Spreading some holiday cheer at the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall
The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall is decking the halls and spreading the Christmas cheer this holiday season with a multitude of activities, programs and offerings to put a smile on the faces of the young, the old and anyone in between. With the New Year fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to check out the festivities and good tidings happening at the Y.
Offering Savings – Join for $0
Don't forget - those who register for the 48th Annual Dallas YMCA Turkey Trot can join the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA and pay NO JOINER'S FEE! This offer is valid thru Dec 31, inside the branch (not online).
All Turkey Trot registrants should bring in their registration confirmation email as proof of registration to receive the discount; a print out of the email or the email on their phones will do!
There for You – Holiday Hours
We will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year’s with a reduced class schedule. Please check with your instructor.
FACILITY HOURS
Thursday, December 24th, 7:00 am-2:00 pm
No Evening Childwatch or Evening Classes*
Christmas Day
Closed
Thursday, December 31st and Friday, January 1st, 7:00 am-2:00 pm
No Evening Childwatch or Evening Classes on both days*
*Pool closes at 1:00 pm.
Sharing Goodness – Bake Sale
We're having a BAKE SALE beginning at 9 am Monday, Dec .14 to benefit our Angel Camp program for children with special needs.
Be sure to stop by to check out all the yummy treats which will make great teacher/co-worker gifts or stocking stuffers. Thank you in advance for your support!
Supporting Community – Gift Cards for the Giving Tree Families
In an incredible display of holiday spirit, the community quickly emptied the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA at Rockwall’s Giving Tree of its ornaments not long after the tree was put up during the week of Thanksgiving , meaning each one of the 69 children (19 families) represented on the Giving Tree will receive the Christmas wish on their ornaments!
Although the tree may be empty, you can still show your support for this great cause by donating $50 grocery store gift cards to give to the families represented on its Giving Tree with the gifts for their children.
Each year, the Rockwall Y encourages its members and the community at large to stop by the Welcome Center and choose an ornament from the Giving Tree. Each ornament represents a local child, age 18 or younger, whose family has an active Y membership, requires financial assistance, and needs help this holiday season.
The YMCA, whose mission is to put Christian values into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all, does not turn anyone away from participating in Y programs due to inability to pay.
"We are a family here, and families help each other," said LaVielle. "Each year our members and our staff amaze me with their generosity and giving spirit."
For more information on how to donate, contact Glenda Majchrzak, Business Services Director, at 972- 772-9622 or email gmajchrzak@ymcadallas.org.
Getting Fit For 2016 – Personal Training
Are you ready to Find Your Fit for the New Year? Now through Dec. 31, buy 12 sessions and get 1 free or buy 24 sessions and get 2 free.
The YMCA Personal Fitness Program is designed to help ready-to-be-fit individuals move toward the behavior and mind-set of a regular exerciser. The program is based on research that provides the health and fitness professionals with an innovative and effective approach to helping physically inactive people become regular exercisers.
For more information, contact Jude McCarthy, Wellness Director, at 972-772-9622 or email cmccarthy@ymcadallas.org.
Providing Strong Leadership – Q&A with Jude McCarthy, Wellness Director
J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Wellness Director Jude McCarthy is always on the move, but we caught up with him recently to see if he'd share a little about himself and why he's so passionate about the Y. If you haven't had a chance to get to know Jude, his door is always open and he's always happy to help.
Where do you live?
I am currently living in Fate but I have called Rockwall my home for 11 years!
What brought you to the Y/How long have you been with the Y?
I initially joined the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA as a college member while home for the summer because I loved the "non-competitive" workout environment. Once I graduated, I knew I wanted to come back and work in the friendly atmosphere. I have been with Y for 2 years! I have had many opportunities to work in the for profit health industry, but what has helped keep me in the non-profit industry is the since of community. The J.E.R. CHILTON YMCA is a special place and I am honored to be able to say I work here!
What is your background?
I graduated from Rockwall High School in 2010, and went to college at Texas Tech University! WRECK'EM! While at TTU, I joined the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and began my fitness career at the Student REC center! Having been so actively involved with both, I feel the biggest things I was able to get out of my experiences were learning to work with all types of people and gaining confidence in large group settings. I graduated in December 2013 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry.
I currently am living with my parents, 2 brothers and 1 sister! I suggest ALL recent college graduates do the same, while they are getting established in their professional careers, we can learn so much about money management and real world expenses! However, I look forward to being able to take what I have learned and move out.
What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about my faith, my family, and my friends. These are the three most important F's I have in my life, without of them I would be lost. My family gives support, my friends provide companionship, and my faith allows for everything to take place in truth and equality.
Tell us something about yourself that others may not know.
I compete in triathlons with the hopes of being a Team USA athlete. This past summer, I raced at the USA Triathlon National Championships. The opportunity to race was phenomenal and I look forward to going back in August 2016. I enjoy the company of others while training, so please don't be shy. Come be my training buddy!
Complete this sentence: On a typical weekend, you might find me...
Spending time enjoying family, friends and competing in triathlons!
What is your favorite part about working for the Y?
I enjoy most about working for the Y is the sense of community between the members and the employees. There is no greater feeling for me, than to see relationships being built that strengthen our human community.
Do you have any goals/visions for your future with J.E.R. Chilton Y?
I have several goals and plans for the J.E.R. CHILTON YMCA, but don't worry they are all to help the members as a whole want to spend more time at the facility and start calling this their second home.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I am extremely excited to be working with the J.E.R. CHILTON YMCA! Having grown up in Rockwall I have a little more drive to make this facility stand out and be the hotspot in the city. I live by an open door policy and want to get to know as many people as possible. Please stop by the Wellness Office and introduce yourself; I'd love to talk and get to know as many members as possible!
Listening to You – Class Schedules
Be sure to check out our class schedules for the upcoming New Year, found on our website: https://www.ymcadallas.org/locations/jerchiltonymca/class_schedules/ .
For any questions or concerns please contact Jude McCarthy, Wellness Director, at 972-772-9622 or email cmccarthy@ymcadallas.org.
Making a Splash – Aquatics
It may be chilly out, but the pool is open! Check the current pool schedule for classes and family swim time!
Please contact the welcome center for information and availability. For questions about the aquatics program, call 972-772-9622 or email Dustin Davis, Aquatics Director, at ddavis@YMCADALLAS.org.
Sharing Adventures – Adventure Guides Program
Fathers and their kids of the J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Adventure Guides had a gobbling good time at our Turkey Shoot and Rocket Day event on Nov. 15, with the Dallas Rocket Society on hand to assist the Adventure Guides with setting off their rockets.
The Adventure Guides program is offering dads throughout the community the chance to build on that quality time spent with their kids this holiday season, with a host of fun and exciting adventures planned for 2016. Annual activities scheduled for the New Year include the Father/Daughter Dance in February, the Pinewood Derby Day in April and spring and winter campouts at Sky Ranch and Collin County Adventure Camp.
For more information on the Adventure Guides program and to see a list of upcoming events, visit our website at https://www.ymcadallas.org/locations/jerchiltonymca/adventure_guides/.
Creating Future Leaders – Teen Programming
The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA Youth & Government program is in full swing as the New Year comes around, with students prepping for the upcoming state competitions in Austin.
The High School YG STATE Conference is Jan 28th-31st in Austin, Texas, with a drop deadline of December 14. The Middle School’s Junior YG STATE Conference will be held February 26th-28th – also in Austin – with a drop deadline of January 12.
The J.E.R. Chilton YMCA’s YG program entered this holiday season in celebration, with several Rockwall and Rockwall-Heath high school students honored as Distinguished Delegates at the YG District Conference for middle and high school, held recently at Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland.
A nation-wide YMCA program in which students learn the mechanics of government and the media through hands-on activities in their club at school or local YMCA, students can also gain confidence, leadership and public speaking skills, organized decision making skills, and much more through participation in Youth & Government.
Those interested in joining the Youth & Government program may contact Matthew Campos, Membership/Youth and Government Coordinator, at 972-772- 9622 or email mcampos@ymcadallas.org.