American Diabetes Association STOP Diabetes Walk

This morning I joined former Miss California International 2011, Brittany Wagner, at the ADA STOP Diabetes Walk. She was representing her passion for the ADA by having her team Crown the Cure, participate in this event. I was very excited to be able to support her and her work with the ADA by raising $160 and walking with her team. We also had the honor of walking with Rufus Dorsey, one of the ADA spokesmen. I was very moved by this event. My grandfather battled Type II diabetes and was shot dependent. It was very life changing for not only him, but the whole family. Being able to participate in this event, I was able to share his story and gain a whole new respect for those whose stories I heard who have battled this disease too! Remember November is National Diabetes month. I am looking forward to the YMCA participating in an ADA event. Keep your eye out for that:) THANK YOU Brittany  for inviting me!

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Walk to End Alzheimer's

I am unable to attend the Walk to End Alzheimer's today in Camarillo due to a previous commitment to a YMCA event held at the same time. However, just like any organization, if you can't attend the event then there are always a ton of ways to get get involved. Thanks to the Prince Family for bringing awareness to not only myself, but the community about Alzheimer's. I was able to help fundraise $75 to donate on behalf of the Prince Family. Their grandfather is battling early stages of Alzheimer's. I hope the walk is fabulous and I can't wait to hear all about it!
Alzheimer's disease the nation's sixth-leading cause of death.The Walk to End Alzheimer's happens to be the nation's largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research.

Chili's is proud to support the lifesaving work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® — finding cures and saving children with pediatric cancer and other deadly diseases. Their annual Create-A-Pepper campaign invites guests to design a custom pepper logo and make an individual donation to our friends at St. Jude. All they asked is that families came in today and made sure to eat lots of yummy food! 100% of their profits went directly to St. Jude's. Also, guest had the chance to color a pepper and make an additional donation. I am proud to say that I was able to attend again this year, enjoy delicious food, create-a-pepper, and donate to a great cause. I also want to extend a Thank You to CSUN Fraternity and Sororities for making an effort to come out and support a great cause. It's warming to see college students taking time from their schedule to come out and show support!

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Rain Gutter Regatta-YMCA Indian Guides 2011-2012

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The Y Indian Guide program held their Annual Rain Gutter Regatta at the Miller Family YMCA. The children and their Dads spent time together building their boats. This was a fun arts and crafts project, but required assistance from Dad to help construct a sturdy boat. Then it was off to place their boats in the rain gutter, and the races began! Dads cheered on the kids, as the kids tried to quickly blow creating a wind current to race their boat. It was such a fun afternoon followed by a lunch picnic.

In today’s world, a child and a father rarely have time together – to talk, to laugh, to really get to know each other and become friends. A sage Ojibway Indian once said that ”the white man spends time building cities, but the Indian spends time building men.” That sparked the idea for the formation of a parent-child organization centered around American Indian values - Dignity, Patience, Endurance, Spirituality, Feeling for the earth, concern for the family – the model for the Y-Indian programs. This program is designed to foster a strong relationship between a parent and their children, as well as develop friendships with others through monthly activities that use a Native American theme. Enjoy fun, snacks, stories, games, arts and crafts, and more during monthly meetings.

Check Out our Indian Guides in the Ventura County Star: http://www.vcstar.com/news/201​1/sep/25/rain-gutter-regatta-k​icks-of-ymca-programs/

If your family may be interested in participating in the program, please contact Jennifer Silveria @ 805-523-7613

Epic Salon Grand Re-Opening

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Epic Salon, located in Encino, celebrated their Grand Re-Opening event this evening. They have moved locations and are now a Paul Mitchell Focus Salon. The evening included an Open House of the Salon with delicious drinks and appetizers. They had a DJ and a live band, which one of the members was their very own stylists, how neat! I cant begin to tell you how beautiful their new place is, and not to mention how talented and kind their stylists are. I attended to not only support their event, but to give thanks for all they have done in helping with my YMCA fundraising events. Just this year, they have donated over $2,000 in services. I am forever appreciative and thankful for them believing in YMCA programs.
 It was a really great evening and I wish them the best of luck and lots of success with their business.
Thank you to Epic Salon owners Jeff and Jamie for hosting a fabulous event. You are two of the kindest people I know, constantly supporting community programs.

Conejo Valley YMCA Appreciation Day

It was a bright and early morning as staff and volunteers started to set up for the Appreciation Day BBQ. Today was a day where we were able to show appreciation for everyone who participates in YMCA programs; staff, volunteers, members, and families. It takes all of these individuals to make YMCA programs successful and we are very proud that the Conejo Valley Y is moving in the right direction.

We had over 200 Y members join us for a delicious BBQ lunch, facility tours, and bounce house. We are fortunate that Matt Lalo, was so generous in building our beautiful new outdoor patio. Many enjoyed their lunch up there and were really impressed with his hard work.Thank you to our Y's men for donating their time and funds to serve some of the best hamburgers, hot dogs and tri tip. They sure were tasty! Thanks to our staff and volunteers who helped set up, decorate, and tear down the tables and chairs. You were all a huge help!

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If you are not a member of the YMCA, you should schedule a time to visit. There are a variety of programs for everyone. We are currently offering a week guest pass for any interested members to try out our facility amenities. Please contact Zak Howell for more information @ 805-523-7613.

Meeting for Annual Conejoy Valley YMCA Turkey Dash

This afternoon I met with Conejo Valley Executive Director, Erin Pierik. Erin is no stranger to the association, but she is recently become the Exec. Director. She is the breath of fresh air that the Conejo Valley YMCA was i need of.
During lunch with Erin, Zak Howell (Membership Director), and Jennifer Silveria (Program Director), Erin honored me by asking me to be the Lead Volunteer for out turkey Day Dash event. I will be heading up a group of event volunteers and working to get sponsors. Shortly after, Erin and I were off to a meeting at the Thousand Oaks Mall. Erin and I met Glen Slensker, YMCA Board Chair. We were also able to meet with Tish Cabezas, The Oaks Senior Marketing Manager. Tish is working closely with Jennifer Ciccone, who is the Senior Property Manager, to help us with another successful annual event. We greatly appreciate their time and efforts!

This 5K and 1K fun run/walk event is a great way to get the whole family active and burn extra calories on Thanksgiving morning while supporting your local YMCA. 5K begins at 8:00 A.M. and 1K begins at 9:15A.M. Bring the whole family out for this fun event! For more information about sponsorship, racing or volunteering contact myself @ missmeghanlopez@gmail.com or Erin at the YMCA, 805-523-7613.