Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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Morris Hospital YMCA Offering NEW START Health and Wellness Classes this Winter

Are you ready to jumpstart your health and wellness mindset? The Morris Hospital YMCA’s NEW START class is for you! This class will guide you through evidence-based principles of optimal well-being, helping you build a sustainable foundation for a healthier and happier you.

Led by Morris Hospital YMCA group fitness instructor Maureen Keegan, NEW START features 2 health and wellness sessions lasting 60 minutes each. Sessions will combine interactive lectures, practical demonstrations, Q&A activities, and goal-setting exercises to dive into eight foundational pillars of health:

Nutrition: Learn the power of whole foods, plant-based eating, and how to fuel your body for maximum vitality and disease prevention.

Exercise: Discover the benefits of effective, enjoyable ways to move your body, enhance mood, boost metabolism, and improve cardiovascular health, regardless of your current fitness level.

Water: Understand the essential role of hydration, how much you truly need, and the best ways to incorporate water throughout your day.

Sunlight: Explore the benefits of sun exposure for Vitamin D, mood regulation, and circadian rhythm balance.

Temperance (Balance): Uncover the art of moderation in all things, from diet to work habits, and learn to find true balance in a busy world.

Air: Learn why deep breathing and spending time in nature’s clean air are vital for detoxification and mental clarity.

Rest: Master the science of restorative sleep and relaxation, discovering techniques to improve sleep quality and manage stress effectively.

Trust (Faith/Spirituality): Explore the profound connection between your spirituality (a trust in a larger purpose or power) and your physical health, cultivating hope and emotional resilience.

Participants can register for one of two sections:

January 9 and January 16
9-10 a.m.
REGISTER TODAY

February 2 and February 9
5:30-6:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY
Cost: $15 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members
About the Instructor: Maureen Keegan has nearly 20 years of experience working in health and wellness and has been teaching group and specialty fitness classes at the Morris Hospital YMCA for the past year. Her enthusiasm is boundless and her favorite thing about working at the Y is helping members learn about a wide range of health topics.
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Skills That Last a Lifetime: Private, Semi-Private, and Adaptive Swim Lessons Available During Winter Break

Due to popular demand, the Y will be offering private, semi-private, and adaptive swim lessons over Winter Break! Each swim lesson package includes three 30-minute lessons. All three lessons must be used during the same week over Winter Break. Participants can register on a per week basis. See below for more information about lessons available at your local Y branch.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Week 1: December 15-21
Week 2: December 22-28
Week 3: December 29-January 4

Cost (Per Week)

Private Swim Lessons: $98 for Facility Members/$196 for Community Members
Semi-Private Swim Lessons: $60 for Facility Members/$120 for Community Members
Adaptive Swim Lessons: $64 for Facility Members/$128 for Community Members

PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE/ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS REQUEST FORM

Morris Hospital YMCA

Week 1: December 15-21
Week 2: December 22-28
Week 3: December 29-January 4

Cost (Per Week)

Private Swim Lessons: $98 for Facility Members/$196 for Community Members
Semi-Private Swim Lessons: $60 for Facility Members/$120 for Community Members
Adaptive Swim Lessons: $64 for Facility Members/$128 for Community Members

PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE/ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS REQUEST FORM

Galowich Family YMCA

Week 1: December 16-19
Week 2: December 23, 26-27
Week 3: December 30, January 2-3

Cost (Per Week)

Private Swim Lessons: $78.75 for Facility Members/$157.50 for Community Members
Semi-Private Swim Lessons: $47 for Facility Members/$94.50 for Community Members
Adaptive Swim Lessons: $56.25 for Facility Members/$112.50 for Community Members

PRIVATE/SEMI-PRIVATE/ADAPTIVE SWIM LESSONS REQUEST FORM

Spots are limited, so don’t delay. Register your child today!

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YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: Morris Hospital YMCA Member Tyler Mann

YMCA youth sports programs teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. At the Y, we know these programs would not be possible without the generosity and dedication of our volunteer coaches. As we prepare for the upcoming Youth Basketball League (YBL) season, we’d like to shine the spotlight on Morris Hospital YMCA volunteer Tyler Mann. Tyler has spent multiple seasons coaching his sons, Axel and Atlas. You can learn more about him in the Q&A below.

Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer coach?

Even before there was a full-facility Y in Morris, there was a footprint of a Y here, and I officiated YMCA basketball for (former Sports Director) Ken Iverson for five or six years. Once I got a full-time job, it wasn’t feasible for me to continue officiating, so I took a break. Now that I have my own children, I’ve been lucky to come back as a coach for three flag football seasons and one basketball season.

Q: What makes Y programs so special?

The Y is so good for the community because it brings people together. We live in Seneca, but Morris is in my roots, it’s where I’m from, and it’s nice to see opportunities that weren’t here when I was a kid. My sons have made so many friends through YMCA sports programs.

Q: What kind of support do YMCA coaches receive during the season?

There is always somebody from the Y here to help if need be. This year, I know I had an incident where I had to rush my dog to the ER vet. I was on the way home from work and I told Sports Director Chris Interial. He told me not to worry because somebody would be there for practice. It helps to know that in an emergency you’re not going to let your players down by canceling practice. They all want to learn and we all want to help teach them.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of being a volunteer coach for the Y?

My favorite part about being a volunteer is looking at the difference in the kids from day one to the final day of leagues – seeing their growth and knowing it can ignite a passion. I know for my oldest son, he wouldn’t have thought about football until there was a flag program here. Now I can’t get him to stop talking about it. He always wants to play catch or kick the football in the yard.

Q: What is your favorite memory from your Y volunteer experience?

My first year of coaching flag football was with the pre-K group and it was with kids who really didn’t understand football yet. We were trying to run a reverse all season and get them to understand misdirection. The first time that we had a clean snap, clean handoff to the running back, and a clean handoff on the reverse, I could see them recognizing the defense going the other way and understanding why it happened. It was so cool. Not every person on the field had the ball, but every person had an important role.

Q: What advice do you have for individuals who are interested in signing up to be a YMCA volunteer coach

It’s not always easy to structure your life around something you’re volunteering for, but in the end it’s always so rewarding. Every player is different, so I always try to make a connection with the children and see what they need most. Sometimes that’s as simple as gaining confidence. Sometimes improving work ethic. If I can identify their needs, I try to work with them to the best of my abilities.

We are so proud to have Tyler as a volunteer and thank him for his efforts to support youth development in our community. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer basketball coach this winter, you can sign up by clicking here. 

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Make a Splash and Ring in the New Year at the YMCA

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is inviting families to celebrate the new year with our special Noon Year’s Eve pool parties on Wednesday, December 31! Festivities will include open swim, music, crafts, games, snacks and refreshments, and a New Year’s countdown at noon.

PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited, and registration is required. Participants may be swim tested prior to entering YMCA pools. Participants are encouraged to review the pool rules prior to registering.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Time: 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: $20, open to YMCA Facility Members Only
REGISTER TODAY

Galowich Family YMCA
Time: 10:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the community
REGISTER TODAY

Morris Hospital YMCA
Time: 10 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the communty
REGISTER TODAY

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Celebrate the Holiday Season with Family Fun at the YMCA

Ho, Ho, Ho! This holiday season, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has a series of festive activities planned for you and your family. Come ready to spread joy and cheer and join us in a winter wonderland of fun!

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Holidays Around the World
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Stop by the Y for an evening highlighting traditional celebrations from around the world during holidays like Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, and Diwali.

Kids will also have the chance to write letters to Santa, make reindeer food, play in our bounce houses, get snacks from a hot chocolate bar, and take photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

Cost: This event is free and open to the community.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Kids’ Night Out: Winter Wonderland (Ages 5-10)
Date: Friday, December 19
Time: 6:30-9 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of winter themed activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided.

Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.

Morris Hospital YMCA

Kids’ Night Out: Santa’s Workshop (Ages 4-12)
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of holiday themed games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided.

Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.

Breakfast with Santa
Date: Saturday, December 20
Time: 9-10:30 a.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Santa Claus is coming to town and making a stop at the Morris Hospital YMCA! Join us for a special breakfast with light refreshments, crafts, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!

This event is free and open to the community.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration closes on December 15.

Galowich Family YMCA

Pizza with Santa and Candy Cane Hunt
Date: Friday, December 12
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Santa Claus is coming to town and making a stop at the Galowich Family YMCA! Join us for some family fun with a pizza party, games, crafts, and a special candy cane hunt!

Cost: This event is free and open to the community.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Santa Splashtacular
Friday, December 19
5:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Children will be able to enjoy a “sleigh ride” with Santa around the lap pool, as well as open swim, games, and a craft.

Cost: This event is free and open to the community.

PLEASE NOTE: Space is limited and registration is required. Participants may be swim tested prior to entering the pool. Members are encouraged to review the pool rules prior to registering.

Joliet Community YMCA

Kids’ Night Out: Winter Pajama Party (Ages 4-12)
Date: Friday, December 5
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Location:
Salvation Army Joliet Corps Community Center
300 3rd Avenue
Joliet, IL 60433

YMCA Kids’ Night Out is the perfect way for kids to have fun with their friends on a Friday night! Join us for a variety of activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Pizza and drinks will also be provided. Don’t forget to wear your most festive pajamas!

Cost: $20 for Facility Members, $40 for Community Members

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required at least 48 hours in advance.

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YMCA Volunteer Spotlight: C.W. Avery Family YMCA Youth Basketball League Coach Ryan Fair

YMCA youth sports programs teach kids the fundamentals of the game while emphasizing the importance of teamwork. At the Y, we know these programs would not be possible without the generosity and dedication of our volunteer coaches. As we prepare for the upcoming Youth Basketball League (YBL) season, we’d like to shine the spotlight on C.W. Avery Family volunteer Ryan Fair. Ryan has spent multiple seasons coaching his sons, Griffin and Bohde. You can learn more about him in the Q&A below.

Q: What inspired you to become a volunteer coach?
I played basketball when I was younger and played baseball all through high school and college. Ever since I had kids, I’ve wanted to coach, and whenever my kids do something I always offer to help. I didn’t know too much about the Y prior to starting to coach here, but friends of ours had kids that had played in leagues. They said it was a great program and that they had a great time. We figured we’d give it a shot. My oldest son, Griffin, is in fifth grade now and I believe I started coaching him in first grade for YBL. Shortly after, our youngest son, Bohde, got involved with the Junior YBL program and I started coaching him as well.

Q: What makes Y programs so special?
There’s a strong sense of community and connection to the people that run the programs. I actually went to high school with Sports Director Maria Freeh and it was cool to reconnect coming into this league. She and Sports Manager Miles Turner are always available, approachable, and helpful.

Q: What kind of support do YMCA coaches receive during the season?
The way the Y communicates and schedules practices using the Team Sideline App removes the hassle of most of the things people don’t like about coaching. They take care of that stuff so that coaches can just focus on coaching the kids. And even if we’re shorthanded, the staff is always there to help out. This is definitely the most hands-on involvement I’ve seen from staff in any organization I’ve been involved with.

Q: What are your favorite aspects of being a volunteer coach for the Y?
I ultimately do it for the kids. To see them be successful is the best part of doing this. At the younger ages, we know that there can be a discrepancy in experience, so it’s a good feeling to see how much kids who might not have played very much before progress as athletes, and see teams become more cohesive through friendships and hard work. It’s a great experience and probably the best experience I’ve had coaching sports. 

We are so proud to have Ryan as a volunteer and thank him for his efforts to support youth development in our community. If you are interested in serving as a volunteer basketball coach this winter, you can sign up by clicking here.

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