Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Register for the 2021 YMCA Mini Triathlon & Kids Triathlon

Each summer, the C.W. Avery Family YMCA hosts a Mini Triathlon and Kids Triathlon. Open to YMCA members and area residents, ages 6 and up, this exciting event promises to be a morning of fun for your entire family.

The 2021 Mini-Tri and Kids Triathlon events will be held on Sunday, September 12.

Please note: Participants, 11 and under, must be supervised by someone over the age of 18 that is not participating in the Mini Tri. Participants are required to bring their own bicycle and helmet. The bike and run portions are held on a closed course around Wallin Oaks and Ira Jones. Road bikes larger than 23” are not allowed on the course. Participants with bikes not allowed on the course may use the stationary bikes.

Cost

Early Bird (by August 25): $35 for Facility Members, $50 for Community Members

After August 25: $40 for Facility Members, $55 for Community Members

Pre-registration is required. All participants registered by Wednesday, August 25 will receive a complimentary t-shirt.

Mini Triathlon (Ages 12 and Up)

Start Time: 8 a.m.

  • 200-yard swim
  • 7-mile bike ride (on stationary bicycles)
  • Two-mile run

Register Online

Kids Triathlon (Ages 6-11)

Estimated Start Time: 9 a.m.

Ages 6-7

  • 25-yard swim
  • One-mile bike ride
  • Half-mile run

Register Online

Ages 8-11

  • 75-yard swim
  • Two-mile bike ride
  • One-mile run

Register Online

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Names Katy Leclair Next President and CEO

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Board of Directors have announced the hiring of Katy Leclair as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Leclair, who will assume her new role with the Joliet-based non-profit organization on July 12, will replace Jim Watts, who announced his retirement earlier this spring after 40 years with the YMCA and nine years as CEO in Joliet.

During her 18 years working for the Y, Leclair has embraced the organization’s mission and worked tirelessly to ensure that Y programs and services become more accessible to those who need them most. Before joining the Greater Joliet Area YMCA in 2013 as the organization’s Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Leclair worked for YMCA associations in St. Louis, Naperville, Miami, Kankakee, and Chicago. Her passion for serving the community’s youth led her to 360 Youth Services in Naperville, where she served as CEO for two years,before returning to the Greater Joliet Area YMCA in 2017.

In her role as the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Chief Operating Officer, Leclair provided leadership to the association’s four branches, helping to oversee operations and staff development for 500 full-time, part-time, and seasonal employees. During her tenure, the YMCA’s membership and program enrollment reached all-time highs, and the organization’s operating revenue grew by more than 71 percent, surpassing $11.4 million in 2019. Leclair also managed several multi-million-dollar renovation projects, and negotiated long-term strategic partnerships with local healthcare providers, school districts, and other like-minded community organizations.

Over the last several years, Leclair has played a key role in the Morris Community YMCA’s efforts to build a new full-facility YMCA in Grundy County. Working side-by-side with Morris YMCA staff and local volunteer leaders, she helped to secure lead capital gifts from Morris Hospital and Healthcare Centers and the City of Morris. Additionally, Leclair has been instrumental in leading the YMCA through its three-month COVID-19-related closure and ongoing recovery efforts, helping to secure federal relief funding and much-needed charitable support.

“We are very excited to announce that Katy Leclair has been named ournext President and CEO”said Nick Macris, Chairman of the Greater Joliet Area YMCA’s Board of Directors. “After having conducted an extensive national search, we continued to be very impressedby Katy’s professionalism, passion, and dedication for ourYMCA. Katy has been a valuable member of our leadership team for many years, and we are excited for her to take the next step in her career and lead our YMCA as we continue to advance our mission throughout Will and Grundy Counties.”

A native of Oak Forest, Illinois, Leclair was first drawn to the YMCA because of the role the organization’s mission plays in uniting people of all different backgrounds, experiences, and generations within the community. A true believer in the spirit of volunteerism, Leclair is active in several Will County community initiatives, currently serves on the board for the Zonta Club of Joliet, and has held membership in local chapters of the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs.

A former two-sport collegiate athlete, Leclair earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Webster University and a juris doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School at Western Michigan University. She and her husband Steve, who is a teacher at Plainfield South High School, live in Plainfield with their son, Austin.

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Member Spotlight: Gus and Diane Rousonelos

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Wallin Drive in 2021! To commemorate this milestone, we are sharing the story of fantastic Y members each month. Today we shine the spotlight on Gus and Diane Rousonelos. Gus and Diane are regulars in group exercise classes and have been friendly faces around the Y since day one! You can learn more about them in the Q&A below. 

Q: What inspired you to join the Y? 

Gus: For me, the Y is so close to where we live. If I walk, I think it only takes 10 minutes. You really couldn’t beat that. They also built the Y right when I retired so how could I not come? It’s been really good for me.

Diane: I knew that I needed to work out and I’m not good at doing it by myself. I would always find excuses to stop what I should be doing. Being in classes has helped with that and I always get the full benefit. 

Q: What do you enjoy about using the Y?

Diane: It’s nice and spaced out. You’re not shoved into one small area with all the machines. The entire place is also kept clean. The Y has very good instructors who are very helpful. I also like the camaraderie with the other participants. It’s just a great community. 

Gus: That’s the same thing I love. The camaraderie and the community. I don’t use the workout center as much as I should but they really have turned the Y into a wonderful building.

Q: We know the last year has been a challenge for many in the Y community, how did you adjust?

Gus: Last year, we were on vacation when the Y was closed. We got back right about when they started outdoor classes. Then, as soon as the doors opened last June, we were here. I was glad to get back.

Diane: The Y really extended themselves to do outside classes last year, but it was exciting to get back inside for classes.

Q: You support the Y through charitable giving, why do you find that an important part of your Y experience?

Gus: I donate because I enjoy my time here so much that I want to help with what the Y needs. 

Diane: We enjoy getting together to get a picture of the whole Boot Camp group for our banner. We consider it good money spent. 

Q: What makes you most proud to be a member of the Y community?

Diane: I like the idea that the Y offers families daycare services as well as the outside summer camp activities for the kids. There is also something for every single age group available. Nobody is left out and nobody who is thinking about joining the Y should ever feel intimidated. You will always feel welcomed. 

Gus: I really love how it brings people together. I’ve met so many people since we joined the Y. I farmed my whole life and it was kind of a secluded life. Now I get the pleasure of seeing more people.

We would like to thank Gus and Diane for their incredible support over the last 15 years. We look forward to making a positive impact on members of our community through 2021 and beyond!

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Hiring Before and After School Care Counselors

At the Y, we know that learning doesn’t end when the school bell rings. The way children spend time outside the classroom can make a big difference in their personal development and family-life balance. The Y’s Kid Zone and Kid Zone PLUS programs provide a safe place for children to keep their mind and body active while learning social skills and positive values.

Our before and after school team is dedicated to the Y’s mission and works tirelessly to meet the needs of the communities we serve. This group of talented and energetic staff is second to none and we are now currently looking to hire new part-time employees to expand our team.

Positions Available:
-Kid Zone Counselors
-Lead Site Coordinators

Part-Time Employees receive the following benefits:

  • A free YMCA Membership
  • Kid Zone staff may enroll their eligible children in Kid Zone at no cost
  • Save 25% off of Y programming
  • Have the opportunity to participate in the Y’s retirement plan (when eligibility requirements have been met)

All YMCA Kid Zone and Kid Zone PLUS staff must be 18 years of age or older. Program hours vary by location.

To learn more contact your local Y branch below or apply online today.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA 
(Serving Plainfield School District 202 and Valley View School District 365U)

Trisha Dust (Plainfield School District 202)
Before and After School Care Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 267-8600, ext. 205

Sarah Porzel
Childcare Director (Valley View School District)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 267-8600, ext. 211

Galowich Family YMCA
(Serving Joliet, Minooka, Fairmont, Laraway, Rockdale, and Troy School Districts)

Brooke Hall
Child Care Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 744-3939, ext. 316

Morris Community YMCA
(Serving Morris School District 54 and Saratoga School District 60C)

Jordan Overton
Youth and Family Director
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (815) 513-8080, ext. 513

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YMCA Members Invited to Participate Fitness Under the Sun Group Exercise Classes

The Y is excited to kickstart your summer with refreshing Fitness Under the Sun group exercise classes! These outdoor classes are free and open to the community. See below for details: 

C.W. Avery Family YMCA
(Classes held in the parking lot)

STRONG Nation with Marena
Fridays (June 11-August 13)
8-8:45 a.m.

For any additional questions, please contact:
Kristen Derengowski
Health, Wellness and Dance Director
[email protected]

Morris Community YMCA
(Classes held at Goold Park)

Gentle Yoga with Linette
Thursdays (June 10-July 8)
7-7:45 a.m.

Saturday Sampler
Saturdays (June 12-July 10)
8-8:45 a.m.

Sampler Schedule
Hatha Flow Yoga with Sue (June 12)
STRONG Nation with Crystal (June 19)
Bodyweight Boot Camp with Tifanie (June 26)
Gentle Yoga with Linette (July 3)
Hatha Flow Yoga with Sue (July 10)

For any additional questions, please contact:
Ro Petersen
Health and Wellness Manager
[email protected]

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We Are Stronger Together – Illinois Enters Phase 5

With the state of Illinois having entered Phase 5 of the state’s reopening plan, we are excited to share that the YMCA has returned to full capacity in our facilities, programs, and classes, as permitted by state guidelines.

The following facility and program modifications are in effect beginning Friday, June 11, unless otherwise indicated:

Masks and Face Coverings

In line with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and local, state, and federal health officials, Y members who are not fully vaccinated should wear masks or face coverings when visiting YMCA facilities. Fully vaccinated individuals who prefer to wear masks when visiting the Y are welcome and encouraged to do so.

Masks or face coverings will still be required for all children and counselors in summer day camp when indoors. Masks or face coverings will not be required for outdoor activities.  The Y will continue to monitor for updates to childcare guidelines released by the state of Illinois.

Children and Y employees, who are not fully vaccinated, should wear a mask or face covering when participating in indoor sports camps, leagues, or classes. Masks or face coverings will not be required for outdoor activities.

PLEASE NOTE: YMCA programs held at offsite community locations and schools, including summer day camp and sports camp programs, will be required to follow mask guidelines set forth by the host locations. Additional information will be shared with offsite program participants in the coming days.

Health Screenings

YMCA members will no longer be required to answer health screening questions upon entering YMCA facilities. We encourage members to refrain from visiting the YMCA if they are feeling unwell.

At this time, health screenings will still be required for children in summer day camp. The Y will continue to monitor for updates to childcare guidelines released by the state of Illinois.

Reservations

Because our facilities will be returning to full capacity, members will no longer be required to make reservations to use the wellness centers, gyms, or pools. Reservations will still be required for group exercise and water fitness classes. Reservations will also still be required for high school and adult basketball at the C.W. Avery Family YMCA. Reservations can be made up to 24 hours in advance through the YMCA On the Go App, by calling the Y, or by visiting the Membership Desk.

To keep everyone healthy and safe, members are encouraged to continue to practice social distancing when visiting the YMCA.

Kids Corner

Effective Monday, June 14, Kids Corner will once again be open to children, ages 6 months and up, at the C.W. Avery Family and Morris Community YMCAs. Per guidance from the state of Illinois, masks or face coverings should be worn by children, ages 2 and up, in Kids Corner.

For updated hours, please click here.

Saunas and Steam Rooms

Saunas and steam rooms will reopen for member use on Friday, June 11.

STAYING HEALTHY TOGETHER

On behalf of the YMCA, we’d like to thank you for your continued cooperation as we have worked together to navigate through the state’s reopening plan over the past year. Because the safety of our YMCA community is our number one priority, we will continue to follow guidance from local, state, and federal health officials and will communicate with our members immediately should state or federal guidelines change.

To learn more, select your local branch below:

C.W. Avery Family YMCA 
Galowich Family YMCA
Morris Community YMCA

Thank you for your support of the YMCA. We are so grateful that you have stayed with us and look forward to seeing you at the Y very soon.

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