Mallory Hochwender

Do you have a facebook page? Do you have a friend? If you responded "yes" to both these questions, you've got what it takes to WIN!

In order to enter our prize drawing, just complete the following three steps:

1. "Like" the Longmont Y's facebook page.

2. Refer a friend to join the Longmont Y.

3. When your friend applies for membership, ask them to complete a promotional flier (pictured below) and submit it to the Welcome Desk. Both your names will be entered into our prize drawing!

On July 31st, a drawing will be held to determine our lucky winners! We're awarding many exciting prizes, including:

- A FREE 2-month membership & YMCA duffle bag

- A FREE 1-month membership & YMCA duffle bag

- A YMCA duffle bag

- 10 colorful lanyards

Both members and non-members are invited to participate and win!

Exciting things happen at the Y every day! "Liking" the Longmont Y's facebook page is a great way to stay informed. Facebook friends enjoy VIP access to fun photos and community news. Facebook also provides instantaneous information regarding classes, programs, and upcoming events. Most exciting of all, facebook friends have exclusive access to special promotions and prizes!

Don't know anyone interested in joining the Longmont Y? No problem! "Like" the Longmont Y's facebook page and stay tuned for future promotions!

Kids enjoyed an exciting evening of circus-themed fun at last Saturday's "Under the Big Top" Parents' Night Out event!

Attendees began the festivities by donning goofy clown make-up. When their transformations were complete, the kids exercised their new painted personas by creating balloon art! From bows and arrows to bunny ears, their balloon twisting skills impressed all staff in attendance!

Youngsters dedicated the remainder of the evening to a crash course in "Clown School." They played parachute games, showcased their juggling talents, and practiced their peanut tossing skills.

After a fun evening of clowning around, these youngsters have certainly earned their "Clown School" degrees! Next stop... Clown College?

When entering the Longmont Y, you expect to be greeted by the summertime odor of chlorinated pool, the cheerful chatter of conversing patrons, or the friendly salutation of a Welcome Desk representative. On Saturday, June 23rd, visitors entering the Longmont Y were welcomed by something (and someone) quite unexpected: a needle felting demonstration by textile artist Nanci Imburgia!

Nanci worked diligently. Seated amidst a collection of completed creations, she set to work taming colorful piles of unruly roving (bundles of fibre). Within two hours, Nanci had brought another colorful creation to life!

Whether realistic or abstract, much of Nanci's needle felt artwork is inspired by real-life images. While occupying the Longmont Y's foyer, Nanci drew inspiration from one photograph in particular: A rainbow-hued magnetic survey depicting a 150-mile crater in the Gulf of Mexico.

Nanci'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.

Don't miss another Longmont Studio Tour demonstration! Only one art demo remains:

Pastel Painting with Diane Wood

Wednesday, July 11
10:00am - 12:00pm

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

Last Wednesday, hundreds of Coloradans participated in “Bike to Work Day!”

As described on the City of Longmont's official webpage - "The City of Boulder first celebrated Bike to Work Day more than 25 years ago. The Colorado Department of Transportation then began promoting it statewide, and, in 1995, the Denver Regional Council of Governments began helping the area's cities and counties link their individual events together. Bike to Work Day is celebrated in Longmont as well as many other communities along the Front Range and in the mountains."

This year, the Longmont Y was one of a dozen local businesses to provide "breakfast stations" for biking commuters. Many riders stopped by the Longmont Y's breakfast station to enjoy a smorgasbord of tasty breakfast treats. Coffee, energy bars, popcorn... Santiago's burritos were a particularly hot commodity!

Bicycle riders were thrilled to stop fueling their cars with expensive gasoline and start fueling their bodies with tasty breakfast snacks! The Y's pitstop also distributed information about Longmont's extensive bike routes, cycling safety, and other bike-friendly resources.

Though "Bike To Work Day" has passed, its never too late to strap on a helmet and enjoy the endless benefits of biking your daily commute:

* Biking cuts commuter costs (i.e. gas, vehicle maintenance, parking, etc.)

* Biking improves physical fitness

* Biking is GREAT for the environment!

* Biking is therapeutic, alleviating stress and improving overall wellbeing

* Biking is FUN!

Still not convinced? Click here for 60 great reasons to shift gears and pedal!

Need reprieve from Colorado's scorching summer heat? Visit the Longmont Y and bask in the shade of our newly-completed pavilion!

As Longmont residents experience one of the hottest Junes in recorded Colorado history, the pavilion's completion could not be more opportune! Already, this beautiful structure is providing a shady haven for Y Summer Camp participants. For the first time in 8 years, the Longmont Y has its own cool, comfortable, and spacious location for Summer Camp activities, eliminating the need to rent space from St. Vrain Valley School District.

The pavilion, generously funded by the Boulder County Worthy Cause Fund, is truly an oasis! Pack a picnic, bring a friend, and visit the pavilion today!

Although Y campers occupy the structure weekday mornings and afternoons, the pavilion is open for visitors weekdays after 6:00pm and all weekend long!

Has your life been touched by a staff member, program, or experience at the Longmont Y? We'd love to hear about it! Already, dozens of members have shared their uplifting and inspiring stories:

"The Y has literally saved my life. I needed to shower, but had no money. They let me shower so my first day of work would be great! It was the next step out of homelessness and toward the life I had before the lousy economy. All due to kindness from the YMCA."

"My child feels (and is) safe here. She says 'at the Y we,' not, 'at the Y they.' She takes ownership, because she loves it here!"

"I love the instructors. I love the classes. I love the Welcome Desk people. I love it ALL!"

You can find these stories (and many more) on our "Why We Love the Y" bulletin board.

Do you have a story to share? Visit the Longmont Y Welcome Desk today. Share your story and read those shared by other community members. Whether a silly sketch, quick comment, or sincere anecdote, your words strengthen our mission, our YMCA, and our community!

Looking for an excellent day camp? Don't settle for anything but the best!

The Times-Call's "Readers' Choice Awards" have named the Ed & Ruth Lehman YMCA home of the "Best day Camp" in St. Vrain Valley!

Each year, the Times-Call gives readers an opportunity to vote for their favorite businesses in St. Vrain. Categories run the gamut, from restaurants to auto mechanics. The Longmont Y is honored to have earned the distinction of "Best Day Camp," as well as "Best Health Club" runner-up.

After learning of the Y's recent achievement, Youth Development Director Giselle Lehmann shared words of gratitude:

"Many thanks to the wonderful Longmont Times-Call readers who voted for 'Summer Y Camp!'  We are honored to be chosen by our community and strive to provide the fun, educational, value-oriented, and safe camp experience that families have come to expect!"

From all of us at the Longmont Y: Thank you for your votes and ongoing support! We are proud of our strong community ties and will to continue strengthening individuals, families, and the Longmont community at large.

It's not too late for your family to experience the best Summer Camp in St. Vrain! Learn more about Summer Y camp by visiting our website!

Summer Camp registration takes place at the Longmont Y every Tuesday from 5:00 to 6:30pm. Alternative appointments may be made by contacting Giselle Lehmann at 720-652-4731 or glehmann@longmontymca.org.

Exciting things are happening at the Longmont Y's Educational Farm!

Planting is nearly complete! As in seasons past, the Educational Farm contains many "garden variety" vegetables (i.e. tomatoes, tomatillos, potatoes, onions, sweet corn, pole beans, carrots, pumpkins, cucumbers, peppers, zucchini, and squash, to name a few). As signified by their stagnating growth, our potatoes are already ready for harvesting and re-planting!

This season, the Educational Farm will incorporate brand new produce. Look forward to new varieties of squash, potatoes, and pumpkins. Leeks, kale, spinach, and sweet peas will also make their debut! Last (but certainly not least), this year marks the inaugural appearance of our strawberry patch! Already, our strawberry plants are producing juicy, red fruit.

The crowning jewel of this year's Educational Farm is an aromatic herb garden. In addition to conventional herbs such as lavender, sage, thyme, cilantro, basil, rosemary, and parsley, the Educational Farm is home to alluring orange mint, chocolate mint, and lemon verbena!

Other exciting developments include:
The addition of hand-painted signs, created by Farm Coordinator Jessica Fernandez's 5-year-old daughter, Grace...

... a nearly finished pavilion awaiting only concrete paving...

... and the ongoing construction of raised beds! These beds will be utilized by local community groups such as WIC/Genesis, El Comite, and the Longmont Y's very own Full Day Preschool. A wheelchair accessible bed has also been donated by the generous folks at Whole Foods!

Exciting things are always happening on the Educational Farm. Stay tuned for more informative updates!

Did you know the Longmont Y is a registration site for Longmont's 27th annual "Sunrise Stampede?" Visit the Welcome Desk today and sign up to participate in one of the Stampede's four exciting events:

1. The 2 mile run/walk

2. The 10k run/walk

3. The 10k competitive racewalk

4. The 10k wheel chair

The Sunrise Stampede begins at 8:30am on Saturday, June 9th. Save $7 by registering before race day!
Visit the official Sunrise Stampede website for printable registration forms and additional information.

Even the smallest gardeners can make a BIG difference!

Jessica Fernandez, the Longmont Y's Educational Farm Coordinator, knows that persuading kids to make healthy dietary choices can be challenging. That's why Jessica is excited to introduce her newest ally in the fight for healthy childhood nutrition: Penelope Pollo Buckaw! This lovable puppet is one of many kid-friendly tools Jessica plans to utilize while educating youngsters about healthy eating. When kids cannot be coaxed by parents or teachers, perhaps they will be persuaded by this charming chicken!

In April, the Ed and Ruth Lehman Y was one of 90 organizations across the nation awarded a LIVESTRONG Community Impact Grant. As a grant recipient, the Longmont Y has received funding to conduct a 12-week "LIVESTRONG at the YMCA" cancer survivor program.

This research-based program is designed to help adult cancer survivors during the transitional period between completing cancer treatment and returning to "new normal." This incredible program perfectly aligns with the Longmont Y's mission to offer an empowering environment that helps cancer survivors reach their holistic health and life goals!

Watch this introductory LIVESTRONG at the YMCA video to learn more about the program. The stories contained within this 10-minute video are sure to touch your heart!

Planning for the implementation of LIVESTRONG at the Longmont Y is underway. We are looking forward to kicking off this life-changing program in September 2012 - only 4 months away!

Summer is the perfect time for active learning and exploration, but too often, kids' exposure to mentally and physically stimulating activities ends with the school year. To help battle this summertime slump, Ys across the nation celebrate "Healthy Kids Day!" This FREE annual event features fun activities and community resources, encouraging families to become healthier, happier, and better connected!

This year's nationwide event took place on Saturday, April 28th. The Longmont Y (and 1,900 YMCAs across the nation) showed local families new, exciting ways to keep their kiddos laughing, playing, and learning year round!

At the Longmont Y, festivities included exciting attractions for adults and kids alike. Families became acquainted with local wellness resources, took advantage of free family health checks, and snacked on healthy treats. Kids went crazy for our Big Wheel races, parachute games, balloon artists, and guest performers! Our interactive demonstrations were also a big hit. Kids, adults, and even CEO Tony Shockency took the stage to participate in energizing Zumba, dance, and jujitsu lessons!

Great strides have been made toward the completion of the Longmont Y's outdoor pavilion! The foundation has been poured, supports have been erected, and a roof has been built. Take a look for yourself! This beautiful structure, generously funded by the Boulder County Worthy Cause Fund, will someday serve as an "Open Air Classroom." The shady haven it provides will offer an ideal space to conduct Summer Camp activities, outdoor cooking classes, and other educational enterprises!

Last Wednesday morning, members entering the Longmont Y were greeted by an unexpected visitor - renown local artist Diane Wood! Stationed at a mobile studio in the Longmont Y's foyer, Diane captured the attention (and hearts) of many incoming members. Her medium of choice? Pastels. Her creations? Breathtaking!

Diane'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. Thanks to LSTO, two additional artists will be visiting the Longmont Y to share their artistic talents:

Monday, May 14
10:00am - 12:00pm                   
Linda Sole Faul (Oil)

Saturday, June 23
10:00am - 12:00pm
Nanci Imburgia (Needle Felting)

Bummed about missing Diane's demo? Don't be! Diane will return to the Longmont Y for a second live demonstration:

Wednesday, July 11
10:00am - 12:00pm
Diane Wood returns (Pastel)

You may also learn more about Diane Wood's artwork by visiting her website. Click here to learn more about the LSTO program and its talented artists!

For most members and program participants, the Longmont Y Welcome Desk is the first point of contact.  From check in and program registration to facility tours and membership applications, your friendly Welcome Desk representatives are committed to making your Longmont Y experience a positive one!  If you're a frequent visitor who is well acquainted with hour Welcome Desk staff, get ready, because a fresh face is now gracing our station!

With a new staff member coming aboard, it's time for the Welcome Desk to do what it does best...

Help us extend a warm welcome to our newest Welcome Desk representative, Edgar!

As a two-year member, Edgar is no stranger to the Longmont Y. His bilingual status and translating skills make him an indispensable asset to the Welcome Desk and our Spanish-speaking members. What's more, Edgar is a kind and courteous team player who is motivated to work at the Welcome Desk by his love of helping people.
This Longmont resident graduated from Skyline High School in 2010. He plans to attend Front Range Community College while deciding upon a future career path.

Don't be a stranger! Stop by the Longmont Y and become acquainted with your friendly Welcome Desk team today!

As the weather grows warmer, the Longmont Y is preparing for a third spectacular season in its Educational Farm (formerly known as the Community Garden)!

As the farm continues to grow and expand, so do our aspirations for positively impacting the nutrition, health, and happiness of our community! There are many exciting additions and expansions in store for the Educational Farm in 2012...

Much like the tender starter plants now taking root behind the Longmont Y, our Educational Farm is in its infancy.  Already we are making a difference in the Longmont community - providing local individuals and families with organically grown, affordable produce; feeding underprivileged community members by donating produce to the OUR Center; teaching our community about proper nutrition; and educating our children about nature, nutrition, and the joys of playing in the dirt!  Here at the Y, we are THRILLED by the positive impact our Educational Farm is having after only two seasons.  As we enter our third growing season, we look forward to a brighter future for both the Educational Farm and our community.

Take a look at this beautiful artist's illustration depicting what the Educational Farm may look like some day!

Rome wasn't built in a day and the Longmont Y's Educational Farm will require many seasons of careful planning, construction, and community support before reaching completion.  Join our movement toward a healthier, happier community by donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word about the Educational Farm!

If you are interested in volunteering on the Longmont Y's Educational Farm, contact Farm Coordinator Jessica Fernandez at 720-652-4726. Volunteers are invited to participate in "Farm Work Days" from 8:00am - 12:00pm on 2nd and 4th Saturdays of every month. We're not just growing a garden, orchard, or farm... We're growing a happier, healthier community!