I ain't afraid of no ghost bike!

This week, the Uptown Collective  posted a story from a 2009 New York Times article about the mysterious Washington Heights "Ghost Bikes". Do you remember seeing one? Ever wonder what it was? Take a look at this article to find out.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/04/a-ghost-bike-mystery-in-washington-heights/

The UJA-Federation recognizes one of our own

On 4/24, the UJA-Federation held its annual Volunteer Recognition Ceremony. This year, our very own Linda Salmon was recognized among 36 volunteers across the city. We are proud of the work that Linda does each and every day here at the Y.

She teaches an exercise class that includes stretch, balance and strengthening.  She is a member of the Advisory Council for the Center for Adults Living Well.  She helps in the dining room and in general is willing to do whatever is needed and always with a smile. 

To read about all of the honored volunteers from this year's ceremony, click here.

To read an article that describes UJA-Federation’s volunteer recognition efforts and highlights Thursday’s ceremony, click here.

Congratulations Linda!

Linda Salmon (L) with UJA Director of Volunteer Services Alaine Waldshan

Check Out Those Moves!

Gloria Clavijo, runner and long-time practitioner of Iyengar yoga, poses with some of the props she recently donated for classes. Gloria is a popular and engaging volunteer teacher whose posture-based classes are appropriate for all levels. She teaches 10 to 11 a.m. each Wednesday.

Earth Day 2014

Another Earth Day has come and gone. Thank you to everyone who came out, including our members, our friends, and our vendors.

A Teen Story

It is always the season of giving! Below is a letter from one our very own teens Jennifer. Jennifer was so inspired by our programming, she decided to offer to give back to the Y.



Hello Abraham,

My name is Jennifer. I'm a student at City College Academy of the Arts and I participated in last year's SAT Prep program. I'm very thankful to have had that opportunity and without it I couldn't have gotten into some of the great colleges that accepted me this year.

Because of this, I would like to give back to the community through the YM & YWHA by sharing my skills. Last summer I learned how to build websites and make computer programs. I enjoyed it and for a while, I taught my sister how to make websites at home. 

Will there be any technology programs this summer that I can help out with? If not, would it be possible to start a Web Development Club at the YM & YWHA? Please let me know if this is possible so that I can speak to you about what I can offer.

Thank You, 

Jennifer

We asked Jennifer to share her experiences at the Y with us, and here is what she had to say:

1) How did you hear about the Y? When I was looking to register for a class to prepare for my SATs, my guidance counselor told me about the SAT Prep course at the Y.

2) How did you enjoy your experience here? The SAT Prep course helped me improve my SAT score tremendously.

3) Would you recommend this program to friends? I enjoyed the SAT Prep class very much. Being a teen in this neighborhood, there isn't much free programming available to us. The Y is the only place in the community where teens can come and enjoy free activities.

4) Do you have any memorable stories from the program? Talking with my peers and teachers after the SAT Prep class and reviewing the material was beneficial and fun!

The Y's free teen programming is design for people like Jennifer: to give our future leaders the skills and tools to be able to give back to our community.

Our Teen Program Coordinator Abraham pictured above with Jennifer

Challah Braiding with the PJ Library

Our Jewish Program Coordinator Cyndi Rand has recently attended Song Leader Boot Conference in St. Louis, MO designed to enhance her engagement and leadership skills as a Jewish Educator. She came back with renewed energy, tools, connections and passion.

Immediately upon her return, she organized and held a highly successful event “Beauty of Braiding Challah” with twelve local Jewish families in attendance. For twenty four years Cyndi had no successful mentoring of how to braid challah until she located a YouTube video of a bread baker in England who artfully described the easy way of braiding challah. She learned and shared her newly acquired knowledge with the families. Cyndi combined this skill with reading a PJ Library book on Shabbat celebration, celebrating the beauty of Judaism, creating connections and inspiring them to continue being part of the Y family and the greater Jewish community.

Thank you Peggy

Below is a letter written by one of our members at the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y. She describes her journey in our program with one of our beloved instructors Peggy Levine. Peggy teaches our Balance & Strength class effecting the lives of so many in our center, and this member wanted to share her story. Thank you for all that you do Peggy!

January 20, 2014

"You've probably heard the joke, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall” and the answer is “practice, practice, practice.”  Well, I’m here to tell you that’s not a joke, it’s a fact and it applies to everything.  Whatever you want, whatever you hope to accomplish, you have to work to get it.  It doesn't matter if it’s big or small.  If it’s important to you, it’s important to you.

Sometimes we do nothing making the assumption that, given time, things will fall into our lap and all will be well.  Other times we strike out and go in many directions only to discover we’re getting nowhere except in making ourselves nuts.  It’s usually at this point when we realize that moving steadily in the direction of our goal is what is going to reap the benefits we desire.  And that’s what happened to me.

Almost two years ago, I injured my lower back and legs.  Over time and with the help of a very good chiropractor, I was able to get around.  But just getting around was not my goal.  Walking the way I wanted to walk was my goal. 

So in 2013, after hearing the name Peggy Levine enough times to realize it might be in my best interest to check out her class, I did.  It didn't take past the first class for me to realize Peggy knew her stuff and she knew it well.  Over time, I noticed things were happening.  Naturally, when one sees positive results, what do they do?  They keep doing what’s bringing those positive results.  So twice a week, I walked into Peggy’s class knowing somehow that I was in the right place.  Sometimes an exercise was challenging for me but I knew doing it would prove beneficial and Peggy, in her compassion, would say “I know this is hard for you.”  I always appreciated that although I probably didn't say it.

Usually when one struggles to arrive at a certain point, there are quantum leaps and/or breakthroughs.  On January 17, 2014, I experienced one of these.  With Peggy’s help in doing a particular exercise correctly, I realized something big had occurred.  There was an immediate shift in my condition.  I could bend my right knee again further than for many months and with no pain and – drum roll please – my right leg felt stronger and I was able to walk like a person who didn't have to rely on poles as much.

Now this might not sound like a lot to some people but it was a lot to me as I have been struggling with this conditions for way too long as far as I was concerned and having this happen was a remarkable experience for me.  I was struggling between bouts of frustration and depression. 

I want you to know that I am firm believer that we are all led to our good by a benevolent Spirit when are open to receiving it and, in that regard, I truly believe I was led to this Center.  I mean, I moved directly across the street.  Really?  How could one question such things? 

So I want to thank the Center for Adults Living Well @ the Y for their incredible programs and to the person who had the wisdom and foresight to bring Peggy into its operation. 

And to Peggy, “Thank you my friend.  You are the best.”

In gratitude, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.  This means more to me that you will ever know or could ever imagine."  

- Marian