Community Corner
YMCA Invites Hunterdon County Community to Try The Y for Free Feb. 23-Mar. 1
Combat winter isolation and lethargy at the Deer Path Y in Flemington; New members pay no join fee if signed up by Mar. 8.
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FLEMINGTON - River Crossing YMCA is inviting the community to enjoy YMCA membership amenities for free beginning Monday Feb. 23 through Sunday March 1. The announcement came yesterday when the Y hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the newly renovated and updated wellness center at the Easton-Phillipsburg branch.
“This winter has been exceptionally harsh for many in our communities,” shared Allyson Fox, Sr. VP of Membership Engagement for River Crossing YMCA. “It can be very isolating and lonely. We’re inviting anyone who’d like to venture out between storms to warm up in our branches, explore wellness and connection, and experience for themselves the healthy, welcoming environment we foster every day at our Y.”
An article published by Scientific America’s website shares that, according to the American Psychiatric Association, 40% of Americans experience an increase in hopelessness and symptoms of anxiety and depression during the winter (Varnum & Hohm, 2023). Doctors, health experts and university research scientists nearly universally recommend regular exercise and social interaction to not only lift physical well-being during the cold months, but balance mental health through vital human connection.
The Deer Path branch of River Crossing YMCA, located at 144 West Woodschurch Rd. in Flemington, offers an indoor pool, sauna, a cardio and strength-training wellness center, fun and friendly group exercise classes, basketball, pickleball and opportunities to consult with professional wellness trainers and coaches. The branch also provides a Stay & Play child engagement service so members can enjoy the branch amenities knowing their children are safe and having fun with other children.
“I was feeling sick and run down, and it was taking a toll on my mental health,” shared Y member Julia Matthews. “I found out the Y has [Stay & Play – child sitting for children], so I stopped in and took a tour. I gave it a try and met some wonderful people. Getting back into fitness can be daunting. I felt very comfortable at the Y and made some really great connections with people, and we are constantly supporting each other. Since then I have lost over 70 pounds.”
Individuals and families are invited to stop by the Deer Path branch of River Crossing YMCA any time between Monday Feb. 23 and Sunday Mar. 1 to “Try the Y”. New members who sign up before Mar. 8 pay no join fee to kick off their membership to the Y.
River Crossing YMCA (formerly YMCA of Bucks and Hunterdon Counties and Greater Valley YMCA) is a charitable, nonprofit organization committed to strengthening communities through membership and programs that foster youth development, healthy living and social responsibility for all. Annually, the Y serves over 142,000 members and participants at its 12 member branches, 12 early childhood centers, 20 summer camp locations and 44 school age child care programs. River Crossing YMCA provides over $12 million of community impact annually in the form of financial assistance to individuals and families in need and free programming for veterans, cancer survivors, older adults and more. To learn more visit ymcarivercrossing.org.
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