November is often seen as a month of reflection and gratitude. The sight of poppies and wreaths serve as a reminder of the brave men and women who fought for peace and freedom. The month of November also plays host to a nationwide YMCA initiative called Peace Week. From November 13-20, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka encourages members of the community to celebrate the presence of peace in their local and global communities.

Peace means more than the absence of violence and conflict. Peace is an ongoing process of building fairness, equality, security and respect for diversity. Simple actions like sharing, being patient or smiling and saying hello can have a far greater impact than we think. How can you act for peace daily? Here are 10 ways to get you started:

As part of the Peace Week celebrations, the YMCA invites everyone to be part of the conversation. Share on social media something you do to foster peace in your home, school, workplace or community, or join one of the many YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Yoga for Peace classes. Sessions are free and open to the community. Click here to view our Yoga for Peace schedule.

When we act for peace together, we build stronger and healthier communities. Join the #ymcapeaceweek social media discussion and add your own #actforpeace ideas. For more information, visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca/peace-week.

 

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is pleased to announce that, despite a shift to a virtual format, the local charity’s premier event raised $50,000 last month. Given that the Y itself has experienced significant economic loss and setbacks due to the pandemic, this year’s event was of even greater importance than in previous years.

“We are blown away by the generosity of the community, from our sponsors to individual donors,” said YMCA Vice President, Brian Shelley. “Despite some tough decisions over the past year and a half, the Y is here for good and the success of this year’s Move to Give’s speaks to how much our community believes in the work we do as a charity.”

Move to Give started with a couple of dozen members who wanted to give back to their community and raise awareness for the YMCA. It has evolved over the years to include spin bikes, zumbathons, firetruck pulls, Nordic pole walking, weight lifting, stair climbing and more!

Due to the social distancing restrictions put in place and to ensure our community members’ health and safety, we decided to run this year’s 7th Annual Move to Give virtually, but that didn’t stop us from having fun. Participants of all ages got moving this year. Some chose to exercise at home, some played in parks, others opted to cycle near and far, and many walked with friends. Although we had to stay apart, Move to Give still managed to bring us together. Photo filters replaced our t-shirts, and most of our connecting happened on social media, but the spirit of Move to Give was alive and well.

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT MOVES US?

We Move to Give for the opportunity to…

PLAY

“Joining youth leaders was an excellent opportunity for me to meet people that I can now consider lifelong friends. This program gave me chances to take initiative and leave my comfort zone, preparing me for any leadership role ahead.” – Justin, Youth Leadership 2014-2017

CONNECT

“Our community needs the Y because it keeps people healthy and strong all while building community and lifetime connections” – Catherine Z, Midland YMCA

TRANSFORM

“This life-changing experience not only made me think about things differently throughout my day-to-day life; it also gave me skills to help me become a hard worker.” – Courtney Lockhart, Youth Advisory Council Participant

BELONG

“The Y is a safe space to help everyone stay active, which is so important for older adults, especially in the winter months when outdoor activities are limited and especially during the pandemic when we couldn’t travel to warmer weather and when there were so many extra things to worry about. We’ve been locked in for two years, rotting away stuck at home; our minds and bodies really suffered. The Y is working so hard to keep things clean and safe. I love coming here and seeing people of all ages and with many differences, it lets you know you belong. Keeping seniors active slows the need for long-term care and other supports” – Teresa, Midland YMCA Member

This year’s presenting sponsor of Move to Give was Parkbridge.

“We recognize some people are really struggling these days, which is why continuing our support is so important to us. As fellow community builders, we at Parkbridge value the YMCA’s mission to make healthy living possible for everyone. On behalf of all my colleagues at Parkbridge, I’d like to thank everyone who took part and supported this year’s Move to Give event.” – Lachlan MacLean, Senior Vice President of Property Operations, Parkbridge

In addition to Parkbridge, the Y saw more businesses than ever before step up to sponsor Move to Give this year:

To learn more about how to support the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka, please visit www.GiveToTheY.ca.

 

YMCA Canada stands with all Indigenous Peoples as we mark the very first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a new Federal holiday that recognizes and commemorates the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools. Orange Shirt Day, which is also recognized on September 30, coincides with this holiday.

On this day in particular, we reflect on the cruelty of a system that continues to echo through the generations. 2021 has been especially difficult with the discovery of thousands of unmarked graves at former residential schools, a painful reminder for those who knew the truth, and a horrifying wake-up call for those who didn’t.

As a charity committed to helping each person reach their potential, we know the residential school system robbed so many Indigenous children of theirs. At the YMCA, we are committed to continuing to learn the truth about the residential school system and recognizing how the impact still manifests itself in 2021. We also know learning the truth is the first step, but not the last. Everyone must take action for reconciliation to happen, including us.

Through our YMCA Statement of Reconciliation, educational sessions for staff, opportunities to hear from Indigenous leaders, and reporting on YMCAs reconciliation efforts, YMCA Canada is committed to continuing to raise awareness and supporting YMCA Member Associations as they take action in their local communities. We reaffirm our commitment to continuing this work and finding new ways to do so.

YMCA Canada is pleased to announce that we are donating $67,836.80 to the Orange Shirt Society on behalf of YMCAs in Canada. This donation comes from the proceeds of sales of YMCA Orange Shirt Day t-shirts across the Canadian YMCA Federation. At many YMCAs today, staff will be wearing these t-shirts to raise awareness of Orange Shirt Day and all the pain and hope it represents. We are proud to have had the support of Phyllis Webstad and the Orange Shirt Society for this initiative.

While today is a time for reflection, it is also a time to look forward and to consider where we are in our journey towards learning the truth. Like us, we hope you’re also thinking about what you can do next. Together, we can become the Canada We Want – a country that acknowledges our past and present injustices, as well as our collective responsibility to persist in our commitment toward reconciliation.

While July 1st is a time of celebration and rest for many, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka would also like to recognize how challenging a year it has been. There has been a lot to be thankful for, but this is also a time to pause and reflect on where we have been, and where we want to be as a country.

In recent months, we have witnessed the discovery of the remains of hundreds of Indigenous children buried on the grounds of former residential school sites, with the knowledge that many more discoveries are to come. In the same time period, we have also witnessed the Islamophobic attacks in London, Ontario, and a documented rise in anti-Asian hate crimes. This is not the Canada we want to be.

We have a lot of work to do to live up to the promise of the Canada We Want. The Canada We Want is a place where oppressive and systemic barriers have been removed and replaced by opportunity, and where all have a deep sense of belonging. We know a lot more work, by a lot more people and organizations, including ours, is needed to get us there.

As one of Canada’s largest service charities, the YMCA has a role to play in fostering social inclusion. Over the last year, we have been expanding our focus on anti-racism and addressing systemic discrimination, including creating learning opportunities for staff and volunteers, and working with community partners to help us understand how we can better reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We will continue to invest in these efforts and engage in listening, learning, and improving, to ensure that the YMCA is a space that is safe and welcoming for everyone.

Canada continues to grow and develop as a country, and we can choose what kind of country we aspire to be. By fostering belonging and inclusion in our organizations and in our communities, we can be the Canada We Want.

Here’s to building that better future, while never forgetting where we’ve been.

On behalf of our Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jill Tettmann to the position of Chief Executive Officer for the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. 

Jill brings extensive leadership experience of integration, quality improvement, change management, community engagement and transformation. As CEO of the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network (NSM LHIN) from 2012-2019, Jill improved the region’s ability to meet the health needs of its residents, reducing wait times for many services, increasing access and changing the way care is delivered. She influenced important public policies, facilitated multi-stakeholder consensus on challenging issues and developed trusted relationships.

Prior to joining the NSM LHIN in 2006, Jill held roles with the Muskoka/Parry Sound District Health Council, Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Simcoe York and Northern Shores District Health Councils.

In Jill’s own words: “With a vision that inspires people to reach their full potential, I’m thrilled to be joining the Y family; an organization that has long influenced the health and well-being of individuals and their communities. At a time where we are most challenged, I am committed to work with the great team of staff, volunteers, members and the broader community to support the Y in its recovery and renewal.”

A life-long learner, Jill believes in leading a balanced lifestyle that is productive and healthy, and spending quality time together with her family. She holds a Master of Health Science in Health Administration from the University of Toronto, a Master of Community Psychology from Wilfrid Laurier University and is a Certified Health Executive with the Canadian College of Health Leaders.

This brings the end to a lengthy recruitment process. Last year, our current CEO, Rob Armstrong declared his intention to retire. I wish to personally extend my appreciation to Rob for agreeing to delay his retirement and continue to provide leadership to our Y over the course of the CEO recruitment process.

The selection of our new CEO was conducted by a committee appointed by the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s Board of Directors; the search committee was chaired by current board member Brian Tamblyn and included current and past members of the Board, as well as several community stakeholders. The search committee was supported by Jim Janzen, a representative from YMCA Ontario, and an external search firm, Legacy Executive Search Partners.
Jill will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka effective November 30, and will work with Rob Armstrong over a period of transition before he retires.
Please join me in welcoming Jill to our YMCA.

W. Kirby Wagg,
Board Chair
YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka

In May, we launched our ‘My Y. My Community’ Needs Assessment survey. Thank you to everyone who shared, posted, and spread the word about the survey! The survey was completed by 610 people. A summary of the high-level results can be viewed here: YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka Community Needs Survey Results

Key Findings:

As part of the survey, we invited members of the community, volunteers, and YMCA staff to join our Discovery Group. We had over 160 individuals express interest in being a part of the group. Community involvement and feedback will help us shape strategies and find ways to continue to deliver important programs and services to the communities we serve. Join our Discovery Group today by filling out the following form: YMCA Discovery Group Questionnaire

We are committed to understanding the needs of our communities and exploring new ways we can support them! If you have any questions, or would like to learn more about the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka’s Community Needs Survey, please reach out to us at [email protected].

Be well and stay safe.

Over the past several weeks, the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka has evolved to meet the ever-changing needs of the community. The Y has launched a virtual YMCA (YMCA at Home), created an online physical activity resource to support distance teaching (YGym) and has continued to support some of our community’s most vulnerable individuals through its employment services, immigrant services and youth services programs. Now, the Y is stepping up to open Simcoe County’s first licensed emergency child care centre for frontline workers.

“At our core, the YMCA has always been about helping families and this is why I am so pleased that we will be providing child care to the families of those delivering essential services.” said Rob Armstrong, CEO of the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “We are proud to be a part of the County of Simcoe’s emergency child care plan and thank our partners at the County for their continued support and leadership.”

The YMCA has worked with the County of Simcoe, Public Health, Child Care Licensing, Barrie Fire and Georgian College over the last few weeks in preparation for the upcoming opening.

“Providing safe and accessible child care options to our front-line professionals working in essential services is a key step in helping to alleviate staffing shortages and maintain critical community services,” said County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell. “The County is grateful to the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka for working with us and continuing their tremendous contributions to our families in need, and thankful to our front-line workers who are doing everything they can to serve the residents of Simcoe County during these uncertain times.”

“We are confident that we have put in place the required safeguards to protect the children in our care, their families and our staff,” said Fiona Cascagnette, Vice President of Child and Family Development at the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “I wish to thank those members of our YMCA team who have stepped up to fill this important role in supporting our community.”

The YMCA’s child care centre located at Georgian College in Barrie will be open to serve the families of those working in essential services effective Monday April 27. Registration will be administered by the County of Simcoe.

By: Cam De Silva, Supervisor of Adult Fitness and Individual Conditioning at the Barrie YMCA

 

Your gym might be closed, but that doesn’t mean you have to abandon your fitness goals. This 3-day workout can be completed at home with minimal equipment. By focusing on each muscle group, it ensures proper stimulation for muscle growth and maintenance.

Complete each exercises for 3-5 sets. There are no set repetition limits and you should aim for failure (or close to) on each set.

No dumbbells at home? Time to get creative with items around the house! Here are some suggestions to get you started: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/health-fitness/advice/a32196/items-that-work-just-as-well-as-weights/

Day 1: Push Workout*

This at home workout routine focuses on pushing muscle groups – the chest, shoulders and triceps.

 

Easy:

Bodyweight Push-ups: Hands shoulder width apart, elbows tucked to your side

Bodyweight Lateral Raise: Palms facing in, raise your arms out to the side until above shoulder height

Triangle Push-ups: In push-up position, bring your hands together to make a triangle with your thumb and index finger

 

Intermediate: (exercises require resistance band)

Bodyweight Push-ups w/ deficit: Use some books to elevate your hands. Allows for deeper stretch at the bottom

Banded Lateral Raise: Holding each end of the band, stand on the middle of the band. Raise your arms out to the side until above shoulder height

Banded Shoulder Press: Standing/Sitting on the band. Hold each end of the band in your hands and bring to ear’s height. From this position, press the band above your head

Banded Triceps Extensions: Attach one end of band to surface at face height or higher. Grab band with one hand or two. Keep elbows tucked to your side. Extend hands towards hips will holding band

 

Advanced/Expert: (exercises require dumbbells and/or resistance band)

Banded Push-ups: Holding each end of the band in each hand, wrap the band around your back. Perform Push-up

Dumbbell Floor Press: Laying face up, holding dumbbells in each hand, press them towards the ceiling

Dumbbell Lateral Raise: Holding each dumbbell, raise your arms out to the side until above shoulder height

Bodyweight Push-ups w/ deficit: Use some books to elevate your hands. Allows for deeper stretch at the bottom

Dumbbell Triceps Extensions: Laying face up on the ground, hold dumbbells on either side of you head, elbows flared out, extend dumbbells over body.

Day 2: Pull Workout*

This at home workout routine focuses on pulling muscle groups – the back and biceps.

 

Easy: (resistance band required)

Banded Flat Rows: Holding each end of band in hands, step on middle of the band. Bend at hip towards ground. Pull band towards hips

Banded Lat Pulldowns: Attach bands to surface at face height or above. Hold each end of band in hands. Sit/kneel on ground. Pull towards chest

Banded Reverse Flys: Hold center of band roughly shoulder width apart. Keep a fixed elbow. Extend arms out to side

Banded Reverse Flys Supinated: Same as above. Hold bands palms face up

Banded Curls: Hold each end of band in each hand. Stand on middle of band. Elbows tucked at side, curl up towards chest

 

Advanced/Expert: (resistance band and dumbbells required for some exercises)

Bodyweight Pull-ups

Dumbbell Rows: Holding two dumbbells, bend at hip towards the ground. Pull dumbbells towards hips

Banded Lat Pulldowns – Alternate Position: Attach bands to surface at face height or above. Hold each end of the band in hand. Position yourself closer towards point of attachment. Face away from band and pull towards hip

Dumbbell Curls: Hold dumbbells in each hand. Elbows tucked at side, curl up towards chest

Day 3: Leg Day!*

This at home workout routine focuses on the muscle groups in your legs, including quads and hamstrings.

 

Easy: *resistance band required for some exercises

Bodyweight Squats: Feet shoulder width apart. Push hips back. Keep weight in the heel of the foot

Walking Lunges: Take step, drop back knee towards ground. Keep weight in the heel of front foot

Banded Lying Hamstring Curl: Attach band to immovable object. Lay face down and wrap end of band around both heels. Using legs, curl your heels to your bottom

Bodyweight Calf Raises: Standing on step, heels hanging off edge. Recommend bottom step of a staircase. Raise weight onto toes, squeeze the calf muscle. Drop heels, repeat

 

Advanced/Expert: (dumbbells required for some exercises)

Dumbbell Goblet Squats: Hold dumbbell at chest height with both hands. Feet are shoulder width apart. Push hips back. Keep weight in the heel of the foot.

Bulgarian Split Squats: Elevate back leg onto bench or couch. Distribute all weight into front leg. Keep weight into the heel of front foot. Drop back knee towards ground

Dumbbell Bulgarian Split Squats: Hold dumbbells in either/both hands. Elevate back leg onto bench or couch. Distribute all weight into front leg. Keep the weight into the heel of the front foot. Drop back knee towards the ground.

Dumbbell Lying Hamstring Curl: Hold one dumbbell between both feet. Lay face down, and using legs, curl your heels to your bottom.

Dumbbell Calf Raises: Hold dumbbells in hands at your sides. Standing on step, heels hanging off edge. Raise weight onto toes, squeeze the calf muscle. Drop heels, repeat.

*This is for information purposes only. Participate at your own risk. Please speak with your physician before beginning any exercise program. It is your responsibility by participating, to select the appropriate level for your skills and abilities.

 

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is pleased to announce that they have received a $10,000 donation from the Gore Mutual Foundation, in partnership with Howard Noble Insurance Brokers in Collingwood, Ontario. The money donated will help support healthy, active living in Simcoe, Muskoka and Parry Sound by providing financial assistance for children, adults and seniors to participate in YMCA programs.

“Noble Insurance is proud to once again work with the Gore Mutual Foundation and the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. The YMCA is our charity choice because we share similar values around supporting the development of a safe and connected community and we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to access supports that help them live healthier lives. The Y offers many programs that aim to improve the key determinants of health. Donations like ours ensure these programs are accessible to all,” said Shelley Vermeersch, Managing Director, Howard Noble Insurance Limited. “At Noble Insurance we aren’t just insurance specialists, we are parents, friends and neighbours and have been a proud part of the Georgian Bay community for almost 80 years. Our staff, clients and communities are all stronger thanks to the Y, and we are thrilled to be able to give back.”

The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka provides a wide variety of programs and services that offer invaluable resources to communities. Health, fitness and recreation programs, rehabilitation programs, education, child care, employment and training programs, camp, youth leadership, and immigration services – all are much-needed community programs.

Last year the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka provided over $1 million in financial assistance to 15,000 children, youth, adults and seniors to access YMCA programs. Donations to the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka enables them to continue to open their doors to everyone, and deliver programs that improve health and reduce social isolation.

“The YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka is thrilled to receive this funding once again from Gore Mutual Foundation and Howard Noble Insurance Brokers,” said Rob Armstrong, CEO, YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka. “Whether it be connecting people to employment, supporting new Canadians, providing children with child care, or inspiring people to become healthier – financial commitments of this kind allow us to open our doors to more people and inspire them to reach their full potential.”

For more information about YMCA community programs and services and to learn more about how to
support the Y, please visit www.ymcaofsimcoemuskoka.ca.

Rising rates of obesity and related chronic disease tell us that getting kids active should be a top priority for parents, schools, and all Canadians. On Sunday April 28th, YMCAs across Canada are celebrating Healthy Kids Day. It’s a national day dedicated to improving the health and well-being of kids.

Here are some tips on how you can help your family become more active, eat nutritiously, and build stronger bonds:

Increase physical activity:

Eat nutritious foods:

Reduce screen time:

Be a good role model:

Join the YMCA of Simcoe/Muskoka on Sunday, April 28th for Healthy Kids Day! A free, fun filled day of interactive games and activities that will get you moving together as a family! We can’t wait to celebrate the joys of healthy living with you.

Free YMCA community activities include: 

Orillia YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-4:00pm
11:30am-1:00pm: Open Gym
12:00pm-12:30pm: Open Swim
2:30pm-3:30pm: Trail Mix Station
2:30pm-3:30pm: Family Obstacle Course

Barrie YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-5:00pm
11:15am-1:00pm: Open Gym
12:30pm-2:00pm: Open Swim
2:30pm-3:30pm: Trail Mix Station
2:30pm-3:30pm: Family Obstacle Course

Innisfil YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-4:00pm
12:15pm-2:30pm: Open Gym
12:15pm-2:30pm: Open Swim
12:15pm-2:30pm: Trail Mix Station
12:15pm-2:30pm: Family Obstacle Course

Collingwood YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-5:00pm
9:00am-12:00pm: Giant Blocks
1:45pm-4:45pm: Open Gym
1:35pm-3:30pm: Open Swim
10:15am-12:00pm: Trail Mix Station
10:00am-12:00pm: Family Obstacle Course

Midland YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-4:00pm
1:00pm-3:45pm: Open Gym
1:00pm-2:30pm: Open Swim
9:30am-11:00am: Trail Mix Station
9:00am-11:00am: Family Obstacle Course

Wasaga Beach YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-5:00pm
1:00pm-3:00pm: Open Gym
1:00pm-2:30pm: Open Swim
1:00pm-3:00pm: Trail Mix Station
1:00pm-3:00pm: Family Obstacle Course

Gravenhurst YMCA

Facility Hours: 7:00am-4:00pm
1:15pm-2:30pm: Open Gym
1:00pm-2:30pm: Open Swim
12:30pm-1:15pm: Trail Mix Station
12:30pm-1:15pm: Family Obstacle Course

Parry Sound YMCA

Facility Hours: 9:00am-2:00pm
1:00pm-2:00pm: Open Gym