12 July 19 - Aug. 1, 2008
Community
www.SanTanSun.com
YMCA from Page 1
members. During the day, more than 100 kids enrolled program called i-Learn, which allows teens to take
in day camps are splashing in the pool and playing classes inside the center and provides a full- and half-
with their friends while adults enjoy a personally day preschool, along with an after-school program.
prescribed workout. The staff is comprised of more More than 80 percent of the Chandler/Gilbert
than 250 volunteers and less than 100 employees. YMCA’s members are families. The organization gives
Despite the recent opening of two new recreational out some $4,000 in fi nancial assistance every month,
centers nearby, the YMCA, which has been at its location and more than 20 percent of the children in day camps
since 1999, has not decreased in membership. are recipients of this help.
What sets it apart, according to Charmaine “It is important for kids to be able to go somewhere
Gudgeon, district executive director, is that the YMCA to feel safe,” Gudgeon says, “to go somewhere where
is mission-driven by core values and a desire to truly the entire family can interact and have their needs
make a change in members’ lives. taken care of.”
Those values are responsibility, respect, honesty In 2007, the Chandler/Gilbert district alone raised
and caring, and they have been instilled in all programs $138,000. To donate to the Strong Kidz campaign, mail
STSN photo by Gordon Murray
since the YMCA was established 161 years ago. a check to the Chandler/Gilbert Family YMCA at 1655
KEEPING FIT: A computerized system helps YMCA members
“The YMCA has integrity,” Gudgeon says. “People
record their workouts.
W. Frye Rd., Chandler, AZ 85224.
trust it. Not a lot of organizations do as much involving Registration for fall youth sports programs begins July
the core values, with a mission at heart.” and age-appropriate activities. 28. For more information, visit
www.valleyymca.org.
As the community changes, the YMCA changes to fi t The healthy lifestyle program was developed after a
its needs. In just a few years, enrollment in childcare need for communicative exercise was realized. Now,
Jen Bondeson is an Arizona native and a writer of all trades. She
at the YMCA has grown more than 500 percent, using a computerized, interactive fi tness tracker called
can be reached at
JenB@SanTanSun.com.
calling for a more extensive Childwatch program FitLinxx, members are able to record every effort.
where children participate in arts and crafts classes The YMCA also has a licensed high school recovery
Gas prices from Page 10
Others changing personal habits include Murray, a which they charged 50 cents per mile until the errand Carol Mickey, owner of Carol Mickey Designs, Inc.,
professional photographer and owner of SuperHero was complete. Now, while maintaining their minimum an East Valley interior design fi rm, has been more
Photo & Video, who says he and his wife have reduced errand fee, they’ve reduced their mileage standard careful about managing her appointment schedule
their driving by about 20 percent by combining to the fi rst 10 miles, and charge 50 cents a mile after to meet with clients in similar areas and planning her
errands with appointments and shopping locally. that, an adjustment they felt was warranted. driving for errands and design projects.
They’re also checking tire pressure and air fi lters and Campbell says the gas allowance for their two “This has carried over to my personal life as well,”
buying cheap gas at Costco. employees has almost doubled in the past year. she says. “When you manage your drive time, you
Noel and Arline Stephens, owners of Errand Genie, “We ask them to also think about where they are become much more effi cient.”
LLC, recently modifi ed their complimentary mileage driving and how much gas is used for business vs.
standard. They previously included the fi rst 15 miles pleasure,” she notes, saying they increased their gas
Sharon Schnakenburg is a freelance reporter who can be
of travel in their one-hour minimum errand fee, after allowance.
reached at
Sharon@SanTanSun.com.
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