Look What’s Happening at the Portage YMCA – January 21, 2014

Mens-BballScholastic Book Fair Give the gift of reading to yourself, your family or a loved one AND support our Preschool Academy. Mon, Feb 3 at 9-12 and 3-6; Tue, Feb 4 at 9-12 and 2:30-8; Wed, Feb 5 at 9-12:30 and 3-6;Thur, Feb 6 at 9-12:30 and 2:30-6. Tuesday night is “Family Night”. Come and enjoy juice and cookies while you check out the books. We’ll have books for all ages, including cookbooks, but the main focus will be for children 8 years and under. We will accept cash, check or charge.

Pee Wee Prom This Daddy/Daughter and Mommy/Son event will be sure to delight the entire family. Fri, March 7 at 6-8 pm. Our “Wizard of Oz” magical evening will include a night of dancing along with delectable finger foods and beverages. Dress-up or semi-casual attire. Purchase tickets at the Y from Feb 17-Mar 7. $15/couple, $7 additional person. After Mar 3, tickets will be $20/couple.

Indoor Ironman Gear up for the new year and participate in a fun and challenging 6 week Indoor IRONMAN. This individual simulated triathlon encourages participants to cross-train over a six week period. Swim a total of 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and run 26.3 miles. Ages 14 and up. Begins Feb. 3. Register now through anytime throughout the challenge period.

Open-DodgeballYouth Floor Hockey Kids, ages 6-13, come to the Y to try a new sport. Begin with the four day clinic, followed by the league. Clinic runs Feb 24-27 at 4:30-6 pm. League begins March 3. Registration for both clinic and league now open.

Progressive Swim and Gymnastics Lessons Sign up today to learn new skills, meet new friends and have fun this winter. At the Y, “progressive” takes you from good to great as you build self-confidence within a values-based setting. Progressive swim lessons for all ages. Progress gymnastics lessons begin at age 3. See website for schedules.

Preschool Registration Opens Feb 3 Registration for 2014-2015 Preschool Academy begins Feb. 3. Be sure to hold your spot, as openings are limited. Pre-K Academy, for children age 4 by Aug 1, meets M/W/F at 9-11:30 or 12:30-3. Pre-K 4 Day Class meets at the same time, with extra opportunity to review skills on Thursdays. Junior Academy, for children age 3 by Aug 1, meets on T/Th at 9:30-11:30 or 12:30-2:30. For more information, contact Cathi at cathi@ymcaofportage.org.

Open Sports: Dodgeball, Volleyball, Mens Basketball Come out, get moving, and have fun playing your favorite game or a sport new to you. All levels of players are welcome. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, there is a place for you! Dodgeball, age 10 and up, on Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30; Mens Basketball on Wednesdays, 7-9:30 pm; and, Volleyball, age 14 and up, on Thursdays, 7-9:30 pm. Volleyball starts Jan 16. Free for Y members; $5 for community participants who come with a Y member; $10 for all others.

Teen Fitness Class Exercise is important for individuals of all ages, especially children and teens. However, it is especially important that young men and women learn to exercise safely and with correct technique. That’s why the Portage Y offers a four week Teen Fitness Class for young members of ages 12-14. Class participants learn how to properly use the equipment in the Portage Y’s Cardio and Cybex Machine rooms, basic anatomy and physiology, proper stretching techniques, nutrition guidelines, and more. Graduates of the class will then be allowed to use the YMCA equipment on their own. Classes begin at the start of each month, so check the website for class info today. In order to use the YMCA equipment all members must be at least 14 years of age OR be at least 12 years old AND have passed the YMCA Teen Fitness Class.