New Year’s Resolution Solutions from the Hunterdon County YMCA: Joining Fee Waived January 1-8

The New Year is a time for new beginnings! For the Y – a leading nonprofit that strengthens community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility – one of the most important resolutions is to resolve to make positive changes that strengthen individuals as well as entire communities. To encourage local residents to make a positive change by joining the Y, the Hunterdon County YMCA is waiving its joining fee from January 1 through January 8. Families can save up to $105 during this week.


Following are five New Year’s Resolutions the Y recommends for 2012:

1. Live Healthier – Achieving greater health and well-being is all about taking small steps. Take care of your health by eating nutritious foods and being physically active each day – experts recommend 30 minutes of daily physical activity for adults and 60 minutes for kids. This can be achieved throughout the day by incorporating physical activity into your daily routines (i.e., taking stairs instead of elevators, walking instead of driving, etc.) The Y offers many fun opportunities for individuals and families to be active. Visit www.hcymca.org to learn more.

2. Volunteer – Doing good feels good, and giving back to support neighbors benefits everyone involved. Volunteering also provides individuals the opportunity to meet new people and to develop new relationships. Find an opportunity in your community that you may enjoy, such as cleaning your neighborhood park or distributing food at a local food bank. To learn about volunteer opportunities at the Hunterdon County YMCA contact Volunteer Program Administrator Kathy Martini at 908-236-7879 x 14.


3. Help Inspire Children and Teens, Be a Mentor – Children and teens often need caring adults to look up to and seek guidance. By nurturing our youth, we can help them strive to accomplish success and reach their full potential. Whether a relative or neighbor, use your experience and talent to help youth realize who they are and what they can be. The Hunterdon County YMCA offers a variety of mentoring programs. Learn more at www.hcymca.org.

4. Learn Something New – Step out of your comfort zone, have fun and grow by exploring personal interests. Is there a swimming, Zumba or painting class you’ve always wanted to take? Try something new that you’ve always wanted to do, to build your spirit, mind or body. Find opportunities at the Hunterdon County YMCA.


5. Spend Time with Family and Friends – Socializing is good for your well-being and spending time with the people you care most about really helps strengthen meaningful relationships. It also helpful to have a community of people you can reach out to during times of need. So, try to carve out time each month, depending on your schedule, to connect with family and friends, and to get involved with community organizations, such as the Hunterdon County YMCA.


For more information visit www.hcymca.org. To take advantage of the no joining fee offer, stop by either branch of the Hunterdon County YMCA from January 1 through January 8 and speak with a member services representative. The Hunterdon County YMCA’s branches are located at 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington and 1410 Route 22, Annandale.

New Programs for 2012 at the Hunterdon County YMCA

The Winter Session of classes at the Hunterdon County YMCA begins on January 9 and will run through February 26. Open registration begins on December 11. A wide variety of classes and programs have been added for the Winter Session.

Beginning in January the Hunterdon County YMCA will offer Group Core, a 30 minutes group exercise class. Benefits include a strong core, improved athletic performance, and prevention of back pain. Participants use their body weight, weight plates, a towel and a platform.

Also new at the Y for 2012 is Tai Chi (Taiji-Quam Style). Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese system of exercise created for the purpose of achieving a healthy balance between spirit, mind and body. Benefits include improved health, memory, and ability to focus, stress reduction, self-control and artistic expression.

LIVESTRONG® at the YMCA is a new twelve-week program for cancer survivors. Participants increase strength and endurance with certified LIVESTRONG instructors. There is no cost for this program and it is open to members and non-members.

For those at high risk for type 2 diabetes, the YMCA’s Diabetes Prevention Program can help adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle that will help reduce the chances of developing diabetes. In a classroom setting, a trained lifestyle coach will help facilitate a small group of participants in learning about healthier eating, physical activity and other behavior changes over the course of 16 one-hour sessions. After the initial 16 core sessions, participants meet monthly for added support to help maintain progress.

The YMCA has teamed up the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary (Dept. of Homeland Security) to provide a hands-on course, called Paddle Sports America. Classroom and pool components will cover boating safety, boating rules of the road, water rescue and more. Presented by a U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Officer and an experienced YMCA boating instructor. Course fee includes pool time, books and handouts. Parents are encouraged to participate with the children. Scout Groups welcome!

For the home schooled child, the Y will offer Home School Physical Education program on Tuesdays from 1:00-3:00 pm. The PE program includes one hour of sports, games and basic physical education exercises. Participants will also have one-hour of free swim.

YMCA instructor Miss Terri will lead a new class for children ages 4 to 6 called Rockin in the USA. Each week children will “visit” a different state and learn new games, sports and activities specific to each state. This class will be offered at both the Deer Path and Round Valley Branches.

A Triathlon Training Program will begin in February.


The Y will host a Valentines Party and Open House on February 12 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Deer Path Branch. This free event, which is open to the entire community, will feature a moon bounce, open swimming, and an appearance from NJ 101.5 FM.

For more information, or to view the Winter Program Guide online visit www.hcymca.org . The Hunterdon County YMCA is a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Health for the Holidays at the Hunterdon County YMCA

The Hunterdon County YMCA encourages local residents to beat the holiday stress this season by taking time for themselves. To help with this, the YMCA is offering a special six-week Y membership to help the community stay healthy this holiday season. This membership will also help participants get a jump-start on their New Year’s resolutions.

The cost of the six-week membership is $89 and includes a fitness orientation, unlimited fitness classes, babysitting, use of two fitness centers, pool and hot tub. As a bonus, one-hour of Personal Training, a $46 value, is also included. The membership may be started at anytime between now and Nov. 20th and will be valid for six weeks. For more information or to start the six-week membership visit either the Deer Path Branch, 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington, 908-782-1030, or the Round Valley Branch, 1410 Route 22 West, Annandale, 908-236-0055. For more information visit www.hcymca.org .

The Hunterdon County YMCA is a nonprofit organization focused on strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

HUNTERDON COUNTY YMCA HOSTS 20th ANNUAL COMEDY NIGHT

The Hunterdon County YMCA will host its 20th Annual Comedy Night, a New York City Comedy Club inspired evening at the Grand Colonial. The 20th Annual YMCA Comedy Night will held be on Friday, November 18th. Ticket price is $85 and includes a tapas-style menu, dessert, and three premier comedy acts. All proceeds benefit the YMCA financial assistance program, a confidential program making YMCA programs and/or services available to all Hunterdon County community members regardless of an inability to pay

The YMCA’s 20th Annual Comedy Night proudly presents three comedians who have made appearances at the best New York City Comedy Clubs, all of whom are sure to provide an evening full of laughs! The comedians for the 20th Annual Comedy Night are Joe Devito, Dan Wilson, and Ted Alexandro. A social hour with cash bar will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the first act at 8:30 pm.

For Comedy Night information or sponsorship opportunities, please contact Heather Ruggeri at (908) 236-7879 ext. 24 or hruggeri@hcymca.com. Tickets are available for purchase online by visiting www.hcymca.org and clicking on “Special Events”. Tickets can also be purchased at Deer Path and Round Valley Branches of the Hunterdon County YMCA.

YMCA OFFERS COMPLIMENTARY MEMBERSHIPS TO ALL COUNTY SEVENTH GRADERS

In an ongoing effort to improve the health and wellness of Hunterdon County youth, the YMCA will continue to offer complimentary Full Facility Strong Kids Memberships to all seventh graders throughout the County. Seventh grade has proven to be an important time for children to continue to remain active and gain the life-long fitness practices that will help them develop healthy habits. Kids in seventh grade begin to formulate habits that continue into adulthood. This membership initiative is being offered at many YMCAs statewide. The Hunterdon County YMCA has offered a free membership to seventh graders for the past three years.

The seventh grade membership initiative is underwritten by the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign and is made possible through the generosity of individuals, local businesses, and foundations giving to the YMCA’s annual support campaign. The Strong Kids Membership will allow Hunterdon County seventh graders to strengthen behaviors of remaining active, staying fit, gaining a better understanding of nutrition and the importance of continuing these habits into their adult lives.

“We are pleased to be able to offer the Strong Kids membership to all county seventh graders. As an organization, the YMCA hopes to be able to make an impact on these kids and show them that exercise and fitness can be fun. With this foundation, we hope they will continue to lead healthy lifestyles as they go into their teen years and beyond,” said Bruce Black, President/CEO.


The Strong Kids membership includes access to the fitness centers of both the Deer Path and Round Valley branches, (orientation required), use of the Deer Path pool, open gym time and, teen/youth classes. Seventh graders may also take adult fitness classes including Group Power, Group Step, Group Groove and Zumba.

This membership must be taken out in person at either the Deer Path or Round Valley branch of the Hunterdon County YMCA. Proof of grade is required, along with parent or guardian permission. This membership will be active through 8/31/12.

To learn more about the Hunterdon County YMCA, please visit www.hcymca.org or call 908-782-1030 for the Deer Path or 908-236-0055 for the Round Valley branch.

YMCA’s 21st Annual Recognition Dinner Raises Funds for Financial Assistance Program

On Thursday, June 16, 2011 the Hunterdon County YMCA hosted its 21st Annual Recognition Dinner at Courtside Racquet Club honoring The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce for outstanding service in the community.

Through this event the YMCA raised over $45,000 for its financial assistance program. The financial assistance program allows people facing economic and social challenges the opportunity to participate in YMCA programs and services including summer camp, childcare and health and wellness. While the economy is slowly recovering, there is still a great need for YMCA financial assistance. We have already approved request for 56 children to receive assistance this summer. The funds raised through the Annual Recognition Dinner will help local children attend camp, participate in sports and receive childcare provided by the YMCA.

The entire event was coordinated by the volunteer efforts of the YMCA Dinner Committee including Event Chair: Pat Stumpp, Sponsor Chair, Libby McDonald; Auction Chair Mary Clare Lewy, Raffle Chair: Santo Auriemma and additional Committee members, Rebecca Abbate, Deborah Gutschmidt, Lynn Hyman, Colleen Keenan, Bruce Levine, Chris Phelan, Margaret Raymond-Flood, Jim Robinson, Ken Sanchez, M.D., Steve Tipping, Alex Van Veldhuisen, Brenda Willke, Dick Willke, and Robert Zeh.

The Hunterdon County YMCA wishes to acknowledge and sincerely thank all sponsors, contributors, individuals, and organizations who supported and contributed to the success of this year’s event, Gold Sponsors: Archer & Greiner, P.C., ExxonMobil Research & Engineering Co., Tom and Sue Hays, TD Bank, Team Capital Bank, Silver Sponsors: Century Link, Condor Capital Investment Management, Hopewell Valley Community Bank, Norris, McLaughlin & Marcus, P.A., and Royal Cabinet Company. The generosity of these community organizations assists the YMCA in strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

YMCA to Honor Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce at the 21st Annual YMCA Recognition Dinner

On Thursday, June 16, the Hunterdon County YMCA will proudly honor the Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce at the 21st Annual YMCA Recognition Dinner “An Evening Under the Stars” to be held at Courtside Racquet Club in Lebanon, NJ. The YMCA of Hunterdon County has honored key community leaders through the efforts of The Annual Recognition Dinner since 1991. Last year’s event was extraordinarily pivotal in raising over $100,000 benefiting the YMCA community, creating the opportunity to send over 150 kids to summer camp and after school programs as well as access to health, wellness and senior programs for well over 1,000 individuals.

The YMCA will recognize The Hunterdon County Chamber of Commerce, on the occasion of their 95th Anniversary, for its impressive history of promoting local businesses. Under the direction of Jim Robinson, Immediate Past Chair; Nick Pellitta; Current Chair, Chris Phelan, President and CEO and their volunteer Board of Directors, the Chamber embraces the vision of guiding the county’s businesses especially during recent economic challenges. This organization remains steadfast in supporting the success of member organizations by providing leadership, business and professional opportunities and by fostering a favorable business climate.

The event will be held at Courtside Racquet Club in Lebanon, New Jersey and promises to be an exciting evening of dining and entertainment. A campfire themed evening will also feature a variety of auctions showcasing a myriad of prizes to further support this worthwhile cause.

Each year the YMCA’s Annual Recognition Dinner not only honors Hunterdon County’s finest residents and organizations, but it affords the Y an opportunity to continue with its mission of strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. The YMCA believes that no person or family should be denied participation in its programs and/or services due to an inability to pay. Financial scholarships for reduced rates are issued to anyone who qualifies. In 2010, nearly $340,000 of financial assistance through the Y was given to nearly 2,100 people in our community.

For information on sponsorship opportunities or to obtain tickets to the YMCA’s Annual Recognition Dinner, please contact Hilary Kruchowy, Director of Development, at (908) 236-7879 ext. 11.

It’s a Play Date: YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day™ Aims to Get Families Moving Through Play

On Sunday, May 1, the Hunterdon County YMCA is encouraging all kids and parents in Hunterdon County to come to the Y for a play date and commit to being active every day. It’s all part of the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day™ – the nation’s largest health day for families. The free event will take place at the Deer Path Branch, 144 West Woodschurch Road, Flemington from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and feature activities such as Moon Bounce, Face Painting, Healthy Snacks, Music, Games, Open Swimming and a Family Fun Run/Walk at 3:00 pm.

As a leading nonprofit strengthening community through healthy living, the Y holds Healthy Kids Day to teach healthy habits to kids and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity. At a time when one in three children in the United States are overweight or obese (according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), developing healthier habits that include increased physical activity is more important than ever.

“At the Hunterdon County YMCA we know that parents struggle to find the time to incorporate more active play and healthier habits into their kids’ daily routine,” says Bruce Black, Hunterdon County YMCA President/CEO. “Doing so doesn’t have to require extra money or resources. It’s as simple as making a play date with your kids, with two key requirements – be active and have fun!”

As part of Healthy Kids Day, the Y encourages families to make play dates everyday as a simple way to become healthier, more active and connected. The Hunterdon County YMCA recommends five simple activities families can do to play together:

1. Schedule a Game Night: Play games with the kids that incorporate physical activity, such as Charades.
2. Dance, Dance: Turn on your favorite party music and dance! Make this activity more fun with a dance contest.
3. Go Riding: Find a new bike path or park for a fun afternoon outdoors; grab your helmets and go rollerblading or bike riding.
4. Channel Your Inner Youth: Remember playing hopscotch, jump rope, Simon Says or freeze tag as a kid? Teach your favorite childhood game to your kid(s) and play them together.
5. Play Outside: Visit your neighborhood park or camp out in your backyard for some outdoor fun. Get everyone moving with fun sports like soccer, basketball or baseball.


Healthy Kids Day will be celebrated at nearly 1,600 Ys across the country, with more than 700,000 families expected to attend this year.

For more information, call 908-782-1030 or visit www.hcymca.org.

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The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,687 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change.

Does the Snow have you thinking about the SUMMER?

It's getting close to that time of year and we are so excited to start registering all our friends at camp. A SUMMER OF DISCOVERY is our Themed Summer Camp Program Guide this year. If you can't wait to receive it in the mail, go on-line at www.hcymca to view or download. Summer Camp at the Hunterdon YMCA include; Sports Camp, South Camp, Kinder Camp and Camp Carr. All conveniently located throughout the county with transportation available to those who need it . Every year NEW sessions are added to keep it exciting. Hiking, Swimming, Rock climbing, Dancing, Drawing, Dodge Ball, Horseback Riding, Fishing, Experimenting, Performing, Bowling, Golfing, are just some of the FUN. Oh, did we mention good ole fashion PLAY....

Imagine playing all day, making new friends, and memories to last a lifetime.

The Y is committed to our Community, promoting Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility.

Stay Warm ... Come to the Hunterdon Y

or go to our website at www.hcymca.org and check out the new Spring & Camp Brochure.