Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Registration Underway for 2023 YMCA Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge

Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge Starting November 13

Our 8-week Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge will help you get in shape and keep the weight off during the holiday season. We have a great plan to help you adopt healthy eating and exercise habits while saying ‘No’ to those tempting holiday cravings.

Are you up for the challenge?

If you can maintain your weight within 2 pounds for 8 weeks (November 13-January 6), you will receive a $20 YMCA credit that can be used towards any fitness program, including personal training. If you gain more than 2 pounds during this eight-week challenge, your fee will be donated in your name to the Y’s Mission Strong Fund.

There will be two mandatory weigh-ins:
Week 1 (some time between November 13 and November 18)
Week 8 (some time between January 2 and January 6)

There will also be optional weigh-in:
Week 4 (some time between December 4 and December 9)

As part of this fun-filled Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge, you will receive:

  • A one-of-a-kind YMCA Holiday Weight Maintenance Challenge T-shirt
  • Weekly emails with workout tips, healthy holiday recipes and special fitness challenges, designed specifically for challenge participants

Let’s have a little fun this holiday season. Together, we will help you celebrate the holiday season happy and healthy!

Registration is now open. Select your branch below and sign up today!

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Galowich Family YMCA

Morris Community YMCA

Cost: $25

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Partnering with Joliet Junior College to Host Youth Basketball Clinic

The YMCA is teaming up with Joliet Junior College (JJC) this fall to host a one-day basketball clinic for kids in grades K-8. This FREE co-ed clinic, which will be taught by JJC’s Head Women’s Basketball Coach Shaun Sanderson and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Danny Turner and members of their respective teams will focus on teaching young athletes the fundamentals of the game of basketball, including dribbling, passing, shooting, and ball handling.

Date:
Saturday, October 21
Times:
9-10:30 a.m. (Grades K-2)
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (Grades 3-8)
Location:
Joliet Junior College Event Center
1215 Houbolt Road
Joliet, IL 60431

This event is free and open to the community.

REGISTER TODAY

Following the clinic, all participants and their families are invited to cheer on the JJC women’s basketball team as they take on the Detroit Dodgers in an exhibition game at 1 p.m.


ABOUT COACH SANDERSON
As the winningest coach in the program’s history, Coach Sanderson has been at the helm of the JJC women’s basketball program for 16 seasons. Since becoming the head coach at JJC, Sanderson has helped more than 40 athletes extend their playing careers at four-year institutions and has coached 22 all-conference players, 18 all-region players, three All-Americans, and five Academic All-Americans.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT COACH TURNER
Coach Turner became the head men’s basketball coach at JJC in 2022, bringing more than 30 years of coaching experience at both the high school and collegiate levels to the Wolves program. Turner has also worked as an instructor at several high-profile camps in the Chicagoland area, including the Chicago Bulls Basketball Academy, Northwestern University, and DePaul University basketball camps.

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2023 Golf Classic Raises More Than $63,000 for YMCA Mission Strong Fund

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA was proud to kickstart an impactful fall during our second annual Mission Strong Golf Classic, which was held on Thursday, September 21 at ‘The Creek’ in Morris. It was truly a day to remember as an inspired and generous group of YMCA supporters braved rainy conditions and helped raise more than $63,000 at the sold-out event. Funds raised from the outing, which was generously presented by Midland States Bank, will benefit the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, helping to ensure that no one is turned away from the Y due to the inability to pay.

Golfers enjoyed lunch, 18 holes of golf, on-course games, and an evening program that included a cocktail reception, dinner, and exciting raffles. Participants also had the opportunity to learn more about the Y’s mission and pledge their support by making a charitable donation to the Y’s scholarship program through our ‘Clear the Pond’ fundraiser, which raised more than $5,000 for individuals and families in our Y community. 

This year’s Mission Strong Golf Classic volunteer planning committee included: Madi Brown, Maria Macris, Kristin Orban, Whitney Valdivia, and Barb Ziegner. Donnie Chestnutt, Dori Fugate, Carolyn Hamilton, Erin Lightbody, and Jackson White provided staff support.

Our generous sponsors included:

Presenting Sponsor 
Midland States Bank

Leading Sponsors
Narvick Bros., Lumber/Concrete General Contractors
Old National Bank
Pursuit Wealth Group

Titanium Sponsors
Ascension Saint Joseph
Guy & Jan Christensen
D’Arcy Buick GMC
Grundy Bank
Edward Jones
Hollywood Casino Joliet
Hope Bound Development Corporation
Joliet Bank & Trust, Old Plank Trail Community Bank – A Wintrust Community Bank
T R Miller Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
Window World of Joliet

Graphite Sponsor
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers

Golfer’s Choice Sponsors
The Law Offices of John F. Argoudelis
Baish Excavating
Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag
Funeral Home, Ltd.
Suzy and Chris Brown
C and J Avery Family Foundation
ExxonMobil
Guru Hospitality Group
L. DeGeus & Associates, Inc.
Ron Tirapelli Ford
Turk Furniture
Vroon, Jaworski & Preston, PLLC

Exclusive Hole Sponsors
Associated Orthodontists, LTD
D Construction
Hamilton & Antonsen, Ltd.
Old National Bank
Ozinga
Plainfield Shorewood Area Chamber of Commerce
Speedway Auto Parts
Young Company

Hole Sponsors
American Family Insurance – Nick Diorio
Margie Bonuchi, Plainfield Village Trustee
The Butkus Family
Conley Excavating & Construction
Cuttin Edge Lawn to Landscaping LLC
Fidelity Title Insurance Company
Erica Helland-Rath RE/MAX Top Properties
Hometown National Bank
Ron & Kathy Kazmar, Proud Supporters of the YMCA
Kozol Bros., Inc.
L. DeGeus & Associates, Inc.
Mack and Associates, PC
Mahoney, Silverman & Cross, LLC
Old Second Bank
Rock Solid Flooring
SERVPRO of Joliet
Silver Cross Hospital
Three Rivers Title Company
Wermer, Rogers, Doran & Ruzon, LLC
Howard Wright – State Farm Insurance Agency

In-Kind Support
Graphic Promotions, Inc.

We look forward to seeing everyone at the next YMCA Mission Strong Golf Classic, which will be held Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Watch for more details coming soon. To make a tax-deductible donation to the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund, please click here.

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Let Your Talent Shine: 2023 YMCA Holiday Card Design Contest

The YMCA’s Holiday Card Design Contest is back! Open to Y Members, ages 6-12, the contest is the perfect opportunity for kids to let their artistic talents shine and help spread a little cheer this upcoming holiday season.

Here’s how to enter:

1. Download an entry form and print it out. Entry forms are also available at the Y’s Front Desk.

2. Grab some crayons, markers and colored pencils and draw a picture that depicts your favorite things about the holidays and the winter season. From snowmen to Christmas trees, to candy canes and snowflakes, we can’t wait to see your original designs!

3. Complete the entry form and drop it off at the Y.

We will select our three favorite designs—one from each age group—to be featured on the Y’s holiday card.

Age Groups

  • Ages 6-7
  • Ages 8-9
  • Ages 10-12

Each of our winners will receive a YMCA Sweatshirt and other exciting prizes.

Download Entry Form

The deadline to enter is Friday, November 3.

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Celebrate Halloween at the YMCA


Prepare yourselves! This October, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA has a series of spooky, Halloween-themed activities planned for you and your family. Join us for ‘Spook-tacular’ fun!

Galowich Family YMCA

Kids’ Night Out: Floating Pumpkin Patch
Friday, October 6
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Did you know pumpkins can float?! Kids will pick out a pumpkin from our floating pumpkin patch, enjoy open swim, and then head into the Kid Zone room to eat pizza and paint their pumpkin! Pre-registration is required at least 48 hours in advance. PLEASE NOTE: All participants will be swim tested prior to the start of the event and will need to bring their own swimsuits and towels.

Cost: $10 for Facility Members/$20 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAY

Friday Family Fitness: Monster Bash
Friday, October 13
6-7 p.m.

Join us for a fun, family-friendly, and Halloween themed Zumba Party! Costumes are encouraged!

Cost: $5
REGISTER TODAY

Trunk-or-Treat
Friday, October 20
6-8 p.m.

Bring your family to this spook-tacular event! Decorated cars will fill our parking lot and children can go from trunk to trunk to collect candy and play games. This provides a fun and safe environment for everyone to enjoy. Don’t forget to come dressed in your Halloween costume!

Cost: Free and open to the community.

If you are interested in volunteering or hosting a Trunk-or-Treat vehicle, contact Youth and Family/Sports Director JC Wagner at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 317.

Galowich Family YMCA Fab 50 Halloween Bash
Wednesday, October 25
11:30 a.m-2 p.m.

Put on your best costume and dancing shoes because the Galowich Family YMCA is inviting the community to a Halloween Bash! Join us for an afternoon of dancing and fun with entertainment provided by Sandi Haynes and the Blue Rocket Band!

Cost: $15
REGISTER TODAY

Morris Community YMCA

Trunk-or-Treat
Saturday, October 21
10-11:30 a.m.

Location:
Morris Grade School
2001 Dupont Ave
Morris, IL 60450

It’s Halloween time and we’re having a bash! Wear your best costume and do a little Monster Dash! Come trunk or treat from the numerous trunks provided by local businesses.

Cost: Free and open to the community

If you would like to host a trunk during this event, please contact Youth and Family Director Jordan Overton at [email protected] or (815) 513-8080, ext. 513.

C.W. Avery Family YMCA

Kids’ Night Out: Halloween Costume Party
Friday, October 27
6:30-9 p.m.

Join us for a variety of activities such as games, sports, movies, and arts & crafts. Be sure to wear your Halloween costumes!

Cost: $15 for Facility Members/$30 for Community Members
REGISTER TODAY

Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 28
1-3:30 p.m.

Stop by the C.W. Avery Family YMCA for our exciting Halloween Spooktacular! We will have a Trunk-or-Treat with a haunted house as well as games, crafts, hayrides, bounce houses, and more!

Cost: Free and open to the community

If you are interested in hosting a trunk, please contact Youth and Family Director Shannon Stawikowski at [email protected] or (815) 267-8600, ext. 212.

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Galowich Family YMCA Offering Exciting Fall Programming for Tweens

The Y is the perfect place for tweens to learn new skills, hang with their friends, and be themselves! This fall, the Galowich Family YMCA is excited to offer programs and events for tweens including:

Chillaxin’ at the Y
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
5-7:30 p.m.

Have fun chilling out in the YMCA Innovation Center!

Backpacks and Snacks
Ages 10-14
Tuesdays from 5:30-6:15 p.m. 

It’s all about balancing snacking with fruits, veggies, and healthy grub. Join the YMCA in learning more about making healthier snack choices! Our staff and the kitchen are equipped to provide knowledge and to show our teens how they can fuel themselves with healthy snacks after school.

Cost:
Fall 2* – $36 for Facility Members, $72 for Community Members
Fall 3 – $45 for Facility Members, $90 for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

*Prorated rate, no class on Halloween.

Teens and Technology
Ages 10-14
Mondays from 6:30-7:15 p.m. 

Coding, Printing, Specs, and Tech! Find your inner innovator with the Y?s new technology program. This unique experience will provide you with opportunities to explore and learn more than ever before about technology!

Cost:
$45 for Facility Members, $90 for Community Members

REGISTER TODAY

The Y Makerspace
Ages 10-17

Monday, October 16 – Photo Fun!
5-6:15 p.m. 

Do you enjoy taking photos? Join us to learn the basics of photography and take some fun photos!

REGISTER TODAY

Monday, November 13 – 3D Print It!
5-6:15 p.m. 

Learn the basics of 3D printing. Make it and take it home!

REGISTER TODAY

Cost:
$10 for Facility Members, $20 for Community Members

Tweens’ Night Out
Ages 10-14

Friday, October 6 – 3v3 Olympic Basketball
5:30-7:30 p.m. 

This one-night basketball tournament is sure to have everyone jumping for joy!

REGISTER TODAY

Friday, November 3 – Video Game Night
5:30-7:30 p.m. 

Do you enjoy playing video games? Bring a friend for a night of video game play!

REGISTER TODAY

Cost:
$10 for Facility Members, $20 for Community Members

American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training
Ages 11-15

Participants in this class will learn the information and skills necessary to provide safe and responsible care to infant and school age children in the absence of parents. Emphasis will be placed on safety and safe play, first aid and developing skills in leadership and professionalism. Each participant will take home their own training manual and materials. Participants should bring a lunch.

Monday, October 9
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Wednesday, November 22
10 am.-2 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Cost:
$75 for Facility Members, $150 for Community Members

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