Two weeks ago in this space, I wrote about the important role the Bethlehem YMCA is playing in the lives of a family from Afghanistan who is living in our area. Part of the story mentioned that the family makes hats, gloves and aprons and would love to have a sewing machine. Well, Bethlehem YMCA members and others in our community stepped up to help in a big way. The family now has six sewing machines (and counting).
The women in the family plan to join with other Afghan women in the area who are talented at making clothing. They hope to start a small business, making and selling clothing at local shops and markets.
In addition, another person in our community read about the family’s struggle to put food on the table and volunteered to donate groceries each month to help.
It is always inspiring to see how the members of our community step up to assist families and individuals in need. If you would like to help a Bethlehem family, please consider contributing to the YMCA’s Annual Campaign. Every penny stays in our town to help low income families use the programs and services of the Y and helps build a stronger community. No one is ever turned away from the Y because they cannot pay, but we can only keep that commitment with your help.
Slingerlands School kids help out
On a recent morning, Slingerlands Elementary School was delayed two hours due to a power outage. Instead of asking to go to the gym or play a board game, a group of schoolchildren waiting out the delay at the Bethlehem YMCA asked if they could go help in our preschool classroom. These children did a fantastic job at demonstrating our four core values — caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Way to go!
Spin to Lose
The Bethlehem YMCA will be offering a unique weight-loss program called “Spin to Lose,” beginning Jan. 26. It’s an eight-week weight loss program, but it’s not a diet.
Whether you are a long-time spinner or a new to spinning, you can experience this new approach to getting fit and losing weight. The program combines the coaching, camaraderie and calorie burning of spinning with a step-by-step nutrition plan to help you make easy, healthy choices every day.
The program will be held at the Y on Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. Sign up for Spin to Lose and achieve a lasting lifestyle change to help you live better, healthier and longer.
Parents’ Night Out
Just a reminder that the next Parents’ Night Out at the Bethlehem YMCA is coming up Saturday, Jan. 28, from 5 to 9 p.m. We will keep kids busy and smiling with our bounce house, obstacle course, gaga pit, gym games, board games and swimming. It’s $10 for members and $15 for non-members, with an additional $8 for each sibling.
YMCA Parents’ Night Out is for kids from 6 months old to eighth grade, with younger children (6 months to 5 years) placed in our Children’s Corner room. Space is limited, so please call or stop by the Bethlehem YMCA to reserve your spot.
— Mark Hansen