Y Connect is a new group designed for Young Professionals ages 20s -40s (single, married or anywhere in between) to socialize, network, volunteer and support each other. Y Connect will provide you with fun things to do, and interesting people to do them with! The interests of the group are broad and include (but are not limited to) outdoor activities, social events and charitable work.  Please click here for more information.

 

Has your life been impacted by the YMCA? Share your story on Facebook through words, photos, or video for a chance to win three months FREE at the YMCA. Sound easy? It is.  Click here for more details.

 

It's finally getting warmer outside and the sun is shinning, that must mean swim lessons have started! It is important for children in Southwest Florida to learn about water safety and gain basic swimming skills. Swim lessons are available for members and non-members in our community. We have lessons to fit every age and ability level. Parent-Child classes start at 6 months old and small group lessons are offered for children 3 - 12 years old. Swim lessons are in high demand, so we offer sessions during the week and on Saturdays.  For more information on the YMCA's swim lessons, please click on the link for either of our locations below: 

Make a no-school day even better and come to YMCA Fun Days!  The YMCA of the Palms is offering Fun Days over spring break week for both Collier and Lee Counties.  Fun Days will be offered at the Greater Naples YMCA March 29 - April 1 and at the Bonita Springs YMCA April 1 - 9.  For more information about Fun Days, including the schedule of Fun Days offered for the rest of the school year, please click on the link for either of our locations below:

Want to be leaner? Faster? Stronger? Healthier?  Don't spend valuable time spinning your wheels and getting no where fast.  Join Ryan Fiene for an interactive presentation on the initial steps to take when you want real results!  You'll learn techniques to apply to your workouts as well as every aspect of your life.  Please click here for more details.
 

Registration is underway for YMCA Splash Week, a FREE water safety program for any preschool or school-aged child ages 3-12 in the community.  YMCA Splash Week will be held the week of spring break in Collier and Lee Counties: March 29-April 2 (Collier County) and April 5-9 (Lee County).  YMCA Splash Week consists of five 30-minute sessions each day of spring break week.  Targeted at both children and parents, the sessions teach water safety practices and basic swimming skills along with YMCA core character values - caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.  Sessions are offered throughout the day to accommodate parents' schedules: morning, afternoon, and evening sessions are available.  Please click here for more information.  YMCA Members - you can register online for Splash Week!

 

Kevin Boss, NFL tight end for the New York Giants, will be the featured speaker at the YMCA of the Palms' upcoming Prayer Breakfast on Friday, March 12, starting at 7:00 am at the Vineyards Country Club.  The YMCA Prayer Breakfast attracts more than 300 individuals and business leaders from the community each year.  Individual tickets for the YMCA Prayer Breakfast are $25 and the cost for a sponsor table of eight is $250.

 

March 14: Mini Triathlon at the Y 

There's still time to sign up for a mini-triathlon at the Greater Naples Y.  The race starts at 8 am and includes a 1.2 mile run, 20 minute spin, and 200 meter swim in the pool.  The event starts with a short clinic at 7:30 am.  Anyone ages 13 and up are welcome to register.  Limited spots are available on a first come, first serve basis. 

 

March 17 & 24: Senior Potlucks 

Calling all members!  Join us in March for YMCA Senior Potlucks, held on Wednesday, March 17, at the Bonita Springs YMCA and on Wednesday, March 24, at the Greater Naples YMCA.  Both events will start at 12:30 pm.  Bring your favorite dish to pass and enjoy a lovely time with good friends and the YMCA Staff.

 

What's old is new as Cinderella's Closet opens its doors for a one day only sale on Thursday, March 25, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Fairy Godmothers have filled the Closet with new and gently used upscale and designer clothing and accessories.  A storefront in the Collections at Vanderbilt will be transformed into a chic boutique for this special event. All proceeds will benefit two organizations that are dedicated to strong, healthy and safe children - YMCA of the Palms and the Children's Advocacy Center of Collier County.

 

Calling all car buffs, connoisseurs, and aficionados! On Sunday, March 28, from 10 am to 4 pm, the Bonita Springs YMCA will be hosting its 1st Annual Auto Show, with proceeds benefiting the YMCA's Strong Kids Campaign. All vehicles are welcome, from motorcycles to classic and muscle cars, to imports and exotics.

 

It is our honor and privilege to share our deepest gratitude to the Trustees and Grant Committee of the Naples Children and Education Foundation (NCEF).  Upon issuing a challenge to the YMCA of the Palms two years ago, we have risen to the challenge and raised $500,000 to match the generous gift from NCEF. This challenge presented a unique opportunity for the YMCA of the Palms to share its story with members of the community with a sense of urgency and excitement for the Gaynor Child Development Center.  Transforming the Teddy Bear Museum into a special place for learning and growth has changed this community in ways never imagined.  Please click here to learn more.

Food is fuel for our body and mind, powering us through our days. If you're feeling sluggish and tired on a regular basis, you may want to pay particular attention to what, when and how you eat. Eating nutritious foods isn't just a matter of maintaining weight, it can significantly impact how much energy you bring to daily life.
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