The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday September 14, 2007 - 25 Every day is a special YMCA family day H olly Damude comes to the Y almost every day with her daughter Maddie. She shared her story at the YMCA Strong Kid Campaign Garden Party in the spring of 2007: "To say my family loves the Y is an understatement. We are here six days a week joining in various programs, fitness classes and swimming lessons. "My daughter Maddie, who is two years old, took her very first steps here on Oct. 31 during the Halloween kids and toddlers parade. "Without the Y, I honestly don't know what we would do every day. "Being a stay-at-home mom is very rewarding but also quite monotonous; the Y gives Maddie and me a place to be. "I can work out every day and not have to worry about who will take care of Maddie. "The women in child minding, Cindy, Nadia and Kim are unbelievable at their jobs. "They always greet us with a smile and care for Maddie like she was one of their own children. "As a parent, I cannot thank them enough. "One of Maddie's favourite activities is Gym Kids. Every Monday Wednesday, Friday and Saturday she's raring to go and see all of her friends, and of course, Jeannie. She plays and dances and screeches with joy the entire time and hates to leave. "Because Maddie is the only child in our house and not in daycare I find the Y is a vital part of her socialization. Here she learns how to share, make friends and express herself and who she is amongst other little kids. To me, that's invaluable. "On Tuesdays and Thursdays we head over to Wiggles and Giggles with Sandra to enjoy arts and crafts, puzzles and of course, circle time. "We sing songs, read books chat and eat cookies. I don't know who enjoys this time more, Maddie or me. "The best part is that I feel safe and relaxed as a parent knowing that we are in a safe, nurturing environment where each child is a priority. "Though we do a lot of things together, Maddie is not the only one who benefits from the Y -- I do as well. "Five days a week I work out here using the machines and free weights. It is my guilty pleasure, my me time. "While Maddie is downstairs in child minding, content and playing her heart out, I am upstairs alone, childless and loving every second. "Together and separately Maddie and I use and enjoy the Y every single day and for that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts." -- Submitted by the YMCA of Oakville. Be est! ur gu o National Arthritis Month Friday, September 21 2-3pm Join us for an informative afternoon as our guest speaker talks about Arthritis. Information packages, refreshments, and tours are included. 299 Randall Street, Oakville www.retirementresidences.com Call Angela Bosco (905)842-8408 TRAF017 Think Eastman Estate Think TM Discover the Eastman Estate for country estate elegance in a highly insulated (R-16 Value) steel door. Call your Garaga Experts garage door consultant. Estate elegance 3170 Ridgeway Drive, Unit 17/18 Mississauga www.bmgaragedoor.com Mark Brousseau (905) 569-9133 /(866) 836-5553