YMCA

Between June 4-10, Ann Arbrites can participate in a myriad of events organized by City of Ann Arbor Office of Sustainability and Innovations during A2ZERO Week.

The four-part virtual workshops have been designed by Elizabeth Terrel to help participants better express themselves through vocal practices and movement.

The water safety classes are offered at no cost to children and families throughout Washtenaw County each summer.

Cycling commuters can take photos of their rides and post them to Twitter with the hashtag #MyA2Commute.

With spring in full swing, now is the time when many are beginning to look ahead to their summer plans.

Detroit is working to demolish dangerous buildings in the city and there is a long list.

The Ann Arbor YMCA is now using AI to keep better track of activity in its aquatics center.

Vowing to get into better shape is a popular New Year’s resolution, and a key factor in obtaining optimal health is strength training and building muscle. The more muscle you build, the more fat you burn. So we spoke to Rebecca Baizas, Peter Cherry and Beck Orow with the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit to learn more.

The holidays are here, and that means school is, or will soon be out for many kids in Metro Detroit.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit has a lot of spooky family fun going on.

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit will be turning 170, and they are celebrating with a huge block party that everyone is invited to.

On Saturday, Sept. 10, join Ann Arbor YMCA for its intergenerational LGBTQ+ Family & Friends Dinner Dance between 5-8 p.m.

The events are free and open to the public.

The clinics “are part of a continued effort by the Ann Arbor YMCA to support Washtenaw and Southern Livingston Counties through the Covid-19 pandemic,” YMCA officials said in a release.

This summer Detroit area teens can experience outdoor adventures, explore scenic destinations and learn valuable skills about leadership.

On June 25, community members can hang out in front of Ann Arbor YMCA, at 400 W. Washington St., to get a jumpstart on their summer fun.

The former Livonia YMCA will open its doors as a new sports facility this week.

The former Livonia YMCA will open its doors as a new sports facility this week.

Participants ages 18 and older will learn to express themselves and practice freeing their voice and body in the four-part workshop, YMCA officials said.

Michigan metro parks are partnering up with organizations across the area to promote water safety.

Concerns about COVID-19 cases have had many parents rethink sending their kids to camp during the pandemic. This time around, those feelings appear to be changing.

When you hear “summer job,” you may think of something that’s temporary, but those summer jobs can actually turn into a great, fulfilling lifetime careers. So, how do you know when you have a keeper?

Free COVID-19 vaccinations will be available at three vaccine clinics at Ann Arbor YMCA’s downtown location, 400 W. Washington St., this week.

As we inch closer and closer to Memorial Day weekend, many pools in Metro Detroit are opening up for the summer season -- but they need more lifeguards and fast. If they don’t get help, it could mean reduced hours or closures.

The event will feature cultural performances, food and booths from Asian American-owned businesses.

Believe it or not, it’s already time to start planning for summer camps for the kids. So, how do you choose one that’s the right fit for the child in your life? We spoke to the experts at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit for some helpful guidelines.

Three upcoming vaccine clinics at the Ann Arbor YMCA are free and open to the public.

Wondering how to keep yourself, or the girl in your life motivated to keep running? Here are ways to do so.

The cold weather and winter “blahs” can make you lose sight of those new year promises to lead a healthier lifestyle.

Looking to kick off the new year right, with a healthy start? Join the Y 170 challenge!

Adult doses, children’s doses and booster shots will be available.

The summer program will offer several sessions, a mini-camp and a family camp throughout June, July and August.

On Friday, Nov. 12, the Ann Arbor area teens will feature in the video premiere of “Creating Youth-Led Solutions: Sharing Stories with the YMCA.”

In the wake of the most devastating public-health emergency in a century and the resulting economic uncertainty, Americans provided more charitable dollars to United Way Worldwide than any other nonprofit focused on direct aid, followed by the Salvation Army and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, according to new rankings by the Chronicle of Philanthropy.

A big celebration will be kicking off in the D, and you and your loved ones are invited to take part.

As fall approaches, the temperatures shift and we find ourselves looking for new and fun things to do.

Back-to-school time has been a recurring topic as of late, and around this time of year, it seems parents also will be looking for cool programs for their kids to experience after school.

Between 1-5 p.m., families can enjoy the annual LGBTQ+ pride event in the gymnasium of the downtown Ann Arbor YMCA branch.

The Y has kicked off its summer food distribution program for youth in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

When you think of the YMCA, do you think of their center around town, where the group offers great gyms, swimming pools and day camps for kids?

The YMCA’s annual Safety Around Water (SAW) classes are returning this summer to Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.

This last year has been a challenging one, due to the pandemic, and some are developing health concerns without contracting the virus.

We’ve all been through a lot this past year, and many people are considering taking a new path in life, such as changing careers.

Now is the time to start thinking about summer plans for the kids in your life. YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit has options for kids that can help make their summer magical. She also said that if you sign up for day camp now, they’ll waive the $25 registration fee, as well as saving $20 per week. Summer camp is more important now than ever, and the YMCA staff hopes getting back outside will give kids the chance to engage with their peers again. Summer camp programs will get back outside and give them the chance to go swimming, do archery and keep constantly engaged.

Parents know that keeping kids active and engaged has never been more challenging than in the last year. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, kids have been enduring so much while experiencing many of the life changes of growing up. The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit hosts a variety of programs for kids that are both virtual and in-person. For example, Its Girls on the Run program works to empower young girls in the community. Girls on the Run is a youth development and social and emotional program for girls in grades (three) through eight,” Picoharczyk said.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. I feel safe when I’m there,” Annette said. AdFor those who love sports, the YMCA has many fun programs you can participate in to help you keep your 2021 resolutions on track. To learn more about all they have to offer, watch the full interview above, and click or tap here.

DETROIT – Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $10 million to the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit. “I was stunned, and tell you the truth -- I was at a loss for words,” President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit Helene Weir said. The YMCA in Detroit plans to use the donation for health and wellness programs. Because of COVID-19, the YMCA had to furlough most of its staff and saw a significant drop in donations. The YMCA is now looking for feedback and suggestions and how to best utilize the donation.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Starting Feb. 1, receive motivational texts as part of the Ann Arbor YMCA’s latest wellness challenge. For six weeks, community members can shake off winter blues with the free RESET challenge. They can join a Facebook community and hold themselves accountable with a printable tracking sheet available on the RESET website. During the challenge participants over the age of 18, who are not Y members, will be able to use the downtown Ann Arbor facility three times for free, according to a release from Ann Arbor YMCA. Related: Ann Arbor Rec & Ed offers new winter fitness, enrichment classes online

The Ann Arbor YMCA and Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor distributed gifts to children in Washtenaw County in time for the holidays. ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Ann Arbor YMCA and Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor have teamed up to make sure children in Washtenaw County have gifts for the holidays. Many of the gifts were provided by the Ann Arbor Kiwanis Thrift Shop and staff at Ann Arbor YMCA. “We are so grateful for our collaborative relationship with the Ann Arbor Kiwanis,” said Ann Arbor YMCA President and CEO Toni Kayumi in a release. Together, our two nonprofit organizations hope to help make the holiday season and winter break a little brighter for kids in East Washtenaw County.”Learn more about the Ann Arbor YMCA here or about Kiwanis Club of Ann Arbor here.

The upcoming holidays and the cold weather make it easy to decide to just stay inside and keep snacking. And with a lot of places closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, staying active may seem like a difficult task. Our sponsor, the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, has a way for you to get up and get your pulse pumping. Vice President of Operations Kyle Anderson joined Jason Carr to talk about how the various YMCA locations are offering different ways you can get active, and discussed how they are handling social distancing and other precautions. To learn more about all the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit has to offer, and its locations, visit YMCA Detroit.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Starting Friday, members of Ann Arbor’s LGBTQ community and their families can take part in the Y’s new Out to Swim program. Taking place between 7:30-8:30 p.m. on Fridays, the dedicated swim time was created in response to requests from LGBTQ youth. It offers a welcoming space and opportunities for community members to socialize, according to a release by Ann Arbor YMCA. “At the Ann Arbor Y, we strive to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, race, gender, gender identity, gender expression, income, faith, sexual orientation or cultural background has the opportunity to live life to its fullest,” Ann Arbor YMCA President and CEO Toni Kayumi said in the release. Kayumi said a dedicated swim time was discussed when the Y’s leadership team asked local LGBTQ youth about equity and inclusion programs they wanted at the Ann Arbor organization.

President Donald Trump, a man who is famously particular about his appearance, is fully embracing doing a dad dance to the Village People's “YMCA” as the finale to his rallies in the campaign's closing stretch. Trump's rally dance has become a rare moment of levity in an otherwise miserable campaign year marked by a deadly pandemic, an economic recession and racial turmoil. Then order 'Dancing with The Don’ and let President Trump teach you all the hottest moves!" Dancing.”“YMCA,” widely considered a gay anthem, is a relatively new addition to Trump's rally playlist. Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller agreed to reveal the secret to an AP reporter “only if we first get a clip of you singing YMCA.”AP's Jill Colvin declined.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – You can now spend more time at the Y. Having begun its phased reopening plan with the reopening of its downtown Ann Arbor facility last week, the Ann Arbor YMCA will extend its hours of operation starting Monday, Sept. 28. YMCA members will undergo mandatory health checks before their reserved times and must be masked in the facilty. Learn more about the Ann Arbor YMCA phased opening plan at www.annarborymca.org/reopening. Ann Arbor YMCA is at 400 W. Washington St.✉ Like what you’re reading?

ANN ARBOR, Mch. – On Thursday and Friday, the Ann Arbor YMCA will hand out free boxes of produce to community members faced with food insecurity. Boxes will be distributed at eight neighborhood sites within Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. In partnership with the United States Department of Agriculture’s Farmers to Families Food Box program, the organization has given out 25 lbs. Updates regarding distributions sites will be made on the Ann Arbor YMCA Facebook page.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This article is sponsored by YMCA of Metropolitan DetroitA huge dilemma for many parents right now is finding a safe place for the kids to thrive and learn. They have expanded their daycare and learning centers for school age kids, offering safe spaces for learning. Other learning centers for older children are open as well, at different Metro Detroit Locations. You can also visit the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroits website.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Ann Arbor YMCA has announced a new all-day child care program for school-age children in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. The YMCA Virtual Learning Labs program offers scheduled child care and a supervised place to learn as families adapt to hybrid school schedules. The program will have one staff member for every 10 students and will follow state, local and CDC safety guidelines, according to the Ann Arbor YMCA. Many parents who have to report to work on-site require childcare and light academic support for their kids, especially with local schools teaching students virtually this fall, said Toni Kayumi, president and CEO of Ann Arbor YMCA. Limited openings are also available at the Ann Arbor YMCA Child Development Center, Glacier Hills YMCA Child Development Center and Ypsilanti YMCA Child Development Center.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor YMCA is continuing to help feed those facing food insecurity in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. This Thursday and Friday, the Y will hand out free boxes of produce at 10 neighborhood sites. In partnership with the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program, the organization has given out boxes of fruit and vegetables from local and regional farmers since June. Unless noted as closed, sites are open to the public. Updates regarding distributions sites will be made on the Ann Arbor YMCA Facebook page.

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. Farmington Public Schools partnered with the Farmington Family YMCA to offer families a place for their students to learn this year with the introduction of Y Learning Centers. READ: How to find peer-to-peer help for students learning virtuallyThe centers will offer students a scheduled and structured way to learn while they attend classes online. The learning center will also provide games, time outside, arts and crafts, STEM projects and other activities. The centers will be offered at the following Farmington Public Schools: Wood Creek Elementary School, Farmington STEAM Academy, Longacre Elementary School, Lanigan Elementary School, Hillside Elementary School, and Forest Elementary School. READ: Parents concerned about student safety after photo of Metro Detroit school surfaces onlineThe centers are open for K-8th grade students.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Those facing food insecurity can turn to the Ann Arbor YMCA this Thursday and Friday for free boxes of produce. Since June 3, the Y has given out almost 1,000 boxes of produce every week. This week, boxes will be available at 14 distribution sites. There will be no food distribution by the Ann Arbor YMCA for the week of August 31 nor the week of September 7. Updates regarding distributions sites will be made on the Ann Arbor YMCA Facebook page.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Continuing its efforts to help community members facing food insecurity, the Ann Arbor YMCA will provide neighborhood sites free produce this Thursday and Friday. Since June 3, the Y has given out almost 1,000 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables every week. Each box contains produce from regional farmers and is supplied through the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program. Unless noted as closed, sites are open to the public. Updates regarding distributions sites will be made on the Ann Arbor YMCA Facebook page.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. On Thursday and Friday, neighborhood sites around Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti can anticipate their weekly visit from Ann Arbor YMCA. boxes of fresh produce from local, regional and national farmers through the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program. Every week, community members the community sites receive almost 1,000 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables. Unless noted as closed, sites are open to the public. Updates regarding distributions sites will be made on the Ann Arbor YMCA Facebook page.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor YMCA has announced two programs intended to serve the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti community. The second is a collaborative effort to create a child development certificate program that aims to help Washtenaw Community College students gain experience in the field of child development. Child Development Certificate Pipeline ProgramThe Y also announced that the Collaborative: Ypsilanti YMCA Child Development Center is partnering with Engage@EMU and the Washtenaw Community College Early Childhood Program to offer a child development certificate. The CDC Pipeline Program will give WCC students an opportunity to have an in-person practicum at the Collaborative: YMCA Child Development Center after four semesters of online study. Once students complete the program, they can work at a child development center or use program credits to pursue a baccalaureate degree in Early Childhood Education at Eastern Michigan University.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. On Thursday and Friday, Ann Arbor YMCA will distribute free boxes of produce to communities around Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Every week, community members receive almost 1,000 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables from national, regional and local suppliers who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuing its efforts to provide relief for food insecurity the YMCA is participating in the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program. Unless noted as closed, sites are open to the public. Updates regarding distributions sites will be made on the Ann Arbor YMCA Facebook page.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor YMCA has received $20,000 from the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation to support its operations while programs are curtailed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The grant money will be used to fund general operating support in response to the pandemic and recognizes the YMCAs impact on the Ann Arbor area community. We are so grateful to the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Legacy Funds for their generous gift of $20,000 to the Ann Arbor YMCA, said Tony Kayumi, president and CEO of Ann Arbor YMCA in a statement. It also offers online and in-person activity classes and workshops, free Safety Around Water boxes for children and its weekly in-person Y on the Fly physical activity program. The Ann Arbor YMCA has served the community since 1858.

ANN ARBOR This Thursday and Friday, Ann Arbor YMCA will visit 15 neighborhoods to distribute free 25lbs. boxes of produce to communities that may not always have access to non-processed foods. Continuing its efforts to provide relief for food insecurity around Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, the YMCA is participating in the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program. Unless noted as closed, sites are open to the public. Updates regarding distributions sites will be made on the Ann Arbor YMCA Facebook page.

ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor YMCA will visit 15 neighborhoods on Thursday and Friday to distribute free boxes of fruit and vegetables to meet community needs. Continuing its efforts to provide relief for food insecurity around Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, the YMCA is participating in the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program. Updates regarding distributions sites will be made on the Ann Arbor YMCA Facebook page. The Villas Apartments: 2911 Bynan Dr., Ypsilanti -- 12:30-1:30 p.m.Glencoe Hills Apartments: 2201 Glencoe Hills Dr., Ann Arbor -- 1:30-2:30 p.m. Learn more about Ann Arbor YMCA through annarborymca.org

ANN ARBOR, Mich. Today and Friday, the Ann Arbor YMCA will visit 15 neighborhoods to distribute free boxes of produce to meet community needs. Continuing its efforts to provide relief for food insecurity in and around Ann Arbor, the YMCA is participating in the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program. Updates regarding distributions sites will be made on the Ann Arbor YMCA Facebook page. The Villas Apartments: 2911 Bynan Dr., Ypsilanti -- 12:30-1:30 p.m.Glencoe Hills Apartments: 2201 Glencoe Hills Dr., Ann Arbor -- 1:30-2:30 p.m. Learn more about Ann Arbor YMCA through annarborymca.org

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This article is sponsored by YMCA of Metropolitan DetroitHost Tati Amare spoke with Abigail Sacco, Executive Director for YMCA Afterschool and Day Camps about the YMCA Summer Camp special and their new safety precautions. YMCA is offering a free day of summer camp to families that are interested in sending their children to camp but want to try it out first. You can also donate to the YMCA to sponsor a child to attend day camp. For more information visit ymcadetroit.orgWatch the video to learn how your child can try out the YMCA camp experience for free.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor YMCA is bringing a free mobile community physical activity program to youth around Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti over the summer. The annual Y on the FLY program is designated for youth ages 5 through 13. During 90-minutes weekly sessions, participants will be supervised by trained coaches during sports and other activities. The program is free but capacity is limited due to health and safety precautions. Those with questions should contact Jermaine Wells at jwells@annarborymca.org.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor YMCA is continuing to distribute free produce boxes to community members in need. On Thursday, the Y will hand out 800 boxes of food at 11 different locations. The initiative is part of the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program. Distribution of the produce boxes will continue through August. Learn more about Ann Arbor YMCA through annarborymca.org

ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor YMCA has expanded its distribution sites of free produce boxes across Washtenaw County as it continues to participate in the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program. Originally planned to last for the month of June only, the Ann Arbor YMCA will be continuing distribution of the free boxes through August. It has also expanded from one site to eleven locations across the county. According to Ann Arbor YMCA President and CEO Toni Kayumi, staff distributed roughly 1,400 boxes last week to families in need. The Ann Arbor YMCA staff team distributed about 1,400 boxes of USDA fresh produce today to families in need during the coronavirus crisis.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. The Ann Arbor YMCA has turned its Safety Around Water program into a free at-home curriculum for parents and children. The curriculum is designed to help families learn about water safety and can be done without a pool or access to water. Registration can be done through the Ann Arbor YMCA website. Virtual camps started June 15 and in-person camps will begin July 6. Related: Ann Arbor YMCA expands in-person summer camp opportunities

Gretchen Whitmers announcement that overnight camps could reopen on Monday, it was an unofficial start to summer and for some a return to a sense of normalcy. However, camps are expected to adhere to strict social distancing guidelines with many unable to start for several weeks. At the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, which runs some of the regions largest overnight camps, preparations were already underway to reopen day camps by June 22 and overnight camps by the middle of July. Gretchen Whitmer lifts restrictions on overnight summer camps, school sportsCamps across the state were forced to lay-off staff during the pandemic. Most of the larger overnight or travel camps are expected to have plans up in the coming weeks.

Whitmer said summer camps and youth sports could resume starting Monday, June 15th. Gretchen Whitmer lifts restrictions on overnight summer camps, school sportsIn downtown Detroit at Detroit PALs Corner Ballpark, private games were already being hosted Friday. Making sure we have plenty of hand sanitizers around. Making sure we don't have common drinking bottles making sure everyone has to bring their own water bottle, Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews said. Overnight summer camps are also allowed to restart Monday.

ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor YMCA will be distributing free produce boxes on Thursday afternoon to meet rising community needs. Now in its second week, the Y will be handing out the boxes from national, regional and local suppliers whose business has been deeply impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. The initiative is part of the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program. The boxes are 15 pounds and 25 pounds and contain apples, oranges, pears, grapefruit, carrots, potatoes, onions and lettuce. Sign up for our email newsletter here!

ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor YMCA has expanded its in-person and virtual summer day camps for kids ages 5-16. Starting the week of July 6, in-person, full-day camps will be held in locations in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Pinckney. Virtual day camps will begin the week of June 15. In-person camps include:Camp Birkett - 9141 Dexter-Townhall Road, PinckneyThe full-day camp runs 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the shores of Silver Lake. The camp location will be moved to the Ann Arbor YMCA from Aug. 24-28.

ANN ARBOR The Ann Arbor YMCA, in partnership with Detroit-based Lagrasso Brothers Produce, will be distributing boxes of produce to anyone in need on Thursday in Ypsilanti Township. The property is across the street from the Washtenaw County Sheriffs Office Ypsilanti Township Law Enforcement Center. The effort is part of the United States Department of Agricultures Farmers to Families Food Box program under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. Our YMCA will be receiving a weekly shipment from Lagrasso Brothers Produce in Detroit and collaborating with several of our existing community partners to deliver and distribute produce boxes at their locations," Ann Arbor YMCA President and CEO Toni Kayumi said in a news release. "Each free 15 pound box of produce will include items such as potatoes, onions, apples, oranges, peppers, cucumbers, asparagus and lettuce.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. This article is sponsored by YMCA of Metropolitan DetroitHost Tati Amare spoke with Latitia McCree from YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit about their new programs and how the YMCA continues to help the community. The YMCA also offers free exercise videos to help you stay healthy while at home. The YMCA partnered with the creativity project to teach community members how to create sketch comedy. Watch the video to learn more about how YMCA is helping the community and for more on their programs visit their website ymcadetroit.org

ANN ARBOR While the Ann Arbor YMCA has had to reimagine its 2020 summer camp season due to the ongoing health crisis, it has announced it will be offering virtual and in-person programming this season. In-person camps will take place at locations in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Pinckney. According to the Y, registration for in-person programming is limited to essential workers. The camp location will be moved to the Ann Arbor YMCA from Aug. 24-28. Campers can take part in optional virtual programming guided by YMCA Day Camp staff.

ANN ARBOR – The Ann Arbor YMCA has closed its facility for a “deep and comprehensive” cleaning following news from the Washtenaw County Health Department that an individual who tested positive for COVID-19 accessed the men’s locker room and pool area on March 9 from 6-7 p.m. Originally due to reopen on Sunday, the facility will now reopen on April 6. Additionally, the Ann Arbor YMCA released the following information on the status of its day cares:“While two of our Child Development Centers will also close, the Glacier Hills Child Development Center will remain open to care for the children of the Glacier Hills Retirement Community staff and other critical Trinity Health employees.”✉ Like what you’re reading? Sign up for our email newsletter here!

A local female power lifter is heading to Chicago for a major national competition. "They kept loading the bar and kept loading the bar and I just kept pulling and kept pulling," O'kray said. "I have power lifted with them four other times, and I was able to wear my skirt," O'kray said. In a series of emails to the USA Powerlifting Technical Committee, the YMCA pleaded on O'kray's behalf. The upcoming 2019 USA Powerlifting Raw Nationals meet is governed by the International Powerlifting Federation (IPF).

THREE RIVERS, Mich. – A suspected norovirus has sickened dozens of people at a camp in southwestern Michigan, prompting officials to temporarily close the facility. The South Bend, Indiana-based YMCA of Michiana says 46 young campers and a few staff were sickened at YMCA Camp Eberhart. The South Bend Tribune reports officials sent about 310 campers home two days early last Thursday so they could disinfect the camp. The first 30 illnesses were reported during a camp session that ended July 29. Staff worked to disinfect the camp and warned parents, but 16 additional camper illnesses were reported starting July 30.