Y-Mention It: 5/19/26

May 19, 2026

Y-Mention It - 5/14


In the News...

Last week, Regional Executive Director Gunnar Madison spoke with Susan Riley of 607NewsNow about the mission of the Y, the ways we embrace community, and told some of his Y story - listen in using the button below!

Listen to the Interview Here!

"Hi all, as a reminder, we are closed next Monday, 5/25, in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen on Tuesday, 5/26. In addition, our summer hours will start on 5/26. The hours are as follows: weekdays, 6:00am - 8:00 pm, Saturdays, 8:00 am - 4:00 pm, and Sunday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Few spots remain in summer camp - if you're planning to register, now is the time! Mark your calendars for June 24th from 4:30-6:30 for Summer Sizzler! Join us for yard games, light dinner, and community fun - all free for members! Looking forward to seeing you there!”
- Emily Leviere, Senior Director of Membership and Programs. 

"Hey there swimmers, I have an important update for you. We are introducing a Purple Swim Band for children under 13 looking to join Lap Swim. The new test asks swimmers to demonstrate lane-sharing and lap swim etiquette, as well as swim 100 yards. Swimmers who currently have a green band may swim in the large pool during open swim and events unaccompanied. We are still in the midst of Red Cross season at the Y. If you're looking for training, here are some upcoming opportunities: We are offering a Lifeguard Recertification class on May 30th, a full Lifeguarding class starting on June 5th, and a CPR Recertification Class on June 10th. If you'd like to schedule a private training for your business or organization, please contact me. Lastly, with summer around the corner, we are offering two swim camps, July 20th - 24th and August 3rd to 7th - click here to learn more about those. See you all soon!" 

- Katie Prasek, Aquatics Director

"Hey folks, I am excited to share some of the Adaptive Programs coming up. There is still space in Kids Club Juniors, an inclusion-based playgroup for children living with developmental disabilities, ages 4 - 7. The program meets on Wednesdays, 4:00 - 5:30, until June 17th, the price of the program is 50$ and members $80 for nonmembers - contact me to register. The next Sensory Gym and Swim Event is on Sunday, June 13th, from 2:30 - 5:00 pm. Both the pool and gym will be available for sensory-friendly fun and play - this event is free, thanks to a grant from Tompkins County Youth Services. Lastly, come join us at the Ithaca Fest Parade on Thursday, May 28th  - we'll be in the parade, and we'd love to have you, too! Reach out to me to volunteer. Until then, I'll see you at the YMCA!"
- Joanie Groome, Adaptive Coordinator

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MOVING FOR BETTER BALANCE

Gain confidence in your ability to move safely, both inside and outside the home, while enjoying a supportive group environment.

Moving for Better Balance is an evidence-based falls prevention program based on the principles of Tai Chi. Designed for older adults, the program focuses on improving balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and mobility through slow, controlled movements.

Moving for Better Balance starts on Monday, June 15th at 10:00am in the YMCA Dance Studio. This program meets both Mondays and Fridays. Use the button below to learn more and register! 

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STUDENTS - SAVE ON A SUMMER MEMBERSHIP!

This Summer, students save more with a special three-month membership for $110 - that’s $60 off!

Your three-month membership gets you access to the entire building - including state-of-the-art fitness spaces, an Olympic-sized lap pool, and classes and programs you can jump right into.

You can find your flow here with free yoga, group exercise, and sports classes - find your community this summer!

Terms apply - use the button below to learn more.

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HOW ABOUT A FAMILY BRAIN BREAK? 

Take a moment to relax with an all-ages Brain Break on YMCA 360! These short sessions challenge your family to move and play with both your body and mind. 

This seven-minute movement break will get you imagining life as an animal, exploring movement through imaginative play. 

The best part? This class and hundreds of others are completely free with a YMCA membership. Use the button below to check out what YMCA 360 has to offer! 

Register Today
Save this Summer!
Watch it Here

YOU'RE INVITED!
COMMUNITY SWIM

Join us for Community Swim on Sunday, May 24th, from 2:30 - 3:45 pm! All ages are welcome for fun in our Small and Large Pools.

  • FREE for Y members.
  • Only $1 per non-member
  • Small Pool capacity of 24: first-come, first-served. Be ready to accompany your child while swimming in the Large Pool
  • Gender neutral, family locker room available for family changing
  • Review our swim band policy 

Use the button below to register for Community Swim!

Register Here

Did You Know? 

Memorial Day by any other name...initially, Memorial Day was Decoration Day, referring to decorating the graves of fallen soldiers. Started in 1882 as Decoration Day, it was commonly referred to as Memorial Day after World War II, and was officially renamed in 1967. 

Until next time, we all can't wait to see you at the YMCA.