MAY 2023 NEWSLETTER
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
Be Water Ready
From oceans to lakes to streams to
swimming pools, water is everywhere: 71%
of the Earth’s surface is covered in it! And
while water can be an irresistible place for
kids to explore, play and enjoy splashy fun,
it can be risky for those who haven’t yet
developed their water smarts.
Don't Go it Alone
Parents and guardians have a critical role to play in teaching their kids
water safety skills – but they don’t have to do it alone! With more than
110 years’ experience equipping people with the skills they need to
stay safe in and around water, the Y is America’s most trusted swim
instructor. Each year, the Y teaches more than one million kids life-
saving swimming and safety around water skills.
Did You Know?
9 in 10 parents see swimming as an
essential life skill, yet 24% have low
confidence in their kids’ ability to stay safe
around water.
Water Safety Topics
Drowning poses a considerable risk for youth and adults, especially those from
underserved populations. The statistics are sobering, but drowning deaths are
preventable. At the Y, we believe everyone should have the chance to learn
how to stay safe around water. We highlight these safety topics below because
they address the most common safety issues families experience around
water. To reinforce what your child is learning, ask the following questions at
home or in the car (age appropriate):
BENCHMARK SKILLS REACH OR THROW; DON'T GO
What two skills can help you get Why shouldn’t you jump in to save a
to the side of the pool if you are friend who is struggling in the
in trouble and why are each of water?
them important?
A panicked person in the water can
- Jump, push, turn, grab helps you grab you and pull you under.
safely exit the pool by pushing off What can you do to help your
the bottom, grabbing the wall, friend?
and climbing out.
Use an object to reach out to your
- Swim, float, swim helps you get friend and pull him or her back to
to the side of the pool if you are the shore, the bank, or the side of
not within reach by swimming on the pool. You can use anything long
your front, rolling to your back to enough to extend your reach or help
breathe when you get tired, your friend float, such as a pool
grabbing the wall, and climbing noodle.
out.
CALL 911
CPR
When should you call 911?
What is CPR?
Call 911 if you think a person is in
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation trouble and there is no adult
(CPR) helps maintain vital blood nearby.
flow to the heart and brain.
What do you tell the 911
How can you tell if someone needs operator?
CPR?
- Your first and last name
If someone doesn’t respond, check - The address of your location
for breathing and a pulse. When you - The telephone number you’re
can’t see, hear, or feel any signs of
breathing and you can’t find a pulse calling from
after 10 seconds, the person - What happened and how many
people are hurt
probably needs CPR.
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What are some things you can do When should life jackets be used?
to keep yourself safe in your, or a
friend’s, backyard pool? Until you pass a swim test, you
should wear a life jacket in the water.
- Don’t swim without permission Everyone, even strong swimmers,
or without adult supervision. should wear a life jacket when
- Ask an adult for help if you want participating in water sports, boating,
something in or around the pool. or watercraft activities. In case of an
- Keep your hands, fingers, feet, accident, a life jacket will help you
and toes out of any openings in float until help arrives.
the pool, such as grates.
- Don’t swim or play in hot tubs or What does a proper life jacket have?
whirlpools. A proper life jacket should have the
United States Coast Guard’s seal of
What do pool drains do? approval on the inside of the jacket.
Pool drains pull water into the What are some dangers of boating?
filtration system so it can be
cleaned and returned to the pool. - The boat could capsize or collide
with another boat.
Why can pool drains be dangerous? - Drownings can occur when
Swimmers can get stuck on a drain boaters do not wear life jackets.
in deep water and not be able to get What are some things you can do to
to the surface. keep yourself safe in a boat?
What two rules should you follow - Wear a United States Coast
related to drains? Guard–approved life jacket.
- Don’t swim or play around pool - Don’t stand up in small boats.
drains. - Don’t overload the boat.
- Don’t swim in a pool that is missing - Don’t boat at night or in low-
drain covers. visibility conditions.
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Draw your pic, then submit!
WATER WISE
Safety Around Water Kids' Art Contest
Last date for submissions: May 31
Child's Name______________________________________________________Age________
Parent/Guardian Email___________________________________________
I stay safe around the water by:
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Draw a picture of what you feel is the most important part of water safety.
LAKELAND HILLS FAMILY YMCA
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May is Mental Health Awareness Month
by Tracy Cappiccille, Ema Dias, and Taisia Koeppel
The Power of Connectedness
Through our years of experience, we've come to learn that there's a common
misconception about mental health: people often think that talking about
suicide will make someone consider it. However, this couldn't be further
from the truth. In fact, professionals will tell you that talking about suicide
can have the opposite effect by giving people the permission they need
to share what they're going through.
Here at MHA, we've witnessed countless instances where talking about suicide
has made all the difference and saved someone's life. Take this one example, for
instance: a parent who was concerned about her teenager's mental health
decided to take action and attend a presentation on teen suicide prevention.
After the session, she felt empowered with the knowledge and language needed
to have an open and honest conversation with her child about mental health
and suicide.
She later reached out to MHA, expressing her gratitude as she was now able to have an open conversation with her
son about his troubles and could ensure that he received the necessary help.
Another example was of a child who participated in a MHA suicide prevention training at his school. After the
training he disclosed to the presenter that he had a plan to take his own life. He was unsure who to talk to about
this, but felt comfortable disclosing this information to MHA staff who was able to assist the school in getting him
involved in treatment.
According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among
youth ages 10-24 in the state of New Jersey. Since the start of 2023, more than 10 individuals under the age of 25
have died by suicide in New Jersey according to the Office of the Chief State Medical Examiner. The Youth Risk
Behavioral Survey, administered by the CDC, reported the proportion of high school students with persistent
feelings of sadness and hopelessness increased to 42% in 2021. These feelings of sadness and hopelessness
prevented students from participating in their usual activities for at least two weeks. This study also looked at how
the students felt connected to their peers in school. Sixty-one percent of students felt a sense of school
connectedness. The youth who felt connected, experienced lower rates of “poor” mental health, sadness and
helplessness, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
The data above is an indication that mental health, suicide awareness, and having a connection with others has
never been more important. The power of connectedness has proven to decrease risks related to substance use
and suicidal behaviors. Through use of the Teen Connect Line, a youth run non-crisis support line, the Mental
Health Association aims to normalize conversations about mental health among youth which decreases stigma,
increases awareness, and allows them to reach out for help. The message received from youth is that talking about
struggles is difficult and knowing that someone is there to listen provides comfort and reassurance that its ok to
not be ok. Ultimately, we need to empower our youth and encourage peer connections which will foster resiliency
and support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Hotline at 988.
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GETTING HELP IN
MORRIS COUNTY
Morris County Sheriff's Office: Hope Hub
Phone: 973.590.0266
Community & Behavioral Health Email: [email protected]
Services Are you or someone you know at an acutely elevated risk, in need
Phone: 973.285.6868 of various services? Refer them to the Hope Hub!
The Hope Hub is a panel of multiple agencies that work together
This service plans, develops, and provides and
monitors a coordinated, publicly funded human to get individuals or family members the help they need to thrive
services delivery system focused on, but not limited in the community. The appropriate agencies will work together to
to, services for at-risk youth, low-income families, and connect the individuals or family members to life-changing
vulnerable individuals. services.
Funding initiatives include:
mental health
youth behavioral health
addictions
homelessness
juvenile justice
municipal prevention programs
childcare
Featured programs include:
Cyberbullying and Sexting Education Program
Vaping Education Program
Preventing Bias, Hate Incidents, and Hate Crimes
Workshop
Juvenile Firesetter Prevention Program
Contact Info Morris County Sheriff's Office: Hope One
For information, referral or advocacy, call:
Phone: 973.590.0300
Mental Health — 973-285-6852 Email: [email protected]
Addictions — 973-285-6867
General Human Services — 973-285-6851 This mobile recovery access vehicle offers critical support for
Youth — 973-285-6850 persons struggling with addiction, with the goals of preventing
Municipal Alliances — 973-285-6860 drug overdoses and deaths, as well as mental health services.
HOPE ONE travels four times a week to locations throughout
Morris County, bringing services to persons in need. A Sheriff’s
Officer, licensed mental health professional, and a certified peer
recovery specialist – who understand the needs of those
suffering with addiction — staff the vehicle. They help people
access services and Narcan training.
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Meanwhile, in other news...
MAKE IT A FAMILY GAME NIGHT!
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At Sunrise of Mountain Lakes our chefs and dining services staff buy seasonal, local produce as much as
possible. Every month, residents find 65 or more different types of fruits and vegetables on the menu.
It’s all part of our commitment to resident health and wellness. Here are five interesting ideas to
consider for yourself or an upcoming family gathering to add more fruit for your summer meals.
Homemade fruit popsicles: One idea that helps pump up your fruit intake as well as hydration is by
making your own fruit popsicles. Unlike grocery store versions that are often loaded with sugar, you
can create your own using just fruit and Greek yogurt.
Grilled fruit kabobs with key lime dip: When you are throwing chicken on the grill for dinner, spice
up your menu by tossing some fruit kabobs on with it. Pineapple, strawberries, peaches, bananas,
melon, and figs are all tasty if you drizzle them with a little honey after you get them on the skewer.
Then whip up a simple sauce to serve it with, such as using key-lime yogurt as a dip.
Fruit salsa and cinnamon chips: Instead of hot, spicy salsa, cool down with a fruity version of salsa
this summer. Depending on what you and your family like, almost any kind of fruit can be chopped
up to make salsa.
Chunky cherry sauce: Tart cherries are known for their inflammation-fighting properties. You can
whip up a batch of cherry sauce using real cherries and store it in the refrigerator for three or four
days. Serve it with everything from pork tenderloin to ice cream and cheesecake.
Chilled fruit soups: Soup isn’t just for cold winter days. Summer is the perfect time to serve up a
batch of cold, fruit soup. Whether it’s strawberry gazpacho or beach body fruit soup, you’re sure to
find a few cold soup recipes people of all ages can enjoy.
Sunrise Senior Living at Mountain Lakes is a
community partner of our Y
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Annual Senior Picnic
Sponsored by Sunrise Senior Living and M&T Bank
Music provided by The Horizons Band of Morris County
Thursday, LAKELAND HILLS Noon
FAMILY YMCA
June 8 100 Fanny Road to
Rain Date: Mountain Lakes 2:00 PM
Friday, June 9 Outdoor Picnic Pavilion
(back of the Y)
Join us for our Annual Senior Picnic sponsored by our
Lead Sponsor Sunrise Senior Living of Mountain Lakes.
Enjoy all your favorite picnic foods and listen to some
great music. Event is FREE but registration is required.
Registration
www.lakelandhillsymca.com - search "Senior Picnic"
Contact
Robb Elko: [email protected]
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TRANSFORMERS
NIGHT
Team Transformers or Team Deceptions?
Make an inspired light-up mask and
engage in a final battle for Allspark.
Autobots, roll out!
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday, May 24 from 4:30-6:00 PM
AGES
Grades 3-5
COST
$24 Members/$37 Non-Members
REGISTER
www.lakelandhillsymca.com
Search "Youth Events "
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046 P973.334.2820
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Beach Yoga
Island Beach, The Boulevard
Mountain Lakes
Mondays 7:00-8:00 AM
Instructor: Barb
Wednesdays 7:00-8:00 AM
Instructor: Barb
Fridays 7:00-8:00 AM
Instructor: Sue
Classes begin the week of June 26 and end on August 25.
All classes are FREE and open to Y Members and
Mountain Lakes residents only.
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA
100 Fanny Road, Mountain Lakes, NJ 07046
P 973.334.2820 www.lakelandhillsymca.com
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