Y Mention It: Meet Our New CEO, Swim Instructors Needed, and More!
Meet Christie, our new CEO!
We were thrilled to welcome Christie Thornton this week as the new CEO of the YMCA of Ithaca and Tompkins County. With 13 years of professional experience at other YMCAs, Christie brings energy, vision, and knowledge that will be a huge help as we continue to add programs and work to meet the needs of our members.
"I'm very interested in the ways that the YMCA's mission can help us both connect with and create community," Christie said. "I've been meeting people and talking with staff all week about what the future of the Ithaca YMCA looks like — everything I've learned just makes it more exciting to think about what we can accomplish together."
If you see Christie during your visit, feel welcome to say hi!
Check out the full announcement at ithacaymca.com/news.
Register for School Age Child Care
The Y's before and after school programs serve Ithaca, Lansing, Dryden, and Groton. SACC is open 5 days a week — now with discounted 3- and 4-day options for families who need more flexibility.
The program includes games, reading time, arts & crafts, homework assistance, and more. In a safe environment, kids make friends, build on what they learn in school, eat healthy snacks, and develop their self-confidence.
The first session begins September 6. Register early to save your spot!
Swim Instructors Needed 🏊
If you are passionate about swimming and have a knack for teaching others, you might be exactly the person we're looking for. We offer classes for all ages and skill levels, in groups or one-on-one, and will match you with whatever class you feel most comfortable teaching.
All staff receive a free membership to the Y! Stop by our Welcome Center for an application or fill one out online at ithacaymca.com/jobs.
Interim Pool Schedule and Session 5 Swim Lessons
Our Aquatics Director has been working to prepare the next session of swim lessons and an interim pool schedule effective August 15. Thank you for your patience as we plan for the change of seasons!
Session 5 lessons will begin the week of September 12. Member registration will open the last week of August, with information available online and at the Y Welcome Desk the week before.
Some plans may still be affected by staff availability — we will share updated info as soon as it is available.
Group Exercise Schedule Updates
Two classes have been taken off the group fitness schedule for the remaining weeks in the session:
- Yoga High Intensity Interval Training, Tuesdays at 5:00 pm
- Women & Weights, Thursdays at 5:00 pm
See the rest of the classes we offer at ithacaymca.com/programs/health-fitness.
From the Red Cross: Blood Donors Needed
A decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks. Donors are needed this month to help prevent a blood shortage.
Donors can schedule an appointment to donate using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). All donors will be entered into a gift card drawing!
🚧 Roof Construction Continues 🚧
We are grateful for the quick work on our building in spite of the heat.
Hale Roofing and Sure Temp have been diligently restoring our roof and replacing HVAC units — we appreciate our members' and visitors' patience with the noise and dust while work is underway. It will be wrapped up soon!
Pickleball at the Y
Reminder: two pickleball courts are set up in the north side of the gym from 9:00 am to noon every Tuesday and Thursday.
Everyone who wants to play is welcome, no experience needed. It's pretty easy to pick up a paddle and join in!
New on YMCA360
Our partners in YMCAs across the country have just added some great new content to YMCA360, including:
Youth Aquatics Training Videos: Rhythmic Breathing, Jump Push Turn Grab 1 & 2, Swim Float Swim
Dinner Table Resilience: A series about how to chat about mental health with loved ones
Check out these and hundreds of other short videos, plus a full schedule of live streaming classes offered every week at YMCA360.org!
Program Highlight: Barre Fusion
We recently added this class to the schedule, which combines the best of Pilates, yoga, light weights, and body weight exercise — taken from various dance disciplines — to sculpt and strengthen your whole body.
Instructor Jamie leads this high-energy class every Tuesday beginning at 7:05 pm. We'll see you there!
Pool Schedule
With the current swim lesson session ending August 12 and the next session beginning September 12, we have posted an interim pool schedule effective Monday, August 15 — find it at ithacaymca.com/aquatics.
If you or someone you know might be interested in teaching swim lessons or becoming a lifeguard, tell them we could use them on the Y team!
