YMCA waives joiner’s fee for Christmas in July

Community members will save $75 when joining the Parkview Huntington Family YMCA beginning July 15 through July 19. During this week those who are new to joining or rejoining the Y are asked to bring five or more canned goods to benefit United with Love and they will have the joiner’s fee of $75 waived as part of the Y’s Christmas in July and Member Appreciation Week.

Current YMCA members are encouraged to bring canned goods to help out with the canned food drive as well. United with Love notes that canned fruits and vegetables are particular items needed at this time. There will be a collection area for the canned goods near the Y’s front entrance.

During the week there are many free offerings and giveaways for members just for checking in. After joining the Y monthly membership fees apply, however, financial assistance is also available.

Some highlights of the Christmas in July and Member Appreciation Week include free yogurt parfaits beginning at 5:30 a.m. on Monday and free pancakes for members also on Monday, July 15 from 6 to 9 a.m. Tuesday is a scavenger hunt around the Y, all day and members may grab a popsicle after completing the scavenger hunt or enjoy a sno-cone treat from 11 a.m. to 12 noon or 3 to 4 p.m.

Tuesday evening the community is welcome to join members at 5:30 p.m. for free Line Dancing in the gym. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Christmas colors. A car wash and lemonade stand operated by Y Summer Day Campers will be open for cash donations on Wednesday, July 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, July 18 the Y will offer free popcorn all day, and will also host a free family cookout on the patio at 6:15 p.m. with Santa and Mrs. Claus as special guests. All day Friday, July 19 members can help themselves to free bottles of water and Gatorade during the “hydrate here” day!

Contact Vanessa Hannie at vanessa.hannie@huntingtony.org and for questions about these free events. There are many benefits of a YMCA membership. All new Y members are offered the opportunity to meet with a wellness coach and are granted a free personal training session, if they desire.

The Y offers over 40 group exercise classes each week, and provides many different community and educational activities such as monthly Lunch & Learn options for no extra cost. Additional benefits of the Y include use of the lap pool and warm water pool, basketball and racquetball courts, indoor walking track, outdoor patio and playground, steam room and sauna all at no additional cost. There is something for all ages and abilities at the Y.

For families of younger children the Y offers Play and Learn (child watch) for children ages six weeks to seven years of age, and the Hang Out room for ages seven to 14. Children may be in these areas while their caregiver is exercising and involved in programming at the Y. Members also receive discounted rates on Y programming such as sports, dance, camps and music.

Financial assistance is available on an ongoing basis for those who would like to apply for scholarship to assist with monthly membership fees. To join the Y during the membership special, you must stop by the member services area at Parkview Huntington Family YMCA located at 1160 W 500 N. For questions, contact the YMCA at (260) 359-9622.