OUR VOICE
NORTH VALLEY FAMILY YMCA 11336 Corbin Ave, Northridge, CA 91326
December 2013 www.ymcala.org/nv
A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
WE’RE IN GOOD HANDS: YOURS 68TH Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner
Thanks to the 972 volunteers that shared their time and talent with our Y this year. Your helping hands make it all possible. Join us as we thank them for their efforts and celebrate the following volunteers recognized for their commitment and dedication in five major program areas and our Volunteer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Awards.
Childcare Program Volunteer of the year – Debra Hirsch Healthy Lifestyles Program Volunteer of the year – Isabel Bradley Camp Program Volunteer of the year – Rayvon Hill Adventure Guides Program Volunteer of the year – Steve Corvi and Brad Roth Youth Sports Program Volunteer of the year – Santiago Drake Volunteer of the Year – Nelson Sanesi Lifetime Achievement Award – Les Grossman
FOOD FOR THOUGHT Healthy Holiday Family Activities
We know the dangers of sweets and treats and second helpings from holiday meals and parties. So let’s focus on some healthy activities families can do during this festive time. Create Your Own Decorations • Kick off the festive fun by adding a personal touch to your holiday cards, decorations, or table setting. Kids love an art project. Finger-painted decorations will brighten up any room. Or, you can take inspiration from the outdoors and use fallen pinecones or pressed leaves to make place cards for the table. • Decorate your Christmas tree or wreath with sustainable materials like reused ribbon or strung popped-corn. Create your own holiday greeting cards by using simple supplies like colored paper, glitter, and glue. READ MORE on P 4
OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
INSIGHT By John Sinnema ,
Chair of North Valley Family YMCA’s Board of Managers
Giving Back to our COMMUNITY 2014 Current Support Campaign Did you know that every year, hundreds of volunteers from the North Valley Family YMCA gather together to tell the YMCA story and gather support for the community. In turn, our Y gives hundreds of thousands of dollars back to the families, kids, adults and youth programs, in the form of scholarships and financial aid to those who need it most.
The holidays are upon us and we are busy with anticipation and good news!
We believe that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. We’re here to strengthen our community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Here’s how the Campaign helps:
Our 26th Annual Booster Club Dinner was the must successful one to date. Thanks to the incredible efforts of our chair: Los Angeles City Council President Pro Tempore Mitchell Englander, and his staff, we had a record number of local dignitaries and exceptional friends in attendance. And thanks to the support of our many sponsors, especially our Platinum Sponsors: Northridge Toyota/Scion, Porter Ranch Development Co. and Time Warner Cable, we raised funds for Y scholarships for hundreds of families and children, allowing more people in our community enjoy child care, camp, swimming lessons, family programs, youth sports and more.
• 720 children and teens in our after school and extended care Child Care program and preschools are educated and enriched in a safe, nurturing environment where they can learn, grow and develop social skills. • 1900 children participate in the Youth Sports League for Basketball, Volleyball and Indoor Soccer helping to develop character, confidence and sportsmanship as they grow older. • 250 teens engage in Leadership Development - as Youth and Government and Model United Nations participants, Junior Leaders, Junior Lifeguards, Camp Counselors or Counselors-in-Training - gaining knowledge, character development, guidance and encouragement to help them develop and realize their potential.
Thanksgiving was again a special holiday as we gave away 3,300 Thanksgiving baskets for families in the area to celebrate together. Cheers again to board member, Maithili Patil for spearheading this drive for the 4th year in a row. And with winter on it’s way, it’s time to sign up for Winter Camp for grades 3-10, and join us for our annual Snowfest on Dec. 14th. This year we celebrate Holidays Around the World with a Choral Concert kicking off the day of FREE fun for the community. And I would also like to say thank you to nearly 800 volunteers that help us give kids hope and joy, provide support for families and ensure that everyone feels welcome at the Y. Our 68th Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner is our small way of saying thanks for the big things you all do. We do indeed have much to be thankful for, and we want to wish everyone joyous holiday season.
- READ MORE ON P. 6
OUR MISSION | The North Valley Family YMCA puts Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit,
START THE SEASON WITH A SMILE. Santa Photos: Saturday, December 14 Come take your FREE picture with Santa Claus at the North Valley Family YMCA Infant & Preschool Learning Centers and join in the holiday fun. Bring your own camera or we’ll take a picture for you. Start the holiday season with free family fun! • FREE Pictures with Santa • Cookie decorating • Arts and crafts
10am-12pm:
Infant & Preschool Center 11630 Indian Hills Rd. Mission Hills 91345 818-898-1131
1pm-3pm: Preschool Learning Center 15950 Chatsworth St. Granada Hills 91344 818-891-9214
winter fun has begun Winter Camp: Day & Overnight Camps Winter Break will soon be upon us. Are you looking for a fun, safe and enriching experience for your kids? Check out the Y options below for building self esteem, developing interpersonal skills and making friendships and memories that last a lifetime.
Overnight Winter Camp: December 18-22 Elementary Unit - Winter Camp Whittle For teens currently in the 3rd to 5th grades. Enjoy winter in the mountains! Activities include snow play, sledding, nature, crafts and more. Grab your best friend and sign up together.
Ski & Snowboard Unit - Winter Camp Whittle For teens currently in the 6th to 10th grades. Here’s your chance to rule the mountain as you ski or snowboard. The fee includes rentals, lessons and lift tickets. Plus, you will also have the chance to do some camp activities like snow play, sledding, crafts and nature.
Child Care Winter Camp: December 23-January 10 The Y offers an experience like no other for winter break. With our all-day childcare programs, your child will learn and grow through our fun-filled curriculum. In the safe nurturing environment of the center of your choice, your kids will play new games and activities with boys and girls their own age, and experience a field trip or onsite show every week. You can find Winter Camp at the following elementary schools: Beckford, Calahan, Castlebay, El Oro Way, Germain, Harding, Haskell, Knollwood, Porter Ranch Community School, Superior and Van Gogh. Week 1: 12/23 - 12/27: The Joys of the Holidays (closed 12/25) All around the world people are celebrating! The excitement is contagious! But what are they celebrating? Join us to learn all about holidays around the world and how we can make them special. * On-site Show TBA Week 2: 12/30/13 - 1/03/14: New Year, New You (closed 12/31) It’s a brand new year! We will take a ride down memory lane and work hard to create new memories during this week of excitement. Have fun with us as we make our exciting resolutions for 2014. * On-site Show TBA Week 3:
1/6/14 - 1/10/14: Walking in a Winter Wonderland
Come take a walk with the Y as we check in on our animal friends to see what they are up to during the winter season. How are animals and people alike and different in winter? Who knows, maybe we aren’t that different at all. * Trip: Jump 5150 Indoor Trampolines
OUR VOICE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y
HEALTHY HOLIDAY FAMILY ACTIVITIES (cont.) Go the Extra Mile for Your Tree Capture the essence of the holiday spirit and make tree hunting a fun-filled family day out. Cut-your-own Christmas tree farms offer the opportunity to search for, hand-pick, and cut down a fresh tree. Don’t settle for one right next to the front gate; head to the far end of the lot for extra exercise. Many farms have a picnic area and provide hayrides, so consider packing a lunch and dress appropriately. Cook Together, Eat Together There’s nothing like a delicious holiday meal to celebrate the festive season. Get the whole family involved in planning the menu and preparing the food. Kids can even lend a hand in choosing and preparing their favorite fruits for a colorful salad. Get Outside, Get Moving Burn off those extra holiday calories by taking a walk or planning a family-friendly game of basketball or touch football. If you live in colder climates, plan an outdoor activity like sledding, building a snowman, or shoveling the sidewalk together. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit while increasing your heart rate and working up a sweat.
Help Those in Need Teach your children the true meaning of the holiday spirit by volunteering with them at a local charity. Whether you’re contributing your time, money, or presents, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities available. Help deliver food to the homeless, bring toys to a local children’s hospital, or donate to your favorite cause. Play a Game, Reduce Stress Exercise your brain, and plan some quality time with your family over a board game or jigsaw puzzle. Dreidel is a favorite during Hanukkah, and a Secret Santa gift exchange is guaranteed to add excitement to Christmas Day. Playing and laughing is proven to reduce stress, explains the Mayo Clinic, and will help to bring family and friends closer together. Reflect and Resolve It’s a great time to reflect on the year gone by. Talk to your loved ones about the ups and downs over the year, and make some healthy New Year’s resolutions together. Quit smoking, start a weight-loss program, or make a promise to spend more quality time with family and friends.
Read more: http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/healthy-holiday-activities#1
SNOW MUCH FUN FOR FAMILIES
Snowfest: WINTER AROUND THE WORLD Saturday, 12/14, 11am-2pm
Winter Around The World: A Choral Concert
Come experience songs from countries around the world – all performed by our North Valley Family Y’s Vocal Technique and Performance Groups. The Concert will be held at 10am, right before our Snow Fest Event. Buy your tickets today, for only $5 at our Welcome Center.
FREE to the COMMUNITY! Don’t just “dream” of a winter wonderland. Bring your family to enjoy a fun day of play with REAL SNOW, and learn about about holidays from around the world. Don’t forget your snow appropriate clothing including gloves and warm clothes. Snow Fest will include: • Interactive holiday activities • Holiday arts & crafts • YMCA Membership, Program & Winter Camp information available for families • Sweet sounds of the holiday season • FREE 7-Day Guest Pass for your family to enjoy our Y! • Hot cocoa, holiday pastries, and much more! 3
OUR MISSION | The North Valley Family YMCA puts Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit,
DECEMBER CALENDAR
Giving Back to our COMMUNITY -cont. from p. 3
• Come with the YMCA to Disneyland: Saturday December 7 (leave at 8 am from the YMCA, returning after the fireworks show) See the magic and wonder of Disneyland during the holiday season with the YMCA. Reserve your families tickets by November 7 and pay just $87 per person. After November 7 the cost goes up to $100 per person. Fee includes a Disney 1 Day 1 Park ticket, bus ride to and from Disney, & parking. Contact: Amanda Hendrick • 600 children per month in our youth Swim lessons and • Winter Day and Overnight Camps Available Read more on P.6. • Member Appreciation Day: December 11th You make us special! Join us between 9am & 11am or 3pm & 5pm for healthy foods from Ed DeSouza and let us thank you for being a part of our Y family. • Parents’ Night Out: December 13th, 6:00 9:30pm Parents: need some xtra shopping time? Why not take a Parent’s Night Out! Kids, enjoy a FUN night at the Y while your parents enjoy a FUN evening out. Ages: 3 to 10 years | Cost $17 per child or $20 for the whole family. Contact: Jody Guerrero • Pictures with Santa: December 14th, 10am12pm & 1-3pm Come get your free picture with Santa at our Preschools, and stay for crafts and snacks. Read more on P.3. • Snowfest: December 14th, 11am-2pm A Snow Day with Holidays around the World. Read more on P.4. • Winter Sports Registration NOW OPEN Join us for a new season fun, skills and teamwork. Basketball, soccer, volleyball, and adult basketball Seasons starts1/25/14. Kids build skills, learn team work, and focus on sportsmanship. Please Contact: Daniel Zadikov Danielzadikov@ymcala.org
youth programs participate in positive, fun activities that build athletic, social and interpersonal skills. • 12,500 elementary school children at 25 local public schools learn to be active and healthy through our P.L.A.Y. program, where the Y is working to enhance their physical fitness. • More than 300 children and teens receive a life-changing Camp experience, where they explore the outdoors, build self-esteem and make lasting friendships. • 540 families come together for Family Time – Papoose, YGuides and Princesses, Trailblazers, Family Camp, Family Nations and Family Fun Nights where parents and children can have fun and grow together. • 650 families improve their Health, Well-Being & Fitness at our main branch facility thanks to financial assistance.
We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together. Join us in making your gift today. Contact us at Ext 2319 to learn how.