Community
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Keep Kids Safe Near Water
Posted May 20, 2013 in
By Joe Edger, Director of Aquatics and Youth, David D. Hunting YMCA
Drowning is preventable, that is why at the Y we have been teaching generations lifesaving skills through swim lessons for more than 100 years. This summer when it comes to keeping your loved ones safe, keep the following in mind and take action:
FIRST, whenever you are near a pool or body of water, watch the kids every minute. At gatherings with several adults, take turns being the one responsible for supervising the kids.... Read More
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How to choose the right camp for your child
Posted May 13, 2013 in
By Greg Dodd, Executive Director, YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin {image_1} For parents, extra support to keep kids healthy can go a long way. According to the latest findings of the YMCA’s Family Health Snapshot, a survey that gauges children’s activity levels during the school year, nearly 50 percent of U.S. parents say technological distractions such as television, cell phones or video games make it difficult to maintain a healthy lifestyle for their children. With more free time in summer, ensuring that kids practice healthy habits could be a... Read More
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Spartan Stores Y April Q&A
Posted May 06, 2013 in
General FacilityComment: Request signage on Sauna prohibiting wringing out wet towels, over hot rocks. It steams up the dry sauna and no one else can enjoy it except the one person who steamed up the place. Staff Response: Thanks for the comment. We can do this!
Comment: The Spartan YMCA should have special needs lock in on the weekends! Staff Response: I will pass this suggestion along!
Comment: Parking stones or cement curbs so that people... Read More
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Hello Summer Camps!
Posted April 29, 2013 in
By Molly Schmid, Associate Executive Director, Wolverine Worldwide YMCA
{image_1} Although most are dreaming of spending the days soaking up the sun, the reality is most continue with their weekly work routine leading many parents to begin to worry about how to keep their children from spending all day playing video games and watching TV, and for good reason. Today the average child watches 1,680 minutes of TV each week. An alarming statistic that coincides with the fact that many children are spending more time indoors and less... Read More
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Y Service Club’s White Elephant Sale
Posted April 22, 2013 in
By Greg Dodd, Executive Director, YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin {image_1}
I fondly remember a time long ago when I was a child. Engulfed in the great outdoors, I can remember feeling the breeze gently caress my face and the sun beating down on me, as I ran to my next hiding place in a game of capture the flag. Now think back to a moment in your childhood – what was your most memorable experience? Did it involve playing outdoors?
As it stands today, children are losing contact with... Read More
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Finding the Right Sport for Your Child
Posted April 15, 2013 in
By Rebekah Mittner, Marketing Assistant, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids {image_1}
From basketball to soccer to gymnastics, there are so many different options when it comes to sports for your child, leading many to wonder, which sport is right for my child. As a mother of an active preschooler myself, I have found it to be a challenge when it comes to helping my child find the right sport.
Why you may ask? Because, like every other parent, I want what is best for my... Read More
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Wonder Foods or Wonder Foods?
Posted April 08, 2013 in
By Sarah Portenga, Registered Dietitian, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
It’s seems that every week there is a new food being pushed by the media as the newest and most wondrous food for our health. The truth is one single food does not have a unique feature that prevents or cures disease. In reality it is a class of foods or an entire diet that protects against a disease. Here is what research knows about which foods may lower the risk of some key health problems.... Read More
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Spartan Stores Y March Q&A
Posted April 01, 2013 in
General FacilityComment: Age limit in the Men’s and Women’s locker room Staff Response: Thank you for your suggestion. We actually do not have an age limit on our gender specific locker rooms so that families of the same gender can transition together, or use the family locker room for opposite gender transitions. However, if you have ever had a concern about the behavior of our youth in a certain space please do not hesitate to let our Manager on Duty know. They would be... Read More
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Spartan Stores Y February Q&A
Posted March 04, 2013 in
General FacilityComment: Add a weather change or class change update to your app and web-site in case of changes to schedule. Staff Response: Any time the facility is closed or there are weather related issues, everything is posted on the webpage and our app for your convenience. Also be sure to follow us on facebook and twitter.
Comment: YMCA App for gym says information no data and it says this sometimes for the pool, also. Staff Response: Thanks, we will... Read More
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It’s Dinner Time: What’s on Your Plate?
Posted February 25, 2013 in
By Sarah Portenga, Registered Dietitian, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids {image_1} It’s dinner time. You most likely already have had a long day and, now that you are home, I bet you wish you could snap your fingers and a nutritious, tasty meal is waiting on your table. No time and energy required.
While I can’t tell you how to make meals magically appear, I can say that it is possible to make healthy meals with limited time and with limited money. In fact, the... Read More