Category: Blog

We have some NEW CLASSES being offered at our Eastside location!

Join our amazing instructors for:

Core Conditioning: Sundays at 9am
YMCA360 Yoga: Sundays at 10am
YMCA360 Yoga: Mondays at 7am
Yoga: Thursdays at 5:45pm
Bells & Barre: Thursdays at 6:45pm
Zumba: Saturdays at 9am

View all of our available classes here.

Join us in taking an opportunity this Lenten season to de-clutter your home. Whether you get rid of 4 bags or 40 bags, you’ll see how good it feels to not only get rid of things but to help local non-profits in the process. You may also have an opportunity to win some organizational help. Drop off bags at one of our selected community partners, and receive a chance to win 2 hours of organizing services!

Take to one of our community partners below during the stated days and times between Feb 14 and Mar 28 to be distributed to local non-profits:
Tues. 9am – Noon – Laskowski Insurance – 4620 Buffalo Rd
Wed. 9am – 11am – St. Joseph Bread of Life Clothing Store -147 W 24th St
Thurs. 10am – 2pm – Rep Bob Merski’s Office – 3921 Buffalo Road
Thurs. 4pm – 7pm – Razor’s Edge Salon – 5124 Iroquois Ave
Sat. 9am – Noon – Eastside YMCA – 2101 Nagle Rd (North Child Care Entrance)

EASTSIDE YMCA DROP OFF SHOES ONLY ANYTIME DURING OUR HOURS OF OPERATION:
Mon – Thur 5:00am – 9:00pm
Fri 5:00am – 8:00pm
Sat 7:00am – 5:00pm
Sun 8:00am – 2:00pm

Items to be donated will go to the following non-profits:
St. Joseph Bread of Life Clothing Store will keep any donations they can use.
YMCA will keep any shoes – Y fundraiser (Funds2Orgs).
Dress for Success, Re-entry Program in need of professional attire.
City Mission, Mercy Center for Women in need of coats and winter items.
St Joseph BOL, Mercy Center for Women, Red Cross in need of any adult and kid’s clothing
Kids Club at EHA in need of kids’ costumes in good condition.
High Schools in need of Prom dresses.
Foster Care in need of suitcases/backpacks/duffle bags.
City Mission in need of sleeping bags (weather-rated).
Ella Cochran Food Pantry in need of pantry items (non-expired, please)

Unfortunately, our volunteers cannot give receipts,.Please see IRS publication 526 regarding the value threshold for property contributions requiring receipts.

DRAWING INFORMATION: You will receive one ticket per bag to be put into a drawing (if the bag contains garbage, it will be documented and the ticket will be invalidated)Tickets will be entered into a drawing for one of the following items: 2 hours of organization services from Sandy’s Organizing Services 2 hours of organization services from Erie Organizing Service yet to be determined from FIXED Home Services See www.ymcaerie.org/2024/01/23/simplify-your-home-40-bags-in-40-days-challenge/ for updated prize information.

TIPS TO CLEAR CLUTTER: 20/20 Rule: Toss items you can replace for $20 and under 20 minutes. 80/20 Rule: We use 20% of our belongings 80% of the time. Either toss, donate, or store the 80% that you don’t use regularly. Five-Second Rule: Take five seconds to remember the last time an item was used. Can’t remember within five seconds? Toss it. Order Matters: Don’t just take our word for it – according to professional organizer Marie Kondo, organizing in this order – clothes, then books, then papers, then miscellaneous items, then sentimental items – has proven to be most efficient and most effective.

Looking for the perfect Christmas Gift?
Starting December 1st through December 15th, use Promo Code STAY7PAY5 to stay 7 days while only paying for 5 at Camp Sherwin.

The promotion is valid only for Friday arrival and can be used on all cabins, RVs, and tent sites booked for 2024.

The discount is not transferrable or redeemable for cash, cannot be combined with other discounts, and cannot be applied toward a current reservation for a future stay. Not valid on holiday weekends.  Holidays Weekends run Thursday – Sunday.

Can be used on consecutive reservations, but each week must be booked separately.    

For more information, or to book your stay, please contact the Camp Office at 814-774-9416 or visit https://www.camplife.com/campground/campsherwin.

We hope that you enjoy your Thanksgiving Dinner!

Don’t let all those extra calories get you down – Burn the Bird with the Y on Friday, November 24th.
We have an amazing variety of classes planned throughout the day at all of our locations.

Glenwood
5:30am Bootcamp
8:00am Silver Sneakers Classic
8:00am Zumba Gold
9:00am Zumba
10:00am Body Blitz
11:00am Silver Sneakers Classic
11:30am Latin Dance
1:00pm Silver Sneakers Classic

Eastside
6:00am – HIIT
8:00am – Silver Sneaker Stretch
8:00am – Boxing (limited spaces – please stop at the front desk)
9:00am – Cycle
9:00am – Silver Sneaker Classic
9:00am – Bells & Barre
9:00am – Kids on the Move – ages 6-11
10:00am – Family Bootcamp – ages 6 and up
10:00am – Silver Sneakers Yoga Stretch
11:00am – Mindful Stretching

County and Downtown
Our County and Downtown locations will have classes from YMCA360 streaming all day in their fitness studios. Stop in and pick out your favorite to stream.

YMCA360
Enjoy hundreds of on-demand classes: www.ymca360.org/home

For nearly 100 years, the World YMCA and World YWCA have come together to host the Week of Prayer (November 12-18). The theme chosen for this year is “From Seed to Blossom: Cultivating Hope and Love.” If you’d like to participate with us, you can start by downloading the 2023 devotional booklet here: https://www.ymca.int/week-of-prayer/.

History of the Week of Prayer

In a letter to the London YMCA in 1856, F.R. Starr of Philadelphia suggested, “the appointment of a week to be simultaneously observed by the Young Men’s Christian Associations throughout the world for Prayer for the conversion of the world, and for young men especially”.

In 1867 at the 5th World Conference in Paris, the American delegation made the proposal to consecrate Sunday 2nd November and every evening of the week following that day for special prayer for all associations throughout the world. But it was only in 1875 at the 7th World Conference in Hamburg that the second Sunday of November was fixed as the beginning of the “Week of Prayer”.

In 1891, the “Week of Prayer” was included in the Constitution of the World Alliance of YMCAs. In 1901 the YWCA and the YMCA agreed “on the adoption of the same subjects for the annual Week of Prayer”. In 1904 a joint call to prayer was issued by the World YWCA and the World Alliance of YMCAs, and the joint Week of Prayer has continued since that time.

Beginning in 1927, messages from the President of the World YWCA and the President of the World Alliance of YMCAs were included in the call to prayer. In 1931 the name of the Week was expanded to “The Week of Prayer and World Fellowship”. Since 1948, the booklets for the Week of Prayer have been presented with pictures, daily messages, and appropriate Bible texts and prayers. Since 1942, the World YWCA and the World Alliance of YMCAs have published jointly a booklet each year for the Week of Prayer.

Visit https://www.ymca.int/week-of-prayer/ for more info on the Week of Prayer.

November is Native American Heritage Month and the YMCA of Greater Erie wants to take this opportunity to uplift the culture and history through the voices and stories of Native American individuals and communities themselves. We’re going to explore how we can learn more as a community through four steps – LEARN, REFLECT, CONNECT, and ACTIVATE.

Learn

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the YMCA of Greater Erie encourages our Erie community to LEARN about the contributions, achievements, and struggles of Native Americans through their own words. Visit nativeamericanheritagemonth.gov for resources featuring the work and viewpoints of Native American individuals and communities.

Reflect

The YMCA of Greater Erie encourages you to take the opportunity to REFLECT during Native American Heritage Month. What do you think of when you hear the term “Native American?” Many traditional stereotypes and biases are unknowingly hurtful, disrespectful, and inaccurate. Take the first step by recognizing and reflecting – then visit siouxymca.org/resources for videos and resources by Native American individuals and communities on this topic.

Connect

During Native American Heritage Month, the YMCA of Greater Erie invites you to take the opportunity to CONNECT with Native American individuals and communities in Erie.

Discover Native and Indigenous communities living in your local area and explore ways you can connect, learn, and support. Visit native-land.ca for more info.

Activate

The YMCA of Greater Erie encourages you to ACTIVATE your commitment to diversity and inclusion in Erie by supporting Native American authors, artists, and business owners during Native American Heritage Month. Pick up a new book penned by a Native American author or take the entire family out to a Native American-owned shop or restaurant – ask questions and get your children involved!

Did you know that of the 88 million Americans who have prediabetes, less than 16 percent are aware they have it? November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the YMCA of Greater Erie is encouraging Erie residents to understand their risks for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes and the steps to take to prevent the disease.

First, we invite you to take the 60-second American Diabetes Association’s risk test to find out if you’re at risk: https://diabetes.org/diabetes/risk-test.

Next, we are sharing a handful of lifestyle changes that contribute to weight loss and healthy living that can decrease the risk for type 2:

Talk to Your Doctor

Use this moment as a reminder to talk to your healthcare provider about your diabetes risk factors. This is especially true if you have a family history or are overweight.

More Fruits and Veggies

Try incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your day! Eating a colorful array of healthy foods can have a huge impact on your overall health. There are some great fall recipes available including vegetables that are in season this time of year – get creative in the kitchen!

More Lean Proteins

Basic lifestyle changes – such as choosing fish, lean meats, and poultry without skin – can contribute to weight loss and decrease the risk for type 2 diabetes. Check out some healthy and delicious ways to prepare these proteins at https://diabetes.org/.

Grain Power

There’s power in grain! Aim for whole grains with every meal. A whole grain sandwich filled with fresh veggies and lean meat is both filling and delicious.

150 Minutes of Movement

Small steps matter. Build up to 150 minutes of physical activity per week. You can start with a simple walk each day or check out our Y’s exciting group fitness class schedule. The key is to just keep moving!

Drink More Water

Basic lifestyle changes, like drinking water instead of drinks with added sugar, can contribute to weight loss and decrease the risk of type 2 diabetes. Carrying and refilling a reusable water bottle is an easy way to keep thirst (and sugary beverage temptation!) at bay.

October is Family Health Month, and the YMCA of Greater Erie is dedicated to supporting all families as they work to create healthier lifestyles for themselves and all of their loved ones. Check out these five easy ways you can create a healthier household today!

Eat Healthy

As you gather for meals, be mindful of the nutritional choices you make. The Y encourages a well-balanced diet, and you can get started with small, gradual changes! Check out this USDA healthy eating tip sheet, which is a great starting point for planning healthier meals for your family.

Daily Play

Put down the electronics and find time to play! Children need varying levels of physical activity each day depending on their age, so be sure to encourage play time. And when in doubt, the Y is here to help – we offer a wide variety of youth sports, fitness programs, and more for the entire family. Visit www.ymcaerie.org to learn more!

Together Time

Relationships are the heart of a healthy family. Prioritize quality time together – whether that’s catching up over dinner, playing a board game, or chatting about your day while out for a family stroll. These shared moments are what keep your relationship strong.

Get Outdoors

Great things happen in the great outdoors – make your time outside a family affair! Unplugging and enjoying nature is good for the body and mind. Make time for family park trips, and hikes, or simply take your furry four-legged friend on a walk together.

Prioritize Sleep

After all of this physical activity and mental stimulation – remember to get some well-deserved rest! Getting a good night’s sleep is beneficial both physically and mentally. Make sure you and all the members of your family are getting the recommended amount of sleep each night.

The YMCA of Greater Erie Board of Directors has announced that Jim McEldowney has been appointed as the NEW CEO for the YMCA of Greater Erie.

Chairwoman Julie Wilson shared McEldowney’s appointment announcement with the Y’s board, employees, and members at a special board meeting on September 14.

“The YMCA of Greater Erie is excited to welcome Jim into this new role and we look forward to everything that he will accomplish, not only for the Y, but for the Erie Community as well,” said Julie Wilson, YMCA of Greater Erie Chairwoman. Wilson served as chair for the ad-hoc search committee that worked with Y-USA to conduct a nationwide CEO search.

Jim currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for the YMCA of Greater Erie and is the Executive Director of the Glenwood location.  Jim has extensive YMCA knowledge and is an accomplished and passionate leader with an unparalleled commitment to community and economic development.

With almost 30 years of experience in serving the YMCA of Greater Erie, Jim has inspired the Y with the exceptional qualities that he will bring to the helm of our organization. 

Jim has an impressive track record of executing significant initiatives that have made the YMCA of Greater Erie better for the Erie Community. His work across the private and non-profit sectors makes him the ideal choice to lead as the Y continues to fulfill our mission of fostering opportunity for all. 

“I am so blessed to have been part of the YMCA of Greater Erie for the past 30 years.  I look forward to leading our wonderful staff and volunteers in helping to make a difference in the Erie Community,” said McEldowney.

Jim will begin serving his role as CEO on October 15^th, which also happens to begin his 30^th year of employment with the YMCA of Greater Erie.

Falls Prevention Awareness Week is September 18-22. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related ER visits for older adults, the major cause of hip fractures, and responsible for more than half of fatal head injuries. Below, the National Council on Aging shares 10 myths related to older adult falls.

After exploring these myths, the YMCA of Greater Erie wants to remind you that we are here to help! Our Moving For Better Balance Program is an evidence-based program that works to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility, and more. Visit www.ymcaerie.org for more info.

Myth 1: Falling happens to other people, not to me.

Reality: Many people think, “It won’t happen to me.” But the truth is that 1 in 4 older adults fall every year in the U.S.

Myth 2: Falling is something normal that happens as you get older.

Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing your medications, having your vision checked, and making your living environment safer are all steps you can take to prevent a fall.

Myth 3: If I limit my activity, I won’t fall.

Reality: Some people believe that the best way to prevent falls is to stay at home and limit activity. Not true. Performing physical activities will help you stay independent, as your strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for your overall health.

Myth 4: If I stay at home, I can avoid falling.

Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.

Myth 5: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained.

Reality: While we do lose muscle as we age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. It’s never too late to start an exercise program. Even if you’ve been a “couch potato” your whole life, becoming active now will benefit you in many ways—including protection from falls.

Myth 6: Taking medication doesn’t increase my risk of falling.

Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many ways and can sometimes make you dizzy or sleepy. Be careful when starting a new medication. Talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects or interactions of your medications.

Myth 7: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year.

Reality: Vision is another key risk factor for falls. Aging is associated with some forms of vision loss that increase the risk of falling and injury. People with vision problems are more than twice as likely to fall as those without visual impairment. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your eyeglasses. For those with low vision, there are programs and assistive devices that can help. Ask your optometrist for a referral.

Myth 8: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.

Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you in its safe use.

Myth 9: I don’t need to talk to family members or my health care provider if I’m concerned about my risk of falling. I don’t want to alarm them, and I want to keep my independence.

Reality: Fall prevention is a team effort. Bring it up with your doctor, family, and anyone else who can help. They want to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling.

Myth 10: I don’t need to talk to my parents, spouse, or other older adults if I’m concerned about their risk of falling. It will hurt their feelings, and it’s none of my business.

Reality: Let them know about your concerns and offer support to help them maintain the highest degree of independence possible. There are many things you can do, including removing hazards in the home, installing safety features like grab bars or walk-in bathtubs, finding a fall prevention program at the Y, or setting up a vision exam.

September is Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, and as children and families start their new school year routines, it’s a perfect time to reflect and refresh your family’s healthy habits. As families settle into new school-year routines this month, The YMCA of Greater Erie is offering tips to help families incorporate healthy eating and physical activity into their lives.

• Eat & Drink Healthy: Make water the drink of choice and encourage everyone to fill half their plates with fruits and vegetables by offering two or three colorful options at every meal. As a family choose a new fruit and veggie every week to taste together. Place a full pitcher of water on the table during meals and allow children to pour their own water. Keep full water bottles available in the car and backpacks.

• Play Every Day/Go Outside: Children should have at least an hour a day of unstructured play outside (when possible) and break a sweat at least three times a week by getting 20 minutes or more of vigorous physical activity. Join your children in games that get your hearts pumping and body moving.

• Get Together: Eat as a family as frequently as possible. Involve kids in meal planning, preparation, and clean up. In addition, adults should take a break from electronics and spend one-on-one time each day with their kids, enjoying one another’s company.

• Reduce Recreational Screen Time: Time spent in front of a television, computer, tablet, cell phone, or video games should be limited to two hours or less per day. Make a family plan to reduce screen time at home (i.e., turn off screens during meals, charge electronics/screens in the kitchen overnight, go for a walk after a meal, and set a timer to remind you to power down the screen).

• Sleep Well: Kids and adults need to keep a regular sleep schedule; unwind together in the evenings by reading a book or listening to soft music to ensure the body is preparing for sleep. Kids are growing and need 10-12 hours of healthy sleep per night and seven to eight hours for adults.