MEMBER UPDATE - OCTOBER 2020

We are overwhelmed and thankful for the continued support of our YMCA as we continue to offer safe and impactful programs and services throughout Portage County. There is still more work to do to meet the ever-changing and growing needs within our community so we can keep our facility open in the short-term and sustainable for the long-term. Thank you for staying with us.

FALL PROGRAMS We are now offering a Fall 2 session of programming. There will no longer be a printed program guide so you can find all our program information on our website at www.spymca.org. Simply click “Programs” and the program area or department you are interested in. Once there, click “Program Guide” for more information. You can also register for many of our programs online by clicking the “Register” or “Online Registration” buttons found in many places on our site. FALL 2 SESSION – BEGINS NOVEMBER 2 (MEMBERS ONLY) Registration for MEMBERS ONLY begins on October 26. We will be offering swim lessons, basketball, volleyball, personal training, gymnastics, and so much more! Please check out our website for more information. A Fall 3 session will be offered for some programs as well. Fall 3 registration will begin on November 16. Visit www.spymca.org as you always have – it might look different with our newly upgraded website! Check out these headings to find what you need:   “Memberships” Membership Information, policies and benefits. “Programs” Under each program area you will find more information, a program guide and a registration link. “Schedules” Interactive schedules for availability of pool, gym, racquetball, and group exercise.   If you need help navigating our new website, please call or stop by the Member Services Desk and we will be happy to help!

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 45th Annual Frostbite Run/Walk presented by Community 1st Bank - Virtual Event Kicks Off December 5 and runs through December 12. Watch our website for details and registration information. NEW APP Coming Soon! Watch for details about how to update or load our new APP!

HOURS OF OPERATION

STRONGER TOGETHER We truly believe that the YMCA can play a vital role in helping to 'flatten the curve' and keep people healthy during this pandemic. There is strong evidence that shows that physical exercise is one of the best ways to defend against the virus. In addition, providing a safe place to go amid this pandemic reduces the impact of social isolation and other issues affecting an individual's mental health. However, we must remain open to provide these critical services and our ability to remain open depends directly on the behavior and actions of our staff and members working together. The Y’s focus on social responsibility means that we must do all that we can to be part of the solution and WE NEED YOUR HELP! It is important that you practice and model the proven safety measures by: ·      Physically distancing yourself from others - at least 6 feet or more ·      Wearing a proper face covering at all times and in all locations ·      Washing your hands frequently ·      Following disinfecting guidelines for all equipment ·      Practicing all safety protocols at the Y AND in your personal life We have amplified our efforts to address members who are not following safety protocols throughout our facility. THANK YOU for your overwhelming support and cooperation to comply with our efforts. You truly care about our Y and our community and are helping to KEEP THE Y OPEN. We truly are STRONGER TOGETHER.

THANK YOU Thank you to everyone who reached out with calls, cards, gifts, and compassion after the unexpected passing of our Member Service Director, Andria Cook. We are truly thankful for your love and support. In a time of such uncertainty, we value your thoughtfulness and kindness. Andria is truly missed at our YMCA, but her memory and spirit will live on each day. Please continue to pray for Andria's family and friends during this difficult time. "Sometimes life gets tricky, sometimes things go wrong. Sometimes you feel out of place or like you don't belong. Sometimes bad things happen, sometimes you'll feel scared. But focus on the positives; seek them they'll be there. If your brain won't stop whirring, and you can't sleep at night, Step out of the darkness and look into the light.  The awful things won't vanish, but don't let them consume.  That just makes you miserable and magnifies the gloom. So focus on your blessings, and let them shine through. Don't let the negatives, be what defines you." ~ Ms. Moem

WEDNESDAY E-LEARNING PROGRAM Thanks to the support of the Portage County Covid Relief Fund, United Way of Portage County and the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, our Wednesday E-Learning program is providing the necessary support for students when in-person classes are on hold. For additional information, please call the YMCA at 715.342.2999.

STAY CONNECTED Just a reminder, member communications are going out through EMAIL. If you are using an at home email, or are not receiving correspondence from the Y, please email info@spymca.org put "EMAIL UPDATE" in the subject line. Be sure to email from your preferred email and include your name. Please share this message with others who may not be receiving YMCA communications. You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram for other YMCA news.   Thank you to everyone who has helped the Y to date. Your membership, your grace in following the best practices at the Y and in our community, and your support and encouragement have all been appreciated. Be well, stay safe and we look forward to seeing you at the Y.

Sharon Johnson CEO Stevens Point Area YMCA

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