Welcome to the Y’s Words Blog! This is the place that the Y staff (and hopefully some guest posters) will be sharing their knowledge, expertise and thoughts on the Y, our movement, their areas of expertise and life in general. Over the next several weeks, you’ll see comments and posts from lots of people on lots of topics and we hope you find them interesting and entertaining!
Summer’s around the corner and that means fun for the whole family. Whether you’re headed out to the pool or planning a vacation, being prepared for everything summer brings with it. Here are some great tips to keep in mind: Sun Safety: Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, and reapply often. [...]
Jerry had always been active and healthy. From his time as a sprinter in college, he’d always been a picture of health. He also dedicated his life to helping others. From teaching in newly integrated schools in the South in the 60s to working in group homes and helping people with drug addictions, Jerry had [...]
This week’s post comes from Whitney Kahn, Senior Program Director at the Y. It’s amazing how different conversations with a child or teen are today compared to 15-20 years ago. Gone are the days of riding the bus home after school to grab a bite to eat and run out to play in the neighborhood [...]
This week’s post comes from Greg Lee, Marketing Director for the Y. True Love Blossoms at the Chapel Hill – Carrboro YMCA. That’s what was listed under the “How We Met” section of their wedding website. I’m referring to Ashley and Matthew, who’s wedding I got to attend one recent warm summer afternoon. I’ve [...]
This week’s blog post is from Paula Bruett, director of the YMCA Children’s Center at Carol Woods, a five star licensed intergenerational preschool. Paula lives in Mebane with her husband, Jeff, and her two children, Savannah and Cooper. She has worked for our Y for seven years. “Men do not quit playing because they grow [...]
Today’s blog comes from Tricia Smar, the Y’s Prevention Specialist for the Darkness to Light Initiative. I work for the Y in the Darkness to Light Initiative, which seeks to educate adults on how to recognize, prevent, and react responsibly to the reality of child sexual abuse, emphasizing child safety as every adult’s responsibility. I’m charged [...]
This Week’s post is from Mike Meyen, our Sports Director at the Chapel Hill branch. I’ve been involved with youth sports at our Y since 1999. I work with kids from about age 3 all the way up through the 6th grade in sports like soccer, basketball and tball & baseball. I get to see [...]
This week’s post is by Kevin Cragwell the Health and Wellness Director here at the Y. While he’s only been with this Y for 8 months, he’s been serving in the Y for over 14 years. I live a very active lifestyle, I enjoy backpacking, cycling hiking, paddling, racquetteball…most anything related to the outdoors or fitness. [...]
This week’s post is from Nicki Smith, one of our Senior Program Directors. Nicki has over 20 years of experience with the Y. Nicki lives in Graham, NC with her husband Corey, son Joseph and a sweet old Boxer, Maple. Recently my 2 year old has seen me take off in the early evening to [...]
This week’s post is from Jerry Whortan, CEO of the Chapel Hill – Carrboro Y Early in my Y career, I spent a good deal of time working in aquatics and I remember this one particular Mom who came to our pool with her family. Because she had such a terrific fear of the water, [...]
Every now and then, a friend or acquaintance of mine, knowing I work at the Y (and not knowing I work in MARKETING at the Y) will ask me for tips on his or her fitness routine. I think any of us who embark on a fitness journey are looking for ways to improve our [...]