spearheading volunteerism page 4

Central Bucks Family YMCAMember Magazine2nd Quarter 2013

caught in the act!page 8

burpee award recipient page 11

helpers deserve help page 6

I remember one of my early volunteer activities as a Girl Scout, reading and singing to the adults in a nursing home. The smiles on their faces told the story of what this meant to them. It was then that I decided that I wanted to continue to serve my community in whatever way that I could. The Y’s program allows me to take an active role in volunteerism. Last year, the Y expanded their volunteer program to include staff volunteering in the community at Habitat for Humanity ReStore and Doylestown Senior Center making sticky buns. In 2013, the Y has expanded their volunteer program to include staff and members volunteering in the community with other nonprofit organizations.

National Volunteer week began in 1974 when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order establishing the week as an annual celebration of volunteerism. Every president since has signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week. During the week, thousands of organizations will recognize volunteers who have made a sustained commitment to service. On Thursday April 25th our Y will host a recognition event which will include 10 nonprofit organizations in our community. Each organization will recognize their Volunteer of the Year. We are fortunate to work in a community that acknowledges the importance of volunteers outside their individual organization. Remember, we are stronger together.

The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others.

Virginia Doyle Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

a noteFROM YOUR CHIEF BAKER

IN THIS ISSUEBlast From the Past page 7Burpee Award page 11Caught in the Act page 8Changing Lives page 7Helpers Deserve Help page 6Hot Topics page 3Karen Birmingham page 4Need to Know page 10Project Village page 6The People Have Spoken page 3

CENTRAL BUCKS FAMILY YMCA2500 Lower State Road | Doylestown, PA215.348.8131 | www.cbfymca.org

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Helping with Doylestown

Senior Center’s Bun Bake

Volunteerism is in the air at the Y. In celebration of our Y volunteer program, Y People is all about volunteers. The Y encourages you to volunteer in the community and thanks volunteers already giving their time and passions for our Y.

hot topics

THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKENWhere do you volunteer your time?

Q&AThere are never enough lockers! What can we do during busy times?If you’re only using a locker to store belongings and you don’t need to use the locker room for showering, dressing, etc., we suggest you use a locker in the family changing room.

Can someone monitor the adult locker rooms to keep parents from bringing children in? We are unable to monitor, but if you see a mom or dad with children, please see a representative at the Welcome Center and we will offer a gentle reminder to the parent.

Studies show that those who volunteer report higher levels of happiness, life satisfaction, self-esteem, a sense of control over life and physical health, as well as lower levels of depression!

“I volunteer with Cat Tails, Inc. and I used to

volunteer at Doylestown Hospital in their gift shop. I also volunteer at the Y.”

DIANA CHANG

“I enjoy helping with kid writing at my

daughter’s school.”CHARLENE TUBINAS

“I volunteer with the Travis Manion Foundation

and here at the Y.” RON FEIGLES

“I plan to volunteer for the Y’s Abilities program beginning in two weeks.”

EZEKIEL NYCE

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karen birminghamA Y PHILANTHROPIST

COVER STORY

Karen Birmingham is a lifelong volunteer.

As a youth, she served the community in scouts and through programs run at her church. As an adult, she’s served as football team mom, president of the Buckingham MOM’s club, treasurer of Lenape Middle School’s football team, homeroom mom, fundraiser for Bucks County Housing Group, iRun4Life coach, and participated alongside her children in service projects with Brownies, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. Currently, she’s the middle school co-chair for the Save Kids Castle project, coordinating middle school volunteer opportunities at the five public middle school and local private schools.

Karen began working at the Y seven years ago in Child Watch (then Kiddie Care). As a young mother of three, she worked a few hours a week and eventually took a part time accounts payable position in the accounting department. While working for the Y, she volunteered at major events including Healthy Kids and Family Day, Y Run 5k and Kids’ Triathlon.

With a love of volunteering, she became the part time volunteer coordinator, offering opportunities to youth and adults who want to serve the Y. As the program developed, she transitioned to a full time volunteer program specialist in January. She’s responsible for the oversight of all volunteer activity at the Y. She is credited with the increase in Y volunteerism and collaborations with other local non-profit organizations. Karen continues to assist with the processing of biweekly payroll as well.

In her new role, Karen immediately focused volunteer opportunities into the Y’s four categories: program volunteers, who will provide leadership and support to group

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Karen with her family

Karen & Virginia at Habitat for Humanity

activities and programs by coaching youth sports, aiding at their Welcome Center, Child Watch or camps; philanthropy volunteers, who will help fundraising efforts; special event volunteers, who will help plan, promote and run community events held at the Y; and, policy volunteers, who will provide leadership through membership on a board of directors and associated committees.

As the volunteer program grew, it gained the notice of Y-USA, the national governing body for Y’s across the nation. She now serves on Project Village, a design and pilot team of eight YMCA’s from across the nation formed to launch the Y-USA’s Signature Program for Social Responsibility with a goal of encouraging community volunteerism nationwide among Y membership. During the 9 week pilot phase, she will lead a team of Y members who will select and organize two community service projects around the needs of other local community non-profit organizations. Project Village represents a return to the ethics of service that the Y was founded on, encouraging others to volunteer in the community. “It’s shown that service builds individual and community well-being and that’s the root of the Y movement,” she says. (Read more about Project Village on page 7.)

To give community volunteer service maximum exposure, the Y’s organizing a community volunteer event on April 25 at Warrington Country Club. During the evening, a Volunteer of the Year from each of the attending organizations will be recognized. It will be an opportunity for the local non-profits to come together and highlight the many great works they do for our community while increasing awareness for the rewards and ongoing needs of community volunteerism.

“The Y wants to make it easy to find convenient, fun and rewarding experiences for community members to give back and support their neighbors,” says Birmingham. She has huge goals for the community volunteer program, but she’s no stranger to hard work. She completed her first triathlon in 2005 after taking the Y’s Try a Tri and Masters Swim classes and continues to compete in triathlons each year. She’s an avid runner who finished the Broad Street run in

2011, the Philadelphia Half Marathon 2011, and the Marine Corps Marathon 10K in 2012.She hopes that the increased spotlight on volunteering will raise awareness about its importance and the impact people can make on another person, the community, our world. “I want people to understand that volunteering can be big or small. Making a meal for a neighbor, volunteering at the hospital, helping to build a home, reading to your child’s classroom, gathering items from your house for a good cause…when you take the time for another, you are volunteering.”

The benefits are vast. A recent Gallup poll surveyed 23,000 people on the topic of volunteering and nearly 9 in 10 reported getting an emotional boost from doing kind things for other people. Experts in human development report that civic engagement and volunteering are linked to a variety of positive

health outcomes, including a lower rate of substance abuse, delinquency, violence and teen pregnancy, as well as increased self-esteem, social competence, and problem solving skills, compared to those who do not volunteer.

“I know I am very fortunate to work in a place where I can feel proud about the work I do. The best part is that my family can be a part of it all,” Karen says. “I am so happy when my husband and I can be at the Y with our children participating in a program or volunteering together.”

For information on volunteer opportunities at the Y or in the wider community, connect with Karen Birmingham at the Y, 215.348.8131, x1186 or visit the Y’s website at www.cbfymca.org.

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Karen leads the Member Volunteer Committee

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Project Village is Y-USA’s new Signature Program for Social Responsibility. The focus of the program is to facilitate ways for Y members to address community needs through volunteerism. Select representatives from eight Y’s across the nation, including YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee, YMCA of Southwest Illinois, Pacific Palisades YMCA of California, YMCA of the Triangle (NC), Des Moines YMCA (IA), YMCA of Southern Maine, Watertown YMCA (NY), and Central Bucks Family YMCA (PA) will participate in the design and pilot phase of the program.

After attending two design sessions for the prototype in Chicago, the team is now tasked with implementing the two projects at their local YMCA for a 9 week pilot period. After each Y’s project is reviewed and compiled, Project Village will be introduced at the Y-USA National General Assembly this July in Philadelphia, PA and subsequently rolled out to all Y’s across the nation.

Karen Birmingham, volunteer program specialist at Central Bucks Family YMCA will assist a member led team of key Y members who will select and organize two community service projects around local community needs.

The Y has a long legacy of mobilizing volunteers in service of others, through wartime and disasters, within local and global communities. Project Village is a return to the ethics of service that the Y was founded on.

“I was a big, strong man,” says Chaplain Denny Fly, a firefighter and emergency responder for more than 40 years in Central Bucks County. But, several years ago the lifelong volunteer took a bad fall from a deck while helping with post-hurricane

construction. Fracturing both legs, and injuring his knee, hip and back, the fall marked the beginning of a series of hospital stays and medical problems that dampened the strength and spirit of the man who once pulled a car accident victim from a burning car single-handedly.

Faced with recovery after spending 111 days in the hospital last year, Denny reached out for help from his neighbor across the road,

Central Bucks Family YMCA. With the help of the Y’s financial assistance program, Denny joined the Y in January.

“This place is gold,” exclaims Denny. “Being a volunteer is an extremely important part of my life. If someone is in need of help, I help them. Thanks to the Y, I am re-gaining my strength- mentally, physically, and emotionally. Thanks to the Y, I am able to help others again.”

social responsibilityPR

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denny fly HELPERS DESERVE HELP

Project Village work

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CHANGING LIVESJennifer Batty is a SEFA Trainer at Central Bucks Family YMCA, training staff and the community in first aid, CPR, bloodborne pathogens, and child abuse prevention education. But, some of her most fulfilling roles are the volunteer positions she holds in the community.

Jenn is a volunteer with No One Dies Alone (NODA), a national volunteer-centered program with a goal to provide companionship and support for dying individuals. Volunteer companions are notified when a patient in the hospital is actively dying. The compassionate companions will come to the

hospital and stay with the patient, rotating shifts, until the patient passes. During the vigil, the compassionate companions talk to the patient and hold their hand.

Batty also volunteers for New Britain Township Youth Aid Panel (YAP.) The volunteer panel hears

the cases of juveniles who commit a criminal offense for the first time and have been referred to the YAP as an alternative to the court system. The panel’s job is to interview the juvenile and parent(s) to determine an appropriate course of action that will benefit the victim, community, and juvenile.

In the past, Batty volunteered with NOVA on their 24-hour phone, emergency room accompaniment program.

“I don’t think there’s been a time since high school that I haven’t been volunteering,” she says. “I love

to live by this saying from Albert Pike: what we have done for ourselves alone dies with us, what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

BLAST FROM THE PASTWe’ve pulled this photo from our

archives and need your help! Can you identify who’s in this photo, where it

was taken or when? Connect with Marie Axler, 215.348.8131, x1180 or maxler@

cbfymca.org to provide some clues.

SOLVED (partially!)

This group of lovely ladies has been identified as Aerobic Action class participants. The group was led by Terry Peters (2nd from the left). Also pictured: Anita Rounds (4th from left) and Candice Thiele (bottom row, 2nd from left). Thank you to Y Member, Sue Nuveen (who instructed this class herself 1989-1991), and Y Staff, Candi Van Wagner, for providing this information!

Through the Community Support Campaign, Central Bucks Family YMCA was able to provide financial

assistance for 1,087 community members like Denny to regain the strength to do what they love,

including helping others! Make a gift today; pay it forward.

CAUGHT in the act!

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1. Getting fit is fun with a Zumba dance party!

5. Andy gets an office makeover for April Fools Day

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2. Brooke investigates what’s really in that sandwich!

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6. Catherine takes a hopscotch break

7. Kelly brings energy to her swim lessons!

8. A popular lunch spot for all ages 10. Jen & Jill - no conversation in the stairwell is private!

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CAUGHT in the act!

5. Andy gets an office makeover for April Fools Day

need to knowY BOARD & FUNDRAISERS ARE VOLUNTEERS TOO!The Board of Directors is comprised of volunteers who are the primary and legal authority of Central Bucks Family YMCA. They work in conjunction with our administration and staff to fulfill the Y’s mission of Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

Our campaigners are volunteers who spread the word about the Y and the mission of our community programs. They work tirelessly to raise funds to support programs like the THRIVE cancer wellness program, 7th grade initiative and financial assistance programs.

FOR YOUR SAFETYWe take the safety of our members seriously and now have the capability to search the national database of known sex offenders. We have a non-exclusive, non-transferable license for the use of this software and its database updates. Our Y will scan the entire database periodically for registered sex offenders and has the ability to scan an individual, at any time, should the need arise. The Membership policy regarding notification and termination of registered sex offenders will be enforced.

HEALTHY KIDS DAYJoin the Y for our national Healthy Kids’ Day on April 27 from 12-3 PM. Family Fun Run, DJ Dance Party and Zumbatomic, Family Science time, Princess Power, class demos, face painting, open skate, arts & crafts and more.

Additional Locations:Upper Bucks YMCA401 Fairview Avenue, Quakertown, PAApril 27 | 10 AM - 12 PM

Lower Bucks Family YMCA601 S. Oxford Valley Road, Fairless Hills, PAApril 27 | 10 AM - 2 PM

IMPROVING YOUR Y With the help of our Family Membership Focus Group, the Y is thrilled to announce the following changes to Y hours and policies.• Revised parent supervision policy during youth

programs.• Sunday building & fitness center hours extended

to 7:30 PM, effective Sunday, April 28.• Youth age 12 and over are permitted to use the

Adult Locker Rooms after 3 PM. • Child Watch open at 6:45 AM on Saturday

mornings, effective Saturday April 27.• The Y’s 18-acre campus open for families to use

including pavilions and outdoor basketball courts (9AM-6PM) beginning Saturday, April 27.

SURVIVE YOUR DRIVEOn April 7, 18 teens and their parents participated in a pilot program that shared surprising statistics, real-life stories and hands-on demonstrations of distracted driving. This program was developed by the Y and other local organizations within the community. Due to the pilot’s success, the program will be offered to the public in the Fall.

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2013 Board of Directors

Lou White is the Burpee Award winner for 2013 in recognition of his volunteer service to Central Bucks Family YMCA and the surrounding community.

A borough resident for decades, White retired in 1993 from Central Bucks School District where he served in public education for over 30 years and retired as principal of Holicong Middle School, Buckingham. He’s served as vice president on the Doylestown Borough council, member and president of the County Theater Board, and member of the Doylestown

Revitalization Board and A Woman’s Place Board.

He is currently chairman of the Doylestown DART committee and recently elected elder at Doylestown Presbyterian Church. At Central Bucks Family YMCA, he is the chairman of the Community Support Campaign, former president of the board of directors, and an active trustee. The Y is overwhelmed by the depth of his service to the entire community and is proud to present him with this honor.

Says White: “Central Bucks

Family YMCA has truly been transformed in the ways it has served the community over the last five years--this through the conscientious efforts of so many volunteers and the dedicated creative work of our staff. I’ve had the great privilege to serve beside these folks in this exciting venture. I am truly honored to be the 2012 recipient of the Burpee Award.”

lou white BURPEE AWARD

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STARTING YOUNGY Teen Leaders volunteer on a regular basis at Doylestown Hospital and Doylestown Food Pantry, planting vegetable gardens, organizing food donations and completing general chores.

Learn about opportunities to volunteer in the community by visiting our new volunteer page at www.cbfymca.org or connect with Karen Birmingham, Volunteer Specialist, 215.348.8131, x1186, kbirmingham@cbfymca.org.

DOING GOOD is is good for you!

Volunteers, like Ephe, are a crucial to non-profit organizations like the Y. Find out how you can get involved at the Y or with another community organization at www.cbfymca.org/volunteer-main.