Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Summer Reading Program

Click on letter to see larger.
We want to thank the libraries for
letting us be a part of this great
program.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Encore's NEW Mission

Here at Encore, we are constantly striving to improve, expand, and change. Our most recent focus was on refining our mission statement. We feel that as the gym evolves, our mission statement ought to reflect that growth. So, now, we are proud to introduce (drum roll, please)...

Encore’s NEW Mission Statement:
Encore creates an experience designed to build character through fitness, fun, and quality programs where safety comes first.

Monday, July 27, 2009

Where is Happiness?

Where is Happiness?
Written by: Tamara Gerlach- owner of Encore Gym

One day a lion cub asked his mother, “Where is Happiness?”
“It is on your tail,” she answered.
So all day long he chased his tail around and around until he was exhausted.
He fell over and sighed, “It’s no use. I can’t get it.”
His mother replied, “Silly, it’s on your tail, it’s always a part of you!”

We asked some Encore kids, “What makes you happy about Gymnastics?”





"Everything! It looks so cool. It’s cool how you can control your body and move it in different ways. It makes me more flexible. I couldn’t do a cartwheel before and now I can."
Krista age 10







"I like the bars."
Jordan age 5







“I like to flip around on trampoline. “
Ben age 10






“It’s fun and you get to do flips. “
Jessica age 6

“I like flips, trampoline, and my teacher.”
Camryn age 5








“I like learning stuff and doing flips. “
Faith age 10


No need to chase our tail; we have all the happiness we need in us and all around us. We can find fulfillment in all that we do, and we share our happiness, whether it is through our talents or just a super positive attitude, with everyone around us. There is an endless supply!

Try this…
1. Smile, laugh, and add a little extra expression of happiness to your day.
2. Enjoy how that feels.
3. Notice your positive impact on others.

“…happiness gives us the energy which is the basis of health.”--- Henri-Frederic Amiel

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Letter from the Autism Family Support Project

Hello Encore,

I would like to sincerely thank you for donating the use of Encore Gymnastics for our Family Night Out. Our family events at Encore are the most popular events that the Autism Family Support Project does. There were approximately 28 families in attendance that evening. It was a wonderful opportunity for families to go out and have a fun evening together. For many of the families in our group, attending events at community venues is often not a possibility because of the complex needs of out children. But with your understanding staff, and the security felt by parents knowing that they are among other families with children with autism, parents report feeling comfortable and having a great time.

Thank you so much for your support of our program. We look forward to future events at Encore Gymnastics!

Sincerely,
Vi Ibarra

Monday, July 13, 2009

Abundance of Joy III


Abundance of Joy
Part III- Encore Staff
Written by: Tamara Gerlach- owner of Encore Gym

Everyday our staff finds an abundance of joy by walking into a big warehouse full of stuff and creating magic. We find joy in connecting with our students, teaching, and sharing in the learning of our students.

It takes a very special person to be able to lead a group of kids, keeping one eye on safety at all times, create an inspiring lesson plan, and ensure that each child is acknowledged for their growth.

Encore teachers have had some great role models since 1983. Why do you think so many of our students become Encore teachers? Some of our staff have been with Encore since they were preschoolers. Many feel so blessed to have learned so much from our program that they feel compelled to give other kids the Encore experience and make it even better!

We are all teachers. When we bring the energy of kindness, giving, compassion, and focus on serving, it is easy to find an Abundance of Joy in teaching through our impact on others, illuminating the way for their growth, and the fact that WE learn so much from teaching.

What is it about teaching that gives you joy?
What talents do you have to offer that bring joy in sharing them?

“There is no greater joy, nor greater reward than to make a fundamental difference in someone’s life.” ---Sister Mary Rose McGeady

Whether you are a student, parent, or staff member, Encore people find an Abundance of Joy in all that they do!

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Abundance of Joy Part II


Abundance of Joy
Part II- Encore Families
Written by: Tamara Gerlach- owner of Encore Gym

The Abundance of Joy at Encore doesn’t stop at our students. Our parents also get to find tremendous joy in watching their child light up, grow, learn, and leave class full of excitement about their accomplishments. They also feel Joy from knowing that their child is developing healthy habits, experiencing that learning is fun, and discovering that they are brilliant.

When we are fully present with our children’s Joy it radiates and can’t help but impact us. They remind us how important Joy is so our stress and frustration can melt away while smiles and laughter bubble up.

Witnessing the excitement of a child when they learn something new is an honor and so inspiring! That is why we love the Olympics.

What do you feel when you are a witness to someone else’s success?

“Joy of a spirit is the measure of its power” --- Ninon de Lenclos
Encore people find an Abundance of Joy in all that they do!

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Abundance of Joy Part I


Abundance of Joy

Part I- Encore Students

Written by: Tamara Gerlach- owner of Encore Gym

Life is about finding the Abundance of Joy in everything we do. Over the years Encore has been flooded with an Abundance of Joy. We have found fun and creative ways to give our students opportunities to find the joy in using their bodies and minds. And, when you practice finding Joy, you often do.

From the outside it looks like a lot of swinging, rolling, flipping, climbing, dancing, balancing, and much more, but along with all of the new skills they are learning, they are building confidence, strength, coordination, flexibility, and expressing themselves with playfulness and creativity. Encore students learn to work with a group and a leader, while developing their own empowering leadership skills. We can learn a lot from them!

Joy isn’t something that we get from someone else, it is the overpowering feeling we get when we are truly living from the inside. Encore creates an environment where so many children experience joy through learning.

What do you feel when you learn something new?

How do you feel when you express yourself physically?

Connect with that Joy everyday!

“Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.” Franklin D. Roosevelt