STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA
NEWSLETTER
AUGUST 2025
P. 3 Annual Giving Campaign Impact Report P. 4 Coping Corner: The Mountain is Me P. 6 Community Connections: Kaleb Hall and Malcolm Elliston P. 7 Food For Thought: Nutrition Made Easy P. 8 Youth Programs P. 12 A Thank You From Melissa Anderson - Morgan P. 14 Adult Programs P. 16 Group Fitness Schedules P. 20 Special Feature: They Call It Puppy Love
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.
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!
“Membership is a great start, and when you pay for that, that’s for you. Giving above and beyond that is an act of hope. It’s an investment in the community that says, ‘I believe in this place. I don’t just want myself and my family to participate, I want my neighbors, my friends, and other families to be able to experience this with me.’” - Blair Larson, membership scholarship recipient
COUNT ME IN!
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A former choreographer, yoga instructor, actor and theater director, Blair Larson was sidelined by hip pain shortly after moving from Los Angeles to the Shenandoah Valley in summer 2023. After the costs of a cross-country move, caring for an aging relative in the area, and thinking about undergoing major surgery, only a small amount remained in the budget for a gym membership. Still, it was not something she was willing to give up. Larson spotted the application for financial assistance nestled among schedules and program information on the hallway wall as a brand-new member. She learned that she and her retired husband qualified for a membership scholarship, and the meaningful connections began almost immediately. “Those adaptive classes [yoga, strength] really got me through my hip replacement and helped me build a consistent, reliable community in a new town,” said Larson, who attends three to five classes each week.
Your donations at work …
$43,700
AGC funds provided for membership scholarships since January 1, 2025
Name: _______________________________________ Address: ____________________________________ _______________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Check enclosed Credit Card: ________________________________ Exp. _____________ CVV: _____________ Amount to be charged: __________________ Signature: ______________________________
Control, Emotion and Why Our Brains Cling to the Hard Stuff By Brian Ringgold
Brian Ringgold holds a degree in Psychology with a minor in neuroscience and concentration in child development. He enjoys mentoring and advocacy work at the SAYMCA. He is passionate about uplifting others through his work and finding a sense of purpose in what he does. He recently went whitewater rafting for the first time. You can reach him at brian@saymca.org
Oxytocin: Sometimes called the "bonding hormone." Increases when we feel loved, connected, or supported.
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Adrenaline: Triggers during moments of urgency, fear, or anger. Sharpens focus and prepares the body for 'fight or flight'.
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Have you ever reacted to a situation and immediately thought, 'Was that the right way to respond?' I know that I have; more times than I can count. For a long time, I over analyzed everything. I wanted to make sure every emotion I expressed was 'appropriate,' every word 'measured.' But the truth is, our most human moments aren't always perfect - they're real. Lately, I've been asking myself: What would it look like to stop performing and just react? To let myself feel, without the pressure of whether it's 'right'? The neuroscience behind tough emotions There's a reason our brains tend to spotlight the difficult stuff. We're wired for survival, not necessarily happiness. The brain's amygdala, which processes threats, gives more weight to negative experiences because they might signal danger. That's why we often remember the one awkward moment in a conversation, but not the ten kind things someone said afterward. Chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol flood our system in moments of anger, fear, or urgency. These are part of our 'fight or flight' response, and they sharpen our focus. But we can also get addicted to these emotional highs and lows, chasing them like familiar songs - even when they no longer serve us. On the flip side, dopamine gets released when we anticipate or receive a reward. That's why we sometimes find ourselves checking our phones over and over for that one uplifting message, or why a compliment can turn our whole day around. It's also why emotional support, kindness, and affirmation aren't just nice - they're neurologically powerful. When character defects become our strength I've learned that sometimes the hardest mountain to climb isn't outside of us - it's inside. It's the voice that says we have to be perfect, or that we need to be in control at all times. But control is often an illusion, and chasing it can prevent us from being present. During a personal training session at the YMCA, I was overthinking my movements. So much so that I started to freeze up. My trainer and friend, Jess, looked at me and said gently, '"The mountain is you." At first, I laughed. Later those words hit me harder than I expected. Because it was true. I wasn't battling a machine or a set of weights - I was battling the expectations I had placed on myself. We try to protect ourselves from pain, judgment, or embarrassment, but sometimes those same protections end up boxing us in. They can make us believe that emotions are weaknesses or that needing help is something to be ashamed of. But what if our vulnerability is actually our strength? What if letting people in - and letting ourselves feel - isn't a risk, but a step toward freedom? Negative experiences hold gifts When I was 13, I spent seven months in foster care, bouncing through four different homes. Some of them were filled with chaos - substance abuse issues, shouting and even violence. I was constantly on edge never quite knowing what to expect. At that age, I didn't have much control over what happened next. But as I reflect now at 32, I see something I didn't recognize then: that's when I began to build my own coping mechanisms. That's when I discovered music. The power of a song to say what I couldn't find the words for. Back in 2006 and 2007, music gave me something solid to hold onto, and it still does. In the midst of my experience in the foster care system, I had one placement that showed me what a safe space could look like. It helped me realize that you can reach your goals without screaming, drug use, or anger-filled outbursts. That experience taught me that peace was possible; that not every home has to feel like survival mode. Still, to this day, I hesitate to share emotional struggles with others. I already need so much physical support that I fear adding emotional needs will make others see me as a project. I don't want to be someone people "manage." I want to be someone they choose to spend time with. I'm learning that strength doesn't come from avoiding vulnerability. It comes from letting others see you as whole-needs, emotions and all. Try This Reflect on a time you went through something difficult. What coping tool or life lesson came out of that experience? How has it shaped who you are today?
COPING CORNER: The Mountain is Me
Dopamine: Released when we feel rewarded or encouraged. Helps us feel joy, motivation, and satisfaction.
Cortisol: The body's main stress hormone. In small doses it helps us react; too much can increase anxiety or fatigue.
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QUICK GUIDE: BRAIN CHEMICALS AND EMOTIONS
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Kaleb Hall and Malcom Elliston
As pre-teens, Kaleb Hall’s and Malcom Elliston’s favorite four letters were YMCA. When they were not in school, it was a good chance they were at the Y. “I was here before the gym had a wooden floor,” Elliston said, laughing. “We’re talking about the old rubber blocks (on the basketball court).” Hall’s answer is equally hilarious. “I think I used to live here,” he said. “We ran around and played basketball, and it got to the point where we wouldn’t go to the basketball courts some days. We’d play tennis or racquetball or swimming; just doing something random.” The two young men are still fixtures at the YMCA. In early adulthood, however, they have a different favorite three letters: LLC. Hall and Elliston are co-owners of New Wrld Apparel, a streetwear fashion brand started by the two young entrepreneurs. Hall had started a fashion line in high school. The 2020 Staunton High School graduate kept the love for passion and added some business acumen and an entrepreneurial partner to launch the new brand. “It’s for people in the fashion world that love streetwear,” Hall said. “And it doesn’t have to just be people in the fashion world. It can be people that love a graphic tee.” The first drop, the Twisted Perception Cropped tee, is currently available on the website; newwrldaprl.com The former Staunton Storm basketball teammates have gone through painstaking efforts to not just get the aesthetics a certain way, but also to produce a comfortable T-shirt. “We wanted to make sure our stuff was quality,” Elliston said. “Once you feel the quality of our shirts, it will make you want to make a purchase, even if it’s not for you. It could be for your kid or a family member or someone you know.” The two business partners split time between contemplating new clothing designs and educating themselves on business concepts. The New Wrld Apparel founders have a good grasp on social media marketing, as Hall and Elliston have made sales all the way in Texas. The goal is to start local and go global. “One thing that got me excited was the first order that wasn’t in Virginia,” Hall said. “I never wanted us to be just a local T-shirt business. I wanted it to be global. I actually got excited when I saw somebody out of state buy a T-shirt.” Elliston agrees. “It’s not (just) a friend of a friend (making purchases),” he said. “They’ve seen it, and they’ve seen the content we’ve made. They thought it was dope and said, ‘Let me support it.’ That’s what we’re trying to do.”
Malcolm Elliston grew up at the SAYMCA. He and co-founder Kaleb Hall find inspiration in sports culture for their streetwear brand.
YOUTH PROGRAMS
Did you know siblings receive a 10% discount after the first child enrolls in a program?
Take Control of Your Nutrition with these Simple Steps By Jess Wiley
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
YOUTH EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION Ages 12-14 Fees: $25 Members for four classes. Sign up at front desk
ZUMBINI Ages 0 - 4 Tuesdays 10 - 10:45 AM April 29 - May 20 Fees: $25 Members $45 Non-Members Registration opens April 15
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
As summer winds down and schedules start filling up again, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of “getting back on track” with nutrition. It probably feels like another daunting chore that you don’t have time to tackle or the energy to make room for. But the truth is, it’s not about getting everything right — it’s about doing one thing well, again and again. This month, I’m inviting you to try something simple: choose one nutrition habit and focus on it for just one week. Don’t worry about the five, ten, or twenty other habits you also want to tackle and instead give yourself permission to zero in on this one small step, one day at a time. Focus on it for one week and notice how it impacts your energy, mood, and overall wellness. Why just one? When life gets busy, adding more to your plate can feel overwhelming, even impossible. Too often, we fall into an all-or-nothing mindset, which leads to doing nothing when we can’t do it all perfectly. But by focusing on just one small change, the process feels more manageable, and thus we build confidence, create momentum, and build consistency. Over time, those small changes can stack up into something meaningful and sustainable. If you need help picking your goal, try one of these. Remember to keep it simple and to commit to showing up each day: ● Eat a Balanced Breakfast: Start your day with a mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. For example, eggs and whole-grain toast, oatmeal with almond butter, or a smoothie with fruit and Greek yogurt. ● Drink More Water: A general guideline is to aim for half your body weight in ounces of water each day. But if that feels like a big leap, start by consistently reaching 60–80 oz. daily. Staying hydrated boosts energy, supports digestion and focus, and can even help curb unnecessary snacking — sometimes we reach for chips when a glass of water is really what we need. ● Add a Vegetable to Lunch or Dinner: Whether it's frozen, fresh, roasted, or raw, it all counts! Adding color, nutrients, and a little extra fiber to your plate can go a long way. ● Swap the Afternoon Sugar Crash for a Protein Snack: Swapping a sugary snack for one with protein helps stabilize your blood sugar and energy levels, keeping you full longer and avoiding those major hunger swings. Try something like a boiled egg, a cheese stick, a cup of Greek yogurt, or a small handful of trail mix. You’ll get steadier energy and fewer cravings. ● Eat More Slowly: Practice mindful eating by slowing down when you eat! Take smaller bites and chew them for longer. This not only helps you tune in to hunger and fullness cues but also helps with digestion. Ready to give it a shot? As summer starts to wind down and a busier season ramps up, let’s give this a try together. Write your goal on a sticky note. Set a reminder on your phone. Share it with a friend or ask them to do it with you. However you do it, just commit to showing up for one week. Want a little extra motivation? Make it a family challenge and let everyone choose their own goal… a little accountability can go a long way. Remember, lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. It starts with one small step. This week, take that step, and let it be the start of something bigger. You’ve got this!
Fashion Designers Cut from YMCA Cloth By Chris Lassiter
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Nutrition Made Easy
Jess Wiley holds a Master's degree in Nutrition and Human Performance and is a certified Personal Trainer and nutritionist. She's passionate about helping others set and achieve their health and wellness goals and is excited to bring expanded nutrition services to the Y soon. She is the proud mom of three boys, serves as President of the Shelburne PTA and also coordinates the annual fundraising gala for the local non-profit farm Project GROWS.
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
YOUTH TENNIS LESSONS
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SWIM LESSONS
Homeschool Tennis Ages 6 - 11 For beginner and intermediate players. Learn the fundamentals and build skills. Dates and Times: Tuesdays | 10 - 11 AM
Tuesdays: SEPTEMBER 2 - 23 Wednesdays: SEPTEMBER 3 - 24 Thursdays: SEPTEMBER 4 - 25
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR YOUTH
at the SAYMCA
LITTLE KICKERS
FEES: $65 Member/ $80 Non-Member MEMBER REGISTRATION: AUGUST 18 NON-MEMBER REGISTRATION: AUGUST 19
Meets on Saturdays at 575 New Hope Road SEPTEMBER 13 - OCTOBER 4 Registration open
TUESDAY/THURSDAY September 2 - 25 Times and Levels TBD Member Registration: July 24 @ 5:00 PM Non-Member Registration: July 25 Fees: $60 Member $75 Non-member Registration closes August 28
MAKER LAB
Early Hitters Ages 5 - 8 Beginner level where the fundamentals are introduced. Days and Times: Tuesdays | 5:30 - 6:30 PM OR Thursdays | 5:30 - 6:30 PM
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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
Program funded by the AGC
Learn the fundamentals of soccer! Little Kickers will assist your child with developing the most basic skills used in soccer to prepare them for a more competitive league in the future. Players will receive individualized coaching based on their level of play, and are grouped with other children who perform on a similar level. Ages 3 - 4 | 9 - 9:45 AM Ages 5 - 7 | 10 - 11 AM $40 Members $55 Non-members
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
Upper Mid Hitters Ages 12 -14 This will get your student prepared for high school tennis. Dates and Times: Wednesdays | 5:30 - 6:30 PM
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
Highschool Tennis Ages 15 - 18 Advanced techniques and skills to prepare for competition. Dates and Times: Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8:00 PM Fees: $75 Member $90 Non-Member
SATURDAY September 6 - October 11 Times and Levels TBD Member Registration: July 26 Non-Member Registration: July 27 Fees: $60 Member $75 Non-member Registration closes August 22
Mid Hitters Ages 9 - 11 This will teach your pre-teen intermediate tennis skills. Dates and Times: Tuesdays | 6:30 - 7:30 PM
YVC is recruiting youth ages 11 - 18 for service based projects to uplift our community!
Program funded by our Annual Giving Campaign
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Scan here to visit our website to see our upcoming projects and become a member! It's free and fun!
Stay active this summer and learn find out the impact you are able to create on the world around you!
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Corner
Dear Friends, Sometimes in life, we are forced across a painful threshold that challenges us to the very core and leaves us forever changed by the experience. During those bewildering times, even simple things prove difficult as we try to navigate the upheaval of our lives and make our slow journey forward. This has proven true for me these past few months as I faced the heartbreaking loss of my dear husband, Danny. And yet, I was never alone. You, the members of my YMCA Community, came to my aid with a staggering network of support. I was and continue to be lifted up with kind comments, cards, letters, poems, prayers, generous gifts of resources - many given anonymously, hugs, class coverage by my colleagues, and space when I needed it. You showed me grace when I teared up at the end of teaching my classes. You gave up your time on a Saturday afternoon to attend his Celebration of Life, and waited in that very long line just to speak to me for a few seconds. You contributed plants and a beautifully crafted wooden sign for the pollinator garden that I have now established in my husband's memory at our home. It is a place of healing peace. Rumi, the 13th century poet, wrote " The wound is the place where the Light enters you," and his words perfectly capture how I feel. While the wound is there, it has been filled with light through your individual and collective acts of kindness. Please know that your support is so deeply appreciated and it plays an important part in my healing. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your compassion, and may peace be with each of you. Love, Melissa (Group Fitness, Oncology Yoga, Personal Training)
Aging Well Means Staying Active, Strong and Engaged with a Community By Eleanor Rixey
SPECIAL FEATURE: Redefining Aging
A Thank You Note to My YMCA Community
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 16 | 4 -9 PM $80 Members/ $90 Non-members
PICKLEBALL See Basketball Court Schedule Free for members. $10 Drop in rate for non-members.
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 taught by Melissa Anderson Morgan, 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**
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ADULT PROGRAMS
EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION Free for ages 15+ Sign up at the front desk today!
BIBLE STUDY 11 AM Mondays Multipurpose Room
MAHJONG 10:30 AM Fridays Multipurpose Room
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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
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
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
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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)
NEW TIME!
Aquafit with Karen
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.
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MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
AQUAFIT 1 9-9:55 AM Peggy
AQUA YOGA 8 - 8:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 1 9-9:55 AM Peggy Tammy (2)
AQUAFIT 2 10-10:55 AM Peggy
SPLASHBURNER 9 - 9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 2 10-10:55 AM Peggy Tammy (2)
AQUA YOGA 10 - 10:55 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
SPLASHBURNER 6:05 - 7 PM Jenn
Pace with Mason
SPECIAL INTERESTS
Boot Camp with Eleanor
Tai Chi with Linda
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!!
PROGRAM
Fees: $65 Members/ $80 Non-Members
This is a unique opportunity for community members to receive one-on-one attention while pursuing fitness goals. PT students will create an individualized program for participants under the supervision of experienced Physical Therapists and Personal Trainers. *Participants must have a physician's referral* You can be active and healthy!
Fitness for Every Body: Muscular Dystrophy Multiple Sclerosis Stroke Recovery Cerebral Palsy & More
September 5-26 Fridays |10:30 - 12 PM
with Murphy Deming PT students
Learn how to play or brush up on basics!
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ADULT PICKLEBALL CLASS
STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA | 708 N. COALTER ST. STAUNTON, VA. | 540 - 885 - 8089 | SAYMCA.ORG
Sign up online or at the front desk! For questions contact Chris Stambaugh at cstambaugh@swattennis.org
Member registration: August 18 Non-member registration: August 19
Sept. 15 - Oct. 8 ( Registration opens Sept. 1 ) PT Mondays & Wednesdays at 1:00 PM or 2:00 PM OT Thursdays 1:00 PM
Meets on the Tennis Court
$60 Members / $70 Non-Members
NEURO-WELLNESS
Contact: Contact Fitness Director Wendy Shutty at wendy@saymca.org
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STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA | 708 N. COALTER ST. STAUNTON, VA. | (540) 885-8089 | SAYMCA.ORG
SPECIAL FEATURE: They Call it Puppy Love
Canine Companions Keep Their Owners and Community Healthy By Karen Landers
In his book, "Walking with Peety the Dog Who Saved My Life" (Grand Central Publishing, October 2017), Eric O’Grey reflected on his life and how an unexpected encounter with a dog transformed it. In 2010 O’Grey was a middle-aged man with severe health problems. He weighed 340 pounds, had dangerously high cholesterol and blood pressure and began to withdraw from life. His doctor was less than encouraging. After sharing the latest lab results, he suggested O’Grey get his affairs in order and buy and funeral plot because he would likely be dead in five years! As alarming as this suggestion was, O’Grey couldn’t summon the will to make the necessary changes to his life. It was an embarrassing incident on a plane that served as his wake-up call. O’Grey was a salesman which required frequent travel. One day he boarded a plane, and the flight attendants were unable to find a seatbelt extension that would fit him. The flight was delayed until one could be provided and the man sitting next to him complained to O’Grey that he was going to miss his connection flight because “you are too fat.” The next day O’Grey took the first step that, ultimately, changed his life. O’Grey found a nutritionist who helped alter his diet and advised him to go to the local animal shelter to adopt a dog. It was an inspired and unusual suggestion. Grudgingly, O’Grey visited a shelter. After some thought, he asked if he could meet a dog who was middle-aged, overweight and as miserable as him. Enter Peety, an abandoned, overweight dog with skin rashes and arthritis. Like O’Grey, Peety had pretty much given up on life but, over time they managed to form a bond and began rebuilding their lives. For the next year, they walked every day and ate a healthier diet. By the end of the year, O’Grey had lost 150 pounds and was able to get off all his medications. Peety lost 25 pounds and had a new “leash on life”. It's a heartwarming account of two lonely beings who made a connection and motivated each other on to better lives. The story doesn’t end there. O’Grey suffered the devasting loss of Peety to cancer. He could have gone back to his old habits, but Peety had helped him find a sense of purpose. Six months later O’Grey adopted another dog and has continued to live a healthy, happy life, even entering marathon races with his new pup, Jakey. What is it about animals that makes them bond with humans? For the purpose of this article, let’s focus on dogs. The dog-human bond formed centuries ago when humans first encountered wolves and began breeding and training them to provide both companionship and assistance. Bonding Scientists believe that dogs have an innate sense of loyalty. Neuroscientist George Berns used an MRI machine on several dogs as they interacted with their humans to see what is going on in their brains. He discovered the reward center of each dog’s brain became active when they heard their owner’s voice, as active as when they were given special treats. Some dogs even preferred their owners over the food when given the choice. He found the dog’s reward center reacted the same way that the human brain lights up when we’re around someone or something that we love (Is the Human-Canine Bond Unique?,Jan Reisen, www.AKC.org, May 16, 2025). Before you get too excited, though, dogs are also known to bond with other animals as well. Scientists discovered dogs have certain genes that, in humans, are associated with a rare genetic disorder called Wiliams-Beuren Syndrome, a symptom of which is “indiscriminate friendliness”. Dogs who are raised with other animals typically form bonds with them. This may be because humans have bred dogs to form strong bonds that will naturally spill over to other species. Some scientists feel dogs have the same emotional maturity as a two or three-year-old toddler. Getting Their Point Across Do dogs communicate with humans? You bet, just ask any dog owner! Dogs communicate with humans through body language, vocalization, facial expressions and touch. They can even recognize and respond to up to 250 words and gestures from humans (Inside the Human-Dog Love Affair, Vanessa LoBue, Ph.D., Psychology Today, Feb 24, 2024). Over half of Americans own at least one pet, typically a dog and most consider their dog to be a valuable part of the family. The benefits of this union are numerous. Research has found that children who grow up with pets develop better social skills such as empathy and emotional intelligence. These children tend to be more comfortable in social situations, talking to people they don’t know and relating to others in a more positive way. Sixty percent of dog owners meet the recommended weekly amount of exercise. That’s significant because establishing healthy routines like daily movement and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce risk of breast, prostrate, lung, colon, and kidney cancers. And it helps your heart! Regular exercise such as walking your dog can lower risk of heart disease and significantly improve blood pressure. Canine companionship can also lower depression rates and can help manage long term diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia (Cultivating Health, UCDavis Health, April 11, 2024). There are other ways dogs can help humans. They can sense subtle changes in human behavior or body language. It’s believed they can help detect certain illnesses like cancer in humans by picking up on minor signs (www.Dogster.com). Dogs can be trained to alert owners of an impending medical emergency before it happens. There’s more. Did you know that simply petting a dog lowers the stress hormone cortisol and increases oxytocin hormone the “feel good” hormone? One study showed that 84% of post-traumatic stress disorder patients paired with service dogs reported a significant reduction in their symptoms. Forty percent were able to decrease their medications (www.Hopkinsmedicine.org). At Your Service Whether working on the farm herding sheep and protecting livestock or serving in the military along with their human counterparts, dogs can be trained for almost anything. Some select pups are used as service dogs. These canines are taught to carry out certain activities on their owner’s behalf. Training is rigorous, they go through an extensive, high-end, task-oriented program to assist owners who are impaired in some way. Whereas therapy dogs are allowed to work and socialize with a diverse group of individuals, service dogs are taught to aide a single disabled person. Unlike therapy dogs service dogs are on duty 24-7 and, while they may appear friendly, they are focused on both their job and their owner and people are discouraged from reaching out to pet or engage with them. Speaking of Therapy Dogs Then there’s the therapy dog. These dogs also go through training, though not as rigorous as service dogs. The therapy dog is more sociable and approachable sometimes wearing a “pet me” message on their vests. These are the dogs that visit schools, hospitals, libraries, nursing homes, and other locations to provide some social interaction and comfort. In fact, they are sometimes referred to as comfort dogs. It’s been shown that when therapy dogs visit the elderly it can improve their mental health significantly (The Surprising Benefits of Therapy Dogs, 2022, www.therapydogs.com) Therapy dogs are great for people receiving medical treatments, for dementia patients, for people suffering from anxiety or stress, PTSD veterans. People who have gone through trauma will often be introduced to a therapy dog. You’ll often see them in the news comforting people who have gone through a natural or man-made disaster. Speaking of disasters, there are other dogs who are trained to assist in search and rescue missions. They can alert their handlers to any sign of someone missing or trapped somewhere often missed by humans. My friend, Susannah Charleson, worked in search and rescue for years and often told me that these dogs can be so involved that, if the dogs are unable to locate someone, the handlers will actually take turns “hiding” in underbrush or rubble so the dogs can find them, otherwise they can become depressed. Midge Mudrowsky, an active member of the Staunton YMCA, owns a therapy dog named Keeper Lee. Keeper is a mix of mini-comfort retriever and King Charles spaniel. I asked Midge what made her want to get into therapy dog program. She’d had a rewarding career as a physical therapist but when she retired, Midge “had in the back of my mind that I wanted to do something for the community.” When she adopted Keeper Lee, she decided to take him for training. They began when Keeper Lee was six months old, and they trained for one and a half years. We talked about the training. “The trainer has the dogs come, sit, stay awhile while their owner’s leave the room. They are discouraged from jumping or initiating contact and must wait to be approached. There is also some agility. They are trained in obedience and listening and to be around other dogs without reacting.” As they trained, their trainer (Stacy Payne at Positive Paws) connected them with other dog owners who had trained their dogs. Together the owners decided to form Smiles on Leashes and began reaching out to the community. “Everyone has their own therapy dogs, some have two”, says Midge. Midge and Keeper Lee have been a therapy team for six years now. Prior to any visit, the group holds a “meet and greet” outside with the dogs so they can all get reacquainted and comfortable with each other. Smiles on Leashes currently have 13 volunteers who regularly visit the Staunton Library where Miss Martha, the children’s librarian, gathers the children and reads to them. The children are encouraged to approach the dogs and pet them. I asked Midge whether she noticed a difference in the children’s behavior. “Some of the children won’t talk to the adults but will go right to the dogs and as they pet them, they will begin to communicate”, she says. Smiles on Leashes also regularly visits the Valley Mission where they “often find people withdrawn, some of them almost completely shut down but they will respond to the dogs”, Midge says. The informal leader of Smiles on Leashes is Sandy Hite. If the name is familiar, she and her husband had a long history with the Y. Her late husband, Slim Hite, was the former Director of the Staunton Y. Together they were a formative team. Sandy came for a visit and brought her therapy dog, a two-year-old chocolate English lab beauty named Charlie Brown. “Charlie has helped me through the loneliness”, she says. After much petting and belly rubs Charlie settled down (as did I) and Sandy gave me some additional information about Smiles. It as informal group and Sandy insisted that her leadership position is unofficial, “I do the scheduling and arrange the visits.” Sandy gave me some additional locations the group regularly goes to including Stuarts Draft Elementary and AVIVA Baldwin Park (formally Bright View), an assisted living facility. “We’ve even visited Mary Baldwin University to meet with students prior to exams to help offer some comfort and support,” Sandy says. Charlie visited the Y to earn some points towards an AKC medal. To help him reach his goal we paid a visit to our childcare center to let the kids interact with him. Charlie drew the kid’s attention immediately. Most were eager to pet him, even the very young ones who were much smaller than Charlie. Eternally patient, Charlie accepted all hugs and pets, even when some of them were a little rough. Watching a therapy dog in action as he interacted with the kids was quite an experience, Charlie’s personality was magnetic. In Conclusion Dogs are mankind’s great companion. But if you’re not ready to adopt one, there are ways you can still reap the benefits. People are often on the lookout for someone to walk their dogs when they are unable to. Offering to be a dog-walker for your neighbor is a great way to exercise and socially interact. Volunteering at a local animal shelter is another, much needed service that benefits the animals as well as you (you may discover you’re more of a cat person). How about offering to dog-sit (or pet-sit) for a friend? That could help you decide if owning a pet is right for you. I try to be the person my dog thinks I am, to paraphrase a familiar quote. That said, it’s time for me to go walk my own furry doggo (Sonny by name) and maybe give him an extra treat for being the goodest boy.
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SAYMCA Member, Midge Mudrowsky, regulalry attends fitness classes when she isn't busy shuttling her dog, Keeper Lee, around Staunton. The duo are working hard to keep not only themselves healthy, but the greater community as well.
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Sandy Hite recently visited our playroom with her dog, Charlie Brown. The pair brought smiles and squeals of delight from both toddlers and staff. She hopes that these visits will become a regular occurrence.
Karen Landers is an Aquatic Group Fitness Instructor, Swim Instructor and Swim Lesson Coordinator at the SAYMCA. She is passionate about nutrition and fitness and finds joy in helping people live a healthier life. Did you know she is also a swim instructor at Waynesboro Family YMCA. When she isn't busy she enjoys walking her dog, Sonny, at Montogmery Hall Park.
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