Avery — Page 23 — Greater Joliet Area YMCA

C.W. Avery Family YMCA Announces Updates to Daily Visitor Policy

September 9, 2025

To best meet the needs of Y members, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA will be limiting daily visitors during the week.

The following restrictions will go into effect beginning Monday, September 15 and will continue through Friday, May 29:

Monday-Friday
Daily passes will be available for purchase between 5 a.m.-3 p.m. ONLY.

Saturday and Sunday
Daily passes will be available for purchase during all open hours.

These restrictions will NOT apply to guests of YMCA members or individuals using a once-yearly web pass, which is available on the YMCA’s website. YMCA Facility Members enjoy unlimited guest passes (one guest per day) throughout the year so they can share the Y experience with family and friends. However, individual guests are limited to three visits per calendar year.

For additional information, please visit the Membership Desk during your next visit.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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