C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris
ALL ABILITIES YOGA
Date: Friday, August 7
Time: Noon – 1 p.m.
The C.W. Avery Family YMCA invites participants of all levels and abilities to engage in movements that are focused on mind and body wellness as well as flexibility. We encourage participants to be prepared to stretch, move, and learn ways to improve their mind and body while meeting others in a welcoming environment.
Cost: Free and open to the community. Registration is required.
The Morris Hospital YMCA is excited to team up with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers for nutrition and health education seminars throughout the rest of the year! Free and open to the community, these informative sessions will provide invaluable support and guidance for individuals looking to establish and maintain healthy lifestyles.All programs will be held at the Morris Hospital YMCA. Open to ages 18 and up.
NUTRITION SEMINARS
Healthy Eating for Kids
Tuesday, August 18
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Join us for an informative seminar designed to help parents and caregivers build healthy eating habits for children. Together, we’ll explore balanced nutrition and active lifestyles for kids, share simple and delicious recipes for busy families, and offer practical tips for packing lunches that keep kids energized throughout the school day. We’ll also provide helpful strategies for handling picky eaters with confidence and ease, making mealtimes more enjoyable for everyone.
Nutrition Tips for GLP-1 Success
Wednesday, September 16
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Are you using Ozempic, Wegovy, or another appetite-suppressant medication? While GLP-1 medications can help reduce appetite, they don’t teach you how to nourish your body properly. Join us to learn how to quiet “food noise” and build sustainable, healthy habits through smart nutrition and practical lifestyle strategies.
Living Gluten-Free? What You Need to Know About Celiac Disease
Tuesday, October 20
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Take control of your health by gaining a better understanding of Celiac disease and the important role nutrition plays
in managing it. Join us to learn practical tips for living a safe, gluten-free lifestyle, from reading labels and avoiding cross-contamination to making confident food choices. We’ll also share helpful strategies for navigating everyday social situations, including school, gatherings, and dining out, so you can feel prepared and empowered wherever you go.
Counting Carbs, Living Well: A Guide to Managing Diabetes
Wednesday, November 18
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Do you or a loved one have diabetes? Gain the knowledge and confidence you need to better manage blood sugar through smart nutrition and informed food choices. In this seminar, you’ll learn how to read and understand nutrition labels, measure healthy portion sizes, and make simple, delicious food swaps that support balanced blood sugar, sustained energy, and overall health.
HEALTH EDUCATION SEMINARS
Help for Migraines
Wednesday, August 19
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Presented by: Shelby Trotter, Clinic RN, and Stephanie Henline, APRN, Morris Hospital Neurology Specialists
This comprehensive seminar will explore the full spectrum of migraine care, beginning with an overview of brain pathophysiology and the common triggers that can lead to migraines. We’ll discuss the impact migraines can have on daily life and mental well-being, and review acute, preventive, and emerging migraine treatments. You’ll also learn about non-pharmaceutical approaches and lifestyle strategies that can help you better manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Building Strength and Mobility As We Age
Wednesday, September 23
10-11 a.m.
Presented by: Tracy Lopina, Physical Therapist, and Belinda Hill, Physical Therapy Assistant, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
Age is just a number. It doesn’t define who you are, what you have achieved, or what you can still accomplish. Join staff from Morris Hospital’s Physical Therapy team for an informative session focused on helping older adults stay strong, active, and independent. You’ll learn practical tips to maintain your strength and mobility, improve your balance, prevent falls, and support overall wellness at every stage of life.
Women’s Health at 40 and Beyond
Tuesday, October 6
5:30-6:30 p.m.
Presented by: Heidi Miller, APRN, Morris Hospital Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists
Join us for an informative and empowering discussion designed to help women better understand their evolving health needs
in their 40s and beyond. This session will explore the physical and hormonal changes associated with menopause, review the benefits and considerations of hormone therapy, and highlight the importance of maintaining strong bone health. We’ll also cover key information on breast cancer and the importance of early detection, giving you the knowledge and confidence your need to take charge of your health at every age.
Arthritis Relief
Monday, November 16
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Presented by: Dr. Belal Said, Rheumatologist, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers
This engaging and easy-to-understand program, designed especially for seniors, will focus on rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Join Dr. Said to learn practical strategies for reducing joint pain, improving mobility, and staying active so you can continue enjoying the activities you love with greater comfort and confidence.
Area residents are invited to attend a free Health and Wellness Fair, which is designed to promote healthy living and connect area seniors with a variety of resources in the Plainfield area.
DATE
Wednesday, August 26
TIME
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
LOCATION
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
15120 Wallin Drive
Plainfield, IL 60544
FESTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:
-Health Services
-Community Expo
-Raffles and Giveaways
-Complimentary Refreshments
-And More!
This event is hosted by the C.W. Avery Family YMCA, the Plainfield Township, and the Plainfield Park District.
To learn more about this event, please contact:
Wendi Keith
(815) 436-8308
[email protected]
Who remembers the awesome 80’s? The decade of listening to Bon Jovi on your Walkman, solving your Rubik’s Cube, talking on your brick-sized car phone, and getting fit with instructors like Richard Simmons and Jane Fonda! Well get ready to celebrate a totally rad 80’s week at the Y from July 6-12!
Be on the lookout for your favorite instructors wearing fun 80’s-inspired workout attire. We’ll also play a slew of 80’s hits to keep you moving! So get out your leg warmers, side ponytails, and leotards for an exciting week of group fitness classes.
June 21 is International Yoga Day and the Y is celebrating with an array of class options throughout next week! See below for details.
C.W. Avery Family YMCA
Sunset Yoga
Date: Tuesday, June 16
Time: 7-8 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to Facility Members only.
Join us for a relaxing yoga session on the pool deck patio (located on the south side of building.) Registration can be completed using the YMCA On the Go App.
Morris Hospital YMCA
Hatha & Healing
Date: Friday, June 19
Time: 7:30-8:45 p.m.
Cost: $15 for Facility Members, $30 for Community Members
Combining Hatha Yoga with sound healing together can deeply affect your mind, body, and spirit. This session will start with approximately 35-40 minutes of gentle hatha followed by approximately 35-40 minutes of a sound bath in Savasana to induce deep relaxation. This combination leaves students feeling grounded, peaceful, and rejuvenated.
Pop-Up Yoga
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 8:15-9 a.m.
Cost: Free and open to Facility Members only.
Join us for a meditative yoga practice used to build strength, release tension, and mark the earth’s seasonal shifts. Registration can be completed using the YMCA On the Go App.
Village of Shorewood YMCA
Yoga
Date: Sunday, June 21
Time: 10-10:45 a.m.
Cost: Free and open to Facility Members only.
This class is focused on foundational yoga postures, breathwork, and simple flows. Designed to improve flexibility, balance, and body awareness, it offers a steady, mindful practice suitable for anyone looking to build strength and deepen their connection to movement and breath. Registration can be completed using the YMCA On the Go App.
This fall, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA will introduce an all-new sideline dance program – Illuminate – bringing fresh energy, new opportunities, and an enhanced experience for young dancers in our community.
Illuminate is designed for co-ed youth dancers of all skill levels in grades K–8 who love to move, perform, and be part of a team. Participants will learn dynamic choreography that blends pom, jazz, and hip-hop from experienced YMCA dance instructors, all while building confidence, coordination, and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Dancers will showcase their skills by performing high-energy sideline routines at YMCA youth flag football and basketball games throughout the fall, winter, and spring seasons.
With the launch of this new program, the YMCA will restructure its Thrive Dance Team. More advanced dancers will continue to have the opportunity to audition for the Thrive Competition Team, which practices at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA and participates in competitions and community events throughout the year.
The YMCA will also continue to offer a wide variety of dance classes for all ages and skill levels. Current offerings include classes specializing in pre-ballet, ballet, tap, contemporary, hip-hop, and jazz. Summer dance class participants can also take part in the YMCA’s annual summer recital, held each August.
REGISTRATION IS UNDERWAY FOR ILLUMINATE
Registration for Illuminate’s fall season is now underway. Team members will practice once per week and perform during YMCA NFL FLAG football games. Practices will begin the week of August 17 and will be held on weeknights at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA. Game day performances will primarily take place on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings beginning the week of September 7. The outdoor fall season will run through late October.
To learn more, please contact Health, Wellness, and Dance Director Kristen Derengowksi at (815) 267-8600, ext. 224 or via email at [email protected].
