February is American Heart Month and The Gateway Family YMCA branches in Elizabeth, Rahway and Union will celebrate healthy families with an open house February 15 - 21.
The Y will be hosting activities throughout the week that are open to the community including family exercise programs, healthy recipe and nutrition tips, art activities, story time, family swimming and basketball, all focused on the theme, “Healthy Family, Healthy Heart!”
The Gateway Family YMCA locations include: Elizabeth Branch - 135 Madison Avenue, Elizabeth, NJ, Five Points Branch - 201 Tucker Avenue, Union, NJ, Rahway Branch - 1564 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ and Wellness Center Branch - 1000 Galloping Hill Road, Union, NJ. For branch specific schedules of free events, seminars and classes February 15-21, visit www.tgfymca.org.
Some highlights of events throughout the week include:
· Monday, February 15 - Partner Stretching Clinic – Learn about the active isolated stretching technique – 6:15pm Wellness Center Branch
· Tuesday, February 16 – Family Arts & Crafts – 4pm Rahway Branch
· Wednesday, February 17 – Be Active workshop – Eat Healthy, Creating Quick and Easy Meals – 6pm Elizabeth Branch
· Thursday, February 18 – Preschool Story Hour – 6pm – Five Points Branch
· Friday, February 19 – Push Hands – Martial Arts Demonstration – 10:30am Wellness Center Branch
· Saturday, February 20 – Child Care Open House 11-1pm Five Points Branch
· Sunday, February 21 – Family Swim 12-4pm Rahway Branch
“Our message this February is that getting healthy can be fun. We know that everyone is busy, but health and family need to come first, and the Y is the perfect place to share health with the one’s you love,” stated Krystal R. Canady, CEO, The Gateway Family YMCA. “Not only do parents and caretakers need to remain healthy in order to help their family, but we want to share that healthy lifestyle with the entire family. At the Y we provide healthy activities for all members of the family, and feel that families can really bond over fun, healthy activities such as a family yoga class or family basketball challenge.”
Throughout the month of February, The Gateway Family YMCA will be highlighting healthy tips, recipes and exercises on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and the Y’s Mobile App. “Our goal is to stay connected to our members and community all the time, partnering with them as they work to build a healthy family lifestyle,” stated Melynda A. Mileski, EVP/COO.
“Social media has allowed us to become a part of the community in a way that isn’t restricted to those who walk into our facilities and programs. It has allowed us to grow a community online.” To connect with the Y on social media, visit www.tgfymca.org/social-media
The Gateway Family YMCA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, health and community service organization of caring staff and volunteers dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community and stands For Youth Development, For Healthy Living and For Social Responsibility.
For more information about The Gateway Family YMCA, please visit www.tgfymca.org or contact the Elizabeth Branch at 908-355-9622, Five Points Branch 908-688-9622, Rahway Branch 732-388-0057 or the Wellness Center Branch 908-349-9622.