Suggestion Box

Melrose Family YMCA Suggestion Box

Our suggestion box is located in the lobby of the Main Street facility. It is here where you can deposit a written comment, question, suggestion, compliment or complaint about any of the YMCA's programs, sites or staff. All submissions are collected, read and answered by YMCA staff.

Some of the submissions - good news or bad news - are published in our monthly email newsletter that you can sign up to receive at the bottom of each web page on our site. The items appearing on this page have previously appeared in one of our monthly member email newsletters.

If you would like to email your comment, question, suggestion, compliment or complaint you may send them to kathleen.gorman@melroseymca.org

Q: My son has been coming to the Y After School Program for years and the one thing that I can never find is the School Vacation Program Schedule of Events. I can see it being referenced everywhere...but can't find the list on actual activities on the website. I always end up calling or stopping by for the information. Perhaps it should be with the link that announces it. Thanks!

A: Thank you for your suggestion. Although the schedule of events is always posted on the School Age Program page, http://www.melroseymca.org/schoolage.htm, it does require that you scroll down the page to locate it. We have now added the activity schedule to the School Age section of the News page http://www.melroseymca.org/news.htm and the headline will appear on the home page in the News section. Future Vacation Program schedules will appear there as well during designated vacation program registration times.

Q: It would be really nice if when the fire alarms are being tested that it was announced by the staff. You go to the gym to de-stress only to get stressed when a fire alarm goes off. Is there any planning?

A: We are sorry to hear you were stressed by the fire alarm test we recently ran. We always announce when we are testing the alarm. Unfortunately, not everyone hears the announcements. We announce more than once to try to alert everyone of the upcoming alarm test, but there are times you may not be able to hear it (showers, some parts of the building). We will continue to run tests through out the year and make announcements of these tests. We want the alarms to be in working shape should we ever really need them. Keep in mind that there are no speakers for announcements in the stairwells. For your safety, when these alarm tests occur you should take the time to notice where the nearest exit is located in case of a real emergency.

Q: I wanted to give one of your employees a Season's Greeting card and token of appreciation for all her help during the year. I looked at the YMCA flyer to get the correct spelling of her last name. Not seeing her name on the list, I assumed she used her real name in formal documents. Imagine my embarrassment when I gave her the card and she said "that's not for me." So I had to cross out the name I had written and write her name in. Of course, this is no big deal and not the end of the world, but it is incredible that her name is not on the list of "important" people at the Y. Hopefully, this will be corrected in the New Year.

A: We are sorry for your embarrassment. The names listed in our class catalog and on the web site are the department directors. These are the people who are responsible for an entire department, it's staff, budget and any issues that may arise. While we understand your suggestion the Melrose YMCA has over 250 staff members. We are the third largest employer in the city, behind the hospital and the city itself. We feel all of our employees are important. They are all the "face" of the Y and represent us well. If you would like the name of an employee please ask us. We are always willing to help you reward a good worker.

Q: The pool drain issue was made a law December 19, 2007. It seems to me that you would have taken care of this during the August shutdown. Now you are inconveniencing your members and their children since my children are missing their swim lessons!

A: We were notified when this law passes last year that we would have to comply. Unfortunately the manufacturers of the pool drain covers did not take action quickly and did not start making covers that comply with the new regulations. We were one of the first pools in the area to actually install corrective covers. There are alot of pools still waiting to get the changes made. Some have been closed and can not open until they are compliant. Our hot tub is allowed to stay open for the time being because even though we have tried to find a new drain cover for it none are currently being manufactured that meet the new standard. As soon as there is one on the market we will install it. We are very sorry for inconveniencing you and your children and our other members. It was not in our hands.

Q: Would it be possible to let frozen Y members into the lobby on Sunday mornings prior to 9:00am if we were orderly? Winter mornings can be cruel.

A: Thank you for your question. Unfortunately the answer is no. Our staff have tasks to complete in the morning before the Y opens. If we start letting people into the lobby the staff becomes responsible for them and completing their tasks becomes harder. Also, if we did allow you in on Sunday, we would have to do it on every day.

Q: Please post a sign telling members that others can work-in with them on the weights during busy times. (To work-in means if you are doing more than one set on a particular machine and someone else is "doing the circuit" and has reached your machine, let them continue on the machine you are occupying and then you can get back on as they continue the circuit.)

A: You are right. It is ok for members to use just one Nautilus or Strive machine rather than completing the entire circuit. But please be aware that many members do use the whole circuit . That means that as soon as they finish a machine they move the next one. If you are using only one machine please make sure that there isn't someone working the circuit who will be looking to jump on your machine next. Please do not monopolize one machine. Courtesy on everyone's part will go a long way.

Q: Need a motion sensor towel machine in ladies locker room!! How about 2 of them. Get with the times!! Not a costly item!

A: Thank you for your suggestion. We actually think we are "with the times" because we have chosen not to purchase a new machine that uses paper. We also feel the hand dryers are sanitary and produce much less waste. The amount of paper a paper towel dispenser uses can be costly. Keeping the lockerrooms clean is important to us and not having to worry about messy paper towels makes that much easier. We also try very hard to keep expenses down and would rather not add another supply to our list.

Q: Would it be possible to add some recycling bins? When I was tossing something into the trash can in the Fitness Center yesterday, there were a large number of plastic bottles that could be recycled. I don't think that it's necessary to have recycling bins located next to every trash can in the Y, but the Fitness Center would be an excellent spot, given the number of folks drinking water while working out. I would also like to let you know how uncomfortable it is to be changing in the adult lockerroom and all of a sudden be confronted by a parent and a child. I thought children and families had a separate changing area so adults didn't have to face this situation.

A: The Y studied recycling two yeara ago. We have limited resources and wanted to have the largest impact for the money that the Y could expend on recycling. We found that the best use was to recycle office paper as the Y uses a tremendous amount of paper. We have been recycling for two years and feel that this program is working well and contributing to reducing our trash going into landfills. It would be an admirable goal to recycle more, but the fact is that there is a cost to the Y in staff time, cleanliness, storage, etc with recycling. The Y struggles to maintain all our services and community obligations and keep our facilities up with the finances available. In the case of plastic bottles and cans from our vending machines, individuals do have the ability to recycle on their own and we encourage that.

With regard to children in locker rooms, we are working on it at the present time. We will be placing signs that may help some and we are working on changes within our locker room to help alleviate this problem. The locker room solution will take more time, but it is coming. I just want to be sure in your message you reported children in the Health Club locker-room on the second floor. Is that correct? You definitely should not encounter children in that locker room as children are never allowed in that locker room even if they are of the correct gender.

Q: When the pool is at capacity and no one else is allowed in, existing people in the pool should be asked to leave after an allotted time so people who are waiting can have a chance to go in the pool. It should not be first come, first served. It's not fair that people are turned away from the pool because there aren't enough lifeguards - when a life guard does not show up for work. This is the second time this has happened to me and I have been a member of the Y for 4 years.

A: We work very hard to accommodate our members. The Board of Health regulates the capacity of our pool in family swim to forty people maximum. A little known fact is that number includes the people on the deck as well as the people in the pool. Our insurance company, along with the Board of Health, require a ratio of 1 lifeguard to 20 people. We always schedule 2 lifeguards for family open swim. Unfortunately, occasionally a staff member has a last minute illness or problem and does not make it to work. We are not happy about a situation like that, but the reality is it does happen. We apologize that you have been turned away. We try very hard to prevent this from happening. It is not our policy to ask people to leave the pool to let others in. The reality is that whether it is 20 or 40 individuals, we occasionally have to turn people away. We will not violate Board of Health nor reasonable safety rules at the Melrose YMCA.

Q: During the recent February school vacation week I sent my children and their 18 year old babysitter to the Y to enjoy open gym. They were told they could not go in because they did not have an adult 19 years old or older with them. The babysitter is a high school senior and very responsible (I trust her with my children), why couldn't she take them in? I think you should change your policy. I think you should also think about starting an open gym policy where you have a permission slip that parents can sign that would allow their children and babysitters into the gym during vacations. What kind of message does this send about the spirit of the YMCA?? Is it now an elite health care facility only?? We build strong families, strong kids, strong communities - right?? (edited to abbreviate) Name withheld

A: We are sorry your children did not get to play in open gym during their school vacation. Our policy that a 19 year old or older accompany children was created after years of experience with teens and children. Open gym is not staffed by the Y, and therefore, any supervision of those participating comes from the participants themselves. We have found that most teens give into peer pressure and often overlook safety issues in the name of having fun. Yes, there are some teens who are very responsible and could handle that pressure. If you felt your babysitter was responsible enough to take your children into open gym you should have called the Y ahead of time to make arrangements. As to your suggestion that we change our policy, your letter was introduced to the YMCA Directors at our weekly staff meeting. We discussed all of the pro's and con's and ramifications of making a change. The 10 directors in the meeting all agreed that we don't take safety lightly and our rules are created for the safety of all the members, participants, staff and Y. Our policy will remain the same. Your letter mentioned further circumstances that made your issues different from normal. In the future please call us ahead of time so we can make arrangements. We are always open to discussing special circumstances.

Q: I was interested in a boys gymnastics class. My son is 8 1/2 and would like to be with more boys then an all girl group.

A: First let me say if you include your name we can give you a personal response. We have tried to run boys only classes but have not had enough interest to run a class just for boys. Boys are welcome to join any of our general gymnastics classes.

Q: I read in last month's enewsletter that someone wanted to replace the Stairmasters with Ellipticals, please don't. I use them every time I go to the Fitness Center.

Thank you for reading the e-newsletter! No, we will not eliminate the Stairmasters. We may change the mix, but we will not eliminate them.

Is there any way to use this newsletter to celebrate the many Y teams (non-swimming) that experience huge success in their leagues and bring great pride to the Y and to Melrose? I know this year that the girl's 7th grade basketball team went undefeated and were champs in their division. I believe other basketball teams experienced similar successes this year, but it seems like these teams are never celebrated in the Y's publications, only when parents or coaches submit something to town newspapers. Let's show that the Y is proud of them!

The swim team parents do all the work recognizing the swim team. We would be happy to include basketball in the newsletter, we just need the information. I know it sounds trite, but we are so big with so many teams and programs, we need help with the basic information from a parent or coach. We also want to see all the great young people in our basketball programs recognized for their efforts.

Q: As a member of the Melrose YMCA for over 30 years, off and on, I feel compelled to write. My husband and I are considering moving our membership to another local YMCA or other private club because: #1.) We are very frustrated that the past 3 times (not consecutive weeks, over the past few months) we have taken the kids to Sunday Family Swim and have been told the pool was full. There was only one lifeguard on. There is VERY limited open swim time to begin with, and to be turned away the few times I am available to go is very aggravating. #2.) Almost every time I go to the gym, all elliptical machines are being used. I do have to go at peak times (6AM) because I work, but I think the organization should look into getting more elliptical machines and replacing the old stairmasters. There is never anyone on the stairmaster machines. We are still discussing our other membership choices, but I wanted to write to alert you of our concerns, not matter what we decide. Thanks for your attention.

A: I appreciate your taking the time to express your concern. #1.) With regard to the pool. One of the Sundays the pool was limited due to one lifeguard not reporting to work as scheduled. The other two Sundays the pool was limited due to the limit imposed on the Y by the Melrose Health Department. We are aware that over the past few weeks we have had an upsurge in the number of families using the family swim and are evaluating how to better allocate time in the facility. #2.) As far as the cardio equipment. Most of the equipment (with the exception of the new treadmills) are due to be replaced this summer. We will be installing more ellipticals at that time and changing the mix of machines on the floor. We are aware that you have choices as a consumer and we are working on many issues to make our facility the choice of our community. We do take your concerns very seriously.

Q: I was in the Fitness Center and all of the Elipticals were used. It did not seem that the staff was limiting use to 30 minutes. Could you see that they do?

A:Our policy is to enforce the 30 minute limit if there is someone on the waiting list. If there is no one on the waiting list we do not limit the use of Cardio machines. In the future be sure that you put your name on the wait list and alert the staff that you are waiting. They should then monitor the use and ask people to end their work out at 30 minutes. If you find they do not do this please let Mike Fleming know.

Q: I pick my child up from school at 3:00. We drive to the gymnastics center for a 3:30 class and we are always late. Is it possible to have a class that starts at 4:00 as we are probably not the only ones who find the time to be a little tight?

A: Yes. For the Spring 1 session we put in a class that starts at 4pm.

Q: My child's swim instructor has never introduced herself to my child or me. I have never heard a discussion of rules. A listing of the rules would go a long way in alleviating some parental frustration. And, why are parents not allowed on the pool deck during swim lessons?

A: All new sessions begin with a talk about pool rules and an introduction by the instructors before lessons begin. If you or your child can't remember the instructors name please contact Donna Cerrato, Aquatics Director and she will be happy to tell you. All pool rules are posted in the lockerrooms and in the MacDonald Lobby (coke machine lobby) where most parents wait during classes. Spectators are not allowed on the pool deck during lesson time. However, they are invited in for the last five minutes of the lesson and to observe the last class of each session. The deck space is limited in our pool area and the lifeguard/swim instructor is responsible for everyone in the room. The Melrose Board of Health does not want people on the deck during lessons. Our pool rules come from the YMCA of the USA, the Red Cross and the Board of Health.

Q: I was told that if I leave a message for a staff member I won't get a call back.

A: All staff are required to return phone calls. If it involves a question or topic they are not experienced with they may pass the message on to a staff member who knows more about it. We try very hard to answer all questions.

Q: I feel the Y is inflexible about some policies. I wanted to have a birthday party in the gym for my 4 year old son and was told all children must be of Kindergarten age. Later I wanted to have a gymnastics party for my 7 year old but was told my 3 year old would not be able to participate. Why are you so strict with the policy?

A: Our policies were created after years of experience. In addition, our Risk Managers and the YMCA of the USA offer advise concerning policies. We want all participants to have a great time. But we are also concerned about safety. The gym parties require children to be able to play as a large group and follow instructions from the leader. We have found that children younger than Kindergarten age struggle with the attention and coordination needed. The gymnastics parties can be a lot of fun for the older kids, but it is also a place where younger children can get injured if not properly supervised. The birthday leader is responsible for everyone's safety in both cases. We will not put party goers in a position where someone may get hurt.

Q: On Saturday, March 3rd, at 2:50 PM, my son (age 15) and I decided to get some exercise. We have a family membership ($1100/year) at your YMCA and my son has taken the require certification for access to the Teen Center. But because the Teen Center was already closed at this time, we thought that we could use the Main Street facility. Unfortunately, this was not the case. I am confused, because when the Teen Center is closed on Sundays, my son is allowed to use the Main Street facility. So why not on Saturday afternoons when the Teen Center is closed. You say that you are community minded but I don't agree when it comes to teenagers. What would be the harm of allowing these young adults the use of the facility if their parent accompanies them?

A:Thank you for taking the time to express your concern. On the surface, your request seems very reasonable. I have also received very reasonable requests from adults who "work all week, look forward to working out on the weekend, and although they love what we do for youth and teens, feel they want the fitness center free of teens and youth when they work out".

As an agency that services everyone from babies to senior citizens, we are constantly balancing the needs of all our constituents. In the case of the fitness center on weekends, we have set Saturday aside for adults only in the Main Street facility. We open the teen center from 10:00 - 2:00 (the teens helped us determine the hours that would best serve their needs). Sunday, we allow our teen members to use the fitness center and we allow family fitness from 5:00-8:00 on Friday and 3:00-5:00 on Sunday afternoon. There are some compromises in this schedule, but we have listened to all our constituents and tried to set up a policy that meets the needs of most and is reasonable.

I also want to be clear that we do study issues before we establish policy. We do constantly review them in response to events and feed back from our members. Believe me we do try to find positions that are logical and defensible when our members review them.

I do take exception to one comment in your letter, that the Y is not community minded in regard to teenagers. Since our founding 117 years ago, teens and youth have been central to our work in the community. Specifically since 1990, the Y has invested over $800,000.00 in facilities build out and equipment that serve only teens and youth at our site on Tremont Street. In addition to that, we invest over $300,000.00 every year on staff and rent for these facilities. In all honesty, from a purely accounting standpoint, the Y takes a loss on this investment, but the investment and programming is our commitment to the community and youth and a large part of our mission.

In addition, the Y participates in the operation of the common ground teen center and is central to providing adventure programming and Northland curriculum to the community for at risk youth. I think the record of this YMCA is very strong in regard to our commitment to teens and youth in the city of Melrose.

Once again, I thank you for taking the time to express your feelings to us and giving the Y the opportunity to respond. I also hope with this background, you will better understand our policy in this matter and our actions on behalf of teens and youth in our community.

Q: Lap swim is for 16 years and older. Is it possible for the Y to provide a period, perhaps half an hour twice a week (the first half hour of Adult Swim possibly) when proficient 12-16 year old swimmers could come and lap swim with their parents, or by themselves if so inclined?

A: We have found on a general basis that allowing children into lap swims does not work. But, with prior approval from the Aquatics Director, we have allowed individuals under the age of 16 to come to lap swim with a parent. They must be serious abut swimming laps or they will not be allowed into lap swim, but encouraged to attend family swim.

Q: My family is new to the Y. Because of our schedules we find it difficult to attend the current evening classes. Is it possible to add a 7pm weeknight "Heat" and Spin class?

A: we have been struggling for some time to get adequate numbers in fitness classes to make them worthwhile for all concerned. We have been experimenting to stimulate more interest an meet our clients time schedules. Our goal is to provide our members with what they want, when they want it.

And finally:

The problem with hot water in the Ladies Health Club lockerroom: We have been tracing this problem for several weeks. We have changed some of the parts in the showers (stems and check stops) that operate the mixing valve. We are continuing to trace this problem and hope to have it solved soon. We appreciate your patience with this problem. It has been difficult to pinpoint the cause as the problem has been intermittent.

Not Enough Open Gym Time: All of the individuals involved in the basketball teams are YMCA members and part of a Y program. There is open gym time Monday-Friday 5:00am-8:00am, Sunday 9:00am- 10:30am. Check at the Control Desk for other potential openings. (The schedule is subject to change to please verify before coming down.)

Not Enough Open Pool time: As with our gyms, our pool is heavily used and scheduled. Unfortunately we only have one pool and it is small. We again try to balance the needs for member classes and the desire of members to have open and lap swims. In the next few months we hope to announce some things that will address this problem.

More hangers are needed in the Fitness Center: We have added more hangers to the small coat rack in the Fitness Center. We would like to remind members that coats and bags are not allowed on the floor of the Fitness Center, this is per the Fire Chief. Because we have only limited space for coats in the center, please put all coats and bags in the lockerroom. Bring a lock with you so your items are secured while you work out. Reminder...all valuables should be left at home, in your car or at the Control Desk.

Start a teen yoga class: We are discussing this possibility.

Post the names of graduates of the babysitting course: Unfortunately we can't. There are privacy issues involved and those who take the class are young teens. We would never subject our members to a breach in privacy.