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26 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 17, 2007 www.oakvillebeaver.com Come join us Ride, Stride, Roll or Stroll for Autism Saturday, September 15, 2007 12 to 4 pm Bronte Creek Provincial Park A family story from the Y T Come meet Angelo Mosca of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as he cuts the start ribbon! Supported by Cycle for Autism 2007 fun for everyone in association with... AIC and Berkshire Employees Association Maclachlan College American Women's Club Oakville Special Thanks to: A Cappella Showcase, Andrew Esp (Iron, Man for Autism), Blue Flame, Burlington Student Theatre, C. Schel Photography, Cogeco, East Burlington Venturer Company, Flynn Produce, Home Depot (Burlington), IBM Employees Charitable Foundation, Knights of Columbus Marian Council #3881, Neena Bharadwaj (Florence Meares PS Burlington), OPG Employees & Pensioners Charity Trust, Pay it Forward Project (C H Norton PS Burlington), Petro-Canada, RBC Foundation Employee Grant, Scared Heart of Jesus Catholic School Burlington, Sony Playstation, Theatre Burlington, Tim Hortons (Dundas & Neyagawa), United Way of Burlington & Greater Hamilton Charitable Registration Number: 11924 8789 R0001 For pledge sheets go to www.asohalton.org he following story was shared by YMCA Member Meg Doherty at the YMCA of Oakville YMCA Strong Kids Garden Party celebration in the spring of 2007. "When I was asked to speak today I was so happy to have the opportunity to give back in a small way to an organization that has meant so much to me for so long. As a young child growing up in St. John's Newfoundland, the YMCA was a lifeline for my family and me. My parents joined the Y when my two siblings and I were preschoolers and the Newfoundland winters were long and tiresome for stay-athome mothers. At that time, the Y in St. John's was very small and conditions were rough. In 1977, a new YMCA opened in St. John's and my family was asked to cut the ribbon at the opening ceremonies. It is funny how life seems to have come full circle. "Steve (my husband) and I along with our three pre-school aged children moved to Oakville a year and half ago on the heels of loosing Steve's parents. Without the support of any family and with three young children we struggled to find the time and the money to engage in the recreational activities that had been the mainstay of both our lives prior to becoming parents. "Then a neighbour told us of the wonderful YMCA located not far from us in Oakville. We checked it out and immediately knew that this is what we all needed to help us be a healthy, active and well-balanced family. "We joined the Y and have never looked back. We visit the YMCA almost every day and can always find something for everyone to do. "The twins love the programs with Jeannie and Donna and have learned valuable skills in socializing, listening to instruction and circle time. "After spending every moment of life together since birth, the twins have recently taken to splitting up on a regular basis. One will join Donna for crafts and the other will join Jeannie for sports. This speaks to their comfort and confidence that has been developed here at the Y. "Ben, our five year old, has learned to swim and is confident on the climbing wall. "Steve, an avid fitness enthusiast, once again feels like his workouts are possible. "I enjoy the week-day morning fitness classes and appreciate the connections I have made with other Y regulars. The quick coffee that I grab with other women after class is often the highlight of my day. "When we travel to Newfoundland to visit family, we always pack our Y cards and use the facilities there. The contrast of the now 30-year-old building in St. Johns to this beautiful facility are startling and remind us once again of how lucky we are to have this YMCA. "The staff and facilities here are amazing and I feel so grateful to have this place at the centre of our family's life." Thanks Meg, for sharing your story, and thanks to you and your family for being part of the Y family. -- Submitted by the oakville YMCA 50% OFF! ANNIVERSARY 36 th King Koil High Loft Pillowtop Queen Mattress Set Reg. 1499.00 JACLYN SMITH Bedding Feature 2007 Home MATTRESS SALE Only available at the Brick Mattress Stores! SALE PRICE CHRMANQPK/ CHRMANKPK 749 Also available in Kingsize Reg. $1999.00 Save $999.50 Sale Price $999.50 50 THIS WEEKEND ONLY! MADE WITH SPACE AGE MEMORY FOAM While Quantities Last! 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