Connections

Connections
Issue 4
May 2014
we’re not just a gym...
Meet the
Fiebiger Family
From the Aquatics Manager
Summer Water Safety
Tis the season for Sun, Sand and
Swimming, but to make sure your summer
swimming experiences are good ones,
there are some very simple safety tips to
look at whether you’re at the beach, on a
boat, or in a pool in your back yard.
If you plan on spending most of your time
at the beach or on a boat, there are some
very specific things to keep in mind.
• Make sure children as well as adults have access to life jackets. Life
jackets should be Coast Guard certified and should fit correctly, not too
tight, not too loose, like a fairly snug hug.
• While water wings are fun, you don’t want to rely on anything air filled for
flotation.
• If your boat or beach is on a river, be sure to swim with caution in fast
moving currents, but better to avoid them if possible.
• If you’re at a beach, check for lifeguards, many don’t employ lifeguards
and you must swim at your own risk, which is why you should never swim
alone.
• If you can’t see through the murky water, you should avoid diving. Water
depth is not always known or if there are logs floating by.
If your swimming takes place in a residential pool, there are some other
things to keep in mind.
• Kids under the age of 15 should never swim without adult supervision,
and no matter the age, you still shouldn’t ever swim alone.
• Make sure that your residential pool is properly fenced including a gate
and lock.
• All residential pools should keep rescue equipment (Shepherd’s hook
and life saver) nearby.
• To avoid exhaustion make sure you take frequent breaks and stay
hydrated.
No matter if you are on a beach, a boat, or in a backyard pool, sun protection
should not be overlooked. When in water you want to make sure to apply
sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) at least once an hour if not more. One of the
best ways to avoid emergencies in the water is to get you and your children
confident in the water by being able to swim. The Centre offers swim lessons
year round for all ages.
Matt Lubich
Aquatics Manager
Centre
Connections
Issue 4, May 2014
New Richmond Area Centre
428 S Starr Ave
New Richmond Wi 54017
715-246-2252
www.nracentre.com
www.facebook.com/newrichmond.centre
Board Members
Jean Needham - President
Gary Bakke
Bill Buell
Paul Mayer
Jeff Moberg
Marilyn Peplau
Jeff Redmon
Jill Schreck
Administrative Staff
Darian Blattner, Executive Director
Tate Wheeler, Health Enhancement Director
Jackie Huff, Member Experience Director
Amanda Fall, Business Manager
Vince Dreyer, Properties Manager
Larissa Ruud, Youth, Teen and Family Manager
Matt Lubich, Aquatics Manager
Colleen Davis, Magazine Editor
Highlights
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Smores N’ More
Centre Member Spotlight
Westfields: Safety Under the Sun
Implement Strength Training
Staff Around the Centre
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Centre Mission Statement Health, Fitness and Fun for All Ages
Smores N’ More,
It’s more than marshmallows
Summer is almost here and with it many of you will be spending
time doing outdoor activites such as camping, swimming, and bird
watching. Get a jumpstart on summer by attending our 4th annual
Smores ‘N’ More.
4th annual
SMORES ‘N’
MORE
Friday, May 9
5:00 - 7:45 PM
$10 per family for Centre Members
$20 per family for Community Participants
Price includes a smore, lemonade, & hot
dog for each family member. Additional
concessions will be available for purchase.
Registration deadline is Wednesday, May 7,
if you register after Wednesday, May 7 add
$10 per family to your registration fee.
Join us for smores ‘n’ more:
a campfire & campfire songs
marshmallow roasting
star gazing
bird watcher scavenger hunt
Willow River OWLs nature presentation
family photos by JAD Photography
Join in some camping fun with our Smores ‘N’ More, sponsored by Royal Credit
Union, on Friday, May 9th from 5:00 to 7:45 PM at the Centre. Your camping
adventure will start with a family photo taken by JAD Photography. (Each family
will go home with a complementary photo. Additional photo packages may be
purchased through JAD Photography.) New this year we welcome the Willow
River OWL’s (Organization for Wildlife Learning for Willow River and Kinnickinnic
State Parks) with their outdoor nature presentation and fishing game. We
are also featuring in the pool, shallow water snorkeling and scuba diving
experiences taught by St. Croix Scuba, and rain or shine, local musician Bill
Leahy will lead us in a campfire sing-along.
Save some time in your evening to participate in a few of the returning favorites.
Once again you have the opportunity to explore a variety of constellations and
stars in the night sky in our darkened stargazing room. See how many native
birds you can find in our bird watching scavenger hunt. Find them all and win a
prize. This year’s birdfeeder craft will help you attract a variety of birds at home.
For the more rambunctious at heart, jump around in our inflatables, tumble,
and work your way across the climbing wall in the gym during Romp, Stomp, and
Climb. Don’t forget your swim suit as you will need it to challenge your balance
and beat your opponent while logrolling in the pool. Other opportunities in the
pool include the Wiggle Bridge, climbing wall, waterslides, and scuba. Weather
permitting; some activities will occur outdoors around our campfire.
Included with your registration is the ultimate campfire supper. Each family
member will be provided with a hotdog, glass of lemonade, and of course a
smore. Roast your own marshmallow to your liking to create the best smore
ever. Enjoy the camaraderie of fellow campers while sitting around the campfire,
sing songs, sharing stories, and watching the fire glow. Additional concessions
will be available for purchase. Early bird registration is $10 per family for Centre
members and $20 per family for community participants. Registrations received
after Wednesday, May 7th will be an additional $10 per family.
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Big Hair Audacious Goal To become the healthiest community in America
Romp, Stomp, and Climb
bring a swimsuit for swimming, waterslides,
logrolling, climbing wall, wiggle bridge,
and scuba and snorkeling experiences by
St Croix Scuba
If you have questions regarding this program please contact
Amanda Fall at 715-246-2252 or afall@nracentre.com
RCU employee families receive a 10% discount.
428 S Starr Ave
New Richmond WI 54017
715-246-2252
www.nracentre.com
Smores ‘N’ More
schedule of events
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Campfire & Smores
Nature Presentation (Willow
River OWL’s)
Concessions
5:00 PM – 7:45 PM
Star Lab
Romp, Stomp, & Climb
Bird Feeder Craft
Bird Watching Scavenger Hunt
Swimming includes waterslides,
Wiggle Bridge, climbing wall
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM
Family Photo (JAD Photography)
Snorkeling & Scuba Explorations
(St. Croix Scuba)
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Logrolling
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Campfire Sing-Along (Lead by
Bill Leahy)
Centre Member
Spotlight
Meet the Fiebiger Family
There are not too many nights when
you don’t see the Fiebiger family at
The Centre. Joe, Laurie, Alexis, and
Madisyn are all here 4-5 days a week.
When asked why the Centre is a place
they enjoy coming to Joe states, “It
allows us to come as an entire family.
The girls love coming here and going
to Kids Kove, and Laurie and I get to
work out together. The staff in Kids
Kove is great with our kids.” As a
family they utilize almost the entire
facility by using the fitness center, free
weights, pool, machines, classes, and
Kids Kove.
Laurie participates in group fitness
classes at least twice a week and does cardio on the other
days. She likes the variety she gets from classes. Joe takes
It’s nice to come to a place that is always trying to make
our experience better.
advantage of the free weight room and machines in the
fitness center. “I like that the equipment is open and I don’t
have to wait to get on a machine,” says Joe.
When asked about the staff at the Centre, Laurie says,
“They are very helpful and are great with answering any
questions we have.” Joe likes that the staff and other
members are friendly and approachable. They both agreed
the Centre is a big part of their weekly routine as a family.
“It’s nice to come to a place that is always trying to make
our experience better,” stated Joe. We’re happy they are a
part of our family at The Centre.
(The Centre) allows us to come as an entire family.
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Core Value
Relationships
We choose to share lives and believe that every member has a story. We are open to all.
Living Healthy
Safety Under the Sun
Westfields Hospital & Clinic sheds light on one of summer’s most important health issues
After a particularly long Midwestern winter, we’re
all looking forward to the yard games, swimming
pools and flip flops of summer. In fact, all that
sun and splashing can excite us so much that
we forget about the health and safety risks that
summer brings. One of the biggest summertime risks we face is over-exposure to the sun, which can result
in melanoma (or skin cancer). According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, our risk of developing melanoma
doubles after we’ve been sunburned more than five times in our lives. This means that each summer day,
we have the power to take meaningful precautions to reduce our melanoma risk. So while we embrace the
sunshine in these coming months, how can we stay protected from its rays?
Here are three summer sun tips from
Westfields Hospital & Clinic:
Wear sunscreen
Visit your doctor
Using sunscreen every day is one of the best things
you can do to take care of your skin this summer.
Whether you’re gardening, running some quick errands
or planning a whole day at the beach, skin damage is
possible while you’re in the sun for any length of time.
Ask questions about moles, spots or any other skin concerns you might
have and make a point to include a skin check in your annual physical. Call
715-243-3400 to make an appointment with a family medicine specialist.
Or to see dermatologist David Nelsen, M.D.,at Westfields Hospital & Clinic,
call Dermatology Associates of Wisconsin, S.C. at 715-246-4624.
Use SPF 15 or higher for daily use, and SPF 30 or higher
if you’ll be outside for an extended period of time.
Unless you’ll be inside for a while, re-apply every two
hours.
Free skin cancer screenings will be offered at the Westfields Hospital
& Clinic Community Health Fair, May 17, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more
information about the health fair call Westfields specialty clinic at 715243-2900.
And what about cloud cover? Well, clouds are not a
reliable source of protection from the sun. Ultraviolet
(UV) radiation is the number one cause of melanoma,
so keep in mind that UV levels are still high even on
summer’s cloudy days.
Remember that ten minutes or so of sunshine a day helps our body
produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient that helps us stay strong, healthy
and happy. So soak up the sun this summer — but wear sunscreen, dress
smart and check in with your doctor.
Accessorize – sun-block style!
Express yourself while staying safe. Accessorize with
hats, light scarves, sunglasses and more to block your
skin from the sun.
Westfields Hospital & Clinic partners with
Dermatology Associates of Wisconsin S.C. to
provide a full range of dermatology services
close to home at Westfields specialty clinic.
David Nelsen, MD
Dermatology Associates of Wisconsin, S.C.
715-246-4624
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Core Value Health We focus on healthy life choices and support people in reaching their potential.
Exercising
Healthy
Implement Strength Training in your Life
BY TATE WHEELER, CSCS
HEALTH ENHANCEMENT DIRECTOR
Over the last 10 years working and participating
in fitness, I’ve witnessed thousands of examples
of how strength training can positively influence
lives. I personally have worked with hundreds of
members that have reached goals as a result of
regular strength training.
Some examples of the benefits of regular strength training are: improves
overall body composition, improves ability to complete daily tasks and
activities (at all ages), increases bone density, increases muscle mass
(helping maintain or increase metabolism as you age), boosts confidence
and self-esteem, and increases speed and power (important for all
athletes).
STRENGTH TRAINING BENEFITS
improves overall body composition
improves ability to complete daily tasks and activities
increases bone density and muscle mass
boosts confidence and self-esteem
increases speed and power
These are just a few examples of how strength training can be beneficial
to you. The next step is to begin a strength training program. I’ve
previously highlighted the F.I.T. Principle (Frequency, Intensity, Time).
When it comes to strength training, your frequency should start with 2
days a week (non-consecutive days) of total body strength training. Your
intensity should be 2-3 sets of 8-12 reps. Your time should be 20-60
minutes.
Whether that’s a class at the Centre (BodyPump® or Tight N’ Tone),
using strength training machines, free weights, or bodyweight exercises,
strength training can make a tremendous impact on your life and help you
reach your goals.
Please remember to consult with a doctor and fitness professional prior to
beginning a strength training routine.
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Core Value Health We focus on healthy life choices and support people in reaching their potential.
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members
thoughts
What is your favorite activity
when you are at the Centre?
BodyPump® and
cardio machines.
Bev Hansen
Senior strength.
Art Holle
All the classes! Right
now especially the
water classes.
Michell Ludwitzke
Play in Kids Kove and
swim in the pool.
Kalia Kemp
Playing in my
classroom (4K), doing
puzzles, and playing
with my classmates.
And swimming and
t-ball.
Gavin Johnson
Vince Dreyer In his role as Property Manager, you’ll see
Vince all over the Centre, usually walking like a man on a mission! But
don’t be fooled by the look of urgency on his face and fast pace, he is
truly a nice guy and has a great sense of humor. Vince joined the Centre
staff in 2010 after spending the previous years building custom homes.
He now puts that attention to detail and sense of quality to use taking
care of the Centre.
A typical day at the Centre includes supervising 5-6 custodial staff;
maintaining the pool temperature, chemicals, motors, and boiler;
performing inspections on the pool and slides; working on fitness
equipment; and generally just making sure this 60,000 square foot
building is in working condition. Other things you might catch Vince
doing is fire and tornado drills, waxing floors, annual pool and locker
room maintenance, attending trainings, and taking a weekly walk on the
roof to inspect. Many of you will probably be surprised to know that each
week, 30-40% of Vince’s time at the Centre is spent on pool related maintenance and
tasks. With a pool this large and with the volume of people that use the pool, there is
much work to be done to keep it clean and functioning properly.
Since Vince began working at the Centre, the largest project he has been involved in
is the demolition and renovation of the Centre that took place in 2012. He met with
contractors and made recommendations and advised decision makers in the process.
The entire process was monitored by Vince, which allowed him to make sure the
remodel was done properly. Vince’s background in custom home building was part of
what allowed him to be so involved in the remodel.
Staff
Around the Centre
Vince spent many years building homes both in Eau Claire, where he and his
wife lived prior to New Richmond, as well as here in New Richmond. Vince,
Cara, and their 4 year old daughter Azlynn have lived in New Richmond since
2001, when they moved due to job changes.
Vince enjoys hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping with his family. You might
also see his family at the pool on Sundays.
When asked what he likes about working at the Centre, his answer was a big
sense of community, feeling like everyone belongs and is happy to be here,
and it feels like going to grandma’s house. In a nutshell, Vince loves his
work, being part of the Centre,
and plans to be a part of the
organization for a long time. The
Centre is happy to have him here!
7 Core Value Integrity We hold ourselves accountable to our members, community and each other.
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No One Leaves The Same