Walk for Wellness Team Program — This six-week team program is designed primarily for low- to mid-level walkers and exercisers and runs Sept. 27 through Nov. 7. Teams of five will measure their “steps” each week using a pedometer, Fitbit, etc., and then record them on walkfranklincounty.org. Find four friends, create a team name, register on the Walk Franklin County website and pay the $15 per person fee at the Y or by calling 413-773-3646, ext. 0. See walkfranklincounty.org for more details or call Jayne at 413-773-3646, ext. 448.
Y Preschool Registration — The YMCA operates a full-day preschool 50 weeks per year for children ages 2.9 to 5 years old. Early and/or late care is available along with snow day care. The school has two modern classrooms and an outdoor play yard but also utilizes the Y’s pool, gymnastics center and gym for daily physical activities. Parents of 5-day/50-week enrollees also get a free Silver Family YMCA membership. Parents should call Lisa Jackson the schools director at 413-773-3646, ext 431, to schedule a visit and tour. The school accepts voucher funding, and the Y has some financial aid available.
Weight Loss Team Challenge — The Y’s first weight loss team challenge of this program year, “Dashing All The Weigh,” begins Oct. 4. This nine-week program is for those serious about losing weight. The program includes fitness intakes before the program starts, nine weeks of coaching by an exercise trainer, weekly weigh-ins, food journaling and required strength and cardio workouts each week. Go to ymcaingreenfield.org and see page 18 of “Brochure” for more details. Program fee is $125 for Y members and $170 for non-members. Sign up now as space is limited to 36 people.
Tai Chi for Diabetes — Easy to learn and will help reduce stress while improving muscle strength, balance, heart/lung function and flexibility. Created by family physician and Tai Chi master, Dr. Paul Lam, to help prevent and improve the control of diabetes and is based on the Yang and Sun styles of Tai Chi. Tuesdays, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Y Wellness Center. Free for Y members and $10 per day for all others.
Gently Used Clothing Needed —- The Y’s eighth annual free clothing store is Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 1 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, Oct. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A lot of clean gently used clothing of all sizes and any season are needed, especially children’s clothing. Donations may be dropped off in the Y lobby. Volunteers are needed Oct. 4 and 5 to sort, fold and organize all of the donations. Call Jayne at 413-773-3646, ext 448, for more info.
Two Ballroom Dancing Options — On the first Wednesday of the month from noon to 1 p.m. starting Oct. 5, a ballroom dance instructor will be playing popular current and oldies music; no partner is needed and some instruction will take place. Also starting Oct. 5, the Y is offering “Learn to Dance” nights every Wednesday from 7:30 to 9 p.m. People can attend with a partner or by themselves. The Y will have both a “leader” and a “follower” available to dance with. The instructor will teach basic moves. Both of these are free for Y members and $5 per class for all others.
Child Watch — The Y provides low-cost child care for children ages 8 weeks to 6 years old while their parents are exercising at the Y. The service is available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., Monday through Friday from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and Saturday from 7:45 to 9:45 a.m. There is a 90-minute maximum per visit. The drop in fee is $7 per visit; call 413-773-3646, ext. 0, for more info.