Y Mention It: Roller Skating Party, Ithaca Loves Teachers, Work & Volunteer at the Y, and More!

❄️ Brr! ❄️ In the middle of this cold snap, we're keeping warm by joining Oula and Zumba classes, swimming laps (we keep the pool at a pleasant 82 degrees), going for a run in the cardio suite, and playing a few rounds of racquetball. Come out and join in!

Bear in mind that warmer days are ahead! We're getting ready to announce summer camp plans as well as a new session with some of your favorite programs. Keep an eye on our newsletters for more info.

Valentine’s Roller Skating Party

Let us help with your Valentine's Day plans: you can have a date while the kids skate! We're holding a Parents' Night Out / Kids Night In from 6 to 8 pm on Saturday, February 11, for ages 4-15.

Drop your kids off at the Y and take time for a romantic dinner out, visit with friends, spend a couple of hours shopping — whatever lets you relax.

This program is $6 each for YMCA members, $9 for non-members, and registration is required. Ask at the Welcome Desk or sign up online at ithacaymca.com/register.

Free Admission for Teachers, Feb 16-28

As part of the local celebration of our wonderful educators, we are offering free daily visits to the YMCA for public school teachers (+ a guest) every day from February 16 to 28.

Swim laps, use the gym or racquetball court, try our fitness areas, or join an open exercise class.

Just show your Winter Recess ID Pass, School ID Badge, proof of teachers union membership/retiree status, and a letter from principal or school board on official stationery at our Welcome Desk.

Excludes classes that require prior registration (such as swim lessons or certain fitness classes) as well as Family Swim. Standard payment still required for Child Watch.

Learn more about how to access all your benefits at IthacaLovesTeachers.com.

We're Hiring!

Looking to spend more time at the Y? Join our team and get a free membership! Full and part time positions are available, for people with all types of skills. Openings include:

• Marketing & Communications Coordinator
• Youth Sports Leader
• Youth & Family Program Leader
• School Age Child Care Site Supervisor
• Certified Personal Trainer
• Lifeguard
• Swim Instructor
• School Age Child Care Counselor
• Child Watch Staff

Have a friend or family member who might be interested? Please consider sharing these opportunities! Email info@ithacaymca.com if you have any questions at all.

Summer Camp Info & Registration Coming February 10

Did you know?

In 1915, after attending a celebration in honor of the 50th anniversary of emancipation, the historian Carter Woodson led a small gathering at the Wabash Avenue YMCA in Chicago that formed the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH).

This group inaugurated a week of celebration of history, literature, and culture that later grew to become Black History Month.

Every February, we honor the powerful stories and influential achievements of African Americans in the sciences, arts, politics, medicine, and more. It is incredibly important that we recognize and learn from our past, highlighting and sharing the accomplishments of Black Americans not just in February but year-round.

Note: Pool Access Limited during Lifeguard Trainings February 18 & 19

During our upcoming lifeguard trainings, we will close several lanes of the large pool for the afternoon of Saturday, February 18 and all of Sunday, February 19. The small pool will be closed at noon on Saturday, February 18.

In short, our usual Family Rec Swim time will not be available during these times; three lanes will still be reserved for lap swimming. We apologize for the inconvenience, and look forward to adding more Y lifeguards to keep our pool safe.

Child Watch Openings Available

Have you tried out the Y's Child Watch? Our staff provide fun and enriching activities for ages 6 weeks to 3 years in Lots o' Tots and ages 3-9 years in Stay and Play.

These programs are open:

• Monday-Friday, 9 am-noon & 3-7 pm
• Saturdays 9 am-12 pm and 12:30-3:30 pm
• Sundays 1-3 pm

Drop your child off while you get your workout at the Y, go to an appointment, or run errands off-site. Our staff — trained in first aid, CPR, youth development, behavioral management, and other skills — will make sure they have a fun and productive time!

Sign up at the Welcome Desk or call 607-257-0101 to reserve Child Watch time.

Program Highlight: RUMBLE

RUMBLE is a martial arts-inspired cardio class that uses punches, kicks, and sticks for an energetic and effective workout. 

No martial arts or other experience required — just come ready to break a sweat while having fun!

RUMBLE takes place in the Dance Studio every Thursday at 11:05 am and every Friday at 5:30 pm. Free for all Y members.

What skills can you lend your Y?

With over 154 years of history in the Ithaca area, the Y would not be the valuable organization it has become without the generous time that community volunteers have provided. We need you!

We have opportunities to serve on committees, assist with fundraisers or special events, help clear paths at the Outdoor Education Center, plant gardens or do landscaping, work with our food hub, and many other options. Even the smallest task makes the Y a better place. 

Volunteers are the glue that holds a community together. For more information, please contact us at tmorehouse@ithacaymca.com.

Upcoming Registration Dates

Session 2 of swim lessons, youth programs, and group exercise is coming up February 27-April 22.

Registration opens at 7:00 am for those with family memberships on Tuesday, February 14, for those with youth/individual memberships on Friday, February 17, and for non-members on Tuesday, February 21.

A new schedule for the upcoming session will be posted as soon as it is available.

Thank you, and have a great weekend!

View Our Pool Schedules