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“We are asked all the time, how did we end up with two sets of twins; and my response is always, if we knew, we would most likely not have two sets of twins,” said Paula. “Having twins is a blessing, in our case, double blessing with a lot love, laughs and work. But we love our kids and can’t imagine life without them.”
The Countryside YMCA has helped immensely. “When our twin sons Kyle and Keith were ready to start kindergarten, we started looking for ‘before and after’ school options,” said Paula Mounce. “We found out from the school, at registration, that the YMCA offered a Program called Primetime. We went for a tour of the YMCA and were so impressed we joined in 2008. Both sets of twins took swim lessons and are now really enjoying the outdoor pool and the family aquatic center.”
Today Kyle and Keith attend eighth grade at Lebanon Junior High. Both sets of twins, love camp and enjoy the field trips. “Kyle is a very high functioning boy with autism who loves school and spending time with friends,” said Paula. “He loves to sing and perform in plays both at school and at the YMCA. We feel very relieved that we can send Kyle to camp and know that he is safe and happy at camp. The staff are very understanding, supportive and protective of him. We know that he is safe and taken very good care of — even though the camps are not for special needs they treat him so well, and love having him in camp.
“The Everybody is a Star Foundation, out of California, made a video of Kyle singing a song called ‘May Angels Lead You In’ and currently has 275,000 views combined between YouTube and Facebook.”
Kaylee and Kaitlyn are fifth-graders at Berry school in Lebanon. They love the time they spend with friends from school at Primetime and summer camp. Kaitlyn said her favorite camp is the aquatic camp. Kaylee loves the art and sewing camps.
“They loved all of the new camp options this year: drama, cooking and sewing, and art camps. They are very excited to start camp again this summer,” said Paula.
The Mounce children have attended summer camps at the YMCA for the last seven years and they enjoy the variety of activities available in the camps. Kyle and Keith love ziplining and laser tag.
This family resides one mile from the YMCA. “Rick and I both work full time and enjoy the opportunities that the YMCA offers us to have family time together,” said Paula.
Without Countryside YMCA, Rick and Paula would not have a lot of affordable family activity options. The YMCA has really strengthened their relationship with their kids and each other. Kyle, who is autistic, loves Zumba. Paula is thinking about signing them up for Zumba classes together. The Mounce family also loves the family aquatics center and the Motion Zone (with interactive Exergames).
“We are planning to attend the health fair and find it a great place to get health items checked out,” said Paula Mounce. “I always love the free trial classes that they offer from time to time. They allow you to try it before you sign up for it.”
At the nation’s largest YMCA, screenings will be offered on blood-pressure, balance/fall risk, functional movement and more. Physical therapists will be available to answer questions along with medical doctors, physician assistants, and certified nurse practitioners who will also answer general medical questions.
Contact this contributing writer at shirl54bel@gmail.com.
How to go
What: 40th Anniversary Countryside YMCA Healthy Family Day and Health Fair
Where: Countryside YMCA, 1688 Deerfield Road, Lebanon
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Spider-man will arrive at 10:30 and Zak Morgan will perform from 11:30 to 12:30.
Cost: Free
More info: www.countrysideymca.org or 513-932-1424, ext. 74
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