Bellingham Athletic Club

Parents Afternoon Out

Every parent has a few odds and ends to finish up around the New Year, so we’re offering an ‘Afternoon Out’ twice during winter break! Kids can enjoy craft time, racquetball, swimming, and a pizza lunch while you…relax!

Dates: Thursday, Dec 27th & Tuesday, Jan 1st @ 12:00 p.m. -3:00 p.m.
Cost: Members $20 / Child of Member $25 / Non Members $30 / Siblings $3 off
Ages: 4yrs-11yrs

Winter Nutrition Tips

For many of us, December means not only holidays but lots of gatherings and food! Here are a few tips to help you navigate the food scene with confidence and success!

1. Avoid the RESTRICTION mindset, instead try adopting the mindset that you’ve made a CHOICE for yourself and your health? It’s been shown in studies on willpower that when people go into diets or settings with the mindset that they’re not allowed to have something, it becomes the focus of their attention and depletes their willpower. What’s more is that when willpower diminishes, blood sugar decreases, and you actually become hungry? especially for that little something which you’ve been denying yourself! Never fear, there are a number of actions you can take to avoid breaking.

a. Load up on fat, protein, fiber, and greens! Rather than completely denying yourself and depleting your willpower, try planning ahead. Get your nutrients in early in the day. When you enter a holiday dinner, eat veggies first! Or if you’re headed to a gathering where there aren’t likely to be healthy options, have a small healthy snack before you go so you’re not as hungry.

b. Find a high protein/fat snack to munch on if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the goodies you’re trying to avoid. Remember that blood sugar crash that happens when willpower is used up? If you can find something else to eat to keep your blood sugar stable, you’ll feel less inclined to eat all the cookies on the platter.

2. Stay physically active! As a member of Bellingham Athletic Club, you have access to spectacular facilities! If you find yourself tight on time or unable to get to the gym, a simple walk will do too. Ask your friends or family if they?ll join you on a walk after dinner, you may be surprised by how many are happy to partake in a bit of movement.

3. Don’t forget to enjoy yourself! You’re not making a mistake when you enjoy a slice of pie your sister baked or meet with your friends for holiday drinks – that is part of being human and enjoying life! Allow yourself the freedom to enjoy yourself, knowing that you can still achieve your goals without alienating or completely restricting yourself. Plan ahead, try your best, and remember that the holidays are a time for rejoicing.

If you have questions or would like to learn more, please contact me at shelby.ntp@gmail.com!

Shelby O’Hagan
Nutrition Consultant

Family Swim Time Extended

Winter break is also a very popular time for family swim! To accommodate our members and swim lesson families,
we are offering extra family swim times during the break. Take a look at the schedule below and come swim with us
over the Holidays!

 

Swim Safety Course

Happy Holidays Folks! We have all learned a lot this year! We’ve watched kids in our program grow in their abilities – from gaining the confidence to blast off the wall on their own for the first time to finally mastering their flip turns, all of our swimmers have “leveled up” their swimming skills. As the year winds down and our usual sessions come to a close, we have decided to offer a new type of course. This is a short, one-week Safety Course, open to all ages and skill levels! In this course, students will learn essential survival skills including survival strokes, breathing and stabilization skills, treading water, lifejacket safety, emergency preparedness, and a little bit of playtime! The course consists of two hour-long classes, and we will offer the safety course twice over the winter break. If your kiddos could use a brush-up on their safety skills or you’re just looking for something to do over the break, sign up at the front desk or give us a call at (360) 676-1800.

Safety Class
Session 1: December 18 & 20, 12:30-1:30PM
Session 2: January 1 & 3, 4-5PM
Cost: $20 Members – $25 Non-members
Signup Deadlines: Monday, December 17th (Session 1) & Monday, December 31st (Session 2)
* Note: Minimum of 5 students registered to run*

Holiday Hours

Christmas Eve, December 24th

Both clubs close at 12:00 p.m.
Kids club is open from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Christmas Day, December 25th

Both clubs closed

New Year’s Eve, December 31st

Both clubs close at 2:00 p.m.
Kids club is open from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

New Year’s Day,  January 1st

Cordata 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Downtown 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Kids Club 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Junior Racquetball Lessons

The next Junior Racquetball Lessons will begin the week of  January 1, 2019, and run through the week of January 22nd. 4 weeks, 8 lessons (no class on January 1). There will be offerings for all levels. Open to Members and Non Members! Sign up at the Cordata Facility front desk!

BEGINNERS:
Mon/Wed 5:00—5:45 pm

INTERMEDIATES:
Tues/Thurs 5:00—5:45 pm

ADVANCED:
Tues/Thurs 4:15—5:00 pm

$48 – Member
$54 – Child of Member
$60 – Non Member

All classes are taught by Club Pro, Wanda Collins. Wanda has been teaching juniors for 20 years and is currently Director of Junior Development on the board of the Washington Racquetball Assoc.

Washington State Doubles Tournament

Mark this date on your Calendar! January 19-20, 2019. The Washington Racquetball Association will be hosting the Washington State Doubles Tournament at Bellingham Athletic Club! We are looking forward to bring players from all over the state up to Bellingham to play for the weekend.

This event is a qualifier for the USAR National Doubles. Cost is $75 for up to two divisions. IF you register by December 7, you will receive $10 off your entry fee.

We have lots of doubles players in Bellingham, so find your partner and bring your A-Game, lets
represent!

Please contact Jessie if you have any questions about registering, she’s happy to help. This is going to
be a really fun event, let’s make it one of the best!

R2 Sports link

Kids Martial Arts

Has your child expressed interest in trying out martial arts? Do you feel like your child can benefit from the life skills martial arts teaches? Starting Tuesday, November 27th, Tanner Simpson, a local world champion martial artist and first-degree black belt, has created a martial arts program at Bellingham Athletic Club! Tanner has trained in the martial arts for over 15 years and is recognized by 3 different organizations for his teaching prowess. He earned the title of world champion in 2014 and he is now actively working at achieving his goal of opening his own martial arts school under the Rock Solid brand. If you or someone you know is interested, feel free to contact Tanner at 360-383-7376!

At Cordata
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:00 – 4:30 for ages 4-6
Tuesdays & Thursdays from 4:45 – 5:15 for ages 7-11
Cost: $20 for 3-day trial

Festive Friday Night Out

Festive Friday Night OutHO HO HO!

Come join us for another holiday-themed Friday Night Out. The kids will have a blast “Dashing Through the Snow”, while you can have a “Silent Night” of your own.

The night will be full of pizza, games, crafts,  swimming, popcorn, treats and end the night with a holiday-themed movie! Your child will not want to miss out on this “Jolly” Party! Pajamas and cozy clothes are strongly encouraged.

When: Friday, December 21st

Time: 5pm-9:30pm

Ages: 4-11 years

Cost:
$20 – Members
$25 – Child of Member
$30 – Non-Members
$5 off for Sibling

Sign up at the Cordata Front Desk before December 20th! Payment required at time of registration.

*If your child has any food restrictions, parents will need to provide an alternative snack*

Will Everyone Be Home This Year?

Staying in touch with family and friends that live far away can be tough. It’s more noticeable during the holidays. Here are some ideas for you and your family to stay connected even when miles separate you.

Video Schedule video calls using Facetime and Skype. While you’re “together” online, share a family tradition like stringing popcorn or hanging lights. This can be a good time to start a long distance tradition.
Phone Make time for a phone call. Put the call on speaker so everyone can talk together.
Pictures

Sharing pictures is a great way to keep up to date. Here are a few ways to do this;

  • Make a private Facebook group where members can upload their photos and messages for sharing to the group.
  • Use Google photos to create shared albums for friends can upload their favorite pictures into one album.
  • Pastbook and Mixbook are online photo album sites that have the option of making photo books collaboratively.
Books

Hallmark makes recordable storybooks with voice capture technology. The book records the voice of the person who is reading the story. It’s an ideal way for Grandparents to “read” stories to their grandchildren when they can’t be together.

Did you just read a great book? Send it to a friend, or share an e-book online. Then you can discuss it over Skype.

Snail Mail

Everyone loves getting letters in the mail; make them even more special with real handwriting.

Send care packages with pictures, notes, and a few treats. It will make anyone who is separated from their family feel loved.

Our armed forces who spend holidays away from their families deserve connection, too. Think about sending books, treats, and letters to those who are protecting our freedom. There are several organizations who help. The USO is a good place to start.

Do you have more time and energy to share? Food banks can always use an extra pair of hands. The Volunteer Center of Whatcom County has many opportunities for helpers.

I hope you can stay in touch with the ones you love, and have a wonderful holiday season.

Susie Landsem
contact@aginginplacebydesign.com
Susie provides design and building solutions for people who want stay in their homes safe and independent.