YMCA of the Capital Area Newsletter - Y Connection    

March 2025

YMCA CORPORATE CUP

We are excited to announce the YMCA Corporate Cup will take place on March 29. Registration for this 5K and 1 mile Run/Walk is still open.

The YMCA Corporate Cup offers a 3.1 mile course starting and ending in front of the River Center downtown. The run will consist of four race divisions with awards for the winners in each division. Join us for fun, prizes, entertainment, and more! Register today!

EASTER BASKET DRIVE

Help us celebrate Easter by donating Easter baskets that will go to children in Foster Care! We will be accepting donations at all of our YMCA locations until March 28. We have a wide range of ages that we are looking to help (all the way to age 17).

Here are some possible items to donate:

• Candy

• Stuffed animals

• Blankets

• Mugs

• Hygiene Items

• Pre-filled eggs

• Pre-filled baskets

• $5 Gift Cards

A. C. LEWIS YMCA UPDATE

The sports flooring at the new A. C. Lewis YMCA has been installed upstairs. Our locker rooms are coming together with the installation of lockers, and the elevator is scheduled to be completed within the next week. Both of our family locker rooms are completely tiled and ready for the shower hardware. We can't wait for all of our members to see our new A. C. Lewis YMCA this spring!

Follow our progress on our construction page!

GREAT SUMMERS START HERE

At YMCA Summer Camps, children have the chance to laugh, grow, lead, form lasting friendships, and experience the joy of summer! Our Summer Day Camps provide a safe, engaging environment where campers can take part in fun, developmentally-appropriate activities that promote learning and personal growth. Camp is offered for children ages 4 - 12 and is offered Monday through Friday from 7am until 6pm. We also offer Tennis Summer Camps as well!

Click HERE for more information.

WOMEN LEADERS WITHIN THE Y MOVEMENT

In honor of Women's History Month, the Y is honored to commemorate and celebrate female figures within the history of the YMCA movement who were vital to the success and empowerment of all current and future women leaders in the Y.

Ellen Brown

Ellen Brown was the first female YMCA employee in 1886 when she was hired to serve as the “boys work secretary.” Brown taught a night class at the Y that grew so rapidly, it eventually became a whole department!

Suzanne McCormick

In 2021, Suzanne McCormick became the first woman to serve as President and CEO of YMCA of the USA. A 30-year nonprofit executive, Suzanne is a sought-after speaker and thought leader in the nonprofit and social impact sectors. In her role, she serves as an inspiration and symbol of what’s possible for future women leaders, including the millions of girls and young women who engage with the Y as members, participants, staff and volunteers.

To read more of these amazing stories, click here!

HEALTHY KIDS DAY! SAVE THE DATE:

APRIL 26!

DIABETES ALERT DAY

Diabetes Alert Day is March 25. More than 1 in 3 American adults have prediabetes, but many don’t know they have it. On Diabetes Alert Day, the Y wants you to know the risks for type 2 diabetes. Take the 60-second American Diabetes Association’s risk test to find out.

NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH

March is National Nutrition Month and the Y has collected recipes from other Ys across the country that you can try with your family! These delicious and nutritious recipes are sure to be a big hit at the dinner table. 

Slow Cooker Chicken Vegetable Stew

Slow-cooker meals are a great way to serve a healthy meal while saving yourself cooking time in the evening! Try this Slow Cooker Chicken Vegetable Stew from the Capital Area YMCA. 

Crispy Smashed Potatoes

Dinner time gets a boost with these Crispy Smashed Potatoes from our friends at the Dr. Yum Project. Be sure to check out the rest of their site for more recipes, a meal-o-matic generator, healthy eating tips and much more!

Mint Chocolate Shake

This Mint Chocolate Shake from the Summit Area YMCA is a great way to start the day when you’re on the go!

Hearty Pancakes

Weekend mornings are for pancakes! Try these Hearty Pancakes from the Joplin Family YMCA for a breakfast that’s tasty and filling! 

MONTHLY SPOTLIGHTS

This month's member spotlight is Cynthia Carter!

Cynthia has been a member of the Y for about a year and she enjoys the Y because of the community and it's Christian-based principles. Some of her favorite activities to do at the Y are Pickleball and Ping Pong!

When asked how the Y has impacted her life, Cynthia says, "Since my husband passed, it has given me something special to do. It also brings back memories of when we used to come here together."

To anyone who is interested in joining the Y Cynthia would tell them, "Come aboard! You will find community, friendly staff… overall it’s a lovely environment. It’s family-like. It has something for everyone, even the kids."

This month's employee spotlight is Carol Falgout!

Carol has worked at they Y for 18 years in the Kid Zone and childcare. Her favorite part about working for the Y is the happiness that she sees in the kids and the hugs they give her.

Carol Joined the Y after she retired. She was spending her retirement watching kids in her neighborhood when a friend told her about a childcare opening at the Y.

Carol is an amazing employee and the Y is so happy to have her!

Y APP CHALLENGE

A new month means a new Y app challenge! Stay motivated with new challenges added to our Y app every month. Designed to keep you moving, these challenges also give you a shot at winning exciting Y prizes. And the best part? They’re FREE to join!

Download the Y app for free from the app store by searching "YMCA of the Capital Area". Click on "community" at the bottom of the Y app and click "challenges", then click "join challenge" at the bottom to participate. This month's challenge is to run or walk 15 miles throughout the month of March. 

Congratulations to our January Challenge winners:

Justin A. and Lanie M.

KIDNEY HEALTH SCREENING

Join us on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the ExxonMobil YMCA, from 8:00am – Noon, for a free kidney screening event. The event is in partnership with the National Kidney Foundation of Louisiana, DaVita, and Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church. Appointments are recommended, and walk-ins are welcome. Please schedule your appointment today here (Link: https://forms.gle/YjPdvwXKack5gC3G9) or call 504.861.4500 to schedule. The screening will include a urine analysis, blood draw, and a blood pressure check.

PROGRAMS

Tennis Programs

Group Exercise

Y360

Swimming Lessons

A. C. Lewis YMCA Construction Updates

Reach and Rise Mentor Program

March 3 and 5: Holiday camp, 7am until 6pm

March 4: Mardi Gras, A. C. Lewis YMCA, Americana YMCA, Dow Westside YMCA, and Paula G. Manship YMCA are open until 1pm. All other locations are closed.

March 9: Daylight Savings Time begins

March 11: T-Shirt Tuesday, Wear a Y shirt today.

March 17: St. Patrick's Day

March 25: Diabetes Alert Day

March 26: Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program FREE Nutrition Class 

March 28: Friend Friday, Y members can bring a guest for free!

March 29: Corporate Cup

March 29: Free Kidney Screening at the ExxonMobil YMCA