We know you’re using your mobile phone moreand more everyday. Now get YMCA info whenyou want it, where you want it…on the go!

The new YMCA of Snohomish County Mobile Appwas developed to function as a mobile-optimizedwebsite, providing our members with easy,mobile-friendly access to the information thatis most frequently accessed from the website.

Now you can easily search exercise classes, getfacility status, access information on programsand events, and get push notifications in the caseof emergencies.

The mobile application is now available fordownload in both the Android Marketplace andApple’s App Store (for iPhone only).

FEATURES• Search Exercise Classes

• Get Facility Status (Closings)

Your YMCA at work in the community winter 2012

the

TRIANGLEWE’RE MOBILEFOR YOU

DownloadiPhone App

DownloadDroid App

In this Issue:

• President’s Perspective

• Online Registration

• ActivTrax

• Invest in Youth

• YMCA Adaptive Programs

• Minority Achievers Program

• Beyond School Walls

• Assets in Action

• Donor Profile

• Updates & Events

For more information on this, and other ways to connect to the Y, please visitymca-snoco.org/connect.

• Programs & Events Updates

• Get Push Notifications

A new year means a fresh beginning. Many are not sad to see 2011 cometo a close. It was another tough year for our local economy, with continuedconcerns about jobs and housing.

On the bright side however, this community continues to step up to thechallenge by supporting many worthy organizations that are providing criticalservices to make a positive difference in the lives of children and adults who have been themost significantly impacted.

Thanks to the work of thousands of volunteers and adedicated staff team, the Y continues to be one ofthose difference makers. And 2011 was another yearof growth for the Y.

Particularly noteworthy was the increase in service tothe Mill Creek community, where more than 9,000 indi-viduals have now joined the Y as members of the newly expanded facility. This is nearly a four-fold increase in the past three years. The new indoor pool provides a venue for hundreds ofchildren to learn swimming and safety skills each month, and is also home to a new swim team.

The Marysville and Mukilteo YMCAs both opened new Youth Development Centers in the fall.These centers are new resources to support youth and teens with a variety of programs andservices including our Minority Achievers Program (MAP). With those new facilities and theaddition of new teen programs in the Edmonds School District, the MAP program now servesmore than 600 youth at 13 different locations.

The Monroe/Sky Valley branch continues to expand programs for special needs populations andnow offers a full spectrum of activities including bowling, basketball, swimming, and baseball.They are also in the early stages of a community collaboration to improve school readiness forpre-kindergartners.

Finally, some of the most exciting developments are occurring in north county where the Y hasopened an office and is actively working on a vision to bring Y programs and services toStanwood and Camano Island.

So while the Y has faced the same financial challenges as many businesses in SnohomishCounty, we continue to change lives and build stronger communities each and every day.

Thanks for your continued support of the YMCA of Snohomish County!

ONLINE REGISTRATIONNEW AND IMPROVED

After a long wait, our upgraded onlineregistration system is officially up andrunning.

Those who tested the program notedhow easy it is to search for programsand find exactly what they were lookingfor. In addition to registering for pro-grams, you can use this system to viewyour account history, print child caretax statements, create a family activitycalendar, and more!

Please note that a small number of logins to the online registration system had to be deletedduring the upgrade. If your old login does not work, please simply create a new account toaccess online registration. There is no further action needed.

While the conversion process took longer than we expected, we hope you enjoy the newsystem and find it worth the wait. Please call your local Y branch with any questions.

Thank you again for your patience, and welcome back to online registration!

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Financial Assistance:The YMCA of Snohomish County makes

every effort to ensure that no person,

especially youth, will be denied access

to programs and membership because of

financial hardship. The YMCA's Financial

Assistance Program is supported by

contributions to our annual Invest In

Youth campaign and United Way.

Mission Statement:The YMCA of Snohomish County is

composed of people of all ages, ethnic

backgrounds and religious affiliations

united in sharing the values of caring,

honesty, respect and responsibility

through programs that build strong kids,

strong families and strong communities.

Everett Family Branch2720 Rockefeller Ave.

Everett, WA 98201

425 258 9211

Marysville Family Branch6420 60th Drive NE

Marysville, WA 98270

360 653 9622

Mill Creek Family Branch13723 Puget Park Drive

Everett, WA 98208

425 337 0123

Monroe Family Branch14033 Fryelands Blvd.

Monroe, WA 98272

360 805 1879

Mukilteo Family Branch10601 47th Place West

Mukilteo, WA 98275

425 493 9622

Big Brothers Big Sisters1420 Hewitt Avenue

Everett, WA 98201

425 252 2227

The Triangle is published quarterly

by the YMCA of Snohomish County

to update friends and donors about

YMCA news and events. Colleen

Temple, editor, 425 374 5738 or

ctemple@ymca-snoco.org

If you wish to be removed from

the maiing list, please call or email

the editor.

For more information on YMCA

programs and services, visit

www.ymca-snoco.org

Find us on Facebook:

facebook.com/ymcasnoco

Watch us on YouTube:

youtube.com/ymcaofsnohomishco

President’s Perspective Scott Washburn

“…we continue to

change lives and build

stronger communities

each and every day.”

CHANGING LIVESONE MEMBER AT A TIMEDISCOVER THE POWER OF ACTIVTRAXOur new ActivTrax fitness tool is now available at all five YMCA of SnohomishCounty family branches.

Included in your membership,ActivTrax is an online fitnessand nutrition coach that createscustomized workouts aroundyour goals, strength, and fitnessexperience.

The technology offers customizedexercise and nutritional guidancebased on your personal goals andneeds, and the equipment inventoryat each branch.

Contact Member Services

today to set up your ActivTrax

wellness orientation.

WE ALL NEED THE Y

What is missing? The “Y” of course.

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THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

2012 Invest in Youth Campaign

In one way or another, we’re all connected to the Y— whetherit’s where you discovered a talent that became a lifelongpassion, were encouraged by a mentor, or where you turn forsupport with a healthy lifestyle. Our unique combination ofservices enriches the well-being of people of all ages andwalks of life.

There’s no place quite like the YMCA. We’re a vital part ofSnohomish County; a welcoming place to learn new skills,connect with others, and access support in times of need.As a nonprofit organization, we never turn away anyone whoneeds us.

We count on the generosity of our members and community tohelp people of all ages and from all walks of life be more healthy,confident, connected, and secure. Through the Invest in Youthcampaign the Y is able to provide programs and activities thathave a positive and healthy impact on our youth.

With a combined goal of $1,170,500 our Board of Trustees, fiveYMCA facility branches, and our Big Brothers Big Sisters branchare excited about the opportunity to provide Y activities tothousands of people in our communities — giving our childrenthe opportunity to become confident kids today and healthier,happier grown-ups tomorrow.

During 2011, the YMCA provided approximately $1,625,781 indirect financial assistance to more than 10,358 individuals. Inaddition, $3,259,767 was provided in youth program subsidies,ensuring the presence of caring adults to nurture the potentialof 41,500 children and teens across Snohomish County.

Invest in Youth branch campaigns will launch in February andconclude on March 22 with a combined victory celebration.Contact your local YMCA family branch for more informationor to get involved. Help us strengthen the foundation of ourcommunity.

Donate online today at ymca-snoco.org/donate.

_OU _OUTH COMMUNIT_ OPPORTUNIT_

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THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

Nicholas is seven years old and loves to play in the water. Jayda,also seven, feels a freedom she can’t experience when on land.And Nathan, age 11, says his favorite thing is “just swimming.”

The Monroe/Sky Valley Family YMCA offers many Special NeedsAdaptive Programs designed for individuals of all ages withspecial needs.

The term “special needs” refers to a wide range of developmentaldisabilities and conditions that can impact a person’s ability tomove, communicate, learn, or care for themselves independently.These may include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, cerebralpalsy, autism, Down Syndrome, seizers, hearing loss, blindness,learning disorders and other developmental delays.

Recognizing the need for quality adaptive programming forindividuals in the Snohomish County area, the Adaptive Programshelp individuals gain confidence, promote independence andresponsibility, socialize and work with others, as well as nurturea healthy and active lifestyle. All programs are lead by qualified,trained individuals who help promote a safe, friendly, andsupportive environment.

During the swim class, the parent is in the pool with the child. Theyare joined by a swim instructor and an occupational therapist thatrotates throughout the class. The class is limited to four studentsto ensure quality, focused time with each child.

Though Nicholas understands things, he has some speech issuesand doesn’t communicate well. His parents were looking for a classthat was more focused and smaller in size.

Nathan suffered a stroke at birth and doesn’t use the right sideof his body. This is his second adaptive swim session, and heglides through the water like a fish. For him the class providesmore one-on-one time than a regular swim lesson class. Thetherapist can also work with him to use the muscles on the rightside of his body.

Jayda experienced a brain injury when she was eight months oldand now, due to seizures and delays, is fully dependent on awheelchair. Her face lights up as she floats around the pool.Her mom Kerri said it is here where she is free. Kerri carefullymoves Jayda’s legs and arms working those muscles that don’tget worked while strapped into her wheelchair.

“When it comes to ‘all things special,’ most activities areoutrageously expensive,” Kerri said. “I’m grateful for the Y. Thisis fantastic. It’s something we can afford and enjoy.”

Other adaptive programs include bowling, basketball, andaquatics playtime. The Monroe YMCA also collaborates withthe Monroe Rotary to offer Miracle League Baseball. For moreinformation on the Monroe YMCA’s Adaptive Programs, pleasevisit ymca-snoco.org/adaptive or contact Jody Rose atjrose@ymca-snoco.org.

EVERYONEPLAYS

Special NeedsAdaptive Programs

Instructor Lisa McCadam works with Kerri Gould and daughter Jayda during swim time

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“All dreams can come true.”

“Be free to do something you love.”

“Make love happen.”

“Help others in need and do your best, even when

no one is looking.”

These are quotes from middle school students at OlympicView Middle School in Mukilteo.

On Jan. 13, 2012, the school held its “Live the Dream”assembly to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Studentsshared essays, poems, and quotes on what living the dreammeans to them.

JJ Frank, director of the YMCA Minority Achievers Program,was a guest speaker and shared what Dr. King’s messagemeans to him.

JJ has dedicated his life to motivating and supportingstudents. When he speaks, they listen. He encouraged thekids to stay in school and get their education. To thwartoff bad choices. To chart out their future.

JJ told the kids, “You are somebody who can make adifference—in your home, in your school, in your community,in our country.” He wanted each and every student in thatroom to know they are important. He lead the kids in a chant:YOU ARE SOMEBODY!

The Minority Achievers Program helps students navigatethrough these confusing times-to learn about their options,visit schools, and research scholarship opportunities.

Faith Dawson is now a senior at Mariner High School and anOlympic View Middle School alumni. A MAP participant, Faithis a winner of this year’s Prodigies of Peace essay contest.She was also a guest speaker during the assembly and spokeabout how her community does a lot for her, “And now it’s mytime to put in work for my community.”

Faith said she was looking for a club to join that provided acommunity service element. “I found this in MAP. In additionI’ve attended field trips and college visits. It’s opened up a lotof opportunity for me.”

Faith and her friend, Vivian Bonsu, also in MAP, were twoof hundreds of teens volunteering on Saturday, Jan. 28 as partof the MLK Day of Service or with Volunteers of America.Instead of sleeping in and enjoying the weekend, these teensmade a commitment to give back to their community.

What better way to live the dream.

THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

LIVETHE DREAM

“Life’s most persistent and

urgent question is, ‘What

are you doing for others?’”

- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Vivian Bonsu, Faith Dawson, JJ Frank

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THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

Twenty-six fourth and fifth graders received redcarpet treatment on Dec. 9, thanks to Comcast.This was the day that the kids or “Littles” from BigBrothers Big Sisters were bused from WoodsideElementary School to meet their new mentors or“Bigs” for the first time.

The event was part of Beyond School Walls sponsored byComcast. Twenty-six Comcast employees have volunteered tomentor the Littles and will meet with them twicea month at the Comcast facility.

When the bus pulled up to the Comcast regionalheadquarters and call center in Lynnwood, thesun was shining and the red carpet was rolledout to meet them. As the students departed thebus wearing “I AM THE FUTURE” T-shirts, they were met withthe paparazzi snapping photos and Comcast employees askingfor autographs. A TV news crew was also on hand.

When they entered the building the Bigs were holding signs withthe Little’s names on them so that the Little could easily bematched with their new mentor. Once matched the pair got anofficial photo taken and then headed to the lunch line to pickout a boxed lunch and special cupcake.

The group gathered in a conference room where they werewelcomed by Len Rozek, Senior Vice President, ComcastWashington; April Wolfe, Executive Director, Big Brothers BigSisters of Snohomish County; Ray Stephanson, Mayor, Cityof Everett; Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County Executive, and

Dr. Betty Cobbs, Principal, Woodside Elementary School.

Part of its national partnership with Comcast, “Beyond SchoolWalls” is a Big Brothers Big Sisters program that engages

businesses and schools and promotes mentoringrelationship. The program is the only one of its kindin Washington state.

To date, the national partnership has exceeded$30 million in support and includes donated airtimefor local and national public service announcements;

local and national board member support; training for staffleaders, and sponsorship of Beyond School Walls workplacementoring program in 12 cities across the country.

When asked why he got involved, Comcast employee MikeArmitage said, “I want to be part of something bigger. I havelife experiences that are transferable.” Jacob, his Little, put itquite succinctly with, “It’s cool!”

Sara Gallagher and her Little, Patrick, who are both Vietnamese,were trading food likes and dislikes during lunch and comparingstories about Pho. It was obvious that there was an instantconnection.

The excitement in the faces of both the Bigs and the Littlessaid it all.

Big Sara Gallagher and her Little, Patrick

“I want to be part ofsomething bigger. Ihave life experiencesthat are transferable.”

BEYOND

SCHOOL WALLS

Assets in Action

MOTIVATING

YOUR KIDS TO

DO THEIR BEST

“Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It is thecourage to continue that counts.” -Winston Churchill

You want your kids to do their best. But what is their best?How do you know if your kids are living up to their fullpotential? Consider these ideas.

Try it...

For all parents • Notice how much your child is self-motivated. Some kids seem

to know what they want and go after it. Others seem to dillydallya lot. Every child has a different amount of self-motivation.

• Kids are motivated to do their best when they enjoy what they’redoing-and whom they’re with. Teachers change. Circumstanceschange. A lot affects a child’s motivation. Pay attention to whatincreases your child’s motivation—and what squelches it.

• Find out what your kids love to do. They’re more likely to bemotivated to do things they truly enjoy. Keep introducing them tonew activities so that they can discover new things that excitethem.

(continued to page 7)

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Assets in Action (continued from page 6)

LEAVING A LEGACY

DONOR PROFILE

Roy Yates has fond childhood memoriesof the YMCA. When he was in fourthgrade he would pack a lunch and takethe Number 7 Sunset Hill bus from Ballardto the Downtown Seattle YMCA. Whilethere he would swim, watch movies, andparticipate in a host of other activities.

As a junior and senior in high school Roywas involved in the High Y program at Ballard High School.While there he met a guy by the name of Connie Jacobson,the High Y volunteer coordinator. “I was president and Conniewas the program coordinator. Our paths crossed again at theUniversity of Washington through our fraternity.”

Roy’s Everett Y involvement began as a member in 1968 usingthe workout facilities and playing basketball. In those days heworked for Seattle First National Bank. “As a result of joiningthe Y I met lifelong friends like Ray Sievers and Bill Rucker,”Roy saId. “The Y had a basketball team for many years. A groupof us played on that team. Everett Conley, physical director atthe Everett YMCA, organized the team and as a result webecame good friends.”

The Y has programs for all phases of life. For Roy, as a youngboy he learned to swim and enjoyed hanging out with friends. Asa teenager he became involved in clubs that provided leadershipopportunities. And as an adult he worked out, played basketball,and developed life-long friends. All of this ultimately led to hisrelationship as a volunteer and donor.

Roy and Barb have been giving to the Y since the 1960s. Theydo so because they feel the value of the Y to the community is

important. “I also believe thatanything you are involved inyou should support financially,”Roy said.

Roy joined the board in 1969and over the years has servedas president of the board ontwo different occasions. “WhenI became a board member andofficer I saw the comprehensivevalue of the Y to our community.

I originally joined the Y to meetpersonal objectives, but stayed

involved because I saw the Y from a family and communityperspective.”

Individuals such as Bob Smith, Dan Duryee, Harry Stuchell, SteveSaunders, and Senator Henry (Scoop) Jackson had tremendousinfluence on Roy as a volunteer. “The YMCA was the foundationof our community and always had been,” he said. “I believed wecould have a greater impact in the future. I wanted to be a partof that and advance the Y’s impact.”

Roy and Barb decided to make a planned gift in conjunctionwith formation of the Heritage Club. “I believed, along withour board, that we should leverage the Y’s past and currentsuccess to ensure the future impact and relevance of the Y inour community,” Roy said. “It is important to me, that long afterwe are gone, that the Y continues to have a lasting impact onour community.”

Roy Yates has been a volunteer for the YMCA of SnohomishCounty since 1969. He and his wife Barbara have been donorsduring his entire tenure as a volunteer. Roy is an Emeritusmember of the Board of Trustees and actively serves on twoYMCA committees. Roy and Barbara joined the Heritage Clubupon its inception in 1993.

For parents with children ages 10-15• Notice the new interests that get your kids excited. Sometimes

it’s giggling about the opposite sex, reading comic books,or fashion. Kids at this age are highly aware of which socialgroups they fit into and don’t fit into, and so many aremotivated to look—and act—a certain way.

• Many kids become motivated by how they feel during this age.Model and talk about how important it is to do certain activities(such as completing homework and helping out with chores)no matter how you feel.

For parents with children ages 16-18• Keep tabs on how competition is affecting your teenager’s

motivation. For some teenagers, competition motivates themmore. For others, competition paralyzes them. Give suggestionson how to handle competition well.

• Talk with your teenager about how to balance highlymotivational activities with ones that are important but lessinteresting to do. Explain how adults constantly find ways totake responsibility yet also follow their interests and passions.

Excerpt taken from Search Institute MVParents and its positive approach to parenting.www.search-institute.org or www.MVParents.com

For parents with children ages birth to 5• Create a structured day that includes reading aloud picture

books, playing outside, doing art, nap time, snack time, makingmusic, and playing with stimulating, age-appropriate toys.Notice which activities excite your young child and build onthose.

• Motivate your child’s curiosity by not pushing or forcing yourchild to learn. Eliminate the flash cards and memorizationactivities. Instead, focus on the things that fascinate yourchild, such as befriending ants outside or having tea partiesfor stuffed animals.

For parents with children ages 6-9• Closely monitor your child’s activity and motivation levels at

the start of school years. Starting school can be physicallyexhausting for young children. Make sure they get the restthey need in order to do well at school.

• Young children are still highly relational. They tend to bemotivated to do well when they adore the adults they’re with.Connect them with trusted, competent adults who careabout them.

THE TRIANGLE | A newsletter for members and volunteers of the Y

Roy and Barbara Yates

UPCOMING EVENTSInvest in Youth Victory March 22

Prayer Breakfast April 6

Healthy Kids Day April 28

BBBS Bowl for Kids’ Sake May 5 & 6

ESSENTIAL PROGRAMSHELP EASE THE BURDENThe YMCA of Snohomish County and theMarysville Family branch would like tothank and acknowledge the Armed ServicesYMCA (ASYMCA) for its continued financialsupport. In 2011, the ASYMCA provided$26,000 in funding to support programsoffered to military families through theMarysville Y. These programs include: ChildCare, Enrichment Camp, Y on Wheels, andMilitary Family Nights. These essentialprograms help ease the burden of militaryfamilies dealing with the deployment ofone or both parents. For more informationregarding ASYMCA programs, contact MaryBredereck, mbredereck@ymca-snoco.orgor 360 651 1602.

FUN, SUN & FRIENDS

The chill of winter is still upon us, however staff at the YMCA are already busyplanning for another exciting summer camp season. Exposing young people to newenvironments, learning experiences, and other kids builds character, independence,and leadership. Watch your mail early spring for the YMCA 2012 Summer CampCatalog or visit ymca-snoco.org/camp.

YMCA of Snohomish County2720 Rockefeller Ave.P. O. Box 419Everett, WA 98206-9923

CONNECT WITH USStay connected with your Y! Each branch of the YMCA hasits own Facebook page and monthly electronic newsletter.

Join the conversation at your branch by visiting ymca-snoco.org/connect or by scanning the QR code.

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