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Highlands Today

Military Families Get Free YMCA Memberships

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By JOE SEELIG

Highlands Today

Published: November 17, 2008

SEBRING - Eligible active military members, their spouses and children are entitled to free, full, six-month memberships at the Highlands County Family YMCA, courtesy of Military OneSource.

Through a $31 million (Department of Defense Outreach Initiative) grant to participating YMCA's across the country, the government is funding YMCA memberships for active military families, according to Pam Reed, membership coordinator at the Highlands County Family YMCA.

"Active duty personnel were free before and their families paid $19 a month," said Reed. "Now it's free for the families (spouse and children) as well."

This is a full membership with access to the heated pool, fitness area, fitness classes and basketball courts, Reed said.

The regular family rate is $69 a month; or $65 per month if the payment is by bank draft.

The facility offers free babysitting for children ages 6 months to 6 years old, while adults are working out within the facility. All babysitters are members of staff and have undergone a thorough screening, said Reed.

The child must be a family member and baby sitter hours are Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to noon and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Children from 6 years to teenagers can enjoy a supervised game room.

The government sent out letters to military personnel to let them know, Reed added.

"The Department of Defense has contracted with the Armed Services YMCA to fund YMCA memberships at participating YMCAs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico," according to the Military OneSource Web site, for the following groups:

•Families of deployed National Guard and Reserve personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps). Their deployment must be for a minimum of 6 months.

•Active duty personnel and their families at independent duty stations.

•Active duty families assigned to newly established joint bases.

•Relocated spouse and family members of deployed active duty personnel.

To continue to qualify for the free family membership the military family members must come in at least eight times per month, said Reed.

For more information go to http://www.ymca.net/about_the_ymca/military_outrea... .

New Pool Success

The new pool has been a big draw for the facility.

"We have gotten a lot of new members because of the heated pool and aquatic classes," said Reed.

"Silver Sneakers (exercise classes for seniors 60 and up) also draw a lot of people for the fitness class," she said, adding they now have about 600 membership units which include singles and families.

Silver Sneakers meet Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. The class was full and the facility's parking lot was nearly full Thursday morning.

Reed is excited about the new YMCA Strong Kids campaign.

"We're trying to raise funds for children and families who can't afford to come," she said.

The program has been active since Oct. 16, she said.

The YMCA is asking for the public's help to fund programs such as soccer, basketball, gymnastics and summer day camp.

"We understand that during these economic hard times it may be difficult to give a monetary donation," Reed wrote in a letter in behalf of the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign. "However, any donation, big or small will help build a child's self-esteem, self-confidence, and self control that will last a life time.

The pool is open to members from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Sunday.

The YMCA also offers classes in Tai Chi, Yoga, Belly Dancing, Step Aerobics and Water Aerobics. Contact the facility for days and times.

People wanting to donate money to the Strong Kids campaign are asked to send their donations to the YMCA, 100 YMCA Lane, Sebring, FL., 33875 or make a pledge by calling (863) 382-9622. Visit the YMCA's Web site at www.highlandsymca.com .

Joe Seelig can be reached at (863) 386-5834 or jseelig@highlandstoday.com .

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