Mallory Hochwender

Looking for a fun way to positively impact youths in your community? Become a coach! With spring sports registration underway, the Longmont Y needs coaches for soccer and lacrosse "catch and cradle." Have fun while making a difference in the lives of kids age 4 through 6th grade! Coaches conduct weekly practices, oversee matches/scrimmages, and teach team members the rules of the game. However, coaches' positive influence extends far beyond athletics. Just ask Francisco Sandoval, longtime coach at the Longmont Y:

"Coaches are role models, teachers, and mentors. The lessons coaches teach can follow kids for the rest of their lives."

Last Saturday, January 28th, forty-one children joined Longmont Y staff for an exciting evening of wintertime fun.  Activities included freeze tag, mitten roundup, marshmallow snowman crafts, and dress-the-snowman relays.  The highlight of the evening's winter-inspired activities?  An all-out snowball war!  Amidst giggles and battle cries, teams constructed snowball shelters and volleyed paper "snowballs" at their opponents.

One look at these photographs from last Saturday's "Winter Celebration" and you'll see how fun Parent's Night Out can be!

Lava lamps, glow sticks, and lasers; these psychedelic novelties have more than the 70s in common! On Thursday, January 12th the Longmont Y's Partial Day Preschool "Kindergarten Readiness" classes used these exciting tools during Science Day! Special guest and UCSD (University of California San Diego) physicist Stephen Diehl lead the children along their journey of scientific discovery.

Children began by observing the effects of body heat and sunlight on temperature paper. They "ooohed" while watching a prism reveal rainbows in sunlight. They "aaahed" while experimenting with the attractive and repulsive forces of magnets. Some were baffled by optical illusions when objects disappeared before their very eyes! The children observed lava lamps, conducted "sink and float" experiments, and recorded wind speeds generated by fans. Imagine their surprise as they observed laser beams reflecting and refracting off of mirrors, cascading water, soap, and magnifying glasses! For the grand finale? The classroom blinds were drawn, the lights turned off, and glow sticks were used to illustrate chemical reactions!

Who knew science could be so much fun?!

Looking for a fun, effective, and invigorating workout?

Dim the lights, turn up the music, and get ready to party yourself into shape! It's time for ZUMBA!

Zumba is an exhilarating dance-fitness program moving millions of participants toward healthier, happier living. Thanks to its spicy Latin rhythms, infectious dance moves, and high-energy atmosphere - Zumba is a workout and party rolled into one! Participants have too much fun to notice that they are strengthening and toning muscle, increasing cardiovascular endurance, and improving coordination. Zumba allows participants to customize their class experience, making it ideal for participants of all ages, backgrounds, and fitness levels. Whether you are looking for low-impact exercise or an intense workout, Zumba offers a fun, effective way to achieve greater fitness and well-being. What's more, Zumba classes' uplifting atmosphere often creates a friendly community among returning students.

Come join our Zumba family! The Longmont Y holds two classes each week in the south gymnasium:

Mondays from 6:30 - 7:30pm

and

*NEW* Saturdays from 9:00 - 10:00am

A warm welcome to our newest Zumba instructor, Meshane, who will be instructing class each Saturday morning. We are happy to have you, Meshane!

Last Saturday, the Longmont Y hosted a sunshine-filled Family Pool Night Luau. Kids didn't walk, they ran into the Longmont Y! Rocketing ahead of their parents, they toted pool toys and towels, eager to escape the evening's winter chill. As their bare feet hit the pool deck, kids were greeted by the smell of chlorine, lilting Hawaiian music, colorful leis, and the promise of poolside fun! Though numbers were small, the fun was BIG! Those in attendance forgot the winter weather as they enjoyed the tropical atmosphere, launched down the water slide, and played family pool games. Sound like fun? See for yourself!

Having trouble deciding upon New Year’s resolutions? Consider positive lifestyle changes that will strengthen both you and your community! Let’s create a brighter future together by:

Strengthening Relationships

The phrase “strengthening relationships” is loaded with possibilities. Spending time with the people you care about strengthens support networks and enhances your sense of belonging, community, and purpose. Many of us would benefit from spending more quality time with family and friends. As American poet, songwriter, and performer Rod McKuen once said, “Strangers are just friends waiting to happen!” Consider meeting new people and cultivating new friendships. Start by reaching out to a neighbor, co-worker, or acquaintance. By developing mutually compassionate and supportive relationships, you can lead a happier, more meaningful life.

Become involved at the Longmont Y and experience firsthand our commitment to fostering and maintaining relationships. We strive to provide a membership experience that transforms friendly “hellos” into meaningful relationships among members, staff, and the community at large. Chat one-on-one with a staff member. Experience the solidarity among group class participants. Look out over the community garden our Y family has created to supply local families with fresh, healthy, and affordable produce. From the moment you walk inside and are greeted by our friendly Welcome Desk representatives, you’ll see why the Y is a perfect place for relationships to grow and flourish.

Having trouble deciding upon New Year’s resolutions? Consider positive lifestyle changes that will strengthen both you and your community! Let’s create a brighter future together by:

Learning Something New

Learning is the spice of life! Step out of your comfort zone, explore personal interests, and discover a hidden talent or undeveloped passion. Is there a language, instrument, sport, art form, or practical skill you’ve always wanted to learn? Try something new and enrich your mental, spiritual, and physical health. Right now, a world of knowledge is at your fingertips! With just a few keystrokes and mouse clicks, you’re on your way to learning something new.

The Longmont Y is ready to help broaden your horizons. Take a Zumba class and learn salsa, merengue, cumbia, and reggaeton rhythms and dance steps. Learn to save lives by becoming certified in CPR, AED, or First Aid. Participate in Project Thrive, a life changing, 8-week course designed to educate participants about nutrition, exercise, and the motivational tools necessary to achieve overall wellness. Whatever your preferences, the Longmont Y is prepared to help expand your knowledge, interests, and involvement.

Having trouble deciding upon New Year’s resolutions? Consider positive lifestyle changes that will strengthen both you and your community! Let’s create a brighter future together by:

Mentoring Children and Teens

Mentoring local youths is another way to positively impact both your life and the lives of others. Children and teens need role models - caring adults they can look up to and seek guidance from. By nurturing kids, we can help them accomplish their goals and reach their fullest potential. Whether a relative, neighbor, or volunteer, your time, experience, and knowledge can help local children and teens realize who they are and what they can be.

At the Longmont Y, coaching is an excellent way to mentor local youths. Every year, our basketball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, and flag football coaches help hundreds of kids develop the strength, confidence, and life skills they need to succeed. Right now, the Y is in great need of coaches to oversee basketball games and practices for elementary-aged children. Call Sports Director Darrin Cole at 303-652-4736 to find out how you can become a youth basketball coach. You could begin making a difference in the lives of Longmont youths today!

There are many Colorado organizations that rely upon volunteer mentors. These organizations have different focuses and goals, but are united in their mission to give children and teens a brighter future. To view a list of these organizations and find one that compliments your strengths and passions, click here.

Having trouble deciding upon New Year’s resolutions? Consider positive lifestyle changes that will strengthen both you and your community! Let’s create a brighter future together by:

Volunteering

It’s no secret: doing good feels good! Volunteering enables you to change lives for the better, including your own. It also provides opportunities to meet new people, develop new friendships, and play an active role in strengthening the larger community. No matter your cause or motivation, there is a volunteer position to compliment your passion! Even the smallest acts of kindness can significantly impact the lives of others.

The Y is, first and foremost, a cause driven organization. Directors, instructors, trainers, and staff… All are passionate about promoting youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility in both professional and daily life. Volunteers are the backbone of our organization. They coach and referee sports, tend the community garden, landscape, work with kids, staff special events, provide professional services, and help raise funds for our annual Building Strong Kids Campaign. And that’s only the beginning! Whether you volunteer for a season or a day, your time and energy make a monumental difference. If you are interested in volunteering, you can download a volunteer application here. To find out how you can help, contact Sheridan Wolfe at 720-652-4724 or  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The New Year is a time for new beginnings! Here at the Longmont Y, one of our primary resolutions is to strengthen individuals and communities by helping you achieve your goals. Whether you plan to save money, live healthier, explore new interests, or give back to the community, the Longmont Y is here to help you succeed!

Having trouble deciding upon New Year’s resolutions? Consider positive lifestyle changes that will strengthen both you and your community! Let’s create a brighter future together by:

Living Healthier

Take small steps toward achieving greater health and well being.  Eat nutritious foods and exercise every day.  Try incorporating physical activity into your daily life by taking the stairs, biking to work, or parking at the far end of the parking lot.  Improving your health will help you feel more energize, confident, capable, and happy!

The Longmont Y offers many fun opportunities for individuals and families to be active. Swim, cycle, kickbox, or dance your way into 2012 with our group fitness classes! Join an adult sport, participate in specialty Yoga/Pilates classes, or enlist the help of our friendly, well-qualified personal trainers. No matter your age, fitness level, or goals, the Y can help pave your road to success!