Stacy was looking for a way to get active with her three young daughters. The family had been members of the Y for some time, but it wasn’t until they learned of the Y-Change Family program that they stepped up their involvement. In the beginning, they weren’t sure they could walk a mile together, but they are now jogging on the treadmills, doing resistance training on the FitQuest circuit and continually looking for ways to fit more exercise into their busy lives. When Stacy wants to add to her individual workout routine, the girls go to the Interactive Zone and burn off more energy.

With the help of their Y-Change coach, Christine, they have learned of new ways to get active together, make healthy choices in the planning of meals, and they even all help with the grocery shopping. The family’s experience with the Y has not just been a win-win situation - it’s been a win-win-win-win!

Click here to view all our Y-Change programs and start your 6-week journey toward a healthier lifestyle. 

Sadly, before they were able to reach more teens, a teen took his life. “Spirits were deflated. Our teen leaders questioned if they could have done more, but they found comfort knowing they had opened the door for healing and immediately co-sponsored another rally to extend the message of hope,” said their YMCA famlly center executive director. The teens agree and are determined to make a difference. “We plan to host more teen rallies and celebrations of hope for local church and youth groups. We hope to point hurting kids in a direction where they’ll find the help they need.”

Watch their video below, and help us as we help our teens confront difficult issues and become community leaders.

Your gift to the We Build People annual giving campaign ensures that we reach out to the neighborhoods and communities in the South Hampton Roads area where we can make the greatest difference.

Busy schedules and life’s daily demands can make it difficult for parents to ensure that their children are practicing healthy habits on a regular basis. According to the YMCA's Family Health Snapshot – a survey of parents that gauges their children’s activity levels during the school year – less than 20 percent of the nation’s children get 60 minutes of physical activity, read books for fun, and eat at least eight fruits and vegetables every day. The YMCA of South Hampton Roads is committed to making healthy eating and physical activity a priority for all of the families that we serve.

On Saturday, April 27, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads is celebrating YMCA Healthy Kids Day® with a free community event to get more families moving, learning and living healthier. Healthy Kids Day, a national initiative of the Y, takes place at 1,900 Ys and features fun, educational activities such as family exercise classes, aquatic activities, healthy snacks, and vendors from the local community.

During summer, many children lose exposure to out-of-school activities that keep their minds and bodies active, leaving them at risk of falling behind academically and gaining weight twice as fast as they would during the school year. Following are five ideas for activities families can begin doing now and throughout summer to stay healthy.

• Begin planning now for summer activities. Check with your local Y for opportunities with day or resident camp, swimming, arts and crafts, or sports.
• Start a book series and read together each night as a family. Reading at night keeps the brain buzzing and young minds active!
• Drink water. Have fun with flavor, give it some pizzazz with a slice of lemon, lime, orange, or even cucumber.
• Take a walking staycation. Map out a new neighborhood or hiking trail in your area and get your family to explore on foot. It's a great way to make Saturday a healthy, active start to the weekend.
• Next time you get "I'm bored!" give your kids a jump rope! It's an awesome way to have fun and keep moving. They can go solo, or get others in on the fun.
• Start a "Words I Want to Know" notebook for the entire family. When there is an unfamiliar word, write it down, look it up, and add it to the family's vocabulary. You can even keep track of these on the refrigerator.

The Healthy Kids Day event takes place at all YMCA of South Hampton Roads locations from 9am-12pm* on Saturday, April 27. For more information, contact Lauren Rowe at 757-546-9622 or lrowe@ymcashr.org.

*The Currituck Family YMCA Healthy Kids Day® celebration will be held from 10am-1pm at the Children's Festival at Maple Park in Maple, NC. The Y on Granby, scheduled to open May 31, will celebrate Healthy Kids Day® and host a job fair at the Granby Street site from 1-4pm.

Meet Karen and see how she’s impacting our community:

Your gift to We Build People ensures that we reach out to the neighborhoods and communities in the South Hampton Roads area where we can make the greatest difference.

Your gift to We Build People ensures individuals in the South Hampton Roads area can remain active and healthy with Y programs each year.

Bill first came to the Mount Trashmore Family YMCA in the summer of 2010. He was in desperate need of help to gain control of his weight. He weighed over 475 pounds and had a tracheotomy tube in his neck to allow him to breathe. Quickly after joining, Bill began his first Y-Change class and started to see immediate results. At the end of 2012, Bill had already lost over 150 pounds. His cholesterol has dropped, his tracheotomy has been removed, and as of March 2013 he has lost 185 pounds. The staff and members encourage him daily and are proud to have witnessed such an inspirational person.

Here is Bill’s story in his own words:

"My name is William Walton. Four years ago I had a bad case of pneumonia. I was in the ICU for a month and ended up needing to depend on a tracheotomy tube to help me breath. For the next two years I was unable to work due to my disability.  I gained weight not watching what I was eating.  I wanted the doctors to remove the breathing tube but they said I could not have it removed until I lost weight.

One day I drove past the Mt. Trashmore YMCA and decided to check it out. I was given a tour by the staff and information on membership.  I could not afford it.  Then they told me about the Open Doors policy, and I was able to become a member. My goal in 2010 was to lose weight and have the tracheotomy removed.  At my first weigh in I was 475 pounds. I could not believe it.  So I decided to join the Y-Change program and get on a regular fitness routine.  I was really focused on losing this weight.  Because of Y-Change and the fitness program, my food intake has changed. I now eat the right kinds of food, exercise more, and drink lots of water. I do Aquasize in the pool every day, and so far I have lost 152 pounds. I no longer have to wear the tracheotomy tube. I can breathe better, my clothes are so much bigger on me, my self-esteem is better, and I sleep better too.

My goal is to get down to 220 pounds by next summer. I have come this far and I am not going to quit. I’d like to thank the Y for their support and how you have helped me."

Here is a video profile shot on March 21, 2013 of Bill today!

We know that health and well-being are all about balance. Your gift to our annual giving campaign ensures that we give people of all ages and interests a supportive environment to build and maintain healthy habits for spirit, mind and body in their everyday lives.

As promised, I have taken the opportunity here to provide you with an overview of what we will be adding to the program in 2013. We are really making a push to freshen up the program, provide even better value for money, and really give the campers the best experience we can offer.

First, we will be adding a paddle boarding program. Paddle boarding has become a growing recreational activity, and will provide a very cool new addition to our water front program, providing some variation and excitement to our already very popular kayaking program. We will also be making extensions to our fishing and crabbing program, hoping to provide more opportunities for campers to participate in these opportunities on a daily basis. Arts and Crafts will also be getting an overhaul, with the addition of more cultural projects, brought to you by our international staff, as well as more take home projects available for the campers.

One of the bigger additions this year will be videography and photography. We are going to get the campers far more engaged in both of these aspects of camp, allowing them to participate daily in the taking of activity photos, selecting which ones go online for the camper parents, and then, finally, after leaving, it will be possible to put together a photobook of your camper’s favorite memories, and get a hard-copy delivered to you! Videos of skits, activities, cabin nights and camper memories will also be put together as the summer goes on, involving the campers once again in the making of these pieces, and editing together the best bits as a memories piece.
These are nice and simple right? Cool new activities, lots of new fun. Now it’s time to tell you about the major additions. Let’s talk about the House System. Everyone that has been to camp is familiar with our Tycoon point system. We are taking that idea a step further making Tycoon the new CSB House System. For those of you who don’t know what a House System is, let me explain. In the United Kingdom, a vast number of, especially private, schools have their own House System.

Each child who goes to one of these schools is put in a House on their first day. This House then gives them a sense of wider belonging for their entire school career. My High School, for example, had 4 Houses, Bannerman, Moore, Law and Clyde, named after successful former students. CSB’s House names are yet to be decided (keep an eye out on Facebook for naming opportunities…). So what does the House System mean for your camper? Well, in their first year (we will be using 2013 as EVERYONE’s first year), each child will be placed in a House. This placement is nothing to do with talent, friendships, ability or age. The only House placement requests, are for those who have siblings in that House, or, down the line, parents and grandparents, who were in that House. Let me say at this point, for those that are worried, House identity does not affect cabin assignment. Your camper can still be in a cabin with all their friends regardless of House identity. Where does all of this relate to Tycoon? Well, now, the points you earn, in what was Tycoon, go towards your House’s overall total. Every week there is an inter-House competition with a Trophy awarded to the winning House. There will also be ribbons for each member of that session’s House champions, and special ribbons mailed to the winner’s of the summer long House Championship.

Each House will have a shield, that records their summer competition victories down the years, and will also have a color, and a flag. The pinnacle of the House System during any week is House competition day. This is one day a week, where House points, identity and bonding are the focus. These will be led by counselors (also assigned to Houses), as well as by the ‘Officer’s Club’. Officers are those senior campers who now in the older camp age group, and have been with us for years. These are campers that the younger ones can look up to as role models. The Officer’s Club is something to aspire to be a part of, as well as an opportunity for those campers to develop themselves as leaders of the greater camp community. Each of these campers will also take home an Officer’s Club dog tag for all their efforts. So, with all of that being said, what are we looking to achieve with the House System? We want to create a sense of belonging, more than just to with the camp, but to a very specific community within the camp. We want to generate competition that is irrelevant to age and ability, where everyone can contribute. We want to expand camper’s horizons beyond just their cabin or their friend group they brought with them to camp. We want to give campers aspirations to grow within the House system, and to be part of some bigger achievement. We want to start a tradition that connects your camper’s experience, to the experience of their children’s when the time comes. We are a young camp, and traditions take time to develop, this year, in 2013, we start a new one, that hopefully will continue to be a part of the program for the entirety of CSB’s bright future.

YMCAs are the country's largest provider of school-age child care, serving more than 390,000 children each year. In YMCA After-School Child Care, kids exercise their bodies, minds and imaginations.

Your gift to our annual giving campaign ensures that we can provide life-saving aquatic instruction to children in our community who might otherwise not be able to participate.

The Y provides a camp experience for children to explore the outdoors, build confidence, develop skills and make lasting friendships and memories.

Your gift to our annual giving campaign ensures that we can provide life-saving aquatic instruction to children in our community who might otherwise not be able to participate.

When she's not out pounding the pavement getting in her 8K practice sessions, she can be found either on one of the Y treadmills building distance or in the pool for Aqua Aerobics building endurance and strength. What does her doctor say about her exercise regimen?  "If she didn't exercise as much as she does, she wouldn't be in the great shape she's in!"  And why does Nancy Wallace regularly come to the Y?
Because she loves the people there and she loves socializing with her many friends!

Nancy will sign up with her friends and family for the Spring into Summer Fitness Challenge. Will she complete 12 workouts in 5 weeks? We believe so and we believe you can do it too...sign up today and challenge yourself!

(Members 8 and older can sign up for the spring fitness challenge. Work out twelve times in five weeks, log your exercise in FitQuest and earn an embroidered hat.)

Challenge Dates: March 25–April 28

Exercise anytime, anywhere. Log your workouts at the Y or online.

Every day at the Y, we teach life-saving skills that will keep kids safe in the water. Children not only learn to swim, they also have fun, learn healthy habits and build confidence at the same time!

Your gift to our annual giving campaign ensures that we can provide life-saving aquatic instruction to children in our community who might otherwise not be able to participate.

Exercise, eat right, exercise, eat right...

From the time I was ten to around fifteen, those were the words that I kept hearing whenever I asked the question, “How do I lose this weight”? Hearing these answers over and over made me not only mad at myself, but mad at how simple everyone made it sound. They said and did these things as if it were their regular, daily lives. For me, it was something that was unattainable and impossible for my weight. That kind of thinking made me realize, if I think like this, then I am a quitter. I didn’t want to be a quitter. I wanted to be one of those kids that everyone else thought of as confident, positive and active. Now, I hadn’t fully realized this new way of thinking until I was about fourteen. Before then, the couch, my bed and my laptop were my three best friends. Well, of course food was too, but back then it was more like a life partner that never left my side or my thoughts. It brought me down and brought my sizes up. As I got older, and bigger, I became a teen that had to shop in the women’s sections of stores, and even online. My self control, as non-existent as it may seem, got out of control. By fourteen, when I came to the long awaited realization that something needed to be done, I took the chance to act upon it.

By the time I was fourteen, I had already been going to the Y for years. I would swim, play a little basketball and yea, go to the weight room every now and then. But, like most kids, I went to hang out with my friends. I loved going there and I hated having to leave. I enjoyed seeing all of the employees with their smiling faces, their pleasant atmosphere and their helpful nature. I never realized that all of the tools I needed to change my life, were at the Y just waiting for me to take the wheel and begin the journey. I began going to the Y not only for the social but the physical experience as well. The trainers helped put me on the right track and they got me up and motivated to change my lifestyle. That was something that I needed to realize too, that in order to change my life on the outside and the inside, I need to make the commitment. My journey, my attitude and my weight...None of those factors could have changed without me taking the first step, and saying, “This is enough...I need to make a change and I need to do it today. Not tomorrow, today”. Making that statement and fully committing to it is what really inspired me to make a change in my life.

I honestly have the Y to thank for that because without them, I never would have seen myself for who I was and know that I wanted improve myself. The Y gave me the tools to workout on my own and to eat correctly on my own. After time, I no longer saw the phrase “Exercise and eat right” as the enemy, because it truly did become a part of my daily life. I enjoy doing physical activities now. I have fallen in love with running and even joined the track team at my school, which is something that I never thought was possible. My confidence and attitude have been greatly improved. I look at everything with a positive outlook now and I enjoy life. Now, I still go to my best friend the laptop every now and then, but it isn’t my main focus like it used to be. And while I still enjoy food, I have learned how to eat right and eat the appropriate amounts of food. Im proud to say that I started my weight loss journey and came out of it beautifully.

Me, Before and After...

My name is Kaitlin Hoagland. I am currently seventeen and with the help of the Y, I have lost 85 pounds. This is how the Y changed my life, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the support and encouragement I received from them.

For those of you who were with us in 2012, you will know a little something about our Impact Garden. I want to take a little time here to explain the concept to you, and our vision for the future with it. The first, and most important principle here, is that… Camp impacts lives.

It is that simple, but how do you quantify that impact? How do you measure it? How do you visualize it? Sometimes we can forget just what we are doing here, what we are achieving every day. The Impact Garden is a physical expression of the impact we have had, and are having, on lives here at CSB.

Within the garden, there are many sculpted rocks, known as Cairns. Each Cairn represents a year of CSB’s operation and impact. The size of each Cairn is dependent on three factors. How many staff did we have, how many campers did we have, and how many impact stones did we lay. The first of those factors is simple. Each staff member lays a foundation stone in the Cairn. This is a larger sized rock, that builds a solid foundation for the impact they will have on the lives of the children they work with that summer. This is a valuable tool in the training of the staff at the start of the year, to help them understand what has gone before them, and what part they will play in the lives of the children they will be serving that summer.

The second aspect, is also a simple one. Each camper receives a small stone at the start of the week, which they are asked to hold on to for the length of their camp session. This stone is to be the symbol of their impact here at camp. Not only of the impact that camp is having on them, but the impact that they are having on their cabin mates, their friends, their counselors, the environment, and the wider camp community. At the end of their camp session, they place this stone on the Cairn, leaving behind their impact, and helping the greater impact of camp grow for that year. The third aspect is even more special. An impact rock is laid on the Cairn when a counselor feels like they, or one of the campers in their cabin, had an impact on an individual, or the community, that was above and beyond the norm. An example of this is when a child arrives at camp and simply doesn’t want to be here, cries because they are homesick at the start of the week and can’t make any friends, but leaves camp with a set of new friends, a huge smile on their face, and a statement of intent to come back for longer next year. We hear stories like this all the time, and some that are far more drastic than that, far more life changing.

Some of these stories will be highlighted in future camper spotlight segments. One can never truly measure the impact we have, or how the seeds we plant will grow and blossom, but the Impact Garden is our attempt to do so. As the years go on, and camp’s impact grows, so will the Impact Garden, growing larger, covering more ground, being beautified in dedication to those who chose to donate to our cause. As it grows, and expands over the years, those who have been a part of helping it grow will be invited back to remember the impact they have had. This includes a time capsule, buried beside each cairn, that will be opened 10 years after it was buried, and contains the hopes and dreams that each counselor had for their summer at camp, and the memories they had at the end.

The Impact Garden is a symbol of the great work that is done here at camp, and the countless lives that are impacted here.

The crystal chandeliers hung high in the ceilings, fresh snow carpeted the landscape, ordinate flower arrangements stood on each table, the antique rugs were freshly cleaned… in order to host 150 YMCA teens! 
The Founders Inn and Regent University hosted The YMCA Teen Leaders Club Rally was held on January 26-27th 2013. The event was titled, A Touch of Class. This weekend, numerous middle and high school teens from the YMCA of South Hampton Roads gathered together to celebrate leadership as they do in their communities. The fact they were more than welcome to host this teen event says much to their commitment to the community and to assist the YMCA in developing the potential of every teen. 

The days began with meet and greet sessions with fellow YMCA Leaders Club participants from various branches. The Leader Club participants then attended the following classes: Executive Panel, The YMCA and You, College Preparation, Feeling Great, and Etiquette. In these classes, teens explored their responsibility as an executive in their club and further understood what the YMCA meant to them and to the community. The teens got out of their comfort zone, learned about college preparations and talked about etiquette in 5 star dining situations and manners. 

The following clinics where the leaders were able to choose where to go were also available to the Leaders Club participants to meet their specific interest: Dating 101, Get Glam, Swag Factor, and Tabata.
The most exciting part of the night was yet to come. The Leaders Club participants then began to prepare for the dinner banquet that was held in The Founders Inn ballroom. It wasn’t until the banquet that the teens truly exhibited a Touch of Class. They were asked to dress for the occasion and truly looked adorable in their dresses and ties. The dinner was followed by a dance by which a local Astro DJ’s Christian donated his services. The night was a complete success
The morning prior it was time for the teens to have the morning devotionals and say their goodbyes. Throughout the rally, every priceless moment was being captured that resulted into an in depth visual presentation of how the Teen Leaders Club Rally was deemed a success event. As I saw the teens give their final goodbyes, I couldn’t help but to overhear the conversations longing for the next Teen Leaders Club Rally. It is expectant of next year that it will be a bigger turnout of teens as the YMCA Leaders Club of South Hampton Roads by storm!

We look forward to another year creating wonderful experiences, empowering people and continuing our support of healthy families, our youth and giving back to our community.

*To watch in HD (full quality) click the gear symbol on YouTube player and click 720p or 1080p and/or watch in full screen.

View the Annual Report here.

Fulfilling our commitment to building a stronger community and supporting our neighbors, the Y collected and distributed coats to children and families in need as part of WAVY-TV 10’s annual Coats for Families drive. The Greenbrier North YMCA Wellness & Racquetball Center in Chesapeake, the Indian River Family YMCA in Virginia Beach, and the Community Services YMCA in Norfolk started collecting new and gently-used coats in late November from YMCA members and the community. On Saturday, January 12, these centers gave away over 400 coats to local families, part of the estimated 2,000 coats distributed across Hampton Roads.

Thank you for donating your coats to those in need and helping the Y give back to our community!

On January 7, 2013, a new Sentara Therapy Center opened inside the downtown Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA. The center continues the YMCA’s partnership with Sentara Healthcare to provide YMCA members and non-members access to various treatments by clinically trained physical therapists for back pain, neck pain, or orthopedic injuries affecting the leg, shoulders and hips. For traumatic or orthopedic conditions from the elbow to the hand, Sentara offers the specialized care of an occupational therapist who is a certified hand therapist. Additionally, the center offers massage therapy with a certified massage therapist.

YMCA members will receive the added benefit of complimentary assessments. If you’re having muscle or joint aches and pains, stop by the Sentara Therapy Center and talk with one of their therapists. If you are in need of physical rehabilitation therapy, they can provide what your doctor prescribes and have the advantage of helping you integrate back into your favorite Y activity. Your Sentara therapist can help you return to your optimal state of physical health.

Want to learn more?
Stop by a Community Open House on Saturday, January 26 from 10am - 1pm. The open house will feature informational booths and demos, as well as tours of the YMCA and the new therapy center. Ask a therapist about your aches and pains!

YMCA members will have a special open house on Tuesday, February 5 from 4-6pm to learn more about the center’s benefits for Y members.

Hours
Monday 8am - 6pm; Tuesday through Friday 8am - 7pm.

When Stacey first came to the Y, she weighed over 310 pounds. She didn't feel well and her blood pressure was high enough to need medication. At her young age she was concerned, so she asked her doctor what she could do to improve her health. "Eat well and get moving" was the answer.

Encouraged by the staff at the Y, Stacey tried Zumba, a workout class that uses dance moves set to Latin music, and loved it. She also met a classmate named Monica who was battling some of the same issues. Monica guided Stacey on nutrition, keeping a food journal, and ways to keep moving. Stacey called Monica her Bob Harper from The Biggest Loser. They shared healthy snacks which kept them away from the vending machines. They supported each other. 

Stacey has lost over 80 pounds, no longer needs blood pressure medicine and now feels so good that she's become a Zumba instructor at the Y so that she can help others achieve their wellness goals.

The New Year is a time for new beginnings and to set goals that strengthen one’s spirit, mind and body. When making New Year’s Resolutions, the YMCA of South Hampton Roads reminds families that building and maintaining family connectedness is one of the most important resolutions.

Visit any of our family centers across Hampton Roads and you will find that we offer a variety of programs that support family time, such as movie nights, family swim time, family Zumba classes, and more. There are also simple things families can do at home to improve their family’s health and well-being. Following are five New Year’s Resolutions the Y recommends for 2013:       

1. Eat Together: Sitting down together for a meal is a great way for parents and children to share stories, or talk about the school day or their favorite part of the day. Set aside time for the family to eat breakfast, lunch or dinner at least once a week or every day if scheduling permits.

2. Volunteer Together: Giving back and supporting neighbors benefit everyone involved. It teaches children and teens the value of helping others and is also a way to meet new people or discover a new interest. Find an opportunity in your community that the entire family may enjoy, such as cleaning your neighborhood park or distributing food at a local food bank.

3. Unplug from Technology: Limit screen time (television, video games, computer, cell phone etc.) and instead set aside an hour or two for activities that allow interaction and camaraderie. If weather permits, go for a walk, bike ride, trip to the park, or have a game night at home. If you do want to watch television, maybe have a movie night with the family. 

4. Be Physically Active: It’s important for children to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day (30 minutes for adults). Incorporate physical activity into your daily routines and spend more time walking to places instead of driving to improve your health and well-being.

5. Put Extras to Good Use: Do you have extra canned goods or clothes that could benefit others in need? Clean out your pantry, closet or attic and donate extra items to homeless shelters or community outreach programs. You can also get the entire family involved and demonstrate to children the value of giving.

Click here to learn more about family programs happening at our YMCA of South Hampton Roads locations.

A retired police officer, Howie lived a relatively active lifestyle but didn’t watch what he ate or have an exercise regimen. In late 2005, Howie had been experiencing what he and his family physician thought was a normal bout of indigestion and acid reflux; his EKGs were normal. But, to be sure, his family physician referred him to a cardiologist for further testing. He underwent a cardiac stress test and was immediately admitted to the hospital. Less than a week later, he had a quadruple bypass and has the scar to prove it. "My cardiologist told me that life is all about choices. I can choose to eat pizza and fatty foods and not take care of myself. If I didn’t change, I would see him again in a year for another surgery. That was my wake up call." After his surgery, Howie's doctor referred him to the Sentara Clinical Fitness program at the Hilltop Family YMCA for long-term therapy and rehabilitation. Through this program, Howie was introduced to the Y and became a member.

Now 64 years old, Howie works out five times a week, alternating between cardio exercise on the elliptical and strength training circuits. "I wake up every morning and excuses for why I shouldn’t go work out enter my mind. But then I look in the mirror and see the scar that runs down my chest, and I know I have to keep going to be here for my family. I wouldn’t give it up for anything."

It's not just his scar that keeps him going. The staff and members at the Y motivate him and keep him accountable. They call Howie if he misses a few days, and he is sure to let them know when he's going out of town. “Without the Y, I wouldn't still be exercising. I go to the Y because of the friendships I have made and the encouragement I have received along the way."

Howie started his journey to health in the Sentara Clinical Fitness Program at the Hilltop Family YMCA. The clinical fitness program is also offered at the Mt. Trashmore Family YMCA.

Lynda is a single mom who works full-time and attends business school. The Y helps her juggle the demands of work, school and family as she strives to provide for her sons. Her boys, ages 8 and 10, attend the YMCA's after-school program at Greenbrier Intermediate, allowing her time to work and study. "If my kids aren’t with me," she said, "I have peace of mind knowing they are with people who care for them and share the same values."

Education is important to Linda. While raising her sons, she has completed her bachelor's degree and begun a master's program in business. She wants to instill these same values in her children, and it was important to her to find an after-school program that would do the same. "I review their homework each night and see the counselor's notes in the margins explaining concepts to my kids. I know the tutoring makes a difference." Lynda appreciates the consistency and involvement of the staff who take the time to provide her boys with the attention they need.

On the rare occasion that Lynda picks up her boys early, she finds them playing with their friends and not ready to leave. "The kids have made so many great friends. Everyone in our community is connected to the Y somehow; the Y will always be a part of my kids' lives."

The after-school program at Greenbrier Intermediate is part of the YMCA's Chesapeake School-Age Child Care program, which provides licensed school-based childcare for kindergarten through eighth grades. The program's structure provides time for children to complete their homework, play games, and interact with each other in a highly supervised, safe environment. For more information on the YMCA of South Hampton Roads child care programs, click here.

Karen and Matt Hamel relocated to Chesapeake after experiencing first-hand the horror of 9/11 in New York City. Matt worked in the banking industry, in a building attached to the World Trade Center. On the morning of 9/11, he sat in his office waiting to evacuate and witnessed hundreds of people jumping from the top floors of the Twin Towers—some hugging, some holding hands. Thankfully, Matt made it to safety. But the images of 9/11 stuck with him, and he wanted to "pay [it] back for surviving," said his wife Karen. He joined the Navy Reserves, which led him, his wife and his two young children to Chesapeake.

Shortly after the birth of their third child, Matt left for Iraq for eight months. "This is when the Y literally became my lifeline," said Karen. Karen came to the Greenbrier Family YMCA nearly every day during his deployment to work out, to get out of the house, or to simply shower. "Trying to shower at home with a 5 year old, a 1 year old, and an infant always led me to come out to an unrolled roll of toilet paper stuffed in the toilet or my infant son in a tiara and lipstick," Karen joked. But the support Karen received from the Y during those months was no joking matter. "During his deployment, everyone at the Y, both staff and members, checked on me often. Everyone offered help if I needed it and were genuine in their offers. Military spouses kept me upbeat with their deployment anecdotes and the YMCA pool served as my little tropical oasis away from home…we made a great network of friends—all relationships we initiated and cultivated at the Y."

The Y supported Karen and her young children during this difficult time until Matt safely returned home. Now a family of six, the Hamels continue to frequent the Y, enjoying a variety of family-friendly programs such as Stay & Play, the Interactive Zone, swim lessons, youth sports, and Parents Night Out. Karen is especially grateful to have the Y in their lives: "I consider myself lucky to have the Y as part of my village fulfilling its mission to build the people in my family and community to be the best that they can be."

This past August Chuck Harris retired as the CEO for the YMCA of South Hampton after 23 years of service. His successor, Billy George, who recently hired me to be Chaplain for the YMCA (oh, and I also do risk management), asked me to do the devotional thought to begin the December Board of Directors meeting. As I reflected on what I wanted to say, I remembered that Chuck had always read the story of the birth of Jesus from Luke 2: 1 -14, so in his honor, I decided I would keep that tradition going.

The birth of Jesus is a story of good news, great joy, peace on earth, and goodwill to mankind. It is a simple story about a family and the birth of their first born Son. It’s about a humble beginning where shepherds in the field are invited to come and celebrate this special birth. Christians believe it is about a Savior being born to restore our broken relationship with God. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believe in Him shall not perish, but shall have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Even if you are of a different faith perspective or of non-faith, this story has ramifications for all of us.

As human beings we are created to live in relationship with each other. The most important relationships we have are the ones with our families. True happiness comes from the love of family and from the experiences we have with them. Unfortunately, most of us miss this understanding and think that physical pleasures or material possessions will give us happiness in life. The simple message of the birth narrative is about relationships built on love and forgiveness. It’s about reconciliation, restoration, and rebirth.  The good news of great joy is that God has come and He has forgiven us and has offered us grace. The good news of great joy is that God is a gracious and loving God. In the Book of Jonah, the prophet tried to avoid preaching to the people of Nineveh, because he knew the Lord, as he put it “was a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.” (Jonah 4:2) 

Just as God loves us and gives grace, so we must work at loving our own families. We must strive to forgive and ask to be forgiven. I remember a movie growing up called “Love Story” (a real chick movie), and one of the classic lines from the movie is when the character played by Ryan O’Neal apologizes to Ali MacGraw and she says, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry.” This naïve statement is impossible to attain and eliminates the hope that true love brings. It infers the idea that unless a relationship is story book perfect, it’s simply a failure, so you might as well end it. 

Jesus had a very different message. Jesus taught a message of forgiveness that applies to all people who are interested in having strong and healthy relationships. Here are just two principles Jesus taught in regards to forgiveness:

1. Develop a willingness to forgive others, because it will build a bank account of forgiveness for you:  “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors….For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:12, 14 -15 )  “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that have received it, and it will be yours.  And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins.”  (Mark 11:24 -25)
   
2. Develop an unlimited ability to forgive others: “Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me?  Up to seven times?  Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’”  (Matthew 18: 21 -22)  “If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him.  If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”  (Luke 17:3 – 4)

When Mother Teresa received the Nobel Prize, she was asked, "What can we do to promote world peace?" She answered: "Go home and love your family.” Everything of value starts with our family. Unfortunately, many families are broken today and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know most problems in society today occur because of this breakdown.

So how do we go about changing this? We must be the change agent and take the first step and work toward understanding and love among our own families. I once heard pastor Chuck Swindoll speak about the following 12 words that he said would change your marriage: “I am wrong. I am sorry. Please forgive me. I love you.” I love the simplicity of these words. Of course the appropriate response is, as Jesus taught, immediate and unconditional forgiveness. We must keep it as simple as that, but it does come with effort and a determination to never give up. I think everybody knows this, so how can something that seems so simple in theory be so impossible in practice. Just as the angel appearing to Mary said, “Nothing is impossible with God.” (Luke 1:37) God is with us in this effort, and will help us be successful if we allow Him. Matthew 1:22 quotes the prophecy found in Isaiah 7:14, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, “God with us.”

Finally, I want to conclude with something of a personal nature. I have been blessed to have great parents, a loving wife and children who I am very proud to be their Fasha (my daughter’s term of endearment from an Austin Powers movie). My children are grown now, but last week I received the following communications, one from son Ryan (e-mail) that grew out of conversation on what a great job he has; and one from my daughter Kate (a tweet), who was faced with some challenges in school and I texted her some words of encouragement.

From Ryan: “I am blessed to have a Dad that taught me to pursue my passion.  I didn’t discover my passion for running until about 21 and I turned it into a full time job a   few years later.  That wouldn’t have happened without advice from you and Mom.  Everything Kate’s doing is so awesome and in line with her passions too. You guys are just awesome parents!”

From Kate: “My parents know exactly what to say at just the right time” @RunEdRun262 @leesofva#loveyou

At the YMCA we strive to build the foundations of community by being for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. We strive to create an environment where all people can come and feel welcome; and that the Y will be the place where families come to create lifelong memories. We wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah during this holiday season. We pray that your family will be filled with joy and peace throughout the year. Our wish for you in this New Year is one of reconciliation, restoration and rebirth of your most important relationships. Shalom!

Aaron and his family joined the Y in June 2012—for the second time. He had been a member once before, but shortly after joining he cancelled his membership because he wasn’t using it. “I didn’t take advantage of the programs and lacked the support I needed to stay motivated,” Aaron said about the first time he became a member.

Like many health-seekers, Aaron had goals in mind, but needed structure and accountability to help him be successful. With his high cholesterol becoming a concern, he decided to come back to the Y. The day he rejoined, he enrolled in the Y-Change program. Through Y-Change, Aaron learned how to make better eating choices, like choosing a grilled chicken sandwich with a side salad instead of a hamburger with French fries. He also received the accountability and support he needed. His Y-Change class worked out with a coach three times a week for six-weeks, allowing Aaron to get on a routine he could stick with. “The first time around, I let other things take priority”, he said. “This time, Y-Change helped me get into a routine, make the commitment, and focus on being healthy.”

Since becoming a member again, Aaron has lost 49 pounds, 11 inches off his waist and 3 pants sizes. His cholesterol is under control, and he recently completed his first 10k. His advice to other health-seekers: “Get to know people, take advantage of the programs available to you, and don't do it by yourself.”

Y-Change is a six-week course, free for members, focused on teaching the basics of fitness and nutrition. A trained coach leads a small group of participants in weekly seminars and workouts. To view available offerings, click here.

The YMCA Family Center on Granby is scheduled to be open by Memorial Day 2013, good news for those looking forward to being the first to swim in the outdoor pool. The family center will be the newest addition to the YMCA of South Hampton Roads Association.

To follow construction progress and other news, become a fan of The YMCA Family Center on Granby on Facebook.

The holidays wouldn’t be the same without delicious, homemade cookies. But your favorite treats don’t have to throw your healthy eating off track. SELF Magazine provides 10 holiday cookie recipes under 100 calories each. Below is one of these delicious and nutritious recipes featured online.

Chocolate Chip-Walnut Cookies

• 1/2 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 6 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cherries

Heat oven to 375°. In a bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda and cinnamon. In another bowl, cream butter and sugars until fluffy, 3 to 5 minutes. Add egg and vanilla; beat until smooth. Blend flour mixture into butter mixture. Stir in chocolate chips, walnuts and cherries. Drop 20 dough balls (1 tbsp each) onto 2 ungreased cookie sheets, 2 inches apart. Bake until golden brown, 9 minutes. Remove from oven; let cool on sheets 3 minutes, then transfer to foil to cool fully. Makes 20 cookies.

100 calories per cookie, 6 g fat (3 g saturated), 11 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 1 g protein

This year we offered basic swim rules and water exposure to 64 kids. Here is a short video from one of our sessions at the Greenbrier Family YMCA in March of this year. 

Thank you for your help in building a stronger community in South Hampton Roads.
To learn more about theYMCA of South Hampton Roads Early Adventures program click here.

Over 1,000 cyclists began the long trek in Brevard, NC and ended at Carolina Beach, NC. Don Pratt, Cycle instructor for the Outer Banks Family YMCA, and his wife Jeanne started practicing in May and logged over 1500 miles. "This was our first year and it was wonderful." The scenery was beautiful and the highlight of their trip was the visit through downtown Matthews, NC with a cross over the towns' River Walk.

The following characteristics are commonly associated with diabetes:

• I am 45 years of age or older.
• I am overweight.
• I have a parent with diabetes.
• I have a sister or brother with diabetes.
• My family background is African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander.
• I had diabetes while I was pregnant (gestational diabetes), or I gave birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds or more.
• I am physically active less than three times a week.

Does this describe you? If so, take this simple quiz from the American Diabetes Association to find out your risk for prediabetes or diabetes. If you score a 10 or higher, talk with your healthcare provider to get tested. Watching your diet, increasing your activity level, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help you lower your risk.