Today, the (Y) Connect hosts, Robert, Zarinah, and Allison, take time to share professional and personal stories taking place at the Y and their reflections on the incredible work being done at the YMCA. They discuss their latest accomplishments and their significant impact on the community, as well as personal milestones and wellness practices. Their conversation amplifies reconnection and reminders about why working at the Y is so meaningful.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [5:03] Zarinah shares a story of support featuring the child development credential training, and Robert discusses how members are working at the Y and the partnership with Morehouse

• [13:15] Allison shares why the Y is such an effective advocate for water safety, and Robert discusses the difference between equality and equity

• [21:56] The hosts discuss what new initiatives or projects upcoming in the months ahead they are most excited about

• [24:44] The hosts share a moment from this past year that gave them joy, and they discuss their personal wellness goals

• [35:03] Discussion regarding mental health and what is around the corner personally and professionally for Zarinah

• [45:56] The hosts reflect on their favorite podcast episode of this last season

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The hosts discuss how important it is to lean on the Y team for advice and encouragement

• The Y is an essential resource for the community. It isn’t just an after-school program; the Y brings the community together and meets its needs

• Your mental health is as important as your physical health. Taking a break, taking a short walk, and leaving the desk is essential
  

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

This week’s Pathway to the Y features VP of Community Health & Wellness, Jennifer Rewkowski and Group Fitness Instructor, Maura McCurdy. These inspiring women are critical to the Y’s group fitness classes, a popular perk of being a Y member. Join us as we hear what led them to the Y and the group fitness community they’ve built at their Ys.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:00] Jennifer recounts how she first connected with the (Y).

• [1:49] Maura’s pathway began at a young age through a year-round swim team in San Diego.

• [3:00] The group fitness classes at the Y are a popular aspect of Y memberships.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Positions at your local Y can be the start of an exciting career.

• Maura didn’t start working at the Y until a Y member in one of her fitness classes approached her about teaching spin classes at the Y.

• Because Maura’s children grew up in the Y when she was an instructor, they are now members of their local Y.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website

Episode 20 A Personal Approach to Wellbeing

BIOGRAPHY:

Jennifer has been with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for 18 years and says she loves her job and working with the uniqueness of our various YMCA communities. She is VP of Community Health and Wellness, supporting Y branches' health and wellness programming, community partnerships, and grants. Jennifer also leads the Y's two newest locations – the YMCA at Morehouse School of Medicine and our Y at Good Sam. She enjoys spending time with her husband in her free time, watching their son play baseball and football, working out, doing DIY projects and traveling.

When people join the Y, they have access to more than 3,000 group fitness classes. The Y offers everything from cycling to dance to yoga, flexibility, strength and more, all of which impact a person’s overall physical, mental and emotional health. As our guests explain, perhaps one of the best parts of these classes is the close-knit community that is formed as a result.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [2:13] Jennifer describes what goes on in determining the variety of classes offered at the Y and how a participant determines which class they should take depending on their fitness level

• [4:23] Maura explains what motivated her to become a group exercise instructor and what the best part of her job is

• [7:44] Maura keeps the classes engaged and motivated by making class different each time, and Jennifer discusses continuously improving programming and the selection of music

• [15:15] Jennifer discusses new fitness trends

• [19:42] Discussion of the percentages of men versus women in classes

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Taking classes at the YMCA is affordable and a great way to build community and make new connections

• YMCA staff are rewarded by seeing the progress made by the participants

• Exercises can be modified so everyone can participate regardless of the member's fitness level

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

BIOGRAPHY:

Jennifer has been with the YMCA of Metro Atlanta for 18 years and says she loves her job and working with the uniqueness of our various YMCA communities. She is VP of Community Health and Wellness, supporting Y branches' health and wellness programming, community partnerships, and grants. Jennifer also leads the Y's two newest locations – the YMCA at Morehouse School of Medicine and our Y at Good Sam. She enjoys spending time with her husband in her free time, watching their son play baseball and football, working out, doing DIY projects and traveling.

Today’s Pathway to the Y takes us back to the childhoods of Kappi Jernigan and Caitlin Foster, two young leaders at Camp High Harbour at Lake Burton. Kappi serves as the Advanced Leadership Camper (ALC) Program Director and Caitlin serves as one of the LIT Program Directors. They are responsible for making the overnight camp experience so special and impactful for young campers. Tune in today to learn more about their early connections to the Y and what kept them coming back to camp year after year.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [0:50] Caitlin had early connections to the Y through her mother, who had a Y membership.

• [1:30] After hearing about camp High Harbour, Caitlin knew she wanted to be a camper. As soon as she was old enough to sign up, Caitlin became a camper at Camp High Harbour.

• [1:50] Kappi’s Y journey actually began as a day camper at Camp High Harbour, where her love for camp was born.

• [2:20] Kappi then moved into overnight camp, where she now works as the Advanced Leadership Camper (ALC) Program Director. She’s the perfect fit for the role after being a camper herself for fourteen years!
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Camp High Harbour is an accessible program for campers from all over. This allows kids who otherwise would never experience camp attend and make memories.

• The community and friendships built at Camp High Harbour last a lifetime.

• The counselors and leaders of Camp High Harbour help raise thousands of dollars every year to help make Camp High Harbour an accessible and affordable program for all.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Camp High Harbor

BIOGRAPHIES:

Kappi Jernigan is a rising sophomore at Wake Forest University majoring in mathematics with minors in chemistry and neuroscience on the pre-med track. This is her 14th summer at Camp High Harbour at Lake Burton, and she will be serving as the Advanced Leadership Camper (ALC) Program Director.

Caitlin Foster is a sophomore at the University of Georgia. At UGA, she is studying Human Development and Family Sciences on the Pre-PA track. This will be her 10th summer at Camp High Harbour, and she will be one of the LIT Program Directors.

Today, we’re talking about one of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s most treasured experiences–the overnight camp experience at Camp High Harbour. Perhaps one of the main reasons why High Harbour is so successful and popular with families across metro Atlanta has to do with the young leaders who go through the leadership program as camp counselors. Today we have the pleasure of having a conversation with some of the program directors from Camp High Harbour at Lake Burton to hear about their experience and some of the plans for this summer.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [3:11] Kappi and Caitlin describe what their roles will be at this year's summer camp

• [6:15] A typical day at camp, highlighting activities and games. Worship, devotions and singing are a part of the camp, which helps kids grow in their faith

• [9:21] Staff training is extensive before camp

• [12:17] Kappi and Caitlin share highlights of the activities and themes that are planned for this summer, and they talk about how new kids who have never been to camp are welcomed and made to feel comfortable

• [17:57] Kappi and Caitlin share memorable experiences and the personal activities they loved while at camp

• [23:52] Discussion of keeping parents informed about what their child is doing

• [27:54] Kappi and Caitlin talk about how they became connected to the Y

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [6:01] A typical day at camp starts early in the morning and provides engaging activities all day. Staff are the backbone of running these activities smoothly and ensuring that the campers are safe and having fun

• [9:21] Staff training is extensive before camp begins. Each staff member must complete the leadership program to be considered for the counselor position. Once staff training begins, the focus is to build leadership skills, relationships, and set goals for the campers, staff, and program as a whole

• [12:22] The activities offered at camp are theme-related. The Olympics is one of the themes this summer. No week is the same. This gives campers unique and memorable experiences, whether it’s their first summer as a camper or their fifth summer attending camp

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Camp High Harbor

BIOGRAPHIES:

Kappi is a rising sophomore at Wake Forest University majoring in mathematics with minors in chemistry and neuroscience on the pre-med track. This is her 14th summer at Camp High Harbour at Lake Burton, and she will be serving as the Advanced Leadership Camper (ALC) Program Director.

Caitlin Foster is a sophomore at the University of Georgia. At UGA, she is studying Human Development and Family Sciences on the Pre-PA track. This will be her 10th summer at Camp High Harbour, and she will be one of the LIT Program Directors.

Today’s Pathway to the (Y) is sure to be a splash! We are joined by Carolyn and Chris, two energetic Y Members who call themselves the Mermaids. Carolyn and Chris share how they became connected to the Y and how the Y is now a part of their everyday lives. Tune in for this (mer)tail of connection, friendship, and wellness.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:00] Carolyn’s daughter signed her up for swim classes at the Y to encourage her to create connections and to keep her body moving.

• [2:15] Chris discovered the Y through her granddaughter, who was enrolled in swimming lessons at the Y. Chris was intrigued by the energy of the swim instructors and by the quality of the pool.

• [4:00] Allison reflects on the episode about Multi Generational Swim Lessons.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• It’s important to move your body to maintain balance, strength, and independence.

• Having a nice and safe pool to swim and spend time with their friends and family is an inviting environment for beginner and experienced swimmers.

• Connection and laughter can make one’s day.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

YMCA Atlanta Membership - Website

BIOGRAPHIES:

Chris Higgins has been a member of the Y since 2013. After growing up in Syracuse, New York, she lived overseas in Germany for a year following her marriage to Mike. She and Mike lived in a variety of U.S. cities, including three years in Kwajalein- one of the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. Chris and her husband have two children, Patrick and Amanda, and they have two grandchildren, Maggie and Connor.

Carolyn Millender has been a Northwest Cobb Family YMCA member since 2009. She is the mother of two daughters who come to the Y four days a week. While she is retired, she is an active volunteer with Must Ministries.

Today, we're thrilled to talk with two remarkable women who have dubbed themselves the Mermaids. From morning swims to community events, the Mermaids demonstrate how engagement, community, and belonging shape lifelong health and wellness. Get ready to laugh, enjoy, and discover how this group of swimmers makes every splash count, proving that age is just a number when you’re young at heart.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [1:08] Introduction of guests and description of The Mermaids

• [3:22] Chris describes what the Mermaids are to her

• [5:17] Carolyn shares how she was introduced to the Mermaids and refers to her friendships. Chris describes the activities they do at the Y

• [8:40] How the group was founded and how men and women participate. Most attendees are retired, and the Y is an excellent place to meet people

• [13:48] Chris and Carolyn describe a typical day at the Y

• [17:09] The camaraderie benefits mental health. The activity strengthens you physically

• [21:59] The guests tell how they volunteered at the Y, the programs and events that are upcoming and advice they would give to anyone who needs to stay active

• [25:30] The importance of welcoming people and learning their names, and the guests give prompts to individual Y employees

• [30:25] Carolyn and Chris talk about how they became aware of the Y

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• [3:23] The Mermaids provide more than water aerobics. It is a time when people can interact with each other and develop new friendships

• [7:29] Swimming is not a prerequisite for attending a Mermaids class. If you can stand in the water, you can participate

• [9:05] The Mermaids have men attend, and they are called Mermen and attend the monthly lunches with the women.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Volunteer at the YMCA

YMCA Atlanta - Adult Sports

YMCA Atlanta - Youth Sports

BIOGRAPHIES:

Chris Higgins has been a member of the Y since 2013. After growing up in Syracuse, New York, she lived overseas in Germany for a year following her marriage to Mike. She and Mike lived in a variety of U.S. cities, including three years in Kwajalein- one of the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific. Chris and her husband have two children, Patrick and Amanda, and they have two grandchildren, Maggie and Connor.

Carolyn Millender has been a Northwest Cobb Family YMCA member since 2009. She is the mother of two daughters who come to the Y four days a week. While she is retired, she is an active volunteer with Must Ministries.

Welcome back to the (Y) Connect Podcast. We hope you enjoy this fan favorite episode from April 2023.

While there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, slowing its progression and maintaining a quality lifestyle is possible. Today on Y Connect, Cindy Kennedy, a Parkinson’s movement Y instructor and Y member Greg Eggert, a former army helicopter pilot diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013 share their story. In recognition of April being Parkinson’s Awareness month, together they share the benefits of exercise and the incredible community connections that people with Parkinson’s are developing at the Y.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:56] Greg describes what causes Parkinson's Disease and how it affects the body

• [05:38] Why Greg refers to himself as a gladiator

• [07:51] Cindy explains her motivation for teaching Parkinson’s training classes

• [12:03] Greg shares his goals since his diagnosis

• [13:14] Cindy explains how the classes improved Greg’s test results. His disease didn’t progress

• [16:04] Encouragement comes not only in exercise classes but the camaraderie among the members

• [18:17] Cindy explains the importance of motion

• [20:49] Greg’s path to the Y started when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s

• [22:18] Cindy shares her journey to the Y

• [25:21] What are the signs of Parkinson’s Disease
  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The significance of exercise for an individual diagnosed with Parkinson's disease surpasses that of the medications recommended.

• The Y nurtures developing friendships through class participation and a fun environment.

• If you know anyone with Parkinson’s disease, tell them about the specialized programs the Y has designed for them. If a person cannot go to the Y, a virtual link is available.

RESOURCE LINKS:

Facebook: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Linkedin: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Twitter: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Website: YMCA Metro Atlanta

Larry Delgado Boxing Foundation

YMCA Atlanta - Parkinson's Link