Error: PDF version 1.6 -- xpdf supports version 1.5 (continuing anyway) 16 - The Oakville Beaver, Friday August 11, 2006 www.oakvillebeaver.com Y volunteer feels connected to the community The following letter was submitted by YMCA of Oakville volunteers and member Roseanne Swalwell. I am a member and a volunteer with the Oakville Y. There is just such a positive attitude in the Y that makes me feel good each time I walk through the door. I wanted to become more involved rather than thinking of it as `the gym' Look for our incredible 35th Anniversary Flyer in today's paper! (Only in selected areas) where I go to workout. Last year I began to volunteer and to work with staff members on a few initiatives. One of the biggest fundraising events (The Y is a charitable foundation) is The Mayor's Invitational Softball Tournament (MIST) held annually in mid-July. It is an all-day affair that is six months in planning. Thirty-two baseball teams compete for the MIST cup and at the end of the day they converge on Trafalgar Park for the championship game and -- RUNNING WILD -- Plus get your Anniversary Red Book in store or thebrick.com and save thousands! See in store for complete details. CUT-A-THON FOR HOMELESS KIDS! presented by Many Faces Hair Spa 110 Reynolds, Oakville Sat. Aug. 12, 10 am-4 pm Sun. Aug. 13, 12-6 pm Burlington QEW & Walker's Line 333-5533 Mississauga South 1607 Dundas St.E. 629-2900 Mississauga SuperStore 3025 Ridgeway Dr. 569-0677 Mississauga North #2, 5800 McLaughlin Rd. 502-7500 Get a cut and style from our expert stylists who will donate their fees to Covenant House's music program. Running Wild in the Night is a fundraising initiative created by Nikki Sixx, bassist for Mötley Cr e in support of homeless youth. · ROHDE · MEPHISTO · DANIEL HECHTER PARIS · BIRKENSTOCK · RIEKER · ARA · SALAMANDER · ROHDE · MEPHISTO Enjoy the hot deals at Ingeborg Shoes Warehouse Store Famous European Brand Names All Under One Roof & Covenant House--giving homeless kids a second chance E ON SAL ! 3 shows at COPPS COLISEUM: NOW Thursday Sept. 21 - 7:00 pm · Friday Sept. 22 - 10:30 am & 7:00 pm Tickets available at Copps Coliseum Box Office, Ticketmaster.ca or call to order: 905-527-7666 Event listings: www.hecfi.ca INGEBORG'S WAREHOUSE 1681 FINFAR COURT, MISSISSAUGA Hours: Mon.-Sat. 9 to 5 Sun. 11 to 4 905-823-7415 dinner. It is quite a sight to see more than 500 baseball players sitting down to dinner under a huge white tent. Volunteering for this event means being part of a very successful, fun and worthy endeavor. All the funds raised from this day go to assist the Y in welcoming everyone who wishes to join the Y regardless of their ability to pay. The Wellness Centre, on the second floor, is something special to see and experience. I am still delighted and somewhat astounded that each time I insert my Techno key into an exercise machine, it automatically adjusts to my height, weight and strength. While there are more than 7,600 members who make use of the Y, I rarely wait for an exercise machine to be free. As well, the on-site staff is courteous, friendly and ever ready to assist members. All members can try out various fitness classes and find the ones that best suit them. Yoga classes have made me feel at least two inches taller. The stretches and the breathing exercises were a bit tricky at first and trying to keep my balance is something I am still trying to master! (It is probably the closest I will ever get to ballet!) I use the locker room and showers regularly and find they are well maintained and cleaned often each day. Each time I workout I observe every age group from toddlers to the elderly enjoying this open, airy and caring environment. I have seen stroke patients putting tremendous effort into making their way around the track and observed their progress over time. The university students, home for the summer, drop by and work out along with the rest of us. On the main floor, the open gym is transformed at different times throughout the day into a playground for toddlers and their parents. What a great place for parents of these youngsters to gather, have fun and maybe make lifelong friends while watching their children play, as I did, when my children were in nursery school. On a personal level, in just three short years I've received many benefits, both tangible and intangible from my experiences at the Oakville Y. Healthwise, I feel stronger and more fit. At the same time, I feel I am contributing to the community. The Y has become an important part of my life. Thanks to all the staff for the many benefits I have received and for their commitment to make strong kids, strong families and a strong community. Rosanne Swalwell · ROHDE · MEPHISTO · DANIEL HECHTER PARIS · BIRKENSTOCK · RIEKER · ARA · SALAMANDER · ROHDE · ROHDE · MEPHISTO · DANIEL HECHTER PARIS · BIRKENSTOCK · RIEKER · ARA · SALAMANDER · ROHDE · MEPHISTO · MEPHISTO