STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA
NEWSLETTER
JULY 2025
P. 4 Coping Corner: Disability Pride Awareness P. 6 Mission Spotlight: Commitment to Childcare P. 8 Staff Profile: Meet Kylee Swats P. 12 Special Feature: Redefining Aging P. 15 Adult Programs P. 18 Food for Thought: Music Moves and Motivates Us P. 20 Update on Youth Development Center
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.
When purchasing a Club at Ironwood membership, you will have access to the Volleyball Court, Tennis Court, Pickleball Courts and Pool. You will also be able to purchase food and drinks from the Cabana next to the Pool. No outside food or drinks permitted.
The Club at Ironwood Pool Membership
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!
What it includes
NO JOINING FEE All month!
COUNT ME IN!
3
Dates and hours:
It's not too late to have the perfect summer!
Membership Prices
Got questions? Contact Aquatics Director Beth Valentine at saymcabeth@gmail.com
YMCA Members: $475 Family Membership $365 Single Membership Non-member: $640 Family Membership $500 Single Membership
Name: _______________________________________ Address: ____________________________________ _______________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Check enclosed Credit Card: ________________________________ Exp. _____________ CVV: _____________ Amount to be charged: __________________ Signature: ______________________________
Season starts May 24, 2025 Season ends September 1, 2025 Hours of operation 11 AM - 7 PM daily.
4
Resilience, Perspective and the Power of Being Seen By Brian Ringgold
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a neurological condition that affects muscle coordination and movement. For me, this means my muscle tone fluctuates. Sometimes my body feels loose and manageable, other times stiff and unpredictable. A task like transferring (moving from my wheelchair to another surface) might be possible one day and nearly impossible the next. These fluctuations don't just affect my body - they affect my emotions. On difficult days, I sometimes wonder if people are helping me because they truly care, or because they feel they have no choice. It's not easy to admit that, but pride isn't about perfection. It's about honesty, growth and resilience. What I've learned is that my disability has taught me how to problem-solve, adapt, and connect with others in powerful ways. I remember a moment when a student I mentored was feeling overwhelmed during a group activity. Because I know what it feels like to be different and overstimulated, I instinctively slowed things down and gave them space to process their emotions. Later, their parent told me that was the first time the child had stayed through a full session without shutting down. That experience was rewarding. It reminded me that my perspective has real power. If you're curious to understand more about life with a disability like mine, I encourage you to read Sharon Draper's "Out of My Mind" series. The main character, Melody, uses a wheelchair and communicates in unique ways. Draper's stories offer a window into the emotional and practical realities of disability; both the challenges and the triumphs. It's a beautiful way to expand your perspective and better understand how disability isn't about limitation. It's about adaptation, identity and strength. Reading "Out of My Mind," reminded me how important it is to feel seen. In Chapter 15, Melody hesitates to ask for help going to the bathroom because she doesn't want to be a bother. I've lived that exact moment more times than I can count. And in Chapter 16, when a friend gently feeds her ice cream, it hit me; it wasn't the act itself that mattered. It was the care behind it. The friend was communicating to Melody, "You're not a burden. You're my friend.'" Some of my proudest memories come from mentoring kids who didn't see a wheelchair. They saw me. They asked how to help, made me laugh, and we celebrated our differences together. Those moments didn't just shape my work, they shaped me. Disability Pride is about embracing who we are, sharing what we've learned, and helping others see strength in unexpected places. It's about recognizing that every person - regardless of ability - has something extraordinary to offer.
COPING CORNER: Disability Pride
5
6
QUICK TIPS How to Approach Someone Who May Have Different Abilities Disability can look different for everyone. Some people use mobility devices, others are nonverbal, some communicate using assistive technology or sign language - and some may not use any of these at all. Whatever the case, remember this: Don't assume someone can't understand you just because they're nonverbal. Nonverbal does not equal unintelligent. Many nonverbal people have full comprehension. If someone uses sign language but you don't, that doesn't mean communication has to stop. Gestures, notes, or pointing can go a long way. Struggling with fine motor skills doesn't mean someone can't connect. Communication may just take more patience and creativity. The biggest takeaway? Don't be afraid to approach someone. Asking respectful questions is a great way to learn and connect. The more we normalize conversations, the more we bridge the gap between people with and without disabilities, and that's a win for everyone. Prompt for Self-Reflection How has someone's different perspective - whether due to disability or not - changed the way you view strength?
VISIT NIH.GOV FOR MORE INFO
Community Childcare Center Teacher Madison Trippeer, right, holds one of her cherished students during a pre-K prom event organized by the center. Along with CCC Director Jamye Justus, Trippeer is focused on elevating the quality and availability of childcare in our area.
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.
Program funded by the AGC
MISSION SPOTLIGHT: Commitment to Childcare
SAYMCA Expands Access to Affordable, High-Quality Childcare By Dawn Medley
Affordable, high-quality childcare is an ongoing need around the country. And the area served by the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA is no exception. That’s why the organization is taking bold steps to address the need, offering a vision that goes beyond just increasing capacity. With support from community partners and inspired staff, the Y is building something more: a childcare model that centers on wellness, equity, and community connection. “We’re here to help real people with real-life issues and obstacles to childcare,” said Jamye Justus, director of Community Childcare Center (CCC). “They need high-quality care for peace of mind - somewhere to send their kids that is safe and trustworthy. That’s the foundation for everything.” Quality childcare builds strong community In February 2022, SAYMCA acquired the 37-acre property on New Hope Road. The original plan didn’t include a childcare center. But after working with CCC and hearing from local families, SAYMCA leadership recognized a deeper need. A feasibility study confirmed the urgency. The Y quickly added a 120-slot, licensed childcare facility to its expansion plans. The project is now in its fundraising phase. “We’re looking for Founders Level donors,” said Josh Cole, executive director of SAYMCA. “Once the Board feels confident about funding, we estimate 16 months of construction.” A new childcare center would build on the momentum of Phase I of the 575 project, which was recently completed. Summer Day Camp participants are currently enjoying activities at the site, which includes two multipurpose playing fields, a 4,000-square-foot pavilion, restrooms, and parking. In early summer, the partnership between CCC and SAYMCA was highlighted when children from CCC took their places under the pavilion during their pre-K graduation ceremony. The YMCA has also found strong allies in organizations like the SAW Community Foundation; Community Action Partnership of Staunton, Augusta, and Waynesboro (CAPSAW); Augusta Health; and others. All recognize the local shortage of childcare and the broader implications for workforce participation and community stability. “Nationally, the Y is the largest provider of childcare,” explained Cole. “It makes sense that we are part of the solution here.” Rallying around wellness While expanding access to child care is a key goal, SAYMCA and CCC are also working to raise the bar on what childcare can offer. At the heart of this effort is a shared vision for wellness - one that supports both children and families. CCC teacher Madison Trippeer is a passionate voice for this movement. A former CCC preschooler herself, she now teaches in the 2- and 3-year-old classroom while studying nursing at Blue Ridge Community College. Her goal is to become a pediatric nurse, and she's already thinking big. “I want to be a tool that everybody can use,” said Trippeer. “I’d love to help families get connected and make referrals to get them on the right track.” Trippeer and Justus have launched a pilot initiative called “Movement Mondays,” which introduces young children to regular physical activity in a fun, engaging way. It’s just the beginning. “We’ve talked about surveying parents about their health needs,” Justus said. “We’d love to host wellness events where families can access resources and have fun at the same time.” Cole is enthusiastic about the direction this work is headed. “This pilot is a great example of staff-driven innovation rooted in our mission,” he said. “We’re excited to explore how it can grow in a way that’s responsive to the needs and strengths of the community.” The team envisions having trained health professionals at each of the Y’s childcare sites in the future. The goal is to embed wellness - physical, emotional, and social - into daily routines. “We don’t want wellness to be a separate program,” said Cole. “It should be part of the culture of the center.” That includes mental well-being, nutrition, movement, and social-emotional learning. It also includes bringing in YMCA wellness staff and community partners to help meet those goals. Looking Ahead For the Staunton-Augusta Family YMCA, childcare is more than a service. It’s a mission. “The YMCA is more than a childcare provider,” said Cole. “We are a partner in youth development. Every day, we create safe, nurturing spaces where children and teens can grow, learn, and thrive.” As construction moves forward and partnerships deepen, SAYMCA is not only addressing the childcare shortage it’s redefining what care can look like. Families in the region aren’t just getting more childcare slots. They’re gaining access to a model built on values, wellness, and community support. The Y is laying the foundation for a future where every child has the chance to grow up healthy, confident, and ready to succeed.
In addition to continuing to operate Afterschool Adventure Club and playroom at its North Coalter Street facility, the SAYMCA plans to create a building and program for up to 120 students at its 575 New Hope Road site.
Community Childcare Center has been a fixture in Staunton for more than 50 years, and currently enrolls around 55 students ages 2-12.
7
8
9
Lifeguarding Teaches Valuable Lessons and Provides Fun Work Environment By Chris Lassiter
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR YOUTH
The weather is hovering around 90 degrees, and there’s barely a cloud in the sky. It’s quite literally the perfect day for a swim. Kylee Swats is perched a few feet from The Club at Ironwood’s outdoor pool. She watches as a pair of teens get creative off the diving board on the deep end, and parents play with their kids in the shallow part of the water. While everyone else is "maxing and relaxing," Swats stays alert and attentive. As a lifeguard, her job is to help ensure people’s safety around water. As serious as that sounds, Swats can’t possibly think of a better summer job. “It’s definitely the best summer job that any high schooler or young adult could ask for,” said Swats, a 2025 Riverheads High School graduate. “You get to sit at a pool. You get to play with kids and make memories.” It comes with the responsibility of helping the community engage safely with the pool. That’s no small thing. As a high school junior, Swats completed the YMCA lifeguard certification. A brilliant student at Riverheads, Swats found preparing to be a lifeguard a healthy challenge. “It’s definitely way more than I thought,” said Swats, who splits her shifts between pools accessible to STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA members during the summer at The Club at Ironwood in Staunton and another in Stuarts Draft. “You definitely need to know everything you’re taught in the class, but it’s way more than I thought it would be. There’s definitely the written part, but it’s also way more physical than you’d think.” Another perk of her job is working for SAYMCA Aquatics Director Beth Valentine. A volleyball standout, Swats spent years teaming up with Valentine’s daughter on the high school volleyball court. Swats is impressed by how Valentine goes about her business. “I love our boss a lot,” she said. “She’s seriously the best boss ever. She wants to know about you, and wants to be able to help you. She’s still very appropriate at the job, but wants to care about you and your life.” The pool vibes, the people and the leadership all factor into Swats believing she’s found the perfect summer job. She’d advise anyone thinking about lifeguarding to give it a try. “You get to sit by a pool, and you get to meet so many friends,” Swats said. “Everybody here is so nice. Definitely do it. Get past the training, and be open to making new friends.”
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
PROGRAM DIRECTOR CONTACT: Windsor Vaughn | windsor@saymca.org | 540-885-8089
MAKER LAB
10
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
Did you know siblings receive a 10% discount after the first child enrolls in a program?
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
STAFF PROFILE: Meet Kylee Swats
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
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
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
YOUTH PROGRAMS
YOUTH EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION Ages 12-14 Fees: $25 Members for four classes. Sign up at front desk
Recent high school graduate Kylee Swats enjoys the challenges and social interaction in her role as a lifeguard at two SAYMCA sites.
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
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
YVC is recruiting youth ages 11 - 18 for service based projects to uplift our community!
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!
Sullivan works on balance, which can be daunting, especially for seniors. It helps to have a safe environment like the Y to work on these skills.
13
Dawn 2 pgs
12
Corner
Jane Sawyer and Sandy Sullivan are pioneers when it comes to many things. Both women graduated with degrees in math and science at a time when most women were graduating to become a homemaker. Now in their 80s, Sawyer and Sullivan are proving that life doesn’t stop when you retire. In fact, that is a time when you can achieve new degrees of fitness. The two met at Virginia Tech in the 60s. This is a time when the women’s liberation movement was in its infancy. Sawyer was one of 50 women, total, in her freshman class at Tech. “We both made unusual decisions for that moment in time,” Sawyer shared. The two women defied the norm and stuck to a path of their own. They also enjoyed being active and played sports regularly. “I guess that’s why we started out being friends, because we always kept in shape. We both played tennis. We both played basketball. But back in that day, you did a lot of different things,” Sullivan said. Their common interests and shared spirit of independence is what led them to form a bond that lasted through decades of being apart. Sullivan worked at UC Berkley until she retired and moved to New Orleans where she had friends and the cost of living was lower. “I never lost track of where she [ Sawyer ] was. I kept up with her through her family, her mother,” said Sullivan. “She was another daughter for my mother,” Sawyer added, “My mother would write her and let her know everything that was going on with me and my sisters.” They reconnected after Sullivan’s long-time partner of 40 years named Judith passed away. Sawyer moved to New Orleans which is where the couple lived until the pandemic caused them to re-evaluate their proximity to family. “It occurred to us when COVID struck that if we both got sick, we didn't have anyone to help either one of us. Unless we were where her family was,” Sullivan said. “Tracy, my daughter, was in Craigsville. And she raises chickens and cows. We knew we'd have food. Everything shuts down, but we'll eat,” Sawyer said. During a time of much uncertainty, getting closer to family became the only sure thing they could do. Sullivan recalled making that decision to move, “That’s really what changed things because you're watching older people through no fault of their own get sick, really sick. Never dawned on me that we could both get sick.” They reflect on how things change as you get older. More of your friends and family begin to pass away through different circumstances and illnesses. They have outlived many of their loved ones. “That's the thing that you don't realize is how that's going to change it. You can't comprehend it,” said Sullivan. So how do you continue to move forward and navigate aging? “We come to the Y so we can stay vertical, so we can move,” Sawyer exclaims enthusiastically. When they moved back to Virginia they made their health a priority. Sullivan announced, “I’ve got to join a gym, we’ve got to join a gym.” The Y was a perfect fit. They both enjoy everything that the facility offers in terms of programs and equipment, but they also understand how vital the community is, especially for older populations. Sullivan explains, “You have to consider what people our age look for. Young people may not know the difference. When you're young, you go to the gym to work out, but you don't really go for social connection or recognition or chatting, like you do when you're older and you are more isolated.” She continues, “a gym has become the church of modern day culture. If you want to have a community at our age, you are far better off at a gym, at a Y than you are anywhere else that I can name.” The community at the Y offers a unique opportunity for wellness on a different level. Sullivan reflects on her mindset towards community at age 80 versus being younger; “I will see old people our age literally come in to talk to staff like Carol Byrd and Alice Killian. When you're young, you'll think, ‘What a waste of time.’ When you're older, you realize that may be the only conversation that person has that day. Mobility is important, but it's so much more complicated than that. And you never think about it until you are there. It's so easy when you're younger to not fully appreciate what's going on when you look at Carol. They may not realize the contribution that staff makes.” Throughout their lives, staying active has remained of the utmost importance. Sawyer is accustomed to the heavy lift of maintaining property so she was looking for ways to keep up her strength. “I wanted to stay in shape and I knew that in order to stay mobile, you can't sit around.” Once they reached age 79, they realized they needed more guidance. They had to stop doing some of their typical activities like kayaking and swimming due to various physical ailments and disruptions. Sullivan stated, “We wouldn't have needed a trainer at 75. We had so many options. We used to do 10-mile bike rides on the levee. Our energy let us just do it, but that changes.” They were looking for a way to stay motivated and inspired to try new things to help keep things fresh. “We didn’t get rid of our bikes until (age) 75, which is when we moved to Staunton and it is hilly and there are no bike lanes,” said Sullivan. They decided to get a personal trainer who could help them keep up their strength while staving off some of the other issues - like balance - that make mobility difficult, and they needed a way to work out without risks. ”I know what you can do to yourself, so I want to be in a safe environment now," Sullivan explained. “It helps to have a trainer who's working on different muscle groups," Sawyer said. "She (Sarabeth Johnson) works with Sandy on falling, on balance. I have osteoporosis, so it's important that I do the weight work and do things that will strengthen my bones. I have had an ACL reconstruction in my right knee. I need to make sure I keep my strength there. Sciatica weakened my left leg a little bit, and Sarabeth just works on keeping all of those things going." “It's a balanced workout. Which, when you're left on your own, you'll do the stuff that's easy,” Sullivan added. “I get bored with it, so (Johnson) can shake it up and I still get a full workout.” Johnson tailored programs to suit their unique needs. The focus of Sawyer’s program is on weight training and using heavier weights like kettlebells, where Sullivan’s program focuses on balance and endurance. The pair comes to the gym together but then works separately on their individual programs. She prepared different workouts for different days of the week. “We try to come five days a week,” Sullivan said. Sullivan and Sawyer understand the risks that can arise when you workout that frequently so having a trainer implement a plan for them that includes different focuses on different days is another way they can pursue their goals with confidence. Sullivan has an “A” and “B” day and an easy day. “I find at this age, there are days when you don't always feel 100 percent, so, I like an easy day for that day,” she said. She continued, “I don't think of favorites, because I believe Sarabeth balances this and I'm supposed to do it all. I try not to get negative about ones that are a little less interesting. I like the TRX because I've had a problem with my back since I was 40. I like (using it while) working on balance. I like learning to step on and kick. If I have the straps in my hand, I know I won't hit the floor.” Their academic ambition foreshadowed their approach to fitness. Once they set their minds to something they get to work. They are accomplishing things many 80-year olds wouldn’t even dream of doing. Do you suppose you could perform a dead hang for 40 seconds to a full minute? This effective exercise for increasing upper body strength is part of both of their programs. “I love the dead hang myself, because that just seems like it stretches my back. And having had that little bout of sciatica, I appreciate that. So that always makes me feel good. It makes me feel good to know I can do a chin up. I use a little band (when I do those),” shared Sawyer. Exercising in your 80s is very different from exercising at younger ages. Sawyer has this advice for anyone who is like them and working out as seniors; “I think you have to be more careful as you age. Your muscles are not as resilient, nor do you have the strength you used to possess. You can't go lifting 100 pounds all of a sudden because you used to lift that 100 pound feed sack. Spend the time to work up slowly to different weights.” Patience and consistency are key to meeting your fitness goals. It’s about being realistic about where you are at but not letting that hold you back. Sullivan adds, “I think you have to decide, would you rather spend your time in a doctor's office or at the gym? Because you look at a lot of people who don't exercise and you compare their frequency at the doctor's office.” She continues, “Anything you read about aging cuts down to exercise, diet, and sleep as the pillars of good health as you age.” They push themselves to continue to be active. They support each other, Sarabeth helps give them the structure they need to move forward and they have a community to engage with. Aging well is getting redefined as life expectancy continues to rise. It is pioneers, like Sandy and Jane who are a part of that evolution. “You think you're going to be able to do things forever. You don't think you're going to have to Slow down,” said Sullivan. But slowing down doesn’t mean quitting. Sawyer concludes with a laugh, “You will feel better. And there are days you don't want to come to the Y, but you do it anyway. And you feel better. And it helps to have a buddy to suffer with.”
Aging Well Means Staying Active, Strong and Engaged with a Community By Eleanor Rixey
SPECIAL FEATURE: Redefining Aging
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**
15
14
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
ADULT PROGRAMS
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
Maintaining strength is critical for everyone as they age. Sawyer understands the importance of this and enjoys working with kettlebells.
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
Zumba with Lilyann
17
Adaptive Yoga Tai Chi Chu'an Chair Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Gentle Flow Yoga Pilates Men's Yoga PACE Wall Yoga (Racquetball Court)
NEW TIME!
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.
19
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 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
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. July 10 | 4 -9 PM $80 Members/ $90 Non-members
SPECIAL INTERESTS
Fit 4 Life with Cathy
NOW HIRING!!
16
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN THE CARDIO/STRENGTH STUDIO
MAHJONG 10:30 AM Fridays Multipurpose Room
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!
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.
The Healing Power of Music By Karen Landers
18
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Music Moves us and Motivates Us
Shortly before her death in 2020, former prima ballerina Marta Cinta Gonzalez was filmed in the nursing home where she had been living. The people who filmed her were from Musica Para Despertar, a Spanish organization that uses music therapy to improve mood and memory. For years Gonzalez had suffered from dementia and had retreated deep into herself. While she sat, unresponsive and disinterested, in her wheelchair, they placed a set of headphones over her ears and soon the music of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake sparked something within her. Gonzalez was hesitant but within a few minutes she began moving her arms in wing-like gestures as she appeared transported back in time. The movements were almost identical to the ones she used when she last danced the ballet in the 1960s. What was it about the music that sparked her memory? And what moved people so much that when the video was released on YouTube it was viewed over two million times? Do we have an innate understanding of the power music can have over us or are we touched to see this woman suddenly find a moment of joy? For one thing, music is therapeutic and has been around a very long time. The Bible mentions that King Saul became so tormented by feelings of melancholy that his servants searched for a musician in the hope that music might please him. The musician they found happened to be David who, among his other talents, was a keen harp player. As David played his harp Saul’s melancholy lifted. Music can be a shared experience or a solitary pursuit, but it is an art form we can all understand, it is a universal language. Most of us have or have had a favorite song that inspires us, moves us or motivates us and ever since Thomas Edison invented the phonograph in 1877, we’ve been able to listen to music whenever we want. Sharing the Experience Recently I spoke with fellow YMCA staffer Carol Byrd. Anyone that knows Carol knows she is a very busy person! Not only does she handle the front desk duties, but she also teaches Gentle Aqua Fit classes, leads the Monday morning Bible Study group, is the Active Older Adult Coordinator, and is the leader of the “Y” NotSing, Singers. It was this last job that I wanted to talk to her about. On a regular basis the Singers visit nineteen different nursing homes in the area, and I wondered whether she noticed how the music affected the nursing home residents. “There are a lot of lonely people in these places”, she observed, “they need someone to be with them for a few minutes and take them back to happier times.” Carol says that since COVID, “a lot of music has gone away and that’s not a good thing.” The group strives to bring music back into people’s lives and they take care to focus on music that seniors can remember and relate to. She says the visits can be transformative, many people will be reserved, often with their head down and eyes closed. Once the singers start performing though, they might see a foot move, a finger tap, people beginning to mouth the words or even sing along. Before long the singers are out among the residents encouraging them to sing or even dance to the music. Is it the music or the social environment that changes these residents? It could be argued that it’s likely a combination of both. However, music is a great equalizer. Find a song familiar to the majority of the group and they will likely have similar memories or shared experiences. Listening to music can elicit different emotions depending on what song you’re listening to. Researchers believe that, when listening to sad music the hormone prolactin is secreted. This hormone produces feelings of tranquility and calmness and emits a consoling, soothing effect (Psychology Today, The World’s First Music Therapist, David M. Greenberg, April 27, 2017). Feeling Stronger Every Day Besides being enjoyable, music has a lot of practical uses. Studies show it can help manage pain by reducing stress levels and providing a strong competing stimulus to the pain signals that enter the brain. Music has also been shown to reduce stress and elevate a person’s mood. As you listen to music your body releases the hormone dopamine that help relieve the feelings of anxiety and depression. It can also help the waistline. When playing soft music during a meal, people tend to slow down their eating, ultimately consuming less food. Personal experience has shown me the opposite is also true. One memorable Christmas as my friends and family were sitting around the dinner table, we noticed we were all eating at breakneck speed. Eventually we realized someone had put the soundtrack to Zorba the Greek on the stereo. Anyone who knows this music knows the musicians are playing at various tempos until they eventually play at dizzying speeds. We weren’t even tasting what we were eating! Music is a great motivator. Most fitness classes use music as a regular part of a workout routine. There’s a reason for this. Listening to music helps boost a person’s physical performance and increase endurance. People are encouraged to work out longer and it’s just plain fun! (Endeavor Health, Northshore.Org, 9 Benefits of Music, December 31, 2020) Music Therapy and Healing According to certified music therapist Kerry Devlin, the brain and music synchronize. For example, you can start tapping your foot and only then will you hear a song playing. The brain is aware of the music and cued the foot to start tapping before you’re even aware that the music is playing (Ask the MD: Music Therapy and Parkinson’s, May 2, 2022). Music has been shown to reduce a person’s pain levels. Many hospitals will use music to reduce stress in patients undergoing surgery. It’s often used while someone undergoes an MRI because it can help keep the person calm. People use music during meditation to help them stay focused. Listening to music can ease many of the symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease. Though symptoms may vary it is common for people to have balance issues that can lead to falls. Listening to music or even a metronome can stimulate the auditory system and lend rhythm to their movement. I dropped in on a Rock Steady class to see how music affected the participants. For those unfamiliar with the Rock Steady program, it’s a set of classes for individuals dealing with Parkinson’s disease. The participants spend an hour working on their coordination and balance through a series of seated stretches and gentle aerobic movement. Once this is accomplished, they move on to the punching bags and box to specific rhythms. Currently there are 44 participants in the program. Music plays an important role in keeping them in rhythm and helping them stay motivated. According to Fitness Director Wendy Shutty people with this disease, “need a lot of stimulation and music is a huge part of that.” She added that music from the participant’s era “invokes memories, more often good memories that they all share. If they listen to music that they know, they have that shared experience and tend to forget their limitations.” Wendy feels they all move better when they have music to keep them in rhythm. I went back to the class a second time and this time was invited to participate. I felt firsthand the connection between music and movement. As a fitness instructor I’m used to how much music adds to a class and how it enhances the workout experience, but Rock Steady showed me how significant it is in aiding people with their balance and coordination. The steady beats made it easier to follow along and, at times, felt more like dancing. The participants remained alert and engaged through it all and the time flew by. How else can music help people with Parkinson’s? Parkinson’s disease often affects speech leaving the person with symptoms like slurred speech and a weakened voice. Singing has been found to improve loudness and clarity. Singing is also a good way to encourage stronger breathing (Ask the MDs: Music Therapy and Parkinson’s, May 2, 2022, michaeljfox.org). Music - the great healer, motivator, relaxer, and unifier. It transcends cultural and social barriers and magically unites us all. As you celebrate the summer months with cookouts, picnics, and poolside fun turn on that music and see how much it adds to your day. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
Want to get involved? Email our Executive Director Josh Cole at josh@saymca.org
STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA | 708 N. COALTER ST. STAUNTON, VA. | (540) 885-8089 | SAYMCA.ORG
Our Youth Development Center is under development out at 575 New Hope Road. 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 just the beginning of something great! Pick up an application to become a founding donor at the front desk today!
Scan the QR code to read the story by the News Leader to learn more!
Become a founding donor today!
575 is our future. It is what our community deserves.