STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA
NEWSLETTER
APRIL 2025
P.4 Staff Spotlight: Counselors Who Make a Difference P. 6 Annual Giving Campaign Events P. 8 Coping Corner: The Benefits of Giving Back P. 10 Youth Programs P. 14 Mission Spotlight: Rock Steady Boxing Volunteers P. 16 Community Connections: Mission Programs P. 18 Fit This In: Train Like a Rock Steady Boxer P. 20 Group Fitness Classes and Adult Programs
SPECIAL ANNUAL GIVING CAMPAIGN EDITION
COUNT ME IN!
The Annual Giving Campaign is the lifeblood of our YMCA. Each year the campaign raises money through charitable donations from individuals, businesses and community organizations. These funds help to ensure that no one is ever left behind regardless of their financial circumstances. Together we are building a healthier community!
NO JOINING FEE All month!
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Are you required to take a Minimum Distribution from your retirement account? You can use these funds to benefit the community by making a donation to the STAUNTON- AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA or COMMUNITY CHILD CARE. Check in with your financial advisor or ask SAYMCA Executive Director Josh Cole for more information about how to maximize your giving potential.
Name: _______________________________________ Address: ____________________________________ _______________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Check enclosed Credit Card: ________________________________ Exp. _____________ CVV: _____________ Signature: ______________________________
Madyson Sumner enjoys all of the challenges and complexities of a career in youth development. She became the Site Leader at Wilson Elementary School at the start of the school year.
Sammy Buckland, pictured right, is a counselor for both elementary-aged students as well as teens. His main goal to help kids feel heard and to help them understand right from wrong.
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Youth Development Staff Create Lasting Impact at Three Afterschool Sites By Eleanor Rixey
Madyson Sumner, Haley Acord and Sammy Buckland are more than just afterschool counselors. They have spent years coordinating with Andrea Ryder, the Childcare Program Director, to build out the Staunton-Augusta Family YMCA Afterschool Adventure Club and Summer Camp initiatives. Each one holds a position at the three different afterschool locations; Sumner at Wilson, Acord at Clymore and Buckland at the Staunton site. The trio faithfully represents one of the core tenets of the Y mission: a dedication to youth development. Buckland reflected on his mentality towards working with both the teens in the Teen Center and the younger kids. "I like to consider myself an older brother. If somebody is doing something wrong then I try to help them through that," he said. "I make sure that I can be there for them, and other people should be there for them, too." For Sumner, becoming the Site Leader at Wilson Elementary was an opportunity she couldn't pass up. "I saw this as an opportunity to grow both professionally and personally in the fields of childcare and education. I realized I was ready to embrace the challenge of not only developing myself, but also helping the program grow." For Acord, it's all about making connections and being a consistent presence in the lives of the children enrolled in their programs. She especially enjoys reaching the ones that are withdrawn or exhibit behavior issues. For her, temporarily leaving her position helped her realize the impact that the position had on her. "While I wasn't at the Y, I just missed it and the kids." She found her place as site leader of the Clymore Afterschool Adventure Club. "I think that is the perfect job for me. I have been wanting to be a site leader and work my way up." All three of them have so much in common. They enjoy the challenges that come along with working with youth and embrace every opportunity to make an impression; it isn't just about having fun with the children. "Equally important are the moments when I have to have those tough conversations with kids who may not have made the best choices. These conversations, though challenging, are essential for building strong relationships and trust," said Sumner. Buckland realizes that as a male counselor he has a unique opportunity to offer something that may be missing from the children's lives; a positive male role model. "They are both important because some people don't get that. I feel like the more I go around the world I see that. I feel like there are less male role models in the world and that makes me want to be one." He attributes this desire to help to the relationship he has with his father. "My dad was like that in the beginning of my life and I just want to be like him." Acord makes a point to be there for those kids who may be getting in trouble or acting out. "There was one kid at Clymore who has some behavior issues and some trauma from the past, he was always to himself and wouldn't talk to anyone. I try to keep it short and simple but I try to go out of my way to talk to him and ask him how he is. And he has really opened up a lot. Now he follows me everywhere." The ones who take this role seriously understand why they see certain behaviors and the power of making those connections. Acord sums this up, "I'm really trying to connect with him because I know there is more to him than what we are seeing." Sumner has had similar experiences, "Children are still learning right from wrong and discovering what it means to be kind and empathetic. I love being able to guide them through those moments, helping them reflect on their actions and learn from them." It takes a special kind of person to work with kids. It takes a balance of being able to make kids feel safe and heard while also being able to be authoritative when kids need discipline. Buckland shared his point of view: "You can be that safe space but still making sure that kids are making good choices." He feels that it's important to be authentic as part of the trust-building process. "I'm not going to fake my attitudes for them. I feel that is the most important thing about being a counselor is you being you, and telling them when something is right and when something is wrong." Acord agrees, "They all need that." Sumner has the same perspective. "While connections can certainly be made through fun and positive experiences, these deeper conversations are sometimes exactly what certain kids need to feel heard and understood," she said. The counselors understand that for many of the children, the interactions that they have with them may be the only instances where they receive empathy and patience. Think about it. They see the kids every weekday afternoon. Their presence is significant. And they put so much intention into the hours that the children are in their care. It takes time, patience and perserverance to cultivate relationships with the participants and with the community. I liken their ability to connect with kids to a super power. Acord relates that her patient attitude is vital for her success in her role. "I would say I am very patient ... which is important with kids," she explained. "Understanding them and knowing them and forming that connection with them is very important." Sumner's positive outlook and openness to challenges is both a skill and a super power. "I firmly believe that both positive and challenging experiences offer opportunities for growth. I'm committed to learning and evolving every day." Buckner has a similar growth mindset, "I feel like some people, they don't do. When it comes to anything in life, I like to do." The sites at Wilson and Clymore have seen exponential growth in their enrollment. At Wilson those numbers have nearly doubled from16 kids at the start of the year to 30 today. The story is the same for Clymore, where the number of kids enrolled at the start of the year has increased from 18 to 35. The word is spreading and families are seeing the value that programs like this are having on their children's lives. And the success of these sites is also leading to the Y opening another Afterschool Adventure Club at Churchville Elementary in fall 2025. Having staff who are just as committed to furthering the mission and putting the development of the kids first is what makes our team so special and leads to the success of the program. Sumner reflected on the experiences and impact all three of them have had on the program. "Haley embraced the opportunity [to become site leader at Wilson], working diligently to establish a solid foundation for the children in at Clymore. Sammy consistently goes above and beyond; this role seems to suit him and he has truly thrived in it, showing remarkable leadership and commitment." Of her own experience Sumner shares, "I'm proud of the progress I've made and the positive impact I've had on the children I work with." Through Ryder's perserverance and vision, she has laid the foundation for people like Sumner, Acord and Buckland to enter the program, find their place and discover their own passion for impacting youth in positive, meaningful and lasting ways. And she is finding ways to continue the expansion into other schools. This fall the SAYMCA Afterschool Adventure Club will be starting at Churchville Elementary. Super powers Acord, "I would say I am very patient...which is important with kids Buckland, "I feel like some people, they don't do...when it comes to anything in life, I like to do. He uses this open minded approach in his job Growth mindset Reflecting on why "I think that is where my heart is, working with kids, and I realized that when I wasn't working at the Y." He saw a need. He was informed that there was a need for male staff at Staunton Afterschool. "Why wouldn't I?" "I can help them set the kids on the right path early." Acord, "I actually did the leave the Y for a little bit." "I think I am really good at connecting with the kids. Especially the ones that don't like to interact with other children. I have had a couple of kids that stick to themselves or don't talk to anyone. "I really try to make it a thing where I would try to talk to them everyday, but not push it, but try to get them to open up. "It's starting to be where I used to go to him and now he is coming to me. "That really means a lot to me. Buckland Getting kids to reflect on how their choices impact them emotionally. "You don't know what somebody feels like and they don't know what you feel like." "One of my biggest things that I hate is bullying. "Hey, we're not doing that. "You can still be authoritative, and then you can explain why...because we want them to be safe. And how to get them to be relfect on that emotion they would have Their stories begin similarlily; Individually they each bring their own gifts to the mission. making that connection Establishing themselves as a safe space:
STAFF SPOTLIGHT: Counselors Who Make a Difference
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Program funded by the AGC
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Haley Acord, pictured center, is passionate about providing a patient and understanding presence in the lives of the students enrolled in the Afterschool Adventure Club at Clymore Elementary School.
HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Anntonette McEwen
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Saturday Sampler
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April is a month that brings attention to two important causes: Autism Awareness Month and National Volunteer Month. Both are interconnected in meaningful ways, especially when we consider how acts of giving - whether through time, resources, or energy - can impact not just the community, but also our own mental health and well-being. Volunteering has long been associated with a sense of fulfillment and purpose, but the benefits extend far beyond emotional satisfaction. Research has shown that giving back to others, financially or through hands-on work, can trigger physical changes in the brain that are crucial for mental health. Engaging in altruistic activities stimulates the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. These hormones help reduce stress, boost mood, and even promote overall longevity. Simply put, when we give back, our brain rewards us, creating a cycle of positivity that can enhance both our emotional and physical state. As someone with cerebral palsy, I have witnessed the power of support and community through my own experiences in disability advocacy. I’ve seen firsthand how acts of kindness and support can have ripple effects, not only on those receiving help but also on those offering it. This is where the beauty of inclusion comes into play — when we embrace individuals from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, we open the door to a wealth of resilience, strength, and diverse perspectives that are essential to building a thriving community. One powerful example of this is my youngest brother, who has autism. Despite the challenges he faces, he has successfully balanced a full-time job at a milk plant while also serving as a volunteer firefighter and EMT. His ability to contribute to his community in such meaningful ways is a testament to resilience and determination. It also highlights the unique strengths individuals with autism can offer in volunteer roles. His story proves that people with disabilities can — and do — play a vital role in shaping our communities. As someone who relies on a wheelchair, I’ve also found a deep sense of community and support through the Neuro Wellness program at the Staunton-Augusta Family YMCA. This program allows me to connect with physical therapy students who genuinely want to help me increase my mobility and discover more of my abilities. It’s refreshing to work with these students because neither of us has preconceived expectations for the other. It becomes a truly reciprocal learning experience: I can share what has worked for me in the past, while giving the students the freedom to explore techniques that they’re comfortable with. Each new individual I work with provides me an opportunity to feel good about teaching others, which helps to break the thoughts I sometimes have that my physical needs become taxing to others over time. This month, as we reflect on the power of giving, I'd like to invite you to consider supporting the YMCA’s Annual Giving Campaign. Your donations help fund vital programs like Neuro Wellness and other initiatives that provide valuable services to our community. These programs help people with disabilities, like me, find strength, increase mobility, and build connections that foster a sense of belonging. Volunteering and giving back to others not only create a sense of fulfillment, but they also serve as a reminder that we all have something valuable to offer. The act of giving is a two-way street: those we help benefit from our time and efforts, but so do we. As we focus on community-building this month, consider how you can give back — through volunteering, offering financial support, or simply lending a listening ear. Not only will you be contributing to the well-being of others, but you’ll also be nourishing your own mental and emotional health, reaping the rewards of those feel-good hormones that make all the difference. Your generosity creates opportunities for individuals to grow, learn, and thrive, while also creating a positive ripple effect that benefits us all!
Celebrating the Ways we Embrace, Empower and Enrich Each Other Through Giving By Brian Ringgold
All Sites Registration Fee: $20 per child (non-refundable) Pricing: Siblings get 10% off Members: $200 per week, per child Non-members: $225 per week, per child Camp includes: field trips, swimming and Y camp shirt Financial assistance information available on our website
Wilson Elementary School Ages: Rising Kindergartner (must be 5 years old) - rising 5th graders. JUNE 2 - JULY 25 ( 8 WEEKS ) Drop Off: 7:30 - 8:30 AM Pick Up: 4:30 - 5:30 PM
McSwain Elementary School Ages: Rising Kindergartner (must be 5 years old) - rising 5th graders. JUNE 2 - JULY 11 ( 6 WEEKS ) Drop Off: 7:30 - 8:30 AM Pick Up: 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Registration opens March 17 Register online at SAYMCA.ORG
COPING CORNER: The Benefits of Giving Back
SAYMCA TEEN CAMP Ages: Rising 6TH graders - 8th graders. JUNE 2 - JULY 25 ( 8 WEEKS ) Drop Off: 7:30 - 8:30 AM Pick Up: 4:30 - 5:30 PM
For more info visit saymca.org.
SUMMER CAMP
Private Tennis Lessons
1 HR: $60 Members / $75 Non-members
30 MIN: $35 Members / $60 Non-members
Semi-Private Lessons
Per person
$38 Members / $55 Non-Members
*If siblings, second person receives 10% off
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SWIM LESSONS
ZUMBINI Ages 0 - 4 Tuesdays 10 - 10:45 AM April 29 - May 20
Fees: $25 Members $45 Non-Members Registration opens April 15
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR YOUTH
at the SAYMCA
YOUTH TENNIS
With Chris Stambaugh Early Hitters
Will teach the basics of tennis for ages 5-8. Tuesdays, May 6 - 27 |5:30-6:30 PM OR Thursdays, May 8 - 29 |5:30-6:30 PM Pre-Teen Tennis
Will teach your pre-teen intermediate tennis skills for ages 9-12. 
Wednesdays, May 7 - 28 |5:30-6:30 PM 
 Fees:
$65 Members per session
$80 Non-members per session High School Tennis
This will get your teen prepared for high school tennis. Wednesdays, May 7 - 28 |6:30-8:00 PM 
Fees:
$75 Members per session
$90 Non-members per session Homeschool Tennis
This is a beginner level class for ages 6 - 10. Tuesdays, May 6 - 27 | 10:00 - 11:00 AM 
Fees:
$65 Members per session
$80 Non-members per session Registration for ALL levels is open and closes on the first day of the program. Register online at saymca.org or in person at the front desk
PARENTS NIGHT OUT Elementary Aged Kids Parents enjoy a night out while your kids enjoy a night of fun, games and entertainment! Dates and Times: Saturday April 26 | 4-8 PM Registration open! Closes April 21 
 Fees: Must pre-register online or at the front desk.
$30 Member
$35 Non-Member Contact Andrea Ryder with questions at andrea@saymca.org
Siblings receive 10% off!!
TUESDAY/THURSDAY April 22 - May 15 Times and Levels TBD Member Registration: April 10 @ 5:00 PM Non-Member Registration: April 11 Fees: $60 Member $75 Non-member Registration closes April 17
YOUTH PROGRAMS
PROGRAM DIRECTOR CONTACT: Windsor Vaughn | windsor@saymca.org | 540-885-8089
MAKER LAB
YOUTH EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION Ages 12-14
Fees: $25 Members for four classes. Sign up at front desk
SATURDAY April 26 - May 31 Times and Levels TBD Member Registration: April 5 Non-Member Registration: April 6 Fees: $60 Member $75 Non-member Registration closes April 12
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The maker lab is offers a unique opportunity for your child to unleash their creativity and expression. Instructor Sean Psujek prepares engaging projects that teach practical skills that apply in many areas of life. Children also develop confidence through the process of starting a project and then seeing it through to completion. All sessions have a minimum enrollment of 6 and a maximum of 8 High Schoolers Saturdays | 1-2:30 PM Fees: Must pre-register online or at the front desk
$45 Members per session
$60 Non-members per session
4th & 5th Graders Saturdays | 10:30 AM-12 PM Fees: Must pre-register online or at the front desk
$30 Members per session
$45 Non-members per session
Middle Schoolers Wednesdays | 4:30-6 PM Fees: Must pre-register online or at the front desk
$45 Members per session
$60 Non-members per session

Did you know siblings receive a 10% discount after the first child enrolls in a program?
Pledge to support our mission programs so that we may continue to impact our community in meaningful ways.
2025 Annual Giving Campaign
Dawn 2 pgs
Corner
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FIND YOUR REASON TO GIVE
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“Happiness is doing what you ought to be doing and enjoying it,†Brian Lee, YMCA volunteer with Rock Steady Boxing 

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Life is better with good people in your corner. Good people like Rock Steady Boxing (RSB) volunteers Brian Lee and Cathy LaGrua. April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. As the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA’s Rock Steady Boxing groups gather three times a week to fight back against their disease, the boxers find comfort in knowing they have the support of volunteers like Lee and LaGrua. Different circumstances led the two unpaid helpers to the RSB group, but both Lee and LaGrua are guided by the same ethic. Service above self. “It’s very fulfilling for me to know I’m doing something to help another human being,†LaGrua said. “I just can’t get away from it. I just feel more fulfilled when I’m helping other people.†JOINING THE FIGHT April is also National Volunteer Month, which provides an opportunity to honor people like LaGrua, who show up and help without financial compensation. Rock Steady Coach Sarabeth Johnson knows the vital role her “corner people†play in each class. “They provide support for us coaches,†she said. “Beyond helping with gloves and being an extra pair of eyes, their presence is uplifting. Rock Steady is a family.†A black belt in Tae Kwon Do, LaGrua and her family moved to the area from New Jersey. A nurse by profession, she also spent years as a family caregiver. LaGrua first came to the Y as a member, but the Rock Steady Boxing program intrigued her. She started volunteering in September 2023. “I got involved with Rock Steady Boxing after my mother died,†LaGrua said. “It took my favorite things – medicine, caring for people and martial arts – and it tied them together.†“I went once. I went twice. Then I had to go three times a week,†she added. “I enjoyed bonding with [the participants] and hearing their stories. I have an affinity for this generation of people. I’m curious about who they are, what they’ve done for a living, and what makes them tick.†More exposure to RSB produced more passion in LaGrua. By April 2024, she had begun work on her personal training certification. She loved being a corner person, and she wanted to take on additional responsibility. “I was volunteering long enough,†LaGrua said, “that I knew, I’d love to coach a class.’ With her personal training certification complete, LaGrua has shifted focus to her RSB Certification. As a nurse, she focused on same-day surgeries. Working toward her Rock Steady Boxing certification has taught her so much about the horrors of Parkinson’s disease. “Sometimes, I wish I could come in here blind [to the reality of Parkinson’s],†she said. “I’m an empathetic person. I’m way too much of a feeler. It hurts my soul.†At the same time, the reality makes LaGrua more determined to show up. “I know that they are in for a fight.†IN THEIR CORNER Lee’s 81-year-old mother-in-law, Champe Revis, has been fighting Parkinson’s disease for a decade. He’s determined she’ll never fight it alone. Lee is Revis’ corner person in the class. “After coming one time,†he said, “I figured out she needed help. She got a lot more out of it if I was able to help her.†As it turns out, his mother-in-law wasn’t the only person benefiting from the class. “I really enjoy it,†said Lee, who is semi-retired. “I like hanging out with the old people. I really do. They always have some great stories. I’ve met a lot of friends here.†Revis was initially part of a Rock Steady Boxing program in North Carolina. She is originally from Staunton, and her sister lives in Baldwin Park. That’s how they found out about the program in Staunton. “I just think this organization is outstanding, and all the people involved are saints,†Lee said. “I love the amount of love and energy they have, and disdain for the [Parkinson’s] disease.†His family moved to the area. Lee and his mother-in-law are now neighbors with adjoining properties. As she battles through Parkinson’s, he tries to be there every step of the way. Just like Revis was there for him at a particularly low point in his life. “I absolutely adore the woman,†Lee said. “I just don’t ever want her to feel like she’s alone. I used to struggle with substances. I’ve been clean for quite a while. Part of my recovery was definitely because of her. For that, I will always be in debt. I tried for a long time to run her off, and she was never having it. She stuck by me through everything.†Lee’s love for Rock Steady Boxing, however, isn’t just about his mother-in-law. He shows up on days when she can’t make it. It goes beyond the three weekly classes, too. Once a week, he’ll spend time carving birds out of wood with one member, and thrift store shopping with another member. Lee doesn’t think his volunteerism is that noteworthy, because in his mind it’s not volunteer work. “Happiness is doing what you ought to be doing and enjoying it,†Lee said. “It’s not really volunteering that I'm doing. I enjoy doing it. I’ll do it as long as she can do it.â€â€¨ 

RSB Volunteers take fight against Parkinson's Diesease Personally By Dawn Medley & Chris Lassiter
MISSION SPOTLIGHT: Having Good People in Your Corner
Cathy LaGrua, pictured right, has found a new passion in life and is dedicating more and more time to helping Parkinson's patients fight back against the disease.
One group unofficially adopted a senior living facility. Several to be exact. The other group unofficially adopted part of a creek. Both groups, the Y Not Sing Singers and the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA affiliate of Youth Volunteer Corps, have the same goal in mind. They want to leave places a little better than they found them. And each group uses the same methodology to achieve that goal. Volunteerism. “Volunteering is important,†said Jaxson, a homeschooled teen as he helped clean a creek bed at Montgomery Hall Park. He’s a regular at Youth Volunteer Corps projects. “We’re helping the environment, and that’s a good thing. You get to help, and have fun doing it.†Youth Volunteer Corps creates team-based service learning projects for students ages 11-18. It’s free to all participating students. “I hope students get a sense of community – that they are helping and giving back to the community,†said Stephanie Mason, a program coordinator for the local Youth Volunteer Corps affiliate. “I hope they are meeting other like-minded individuals, making friends and memories. And I hope they get a little bit of an educational takeaway; a new skill, a new fact or a new way of thinking.†Volunteer opportunities through the YMCA are not limited to the youth. The Y Not Sing Singers are a traveling tour group that spreads joy through song and musical performance. The group performs approximately 40 times a year, often in places like assisted living facilities. “We’re just a group of people that like to have a fun time,†said Carol Byrd, active older adults coordinator at the YMCA as well as director of the Y Not Sing Singers. “When we mess up, I think for the most part the audience thinks it’s part of our act.†In getting others to laugh, the Y Not Sing Singers are not afraid to laugh at themselves in the process. “I think the pressure of trying to be perfectionists is way gone,†Byrd said. “We’re singing to people who a lot of times are very lonely, living in nursing homes and retirement homes.†The wild costumes and performances of light-hearted, easy listening tunes of yesteryear win over crowds every time. “The songs we sing take them back to a brighter day in their lives,†Byrd said. “It takes them out of the scenario that they currently live in. It takes them back to better days.†The Y Not Sing Singers, who have once performed at a funeral, do not charge for their appearances. “When people find out we’re fun and free,†Byrd said, “they call us.†It’s not just the audience, however, who gets something out of the performance. The volunteers comprising the Y Not Sing Singers get joy by performing. “They see it as a chance to have the camaraderie we have, and the fun that we have,†Byrd said of the volunteer singers. “They like to go out and bless people.†

FAMILY FUN DAY AT 575
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Volunteers Give Time & Joy
For more information on YVC visit: sites.google.com/view/yvcstaunton
FEATURING A SPECIAL YVC PROJECT: Lewis Creek Clean Up For Youth Ages 11 - 18
Simple Acts Make A Huge Difference By Chris Lassiter
Come out and enjoy a fun afternoon at our beautiful property at 575 New Hope Road. Bring kites, frisbees, picnic, outdoor toys, camping chairs or blankets. Relax in nature while still in the city limits! Sunday April 27 2 - 4 PM Be sure to wear protective foot wear for wading in the creek or good sneakers for running through the fields. The covered pavilion will be available with limited tables and seating for those who need it. Bathrooms are on the premises as well. Limited parking, please carpool if you can.
Youth Volunteers RSVP by scanning the QR Code
YOUTH SWIM LESSONS
Programs funded by the AGC
FIT THIS IN: Train Like a Rock Steady Boxer
Parkinson's Patients Prove Their Athleticism in Special Program By Eleanor Rixey
Judy Briggs played an integral role in getting the RSB program started at the Y. She is a leader within the community and is one tough cookie. Can you jab like Judy?
Have you ever wondered what a Rock Steady Boxing class was like? Probably not, right? But you should and here is why. So much thought, preparation, training and heart go into each class which happens six times a week. There are two sessions that take place Monday, Wednesday and Friday morings. You never see them unless you happen to venture across the parking lot to the former home of the Army Recruitment offices. Well now it is home to a different kind of basic training and is developing a new kind of warrior, and they are training to fight a common enemy, Parkinson's Diesease. Do not be fooled by the fact that everyone enrolled has Parkinson's Disease, which is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, balance and other bodily functions. These recruits are tough, resilient and athletic. The average age of participants is 72 years old with some well into their 80s. There is a competitive atmosphere that motivates the members to push themselves and each other. Long-time participant Judy Briggs says "Everybody gets out what they put in." And that hard work is exactly what is needed to slow down the progression of the disease. Particpants come in up to three times a week and complete either a 90 - minute workout or a 60 - minute workout that involves everything from stretching to plyometrics, boxing moves to obstacle courses, core work and flexibility training. The coaches are trained to safely get the participants to work at the recommended levels of moderate to vigorous intensity in order to elicit the best physiological response. "They are very much like drill sergeants," says Briggs. "Its tough love." And it works. Training according to a specific program to achieve proven results is part of an exercise prescription. The outcomes for somebody who regularly participates in Rock Steady Boxing are remarkably better versus a Parkinson's patient who does not and it has been scientifically proven that this mode works to slow the progression of the disease. That is nothing short of a miracle. How often do you train your brain while you work out? Did you know that cognitive drills are also incorporated into a Rock Steady Boxing class? We have all read or heard about the scary statistics of cognitive decline associated with aging but what are we doing about it when it comes to how we exercise? What about fine motor skills? Do you think about developing those as you age? It's talked about in early childhood development and in therapeutic situations but it is also beneficial for people with Parkinson's. The individual attention given that allows every participant the chance to meet and then surpass goals is the other element of this kind of conditioning that creates success. But what I really want to show those of you who may not be familiar with it is what the class programming looks like. Everyone can benefit from an exercise prescription of some sort and seeing what works for someone else can motivate others to set out to achieve their own goals. Finding a community that motivates you to set and achieve goals can improve adherence to an exercise program.
Dynamic stretches Something that is unique to RSB classes is incorporating cognitive drills, fine motor skill challenges, and voice activation into their workout. All of these are affected by the illness so it is important to regularly "work" these skills. Boot camp style cardio exercises like Jumping Jacks, jogging and plyometrics are used in the warm-up phase of the class. Ample time is spent on the warm-up to prepare the boxers for the main workout. Boxing drills involve heavy bags, speed bags and things like foot work. These ahtletes are often asked to repeatedly hit a heavy bag for 30 - 45 seconds over and over again. Body weight exercises like planks, squats and pushups are important to enhance functional strength. Which also includes traditional strength training using various types of resistance. Another element of of Rock SteadyBoxing class that is particular for Parkinson's patients is a phase called "Parkinson's Functional Training." This focuses on things like balance, transferring from a chair to the floor and even includes obstacle courses. After finishing the main workout time is spent on strengthening the core. It's everyboody's favorite area to work. This also includes time spent on moving the head and neck as these areas are affected by Parkinson's. But also includes traditional core strenthening exercises like planks, sit ups and supermans. Working in all planes of movement is important to keep neural pathways open. Coaches incorporate exercises that also focus on the back of the body and the sides. Finishing with flexibility is an important step because Parkinson's can lead to muscle stiffness and limited range of motion in joints. The end of the class is also important for breathing exercises because airways of Parkinson's patients become restricted over time. Finishing with time to celebrate themselves and each other is another important feature as it builds community. It's a time for participants to life each other up.
A Typical RSB Class Format
Jill Haines is a participant in our Rock Steady Boxing program. She regularly completes the rigorous classes along with 45 others. Can you master the battle ropes like Jill?
Getting Started in the Wellness Center By Eleanor Rixey So, you've signed up for membership, tried a few classes and taken the free equipment orientation. Are you unsure of what to do next? Does the wellness center feel intimidating? If so, I've prepared a simple beginner program to help you get started on that equipment. This plan covers the first through third weeks of initiating your exercise program. It gives you two days of strength training plus the recommended minimum of 150 minutes of cardio per week. If you are starting from what would be considered a sedentary lifestyle, please reduce that cardio input to 100 minutes per week and then gradually add more time to each cardio session that feels appropriate for your body. Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program. Week 1: On the machines start light and I mean really light with a rep range of 8 - 15. Perform one set of each exercise. The right weight setting should ellicit muscle fatigue during the last two reps of your set but it shouldn't feel like you are straining to complete the set. Don't aim for muscle soreness as a way to measure success. It can take up to 48 hours for the muscles to become sore. This is referred to as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. Any sensation that limits your ability to move is not considered a healthy level of soreness and should be avoided. Week 2: If you got through the first week without any major soreness or pain then it is safe to add a second set at the same rep range. For the chest and back, I gave choices so that one week you perform the first set of options and the second week you perform the other options. This gives you variety and keeps your body working to adapt. Week 3: I hope by now you are getting the hang of your program and are feeling more confident using the machines in the Wellness Center. It isn't time to increase the weight just yet. Add a third set on the machines. If you haven't maxed out the rep range of 15, then work up to three sets of 15 reps on any machine before increasing weight. From this point on increase your cardio to 150 - 200 minutes. Do this slowly over the next few weeks. The recommended weekly amount of light to moderate intensity cardio is 250 - 300 minutes. Remember, when you increase the weight on the machines, you will need to adjust your rep range. Higher weight means fewer reps. You can add additional strength training days, too. During your second month try adding a third day. And by month three you can be up to four days and alternating muscle groups. Don't try to get there all at once. It is better to start light and gradually increase then to start heavy, get injured and then have to start all over again. Good luck and I hope this helps. Eleanor Rixey is a ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and AFPA Certified Group Fitness Instructor at the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA. You can reach her by email at eleanor@saymca.org. 
 
 
 

Emphasis is placed on providing an atmosphere that adapts to the needs of the participants. One of the classes is designed for boxers like Alan Styer and Frank Marks who need to work while seated. Being able to meet a boxer where they are on their journey is crucial and part of the special training that coaches complete.
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LAND and WATER GROUP FITNESS
Arms & Core Boot Camp Bums &Tums (BB Court) Barre Fit 4 Life (BB Court) HIIT Lift & Pump Senior Fitness Strength Tabata Zumba
Senior Fitness with Amanda
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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)
Cycling classes available in the Cycling Studio Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 PM & 9:30 AM on Tuesdays
Find schedules online at saymca.org on the homepage. Print outs available at the front desk.
PICKLEBALL See Basketball Court Schedule Free for members. $10 Drop in rate for non-members. 

 

MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
AQUAFIT 1 9-9:55 AM Peggy
AQUA YOGA 9-9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 2 10-10:55 AM Peggy
SPLASHBURNER 10-10:55 AM Karen
AQUA YOGA 11-11:55 AM Karen
GENTLE AQUAFIT 11:15AM - 12PM Carol
SPLASHBURNER 6:05 - 7 PM Karen
FRIDAY
AQUAFIT 1 9-9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 2 10-10:55 AM Tammy Karen (25)
SPLASHBURNER 6:05 - 7 PM Jenn
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. April 12 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM June 21 | 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM $75 Members/ $85 Non-members 

 

SPECIAL INTERESTS
Gentle AquaFit with Carol
NOW HIRING!!
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GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN THE CARDIO/STRENGTH STUDIO
MAHJONG 10:30 AM Fridays Multipurpose Room 

 

STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA | 708 N. COALTER ST. STAUNTON, VA. | (540) 885-8089 | SAYMCA.ORG
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN THE MIND-BODY STUDIO
CERTIFIED AQUATIC G.F. INSTRUCTORS!!
BIBLE STUDY 11 AM Mondays Multipurpose Room 

 

EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION Free for ages 15+ Sign up at the front desk today! 

 

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ADULT PROGRAMS
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@ Staunton-Augusta Family YMCA
ADULT POWERLIFTING CLUB 500 LB, 750 LB, 1000 LB, 1250 LB Adult members can apply to join by signing up at the Wellness Center kiosk. Find your cumulative combined weight of 1 rep max Bench Press, 1 rep max Back Squat and 1 rep max Deadlift while following the rules and regulations. Applicants MUST be 18 or older. Upon completion of the challenge you will receive a shirt and your name will be displayed in our Wellness Center. Contact Healthy Living Coordinator Krystal Clark at krystal@saymca.org with any questions. 
Fees: $25 Members Only

 

ONCOLOGY YOGA
This ongoing one-of-a-kind program is designed for cancer survivors and those still undergoing treatment for any form of cancer. This gentle program is being taught by Melissa Anderson Morgan is a certified yoga4cancer teacher. Stop by the front desk to pick up a brochure or register. 
Tuesdays at 4:20 PM in the Mind/Body Studio
Each session begins the first week of the month Fees:
$25 Members per month
$40 Non-members per month **Remember to bring a yoga mat**

ADULT PICKLEBALL with Tennis Pro Chris Stambaugh Learn to play or brush up on the basics! Meets on the tennis court. Fridays May 9 - 30 10:30 - 12 PM Fees:
$65 Members 
$80 Non-members Register online or in person today! 

ADULT TENNIS with Tennis Pro Chris Stambaugh This is class is open to adults 18+ who are at any skill level. Practice drills and play matches to improve your abilities, have fun and get a great workout. Fridays May 9 - 30 9 - 10 A.M. Fees:
$65 Members 
$80 Non-members Register online or in person today! 

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ROCK STEADY BOXING RSB enables people with Parkinson's disease to delay the onset of the symptoms through a non-contact boxing style of fitness. This method has been proven to improve participants' quality of life and sense of efficacy and self-worth. RSB provides encouragement through a "tough love" approach, inspiring maximum effort, speed, strength, balance and flexibility. Registration is ongoing and available at the front desk. Pick up a brochure today!
Fees:
$50 Members per month
$60 Non-members per month 

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Want to get involved? Email our Executive Director Josh Cole at josh@saymca.org
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Scan the qr code to read the story by the Newsleader to learn more!
Our Youth Development Center is set to open in the summer of 2026. Building this will mean more access to equitable child care, more jobs, better socio-economic outcomes for our families and healthier lifestyles for our community. This is only the beginning of something great! Pick up an application to become a founding donor at the front desk today!
575 is our future. It is what our community deserves.