November 2007
Volume 1, Issue 3
OUR NEWS
Wilkes-Barre YMCA, 40 West Northampton Street
Phone: (570) 823-2191 www.wbymca.org
A message from our Membership Director…The WB YMCA is On-line
The Wilkes-Barre YMCA has updated its web site at www.wbymca.org There are some new and exciting features to this site including the ability to register for program and to renew membership. There is also a “real time” look at the information board in the lobby, so you can access up to date information. This site is updated by each director in house so any relevant information will be posted immediately. Check out the new site and we will always welcome your comments and suggestions.
Many Changes in the Main Lobby
Leadership Wilkes-Barre Class of 2007 renovated our lobby for their class project. One of the major changes is the Information Board in the lobby at the front desk. This digital board will give the YMCA a much more modern method of communicating information on programs, membership, special events, as well as the current weather and news from Yahoo. This board will also be running real time on the YMCA web site at www.wbymca.org The other change is the use of our membership system….Member ST. This system requires the member to scan their membership card at the front desk as opposed to swiping at the turnstile. By scanning your bar code the YMCA staff is able to update your file and will be able to answer questions about your account. Swiping your card will also activate the turnstile. For the first time the YMCA is attempting to distribute membership cards to everyone who uses the YMCA from members to program participants to child care families. We have a beautiful facility filled with many children and your security is a top priority.
The Expresso S2 Bikes
The WB Family YMCA has the only Expresso S2 bikes in the entire Northeast Pennsylvania Region. Using the very latest in virtual reality technology, the S2 motivates you with a rich, interactive training environment and gives you the tools to keep improving. It integrates premium fitness and computer systems to create an unparallel riding experience.
YMCA Fall Events a Big Success
Saturday, Sept. 22 was our annual Street Fair. There was fun for the whole family including games, a dunk tank, basket raffles, presentations by The David Blight Dancers and our award winning Gymnastics Team coached by Joelle Rose. Food was donated from Rodano’s and Kelsey’s, and we want to thank WBRE, WNEP, FOX 56, 97BHT, Geisinger and The Times Leader for helping put together the event.
Friday, Oct.12 the YMCA hosted a Halloween overnight. Over 60 children ages 5 to 14 spent a spooky evening in the “Y” having dinner, playing games, creating pumpkins, walking through a “haunted” aerobics room, swimming, and watching movies on the big screen. Many thanks to the volunteers who stayed up way past their bedtime to help with the event. These events are just other examples on how our “Y” builds Strong Kids…Strong Families…and Strong Communities.
YMCA gymnasts are learning fire safety from the fireman 
Pumpkin Decorating
Loyalty Discount
Did you know as a renewing member of the YMCA you receive $100 off the price of a new membership
Veterans Special Active and Non Active
No enrollment fee, 15% off cost of membership through Nov 30.
*If you have any questions, please see Matt in the membership office.
CAUTION….The Turnstile is a Security Device!!!!
Have you recently run into the turnstile? It really hurts!!! Please understand that the turnstile is always locked and it has to be activated to open. The turnstile is activated by your membership card or by the front desk personnel. In either case there is a delay between the activation and the opening of the turnstile. Also, if there is a discrepancy with your account the turnstile will not open. Please be patient…this security procedure is for your benefit.
New Membership Structure
There are now 3 membership plans for programs at the WB YMCA. They are Program Member, Member and Family Membership. Program Member, a non-facility membership pays a $25 fee per year to gain access to individual programs. Individual members will receive 20% off the cost of programs. Family Members will receive 35 % off the cost programs.
Parking Validation Policy & Procedure
The Wilkes-Barre YMCA is able to validate parking (up to 2Hours 15 Min) for all adult members. You must have your membership card to activate the parking validation machine. If you do not have your membership card you’re parking ticket can not be validated.
Did you know?
Pictures are now going to pop up when you swipe. If you have not taken your picture yet please see the front desk.
The WB YMCA can now better serve our community adult and youth population with new fitness equipment. In August 2007, the Board of Commissioners awarded the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA a Luzerne County Capital grant for costs associated with equipment needed for a Youth and Adult Recreation Project. The equipment was purchased with financial assistance provided by the County of Luzerne, Pennsylvania, Gregory A. Skrepenak, Todd Vonderheid, and Stephen A. Urban, Commissioners of the Luzerne 
County Capital Grants Program, along with support from Steps to a Healthier PA, Kraft, Geisinger, Pepsi, City of Wilkes-Barre Health Department, Wilkes University, and YMCA Special Event Fundraising. Come check out the newly equipped Wellness Center, Weight Room, and Youth Fitness Center. The new equipment that will enhance current programs include a sport wall, dance dance revolution system, balls, jump ropes, mats and new weight and cardio equipment . The sport wall is in Gymnasium, the sport wall will actively engage individuals with the newest phenomenon called “Exer-tainment” which combines electronic entertainment and exercise. Investing in our community’s health is important to help combat childhood obesity and related health issues, along with adult health problems. We want to strongly thank our supporters for their financial assistance.
The wellness center gets reorganized.
Register for a program, Renew your membership!
Receive Y information electronically?
Please stop by the front desk and update your member profile to include your email address.
Keep your eyes open for more great information and fun trivia!