YMCA News Archive

Rochester Area Family YMCA joins YMCA of the North

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 20:01:25 +0000

Rochester Area Family YMCA joins YMCA of the North jeffrey.needham Wed, 08/30/2017 - 15:01

Rochester Area Family YMCA joins YMCA of the North

Rochester, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, announced the integration of the Rochester Area Family YMCA into the YMCA of the North following a member vote.

The YMCA of the North will provide help with strategic long-term improvement in facility planning and developing, provide support services and technology to allow the Rochester Y to focus on service delivery, and offer additional focus on partnerships to provide needed programming. The integration will also provide the Rochester community with expanded opportunities over the course of the coming year, including new fitness equipment, additional youth enrichment classes, an improved group exercise platform, a new swim lesson curriculum, updated teen programming, access to overnight and family camps and more.

"We are proud to be joining such a thriving community of YMCAs in the YMCA of the North, and excited about the future for the Rochester YMCA," said Ann Beatty, chair of the YMCA Rochester Community Board.

"We are excited to collaborate with the Rochester community to provide whole-life wellbeing opportunities and life-strengthening services for youth, adults, families and seniors," said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. "We look forward to deepening the YMCA’s partnerships in the Rochester community and developing even more innovative programs."

Answer Man: Future of Family YMCA up for grabs today

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Answer Man: Future of Family YMCA up for grabs today jeffrey.needham Wed, 08/30/2017 - 00:00

Did you miss me? I thought so. I'm back just in time to tell you about the big Rochester Area Family YMCA membership meeting, which I'm told is at noon today in the grand Elizabethan Room at the Kahler.

As I reported in a scoop last week, the Family Y is considering an affiliation with the YMCA of the North. The latter organization has confirmed the proposal; the Rochester Y has been tight-lipped, though the organization has been in distress in recent years.

What that affiliation would look like will be made clear at the meeting. According to a trusted source, Rochester Y members haven't been given material in advance that would be useful to yours truly, but the deal reportedly would transfer the local assets to the Twin Cities organization. I've heard other things about the deal but hesitate to share; I'll only say, it's unclear how the Rochester Y proceeds if members vote no.

Whatever happens will be important, needless to say, because the Rochester Y is important — it's been a part of the community since 1906, and it's been a crossroads and community center for people from all walks of life and all communities. This is fodder for another column, but the local Y traces its history to a visit from legendary preacher Billy Sunday, who in 1906 helped raise $16,000 to build a YMCA in the city. That building was several blocks north on First Avenue Southwest, at Second Street.

The Y closed in 1932, as the Great Depression took hold and the building was sold to Mayo, which razed it, as is the clinic's wont, in 1938. But Mayo helped the Y get started again in 1960 when it donated the Balfour property and the current building went up in 1964.

The clinic and community wouldn't let the Y idea die, and it may take that kind of heavy lifting again to keep it going.

Dear Answer Man, how rare is it for a city council member in Minnesota to get censured?

Excellent question, in light of the censure of Rochester City Council Member Michael Wojcik last week. It was only the Rochester council's third censure in the past quarter century, according to musty archives.

Censures are rare but not unheard of in the Gopher State. The Shakopee City Council censured one of its own, Mike Luce, in July, took away his key card to the new city hall and stripped him of membership on boards and commissions. He has denied any wrongdoing and told the Star Tribune that allegations against him are "bogus and all made up."

In April 2016, a New Brighton council member was censured for alleged violations of city policy and protocol.

The mayor of Becker was censured by the city council in February 2016 for what were alleged to be harassing interactions with city staff that violated the city's code of conduct, according to the St. Cloud Times.

A council member in Lake Elmo was censured twice in 2015 for raising questions about a shortfall in city revenue. An audit later showed he was correct about a shortfall, though council members also said the censures were about his personal interactions regarding the issue.

The mayor and a council member in North Branch were censured in a special meeting in June 2015 for testimony they gave to a Minnesota Senate committee. It's an interesting saga; I'll add that link plus the others online.

The mayor of Maple Plain was censured by the city council in March 2014 for alleged inappropriate language and conduct with a city employee. He denied the allegations.

There are probably other censures of interest — these just happen to pop up on a quick web search. One of my diligent research associates checked with the League of Minnesota Cities for any information they may have, assuming there's no master database of censures in St. Paul. A League official responded Tuesday and said, "Unfortunately, this is not data that the League collects."

Read

7 things to know about the YMCA decision

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

7 things to know about the YMCA decision jeffrey.needham Wed, 08/30/2017 - 00:00

Members of the Rochester Area Family YMCA voted Wednesday to join the YMCA of the North.

The decision will integrate the local facility into the metro-area based nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Here are a few things to know about the decision:

1. The vote was a landslide.

Joan Schimml, senior director of communications and marketing for the YMCA of the North, said 93 percent of those attending Wednesday's voted for the new partnership.

Ann Beatty, chairwoman of the YMCA Rochester Community Board, said about 200 of the approximately 3,000 people served by the Y voted.

2. Several reasons were provided.

"I heard comments from people who just think it's the right thing to do," Beatty said of comments during the closed membership meeting.

Among concerns voiced during the meeting were the need for improvements for the aging facility and a desire to expand programs and enhance the existing staff.

3. A new building could be in the future.

While she noted the initial goal will be to create a long-term plan to update the facility built in 1964, Beatty said she the future has yet to be determined, noting a new building could be part of the future.

She said the YMCA of the North brings an expertise in planning for the future and determining what a community needs.

4. Staff is expected to remain in place.

"Everybody is on board, I hope, to stay on," Beatty said.

Schimml said the move could eventually expand the staff.

"We will work with the Rochester Y leadership team to ensure we have the skills and experience needed to best serve the Rochester members and community," she said. "In the future, we expect to add additional program offerings that may offer new job opportunities."

5. Several new opportunities are expected.

In addition to operational efficiency and financial stability, the YMCA of the North expects to expand community opportunities during the coming year, which could include new fitness equipment, additional youth enrichment classes, an improved group exercise platform, a new swim lesson curriculum, updated teen programming and access to overnight and family camps.

"We are excited to collaborate with the Rochester community to provide whole-life well-being opportunities and life-strengthening services for youth, adults, families and seniors," said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North. "We look forward to deepening the YMCA's partnerships in the Rochester community and developing even more innovative programs."

6. If membership rates change, it won't be until next year.

"We asked that question, and we think possibly in 2018," Beatty said of the potential for a slight rate increase.

The current membership also continues to provide access to all Minnesota YMCAs.

7. University of Minnesota Rochester will remain a partner.

Beatty said the university will remain an important part of the Y's future vision and plans continue to create a campus around the facility.

"We want to serve the greater community but that remains a great partnership," she said.

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Rochester Y joins Twin Cities organization

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 30 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Rochester Y joins Twin Cities organization jeffrey.needham Wed, 08/30/2017 - 00:00

Members of the Rochester Area Family YMCA voted Wednesday to join the YMCA of the North.

According to a press release, "The YMCA of the North will provide help with strategic long-term improvement in facility planning and developing, provide support services and technology to allow the Rochester Y to focus on service delivery, and offer additional focus on partnerships to provide needed programming."

The integration is also expected to provide the Rochester community with expanded opportunities during the coming year, which could include new fitness equipment, additional youth enrichment classes, an improved group exercise platform, a new swim lesson curriculum, updated teen programming and access to overnight and family camps.

"We are proud to be joining such a thriving community of YMCAs in the YMCA of the North, and excited about the future for the Rochester YMCA," said Ann Beatty, chairwoman of the YMCA Rochester Community Board.

Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the YMCA of the North, said he expects the change to provide community benefits.

"We are excited to collaborate with the Rochester community to provide whole-life wellbeing opportunities and life-strengthening services for youth, adults, families and seniors," he said. "We look forward to deepening the YMCA's partnerships in the Rochester community and developing even more innovative programs."

Read

YMCA Hosts 41st Annual National Youth Project Using Minibikes Rodeo August 29

jeffrey.needham — Tue, 29 Aug 2017 13:49:42 +0000

YMCA Hosts 41st Annual National Youth Project Using Minibikes Rodeo August 29 jeffrey.needham Tue, 08/29/2017 - 08:49

YMCA Hosts 41st Annual National Youth Project Using Minibikes Rodeo August 29

Brooklyn Park, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host the 41st annual National Youth Project Using Minibikes (NYPUM) Rodeo in conjunction with local law enforcement and community partners on Tuesday, August 29.

NYPUM has been connecting youth facing barriers to a healthy peer group and positive adult role models for more than 40 years, demonstrating its value by motivating youth to make positive choices in their daily lives. The program also seeks to break down walls between youth and local police. Young people ages 10 to 17 who have participated in the program this summer will have the chance to show off their skills on dirt bikes.

“The YMCA is proud to be part of this national program impacting youth by integrating positive youth development, intentional goal setting and behavior modification,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “Young people in the program have the opportunity to connect with their communities while learning exciting new skills.”

WHO:
YMCA of the North along with local law enforcement and community partners

WHAT:
41st Annual NYPUM Dirt Bike Rodeo

WHERE:
10407 West River Road in Brooklyn Park, MN 55444

WHEN:
Tuesday, August 29, 2017 from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Answer Man: Family Y says Y not explore other avenues?

jeffrey.needham — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

Answer Man: Family Y says Y not explore other avenues? jeffrey.needham Wed, 08/23/2017 - 00:00

Dear Answer Man, certainly you know what's going on at the Rochester Area Family YMCA. -- Bob

Yes, I certainly know there are big things shaking, and I know more than I can share. But I assure you, there are big things shaking, and I'm not talking waistlines on StairMasters.

One of my most pleasant research associates called Ann Beatty, chief volunteer officer of the Rochester Y, and she confirmed that "exciting news" is brewing.

"You are correct" that there are important decisions being made by the Y and other organizations, Ann said, "but I can't share more at this time. There are too many precarious votes yet that have to happen in order for" an announcement to be made.

But Ann, who's been the CVO since April 2016, said that by next week, "we may have some exciting news to share."

The Family Y, which has a facility that some would call "aging" and in need of updates, has been mentioned by community leaders as a candidate for co-location with another institution or two, possibly in the DMC Discovery Square area.

My I-Team member didn't press Ann on the point, but among the rumors on the street is that the Rochester Y is considering an affiliation with the Y in the Twin Cities. We checked earlier today with the YMCA of the North and Joan Schimml, the senior director of communications and marketing, responded by email just before deadline:

"Thank you for reaching out to us about the Rochester YMCA member meeting next week. The Rochester Area Family YMCA board of directors has invited Rochester YMCA members to a meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 30, to discuss and vote about joining the YMCA of the North so we can further work together to strengthen our Rochester YMCA for today and tomorrow.

"We will let you know after the meeting what the members have decided."

I'll also note that the Family Y's interim executive director, Mike Lavin, who took over from Steve Courts in January, was involved in leadership with the Twin Cities Y organization for 22 years.

So this apparently is part of the news that could be coming -- there may be more, and hopefully it's all good for the Family Y, which is an important organization and vital place for Rochester.

Touring neighborhoods

In Tuesday's much-talked about masterpiece, a reader asked if it's a new tourism trend to park your car in an unfamiliar Rochester neighborhood, wander around, see the sights and move on.

I'm not aware of this as a hot trend in the Queen City, but loyal reader Kim Woodruff sent this:

"I am writing in response to Somewhat Perplexed in your Tuesday column. I personally have driven to other neighborhoods in Rochester just to take a stroll. One in particular is the Cascade Lake area. I do not own a bike and accessing the trail from my neighborhood would be quite a walk.

"I enjoy seeing different scenery and/or styles of architecture. I have had the thought when doing this that it might seem strange to the residents and hoped I wasn't causing worry. I do try to find a space not directly in front of a residence and I don't stay parked more than an hour at a time.

"I would suggest the same to others that may not have nice sidewalks and walking trails in their neighborhood. It's a testament to these areas as welcoming neighborhoods."

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YMCA youth learn to make food shelf items into healthy meals

jeffrey.needham — Fri, 18 Aug 2017 05:00:00 +0000

YMCA youth learn to make food shelf items into healthy meals jeffrey.needham Fri, 08/18/2017 - 00:00

On Tuesday youth from YMCA of the North will compete in Sliced!, a cooking competition, to learn more about cooking, food finances and health.

The youth will be split into teams and given ingredients and a time limit to create dishes inside the learning kitchen at the St. Paul Midway YMCA.

“They’re all going to be given the same ingredients: foods that you would commonly get from a food shelf. You often don’t see them as the healthiest foods, so the challenge for them is to create a healthy meal with food shelf items,” Lisa Pung Michaelson of YMCA said.
Everyone will taste the food afterward, and local chefs will judge the winning dish.

The youths will also hear from local chefs and restaurant owners about finding career opportunities in the culinary industry, food handling, general kitchen safety, knife skills and planning healthy meals with limited resources.

The event is not open to the general public.

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YMCA Hosts Sliced! Food Shelf Cooking Challenge August 22

Elise.Guenther — Thu, 17 Aug 2017 21:22:34 +0000

YMCA Hosts Sliced! Food Shelf Cooking Challenge August 22 Elise.Guenther Thu, 08/17/2017 - 16:22

YMCA Sliced! Food Shelf Cooking Challenge

St. Paul, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host its Sliced! Food Shelf Cooking Challenge in the learning kitchen at the St. Paul Midway YMCA on Tuesday, August 22.

Participants will compete on teams in the style of Chopped and Worst Cooks in America for the title of Sliced! champion and hear inspiring stories from restaurateurs who overcame housing instability. In addition, they will experience presentations from local chefs and restaurant owners on knife skills, food handling, general kitchen safety, planning healthy meals with limited resources, and finding career opportunities in the culinary industry.

“The YMCA is committed to a food philosophy whereby we are intentional about the impact of nourishment on our bodies and life for all in our community,” said Greg Waibel, chief operating officer for the Y. “This event brings cooking and nutrition education to young people and encourages them to explore new ways to improve their health and well-being.”

WHO:
YMCA of the North

WHAT:
Sliced! Food Shelf Edition

WHERE:
St. Paul Midway YMCA Learning Kitchen at 1761 University Ave W in St. Paul, MN 55104

WHEN:
Tuesday, August 22, 2017 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

YMCA Empowers Teens to Discover, Serve and Lead

Elise.Guenther — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 20:04:16 +0000

YMCA Empowers Teens to Discover, Serve and Lead Elise.Guenther Wed, 08/16/2017 - 15:04

Teen Thrive

According to research conducted at UCLA, teen participation in after school programs helps reduce risky behaviors like drug use or sexual activity.
Pew Research Center reports that only 20 percent of 16-17 year olds have a summer job, and that rate is lower among teens of color.
A study conducted by DoSomething.org indicates that 75 percent of teens who volunteer report that their friends are also involved and that socializing with friends is a top incentive to volunteer.

The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, connects teens to opportunities to build leadership skills, serve their communities and prepare for the future through its Teen Thrive programs.

Studies show teens who participate in structured activities outside of school are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. Additionally, young people who take on leadership roles as adolescents are more likely to serve in managerial positions as adults. The Y provides a safe place for teens that is flexible, engaging and accessible. Teens at the Y can choose to engage in programs that help them develop as leaders, participate in service learning and explore pathways to postsecondary and career opportunities.

“Middle school and high school students are not only leaders of tomorrow – they have the potential to lead our communities today,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “The Y connects young people to learning opportunities that empower them to make a difference now while setting themselves up for future success.”

Gunderson added that the Y’s goal is to eliminate barriers that keep teens from participating in leadership programs and discovering what interests them. The Y team designs programs that are flexible and can meet the needs of the local community. Some of these programs include:

Y’s Start and Leaders Club, after school programs that emphasize volunteer and leadership opportunities and help middle school and high school students make new friends in their community and the surrounding area
Workforce readiness programs, including internships, volunteering and work opportunities at YMCA locations
College access programs that help teens explore and prepare for postsecondary opportunities
Youth in Government, including the Model Assembly and Model United Nations conferences, empowering teens to learn about government, express themselves with confidence and build leadership skills

See how Faith’s involvement with the Y has given her a wealth of new experiences, including her first internship – YMCA Teen Thrive: Faith’s Story.

Discover how college student Victor uses his passion for youth work to give back and become a transformative leader within the Y – YMCA Teen Thrive: Victor’s Story.

Learn how Shaprea grew to be a strong leader by engaging in opportunities at the Y – YMCA Teen Thrive: Shaprea’s Story.

Hear how participating in Y’s Start helped Walter gain confidence and social-emotional skills – YMCA Teen Thrive: Walter’s Story.

Because the Y is a leading nonprofit committed to helping all learn, grow and thrive, financial assistance is available based on need. To learn more or to get involved, please visit ymcamn.org.

YMCA CycleHealth Hosts Annual BreakAway Kids Tri August 19

Elise.Guenther — Wed, 16 Aug 2017 19:57:52 +0000

YMCA CycleHealth Hosts Annual BreakAway Kids Tri August 19 Elise.Guenther Wed, 08/16/2017 - 14:57

CycleHealth

Maple Grove, MN – CycleHealth, a division of the YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will host its BreakAway Kids Tri on Saturday, August 19 at Elm Creek Park Reserve in Maple Grove.

For the first time, kids have a shorter life expectancy than their parents due to factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and declining participation in organized sports. Local pediatricians in more than 50 clinics are collaborating with CycleHealth to change this trend by prescribing fun, unique activities, including the BreakAway Kids Tri. Two course distances are offered so kids of all abilities can swim, bike and run to the finish line. Both courses feature fun obstacles along the way.

"It's great to prescribe something fun and healthy rather than medication. Kids love it; families are energized to be healthier together," said Dr. Shelly Strong of Central + Priority Pediatrics.

"CycleHealth makes sweating fun for kids. Once they get involved, they don't want to stop," added Dr. Tracy Hall of South Lake Pediatrics.

“The YMCA and CycleHealth are proud to work with community partners to provide unique wellness opportunities for kids,” said Glen Gunderson, president and CEO of the Y. “When we empower young people to develop healthy habits early, we set them up for future success.”

WHO:

YMCA of the North CycleHealth and the Three River Parks District

WHAT:

Breakaway Kids Tri by CycleHealth

WHERE:

Elm Creek Park Reserve at 12400 James Deane Parkway in Maple Grove, MN 55369

WHEN:

Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Racing begins at 9:00 a.m. and finishes around 10:45 a.m.