Programs For Residents To Enjoy
The Ridgewood YMCA presented an overview of various programs for residents of all ages at the Tuesday, Feb. 23 Farmers Oval Civic Association (FOCA) meeting at Ridgewood Baptist Church.
The Y’s Caitlin Moonesar began with a quick history lesson, telling the crowd that the YMCA, located at 69-02 64th St., was approximately 40 years old.
In 2007, the building closed for a renovation that lasted until November 2010.
Since its reopening, the center has 1,600 members and continues to grow, according to Moonesar.
“If you’re not familiar with the Y as an organization itself, it’s really an organization dedicated to strengthening the community,” she told the crowd.
One of the center’s priorities is ensuring that everyone is able to have access to its facilities.
“Whoever walks through the doors, we know that we’ll never turn them away because we’ll pay for the programs,” she said.
Financial assistance is available to those who need it. Money for the assistance comes from fund-raising.
A big part of the YMCA is physical fitness. The Y’s fitness center has a group schedule with classes for children, seniors and families, including a special “Family Zone” area and a 12-week personal fitness program.
The Y also offer diabetes prevention programs as well as a “Livestrong” program in coordination with cyclist Lance’s Armstrong’s foundation.
Social responsibility is also a part of the YMCA’s mission, Moonesar said, as the center has added ESL classes and volunteer development programs.
Finally, she touched on the “Silver Sneakers” program, which officers chair-based fitness classes. Membership to the program may be free through residents’ insurance programs.
Other news
In other news, it was announced that a cleanup of Shaler Avenue may be in the works for April.
FOCA President Dieter Vey added that Board 5 has called for parking to be prohibited on Shaler Avenue between 64th and Cypress Hills streets, which he called “not a bad idea.”
The Farmers Oval Civic Association regularly meets at 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Ridgewood Baptist Church, located at 64-13 Catalpa Ave.
