Blog — Page 21 — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

Village of Shorewood YMCA Invites Community to Attend ‘Coffee with the YMCA’ Events

September 9, 2025

As we prepare to open the new Village of Shorewood YMCA in spring 2026, the Y is excited to invite the community to participate in our ‘Coffee with the YMCA’ events this fall! These meet and greets will be wonderful opportunities to learn more about the new facility, future programming, membership opportunities, and grand opening festivities.

Thursday, September 25*
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Shorewood-Troy Public Library
650 Deerwood Drive
Shorewood, IL 60404

*Complimentary child care services will be available onsite at this meeting.

Wednesday, October 8
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Minooka Village Hall
121 McEvilly Road
Minooka, IL 60447

To learn more about the new Village of Shorewood YMCA, please contact Executive Director Trisha Dust at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 327.

Discover Your Potential: Alianna Haynes’ Y Story

September 8, 2025

The YMCA is a place where children, teens, and young adults can cultivate their talents, develop new skills, and build bonds of friendship. Sixteen-year-old Alianna Haynes has been able to accomplish all three as a member of the C.W. Avery Family YMCA’s Thrive Dance Team.

“When I was younger I took a summer jazz class at the Y and some of the girls told me about THRIVE. When I heard about it I really wanted to join.” Alianna said. “I remember watching the older girls dance and wanting to be like them. They were really nice, kind, and inspiring.”

Alianna, who attends Plainfield South High School, has now been a member of the THRIVE Dance Team for the last six years. She says that she maintains a passion for performing because it is a great outlet for personal expression.

“I really like music and dance because it is a way to show my emotions. It’s a lot easier for me than saying it out loud,” she said.

Alianna was also recently named a Faculty Favorite in Contemporary Dance at an Activate Your Artistry (AYA) Dance Convention, receiving the honor of AYA Brand Ambassador for the 2025-26 season. She credited the amazing team of THRIVE instructors for helping her prepare for competitions.

“My coach, Caly (Hitt), works with me on most of my competition dances. I sometimes get nervous and she does a really good job of helping me calm down and making me feel like I’m going to do a good job.”

Health, Wellness, and Dance Director Kristen Derengowski said Alianna sets a great example for younger dancers and that the AYA honor was well deserved.

“Alianna is a fantastic dancer. She works so hard and when she steps on stage you can see her love of dance come through. It was great to see her abilities recognized,” Kristen said.

Alianna is excited to continue building a strong team atmosphere as Thrive’s fall season rolls along.

“It’s so much fun here. We’re definitely a family when we hang out at competitions. We enjoy being together,” she said.

We congratulate Alianna on all her success and wish her and all her THRIVE teammates the best this season!

Whether your child is just starting out or looking to refine their technique, the Y offers a supportive environment where every dancer can shine. Register for upcoming fall dance classes by clicking here.

Feel Healthier, Be Stronger: Kathleen Bernard’s Y Story

September 5, 2025

At the Y, we know that having a strong support system can make a big difference when you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Kathleen Bernard, personal training sessions have proven to be a crucial way to kickstart her health and wellness journey.

“Having a personal trainer is amazing because you are not by yourself and you are being guided through the whole process,” Kathleen said. “I’ve been working with Suzanne (Ventrice) since July. She’s supportive and not judgemental. And I haven’t felt this good in a long time.”

Kathleen said the YMCA’s resources and friendly and welcoming atmosphere have helped to change her outlook on exercise.

“It’s opened up a whole new world. Even though I’ve exercised in the past, I’ve never had this kind of experience where I’m walking in and I’m not afraid and I don’t feel judged,” she said. “Suzanne has shown me stuff that I was afraid to try and would never do by myself. Like weightlifting, who knew I was so strong?”

In addition to improved physical fitness, Kathleen said exercising has had a positive impact on her mental health.

“My self esteem has improved and I feel so much better. I was feeling bad about myself, but I’ve been able to do things that I wasn’t able to do before. I’m 49 years old and I’m working out like when I was young,” she said.

Kathleen is now looking forward to expanding her Y experience to group fitness classes and exploring all the amenities the Y has to offer.

“It’s so easy. You don’t have to jump through any hoops. There are so many activities at your fingertips. You walk in, check in, and you can go right into the gym or the pool. I’ve also got my husband signed up for a membership and ready to go,” she said.

And when it comes to advice for potential Y members, Kathleen believes taking the first step is the most important one.

“Just make the call or stop in. Everyone here is so kind,” she said.

We thank Kathleen for being a part of our Y community and wish her the best as she continues on her health and wellness journey.

If you are interested in working with a YMCA personal trainer, now is the perfect time to start! The Y’s September Personal Training Sale is underway and you can learn more by clicking here.

Belonging Begins With Us: Celebrate 2025 Welcoming Week at the YMCA

September 4, 2025

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA will be joining YMCAs across the country to celebrate Welcoming Week from September 12-21! Welcoming Week, an initiative of Y-USA’s national partner Welcoming America, elevates the growing movement of communities that fully embrace new Americans and their contributions to the social fabric of our country. This week-long celebration is an opportunity for neighbors – both immigrants and US-born residents – to get to know one another and celebrate what unites us as a community.

This week, when you visit your local Y branch, you’ll be able to participate in fun activities that will get you in to the spirit of Welcome Week.

EXPAND YOUR WORLD

Members will be invited to participate in fun and easy activities to expand their perspectives and make our community a more welcoming place for all. You can grab an activity card by visiting the Membership Desk.

BRINGING PEOPLE CLOSER

Members will have the opportunity to pin their country of origin on a map located in the lobby. We are so excited to display a worldwide community throughout the week!

TRY NEW TASTES

Members can sample delicious foods from around the world during our cultural food extravaganzas. Enjoy fellowship with your neighbors, learn about different cultures, and play games with new and old friends. Plus, bring a friend and you can enter to win some fantastic raffle prizes including gift cards and Y swag! Branch specific dates can be found below.

GALOWICH FAMILY YMCA
749 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431
Friday, September 12
10 a.m.-Noon

C.W. AVERY FAMILY YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544
Wednesday, September 17
10:30 a.m.-Noon

MORRIS HOSPITAL YMCA
2200 W. Dupont Avenue
Morris, IL 60450
Thursday September 18
11 a.m.- 1 p.m.

2025 Morris Hospital YMCA Coloring Contest

September 4, 2025

Calling all Y Kids! To celebrate this very fun time of year in Grundy County, the Morris Hospital YMCA is holding a special Coloring Contest! Open to kids, ages 4-12, this is the perfect opportunity to let your artistic talents shine.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Download the official entry form below.

Coloring Contest Form

2. Grab your crayons, markers or colored pencils and color away!

3. Drop it off at the Membership Desk of the Morris Hospital YMCA or give it to your Kid Zone counselor.

4. All entries must be submitted by Noon on Sunday, September 21. Contest is open to children ages 4-12. One winner will be selected in each of the following age groups:

Ages 4-5
Ages 6-7
Ages 8-9
Ages 10-12

PLEASE NOTE: One entry per child, but multiple children per household are allowed. Submitted artwork becomes the property of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA. Official Entry Form must be signed by a parent or guardian, 18 years or older.

Good luck!