We all have a Y story to tell. Kevin Washington’s begins as a 10-year-old in an after school program at the Christian Street YMCA in south Philadelphia. His story continues as he steps into his role as the 14th President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. Watch the video above to hear Kevin’s story in his own words.
Staff Spotlight: Sarah Porzel
Sarah Porzel, the program and membership director for the new Morris YMCA, has set a lofty goal for 2015: To know each and every member’s name.
Sitting in her office, tucked away in the back of the Y’s aerobics room, she suggests her goal is almost complete and lets out a laugh—probably because the Morris Y, which opened just four weeks ago, already has 1,700 members (and counting).
But if anyone can do it, it’s Sarah, a self-described “Y Geek” who has plans for a lifelong career with the Y.
Sarah first got started with the Y during her time at St. Ambrose University in Iowa, where she had an internship at the Davenport YMCA. After earning a degree in physical education, she spent time at the LaGrange YMCA before finally settling in full-time with the Greater Joliet Area YMCA.
In under two years as the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s youth and family coordinator, Sarah introduced a variety of new programs to the Y, while also taking the lead on summer day camp, one of the Y’s largest youth programs, as well as the Fab 50 Club, an increasingly popular social program for seniors. Then in December 2014, Sarah accepted her new role at the Morris Y.
“I got bit by the Y bug,” she says. “I get up everyday and I’m happy to go to work. I love who I work with. I love the members. I love that I get to come into work and not feel like I’m working.”
From Monday to Saturday, you can find Sarah at the Y. Sometimes, she mans the Membership Desk, interacting with members and answering questions. Other times, she stays behind the scenes, developing new programming for youth, teens, adults and seniors.
In fact, some of those programs are set to officially premiere at the Y next week.
“The fact that I can basically create these programs—ones that I always wished I had when I was little—and give them to the community is probably one of the best feelings in the world,” she says.
Starting February 9, the Morris Y will begin offering preschool programs such as “Tiny Tot Two’s” and “Fine Motor Fun,” among many others. Youth programs set to begin include “Lego Mania” and “Little Artists.”
The best is yet to come, however. Sarah says a lot more programs are in the works for 2015. While she didn’t dive into specifics, Sarah did mention that she just placed a big order for tumbling equipment.
“What we have going on here is pretty amazing,” she says.
With Sarah leading the way, we wouldn’t expect anything less.
A Guide to Roasting Vegetables
Winter is the season for roots and other hearty vegetables, and there’s no better way to prepare them than roasting. It’s easy, delicious, and nutritious.
Why Roast?
Dry cooking methods like roasting allows the vegetables to retain more nutrients than steaming or boiling, where the water can leach away important vitamins and minerals. Tossed in a bit of olive oil prior to roasting, heart-healthy fats help make those veggies tastier and more fulfilling.
But perhaps the best reason of all is that roasting is delicious. That beautiful golden brown color that develops is the caramelization of natural sugars within, so it enhances the natural sweetness and adds a distinctive texture. Roasting also browns the proteins within, bringing forth a more complex flavor than wet methods can create.
Think you don’t like Brussels sprouts? Kids gag at cauliflower? Roast them, and they will be completely transformed from what you think you know.
What to Roast
Winter is the season for hearty roots and other tough vegetables, and these are perfect suited to the high temperatures of roasting. Any vegetable can be roasted, but the veggies available in winter are especially good. Try roasting familiar ones, like carrots and potatoes. Transform cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Rethink winter squashes and beets. Try something totally new like fennel or parsnips.
How to Roast
Roasting is about as simple as it gets:
- Get your oven to a very hot 450 degrees—this will get the sugars caramelizing on the outside.
- Get a nice flat baking sheet so the pieces can spread out. If they’re too close together or in a deep baking pan the hot air can’t get to each piece properly and they’ll steam instead. Line the pan with parchment to make clean up easier, but stay away from foil! It will interfere with browning and the foods will stick to it like crazy.
- Cut the vegetables into even-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Toss them in a bowl with a bit of good olive oil, and season liberally with salt.
- Spread them out on the baking sheet, being sure to leave plenty of open space. Use a second sheet if you’re making a lot—your efforts will be rewarded.
- Roast until browned on the outside and just cooked through, flipping or tossing at least once during the cooking time.
You can roast different vegetables at the same time, but it’s important to note that they may have different cooking times. Butternut squash is going to take a lot longer than broccoli, for instance. Refer to this handy roasting reference guide for prep tips and cooking times.
From simple to extravagant, roasting elevates plain ole vegetables into something special. Try your favorite vegetables in a new way. Or, be brave and give something you don’t particularly like another shot, and you may be surprised. Try sweet potato or butternut squash “fries” to up your kids’ veggie intakes. Get fancy with some brown butter and herbs—you can find plenty of elegant roasting recipes online. Crank that oven, brown up those veggies, and enjoy!
Nourishing Thoughts is written by Julie Miller, an expert on nutrition and fitness instructor at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA.
YMCA Member Donates Lemonade Stand Money to the Y
On a cold December day, Cheryl Sanchez and her six-year-old son, Alex, an avid participant in YMCA swimming lessons, approached the Galowich Family YMCA Membership Desk with a donation.
The two of them decided to give half of their earnings from a summer 2014 lemonade stand to the Y. To Community Engagement Director Kate Nichols’ surprise, the donation totaled 76 dollars. The other half? That was donated to another nonprofit: The Guardian Angels.
“I’m always touched when children do selfless things and was so thrilled that Alex knows about the great work that we do at the Y,” Kate said.
The generosity of others is at the core of the Y’s existence as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA embraces the Y’s mission and furthers its cause thanks to the support of our members, staff, community partnerships, volunteers and generous donors. To learn how you can give to the Y, please click here.
Setting Goals That Last
You may have noticed your YMCA branch being a bit busier than usual these last few days. That should be no surprise since we all know that losing weight, getting fit, and improving health top the list for most common resolutions.
But did you know that nearly a fourth of people set the same resolution each year, and fail at it each year? Only eight percent of people who make a New Year’s resolution actually see it through the entire year.
There are ways to make sure you’re in that successful eight percent. It’s not too late to alter your resolution to make it more attainable, or to make one to improve your health.
An ever-popular resolution has to do with improving your diet. It’s no wonder—by the time we hit New Year’s, we are shaking off the effects of over a month of festivities including rich foods and rationalizations that “I’ll just have one because it’s the holidays.”
It’s easy to resolve on January 1 that you’ll never touch sugar again, because you’ve just had so much of it your body is crying out for a salad.
Unfortunately, after a few days recovering from that sugar hangover, your resolve begins to weaken. The dark cold days have you crying out for comfort foods. This is when those resolutions begin to crumble. But we’re going to change up those resolutions to make this the year you can follow through.
Make your resolutions SMART
Every goal you set should be Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely. There’s really no way to know if you’ve succeed if you have vague statements like “I’m going to eat more cleanly”. Goals like “I’m going to lose 20 pounds this month” may not be entirely realistic, despite what you see on The Biggest Loser. Instead, make sure the goal is specific and realistic, with statements like “I will eat a salad for lunch 4 days a week.” The goals should be actionable things you have complete control over (attainable) that you can very easily measure, and set a time frame for them.
Make it visible
Write your goals down, on paper. Write your motivation to reach those goals —how your life will be better when as you attain it. Post that paper in your kitchen, on your bathroom mirror, or by your computer. Wherever it needs to be, to be a continuous visual reminder.
Avoid words like “never” and “always”
“I’m never going to have another cookie, I’m always going to eat a salad for lunch.” These are just setting yourself up for disaster. The minute you slip a tiny bit, you’ve failed. Nobody’s perfect, so don’t resolve to be. Instead, plan for little treats every now and then, but keep them out of sight to avoid mindless noshing.
Plan for success
Make sure that you have everything set up to support your goals. If your goals involve eating more vegetables, make sure your fridge is stocked. If you are always rushing to get dinner on the table, be sure those vegetables are washed, prepped, and ready to go. If you rush out the door every morning, your lunch salad ready the night before. Making positive changes will require organization and forethought. Brainstorm the challenges to your success, and figure out ways around them.
Be accountable
Set up an account on a free diet tracker like MyFitnessPal. Enlist the help of friends and family members to keep you honest. Use social media to tell your intentions. If you say on Facebook you are going to be passing on the break room doughnuts, you’re far less likely to grab one and let people see you cave.
Persist
“Well, I’ve already messed up today, I might as well eat that cake and just start over tomorrow.” Sound familiar? It’s one of our most common—and most flawed—ideas. If you mess up, brush yourself off and recommit to those goals…NOW. Not after cake. Everyone slips, but how you respond to a slip will define your progress. Just keep on going and remember why you’re on this journey.
Celebrate
…just not with food. Treat yourself to a new pair of sunglasses, a pedicure, or a new game once you hit a certain milestone. Or just go and and brag about it on Facebook! Take some time to acknowledge the hard work you’ve done and how far you’ve come. Nobody said accomplishing goals was easy. But it’s always worth it.
Nourishing Thoughts is written by Julie Miller, an expert on nutrition and fitness instructor at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA.
Holiday Events at the Y
Gather your loved ones and enjoy the holiday season at the Y. The Greater Joliet Area YMCA has spectacular Christmas festivities planned at each of our branches. And in true holiday spirit, each one of them is absolutely FREE!
Smith Family YMCA — Breakfast with Santa
You and your family are invited to kick off the Christmas season at the Smith Family YMCA with our 2015 edition of Breakfast with Santa. Pancakes and sausage will be served and good times will be had, as children will be able to visit with Santa, receive a free photo and get creative in the Little Elves Workshop! Please register for Breakfast with Santa by Thursday, December 4.
Saturday, December 6 | 10 a.m.-noon
C.W. Avery Family YMCA — Evening with Santa
Christmastime is the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s no better place than the Y to get into the Spirit of Christmas! That’s why you and your family should join us for an Evening with Santa on Friday, December 12. There will be fun, games and, of course, an appearance from Santa Claus! Register here.
Friday, December 12 | 6:30-8 p.m.
Galowich Family YMCA — Santa’s Workshop
Santa is bringing his workshop to the Galowich Family YMCA! That means it’s time for Y kids to put on their elf hates and make some toys! All in a night’s work, kids will enjoy arts and crafts, snacks, games and even a special visit from the Big Guy himself! (Hint: It’s Santa). Please register for Santa’s Workshop by Monday, December 15.
Friday, December 19 | 6-8 p.m.
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