Virginia Y Needs $100,000 to Stay OpenROANOKE, VA -- The Smith Mountain Lake YMCA in Roanoke, VA, is scrambling to raise $100,000 to remain open. After learning months ago that the siding on its recently constructed facility violated the terms of a proffer tied to the mixed-use development, a Y official had asked Franklin County’s board of supervisors to amend the proffer. However, the board denied the request, forcing the Y to replace the siding, according to The Roanoke Times. ... Public Health Watchdog Pressures Ys to Ban Junk FoodNEW YORK -- The National Action Against Obesity (NAAO) launched a year-long campaign to expel junk food from all U.S. day care, child care and preschool centers, beginning with the nation’s largest provider of child care services, the YMCA of the USA. The group kicked off its campaign in mid-April to coincide with the Y’s annual Healthy Kids Day and specifically targets the Y’s partnership with PepsiCo. ... Greater Indianapolis Ys Offer National Guard Families Free MembershipINDIANAPOLIS -- The Greater Indianapolis YMCA is offering family members of state National Guardsmen an affordable way to stay active and healthy while their loved ones are deployed. The organization has created Operation Indiana Partners, which allows the families of deployed Indiana National Guardsmen to enjoy free memberships. ... YMCA of the USA Partners To Offset Drowning EpidemicBy: Jennipher Shaver Colorado Springs, Co In response to the statistic that nine people drown each day in the United States, the YMCA of the USA and the USA Swimming Foundation... Results May VaryBy: By Jennipher Shaver, senior associate editor More than 11 million people tuned in to watch Marty Wolff and other contestants on season three of The Biggest Loser weigh in for the show's finale in... Defy Stereotypes and ExpectationsBy: Jennipher Shaver One last thought about defying stereotypes. When it comes to fitness facilities, stereotypes are everywhere. From the grunting supplement-popping guy... Y’s Prepare for Healthy Kids Day, Healthy Family HomeNATIONWIDE -- More than 1,700 YMCAs across the country are gearing up for Healthy Kids Day on April 12. The day celebrates making fitness fun, and through free programming for the day introduces kids to an array of Y programs and tools that teach healthy behaviors and healthy ways to play—an essential lesson in learning how to take care of themselves throughout their lifetimes, according to the YMCA of the USA.... Y Partners with the USA Swimming Foundation to Offset Drowning EpidemicCOLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- In response to the alarming statistic that nine people drown each day in the United States, the USA Swimming Foundation and the YMCA of the USA recently partnered to provide free/low-cost swim lessons for at-risk children who are enrolled in their school's free or reduced lunch program. The partnership is a local implementation of Make a Splash, the USA Swimming Foundation's national anti-drowning initiative. Communities involved in the collaborative education program include Raleigh-Durham, NC, San Jose, CA, Philadelphia, and most recently Omaha, NE.... YMCA Program Aims to Reduce Arthritis Pain for Older AdultsCHICAGO -- Throughout March, participating YMCAs will help show adults how to reduce osteoarthritis (OA) pain through simple exercises, weight management and other lifestyle changes. Developed by the YMCA of the USA, Ys around the country will incorporate “Keep Moving” exercises and wellness tips into Ys’ existing activities for older adults. ... Out of ReachBy: By Jennipher Shaver, senior associate editor Although the government isn't saying the word yet, many economists are predicting that the United States is close to entering a recession. Nonprofit fitness... Ys Recognized for Building Healthy CommunitiesBy: Jennipher Shaver Chicago The YMCA of the USA recently recognized five Ys for their involvement in Pioneering Healthier Communities (PHC), an initiative that helps communities... Circuit BreakersBy: By Amy Florence Fischbach, contributing writer Fitness Express Manhattan, a women-only circuit facility in New York City, has added functional training to its circuit these days. Members warm up on... Utility PlayersBy: By Amy Florence Fischbach, contributing writer Remodeling is usually a time when club owners think about spending money, but for some fitness facility operators, renovations are a time to consider... In BRIEFIn mid-February, a little more than a month after police had arrested two men who had broken into lockers and stolen credit cards and other belongings... Times Change, Members May NotBy: Jennipher Shaver One last thought about change. They say that the more things change, the more they stay the same. That doesn't always hold true for business, especially... Indiana Y Sued Over Sauna DeathLAFAYETTE, IN -- The wife of a man who died last year after being found unconscious in the men's sauna at the Lafayette Family YMCA in Lafayette, IN, is suing the organization, according to the Journal and Courier. ... Third Man Sought in Glens Falls Y TheftsGLENS FALLS, NY -- A little more than a month after police arrested two men who had broken into lockers and stolen credit cards and other belongings from members of the Glens Falls Area (NY) YMCA, Glen Falls police are searching for a third man. ... Man Convicted of Fondling Boy at Illinois YMCASPRINGFIELD, IL -- A 60-year-old Springfield, IL, man was recently convicted of fondling a 15-year-old boy in the hot tub at the Springfield (IL) YMCA last spring, the State Journal-Register reported. ... Cry FoulBy: By Stuart Goldman, managing editor A newspaper columnist in Vancouver, WA, once referred to that city's $25 million Firstenburg Community Center as a Taj-Ma-health club. It's no wonder.... North Carolina Y Begins Wellness Pilot ProgramBy: Jennipher Shaver Shelby, Nc The Cleveland County Family YMCA in North Carolina has started a wellness pilot program for designated North Carolina state employees, according... Lights OutBy: By Stuart Goldman, managing editor It sounded so simple. It made so much sense. Experienced, knowledgeable people banked on the marriage of a well-known sandwich chain and a fitness industry... Fitness Club Complaints To BBB on the Rise in 2007By: Stuart Goldman Arlington, Va The number of complaints received by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) about fitness clubs has increased more than 90 percent in the last... Most Club Chains Rank LowBy: Stuart Goldman Yonkers, Ny Readers of Consumer Reports gave higher marks to private studios, nonprofit organizations, local community centers and office fitness facilities... Family AffairBy: By Amy Florence Fischbach, contributing writer A growing number of children's fitness facilities have opened to address the childhood obesity issue. However, many owners of these facilities are learning... Y Introduces Strategic PlanBy: Jennipher Shaver Chicago Because of the current health challenges facing families and individuals, Neil Nicoll, president and CEO of the YMCA of the USA, issued a New... |
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