y-news

YMCA Invites Community to Rejoice and Celebrate Easter Together

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 08:50:51 +0100

Our Savior is risen and death is overcome! Rejoice and praise the Lord that our sins are forgiven. What love has been shown to us by our Heavenly Father. In honor of the true meaning of Easter, the Y will be joining Pricilla Bell’s 12^th Annual Markesha Coleman Easter Eggstravaganza to celebrate our Lord’s triumph.

All community youth and families are invited to enjoy the festivities today, Saturday April 7^th, at 2:00pm at the Beulah Hill Family Life Center at 321 Tifton Eldorado Road. Children will enjoy free egg hunts, hamburgers and hotdogs, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, prizes, carnival games, face painting, bouncy houses, balloon art, nail polish, and entertainment courtesy of numerous community volunteers who are lovingly donating their time.

We appreciate our many sponsors and volunteers. Thank you to Road Less Traveled Ministry, Frank Jefferson Construction, Beulah Hill Baptist Church, First United Methodist Church, Ponder and Solomon Law Group, McDonald’s, Southview Mortuary, A&A Finance, Agrium, Big Nose Entertainments, Chick Gatewood Sales, Covington Motors, Curtis Packing, Dennis Reese for Sherriff Group, Lacy Ford Jr. & Family, MRC Trucking Company, Nate Bail Bonds, O & D Body Shop, SKL Enterprise, Sonic, Steve Woods for Sherriff group, Tifton Housing Authority, Travelers Rest Church, Wal-Mart, Men of Accomplishment, First Baptist Church of TyTy, ABAC Ambassadors and Hispanic Retention Program, Peach Care, UGA Cooperative Extension Service/ Strong African American Families, First Baptist Church of Chula Women’s Ministry, Community Partnership for Protecting Children (CPPC), Paul Akins, and all other community volunteers. We truly appreciate all of these individuals and groups generously giving their time so that families can enjoy a positive day celebrating Christ’s resurrection.

Make sure to grab your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and bring them out to celebrate Easter together as a community today at 2:00 at 321 Tifton Eldorado Road.

Tiftarea YMCA Annual Golf Tournament to be Held March 5th

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 20:14:21 +0100

The Tiftarea YMCA will present its annual golf tournament Monday, March 5^th2011 at Springhill Country Club in Tifton, Georgia. Join us for a great day of golf and a fun evening with silent auctions and entertainment.

Foursomes of this shotgun start event will enjoy a player’s lunch. Then tournament players will play 18 holes of golf with snacks and contests along this beautiful course including Hole-in-one, putting, and longest drive contests. Golfers will take their chance in winning a car from Prince Chevrolet as well as a plethora of other fabulous prizes. When the tournament is over players will return to the clubhouse to relax while YMCA CEO Jimmy Moore award the tourney’s awards and prizes.

That night the golfers will join in a celebration of the day and the YMCA with a dinner accompanied by the tunes of the Blues Devils and silent auctions with incredible and unique items (such as furniture and jewelry).

Spaces are limited so make sure to register your team today at the Tiftarea YMCA on 1823 Westover Road. Foursome teams may register pre-event for only $375 or $400 the day of the event. Join together with your friends for this annual event to enjoy a day’s entertainment as well as the knowledge that all proceeds will be used to benefit the youth of your community.

Parents, are you trying to make plans to ensure your kids have an eventful summer? Your Tiftarea YMCA has a lot of great programs in the works for this summer. An all day summer camp will be available for working parents. Academic enrichment half day camps will also be offered at your Y’s Kids’ University. Don’t forget the amazing sports camps and those essential swim lessons. More details will be available in the coming month.

Wanting to get your kids active for this spring? Don’t forget sports registration is now available for T-ball, coach pitch, and soccer for children ages 3-12. Call your YMCA at (229) 391-9622 for more information.

YMCA’s 10th Annual Father Daughter Dance to be held at UGA

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:28:14 +0100

Your Tiftarea YMCA is delighted to announce the 10^th annual Father Daughter Dance will be the biggest and best yet! Providing over a decade of wonderful memories for daughters and daddies, this year’s YMCA dance promises to bring even more unforgettable moments with a catered meal, live band, professional portrait, keepsake, and fabulous door prizes!

With over 500 participants last year, the YMCA is proud to be hosting the event at the UGA Tifton Campus Conference Center this year where there will be plenty of room for fathers and daughters to mingle and dance. Entertainment will be provided by East Beach Blues Band, an eight piece band that plays Beach, Motown and Rock & Roll music with a full complement of horns. A delicious meal will be catered by Southern Caterers featuring dishes prepared by Cynthia Harrison. Daughters will delight in a keepsake flower and professional portrait by Sidney Cromer. Fathers and daughters will enjoy the chance to win those famous door prizes donated by generous local businesses that are always a hallmark of your Y’s event! Tickets are available for purchase at the Tiftarea YMCA office at 1823 Westover Road in Tifton.

At the YMCA, memories are yours for the making!

More family fun is available through your Y’s youth sports program. Spring sports registration is now under way for children ages 3-12 for soccer and baseball/t-ball. The YMCA Youth Sports philosophy is to allow kids to participate in a noncompetitive program with an emphasis on fun, development of character, and fair play. We believe our youth sports programs help families and individuals grow personally, clarify values, improve relationships, appreciate diversity, develop leadership skills and most of all, have fun!

YMCA coaches lead players through drills and games that build skills, develop coordination and enhance a love of the game. We make sure everyone participates and we emphasize the development of character.

At the YMCA, everyone is a winner!

Uh-oh, did you miss out on registration for some of your favorite Y programs? Don’t worry you are not too late; we are still accepting registration for Team Lean and Kids’ University. Stop by the YMCA office today to reserve your place today or call (229) 391-9622 for more information.

Team Lean is a 10 week weight loss competition with guidance provided on nutrition and exercise as well as a ton of motivation to help you reach your health and wellness goals! Join together with groups of 4 to team up for your best weight loss experience ever.

At the YMCA, you’ll find the support you need!

Kids’ University is a unique hands-on learning experience available in art and science afterschool at all 5 primary schools in Tift County. The Art course will allow your child to use their creativity to express their personality through interesting art projects. Kids will use a variety of materials as they discover artists and their artworks, sharpen their artistic skills, and create art that uses Reading and Math Knowledge. The Science course will delight your budding genius scientist with nonstop experiments in electricity, potions, magnets, animal and plant science, and movement. Children will practice the scientific method and use critical thinking skills to generate hypotheses and test them through applied explorations!

At the YMCA, learning is fun!

Resolution Empowerment Available at the YMCA

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:02:23 +0100

Another new year and another round of resolutions, do you want to make sure this year’s health goals are achieved? Your Tiftarea YMCA is here to help! Let 2012 be the year of wellness for your family. With programs like Team Lean, Right Start, and over 40 aerobics classes a week ranging from Aqua Aerobics to Zumba, the YMCA has your health resolutions covered from A to Z.

Are you a big fan of those reality shows where contestants join together for fantastic transformations through hard work and lifestyle changes? Your Tiftarea YMCA Team Lean is just the thing to make those Hollywood results your new reality! A ten week weight loss completion designed for teams of four gives you access to weekly aerobics classes, nutrition classes, and personal trainers. Team efforts and cash prizes motivate participants to stay focused on losing weight through diet and exercise. There is no need to be shy or self conscious: all weights are held confidential (not even shared with team members). Registration is under way now until January 13^th for the small fee of only $30 for members or $40 for nonmembers. The kick off will be held Monday, January 16, 2012 at the Tiftarea YMCA.

If you are looking for a wellness facility to improve your health, your Tiftarea YMCA has unique programs designed to help you begin and get acclimated to working out. The Right Start Program for new members guarantees you will receive a free session with a personal trainer to guide you on getting started and how to achieve your personal wellness goals. The trainer will support you for the first month to ensure your comfort and continued success. Your road to health won’t have to be traveled alone; certified trainers are there to help you each step of the way!

Single adult memberships start at just $25 a month. With a YMCA membership you will be able to enjoy over 40 aerobics classes a week with our certified and friendly aerobics instructors, let the children play with our competent and energetic childcare providers in our 800 sq. ft. child watch room and fenced playground, swim laps in our heated pool, burn calories on the equipment in our cardio room, tone up and chisel your physique in our two weight rooms under the tutelage of our expert fitness staff, and get discounted rates on excellent children’s programs and sports leagues. We invite you to come be a part of the YMCA family and explore all we have to offer.

Kids, are you looking for something fun to do over the school break while your parents work? Your Tiftarea YMCA is offering School’s Out Camp. Packed with art projects, activities, games, bible stories, and fun, you will see why that song sings”It’s fun to stay at the Y-M-C-A!” Camp will be open from 7:30 AM until 6:00 PM on Tuesday January 3 through Friday January 6 as well as Monday January 9 for only $15 per child per day for members or $20 for non-members. Call and register your child today at (229)391-9622.

Don’t forget this New Year’s Day the Y will be hosting our annual Polar Bear Plunge Charity Challenge at 2:00PM. The event is free to the public so bring your whole family and join in the exciting slide into our brisk plunge pool followed with a dip in the heated main pool and some complimentary hot cocoa!

Giving thanks at the Tiftarea YMCA

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 14:47:18 +0100

Your Tiftarea YMCA would like to give thanks at this season of Thanksgiving for the many blessings experienced this last year. Volunteers have come together to give freely of their time and talents to make a positive impact on a child’s lift through the Y’s youth sports program, the summer feeding program, as well as canned food, coat, belt and underwear drives for needy children. Other ministries such as the Christmas Extravaganza, Markesha Coleman Easter Egg Hunt, & Healthy Kids Day have worked to help families have meaningful time spent together in Christian fellowship and love. Our lives have been touched and inspired by the amazing sense of community we see here in Tift County where so many people, organizations and churches have joined together to work so selflessly to help children and families.

Watching the families at the Y’s fall sports end of season carnival, we were reminded just how many children are affected by the efforts of volunteers and supporting businesses. We would like to express our gratitude to all of the many coaches and team moms who made such enjoyable experiences possible for the Tiftarea youth. The Y also extends a huge thank you to the following corporate sponsors: Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Future Farmers of America, Lowe’s, McDonalds, Papa John’s Pizza and South Georgia Bank as well as the Y’s team sponsors: Allen, Pritchett & Bassett LLP, Chicago Pizza & Pasta, El Cazador Mexican Restaurant, Fulp Family Dentistry, Chick Gatewood Sales, Georgia Car Credit, Hog-N-Bones, Jones Construction, Lamplighter Pub, Simply Silver LLC, Speedy’s-U-Pull-It, Southview Mortuary, Stoned Home Center, STS Trucking and Farms, LLC, The Boot Store, Transitions Salon and Zeke’s Bar-B-Que.

Thanksgiving isn’t only a time to express our gratitude, but it’s also a chance to bless those who have not been as fortunate and help them have a reason to be thankful too. Your Tiftarea YMCA is currently organizing a Community Thanksgiving Canned Food Drive. We are accepting canned food and boxed goods with a particular request for turkeys, hams, canned green beans and cranberry sauce. Through a joint effort with Beulah Hill Baptist Church and SALT (Saving Adolescent Ladies Today), the collected food will be prepared and distributed to families who would not be able to experience Thanksgiving otherwise.

Cool weather is here and unfortunately many children do not have jackets to keep them warm. Commissioner Melisa Cheevers is organizing her annual Keep ‘Em Warm Coats for Kids Program to help provide for the youth in our community. Your Tiftarea YMCA, Carriage Cleaner, Kelly Cleaners, The Big Store and the Law Office of Joseph Carter are collection points for any coats you might be able to donate that are still in good condition. The Tifton Housing Authority and DFACS will distribute these much needed garments. Last year almost 600 coats were donated, let’s join together and serve even more children this year!

Another much needed service in our community is your Y’s Christmas Adopt-A-Child Program. Children are chosen whose families would not be able to provide Christmas gifts for them without outside assistance. Your YMCA asks that you adopt a child to help celebrate Christ’s birth and provide him/her with a laundry basket filled with shoes, underwear, clothing, a Bible, and toys. The children will be hosted into a special site by the Georgia Firebird “elves” and given the baskets in a one-on-one session with Santa Clause himself! If you are interested in helping provide this special moment for a child, contact the YMCA at 391-9622 and we will provide you with the name of a child and his/her sizes and wish list.

Celebrate your many blessings this Thanksgiving and join with your YMCA to help make sure those less fortunate are blessed this holiday season too. May we live the gospel from Matthew 24:35-40 where Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ’Lord, when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers you did it to me.”

YMCA Innovative Children’s Programs Coming to Tift County Primary Schools

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:25:27 +0100

Your Tiftarea YMCA is delighted to announce the implementation of the highly innovative Kids’ University at all primary schools in Tift County. Courses will be available after school in the areas of science and art. Each course will provide unique hands-on learning experiences for children in grades Kindergarten through Third after school one day a week for the duration of the second nine week term. Your Y has worked in partnership with the Tift County Board of Education and Kids Advocacy Coalition to bring these dynamic interactive academic enrichment opportunities to the children in our community.

Kids’ University is a program developed in partnership with the University of Georgia and Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College. Experienced and enthusiastic teachers will be instructing each course to a very limited 15 students. The small class size will ensure that each child gets individual attention and is actively engaged in these unforgettable learning experiences.

The Science course will cover subjects on Let’s See How It Grows; What’s the Matter; Magnetic Personality; Weather; Solids, Liquids, or Gas – Oh My; Water, Water, Everywhere; Our Earth; Color My World; and It’s All Electric. Experiments will be conducted and fun will definitely be had! Let your child develop a love for science and learning in these exceptional class settings.

The Art course will provide experiences in subject matter: portrait, landscape, still life; styles: realistic, impressionistic, non-objective; and elements and principles of art. Creative thinking will be fostered in engaging projects that teach students to develop vital modes of seeing, imagining, inventing, and thinking.

Classes will be offered at Annie Bell Clark, G.O. Bailey, Len Lastinger, Northside, and Omega Primary Schools from 3:30-4:30pm. The curriculum will be consistent at all five schools, but days of availability will differ. Each course will have a fee of $69 for members or $89 for nonmembers for the 9 week term. The classes will operate in accordance with the school calendar for the second nine week term beginning the week of October 18^th and concluding the week of December 19^th. Registration is now open. Given the small class size, spaces are very limited and will be offered on a first come first serve basis. Make sure to stop by your Tiftarea YMCA office at 1823 Westover Road to reserve your child’s place today.

The Y Urges Healthier Habits for Kids during Childhood Obesity Awareness Month

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 13:31:38 +0100

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and the Tiftarea YMCA is reminding parents about the importance of incorporating regular physical activity and healthier eating habits into their children’s lives.

Childhood obesity rates have soared over the last few decades. Nationally, one in three children is obese or overweight, while almost 40% of children in Georgia have been affected by this epidemic, according to the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health. Georgia actually rates as the second highest rate of childhood obesity in the country. More alarming, obesity puts children at risk for chronic diseases often seen in adults, such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure and type-2 diabetes. This health crisis sheds light on the need to provide children and their parents with the resources and the support they need, emphasizing that small steps can lead to big results to reverse the trend.

One key to fighting childhood obesity is prevention. Regular physical activity – 60 minutes a day for children – and nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower children’s chances of becoming obese or overweight and developing chronic diseases. It’s important to note that 60 minutes of physical activity can be achieved through a number of activities throughout the entire day – it doesn’t have to be done all at once. As a leading nonprofit strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y believes that getting kids more active and allowing them to play is an important factor in improving their health.

The Tiftarea YMCA offers programs such as Healthy Kids Day, nutrition classes, team sports, karate, swimming and tennis lessons, physical activities at child watch, and kids’ aerobics days at the mall. These programs have helped families by providing educational opportunities for families on ways to provide more nutritious meals, physical activities they can do at home together as a family, and opportunities to exercise together at the YMCA.

“At the Tiftarea YMCA, we know that many families struggle to find the time and resources to eat healthier and set aside time for physical activity every day,” said Jimmy Moore, CEO. “So we tailor our programs to meet the needs of families in the community to help make the healthier choice an easier choice.”

Take advantage of some of the current opportunities at your Y. Kids will have a blast with tons of activities sure to get them moving at the Y’s Parent’s Night Out this Friday from 6-9pm at the First United Methodist Church Activity Center. Stop by the Tifton Mall on Saturday September 17 & 24 from 1-3pm to join with the Y’s energetic wellness coaches for a demonstration of Kids’ Aerobics. Families are invited to enjoy free health screenings, education, and more exercise demonstrations at the Leroy Rogers Center on Friday October 7 from 9-12am for a community health fair hosted by the City of Tifton, Tift Regional Medical Center, and the Tiftarea YMCA.

To learn more about the Tiftarea YMCA’s opportunities for your family, please contact the Y at (229) 391-9622.

YMCA SPORTS-Where Children Come First!

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:38:23 +0100

In a world obsessed with winning, the YMCA provides a safe place for sports where children come first. Your Tiftarea YMCA has a commitment to putting Christian principles into practice and helping your child develop to his/her full potential in mind, body, and spirit. Winning is kept in perspective and the emphasis is placed on having fun, improving physical fitness, and learning good sportsmanship.

Parents agree the YMCA provides a great overall experience for their children. Heather Davis states, “Everyone was great. The kids were so cute running after the ball. We had a wonderful experience.” Jennifer Coker comments, “My son, Gavin Coker, played soccer last year for the YMCA. He had never played team sports before but by the end of the season he realized it was important to play as a team and not just score goals. He broke his collar bone before the last game (not a result of playing soccer) and even though he could not participate in the final game, he still wanted to come and support his team, which he did from the sidelines.” Gavin is a great example of team spirit and the objectives of the Y coming to fruition.

Ms. Coker also shares that, “My son, Dylan Coker, played flag football for the YMCA last year, for the first time. Dylan gained a lot of confidence by playing for the Y. He always had encouraging words for the boys on his team and the opposing team. I love that the Y incorporates Christian Values in their activities.

Amber Humphrey, Tiftarea YMCA Athletics Director, tells parents “Don't miss out on the action; youth sports are an exciting way to combine team play and individual skills.” Humphrey wants our community to know that the YMCA sports promises no try outs, no getting cut, and no bench warmers! Every child plays at least half of every game while making friends and learning new techniques – open to boys and girls, ages 3 to 12. The Y is currently offering soccer, flag football, and cheerleading.

Practices are held twice a week for an hour during a 2 week span. Games will be played for 6 weeks with a chance of two games a week. The focus of the Y leagues is participation and fun! Basic skills of the game are developed through games and activities. Every child is guaranteed to be able to play an equal amount of time at every game.

Sportsmanship and values are key components of this league. Every game starts with a Youth Sports prayer and ends with a handshake. Every child receives an award at the end of the season!

The YMCA’s Youth Sports Program helps kids become not only better players, but better people as well. It’s a progressive program, with multiple age-specific levels. Every child gets to play and the games are safe, exciting and fun. The Y encourages fair play, positive competition, and family involvement.

Get involved today! Registration ends September 1^st, so stop by the Tiftarea YMCA office on 1823 Westover Road and register your child today.

Tiftarea YMCA Now offering FREE child watch!

Wed, 24 Aug 2011 17:19:25 +0100

During this time of economic hardship, many families are struggling. Families need a place where they can come together and be active without having to worry about placing an even greater strain on an already tight budget. In recognition of this need, your Tiftarea YMCA is now offering free child watch services with all family memberships.

Jimmy Moore, CEO, states “With the difficult economic times today, there is a need for families to be together more than ever. We want families to be able to come to the Y and enjoy all of the amenities, so we are now waiving all charges on child watch while families are using our facilities.”

Members who are under a family membership plan will have access to free child care while they are working out on the Y premises. Parents can enjoy a stress free workout while children enjoy bible stories, crafts and games with your Y’s energetic and friendly child watch staff.

Your Tiftarea YMCA is the place to be for children and families. Come enjoy a wholesome Christian atmosphere where you can embrace a healthy lifestyle. With over 40 aerobic classes a week, a heated pool available year round for lap swimming as well as aqua aerobics, a fitness center, and walking track, you can find a vast amount of exercise that will be sure to advance your journey toward overall wellness. Children will enjoy sports programs (currently registering for flag football, soccer and cheerleading), academic enrichment programs (Kids’ University), Parent’s Night Out (3^rd Friday each month), lessons (swimming, guitar, and tennis), and School’s Out Camp (available during school holidays).

Stop by and speak with your Tiftarea YMCA’s friendly staff today and let us help your family get started on their journey to a healthier, happier lifestyle. Call (229) 391-9622 for more information.

Tiftarea YMCA is the place for sports FUNdamentals!

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:37:41 +0100

Looking for a great place for your child to develop a love for the game as well as character? Your search is over. The Tiftarea YMCA is the place for your child to gain experience in sports and good sportsmanship. YMCA’s across the nation have been helping youth develop athletic skills and character traits for over a century now in a safe environment under the tutelage of caring volunteers.

Youth sports at the YMCA are based on seven pillars. Everyone plays – every child is given equal practice time and opportunity to play. Safety first – sports are modified to match the physical demands of play to the child’s developmental level. Fair play – the YMCA is more interested in developing character, by being role models of good sportsmanship our volunteers teach all participants to play by the rules and show respect to all. Positive competition – by putting an emphasis on sportsmanship, team-play, and building strong interpersonal relationships children will learn how to cooperate in a competitive world. Family involvement – sports provide a wonderful opportunity for parents to get involved in their child’s lives and take pride in their efforts. Sport for all – at the YMCA we are inclusive; we encourage and appreciate the diversity of children in our society. Sport for fun – Y youth sports programs are designed so that kids have fun and develop a love for the game.

Children ages 3-12 are eligible to register for soccer and cheerleading. Ages 4-12 can sign up for flag football. For a fee of $45 for members or $65 for nonmembers, participants will enjoy an 8 week season, jersey, medal, and end of season celebration party. Don’t miss out! Enroll your child today at the YMCA office (1823 Westover Road). Registration ends September 1, 2011. For more information call (229)391-9622.

Parents don’t forget your Tiftarea YMCA will be hosting a Parent’s Night Out on Friday August 19^th from 6-9pm. For just $10 per child, kids can have an action packed evening’s entertainment while you enjoy a little adult time! Call the Y and reserve your child’s spot now (spaces are limited) and start making plans for an evening you’ll look forward to all week!