Staff Report

The Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA kicked off its annual campaign on Feb. 3 and the organization has set its goal of $180,000. Jeff Sgobba, Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA board member, has been selected as the campaign chair to ensure the fundraising goal is met. Every dollar raised in the annual campaign is applied to placing kids and families in need into YMCA programs including the full-day child care and outdoor fitness programming for all ages. 

“For over 30 years, the Y has been helping to support the greater Santa Ynez Valley community,” Sgobba said. “This year, more than ever we need the help and support of the community to ensure that we can continue to provide the critical programs and services. Without such support, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do for our friends and neighbors in need.” 

This year’s campaign started with the Annual Campaign Kickoff being held virtually. Annually the YMCA provided more than $180,000 in financial assistance and program subsidy to families and individuals for membership or programs such as child care, camp, sports and after-school programs. 

“During this crisis our community over the last year has faced unprecedented challenges,” said Executive Director Tommy Speidel. “We’re proud of the critical resources we’ve provided to the greater valley community. This was a year that the Y needed to live our mission and values in a huge way, and I feel like we have done just that. 

“As the demand for services increases this year, it’s critical that we continue to help close the financial gap for those that need it most.” 

Donations to the YMCA can be made at the Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA, 900 N Refugio Road or by calling 805-686-2037. For more information on the annual campaign, visit ciymca.org/donate. 

The post Stuart C Gildred Family YMCA annual campaign now underway appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Beginning this spring, community members are preventing type 2 diabetes together with the lifestyle change intervention offered by Sansum Diabetes Research Institute and the YMCA. Guided by trained lifestyle coaches, groups of participants will learn the skills necessary to make lasting changes such as modest amounts of weight loss, being more physically active, and managing stress.

One in three Americans has prediabetes. People with prediabetes may develop type 2 diabetes within 3 years if they do not take steps to prevent it.  

“With the sharp increase in type 2 diabetes in our communities, the YMCA is very pleased to be partnering with Sansum Diabetes Research Institute in identifying members of our communities at risk, and working jointly to help people bring about life-saving changes in their lives,” said Thomas Speidel, executive director of the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez.

This revolutionary program promotes a collaborative, non-judgmental approach to wellness in a motivating environment. Participants will learn how to eat healthfully, add physical activity to their routine, manage stress, stay motivated, and solve problems that can get in the way of making changes.

This is a yearlong program. Groups will meet once a week for four months, then once a month for the remainder of the program to maintain healthy lifestyle changes. The group setting provides a supportive environment with people who are facing similar challenges and trying to make similar changes. Together participants celebrate their successes and find ways to overcome obstacles.

SDRI and the YMCA are also partnering on a program for those impacted by type 2 diabetes, Ocho Pasos a la Buena Salud. Ocho Pasos a la Buena Salud is an ADA-recognized diabetes self-management education series offered in Spanish over 8-10 weeks. The course is culturally appropriate for the local Latino/Hispanic community and utilizes an instructional approach that prioritizes discussion and participant engagement to acquire the necessary knowledge, skills, and attitudes to self-manage type 2 diabetes. Topics include healthy eating, meal planning and preparation, monitoring, medications, as well as identifying risk factors, symptoms, and complications of diabetes, and lifestyle changes to improve an individual’s diabetes self-management. Health outcomes are tracked over the course of the series and outcomes analysis has proven the effectiveness of the series.

The Diabetes Prevention program and Ocho Pasos a la Buena Salud, will be offered at several YMCA locations, including Santa Ynez, Lompoc and Santa Barbara. 

The Diabetes Prevention program is based on research that showed that people with prediabetes who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body weight (10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person) by making modest changes reduced their risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 58 percent, with older adults experiencing an even greater diabetes risk reduction.

Small changes can add up to a big difference. Working with a trained lifestyle coach who provides guidance, PreventT2 program participants can make lasting changes together.

People are more likely to have prediabetes and type 2 diabetes if they:

• Are 45 years of age or older;
• Are overweight;
• Have a family history of type 2 diabetes;
• Are physically active fewer than three times per week; or
• Have been diagnosed with gestational diabetes during pregnancy or gave birth to a baby weighing more than 9 pounds.

Prevent T2 will hold the following screenings:

• Santa Barbara Family YMCA and Haley St. Family and Teen Center – please contact SDRI for more information

 To see if you are eligible to join our program, take the risk test to get started. Test is available at www.sansum.org. To learn more about this program, call Stefany Olague, Program Coordinator @ 805-682-7640, ext.221, or email solague@sansum.org.

The post Sansum, YMCA offer guidelines to prevent diabetes appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Channel Islands YMCA, which includes the Stuart C. Gildred YMCA in Santa Ynez and facilities in Santa Barbara, Montecito and Lompoc, announced it was closing all its health and wellness locations, programs and child-care facilities effective Tuesday through March 31,  due to the continuing spread of coronavirus throughout the state.

“Over the past 24 hours, the state of California has taken significant steps to keep the public safe as the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread throughout our state. Our priority as an organization is the health and wellbeing of our community,” Margo Byrne, president and CEO, and Gail Anikouchine, board chair of the Channel Islands YMCA, said in a statement.

“We will continually re-assess our reopening date of April 1 as we have more information or direction from local health authorities. During this closure we will be working to ensure our facilities are ready to reopen, which will include conducting a deep cleaning and disinfecting.”

The YMCA on Monday announced it was canceling its active older adult fitness classes and social programs after Gov. Gavin Newsom’s request to have individuals over 65 stay away from public places. The YMCA also discontinued providing yoga mats or blankets.

Earlier youth sports leagues were postponed, and the child watch preschool and after-school programs were closed and group exercise classes were reduced in size to provide recommended social distancing of six feet. 

The YMCA did announce that all members and the community now have access to a select number of group exercise classes online. The newly created video library includes a variety of classes for all members. They are available at its Virtual Wellness Page and on Facebook.

The post Stuart C. Gildred YMCA closing to end of month appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA is ready to begin its Annual Campaign, a volunteer lead effort that raises funds for community programs and scholarships. Life enriching programs like LIVESTRONG at the YMCA and Third Grade Learn to Swim are supported solely by donations.

The official Kickoff Celebration for the Y’s Annual Campaign will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, at the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA. 

Annual Campaign Chair John Kirkgard understands the deep and meaningful impact the Y has in the local community.

“Every dollar donated to the Y stays local, and has a positive impact on the people of our community,” he said.

The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit, committed to strengthening communities through its areas of impact: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. With the help of volunteers and the generosity of donors, the Y is able to provide more than $1 million dollars in scholarships annually in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties. 

Scholarship grants provide families invaluable access to Y membership and programs like preschool, summer camp, Youth & Government for teens, senior swim, and so much more.

The goal is to raise $180,000 this year. If you believe in the Y’s mission and cause and would like to volunteer, contact the Y today at (805) 686-2037 and ask for Tracy.

Being a part of Annual Campaign for Kirkgard means “supporting each other to make this a better place.” 

For more information about the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA visit www.ciymca.org/sturatgildred 

The post Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA launches Annual Campaign Feb. 5 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA will host two sessions starting in July and September of Livestrong, a free 12-week program for adult cancer survivors.

The two sessions will run from July 8 to Sept. 25 and from Sept. 3 to Nov. 21.

By focusing on the whole person and not the disease, the program helps participants move beyond cancer in mind, body and spirit with the help of trained wellness coaches.

Participants will receive a three-month membership and will participate in class two days per week.

Contact Regional Wellness Director Nicki Marmelzat at 805-686-2037 or nicki.marmelzat@ciymca.org for more information.

The post YMCA hosting sessions for cancer survivors appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

A basketball free-throw contest for a chance to win an Apple watch and other prizes will highlight “Shoot for Good Health,” an event to celebrate colon cancer awareness month and the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA’s 30^th anniversary and recent renovation.

The event from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 20 is jointly sponsored by the YMCA and Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital, and it will double as the annual joint mixer for the Buellton, Solvang and Santa Ynez chambers of commerce

The evening will also feature guest speaker Dr. Brent Kovacs from the gastroenterology and digestive health department at Santa Ynez Valley Cottage Hospital. 

Nutrition and healthy lifestyle tips will be offered, as well as information on genetic counseling.

The post YMCA, hospital raising awareness of colon cancer appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Solvang and Buellton have been designated HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) cities for prioritizing physical, social and economic conditions to make health a reality for all people. 

“It’s an exciting time because both Solvang and Buellton achieved this status in November 2018,” said Executive Director Tommy Speidel of the Stuart C, Gildred Family YMCA. “Our hope is that these cities will continue to build on the work they have done over the years related to improving healthy food access, land-use, and worksite wellness.”

The HEAL Santa Ynez Valley Coalition is a collaboration launched in spring 2018 that includes the YMCA, People Helping People, Solvang Chamber of Commerce, Veggie Rescue, local public agencies, community-based organizations, local businesses, and health providers.

A HEAL city helps to harness the power of local governments to advance health equity through resolutions with policy goals for general plans, land use, healthy food access and work site wellness.

At its core, the campaign aims to engage municipal leaders to champion health in their communities by adopting policies and promoting opportunities for residents and municipal employees. The campaign provides coaching and technical assistance to support the process. The HEAL Cities Campaign is a program of Public Health Advocates formed in partnership with the League of California Cities and Kaiser Permanente.

In November, Mayor Holly Sierra and the Buellton City Council adopted a proclamation to become a Healthy Eating Active Living City. In the proclamation, Buellton made a commitment to future development of pedestrian and bicycling infrastructures, access to nutrition for all, and support for schools in health education and nutrition.

The next week, Solvang City Council approved the measure through resolution declaring the city as Healthy Eating Active Living City. With the measure, it made a commitment to support wellness initiatives for residents and the local workforce, ensure equal access to healthy foods including the farmers market, and assist schools and other agencies in developing programs that combat obesity.   

“The HEAL Campaign will help us find new ways to support an active and healthy community,” said Dean Palius, CEO of People Helping People and a participant in the coalition. “We live in an ideal setting for individuals to pursue healthy lifestyles, but it can still be hard to accomplish with so many daily responsibilities.”

The post Local cities achieve healthy living designations appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Channel Islands YMCA has received a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s leading charity evaluator, for strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency.

The group of YMCAs includes the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez as well as branches in Camarillo, Ventura, Montecito, Santa Barbara and Lompoc.

“Attaining a 4-star rating verifies that Channel Islands YMCA exceeds industry standards and demonstrates to the public its trustworthiness. We are very proud to have the highest rating possible.” Jill Rode, Channel Islands YMCA Chief Development Officer.

The local YMCAs also announced that they will be participating in #GivingTuesday on Nov. 27. Established as a national day of giving back and helping those in need, #GivingTuesday is designed to kick off the giving season. Charities, families, and businesses nationwide come together to celebrate generosity on #GivingTuesday.

The post Local YMCAs earn Charity Navigator’s top rating appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

The Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA will host Senior Health and Fitness Day on Wednesday, May 30 from 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in celebration of Older Americans Month. All community seniors are welcome to visit the YMCA. Participants will receive a Free Guest Pass for the whole day.

The event will begin with Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) Mobile Health Screening provided by Santa Barbara’s Diabetes Research Institute and Active Older Adult Fitness Assessments. DPP screenings welcome walk-ins, but seniors should reserve a space by May 29 for Fitness Assessments.

At 10:45 a.m., the YMCA will host Functional Fitness and Prime Fitness (geared toward more a more vigorous workout) classes. The event will end with a potluck and drawing prizes.

May is Older Americans Month and the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA is emphasizing the importance of being active and involved, no matter where you are in life. Santa Ynez residents are encouraged to “Engage at Every Age,” developing behaviors that are crucial to healthy aging, including healthy eating, increasing physical activity and social interaction—especially those adults over 50.

Adults 50 years and older currently make up more than 30 percent of the U.S. population, and will soon represent 45 percent of all Americans. Here in Santa Ynez, adults 50 and older make up at least 34 percent of the population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that adults 50 and older have a 70 percent chance of developing at least one chronic disease. While these numbers seem daunting, the good news is that making small lifestyle changes that include increasing physical activity, eating healthier and staying active socially can help older adults live better.

“You are never too old (or too young) to participate in activities that can enrich your physical, mental and emotional well-being,” said Nicki Marmelzat, Health and Wellness Director, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA. “If you need help, support or just a place to get started, community-based organizations like the Y provide the needed guidance to help older adults thrive.”

Health for Older Adults Year-Round at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA

While the CDC recommends that older adults get a minimum 30 minutes of moderate exercise or strength training per day, less than one out of three of American’s 65 and older meet these guidelines. The Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA is committed to offering opportunities to stay active and connected for older adults year-round. On the last Wednesday of every month, the YMCA hosts a potluck for senior members. The YMCA is also implementing a new Diabetes Prevention Program. Seniors can learn more about this at ciymca.org/stuartgildred/activities/preventt2-diabetes-prevention-program/. Seniors can also find a full list of programs at ciymca.org/stuartgildred/activities/senior-fitness/.

Additionally, the Y offers the following tips on how to jump-start your healthy-living routine:

• Have fun with your food. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring! Have fun with your fruits and vegetables by trying them fresh or frozen. Find a new recipe that uses a different source of protein or find a way to incorporate fish or beans into an old favorite. Remember as you age, it’s important to eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and lean meats to help your body get the necessary nutrients.
• Fill up on fiber and potassium, hold the salt. As you age, your body needs more fiber rich foods to help it stay regular. Aim for a variety of colorful foods on your plate (i.e. fruits and veggies) to keep fiber rich foods a part of your diet. Additionally, increasing potassium along with reducing sodium or salt may lower your risk of high blood pressure. Fruits, vegetables and low-fat or fat-free milk and yogurt are good sources of potassium.
• Get Active. Physical activity is safe for almost everyone, and the health far outweigh the risks. Regular physical activity is one of the most important things older adults can do for their health. It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age (such as osteoporosis and arthritis) and reduce the risk for developing, or help manage, depression, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and certain kinds of cancers. For older adults who have chronic conditions that hinder their ability to be active on a regular basis, some physical activity is better than none, and older adults who participant in any amount of physical activity gain some health benefits.
• Tweak your routine. To get the recommended 30 minutes of daily physical activity, change your routine to 10-minute sessions throughout the day. For example, stand on one foot while brushing your teeth to increase balance, and do squats while washing dishes to increase strength. Make sure you can grab hold of something to maintain balance—safety first! To increase your cardio, take the stairs instead of the elevator or park farther from the entrance to work. When sitting in front of the TV, march during commercials or do some light stretching to break up sitting for long periods.
• Get social. Socialization is an important part of aging. As we get older, it’s important to be active socially to stay healthy. Take a walk with a friend or a neighbor, join a book club or volunteer at your local pet shelter or local Y. Social interaction provides meaningful engagement, builds relationships, enhances a sense of belonging and provides opportunities for involvement—all resulting in greater bonds and a stronger sense of community. Being connected to the community keeps you healthy!

For 55 years, Older Americans Month (OAM) has been observed to recognize older Americans and their contributions to our communities. Led by the Administration for Community Living’s Administration on Aging, every May offers opportunity to hear from, support, and celebrate our nation’s elders.

For more information about the Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA, visit ciymca.org/stuartgildred or call 805.686.2037.

The post YMCA to host Senior Health and Fitness Day May 30 appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.

Students in the Youth & Government program at Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA recently completed their year with a trip to the state Capitol in Sacramento, where they took the floor and participated in the democratic process first-hand.

The six-month-long, learn-by-doing experience brings together a cross-section of local and statewide high school students to discuss issues and practice real democracy. Students work to solve community problems through discussion and debate.

“I was lucky enough to come across Youth and Government my freshman year, and to say the last four years I’ve spent in this program have been anything less than life-changing would be doing them injustice,” said Madison Johnson, the local delegation’s treasurer. “Youth and Government has supported me unconditionally, accepted me for my honest and true self, and has taught me that I, and everyone around me, has a voice that deserves to be heard.”

Participating in Youth & Government provides students with opportunities for leadership development, public speaking, research and writing, critical thinking, and a greater understanding of civic engagement.

“I joined Y&G as a freshman feeling unsure about what to expect. Later that year, with inspiration from my advisor, I took a leap of faith to run for a statewide position. Youth and Government has provided numerous opportunities for me to gain confidence in leadership and public speaking. It has been the most fun and beneficial experience of my high school career,” said delegation president Alex Elliott.

The local program is one of 98 in California. The program was founded in 1948, and in just the past 15 years Youth & Government has served close to 45,000 youth.

The 2018-19 program at the local YMCA will begin in August.

For more information, send email to Scott.Arellano@ciymca.org or call 805-686-2037, ext. 224.

The post Youth & Government students get first-hand experience appeared first on Santa Ynez Valley Star.