We joined more than 1,800 YMCAs nationwide in celebrating the 19th annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day on April 17.
Healthy Kids Day was an opportunity for kids and families to "Put Play in Their Day," with fun, engaging activities that encourage children and families to adopt behaviors that support a healthy lifestyle.
More than 200 kids attended the event locally, along with their parents and family. The event helps remind Americans that they can be a part of the solution in their community — strengthening bonds, building positive values, spending time together, improving the health and well-being of their family and making friends for life — making an impact of change for themselves and their community.
We would like to extend a big thank you to the following local sponsors who supported the event: Hy-Vee Foods, including Jen Haugen, dietitian; Ruskell Hardware; and D&R Vending. Yogi Bear made an appearance with Tammy Westrich, owner of Jellystone campground. Thank you to the Ellis Middle School drug-free W.O.R.D. group and supervisor Ruth Chamberlain for volunteering their time to help out at the event.
Spring II Session
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Our Spring II session begins Monday and goes through June 7. Registration is open and being taken at the front desk for various programs: tennis lessons, gymnastics lessons, swimming lessons.
• Tennis lessons are offered to a variety of levels. Short tennis, for ages 4-6, is an introduction to tennis for children who have not had much or any time on a court. It is offered from 3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays. The cost is $31 for YMCA members, $42 for program participants.
• Young Star Beginners is for ages 7-9 and turns players' attention to stroke mechanics. It is offered 4 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Mondays. The cost is $37 for YMCA members, $50 for program participants.
• Young Star Advanced, for ages 9-12, introduces the mental side of tennis. It is offered from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesdays. Cost is $44 for YMCA members.
• Gymnastics lessons are offered to a variety of levels ages 3 and older. Contact the YMCA for details on times and costs for the numerous gymnastics lessons available.
• YMCA swim lessons incorporate swim skills, personal and group safety skills, wet ball and synchronized swim skills. We also offer private lessons and our preschool and school-aged programs. Children also learn skills for snorkeling and volunteerism, and they learn about character development traits of trustworthiness, respect, caring, fairness, responsibility and citizenship. Contact the YMCA at 433-1804 for cost and times of swim lessons.
Remember youth membership is just $1 for those 7½ years old and up and financial assistance is available. Contact the YMCA of Austin with any questions you may have regarding any of our YMCA programs at 433-1804.
Reminders
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• The 10th Annual YMCA Get Fit/Be Fit 5K Run/Walk is May 15. The cost is $15 in advance and $20 the day of the race. It starts at 9 a.m. on Main Street by the Y. Contact me if you have any questions.
