YWCA of Alliance

ArtistFirst Concert Raises Funds to Address Hunger

2011-07-26T17:52:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, the YWCA took our trailer to Silver Park to join with Artist First in an all-day concert to raise funds to address hunder in Alliance. Scott Zelasko booked 8 area bands to lend their voices and music in a free concert. The YWCA collected donations for the Alliance Community Pantry and sold beverages and food for their own Meals on Wheels program. Below Board Members Michelle Collins-Sibley, Barb Brown (concession committee) and Sherrie Wallace served up hot dogs, pizza, chips, water and soda. Great tunes, a good cause, a beautiful evening!

Mid-Atlantic Region Executive Director visits Alliance

2011-06-28T12:30:00.000-07:00

The YWCA Mid-Atlantic Regional Council Executive Director, Casey Harden, visited our Association this morning to learn more about the Alliance YWCA and to update Board and staff members on national and regional news, initiatives, and programs. Casey is visiting the Region's Ohio Associations. The visit included a brief tour and a lengthy work session followed by lunch prepared by our YW kitchen crew.

Celebrate Achievement

2011-06-14T08:24:00.001-07:00

The YW was bursting to celebrate the achievements of their favorite eighteen year old! The June 2nd lunch hour was particularly loud and joyful as the YWCA celebrated a YW resident's high school graduation with a luncheon party complete with decorations , a high school memory display, a favorite meal, cake, flowers, balloons, gifts, and lots of best wishes. The group had additional reason to celebrate as the eighteen year old will begin college in the fall. To help prepare for the next step, the Board, residents, volunteers, and staff showered the young woman with gifts to assist in the transition including gift cards, book of poetry, college tee-shirt, new wallet, candles, and towels. And lastly, the YW presented her with a YWCA Book Award to assist with the purchase of books in the fall.

No Bully Zone

2011-06-14T08:02:00.001-07:00

In 2010, the University of Mount Union and the YWCA of Alliance partnered in a Great Cities, Great Service grant to research and address interpersonal aggression. UMU students in Drs. Sarah Torok and Kathleen Piker-King's classes conducted focus groups, surveyed staff, teachers, and students, and worked in small groups throughout the semester with the YWCA's Girls Together middle school group under the Navigators program.

In the spring of 2010, UMU students presented their project at the university's Scholars Day and led a culminating on-campus activity for the YW's Girls Together group. In addition to team building activities and pizza, the university and middle school students processed the semester long research project by reading excerpts from a book of essays and poems written by the college students to encourage and support girls in navigating through middle school. Also in the spring of 2010, Drs. Torok and Piker-King made a formal presentation to school and YWCA personnel on their findings.

In 2011, UMU students continue the project by meeting throughout the semester with GT girls and again wrote essays and poems. The last phase of the project was completed when university and YW Girls Together students partnered to lead the "No Bully Zone" event at the elementary Navigator's Site located at Northside School.

No Raindrops on Our Heads!

2011-06-08T13:47:00.000-07:00

While the skies darkened and the clouds burst forth with thousands of raindrops yesterday, we were snug and dry under our new roofs. Thanks to the City of Alliance, Greater Alliance Foundation, Soprema, and Architectual Roofing Contractors, we are enjoying the lack of raindrops in our residence and Haggart Hall areas. What will we do with all those buckets?

United Way Delivers!

2011-06-08T13:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to a special grant from United Way of Greater Stark County, meals will be a little hotter when they arrive at seniors' doors. The new carriers are specially designed for meal delivery programs like our YWCA's Meals on Wheels program. Here staffers Sue and Jan unpack the new carriers.

Carnation Women & Men Golf Scramble

2011-06-08T13:30:00.000-07:00

Time to Tee Off Again! Please join us on Friday, August 12 at the beautiful Tannenhauf Golf Club for our 16th Annual Tournament to raise funds to support the YWCA's youth programs. Visit www.allianceywca.com to download a registration form. There will be plenty of prizes, fun, beverages, and a picnic lunch!

Work on the roof is underway

2011-05-25T13:54:00.000-07:00

It is so exciting! The resident hall and Haggart Hall are in the process of getting new roofs.

Congratulations Michelle Collins-Sibley!

2011-05-25T13:24:00.001-07:00

Dr. Michelle Collins-Sibley receives the 2011 Fullmer Volunteer Leadership Award at the 85th Annual Meeting from last year's recipient, Helen Bosick. Michelle has chaired numerous YW committees including Strategic Planning, Peer Review, and Women's History - Fiber Fest. She works the Apple Dumpling Booth and has taught knitting in the after school Navigator program. Dr. Collins-Sibley embodies the spirit of the YWCA and is quick to find ways to assist.

In addition to her work at the YWCA, she serves on the Board of Haines House, and was president of One Book One Community. She is a past recipient of the governor's Humanitarian of the Year.

We are thankful for Michelle's leadership and for her service to women and families.

Tools for Kids!

2010-08-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the generosity of the Alliance area community and the Greater Alliance Foundation, together we provided vouchers and school supplies for almost 300 area kids! With your help, we put some of the tools that kids need in their hands. Let the learning begin!

Hurrah for the Apple Dumpling Gang!

2010-08-22T17:50:00.001-07:00

Once again the volunteers of the Apple Dumpling gang reported to Days in the Park to serve up hot coffee and scrumptious apple dumplings with our special recipe syrup. Chair Lisa Felger along with husband, Chris and daughter, Paige readied the trailer for the park and made some improvements. Chris crafted a new sign. They also painted apples on the trailer and added a dry erase board. Another new addition were some beautiful apple motif aprons made by member Mary Ann Day shown modeling the apron and serving up a dumpling with Board member Barb Brown.

15th Annual Carnation Scramble

2010-08-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

Co-chairs Barb Armitage and Leigh Mainwaring prepare to assist member Betty Rush and Board member Karen Locke as golfers arrive to participate in the 15th Annual Carnation Scramble at the beautiful Tannenhauf Golf Club. Proceeds from the scramble support YWCA women's programming.

College Students Hosts Girls Together

2010-07-15T14:41:00.001-07:00

Throughout the academic year, the YWCA of Alliance partnered with Mount Union College’s Psychology Department and Alliance City Schools in a research grant to examine the types and causes of relational aggression emerging in schools at various developmental levels. The results of the research was used to help develop a training session for student care professionals that will not only relate the findings, but uncover strategies to better deal with these issues in schools. Funded by the Great Cities Great Service consortium, the project incorporates the YouthLEAD model with both middle school and college students being agents of social change.

The partnership culminated in a visit to the campus, where college and middle school students had fun building team skills and discussing post secondary education. The college students presented the girls with a book sharing their thoughts and experiences in middle school. The book incorporated the girls drawings that were made during joint activities throughout the semester.

Congratulations Helen Bosick!

2010-07-15T14:22:00.000-07:00

Board member Helen Bosick was selected as the 2010 Fullmer Volunteer Leadership Award winner. In her nominating letter, Helen was commended for years of leadership as a Board officer and for chairing various committees including personnel and the apple dumpling booth. In addition, it was noted that she always steps up to lend a helping hand, and goes out of her way to make others feel welcomed and included. Helen is pictured with her husband, Mick and past Board President, Cindy King . CONGRATULATIONS HELEN!

Arts in Stark Funds Bookbinding Class

2010-07-15T14:12:00.000-07:00

A group of young emerging artists learned the techniques of binding a book under the direction of local artists Nola Haiss and Haidi Haiss. This program was funded by Arts in Stark. In addition to binding a book, the participants learned about the history of paper and were treated to a homemade pizza lunch.

Quilt Offered at Fiber Fest

2010-01-26T15:20:00.000-08:00

This year's Fiber Fest on March 13th will once again celebrate and honor the historical and present entrepreneurship of women.

In keeping with the work of women, the 2010 Fiber Fest drawing prize is a quilt donated by Mrs. Elizabeth J. Tice. Elizabeth’s mother pieced the quilt, then hand-quilted it in the “Shott Pattern,” designed and drawn directly onto the quilt top by Elizabeth’s oldest brother.

The quilt has never been used and is estimated to be approximately 80 years old. Elizabeth’s brother, Carl Shott, worked “in the office” for Bethlehem Steel in Lebanon, Pennsylvania – Pennsylvania Dutch Country. His job was to work on forms for the stamping plant. The designs on the quilt are of his creation. Carl lived in Lebanon, Pennsylvania his entire life. Elizabeth, too, was a lifelong resident of Lebanon until her recent move.

Drawing tickets may be purchased at the Alliance YWCA, 239 E. Market St., Alliance, OH. Tickets are $1 or 6 for $5. Tickets may also be purchased from any board member OR on the day of the Fiber Fest. THE WINNER DOES NOT NEED TO BE PRESENT. Please join us in honoring women’s work by supporting the Alliance YWCA. Thank you. THE FIBER FEST COMMITTEE

Warm Up Akron Visits the YWCA

2009-10-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

The Akron Chapter of Warm Up America visited the YWCA with comfy and warm afghans for all our residents. The kindness of this group of volunteer afghan-makers warms not only the body, but also the spirit of those receiving the gifts. I know it warmed all our hearts. To learn more or to volunteer, please check out their website at www.warmupakron.webs.com

YWCA at the Farmer's Market

2009-08-29T07:47:00.000-07:00

YWCA President Cindy King selling Apple Dumplings at today's Farmer's Market.

This Year the Golf is Golden!

2009-08-28T17:01:00.000-07:00

The Carnation Festival and Tannenhauf Golf Club turned 50 this year and co-chairs Barb Armitage and Leigh Mainwaring seized the opportunity to have fun and to raise much needed funds for two YWCA youth programs - Between Kids and Nutri-Kids. Barb and Leigh honored scramble founder, Judy Tolerton who was on hand to play in this year's tournament.

There were several new twists to the annual event including some new golf skill games (where all participants received a sleeve of balls), a roaming beverage cart, a change in the menu (although Trudy's delicious brownies returned) and men! Topping the fun list was the return of the Three Blind Mice Game, where blindfolded golfers are spun around and then attempt to sink a putt! Its as hard as it sounds even with the verbal assistance of a team member. Still this year's winner came within a foot of the hole.

Thanks to our sponsors, Tannenhauf, the golfers, local businesses, and the YWCA Board, members, and staff who provide the proximity prizes.

How do you spell "success"?

2009-08-28T16:29:00.000-07:00

A-B-C FOR KIDS! Board member and project chair, Karen Locke (center), and Board members (Elaine Miller, Barb Brown, & Gwen Dunagen) prepare to distribute vouchers to assist over 310 area children to secure the tools they need for a successful school year. Thanks to all the individuals, churches, and organizations who assisted with their kind donations. A special thanks to The Greater Alliance Foundation who is a major sponsor of the project.

The Apple Dumpling Gang

2009-08-28T16:03:00.001-07:00

Board member and event chair, Lesa Felger, and her husband, Chris, and daughter, Paige, make a great team! Lesa's family showed up to help her with sales. In addition, Chris worked behind the scenes replacing the trailer's floor and painting the exterior white with a red stripe. He even made us a YWCA license plate! While Paige helped her mom, who coordinated the event, clean and prepare the trailer for the four days in the park.

We brought back to the YW a few dozen dumplings, which were immediately frozen to preserve their freshness. So if you are longing for just one more taste of Carnation Days, look for President Cindy at the Farmer's Market.

Thanks to Lesa and her family, President Cindy King, "The Apple Dumpling Gang", Rose's Hillcrest Market, and the the YWCA crew for a another delicious year.

Vote for YWCA

2009-08-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

The Allstate Foundation has selected the YWCA as one of four organizations to compete for a $100,000 grant during a campaign, entitled "Your Choice to Empower". The prize will provide financial empowerment to victims of domestic violence served by YWCAs. Consider voting for the YWCA each day at http://www.clicktoempower.org/ through September 13.

Association Self-Assessment Nears Completion

2009-07-19T18:05:00.000-07:00

In preparation for the YWCA of the Mid-Atlantic Region Council Peer Review, a local team of community members led by Board member and chair, Michelle Collins-Sibley conducted an assessment of our Association. Peer Review provides an opportunity to build capacity of local Associations. The team compared our Association's work and practices to the 45 standards developed by the national movement, which reflect industry and YWCA best practices. The team met weekly to review agency documents, seek clarification, and provide recommendations to strengthen the Association and our work. The team assessment was overwhelmingly positive. Michelle and the staff are working to wrap-up assignments before the onsite Peer Review, which is scheduled for October.

Check Out the Neighborhood

2009-07-11T15:59:00.000-07:00

Across the street from the YWCA in front of the caboose is a newly constructed stage, which is already getting a lot of use. Friday night concerts are drawing a nice size crowd including former YWCA program director, Connie Pyers. The tunes were a welcome addition to my recent evening work session. I found myself humming along as as I pulled documents for the YW's upcoming peer review team meeting. Remember to come early to get the best parking spaces and to bring your own lawn chair.

The next morning the space is buzzing as vendors arrive for the Saturday Farmer's Market. Lots of fresh flowers, plants, herbs, fruits, vegetables, and baked goods fill the marketplace from 9-12, at reasonable prices, and the bounty changes as the harvest season unfolds. This year, the Ohio Direction Card is accepted by many vendors allowing more folks to take advantage of fresh foods and support the local economy. New this year is a craft section on Main Street. The market is a great place to catch up with friends, listen to some local musicians - Rock Salt & Nails or Michelle Fergason - visit the bookmobile, and pick up some locally grown or made goods. And the YWCA has a front row seat!

Child & Adolescence Youth Visits the YW

2009-07-11T15:56:00.000-07:00

A great group of Alliance youth visited the YWCA recently to lend a helping hand. The kids scrubbed all the folding chairs, mopped Haggart Hall, and created 4th of July cards for Meals on Wheels seniors and the great group of volunteers that deliver meals . Thanks to former Board member, Jennifer Parmenter for making this possible.

ALERT

2009-06-30T05:17:00.000-07:00

Alert from Randi Carmen Schmidt , Senior Policy Analyst for Economic Policy , YWCA USA
SIGN ON LETTER FOR Local, State and National Organizations

States across the country are confronting massive budget shortfalls. At the federal level, lawmakers are facing a ballooning deficit that must be addressed. These economic pressures are already resulting in cuts to critical programs that help YWCA clients, and will continue to force lawmakers to make hard choices on budget and tax policies.
We face serious economic challenges that cannot be solved simply by cutting programs to save money. We believe that when elected officials are considering ways to cut costs, there should be more options on the menu than cutting or ending programs that help the most vulnerable among us. Our country should not sacrifice the poor and disadvantaged due to an economic crisis that they had little to do with creating.

Recently, a new topic has been coming up in budget discussions at the state and federal level – taxes. More and more, lawmakers and advocates are discussing the importance of using taxes to raise the revenue necessary to fund government services and programs.
Members of Congress have told advocates that they are not hearing from constituents about tax policy options, including support for raising much-needed tax revenue. Please sign a statement to let Congress and the administration know you support fair, equitable budget and tax policies that ask for shared sacrifice from everyone, not just the most vulnerable among us. Deadline: Friday, July 3, 2009.

For more background on this issue and the sign-on letter please click here.

Although Randi’s Alert is geared to organizations, individuals can express their views by contacting their representatives.

Mabel Hartzell Celebrated

2009-06-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 30th, the YWCA was pleased to be invited to join community members at the Mabel Hartzell Historical Home at 840 Park Avenue to unveil an Ohio Historical Marker to celebrate the home of civic leader Mabel Hartzell. Among her many achievements, Mabel served as president of the YWCA of Alliance from 1946 - 1952. To learn more about Miss Hartzell or her home, visit http://www.alliancehistory.org/ Representatives from Alliance organizations to which Mabel belonged unveiled the marker including Retired Teachers, Board of Education (Mabel was a member before women had the right to vote), Historical Society, Alliance Garden Club, Red Cross, Women's Club, Quota, Sorosis, and YWCA. Look closely on the porch and you will see Board member Dottie Callender who lead the gathering in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Girls Rock!

2009-05-13T17:59:00.000-07:00

The 6th grade Girls Together group ended their year with a celebration! The girls spent Wednesdays learning more about themselves, building interpersonal skills, laughing, and helping each other to navigate the first year of middle school. The girls did a fabulous job. These girls rock!

Exactly Where is That Donkey?

2009-05-13T17:46:00.000-07:00

Some fun from Games Grandmother Played, part of the Stupendous Saturdays series.

THE TAIL

ON THE DONKEY!

Ladies of Many Hats

2009-05-05T19:00:00.000-07:00

There is something about wearing an elegant hat that makes one stand a little taller and move with greater grace. On Saturday, May 9, area women gathered at the YWCA to celebrate the elegance of hats! Cynthia Lundeen, a Cleveland area millner just back from attending the Kentucky Derby, presented a fascinating program on the art of hat wearing followed by a hat show featuring her beautiful and finely handmade designs. Several audience members served as models. During her presentation, Ms. Lundeen shared that she learned the basics of her craft as a child when she learned to sew at her local YWCA.

Co-chairs Cindy King and Judy Phillips along with Elaine Miller displayed their personal collections. Handcrafted items were available for sale in the marketplace. Enough chit chat here are the hats...

Girls Together hosted by Mount Union College Class

2009-05-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

Mount Union College professor, Dr. Sarah Torok, and her gender studies class worked throughout the semester with the YWCA Girls Together group at the Alliance Middle School. On April 30th, the 6th and 7th graders traveled to campus to learn more about the college experience, enjoy a tour, participate in team building activities, and enjoy a pizza dinner hosted by the MUC students, with assistance from the MUC Student Senate and Service Learning Department.

A middle schooler holds the question ball during an activity. Mount students used the questions to facilitate a dialogue on college life and availability.

One of the teams composed of college and middle school students test their 4 point race strategy prior to the race.

Cheryl Paine receives 2009 Fullmer Volunteer Leadership Award

2009-05-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

Board President Chery Paine addresses the crowd at the Annual Meeting shortly after learning that she was selected as the 2009 recipient. During her term on the Board, Cheryl chaired several new initiatives including the Fiber Fest, Pink Tulip Bulb Project (Breast Cancer Awareness), new marketing plan, and this website. Congratulations Cheryl and thanks for enriching the lives of women and our Association!

Celebrate Women's History!!! YWCA Women's Fiber Fest

2009-03-21T07:51:00.001-07:00

Saturday, March 14 started before dawn as volunteers and staff arrived to assist vendors to set-up for the day and it was well worth waking up early! Wonderous wares filled the marketplace in Haggart Hall and the downstairs Community Room with rich textures and colors of raw and finished fiber. Spinning wheels sprouted up in numberous locations providing opportunities to watch and learn. Groups of women gathered to advance their skills in small classes held at the YWCA and up the street at Studio 214, a local art studio.

Arts In Stark - Kimono Project

2009-03-21T07:27:00.000-07:00

Using paint, paper and some simple tools, elementary students and their accompanying adults created amazing designs, which were used to create kimono inspired original stationary. Artists Nola and Haidi Haiss developed the techniques and facilitated the class. Between stages, Andrew Magrath, who spent three years teaching in Japan, used props and photos to give the group a glimpse into Japanese culture. The class will be repeated, only in three sessions, for Girls Together participants. This project is sponsored by Arts in Stark, who awared a mini-grant to underwrite the costs of the project.

Stupendous Saturdays

2009-02-17T08:28:00.000-08:00

The Studendous Saturdays series kicked off the year with kids in the kitchen. Under the guidance of Food Service Manager, Nola Haiss, a group of elementary girls prepared some sweets for their sweeties. The hands-on activites offered opportunities to enhance small motor skills, practice math skills, and develop kitchen skills, as well as some good old fashion taste testing.

Food for the Soul

2009-02-17T08:07:00.000-08:00

The February YWCA Board of Directors meeting was a little more soulful than the regular monthly business meetings. It began with the annual Soul Food Dinner. The potluck included such delights as catfish, chicken & stuffing, greens, cabbage, cornbread, bread pudding, and some other mighty fine treats including some scrumptious desserts. This year's event was organized by Board vice-president Cindy King.

Sweet Hearts

2009-02-17T07:56:00.000-08:00

Girls Together is a program for girls at the Alliance Middle School. The six grade group celebrated Valentines Day with activities designed to enhance their understanding of self and encourage self expression. This included decorating heart shaped cookies to suit their own unique taste.

Liberty Mutual & Mount Union College's Coach Kehres Team Up for a Better Alliance

2009-01-29T16:33:00.000-08:00

Thank you Liberty Mutual for honoring Coach Larry Kehres as the Liberty Mutual Coach of the year! Along with the hefty silver trophy for the coach, Liberty Mutual executives, Jerry and Glenn, brought good wishes and a pocketful of checks for charities in our community selected by Coach Kehres. Thanks to the teaming of Liberty Mutual & the Coach, the YWCA received a BIG check for $5000. Cheering loudly in the audience was YW Board President Cheryl Paine. Touchdown for the home team!

Geo Bee

2009-01-29T14:33:00.000-08:00

The YWCA is proud to sponsor the annual Alliance Middle School National Geographic Geography Bee. 24 students qualified through classroom tests to participate in the contest. Principal Ken Fay was on hand to cheer on the students and to welcome parents to the event. The format and questions (they were tough!) came directly from National Geographic. Barb Armitage, a YWCA Board member, took on the difficult role of reader again this year. The students did a great job showing a lot of poise and knowledge. The YWCA also sponsors the Geography Club that meets after school under the direction of teachers, Laura Stauffer and Ashley DeBolt. This year's winner and the 3rd place student are club members. The evening ended with cookies and punch prepared by the YW kitchen.

Congratulations to sixth grader Will Oesch, first runner-up, and to eight grader Nick Skidmore winner of the Bee. Both students were awarded certificates from National Geographic, savings bonds, and are eligible for a $1000 scholarship to further their education. The bonds and scholarship are provided by the YWCA and are made possible by the generosity of a YWCA member who wants to help young people to excel.

Christmas Blessings

2008-12-28T09:36:00.000-08:00

Many families' Christmas mornings were brighter and merrier thanks to the kindness of area individuals, clubs, departments, and businesses who blessed the families of the YWCA this holiday season. Brightly wrapped gifts, hams, delicious cookie trays, handmade angels, gift baskets, fruit, socks, nail polish, hats, and mittens disguised the true gift of the season - love for one another. And that love came full circle as recipients expressed their heartfelt thanks. A special thanks goes out to our business friends at Hillcrest Market for helping us stretch our dollars, Christian Funeral Home, and Mount Union College, and to area knitters for the beautiful handmade hats and scarves - truly a labor of love. Here are a few photos of the season. Happy New Year!

ABC for Kids

2008-08-20T07:14:00.000-07:00

August is an action packed month for the YWCA! On Wednesday, August 20th, families flocked to Haggart Hall to pick-up vouchers at our annual school supply distribution. Board members Elaine Miller and Lois Steese review this year's guidelines before the rush begins. Miller, chair of the project, estimates that over 400 children and parents will be able to shop for the tools students need for a successful school year. Thanks to the generosity of the Alliance area community including the Greater Alliance Foundation for helping kids to start the school year off right!

The Apple Dumpling Gang

2008-08-15T16:38:00.000-07:00

If it is August, it is time for dumplings! Once again this year, you could find the YWCA Apple Dumpling Gang at Carnation Days in the Park selling coffee and apple dumplings with our signature sauce. Chair Lesa Felger along with YWCA staff member, Deb Charleston, rallied this year's "gang" of 40 plus volunteers over the four day event to work together to sell 120 dozen dumplings to benefit women, children, and seniors. There was also plenty of time to renew friendships, meet new volunteers, and, during a slow period, even knit a stitch or two.

Three Blind Mice Golf Scramble

2008-08-08T08:12:00.000-07:00

This year's annual YWCA Ladies Carnation Scramble, our 13th, honored the memory of three local women golfers, Betty Rennels, Hazel Tolerton, and Melba Cook. Newly married, the three woman all set up housekeeping on Ridgewood. Over the years, they gathered to walk with their young children and talk. They soon discovered they had common interests. They loved to golf, and all were active in our YWCA. As their children grew, the woman took them along to the golf course. Somewhere along the way the friends were affectionately dubbed "The Three Blind Mice."

On 8-8-08, we gathered at the beautiful Tannenhauf Golf Club to honor the memory of the Three Blind Mice, three great friends who enjoyed each other's friendship for many years and really enjoyed a good game of golf. On hand to join in the celebration were Honorary Chairs, Judy Tolerton (Betty's daughter and Hazels's daughter-in-law) and Corrine Hirvela (Melba's daughter).

This year's scramble had a special twist. After playing 18 holes, golfers were invited to try their skill and luck at making a putt while blindfolded after a little spin by Dottie Callender, the Chair of the event. Teammates assisted by verbally lining up the shot. Winner of the game was Lynn Dezelon, who received a basket of goodies any "mouse" would enjoy.

Thanks to everyone who made the scramble a success including our event sponsor, Terry's Tire Town, and the three lovely women who enjoyed a lifetime of friendship.

Preparing for the First Paying Job..... Baby-sitting Clinic

2008-06-25T09:25:00.000-07:00

The club rooms are abuzz every morning this week with the sounds of girls taking their first steps toward landing that first paying job. The group of middle school girls is participating in the summer session of the Red Cross Baby-sitting Clinic.

By partnering with the Alliance-Minerva Chapter of the American Red Cross, the YWCA has use of the Red Cross's curriculum, workbooks, mannequins, and the girls receive an official Red Cross certificate upon completion.

Today's lesson was on feeding and diapering an infant. Instructor for the course is Jan Ossler.

Contact the YWCA for information or the dates for the next clinic.

Sunny Summer Day Fun

2008-06-24T10:48:00.003-07:00

The YWCA is delighted to partner with Families First of Stark County for two Alliance-based programs, Mom's Morning Out and PEP.

At today's PEP (Parents Enriching Preschoolers), Moms and kids shared lunch, a special story read by Terry Snode of Rodman Public Library, and some old-fashion sidewalk chalk fun... have you ever tried to draw around your shoes while standing in them?

PEP Club is free and designed to bring families of preschoolers together to have FUN! Preschoolers ages 2-5, parents, and grandparents are welcome to attend to learn new and fun ways to enjoy the preschool years. The next meeting is July 22 from 11:30 - 1:00 at the YWCA. Remember to bring a packed lunch for your family. For more information call 330-456-5470.

TEAM YWCA

2008-06-17T08:25:00.000-07:00

The YWCA's Softball Team had a little bigger cheering section Monday night when the YWCA's Board of Directors and staff came out to cheer for the young women.

Team YWCA played a great game giving their fans lots to cheer about. They were edged out of the win column by 1 run in a rainy extra inning. Rookie head coach, Michelle Rhodes, said the girls were delighted to have their sponsors encouraging them from the bleachers.

Prior to the game, the YW Board and staff met at Silver Park for a potluck picnic and the Board conducted its monthly Board meeting before heading across the street to the stands.

Team YWCA is nearing the end of a winning season.

Meals on Wheels Volunteers Honored

2008-06-15T19:15:00.000-07:00

Meals on Wheels volunteers were honored for their dedication and service to seniors in Alliance with a delicious luncheon prepared by the YWCA kitchen staff. Following the luncheon, guests were wowed by master magician Jim Klayder whose excellent slight of hand performance delighted the crowd. Board member Judy Phillips, chair of the event, thanked the volunteers for providing magic everyday in the lives of Alliance's elderly population. Nutritious meals provide a cornerstone for physical health and support individuals in optimizing their independence and well being.

Volunteers deliver nutritious meals prepared by Alliance Community Hospital Dietary Department, under the direction of Louise Roth. She and members of her team were on hand and were thanked by Program Director, Jan Ossler, as a valued partner in the program.

Leave Your Shoes at the Door - Living in Japan Series

2008-05-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

Andrew Magrath provided an insightful look at Japanese life and education through an American lens by sharing his experiences from the past three years of living and working as an Assistant Language Teacher in Daito, Japan. Stationed at a middle school outside of Osaka by the JET Program, Andrew found a unique harmony between traditional and modern Japan. The series included a visit to Nara, a typical day at his school, the influences of religion on the culture, and a look at everyday life.

Dorothy Davis Chosen to Receive 2008 Fullmer Volunteer Leadership Award

2008-05-06T05:38:00.000-07:00

Barb Armitage, the 2007 receipient, presents Dorthy Davis with the 2008 Fuller Volunteer Leadership Award at the association's 82nd Annual Meeting held on April 23. The award recognizes and honors YWCA women for their contribution to the lives of women and girls.

Dodie has been a YWCA member for over 30 years and her ability to remember names and faces is legendary. She has lived the YWCA mission by constantly reaching out to and being available to others in the Alliance and college community during her years as Dean of women students and later as Alumni Director, guiding people to work together to accomplish useful and productive lives. Congratulations Dodie!

Girls Together Visit Mount Union College

2008-04-28T16:52:00.000-07:00

What happens when a group of sixth grade middle school girls meet a group of Mount Union College students? Lots of giggling and other good stuff!

For the past six months, a terrific group of sixth grade middle school girls has been meeting once a week over lunch with YWCA staff to develop skills and friendships in the YWCA Girls Together program. Over the course of this semester, the girls were joined by a Mount Union college intern and students from Dr. Sarah Torok’s gender studies class.

Bringing girls and young women together has been a win-win opportunity for everyone. The Mount Union students provide strong, positive role models for the girls; and the sixth graders assist the college students in learning what life is like for girls in middle school. And the YWCA is delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Alliance Middle School and Mount Union College. The college class and the YWCA were brought together by Amanda Espenschied-Reilly, Director of Service-Learning and Community Service for the college.

Recently the group culminated their activities with an after school event on the college campus. An afternoon of activities planned by the Mount Union students included a tour of the campus, discussion about college life, interactive games that explored trust and teamwork, and dinner together. It was a toss-up as to which age group giggled more during the Three-Point Race, where teams of five worked together to pass the finish line first, while only allowing three points of contact with the ground. Equally exciting were a blindfolded team walk from the Campus Grounds to the bell tower and a spirited game of blindfolded soccer. Mental challenges included a word find and a memory teaser.

The event ended with all the participants receiving a specially designed Girls Together tee-shirt and glimpse into each other’s world. Each middle school participant also received a brochure about the college, a bag of Mount Union College items, and a Frisbee.

YWCA Fiber Fest 2008

2008-03-22T14:56:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, March 15th, the YWCA marked its first fiber festival. Approximately 100 individuals gathered to celebrate Women's History Month by sharing and honoring traditionally women's crafts. The day included such workshops as felting, knitting a sock, and spinning. Demonstrations throughout the day included dying fiber and spinning. The marketplace drew vendors from Northeast Ohio and featured raw to finished products. Yarn, sweaters, hats, socks, purses, along with dyes, handcrafted knitting needles, smocked baby gowns, jewelry, and soaps were available.

Mardi Gras 2008

2008-03-16T17:04:00.000-07:00

Guests who gathered for the YWCA's 2008 Mardi Gras fundraiser on February 23 at the Alliance Country Club were treated to the sights, sounds, and tastes of this New Orleans celebration. Event chair, Barb Armitage, welcomed guests at the door with beads passed out by former Carnation Queen Kayla Faudree. Guests strolled the streets of The Big Easy past lampposts, street signs and a variety of "shops" while listening to the Cajun tunes of Arcadian Driftwood. Magician Jim Klayder was on hand to perform magic tricks for passersby and reader Ann Miller returned again to delight guests. On the corner, Board member, Cindy King, ran a shell game on stacked antique suitcases, while amateur photographer, Andrew Magrath, snapped photos at the charming outdoor cafe.

Dinner featured a variety of New Orleans favorites including shrimp jambalaya, chicken cordon bleu, and Bananas Foster, a dessert that originated in the city. Proceeds from the event including the live and silent auction assisted the YWCA to "Raise the Roof" and make the necessary upgrades and repairs.