Academy Award winning actress, mom of three children, YMCA board member and a
past New York Family cover mom, Marcia Gay Harden was on hand at the recent “The
ABC’s of the YMCA” luncheon, which included a tour of the historic West side
YMCA, a review of all of the YMCA’s family offerings and helpful tips for healthy
living in the city.
“The YMCA is a community service juggernaut that serves over 200,000 children,”
said Jack Lund, President and CEO of the
YMCA of greater New York. He
continued that people used to think of the Y as just a place to swim, but the Y
is also about building friends and new relationships, and focuses on three main
components: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
Harden explained that she initially got involved with the Y
when she needed to find a preschool for her child. “When I saw the Y preschool,
I immediately loved it,” she said. “I especially loved the Parent Coop idea.
The parents actually know what their child is doing by spending real time in
the classroom.”
Lisa Farley, a mother of a current preschooler, agreed, saying, “I really like
that once a month the parents can come in and help.” Farley also mentioned she
likes the focus on imaginary play, while her daughter Kayla, enthusiastically
added, “I like choice time!”
The historic Westside Y, which was built in 1929, is a full-service community
center, with numerous amenities for adults and kids alike. Parents will enjoy
the Y’s cardio room, weight room, spinning room, Pilates center and massage
room. The Y also offers a 12-week period of personal guidance for new gym
members, which allows members to fulfill their various fitness needs as well as
accumulate “fit-points” to earn rewards—the more they use the gym the more points they receive, which is
a great incentive to promote fitness and exercise.
And yet, the Westside Y, which is the largest in North
America, boasts a myriad of activities beyond its gym and pool. On
the afternoon of the luncheon, the Y’s pottery room was bustling with activity,
as members created pieces on pottery wheels or painted their pottery before
putting them in the kiln.
“I think it would surprise people that the Y has a vast physical space, an
expert staff and it fosters relationships,” Harden said, recalling a pottery
class she took herself. “The people in my class really got to know each other
well. My daughter took a theater class here which was just great for her too,”
she said. “It’s one of the few places you can see people who are 3 and people
who are 103 all engaged.”
Another Y benefit is that there is excellent child-care from certified specialists. NYC mom Melissa
Ricci was able to have flexibility with her work-outs because she knew her
daughter Lorelei was being taken care of by a qualified babysitter. “The
sitters are really good with all different aged kids. They play age appropriate games and the kids
can bring a snack. My daughter often didn’t want to leave!”
Another great incentive? The price! A
family membership at the West side Y for two adults and up to five kids costs
approximately $180. The West side’s 2011 Winter/Spring
Program Guide will be available online 12/8 and in print on 12/17.
Some of Marcia Gay Harden’s tips for families to reducing
stress this holiday season.
Cut down on sugar.
Don’t stress out over having to send gifts to everybody you
know.
As far as financial stress, homemade gifts are a great way
to celebrate.
Spend quality time together, don’t get caught up in a
shopping frenzy.
Photos: Marcia poses with Roger Clark, general assignment reporter from the New York 1 News, who interviewed her at the event; guests mingle before dinner; Marcia enthusiastically greets a guest.
For more on Marcia, check out our recent interview with the
actress here.
