Dear Members,

Happy New Year! As the Northeast Family Branch enters 2012, I would like to take a moment to recap some of the exciting changes that have occurred both in and outside the branch. 

As our daily users are aware, in late November and early December the Northeast Branch was outfitted with all new cardio equipment in our wellness center. We now have several new treadmills, ellipticals, and the challenging AMT (cross between and elliptical and stair master). If you have not had the opportunity to try the new equipment please stop in the wellness center. Our fitness staff will be happy to acclimate you to all the new equipment and provide refreshers for the existing equipment if needed.

Also, on December 12, 2011 a ground breaking ceremony was held at the Tech Drive site for the future Independent Health Family Branch YMCA. If you have the opportunity please take a drive down Tech Drive to see how the project is progressing. You may also access additional information on our website. For those of you who may not be computer savvy, the Y communications department is in the process of developing a display board for the lobby with any updates on the new facility.

Moving into 2012, as most of us commit to getting back on track you will find an influx of new faces. Please take a moment to welcome our newest members. We are mid-stream into our annual January membership campaign and have 75 new members to date. Now is the time to give your friends a call and bring them to the Y to participate in Zumba, Boot Camp, or aquatic fitness class. They may also utilize child watch or have their children participate in youth sports, family swim or open gym time (with parent). Our membership campaign runs until January 31, 2012 so please spread the news and take advantage of our "Member Get a Member" program - should your friend join and use you as a referral (at the time of joining) you will receive a $30 certificate which can be used towards Y programs and/or your membership. 

As always, the Northeast YMCA staff and I are committed to providing time, attention, quality programs and services to you and your family. Here's to a happy, healthy, safe and successful 2012!

Sincerely,
Allison Lawson
Executive Director

STRONG KIDS 2012
We officially kicked off the Strong Kids Annual Campaign on January 10 . This year our Strong Kids Campaign co-chairs Mark Lempko and Tim Schick will take the reins and direct the Board of Management volunteers and staff in the quest achieve our branch goal of $69,000.
Please take a moment to answer our call or stop by the front desk and make your pledge and help make a difference in our community. The funds raised are used to provide scholarships to those individuals (seniors, adults, families, teens, youth) who are unable to afford the full fee of programs and/or membership offered at the Northeast Family Branch. Your donation large or small can make the difference to an individual, providing them the opportunity to reap the health and social benefits of Y programming which we have been privileged to afford.

EARLY BIRD CAMP REGISTRATION
Register your campers for summer 2012 with a deposit of only $10 per week (per camper)! 
What’s new:
- Young Explorer’s Camp at St. Leo the Great School
- Sports Camp in Clarence
- Teen Camp at St. Leo the Great School
- Travel Camp August 20 - 31.
Call 839-2543 for additional camp information and a registration form.

CAMP CANDY SALE
January 2 – July 2
To help pay for summer camp, children can earn their way to camp by selling candy bars! Contact the branch for more information.

NORTHEAST BOARD OF MANAGEMENT
The Northeast Branch is looking for committed volunteers to join our Board of Management team. If you are interested please contact Allison Lawson, executive director for more information.

STAFF MERIT AWARDS
4th Quarter 2011
The following staff have been awarded a Certificate of Merit for their outstanding service and commitment to the Y and it's members. 
Vivian Heverley - Billing Clerk, Member Service Representative
Nick Haskill - Members Service Representative, Youth Sports Coach
Bethany Lueke – Member Service Representative
Erin Kanaley- School Age Child Care Coordinator, Member Service Representative, Family Programs
Peter Creighton- Youth Sports Coach, Building Supervisor

UPCOMING EVENTS
Parent's Night Out – Jan 20
Father Daughter Dance – Feb 10
February Break Vacation Club –
Feb 20 - Feb 24 (Available at the Northeast Family Branch and Clarence Presbyterian Church).