On Sunday, March 30^th, 2008 the Portage Township YMCA will be sponsoring their 19th Annual Bowl-A-Thon. The Bowl-A-Thon is one of two of the Y’s major fund raising efforts and all proceeds are used to support low-income children in YMCA programs.

If you would like to bowl at the event and raise money for the Youth Scholarship program, packets providing all the necessary information and forms are available at the YMCA. All bowlers receive a complimentary, Bowl-A-Thon T-Shirt provided by Centier Bank. If you have questions or wish to make arrangements to get your packet, you can call our Associate Executive Director, Lindsey Miller at 762-YMCA. Bowling proficiency is not necessary - willingness to raise money for the Y and a desire to have fun is important.

The YMCA also uses prizes to serve as an incentive for the bowlers to raise money. All prize donors are publicly recognized for their support at the event and on awards night. They are also recognized through a complimentary ad in The Times (one of the corporate sponsors of the event). Please contact our Director of Support Services, Marilyn Lindner at 762-YMCA if you have any questions or would like to arrange to be a Prize Donor.

The YMCA also gratefully receives supplemental funding from Porter County Thrivent Financial for this event.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Y at 762-YMCA (9622)

The new cardio center also sports six (6) brand new 42" flat screen television monitors which members will be able to view from the numerous machines. They will be able to intercept the audio by merely bringing their own headset, plugging it into the machine they are using and selecting which monitor they which to hear. The exercise equipment faces a wall of windows with a cathedral ceiling. Come experience the feeling of exercising outdoors without having to fight the elements.

Stop by the YMCA to view the new center and get information on membership. Gift certificates are available for programs, services and membership in increments of $5, offering you the opportunity to give the gift of health for any occasion. The YMCA is hoping you will "Resolve to be Involved at the Y".
 

The Portage Township YMCA and the Hobart Family YMCA are announcing a formal collaborative effort to expand program opportunities for YMCA members. Beginning September 1, 2007 members of the Portage Township YMCA will be able to sign up for specified classes at the Hobart YMCA and pay Hobart YMCA member prices. Currently the classes eligible include Super Sitters Babysitting Training and all aquatic exercise classes. The Hobart YMCA currently offers the following water exercise classes: Water Walking, Aqua Jog, Hydro Step, Aqua Sculpting, Aqua-Fit, Arthritis Foundation YMCA Aquatic Program, Aquacise and Pilates H2O.

Likewise, Hobart YMCA members will be eligible to receive Portage Township YMCA member prices on the following classes at the Portage Township YMCA: karate, gymnastics, tai chi and yoga.

This collaboration between these two close proximity YMCAs will serve to provide expanded program opportunities for members at each YMCA, while increasing membership value at both YMCAs. For more information on these programs you may call the Portage Township YMCA at (219) 762-YMCA (9622) or the Hobart Family YMCA at (219) 2183.

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The pool has 6 lanes and is 25 yards long. The water temperature is typically kept between 79 F and 84 F while the air temperature is variable. The pool is handicapped friendly with easy access stairs for those in need. Locker rooms and showers are available for 15 minutes before and after pool hours. Swimmers need to provide their own locks.

The Family Swims are guarded by the YMCA aquatics staff who are certified in life guarding, first-aid, CPR, universal precautions and AED.

PRESS RELEASE - - -

Families Who Make Play Part of Every Day

Will Reap Benefits

Demands of work, school, homework and never-ending to-do lists often make play time a luxury that does not always make it into the daily schedule.  But experts agree that making play a priority brings a multitude of benefits for kids, including improved health and emotional well-being and increased positive academic performance.

“Families are under increased stress and struggle to balance work, family and health and to find supportive communities,” says Neil Nicoll, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA.  “More physical activity through play helps children and parents better manage stress, succeed in school, reduce frustration, build energy and, most of all, learn skills that encourage a lifetime of activity.”

Recent studies suggest children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity each day.  As many schools reduce their focus on physical education and activity in order to meet academic goals, it is increasingly important that families ensure their children’s physical activity needs are met.  YMCA experts believe it is important for kids to enjoy a balance between structured activities or sports and relaxed free play and offer the following tips to help parents put more play in their kids’ days:

o        Avoid TV, video games and computers for at least 30 minutes after school.  Taking a bike ride, walk or just playing outdoors not only gets bodies moving, but also helps kids decompress before homework time. 
 

o        Lose the guilt and do not think of free play as wasted time.  Play is as much a part of a healthy day as eating nutritious foods and brushing teeth.  A regular dose of play can boost test scores, self-esteem and metabolism.

o        Commit to spending time outdoors almost every day—rain or shine.  Just getting out the front door greatly increases the opportunities for physical activity through play.
 

o        Make play a part of family rituals.  Shooting hoops before dinner, walking the dog, taking a Saturday morning bike ride to the park gets everyone moving and provides great opportunities for building family connectedness.
 

o        Get creative and incorporate play into “necessity” activities.  Visit a park for 30 minutes on the way home from a doctor’s appointment; walk or bike to nearby errands like the bank or post office; crank up some music and engage the family in a Saturday morning clean–the-house dance party.

Leading national companies dedicated to improving the health and wellness of American kids and families are joining with YMCA of the USA to support YMCA Healthy Kids Day events.   Sponsors include Disney Channel, Kellogg Company, Kimberly-Clark Corporation and Tropicana.