what can substitute for that.” Beahm's legacy will be officially marked when he is inducted into the 2026 Bridgewater College Athletic Hall of Fame in October. It is an opportunity to look back at a life spent going the distance, breaking records, and challenging preconceived notions. “I like to inspire people. And if I'm doing that, I'm succeeding, I guess success is very important to me,” he said. Read about Beahm and the other 2026 Bridgewater College honorees at https://bridgewatereagles.com
Beahm lives to inspire people to keep moving. At 91, he knows what it takes to stay active.
MEMBER FEATURE: Going the Distance with Jim Beahm
Consistency Earns Recognition
The GOLD TOWEL is not about perfection - it's about commitment. Earn YOUR gold this quarter.
Power Users 2026
10
Dedicated Handball Players Build Recognition for Ancient Sport By Dawn Medley
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! TRUNK OR TREAT FRIDAY OCTOBER 30 6:30 - 8 PM ADMISSION IS FREE TO EVERYONE! IN THE SAYMCA PARKING LOT
Now accepting donations for candy! Please, drop off donations at the front desk. We rely on these donations to make this event a success and we can't do it without YOUR help! Email Eleanor Rixey at eleanor@saymca.org with any questions.
READY FOR FALL FUN?
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: Handball Group Thrives on Connection
12
Angeline Proffitt, center, recently became Clymore Afterschool Site Lead after nearly 15 years working with children in afterschool and recreational programs in the area, five of those at The SAYMCA.
Corner
MISSION HIGHLIGHT: Nina Rhodes
Ava Campbell sits cross-legged on the floor in the quiet Staunton Afterschool Adventure Program room, an industrial-sized container of cleaning wipes and a retro, white wooden play kitchen both within arm's reach. She sets down a small pot and picks up one of the miniature pieces of plastic food - without missing a beat in the conversation - and efficiently cleans each small object before placing it back in the cupboard, oven, or fridge of the well-loved playset. "One of the girls got sick over here yesterday, so were not taking any chances," said Campbell as staff member Sanja Terry arrived to organize books and set out snacks for about 35 kids that will arrive within the next hour. It's not an unfamiliar scene for Campbell, who took on the role of Afterschool Site Leader in November 2025, when Fauve d'Orvilliers departed after three years in the position. What is unusual is that - with just a few months of experience as a Site Lead - Campbell is actually the senior staff member in that role. The leaders at the Y's two satellite locations in Augusta County just began in their positions at the start of the 2026 academic year. At Wilson Elementary School in Fishersville, Sammy Buckland marks his his fifth year as a Staunton-Augusta YMCA employee in the new role for him. Angeline Proffitt transitioned from serving as an Afterschool and Summer Camp Counselor to Site Lead at Clymore Elementary School in Fort Defiance. Childcare Program Director Andrea Ryder also left the organization in August, just before the 2026-27 afterschool session began. "We're navigating this together, and we encourage each other as much as we can," she said. "We text a lot, and I always tell them to reach out to me if something comes up." "We share what we're going through - the challenges and the things that are going well - and we learn from each other's experiences," Campbell added. During the temporary absence of a Childcare Director, Staunton-Augusta YMCA Associate Executive Director Kristi Hatcher has taken on many of the responsibilities of the position. "My immediate focus is on supporting and developing our incredible staff and fostering a culture rooted in collaboration, inclusion, and empowerment," Hatcher said. "[We have] veteran childcare staff who have stepped into new roles in this changing season to help our programs continue to grow." During 13 years with the YMCA organization, Hatcher has served in multiple roles with youth and childcare programs, filling in for Ryder during maternity leave in 2024 and working on a recent USDA grant for Community Childcare Center. She is supported on the childcare/afterschool team by Associate Executive Director Candace Martin and Program Coordinator Windsor Vaughn. "By working hand-in-hand, we are uniting our training programs; aligning schedules to give staff more opportunities for team bonding and shared learning; and standardizing our policies, processes, and job descriptions," Hatcher added. Buckland is all about that kind of growth. “Everything is a new adventure,” said the new Wilson Site Lead. “And at the end of the day, I want to be the best that I can be, wherever I’m working. Change can be a scary thing for a lot of people, but change allows us to grow.” A Y staff member since 2022, Buckland has been associated with the Y much longer than that, since his mom worked at front desk when she was pregnant with him and he attended summer camps as an elementary student. “I’ve been all over the Y during the past four years - I’ve worked with teens, worked with younger kids, done summer camps, afterschool, coached soccer, did some basketball coaching during the league season,” Buckland said. In another area of Augusta County, Clymore Site Lead Proffitt dropped off an updated student group list for her staff to use that afternoon. She might be in her first few weeks as a Site Lead, but almost 15 years in childcare has provided Proffitt with valuable insight about the day-to-day operation. “The training that the YMCA provides for childcare workers is great, very professional and thorough," she said. "I feel really prepared and knowledgeable about how to apply what we learned day-to-day." Like Campbell colleagues, Proffitt started at the Y as an Afterschool Program Counselor in Staunton. She also subbed in at other sites, and often led art activities wherever she was. “I love seeing the kids get into it and recognize their creativity,” said Proffitt, who also as a Summer Camp Counselor for several years. Back in Staunton, just before 3 p.m., the first student skips through the door with the gleeful energy of a child looking ahead to the weekend. He is soon joined by friends from different city schools and different grades who hang up their backpacks, use the restroom, and head for colored bins of paper or the bookshelf, or take a seat on a large, multicolored carpet square for “circle time.” At the end of a long week of school, it doesn’t matter to the animated children that the SAYMCA is looking for a new childcare director, or that the person who greets them at the door is different than last year at this time. The kids are in the moment. They settle in, knowing that "Miss Ava" is going to ask each one of them about their day and listen to their answers - all of their goofy, or serious, or maybe just tired answers. They know they will get a healthy snack and have time to visit with friends they don’t see at school. They are still forming bonds with some of the newer adults who take care of them, but their interactions show that they are confident and comfortable. That is just the way Hatcher and the afterschool site leaders want it to be. "This synergy allows us to share leadership and financial management resources - removing repetitive administrative burdens so afterschool staff can focus on what matters most: our children, families, and each other," Hatcher added. The moment that first child steps off the bus and flashes a smile dotted with missing teeth makes the time spent taking care of the details worth it.
MISSION HIGHLIGHT: Celebrating Childcare Leaders
13
Sammy Buckland, far right, says becoming the Afterschool Site Lead at Wilson was a "natural progression" from overseeing kids and youth at The SAYMCA for several years.
New Year, New Faces, Same Dedication in Afterschool Leadership By Dawn Medley
Ava Campbell, center, enjoys her role as Staunton Afterschool Site Lead while pursuing her degree in Elementary Education at BRCC.
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. September 19 | 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!
14
IMPROVED COMMUNICATIONS!
15
Text SAYMCA to 545-39
Tai Chi with Linda
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
17
Adaptive Yoga Tai Chi Chu'an Chair Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Gentle Flow Yoga Pilates Men's Yoga PACE Wall Yoga (Racquetball Court)
NOW HIRING!!
16
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 ( The Y is Closed Monday September 7 )
Print outs available at the front desk with class descriptions on the back. Challenge yourself to try to attend 3 classes a week!
19
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 (2, 23) Tammy (9, 30) TBD (16)
SPLASHBURNER 6:00 - 7 PM Karen
FRIDAY
SPLASHBURNER 9-9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 10-10:55 AM Karen
GENTLE AQUAFIT 11:15AM - 12PM Joyce (4,25) Tammy (11) TBD (18)
SPLASHBURNER 6:00 - 7 PM Jenn
MISSION HIGHLIGHT: CPR and First Aid Training
One Gift, Countless Recipients If you've been doing something for nearly 25 years, there's probably a good story behind why you do it. SAYMCA Associate Executive Director Candace Martin has been teaching CPR/First Aid for more than half of her life. In her own words, Martin shares why she hopes to continue for as much of the rest of her life as possible: “I went to college to become an athletic trainer and CPR was offered as a full class. The teacher who taught it noticed that I was good at it and I always helped other people in the group. The teacher was about to retire, and she was also my [academic] advisor, so she asked me if I had any interest in taking over the CPR class. I was interested, so she offered me [an instructional] class for free, all I had to pay for was the books. I agreed, not knowing that the class actually cost $600, which meant I probably would not have taken it on my own! So I ended up getting my CPR teaching certification in 2002 for just $50. As I’ve gotten older and wiser, I realized that she gave me a gift and how much of a gift it really was. I have never stopped teaching it because I want to honor that gift. I did cut down on classes when additional staff were trained because I don't have as much time as I used to have, but I will probably teach at least one a year because I want to honor that gift as long as I can. And it’s fun - it’s fun to do something that’s not in your wheelhouse, different from your everyday routine. I generally get good feedback from the class; no one has ever looked at me and said 'This was the worst class I’ve ever taken!' so I take that as a positive direction!"
18
Who is Resusci Anne? Ever wonder about the origin of the manikin that is used in CPR classes? When the first CPR training manikins were produced for use in the US, the face was designed using a plaster cast of a woman who had drowned in the Seine river in Paris in the late-19th century. The face had become world-renowned and reproduced as decoration in homes because it was so peaceful and serene. The Norweigian toymaker commissioned to design American training manikins in the 1960s had seen the mask in a relative's home and copied it, eventually naming her Resusci Anne for mass production. It was soon considered “the most kissed face of all time,” and came to symbolize anyone in need of help. CPR manikins have gone through facial and technological evolutions over the years, and are now available with many different facial features and automation.
Home is Where the Heart is Most cardiac arrests occur in the home, and often a close family member is the first responder. Emergency Medical Services are fast, but even under the best circumstances, it will take 6-10 minutes for professionals to arrive. Each minute without CPR decreases the survival rate by up to 10 percent. Knowing what to do can save a loved one's life. Even if you don't work in a high-risk environment, training for a possible emergency is an invaluable skill.
The different versions of Resuci Anne over the years.
UPCOMING CPR CLASSES September 19 | 8 - 1 PM October 16 | 4 - 9 PM November 7 | 8 - 1 PM Members $85/ Non-members $100 Not sure if your certification is still current? Check today at redcross.org.
Train for a Few Hours, Learn to Save a Life in Seconds By Karen Landers
Set your phone timer for 40 seconds. In the time that you watch it count down, one person in the United States will experience a heart attack. That pattern repeats all day long, every day. According to the American Red Cross, roughly 805,000 Americans have heart attacks each year, and approximately 1,000 individuals experience cardiac arrest every day. But there is good news. If the victim receives immediate help by someone trained in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and operating an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), their chances of survival double. Yet many people do not know how to respond to a cardiac emergency. A longstanding partnership between the American Red Cross and the National YMCA aims to ensure that Y employees and members of the general public are properly trained, with the mutual goal of increasing survival rates. Hometown Response At the Staunton-Augusta YMCA, that means CPR/AED/First Aid training is offered each month 10 months out of the year. Y leaders also strive to keep the cost as low as possible - under $100 for non-members and lower for members - in an effort to make it accessible to as many community members as possible. “We require as the Y that all of our staff be CPR/First Aid trained," said Associate Executive Director Candace Martin, who is certified to teach the course. "We give that as a free option to all our employees. We also offer it to the public because we think it’s a good community thing and people should have it.” There are also opportunities for individual companies or organizations to request the Y’s help in training their personnel, Martin explained. For example, the prestigious Heifetz Institute has the SAYMCA certify all of its staff before its annual summer music program on the Mary Baldwin University campus nearby. Local churches have also reached out to have their committees trained in case an incident happens at their organizations. “These are typically done at member rate for organizations if they have enough to do a whole class just because we think it’s an important outreach,” Martin said. Heart Attack or Cardiac Arrest? Aren’t heart attacks and cardiac arrest the same thing? Surprisingly - and importantly - the answer is no. It’s a common misconception that someone having a heart attack is also in cardiac arrest, but there is a significant difference. Heart attacks occur when a clot or blockage develops in the heart that prevents oxygenated blood from reaching other vital organs, eventually killing off that part of the heart muscle. Although it is still a life-threatening emergency, people experiencing a heart attack remain conscious and breathing and usually complain of crushing pressure or pain. In contrast, when an individual is in cardiac arrest, they will immediately drop to the ground and lose consciousness. The heart suddenly stops beating (or beats too irregularly to be effective), and breathing will stop or become erratic. At that point, the person is clinically dead and needs immediate assistance to survive. This is when CPR and First Aid training become imperative. In fact, survival rates decrease by 10 percent for every minute that CPR is delayed. The chances that someone will receive the help they need while waiting for emergency services to arrive is about 40 percent. The key is training enough people, yet many employers fail to provide training for their staff. Often, if training is offered, it’s incomplete because First Aid and CPR are not provided in tandem. Many people are unaware of where their company’s AED is located (or if they even have one) and whether there’s an emergency plan in place. Partnership Pays Off The Red Cross and YMCA have a long history of working together for the greater good - beginning in the early 1900s with water safety. Alarming drowning rates at that time prompted both organizations to launch formal Water Safety and First Aid as core community programs. When CPR was introduced in 1960 and adopted by the Red Cross in 1962, the YMCA was positioned as an ideal partner that operated swimming pools and fitness centers nationwide. In a natural progression, the organizations teamed up to bring CPR training to the masses in an effort that has lasted several decades.
Stephanie Mason loves providing a "third space" for students. An educator at heart, she’s big on kids having a place to belong outside of home and school. Mason is program director of the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA YMCA’s local Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) affiliate. Created in the summer of 1987 in Kansas City, MO, YVC “engages youth in team-based service experiences that build life and work skills while inspiring a lifetime ethic of service,” according to the organization website. That definition is right up Mason’s alley. “I like being involved,” Mason said. “I like helping. I like organizing. I like making the connections and the 'light bulb' moments. I like being the facilitator, not just inside the classroom, but outside the classroom. That’s what Youth Volunteer Corps does." Aligned for Impact Internationally, Youth Volunteer Corps students have volunteered over 5,000,000 hours. In 2010, YMCA-USA rebranded. As part of organizational revamping, the Y listed healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility as its three core values. Even though YVC is its own nonprofit, the nonprofit is sometimes housed inside of other nonprofits like a YMCA. The SAYMCA, which recently celebrated 150 years, is one of two Virginia Youth Volunteer Corps affiliates, with the other located in Hampton Roads. There’s harmony between the YMCA’s focus and the YVC’s mission. Training Future Leaders Mason is the group's third leader - taking the reins six years ago after the tenures of Kristi Hatcher, who now serves as SAYMCA Associate Executive Director, and Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge Director of Community Engagement Chris Lassiter. One of Mason's her favorite YVC stories in terms of youth development started with a series of community clean-up projects. “We have a student that signs up for every single one of our clean-ups,” Mason said. “Every single one, he’s there. He’s always asking, ‘When is the next one?’” Initially, the participant was relatively quiet. As time passed, he started to take more ownership of the project. Eventually, the student helped plan community clean-ups. “Finally, he had his mother reach out to me and say , ‘OK, there’s this place that needs to be cleaned,’” Mason recalled. “‘Here’s the time and place I would like to do it. Can you recruit other people?’ He took it up upon himself to not just ask when the next one is, but basically he created a project. I thought that was pretty cool. He’s taking initiative.” Focus on the "Third Space" The YMCA’s local branch of Youth Volunteer Corps partners with many area nonprofit organizations for the community’s greater good. During summer 2026, Mason helped lead a group of students from Jacob’s Ladder through a project where they made nametag keychains for all potential adopted animals at the Augusta Regional SPCA and the SAW Animal Shelter. A huge animal lover, Mason’s favorite project was a grant-funded dog stick library. “I wrote a grant to teach kids how to use tools and how to build a dog stick structure,” Mason said. “Then we painted murals on it and donated it to Coyner Park [a public park in Waynesboro], so dogs could get sticks and balls and stuff.” Mason continues working as program director after several years and many organizational changes because she believes in the impact of YV. And she believes in the power of each young person involved. “I have a passion for organic community connections,” she said. “Youths don’t always get those 'third space' connections anymore. A lot of those opportunities are disappearing. Having them get out in the community - not just behind screens or organized sports - doesn’t happen very much. I like organizing that. I like that it still exists here.”
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 Legacy of YVC
Mason inspires the next generation in youth leadership through her work with YVC.
STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA | 708 N. COALTER ST. STAUNTON, VA. | (540) 885-8089 | SAYMCA.ORG
For more information and to sign up visit YVC online:
Program Designed to Teach Youth Leadership Skills Has Lasting Impact By Chris Lassiter
20
Most of us know fiber is important. We associate it with eating our vegetables, having good digestive health, and staying “regular.” But fiber does much more than keep things moving. Getting enough can support healthy blood sugar and cholesterol levels, help us to feel full and satisfied, feed beneficial bacteria in the gut, and may even play an important role in how well - and how long - we live. Although fiber doesn’t get the same attention as some other nutrients, there is an impressive body of research behind it. Fiber and Longevity The connection between fiber intake and long-term health is remarkably consistent. In 2024, researchers did a review of 64 studies and concluded that higher dietary fiber intake is associated with a 23% lower risk of death from any cause, a 26% lower risk of cardiovascular death, and a 22% lower risk of cancer death. In addition, for every additional 10 grams of fiber consumed per day, researchers found that the risk of death from any cause was reduced by about 11%. To be clear, that doesn't mean adding 10 grams of fiber to your breakfast will magically add years to your life. Much of the longevity research is observational, meaning it shows an association rather than proving that fiber alone causes people to live longer. But when looking at the evidence as a whole, a consistent pattern emerges: people who eat more fiber tend to have better long-term health outcomes. Are You Actually Getting Enough? As a nutritionist, when I talk with people about fiber, most assume they're doing pretty well. They eat some vegetables, occasionally they add fruit to their breakfast, they choose whole-wheat bread over white. But when we actually look at their intake? They're often getting much less fiber than they think. A general guideline for daily fiber intake is about 25-30 grams for women, and 30-35 grams for men. This may not sound like much, but it requires more intention than many people realize. Consider the approximate fiber content of a few common fiber-rich foods: ½ cup cooked lentils: 8 grams 1 cup raspberries: 8 grams 1 medium pear: 5–6 grams 1 tablespoon chia seeds: 4–5 grams 1 cup cooked oatmeal: 4 grams 1 ounce almonds: 3–4 grams One serving helps, but reaching your daily fiber goal becomes much easier when you include fiber-rich foods throughout the day. A Simple Fiber Reality Check Curious about your own intake? Try tracking just your fiber for a day or two. Look at food labels, check the fiber content of the foods you regularly eat, and add it up. You may be surprised by where you land. If you're falling short, you don't need to overhaul your entire diet. Look for small opportunities to add fiber to foods you already enjoy: Add berries or chia seeds to oatmeal or yogurt, choose whole-grain bread instead of white, add beans to a salad or soup, or make sure vegetables show up at more than just dinner. And iif you're more than a little low, increase gradually. Jumping from 10 grams of fiber a day to 35 grams overnight can cause gas, bloating, and GI upset. Give your digestive system time to adjust, and make sure you’re drinking adequate fluids as you increase your fiber intake. The Big Picture There is no single food or nutrient that guarantees a longer life. Health and longevity are influenced by our overall eating pattern, physical activity, sleep, genetics, environment, etc. But the research surrounding fiber gives us another reminder that improving our health doesn't necessarily require the latest supplement or complicated nutrition strategy. Sometimes it's much simpler than that. Look for small opportunities to add more fiber throughout your day. A handful of berries here, some beans there, a sprinkle of seeds or a switch to whole grains. It does add up. When it comes to our health, those small choices made consistently over time can make a meaningful difference.
23
22
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et dolore magna aliquyam erat, sed diam voluptua. At vero eos et accusam et justo duo dolores et ea rebum. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata sanctus est Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Are You Getting Enough Fiber?
Fiber: Small Nutrient, Big Impact By Jess Wiley, MS