Bethlehem Branch of the Greater Valley YMCA

This fall, local families struggled to plan for virtual or hybrid schooling while they needed to work. To provide a solution, the Y partnered with Lehigh Valley Children's Centers (LVCC), launching the Edu-Childcare Program. Our Program currently serves almost 500 children Valley-wide! Learn more about this collaboration and how Childcare Centers are stepping up during the pandemic: http://blogs.edweek.org//how_two_child_care_centers_put_co

We're proud to announce our Allentown Warming Station will be opening for our third season this Sunday, November 1st. The Station will be open from 7pm to 7am daily for single men and women. Learn more about updated Station operations informed by CDC guidelines and best practices here: https://bit.ly/37Zc3bt Given the pandemic's effects and local happenings, we anticipate increased need and increased cost to operate the Station this year. Those interested in supporting the Station may make a gift here, designating their donation to the Warming Station: https://bit.ly/2qJtKso

Beginning today, the Greater Valley YMCA is entering our next phase of reopening with new member offerings including: Gymnasium Tracks Open (contact Branch for hours of operation) Locker Rooms Open for Swimmer Changing Only Socially-distant Water Fitness Classes (Reservations Required)... Personal Training (Reservations Required) Pickelball Open (Reservations Required)' Give the Branch a call to learn more about our reservation slots available, or visit our COVID-19 Policies and Procedures page to learn more: https://bit.ly/3mmN8m1

Are you selecting your Medicare plan for 2021? Then read this! Beginning January 1, all branches of the Greater Valley YMCA will accept United Healthcare’s Renew Active! Those with an eligible Medicare plan from United Healthcare can receive a YMCA membership at no additional cost to them. The Renew Active program also includes Staying Sharp, an online brain health program from AARP, an online Fitbit Community and local health and wellness classes and events. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3oiGM9a.

There's still time to register for our first Virtual Better Medicine Lunch Conversation with Lehigh Valley Health Network! Join us on Monday, October 26th from 12-1 to learn more about Peripheral Artery Disease with Dr. Shailendra Singh. Register today at LVHN.org/BetterMedicineConversations or by calling 888-402-LVHN (5846). Free and open to all!

Though we had to cancel many annual events this year, we are excited to still be hosting our Pumpkin Pie 5K virtually! Make sure to sign up soon, since there's only 10 days left to guarantee your race shirt! Keep the tradition alive wherever you celebrate Thanksgiving this year and get your friends and family to run virtually with you. Check out all the details and sign up today: https://bit.ly/2nodgV4

Did you know that today is the LAST day to participate in the 2020 Census? If you haven't yet, make sure to be counted & support your community by completing your 2020 Census at https://my2020census.gov/ #ShapeYourFuture

You're invited to our first Virtual Better Medicine Lunch Conversation with Lehigh Valley Health Network! Join us on Monday, October 26th from 12-1 to learn more about Peripheral Artery Disease with Dr. Shailendra Singh. Register today at LVHN.org/BetterMedicineConversations or by calling 888-402-LVHN (5846). Free and open to all!

Yesterday, members of the Greater Valley YMCA staff team met virtually for our first-ever Association Staff Appreciation Event. Several members of our Bethlehem Y staff family have dedicated decades to supporting the Y's mission. We honor these Y champions for all the ways they help make the Y and the Bethlehem community better together. Please join us in congratulating these members of our team!

FREE MEALS UPDATE: Please note that our branch will not be serving meals this upcoming Monday, October 12th given the holiday; extra meals will be served today for Monday and Tuesday next week! 5 dinners, 5 snacks! Stop in and see us today! We will be here from 3:30-5:00pm. #theYFeedsKids #theYFeedsFamilies

#ThankfulThursday: We're sending a HUGE thank you to our partners at Highmark for their generous donation of children and adult masks. Thank you for helping keep our Y family safe!

Don’t forget to stop by today and pick up your free meal grab-and-go distribution for kids and adults at the Childcare Entrance of the Branch! Meals are offered Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays from 3:30 - 5:00pm. Please help us spread the word! #theYFeedsKids #theYFeedsFamilies Today’s Menu: Chicken Patty Sandwich and Turkey and Cheese Wrap. Each child’s meal comes with fruit, vegetables and milk; along with two days worth of healthy snacks!!

Make a Splash! We're now offering private and semi-private swim lessons with flexible scheduling. Check out our page for more information, or to sign up and learn more: https://bit.ly/2EFcDvZ

#FactFriday: Did you know that since the beginning of the pandemic, the Greater Valley Y has distributed more than 90,000 free meals and snacks throughout the Valley? Thanks for sticking by the Y and helping us support our neighbors! #theYFeedsKids #theYFeedsFamilies