Category: News & Announcements

More Than A Gym | Spotlight – Dr. John Forchetti & Bruce Dombey

Posted on by Megan Mussche

Our diverse and dedicated members are the fabric of our organization.

So many of our members have powerful stories to share. Read our member spotlight and see why we’re so proud of the community they’ve cultivated.

Bruce Domeby’s energy and enthusiasm is infectious. Bruce began coming to the Y to play indoor pickleball this past winter. Bruce has been around the Y for the majority of his life, but when he began visiting the Duneland Y to play pickleball this past winter, he found he had a special connection with the Duneland Y.

Bruce saw a flyer at the Duneland Y with Dr. (John) Forchetti’s name. Dr. Forchetti is the namesake of our Forchetti Family YMCA Center for Early Learning. Through his generosity and donation, we were able to relocate our Early Learning Center to 270 E. Burdick Road. Bruce was able to arrange a time to meet Dr. Forchetti at the Y this month and thank him for his life-saving work, something that means so much more than any donation could.

20 years ago on March 4, 2022, Bruce woke up to what he thought would be a normal day, until he started feeling some pain in his chest. The pain progressed, so he went into the hospital in Portage.

When he arrived at the hospital, the doctors determined he was having a heart attack and needed to be transferred to Valparaiso for immediate surgery. Bruce’s cardiologist was Dr. John Forchetti, who successfully placed a stent in Bruce’s coronary artery to clear the blockage to his heart, saving Bruce’s life.

Bruce recalls that after Dr.Forchetti had successfully cleared the blockage, everyone cheered like they were at the ballpark and someone had hit a home run. 

Bruce says that he is forever grateful for Dr.Forchetti, that he swung for the fences that day, saving his life and giving him the opportunity to experience many joys, one of the most notable being the joy of having four grandchildren.

These days, Bruce lives life to its fullest, being very involved with multiple sports including several local Pickleball groups. He frequents the Duneland Family YMCA, and you can probably find him on the Pickleball courts at our facility. 

Dr. John Forchetti with Bruce Dombey

HISTORICAL WOMEN IN THE Y MOVEMENT

Posted on by Megan Mussche

HISTORICAL WOMEN IN THE Y MOVEMENT

There is no better time to celebrate the accomplishments and impact of YMCA women than Women’s History Month. At the Y, we are honoring Women’s History Month by recognizing the inspirational roles and achievements that women have made throughout the Y’s history.  

Women have played a vital role since the YMCA’s inception in the United States. Women were commonly included in debating societies, outdoor clubs, theatrical and music organizations, and in due time were included in leadership roles within the organization. 

Let’s go on a journey throughout history to honor and lift up the women who were instrumental in the Y’s legacy. 

1886 When the YMCA was founded by George Williams in 1844, the organization was open only to men. Eventually, the YMCA welcomed women in unpaid roles such as volunteer teachers and fundraisers. However, in 1886 Ellen Brown became the first female YMCA employee as the “boy’s work secretary.”  

Brown started a night class at the YMCA that quickly expanded into a department. It was clear that it was only a matter of time before women were to be recognized and offered paying jobs.  

Ellen Brown via Kautz Family YMCA Archives

1914-1918 Just a few days after the declaration of World War I, the YMCA had already set up and established around 250 recreation centers, known as huts, and would go on to build temporary huts across Europe. These huts were there to support both soldiers and civilians and were manned by thousands of volunteers. There were some notable YMCA supporters who provided assistance during WWI, one of which was Princess Helena. 

Princess Helena Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein became a notable member and chairwoman of the organizing committee of this group. She helped to open the YMCA to women by creating the first YMCA Women’s Auxiliary during the first month of WWI. 

But not only did Princess Helena play an important role during WWI in Y’s history but YMCA records show that 5,145 women served under the YMCA banner during this time. 

Princess Helena Victoria and YMCA women via Kautz Family YMCA Archives

1946 After World War II, women began to take new positions and opportunities that did not exist before war. The world had changed and so did the Ys, welcoming more women and people from different races and religions. By 1946, approximately 62 percent of YMCAs were allowing female members, and shortly after women made up 12 percent of the YMCA’s membership.  

The war empowered women to gain strength and mobility in the workplace. Slowly, more and more women served in a variety of positions in YMCAs across the world.  

Kautz Family YMCA Archives

1963 Violet Pauline King Henry was the first black woman to become a lawyer in Canada, as well as the first black person to graduate from law school in Alberta, Canada.  

In 1963, she became the community branch executive director of the Newark (N.J.) YMCA and later in 1976, she was appointed executive director of the Organizational Development Group of the National Council of YMCAs, the first black woman to hold a position at that level. Henry helped open the path for women and the black community in Y history. 

Kautz Family YMCA Archives

1970 Jean Ann Durades was the first African American woman to become field consultant with the YMCA. In 2019, she was inducted into the YMCA Hall of Fame. Jean Ann has been involved in cultural, civic and change-making activities.   

Durades helped African American and Hispanic youth through their college and career preparation through the YMCA government-funded programs in Chicago for many years. She said in the 2019 National YMCA Hall of Fame Inductee Interview, “I saw these young people growing and becoming more aware of themselves and getting more solid with their commitment to the Y and it was very gratifying.”Durades worked for the YMCA for 27 years between Chicago and Minneapolis. 

Jean Anne Durades via Y Archives

1975 One of the founding members of the San Jose YMCA, Xinia Brenes Jenkins was deeply involved in the Costa Rican youth movement. The Latin American Confederation of the YMCAs reached out to Jenkins for her assistance in instituting a national Costa Rican YMCA in 1975.  

In 1990, she was an important extension and contributor to Latin American YMCAs becoming a development executive. Jenkins’ work for the Costan Rican YMCA focused on providing programs for refugees, relief for those affected by housing shortages, and offering vocational skills training for women and agricultural skills training for Costa Rican Indians. 

Xinia Brenes Jenkins via Kautz Family YMCA Archives

2018 Patricia Pelton from Canada was elected as the first female president of the World YMCA. When elected, she stated, “the women leaders in our movement, past and present, have worked so hard to pave the way and see this day. Inclusion in leadership benefits us all. This. Change. Is. Momentous.”  

The World Alliance of YMCAs awarded Pelton the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. This prestigious medal is presented to YMCA volunteers and staff who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the YMCA in addition to other community work.  

Patricia Pelton via ymca175.com

2021 YMCA of the USA names Suzanne McCormick as Next President and CEO. Suzanne is the 15th person and first woman to lead the Y in the United States. Before joining YMCA of the USA as CEO, Suzanne spent five years as president and CEO for United Way Suncoast and 13 years at United Way of Greater Portland in Maine, including four as president and CEO. 

Suzanne McCormick via ymca.org

Throughout the Y’s 177-year history, many incredible women have helped expand the work of the Y and strengthened the organization’s ability to serve communities around the world. We are proud to honor these women today.

Duneland Y Launches Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Progam

Posted on Updated on by Megan Mussche

Duneland YMCA Launches NEW Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program  

The Duneland Family YMCA will begin offering the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, designed to help participants with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education seminars and personalized support.

The Y developed this program to help individuals better manage hypertension and improve their overall health. According to the American Heart Association, more than 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, but less than half have it under control. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in some people with hypertension. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

“The Duneland Family YMCA is proud to launch the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program for free to our community,” said Jill Catherman, Healthy Living Coordinator. “The Y is the leading community-based organization dedicated to improving the nation’s health and this program is a great example of putting that commitment into action.”

As part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program, participants will measure their blood pressure at least two times a month for four consecutive months—a minimum of eight times–and record their blood pressure readings in a self-selected tracking tool. A nutrition education component will encourage the participants to practice healthier eating habits, including reducing sodium in their diet.

The program is free to both members and nonmembers and is facilitated by Healthy Heart Ambassadors, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to use a blood pressure monitor, encourage self-monitoring and facilitate monthly nutrition education seminars.

The Duneland Family YMCA is looking for adults with high blood pressure who could benefit from participating in this program. Benefits include:

  • A simple, evidence-based program that may lower blood pressure
  • Personalized support from a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador
  • Tips for maintaining cardiovascular health
  • Easy-to-use, portable self-tracking tool
  • Heart healthy nutrition education seminars

Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program: 

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be diagnosed with high blood pressure
  • Must not have experienced a recent cardiac event
  • Must not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
  • Must not be at risk for lymphedema

For more information visit www.dunelandymca.org/bpsm/ or contact Jill Catherman at [email protected].

Valentine’s Day Membership Special

Posted on by Cylie Miller

VALENTINE'S DAY MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL

At the Y, you don’t need a resolution to start a new routine. You’ll find countless opportunities to get moving and experience the joy of better health. All it takes is one first step!

YMCA members enjoy:

  • In-person and virtual fitness options
  • Free new member Wellness Consultation
  • Fun Zone childcare while you work out
  • Unlimited group fitness classes
  • Member-pricing on YMCA programs, including Youth Sports and swim lessons!

Find Your Passion. Find Your Y at the Duneland Family YMCA. Join the Duneland Family YMCA to experience the joy of better health. All it takes is one first step.

LIMITED TIME VALENTINE’S DAY MEMBERSHIP OFFER: Become a Duneland Y member between February 11 – February 15 and pay $0 join fee. If you stay for 3 months, you’ll get 1 month free! It’s our idea of romance.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

JOIN THE Y

Short-Term Membership

Posted on by Cylie Miller

TAKE A BREAK FROM SCHOOL; NOT FROM FITNESS

SHORT-TERM COLLEGE MEMBERSHIPS

Now that finals are over and campus is closed, the Y is open for college students returning home for break!

The Duneland Family YMCA is offering a special membership for college students to stay active while home for winter break, summer, or spring break. Register for a Short Term Membership and pay NO JOINER’S FEE! As a short-term member, you will have access to our group fitness classes, cardio and weight rooms, basketball gyms, and more!

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

How much is a short-term membership?

  • College/Young Adult Membership is $24/month
  • Adult Membership is $45/month

How long will my short term membership last? Special short-term memberships may be used for up to 3 total months. The membership must be paid up front.

What if I only want a membership 3 weeks or more? You will be charged 1 month’s rate. The membership must be paid upfront:

  • College/Young Adult- $24
  • Adult- $45

What if I only want a membership 2 weeks or less? You will be charged half of 1 month’s rate. The membership must be paid upfront:

  • College/Young Adult- $12
  • Adult- $22

How do I sign up? If interested in a short-term membership, please stop in at the front desk of the YMCA to fill out a form. 

Who do I contact if I have more questions? Please call the YMCA at 219-926-4204 or email Carla Patino, Membership Director. 

2021 Holiday Schedule

Posted on Updated on by Megan Mussche

Happy Holidays Duneland YMCA members! We’re so grateful for each and every one of you and the amazing support that we provide to one another. This holiday season, we encourage you to tell the people in your life ‘thank you’ for the role they play in your happiness and health. It truly does make a difference and will make you feel good knowing that you’re spreading that gratitude.

Holiday Hours

  • Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24, 2021
    • Open 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    • Fun Zone Closed
  • Christmas Day – Saturday, December 25, 2021
    • Closed
  • New Year’s Eve – Friday, December 31, 2021
    • Open 7:00 a.m. – 12p.m.
    • Fun Zone Closed
  • New Year’s Day – Saturday, January 1, 2022
    • Closed

December 24th and 31st Group Exercise Schedule:

December 24th schedule:

  • Y-B Fit @ 7:45 am with Sandy
  • Gentle Stretch Yoga @ 10:00 am with Maureen

December 31st schedule:

  • Y-B Fit @ 7:45 am with Sandy
  • Low Impact Cardio @ 8:15 am with Kay
  • Cardio Dance @ 9:00 am with Lindsey
  • Gentle Stretch Yoga @ 10:00 am with Maureen

12 Days of “Fit-mas”

Posted on by Megan Mussche

It's the Twelve Days of Fitmas Challenge!

This month’s fitness challenge uses a traditional holiday jingle with exercises from your YMCA Healthy Living Department. Designed to keep you active through the holiday season, you can add one exercise each day (ex. 50 push-ups, 50 walking Lunges, etc.) each exercise from the song as your daily workout routine or perform one exercise each day during the month.

There will be a calendar in the fitness room and near the gym so you can keep up with the workouts! We also have fun activities and healthy living challenges each day as well!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE "TWELVE DAYS OF FITMAS"

FAQ

What if I miss a day?
This challenge is all for fun so members can complete as many or as few as they would like.

Who can participate in the Challenges?
This challenge is open to everyone!

How can I engage more with the challenges and my Y Community on social media?
For “12 Days of Fit-Mas”, tag us in a video of you performing that days workout or in your post-workout selfie, @dunelandymca!

Who do I contact if I have more questions? Our Healthy Living Coordinator: Jill Catherman

Dancing Like the Stars 2021

Posted on Updated on by Megan Mussche

THANK YOU

Dancing Like the Stars 2021

The 2021 Dancing Like the Stars, Duneland Family YMCA’s signature fundraising event, was held at Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center on Saturday, November 13. Nearly 500 guests attended to cheer for seven local celebrities who performed a variety of dances to raise to provide critical funding that enables the Y to make an impact in the Duneland community and ensure that ALL are welcome and can participate in programs, classes, and activities that build a health spirit, mind and body for all. This year’s theme was “Prom.” Guests were encouraged to add to the fun by dressing the part in prom attire as they supported their favorite dancer.

The impressive 2021 Stars lineup included Jessica Amling, Duneland Family YMCA; Jamie Baczkowski, Trinity Displays; Vern Brown & Nikki Grass, The Chesterton Brewery; Eric Camel, Chesterton Fire Chief; Kristin Morris, Duneland School Corporation; Rachel Mullins, NorthShore Health Centers; Scott Mundell, Franciscan Health Michigan City. These community leaders sought sponsorships and popularity votes, and invited countless guests to be part of their “cheering sections” all in an effort to entertain the crowd, help others and, of course, win the competition! Each dancer was provided a series of dance lessons at local studios including DanceBizz Dance Center and Emmmie Reigel, Duneland Family YMCA Dance and Music Instructor. The performances were dazzling and the entertainment was phenomenal.

At the conclusion of the program, prizes were awarded in appreciation of the contestants’ efforts.  Judges for the evening were Calla Baily, Mike Uzelac, and Jenn Brown. Jessica Amling won the Judge’s Choice Award honoring the best performance of the evening. Scott (and Maura) Mundell was awarded with the People’s Choice Award, which was determined by the number of popularity votes received by each Star (votes were purchased for $5 each by supporters). Jamie Baczkowski won the Big Bucks Award by raising the most money for the event, bringing in over $30,000 in sponsorships and donations. Vern and Nikki Grass had the loudest cheering section and were awarded the Team Spirit award.

Sponsors for the evening included Platinum Sponsors; Trinity Displays, Chesterton Family Dental, NorthShore Health Centers, Chesterton Brewery, Precision Dental – Dr. Balon, Jim Lindsay Trout.Gold Sponsors; Franciscan Health, Silvert Orthodontics, The Fowlers, NIPSCO. Silver Sponsors; Dental Arts Group, Precision Control Systems, Chesterton Feed and Garden, Paul Boyter – McColley Real Estate, Camel Property Group, Corey Hecht – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Bronze Sponsors; Chesterton Choral Boosters, David’s Lawn Care, RV Sutton Exevating, McGinnis Pub, 1st Source, Eric & Sarah Camel, Ennis Builders. Supporting Sponsors; Local 4600 Firefighters, Chesterton Volunteer Firefighters, Paris House of Bridal, Bosovich Wellness, 219 Taproom, Nabell Media, Dance Bizz Dance Studio, Dean’s Tire & Auto.

The Duneland Family YMCA has been serving the Duneland Communities for 52 years focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is open 7 days a week. For more information on Y programs, services and membership, visit us online at www.dunelandymca.org, call (219) 926-4204 or visit the & at 215 Roosevelt St. in Chesterton. The Y. Always Here for Our Communities. 

2021 Dancing Like the Stars – Meet the Dancers

Posted on by Megan Mussche

Meet the 2021 Dancing Like The Stars Local Celebrity Dancers

2021 Dancing Like the Stars 

After taking their routine to the virtual dance floor last year, this year’s Dance Like the Stars celebrity dancers will be back where they belong: on stage, in front of a crowd of cheering fans! Join the Duneland Family YMCA for the 2021 Annual Dancing Like the Stars on Saturday, November 13th at the Stardust Event Center at the Blue-Chip Casino for a prom-themed evening to watch local celebrities perform a dance number in front of a live audience.

 The 2021 Stars lineup includes Jessica Amling, Duneland Family YMCA; Jamie Baczkowski, Trinity Displays; Vern Brown, Chesterton Brewery; Eric Camel, Fire Chief; Kristin Morris, Duneland Schools; Rachel Mullins, Northshore Health; and Scott Mundell, Franciscan Alliance.

As always, the goal of the event is to raise money for the Duneland Family YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign to support the Y mission and provide programming and membership subsidies. The funds ensure that everyone has access to Y programs and services, benefiting over 2,500 members, 450 seniors in Active Older Adult programs, and 500 children in early learning and school-age programs. This year’s celebrity dancers will rally to raise $75,000.

There are a variety of ways you can support the 2021 Stars and strengthen the mission of the Y: purchase a ticket or table to attend the event in support of the Star of your choice; provide a sponsorship or Silent Auction item, or support your Star by purchasing “votes” for them. The dancers are competing for the coveted titles of People’s Choice Award, Judge’s Choice Award, and The Biggest Bucks Award. You can help your favorite dancer win the People’s Choice Award by voting now and at the event.

Tickets are currently available starting at $75 and include live entertainment, dinner, and a cash bar.

Visit https://dlts2021.givesmart.com/ to learn more about the dancers, purchase tickets, and cast votes. For more information, please contact Megan Mussche at the Y – 926-4204.  The Duneland Family YMCA is a charitable nonprofit focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

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