Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Healthy Lifestyles Happen Here: Tristan Borzick’s Y Story

At the Y, we help our members achieve their health and wellness goals by building a welcoming and supportive community. It’s this fellowship that has made a significant difference for C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Tristan Borzick, who has lost more than 30 pounds since the start of the year.

“I have previously tried multiple diets and gym and quit. I honestly feel if it wasn’t for the YMCA and the support from members that it would have been the same outcome with previous attempts,” Tristan said.

Tristan, a former college athlete, was determined to get back in shape after realizing he had gone too long without keeping up a solid fitness routine. 

“I never cared what I ate or did because I could lose it in practice. Over the years, I continued that same regimen and as I got older it caught up with me,” he said. “I found myself being too lazy and not motivated to do many things outside of work and coaching my kids.”

When he started visiting the Y, Tristan asked the staff about health and wellness programs and group fitness classes were suggested as an easy way to get involved. 

“I never did aerobic classes because I assumed it would be too hard. I was definitely wrong. My first class was Boot Camp and I absolutely fell in love with the class. The workout was fun, the group was motivating and welcoming. It made me feel like I was a part of a team again. That class fueled me to go to the weights after and continue my workouts,” he said. 

Tristan said he started to go to classes with his wife Monique and eventually added Step, Cardio, and HIIT classes to his schedule.

“At first I was self conscious, feeling like I would fail, but the encouragement was there from others in the class that were in my position when they first started. Their words motivated me to stick with it and prove to myself I could do it,” he said. 

Tristan said working out at the Y has improved his quality of life and added a sense of accountability to his health and wellness.

“We now have a treadmill at home and we have placed a phrase on our wall that says ‘Do it for Them’ regarding our kids and never going back to an unhealthy lifestyle,” he said. “The people we have met along our short journey have been nothing but amazing. We haven’t been able to experience every instructor, but definitely want to give thanks to Kevin, Suzuka, Marenda, and Suzanne.”

We are so happy to have Tristan and his family in our Y community and wish him well as he continues to work toward his health and wellness goals.  

If you would like to share your Y story, tell us about your success by using the online form available here.

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Greater Joliet Area YMCA Invites Families to Celebrate Healthy Kids Day

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA is so excited to celebrate healthy kids day at each of our branch locations. Each site will feature fun educational activities and active play to keep kids moving and learning, helping them maintain healthy habits and academic skills to achieve their goals and reach their full potential. Healthy Kids Day events are free and open to the community.

GALOWICH FAMILY YMCA 
Friday, April 28
4-7 p.m.

In addition to participating in a fun series of health and wellness activities, attendees will also receive a goodie bag and gain entrance into special raffles. Prizes include Y swag and a free summer membership. See below for a full schedule.

COMMUNITY RESOURCE FAIR – 4-7 p.m.
YMCA partners and local organizations will be on hand to provide families with important information.

SNACK MAKING – 4:30-6:30 p.m.
Kids will craft fun ‘insect’ snacks that look like bugs using fruits and vegetables.

BOUNCE HOUSE – 5-7 p.m.
Open to children ages 9 and under.

INFLATABLE OBSTACLE COURSE – 5-7 p.m.
Participants will be swim tested prior to starting the obstacle course. Families will need to bring their own swimsuits and towels.

FAMILY ZUMBA FITNESS CLASS – 5-5:20 p.m.
Feel the rhythm and get your groove on with this fun dance class!

KIDS AND CARDIO FITNESS CLASS – 5:30-5:50 p.m.
Your heart will be pumping with this energetic interval workout!

FAMILY BOOT CAMP – 6-6:20 p.m.
This class will test your strength and agility!

If you have any questions about YMCA Healthy Kids Day, please contact Equity & Engagement Director Aracely Rubio at [email protected] or (815) 744-3939, ext. 328

MORRIS COMMUNITY YMCA
Friday, April 28
5:30-7:30 p.m.

Stop by the Y and enjoy:

– Healthy snack making with Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers

– An interactive gardening demonstration

– A family group fitness class

– Arts and crafts

And so much more!

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register all individuals that will be in attendance.

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about YMCA Healthy Kids Day, please contact Youth and Family Director Jordan Overton at [email protected] or (815) 513-8080, ext. 513

C.W. AVERY FAMILY YMCA 
Saturday, April 29
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Stop by the Y and enjoy:

– An energetic family fitness class
– An interactive gardening demonstration
– Crafts to help support mindful breathing
– Fun in our bounce houses
– A special THRIVE Dance Team performance
– Swimming in the Family Pool from 12:30-1:30 p.m.

And so much more!

PLEASE NOTE: Registration is required and children must be accompanied by an adult. Please register all individuals that will be in attendance.

REGISTER TODAY

If you have any questions about YMCA Healthy Kids Day, please contact Youth and Family Director Shannon Stawikowski at [email protected] or (815) 267-8600, ext. 212

 

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Staying Active For Life: Roger Powell’s Y Story

March Madness is underway! When it comes to basketball, few can match the passion of Galowich Family YMCA member Roger Powell.

Powell, who played basketball at Illinois State and was inducted into the Redbirds Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998, first became a member of the Y at the Ottawa Street location in downtown Joliet more than 50 years ago. And, to this day, he can still be found patrolling the courts in the Galowich gymnasium.

“Some of the younger guys ask me to play with them. I might not be able to go as fast, but if I get past halfcourt, they are in trouble. All I’ve got to do is get past half court and I can make my moves,” he said.

Powell, 68, said his daily routine is what keeps him feeling young and healthy.

“The early bird catches the worm, so I get up at 5:30 in the morning and I’ll get to the Y by 6,” he said. “I’ll shoot hoops and then I’ll do 500 sit-ups. Not 5, not 50, 500. I do some upper body lifting before I get on the bike for 5 or 6 miles. When I get done with that, I walk on the treadmill for 2 or 3 miles. That gets me to lunch time. I sit down in the lobby, have one or two coffees, and talk to people.”

Powell greets nearly every person who walks through the doors and his friendly demeanor shines in conversation, particularly when it comes to sports.

“You have to talk to people to connect and one way to talk to people is through sports. Everybody likes sports, whether it’s baseball, football, or basketball,” he said. 

Recent talk has been focused on the NCAA Tournament and Powell’s son, Roger Jr., who serves as an assistant coach for the Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball team.

“I told Roger that they were probably going to struggle early in the season, but as they would get closer to the NCAA tournament they would be a better team. That’s what has happened,” Powell Sr. said. “When they played St. Mary’s for the first time they got beat, then when they played St. Mary’s in the conference tournament they won by almost 30.”   

Powell watched the Bulldogs opening weekend wins over Grand Canyon University and TCU and said that seeing his son coach is always a rewarding experience.

“I used to bring Roger to the Y when he was little. I know he works hard at everything he does,” Powell said. “I really think he’s going to get a head coaching job soon.”

And, even if a national title eludes the Bulldogs this season, Powell said nothing will stop him from coming into the Y with a positive attitude. 

“I’m a dedicated man and I’m a blessed man. I’m strong and I feel good. That’s the important thing,” he said.

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Set to Offer American Red Cross CPR/First Aid Certification Courses

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, also known as CPR, is an emergency life-saving technique that’s performed when the heart stops beating. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of hospital walls annually, which makes bystander CPR extremely important. Immediate CPR can double or triple the chances of a person’s survival.

If you’re looking to learn this vital skill, be sure to register to attend one of three American Red Cross certification classes being hosted by the C.W. Avery Family YMCA this spring. In addition to CPR, participants will lear First-Aid skills including the use of an Epi-Pen. 

Friday, March 3
4-7 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Saturday, April 8
9 a.m.-Noon
REGISTER TODAY

Friday, April 28
4-7 p.m.
REGISTER TODAY

Cost:
$50 for Facility Members
$75 for Community Members

PLEASE NOTE: Participants must be at least 12 years old 

To learn more, please contact Aquatics Director Cindy Moss at [email protected] or (815) 267-8600, ext. 228.

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Ignite Your Passion: Carl Smith’s Y Story

When you join the Y, you’re not just joining a gym. In addition to helping members stay healthy, the Y provides opportunities to find a greater sense of community. This is true for individuals like Galowich Family YMCA member and volunteer Carl Smith. Carl is a regular friendly face in the Y’s fitness center, and his passion for the Y can be seen through his volunteer leadership on the YMCA Board of Directors and Galowich Family YMCA Advisory Council. You can learn more about Carl in the Q&A below:

Q: Why did you join the Y?

Carl: I grew up in Channahon and I started coming to the Galowich Family YMCA when it first opened. My friends and I would come to the Y a few nights a week to play basketball. Then, about 13 or 14 years ago, I moved back to the area with my family and we joined on a family membership.

Q: How has the Y impacted your life? 

Carl: The best thing for me in terms of personal growth has been the change to my health that I’ve been able to sustain. I hit a high-water mark of 212 pounds, which was not good for a guy of my height. I kept coming to the fitness center and I would do work on the track. I got down to 182 pounds. When I’m here, I like to do a lot of the things I remember from the fitness training I did when I was in the military, things like chin-ups and leg raises. It’s rewarding now to hear people say I don’t look my age.

Q: Why were you interested in becoming a volunteer board member? 

Carl: Years ago, I became good friends with Fred Wells. Fred is a great guy and he was a member of the Galowich Advisory Council. He would always ask for feedback and one day he said ‘Is anyone interested in helping our Y move forward and improve?’ When I said ‘yes’, he actually invited me to one of the council meetings. I enjoyed it, and I ended up being able to join the council. A couple years after that, I was approached about joining the Board of Directors. It’s interesting because for a long time I didn’t know all of the things the Y did in the community. Now I wear the Y on my sleeve. I’m very proud of the Y.

Q: What do you think is the most important way the Y impacts the community?

Carl: YMCA programs are great for the entire family and, as a parent, that has always been important to me. At the Y, kids are safe, they’re respected, and they are going to learn. That’s what the Y has given to our communities and that’s why I enjoy being involved with the Y.

Q: Why are you excited about the future of the Y? 

Carl: I’m a member of the Facilities Committee, which I absolutely love, and this is an exciting time to be a part of this organization. The Morris Hospital YMCA is coming online, and I’ve been so impressed with the work President and CEO Katy Leclair and Chief Operating Officer Missy Durkin have done to get us ready for this project. I can’t wait to see construction begin on that building.

Q: Do you have any advice for those interested in joining the Y?

Carl: For every person who walks through the door, the Y has a way to help. So don’t be afraid to ask questions. The staff here at the Y are just like you, they know what you’re going through, and they can help you find what you need.

We are so proud to have Carl in our YMCA community and thank him for his enthusiasm, leadership, and continued support.

If you are looking to start your Y journey, there is no better time to join than during our extended New Year’s Membership Sale. Join by February 6 and you’ll pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120! 

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We Appreciate You: February Check-In Challenge

At the Y, you’ll find countless opportunities to get moving and experience the joy of better health. All it takes is one first step! To help you along your health and wellness journey, we are excited to announce our February Member Appreciation Check-in Challenge.

Facility members who check into any Greater Joliet Area YMCA branch eight times during the month of February will be entered for a chance to win three personal training sessions. Stop by and see us!

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