The LMY Community Connection

By Kim Stewart

It’s well known the junk food can wreak havoc on the body’s metabolism, but did you know it might also affect the brain? Poor eating can disrupt new nerve cells from forming, but fish and fish oil might be powerful enough to prevent this from happening.

Researchers took a look at how refined sugars and saturated fats affect brain health, and the news was not good. Dr Lucy Pickavance, from the University of Liverpool’s Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, explains: "Body weight is influenced by many factors, and some of the most important of these are the nutrients we consume. Excessive intake of certain macronutrients, the refined sugars and saturated fats found in junk food, can lead to weight gain, disrupt metabolism and even affect mental processing.”

In other words, it prevents new brain cells from forming. But, Pickavance says fish oil interferes with refined sugars and saturated fats ability to take control of the brain. Fish oil interferes with the production of inflammatory molecules (triglycerides) that kick in when one eats junk food, but fish oil returns the brain’s nerve growth back to normal.

"Fish oils don't appear to have a direct impact on weight loss, but they may take the brakes off the detrimental effects of some of the processes triggered in the brain by high-fat diets. They seem to mimic the effects of calorie restrictive diets and including more oily fish or fish oil supplements in our diets could certainly be a positive step forward for those wanting to improve their general health,” she says.

By Kim Stewart, member of the Longmont Y's Board of Directors

What you eat makes a difference in the lives of so many people whom you may never meet. Green America’s People and Planet award is recognizing small food production businesses that put people and sustainability first. You can have a say and vote until May 31, 2013.

The quarterly People & Planet Awards recognizes businesses that integrate environmental and social considerations into their strategies and operations. This round includes businesses with a commitment to a sustainable food system. Votes will be tallied and three quarterly winners will be announced during the week of June 3rd.

Voting link is here and will continue until 5 p.m. on May 31, 2013. Each of three winners will receive $5,000. Even if you opt out of voting, these companies are worth knowing about.

1. Alter Eco, San Francisco, CA
Alter Eco works directly with small-scale farmers who grow quinoa, rice, sugar, and chocolate. Alter Eco supports Fair Trade and organic-growing practices, which has improved yields, created profit-sharing, improved capital, garnered living wages and medical insurance.

2. Archi's Acres, Escondido, CA
Archi’s Acres supports sustainable agriculture while serving our nation's veterans. Archi's Acres is beginning construction of a 30,000 square foot farm incubator to serve as the prototype for job-creating, water-saving, food-producing, veteran-led hydroponic organic greenhouses nationwide.

3. Blue Ridge Produce, Elkwood, VA http://blueridgeproduce.net/
Blue Ridge Produce aggregates produce from farms in Virginia for sale to wholesale customers in the Mid-Atlantic. Blue Ridge Produce lets farmers be farmers by giving them a consistent market for their produce and handling the marketing and distribution logistics.

4. The Chile Woman, Bloomington, IN
The Chile Woman is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and growing chile-pepper varieties from all over the world. The Chile Woman now maintains a seed bank of more than 1800 chile-pepper varieties, and excludes all hybrid, GMO or bioengineered seeds.

5. CleanFish, San Francisco, CA
CleanFish looks to the artisanal, or family farm, levels of seafood production. The company has cultivated regional networks of smaller, ethical fish producers They have created access to native fisheries, such as Nunavut tribe's Arctic Char that is uniquely available through CleanFish.

6. Flying J Farm, Johnstown, OH
Flying J Farm believes that sustainability begins with human health. Highlights of Flying J Farm's sustainability efforts include: 1) Outdoor wood furnace, 2) Solar thermal water heating, 3) An 11 KW solar electric system, 4) Biodiesel fuel produced from waste oil and used in most tractors.

7. Frankferd Farms Foods, Saxonburg, PA
Frankferd Farms Foods has been providing the region with organic, natural, and bulk foods for over 35 years. Frankferd is the only company of its kind in the region and serves over 3000 customers in 7 states. Since the business essentially grew out of an organic farm, its ethics are rooted in stewardship to the land.

8. Green City Growers, Somerville, MA
Green City Growers (GCG) transforms unused space into thriving urban farms, providing clients with immediate access to nutritious food, while revitalizing city landscapes and inspiring self-sufficiency. GCG's clients include urban and suburban homeowners, corporate wellness programs, schools, healthcare facilities, and restaurant/food service providers.

9 in.gredients, Austin, TX http://in.gredients.com/
In.gredients is a zero-waste micro-grocer in Austin, Texas providing the community with real, local food. By providing a majority of products in bulk and sourcing from local farmers, ranchers and producers, the store has become a green-food leader in the Austin community.

10 Love & Carrots, Washington, DC
This home organic gardening service designs, installs, and maintains vegetable gardens in DC and the surrounding suburbs. Love & Carrots promotes the growth of urban agriculture through a home-based garden education service that teaches families, businesses, and organizations how to grow their own food."

By Kim Stewart, Longmont Y Board of Directors Member

Over the weekend, First Lady Michelle Obama reiterated her commitment to childhood obesity. While walking through the White House garden, CBS Sunday Morning journalist Lee Cowen asked, “"But how do you overcome the kids just not wanting to eat their vegetables? Because that probably hasn't changed -- I mean, I didn't want to eat my vegetables."

Her reply reveals a problem even the First Lady experiences. "But you had to eat your vegetables, correct?" Obama said. "Now somehow that's shifted, where all of a sudden we think that kids should have a complete say over what they eat. And kids don't know. My kids know, you've got to eat your vegetables, so our household is no different. Our kids are not somehow veggie lovers. . . . It's still a struggle. And that's what I share with other parents. It is a struggle."

As parents, we’ve all been there, whether watching toddler’s turn their nose at a green bean or seeing our teens get literally addicted to fast food. Book author and childhood psychiatrist, Dr. Irene Chatoor is author of When Your Child Won’t Eat or Eats Too Much (iUniverseInc). She describes common and lesser-known problems with children’s eating habits, including the two-year old executive of the family who want to be in control, or the child who is averse to food textures, or the child who is very selective or the child who eats too much. Every parent will recognize their child in any one of these scenarios.

Chartoor says that parents are not alone, as many as 25% of children have trouble eating. But she says during a child’s first three years of life, “the foundations of a child’s eating habits are laid.” And, "Once children get used to eating this way, their eating is no longer internally regulated by their physiological needs, but becomes controlled by these habits and their emotional needs.” This is where dyregulated eating begins, Chatoor says, which can lead to weight problems and eating disorders for the rest of their lives.

Chatoor’s book offers excellent advice for helping keep kids on the path to healthy eating (these tips are not meant to replace a doctor’s advice, especially if children has medical issues).

1. How long to sit at the table. Chatoor suggests that parents request that a child needs to sit at the table until “Mommy’s and Daddy’s tummy is full.” This way the child learns to recognize if they are full and see the dinner table as a pleasant experience for conversation and connection.
2. How many foods to offer. Too often parents get into the habit of offering too many foods, if their child refuses one item over another, says Chatoor. “For toddlers who struggle with for control and independence, there is nothing tempting that turning Mommy into a short order cook.“ Offer 3-4 foods, when appropriate the same foods you eat.
3. Avoid praising, criticizing, coaxing, threatening or forcing food. Children are prone to make emotional connections between what they are eating that can become powerful and long lasting. Praised, but keep a neutral attitude. Teach your child to recognize when they are hungry and full, and that the table is not a stage for performances.

White House Holiday Cauliflower Macaroni and Cheese

This recipe might be one that Michelle Obama and her daughters enjoy when the president is out of town, as he doesn’t like cheesy recipes. For more recipes and advice from Michelle Obama, see the First Lady’s book, American Grown (Crown) is a guide for parents, school and local governments to combat the obesity crisis.

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound whole-wheat penne pasta
• 1/4 head white cauliflower, cut onto florets
• 1 cup steamed green and purple cauliflower florets
• 8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 cup 1% or 2% milk
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 cup Panko bread crumbs

Preparation

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil, add the cauliflower, and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until soft. Drain. Place the cauliflower in a blender and puree.

3. In a medium pan over medium heat, place the pasta, the cauliflower puree, the cheeses, and the milk. Stir gently to combine and continue stirring until the cheese is melted.

4. Season with salt and pepper. Mix in the green and purple cauliflower florets.

5. Transfer to casserole dish. Sprinkle Panko bread crumbs on top, and place under broiler until browned, about 5-7 minutes.

6. Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the Mac and Cheese and serve immediately.

*Serves 4 or more, depending on portion size.

SPRING IS HERE

The children of the Y are busy sprouting vegetables for the community garden.  They are expecting a large harvest to share red onions, yellow squash, kale and more to come.  We would like to thank the Science Club of Front Range Community College sponsors Tracy Halward and John Barbur for their continued help with these budding farmers.  Fun was had by all!

Thank you to all who made the Y Pals Holiday Party and Bike Give Away a HUGE success! Countless hours of bike restoration, talents shared and smiles given to families for the holidays. Thank you for spreading the Holiday Spirit!

See the Longmont Times article, photo gallery and video here.

Checkout Facebook here

We have reached our goal for bike donations for the Y Pals Holiday Party and Bike Give Away! Thank you for your support! Each family will walk away with a bike for Christmas, a book for each youth and fun activities. The festivities are on December 15 at the Longmont Y, 1-3 PM.

Read the Times Call article here.

Meanwhile...

Y Kids are decorating a tree for a family in need. Their tree is decorated with completed recycled and up-cycled materials. Some materials include; broken pool noodles made into garland, snack boxes, toilet paper tubes, tissue boxes, reused yarn and ribbon and of course GLITTER! The tree is really becoming a beautiful sight and the Y kids are learning that you don't have to have special, new materials and ornaments to have a pretty Christmas tree, you just need glue, scissors and GLITTER!

See for yourself...

GLITTER!

Tis the season to be a Y Pal! The Longmont Y and Bicycle Longmont have partnered again this year for the Y Pal Holiday Party and Bike Give-Away.
This year the event will take place on December 15, 1 - 3 PM at the Y.

Over the weekend, 12 elves showed up on Saturday and another 5 on Sunday at Santa's Bike Workshop in Sears in Twin Peaks Mall.  As a result, we surpassed the 200 bike threshold!  We're half way to our goal of 400 bikes for youngsters from families that can use some help this Christmas.  

Santa's workshop needs your help! Please see the hours below to join the other elves in making this Christmas a merry one for families in need!
The hours that the workshop is open have become fairly consistent.  This week's planned hours:

Monday: 'til about 2:00 pm

Tuesday: 9:00am 'til 4:00 pm; 6:00 pm 'til 9:00 pm

Wednesday:  ???

Thursday:  Noon 'til 3:00 pm

Friday:  11:00am 'til 3:00 pm

Saturday:  9:00am 'til 3:00 pm

Sunday:  11:00am 'til 3:00 pm

A greenhouse is arising on the back corner of the Y Educational Farm led by Facility Director Miles McGaughey with able volunteer help from Raul Montero, a Y member and instructor, and his brothers.

The greenhouse will help the Y further extend our mission for the Y Educational Farm:  to teach, to feed, to share.

First order of work:  establishing organic plant starts this winter.

Feel free to walk out back and check out this beautiful new structure!

This summer, the WIC program joined forces with the Longmont YMCA to help the community, including local low-income families, develop lifelong, healthy eating habits. The YMCA created a community garden with the goal of helping all families increase access to fresh, local foods and food and nutrition education.WIC program staff and clients, together with GENESIS program staff and clients, planted and tended to a plot of vegetables, which were then distributed to clients.

The partnership is one more step towards WIC goals of helping nutritionally at-risk pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women and their infants and children achieve optimal health and well-being.

From Live Well Longmont:

We love our city. What’s not to love? Longmont is a diverse, active, connected, thriving community. Named one of Money Magazine’s Top 100 Best Places to Live in the United States in 2006 and again in 2008, Longmont was cited as a standout small city, with its quality schools, solid job market, low crime rate, and fantastic open space and recreation activities. Our scenic city is steadily growing, but always maintains a hometown feel, pledging to do everything it can to ensure that when you’re here, you feel with certitude “You belong in Longmont.”

Of course, who can say what the future might bring? Wouldn’t it be nice if there were a plan in place, something to help ensure our community will maintain its values and identity, alongside being able to embrace change and opportunity? Good news…there is in fact such a plan. 

What is the Longmont Area Comprehensive Plan?

The City of Longmont’s Longmont Area Comprehensive Plan (LACP) is strong, flexible, and a reflection of the values of our growing, dynamic city. Longmont is proud of its city planning tradition, which dates as far back as the establishment of the Chicago Colorado Colony in 1871. The St. Vrain Valley Plan was adopted in 1974, in response to a period of rapid growth. The plan was later revised, in 1982. In 1986, the St. Vrain Valley Plan was again revised due to specific conditions affecting our city, renamed the Longmont Area Comprehensive Plan. This plan was revised again in 1995 and in 2003.

Why all the changes? Comprehensive plans are used to define a community's vision for the future. In fact, the plan is essentially a living document, constantly being updated as the community's collective interests, desires, and vision evolve.

A comprehensive plan maps out long-range needs and priorities related to land use such as growth, development, and preservation of natural resources; historical landmarks; infrastructure; social and economic policies; schools, housing, and recreation. The LACP addresses all these and more, with chapters specifically addressing items such as economic and commercial development, public improvements, transportation, housing, government roles, and much more. There are additional opportunities to incorporate new concepts as they are needed.

Wellness Addition: What Would That Mean?

Over the past year, the Planning and Zoning Commission has worked to identify ways the comprehensive plan might support community health. LiveWell recognizes that including a community health and wellness chapter can prioritize the health of its citizens, now and into the future.

What might the comprehensive plan address that could promote health and wellness to Longmont citizens? The draft  chapter approved by the Planning & Zoning Commission is organized around four key goals: helping Longmont become a healthier community; integrating land use and transportation to allow residents to easily incorporate activity into daily lives; promoting access to healthy food; and, supporting the local food system. Recommended strategies include items such as enhancing public amenities to improve pedestrian and other outdoor experiences; and supporting innovative ways to provide and promote healthy foods, such as community supported agriculture, mobile vending, and school gardens.

“An update to the comprehensive plan to incorporate health and wellness demonstrates leadership, and makes an extremely significant statement about the importance of the quality of life and health in the Longmont community,” says Jeff Zayach, Public Health Director of Boulder County Public Health. Obesity trends are increasing, Zayach says, with the already rapid rate growing worse. Further, Zayach stresses that, based on data and research, there is a direct correlation between obesity and sky-rocketing health care costs. By supporting healthy eating and active living, obesity and chronic disease can be prevented, or reversed, with entire communities benefiting from the joint results of decreased costs and increased personal wellbeing.

Several communities within Colorado have already adopted wellness-specific chapters, including Bennett and Commerce City, Zayach says. Many components of community health and wellness are already present in various chapters throughout the LACP, such as addressing cycling options in transportation planning. Zayach explains that a new chapter would specifically articulate the community’s vision for health and wellness; moreover, it would underscore the city’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for those who live, work, and visit here.

Next Steps: What You Can Do

The current proposed amendment can be viewed online. This proposal is expected to be presented to City Council sometime in upcoming months, at which point a public hearing will be held. In the meantime, here is a chance to express input and make a difference for the community. To share ideas and opinions, you can contact Erin Fosdick, Senior Planner with the City of Longmont, at Erin.Fosdick@ci.longmont.co.us, or 303-651-8336. Keep abreast of city initiatives and considerations: if you haven't already done so, mark the City of Longmont website as a favorite and check in regularly for updates. When a topic strikes a chord with you, share.

Your opinions matter. A healthy you belongs in Longmont!

Please welcome Lenny Sigwarth who has joined us as 'Impact Coordinator'. Lenny will be serving the Y mostly in an Outreach capacity - making sure that our community knows we are definitely more than just a Gym. We are a health, wellness and youth development center that offers support and encouragement for all people.  Lenny is from Bolivia, she speaks English and Spanish.  She welcomes your calls and is available to meet with you on an individual basis:720-652-7737

Alana Powell has also joined us as a Fitness Instructor. Alana was born in California, went to school in New York and recently moved to Boulder. She has been around the world, working for non-profit organizations, including building houses in Africa and helping people in need after Hurricane Katrina. She is a perfect addition to our family. To make an appointment call 303-776-0370.  The Welcome Desk will find a time that's right for you.

Please say hello to them if you see them around the Y!

The long-awaited "Colorado Firefighter Calendar" has finally been released! This year's calendar features Longmont's very own Tony Priola (or shall we call him "Mr. November?"). Take a look at this heroic hunk!

By looking good, Tony Priola and his fellow Coloradan firefighters are also doing good. Net proceeds generated by the sale of Colorado Firefighter Calendars directly benefit the Children's Hospital Colorado Burn Center and other burn centers across the state.

What are you waiting for! Purchase your Colorado Firefighter Calendar today! Calendars may be purchased online or from Zolarium Tanning Studio in Denver.

Colorado’s official firefighter calendar is created and produced by The Colorado Firefighter Calendar Inc., a Denver-based, non-profit organization. As detailed on the organization's website:

"The Colorado Firefighter Calendar is comprised of a volunteer board of directors who plans and produces the calendar, calendar events, and child safety educational programs. Firefighters from around the state volunteer time to raise funds, attend events, educate children on fire prevention, and increase awareness for the Children's Hospital Colorado Burn Center and other centers around Colorado. These men and women represent one of the noblest professions and the calendar serves as a tribute to firefighters and the people they serve."

Visit the Colorado Firefighter Calendar's official website and facebook page for more photographs, video, and news regarding upcoming events. Speaking of events...

Do you want to meet the smokin' firefighters from Colorado's Firefighter Calendar? Then you won't want to miss this year's Firefighter Chili Cookoff! Join hundreds of local firefighters representing dozens of local and national firehouses as they serve up their finest red and green chili! All proceeds will benefit the Muscular Dystrophy Association. With bowls of chili costing just a few bucks and a 2013 Colorado Firefighter Calendar meet-and-greet, you can't afford NOT to attend!

On Wednesday, August 29th, the Longmont Y was graced by talented artist Katherine Ware-Wolniewicz.

Stationed in the Longmont Y's foyer, Katherine sat amidst a collection of her completed works - intricately beaded baubles, woven wire, and even glimmering crowns fit for a princess! As Y patrons looked on, Katherine worked diligently with pliers in hand, knitting silver wire into a delicate necklace.

Boasting 20 years of experience crafting jewelry, Katherine has experimented with many mediums and styles. Currently, her one-of-a-kind pieces highlight knitted silver, cast silver, and the utilization of semi-precious stones and crystals. Take a look!

Katherine's public art demonstration was made possible by the Longmont Studio Tour Outreach (LSTO) program. This incredible initiative nurtures the relationship between local artists and the Longmont community through public demonstrations, workshops, and art displays.

Learn more about Katherine Ware-Wolniewicz's artwork by visiting her website. You may also click here to learn more about the LSTO program and its many talented artists!

For children of all ages, the learning process is greatly enhanced by maintaining a healthy, safe, and tidy workspace. That's why the Longmont Y is excited to unveil its newly renovated Partial Day Preschool classrooms!

The Longmont Y's Partial Day Preschool facility has undergone a major facelift. The renovations implemented will provide young students with a more colorful, organized, and welcoming learning environment. Take a look at our sparkling, new accommodations!

Looking for partial day care for your child?  The Longmont Y's Partial Day Preschool offers a safe, fun learning environment in which children 2.5 to 6-years-old can learn, grow, and thrive. Our qualified instructors and play-based approach to learning ensure that your child will be prepared for Kindergarten and beyond!

For more information regarding the Longmont Y's Partial Day Preschool, visit our webpage or contact Preschool Director Debbie Bethel at 303-776-2003 or dbethel@longmontymca.org.

This summer, the Longmont Y's Summer Camp programs focused on Global Learning. The curriculum experiment went so well that our Before and After School Program has adopted Global Learning for implementation throughout the school year! We'll start small, examining personal and familial cultures. Gradually, we will broaden our focus to other towns, other states, and even other nations!

In September, we will begin by creating a safe environment where students are comfortable discussing themselves, their family's traditions, and where their ancestors originated from. Students will explore their own cultures and backgrounds; examine cultural similarities and differences; and delve into unfamiliar traditions and customs. As we discuss family traditions, we may link many to their countries of origin!

In the coming months, we plan on exploring our neighborhoods, towns, cities, and the greater state of Colorado. Students will learn about the wide variety of cultures within each of these parameters. They may even discover a distinct "Colorado culture" that differs from other states!

Then, students will expand their perspectives further by learning about different traditions and vernacular that exist across the United States. There will be no stereotyping; only an exploration of how interesting cultural differences came to be.

In late winter, we will broaden our horizons even FURTHER! Students will research other countries and their people, food, games, and ways of life. It promises to be an eye opening experience! Students will come to realize that not all kids live the same lives they do! What do other schools look like? Other grocery stores? Do they even HAVE grocery stores? Do foreign peoples dress like we do? And if not, why?

We are so excited to experience the exotic places and diverse cultures our blue marble has to offer. What's more, we can't wait to learn how our behaviors at home can positively impact life beyond our neighborhoods, towns, state, and country!

Last Friday, the Y hosted a booth at Longmont's 12th annual "Festival on Main!" Festival attendees were invited to participate in a "Make One, Take One" community craft. In exchange for decorating pennant flags for the Y's Outdoor Pavilion, families were given colorful pinwheels and invited to enter our raffle for a FREE one-month membership!

The "Make One, Take One" community craft was a HUGE success. The Y's booth was so popular that craft materials were depleted within an hour! Luckily, Welcome Desk Representative Thomas Culver and Y members Dennis and Leslie Hochwender rushed to the rescue with emergency supplies.

Ultimately, 89 children and families decorated flags for the Y's Outdoor Pavilion! Thank you to all who visited the Longmont Y's booth. Stay tuned for details regarding when and where your beautiful flags will be displayed!

Recognize these friendly faces? Welcome Desk Representatives Viktoria and Mallory had a great time staffing the Y's booth!

You've never worked out like THIS before!

Last Tuesday, the Y hosted an interactive dance-fitness workshop led by the talented drummers and dancers of Logo Ligi.

Logo Ligi is a Boulder-based performance group specializing in West African drumming and dance. In Ghanaian language, the name "Logo Ligi" means "to tickle or excite." Indeed, all who attended the event enjoyed an exciting evening of contagious rhythms, joyous songs, and exhilarating West African dance!

Individuals of all ages and backgrounds joined Logo Ligi on the dance floor. Together, they celebrated movement, music, life, and the vibrance of traditional Ghanaian culture!

Want to learn more about Logo Ligi? Visit the performance group's facebook page or official website for access to ensemble information, photographs, and video clips like this one:

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Last Friday, approximately 100 volunteers from Covidien, IBM, and Texas Instruments descended upon the Longmont Y. These hard-working men and women spent their "day off" landscaping, weeding, repairing, painting, and completing other much-needed tasks. In one afternoon, these incredible individuals completely transformed the Longmont Y!

A resounding THANK YOU to the "Day of Caring" volunteers who worked at the Longmont Y and throughout the greater community. Your hard work, kindness, and benevolence are sincerely appreciated!

This year, a record setting number or volunteers participated in the "Day of Caring." According to Foothills United Way's website:

"Over the last 19 years, Foothills United Way's Day of Caring has grown into the largest annual one-day volunteer effort in Boulder and Broomfield Counties. This year's  Day of Caring set a record, with nearly 1,200 volunteers rolling up their sleeves across the community to landscape, paint, harvest, build, refurbish, and much more. In all, the volunteers completed 50 projects for local nonprofits and other organizations, putting in 4,772 volunteer hours. That equates to $105,127 worth of volunteer time put into the community on this one day alone!"