Category: News & Announcements

Duneland Y Launches Blood Pressure Self Monitoring Progam

Posted on Updated on by Megan Mussche

Duneland YMCA Launches NEW Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program  

The Duneland Family YMCA will begin offering the YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, designed to help participants with hypertension lower their blood pressure by following an evidence-based program that combines blood pressure self-monitoring, nutrition education seminars and personalized support.

The Y developed this program to help individuals better manage hypertension and improve their overall health. According to the American Heart Association, more than 80 million Americans have high blood pressure, but less than half have it under control. Research shows that the simple process of checking and recording blood pressure at least twice a month over four months may lower blood pressure in some people with hypertension. In addition, evidence shows that proper nutrition, particularly with a reduction in sodium intake, may help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

“The Duneland Family YMCA is proud to launch the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program for free to our community,” said Jill Catherman, Healthy Living Coordinator. “The Y is the leading community-based organization dedicated to improving the nation’s health and this program is a great example of putting that commitment into action.”

As part of the Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring program, participants will measure their blood pressure at least two times a month for four consecutive months—a minimum of eight times–and record their blood pressure readings in a self-selected tracking tool. A nutrition education component will encourage the participants to practice healthier eating habits, including reducing sodium in their diet.

The program is free to both members and nonmembers and is facilitated by Healthy Heart Ambassadors, appointed and trained by the Y, who will show participants how to use a blood pressure monitor, encourage self-monitoring and facilitate monthly nutrition education seminars.

The Duneland Family YMCA is looking for adults with high blood pressure who could benefit from participating in this program. Benefits include:

  • A simple, evidence-based program that may lower blood pressure
  • Personalized support from a Y Healthy Heart Ambassador
  • Tips for maintaining cardiovascular health
  • Easy-to-use, portable self-tracking tool
  • Heart healthy nutrition education seminars

Participants must meet the following criteria to participate in the program: 

  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be diagnosed with high blood pressure
  • Must not have experienced a recent cardiac event
  • Must not have atrial fibrillation or other arrhythmias
  • Must not be at risk for lymphedema

For more information visit www.dunelandymca.org/bpsm/ or contact Jill Catherman at [email protected].

Valentine’s Day Membership Special

Posted on by Cylie Miller

VALENTINE'S DAY MEMBERSHIP SPECIAL

At the Y, you don’t need a resolution to start a new routine. You’ll find countless opportunities to get moving and experience the joy of better health. All it takes is one first step!

YMCA members enjoy:

  • In-person and virtual fitness options
  • Free new member Wellness Consultation
  • Fun Zone childcare while you work out
  • Unlimited group fitness classes
  • Member-pricing on YMCA programs, including Youth Sports and swim lessons!

Find Your Passion. Find Your Y at the Duneland Family YMCA. Join the Duneland Family YMCA to experience the joy of better health. All it takes is one first step.

LIMITED TIME VALENTINE’S DAY MEMBERSHIP OFFER: Become a Duneland Y member between February 11 – February 15 and pay $0 join fee. If you stay for 3 months, you’ll get 1 month free! It’s our idea of romance.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

JOIN THE Y

$0 joining fee at the YMCA now through Jan. 31st

Posted on Updated on by Megan Mussche

$0 joining fee at the YMCA now through Jan. 31st

At the Y, you don’t need a resolution to start a new routine. You’ll find countless opportunities to get moving and experience the joy of better health. All it takes is one first step!

YMCA members enjoy:

  • In-person and virtual fitness options
  • Free new member Wellness Consultation
  • Fun Zone childcare while you work out
  • Unlimited group fitness classes
  • Member-pricing on YMCA programs, including Youth Sports and swim lessons!

Find Your Passion. Find Your Y at the Duneland Family YMCA. Join the Duneland Family YMCA to experience the joy of better health. All it takes is one first step.

LIMITED TIME OFFER: Become a Duneland Y member and pay $0 joiner fee. Enter code JANFIT at checkout!

Hurry in – the $0 join offer ends Jan. 31, 2022. We look forward to seeing you soon!

JOIN THE Y

Short-Term Membership

Posted on by Cylie Miller

TAKE A BREAK FROM SCHOOL; NOT FROM FITNESS

SHORT-TERM COLLEGE MEMBERSHIPS

Now that finals are over and campus is closed, the Y is open for college students returning home for break!

The Duneland Family YMCA is offering a special membership for college students to stay active while home for winter break, summer, or spring break. Register for a Short Term Membership and pay NO JOINER’S FEE! As a short-term member, you will have access to our group fitness classes, cardio and weight rooms, basketball gyms, and more!

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW?

How much is a short-term membership?

  • College/Young Adult Membership is $24/month
  • Adult Membership is $45/month

How long will my short term membership last? Special short-term memberships may be used for up to 3 total months. The membership must be paid up front.

What if I only want a membership 3 weeks or more? You will be charged 1 month’s rate. The membership must be paid upfront:

  • College/Young Adult- $24
  • Adult- $45

What if I only want a membership 2 weeks or less? You will be charged half of 1 month’s rate. The membership must be paid upfront:

  • College/Young Adult- $12
  • Adult- $22

How do I sign up? If interested in a short-term membership, please stop in at the front desk of the YMCA to fill out a form. 

Who do I contact if I have more questions? Please call the YMCA at 219-926-4204 or email Carla Patino, Membership Director. 

2021 Holiday Schedule

Posted on Updated on by Megan Mussche

Happy Holidays Duneland YMCA members! We’re so grateful for each and every one of you and the amazing support that we provide to one another. This holiday season, we encourage you to tell the people in your life ‘thank you’ for the role they play in your happiness and health. It truly does make a difference and will make you feel good knowing that you’re spreading that gratitude.

Holiday Hours

  • Christmas Eve – Friday, December 24, 2021
    • Open 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
    • Fun Zone Closed
  • Christmas Day – Saturday, December 25, 2021
    • Closed
  • New Year’s Eve – Friday, December 31, 2021
    • Open 7:00 a.m. – 12p.m.
    • Fun Zone Closed
  • New Year’s Day – Saturday, January 1, 2022
    • Closed

December 24th and 31st Group Exercise Schedule:

December 24th schedule:

  • Y-B Fit @ 7:45 am with Sandy
  • Gentle Stretch Yoga @ 10:00 am with Maureen

December 31st schedule:

  • Y-B Fit @ 7:45 am with Sandy
  • Low Impact Cardio @ 8:15 am with Kay
  • Cardio Dance @ 9:00 am with Lindsey
  • Gentle Stretch Yoga @ 10:00 am with Maureen

12 Days of “Fit-mas”

Posted on by Megan Mussche

It's the Twelve Days of Fitmas Challenge!

This month’s fitness challenge uses a traditional holiday jingle with exercises from your YMCA Healthy Living Department. Designed to keep you active through the holiday season, you can add one exercise each day (ex. 50 push-ups, 50 walking Lunges, etc.) each exercise from the song as your daily workout routine or perform one exercise each day during the month.

There will be a calendar in the fitness room and near the gym so you can keep up with the workouts! We also have fun activities and healthy living challenges each day as well!

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PRINTABLE "TWELVE DAYS OF FITMAS"

FAQ

What if I miss a day?
This challenge is all for fun so members can complete as many or as few as they would like.

Who can participate in the Challenges?
This challenge is open to everyone!

How can I engage more with the challenges and my Y Community on social media?
For “12 Days of Fit-Mas”, tag us in a video of you performing that days workout or in your post-workout selfie, @dunelandymca!

Who do I contact if I have more questions? Our Healthy Living Coordinator: Jill Catherman

Dancing Like the Stars 2021

Posted on Updated on by Megan Mussche

THANK YOU

Dancing Like the Stars 2021

The 2021 Dancing Like the Stars, Duneland Family YMCA’s signature fundraising event, was held at Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center on Saturday, November 13. Nearly 500 guests attended to cheer for seven local celebrities who performed a variety of dances to raise to provide critical funding that enables the Y to make an impact in the Duneland community and ensure that ALL are welcome and can participate in programs, classes, and activities that build a health spirit, mind and body for all. This year’s theme was “Prom.” Guests were encouraged to add to the fun by dressing the part in prom attire as they supported their favorite dancer.

The impressive 2021 Stars lineup included Jessica Amling, Duneland Family YMCA; Jamie Baczkowski, Trinity Displays; Vern Brown & Nikki Grass, The Chesterton Brewery; Eric Camel, Chesterton Fire Chief; Kristin Morris, Duneland School Corporation; Rachel Mullins, NorthShore Health Centers; Scott Mundell, Franciscan Health Michigan City. These community leaders sought sponsorships and popularity votes, and invited countless guests to be part of their “cheering sections” all in an effort to entertain the crowd, help others and, of course, win the competition! Each dancer was provided a series of dance lessons at local studios including DanceBizz Dance Center and Emmmie Reigel, Duneland Family YMCA Dance and Music Instructor. The performances were dazzling and the entertainment was phenomenal.

At the conclusion of the program, prizes were awarded in appreciation of the contestants’ efforts.  Judges for the evening were Calla Baily, Mike Uzelac, and Jenn Brown. Jessica Amling won the Judge’s Choice Award honoring the best performance of the evening. Scott (and Maura) Mundell was awarded with the People’s Choice Award, which was determined by the number of popularity votes received by each Star (votes were purchased for $5 each by supporters). Jamie Baczkowski won the Big Bucks Award by raising the most money for the event, bringing in over $30,000 in sponsorships and donations. Vern and Nikki Grass had the loudest cheering section and were awarded the Team Spirit award.

Sponsors for the evening included Platinum Sponsors; Trinity Displays, Chesterton Family Dental, NorthShore Health Centers, Chesterton Brewery, Precision Dental – Dr. Balon, Jim Lindsay Trout.Gold Sponsors; Franciscan Health, Silvert Orthodontics, The Fowlers, NIPSCO. Silver Sponsors; Dental Arts Group, Precision Control Systems, Chesterton Feed and Garden, Paul Boyter – McColley Real Estate, Camel Property Group, Corey Hecht – Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. Bronze Sponsors; Chesterton Choral Boosters, David’s Lawn Care, RV Sutton Exevating, McGinnis Pub, 1st Source, Eric & Sarah Camel, Ennis Builders. Supporting Sponsors; Local 4600 Firefighters, Chesterton Volunteer Firefighters, Paris House of Bridal, Bosovich Wellness, 219 Taproom, Nabell Media, Dance Bizz Dance Studio, Dean’s Tire & Auto.

The Duneland Family YMCA has been serving the Duneland Communities for 52 years focusing on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Y is open 7 days a week. For more information on Y programs, services and membership, visit us online at www.dunelandymca.org, call (219) 926-4204 or visit the & at 215 Roosevelt St. in Chesterton. The Y. Always Here for Our Communities. 

New Registration System

Posted on Updated on by Cylie Miller

New Registration System Now Available

The Duneland Family YMCA has moved to a new, user-friendly online registration system for programs, memberships, and more!  

Starting November 1st, all current and new/returning Duneland Family  YMCA members and program participants will be required to sign in or create a new account in our new Reclique Core registration system to reserve a spot in Group Exercise classes and the Fun Zone.

If you are a current Duneland Family YMCA member or program participant, your online account has already been created.

To begin the sign-in process, please follow these instructions:

Step 1: Click on the “Log IN” button in the top right of the screen

Step 2: If you are a member, click “I am a MEMBER OR PARTICIPANT and I DON’T KNOW my credentials” and input your last name and birthday. Then input the email address associated with your previous YMCA account on the next screen. You’ll receive an email with a link to reset your password. For security reasons, passwords do not roll over from our old system. 

  • If you do not have an email associated with your account, please stop by our welcome desk or call us at (219)-926-4204 to update your account email to access your account. 

Step 3: Check your email and access the email from Duneland Family YMCA with the subject: “Reset Account Password”. You may need to check your junk or spam folder for the email. Open the email and click the “Reset Your Password” link. You will be prompted to create a new password. Enter your new password and click “Save Password”. 

Step 4: You will receive a confirmation that your password has been reset. Then click the blue “Log In” link. This will take you back to the first screen. Choose “I am an existing ONLINE USER and I KNOW my login credentials”. Enter your email address and newly created password, check “I’m not a Robot” box and click the “submit” button. 

Step 5: Once you create a new password, you can sign in to your account. Click on “My Account” to access your account. You can view invoices, register for programs, and update your payment method from your account.

Congratulations! You are now ready to browse and register for programs and manage your account.

Step 6: Go to the “CLASSES” tab to register for group exercise classes and the Fun Zone

If you’re having trouble logging in, please contact our Member Services team at 219-926-4204.

2021 Dancing Like the Stars – Meet the Dancers

Posted on by Megan Mussche

Meet the 2021 Dancing Like The Stars Local Celebrity Dancers

2021 Dancing Like the Stars 

After taking their routine to the virtual dance floor last year, this year’s Dance Like the Stars celebrity dancers will be back where they belong: on stage, in front of a crowd of cheering fans! Join the Duneland Family YMCA for the 2021 Annual Dancing Like the Stars on Saturday, November 13th at the Stardust Event Center at the Blue-Chip Casino for a prom-themed evening to watch local celebrities perform a dance number in front of a live audience.

 The 2021 Stars lineup includes Jessica Amling, Duneland Family YMCA; Jamie Baczkowski, Trinity Displays; Vern Brown, Chesterton Brewery; Eric Camel, Fire Chief; Kristin Morris, Duneland Schools; Rachel Mullins, Northshore Health; and Scott Mundell, Franciscan Alliance.

As always, the goal of the event is to raise money for the Duneland Family YMCA Annual Fundraising Campaign to support the Y mission and provide programming and membership subsidies. The funds ensure that everyone has access to Y programs and services, benefiting over 2,500 members, 450 seniors in Active Older Adult programs, and 500 children in early learning and school-age programs. This year’s celebrity dancers will rally to raise $75,000.

There are a variety of ways you can support the 2021 Stars and strengthen the mission of the Y: purchase a ticket or table to attend the event in support of the Star of your choice; provide a sponsorship or Silent Auction item, or support your Star by purchasing “votes” for them. The dancers are competing for the coveted titles of People’s Choice Award, Judge’s Choice Award, and The Biggest Bucks Award. You can help your favorite dancer win the People’s Choice Award by voting now and at the event.

Tickets are currently available starting at $75 and include live entertainment, dinner, and a cash bar.

Visit https://dlts2021.givesmart.com/ to learn more about the dancers, purchase tickets, and cast votes. For more information, please contact Megan Mussche at the Y – 926-4204.  The Duneland Family YMCA is a charitable nonprofit focusing on youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. 

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