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Historically, the Tioga County YMCA in Mansfield has consistently provided a variety of fun family activities to the surrounding communities. Now more than ever, the YMCA is able to fulfill their mission as the result of the extensive renovation of their facility. The YMCA held their grand re-opening in celebration of the completed of the project on Wednesday, February 24.

David Fagerstrom, Missioni Advancement (CEO) of the River Valley Regional YMCA attended the event. He was especially encouraged to see so many members of the community come together to help with the renovation. He spoke about the three prong approach of the Y—encouraging youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.

The Advisory Council of the Y has raised over $395,000 in cash and future pledges. To date, the renovations include converting a four-bay garage into a climate-controlled wellness room with new exercise equipment. A new welcome desk provides the staff with full visibility to the front entrance, gym, and wellness center. Renovators also repainted the ceiling in much of the building, as well as repainting the gym.

In an environmentally friendly effort, energy efficient lighting is now installed throughout the building. Updated heating and fans improve member comfort, as well as a ductless air conditioning unit. The four doorways at the south end of the building are now enclosed, also improving heating and cooling efficiency. The YMCA even installed four new basketball backboard units.

“We are now able to offer more programming to our youth, teens, and adults due to our newly renovated spaces,” Branch Executive Director Sonja Davy says. According to Davy, the YMCA makes sure that everyone regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. “Strengthening community is our cause. In a nutshell, it’s about kids having fun, kids staying healthy, and adult volunteers working together to make our community great.”

Davy adds, “…Confidence follows kids wherever they go and gives kids a boost throughout life …The YMCA is about staying healthy and making good choices; that’s youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.”

Some of the current activities at the YMCA include the following: adult yoga (15+), youth yoga (6-11 year olds), tumbling (3-6 year olds), youth basketball and indoor soccer (4th-6th grade), and adult co-ed volleyball. The YMCA also has a licensed after-school program at Warren L. Miller Elementary School which has been running for over a year. “…We’re excited about the future of our program. Our Site Supervisor—Jessika Van Sciver—plans, implements, and coordinates lessons for the students with the assistance of her staff,” Davy said.

The YMCA also provides children’s activities such as summer camp, birthday parties, a 5K YMCA Race, and a Healthy Kids Triathlon. If parents want to bring their children along when they go to the YMCA, there is a special activity room just for kids to enjoy.

A membership for an adult (18+) costs $24.25 per month, or $291 for the whole year. A family membership for two adults in the same household and their dependents costs $38.50 per month, or $462 for the year. There are also special rates for day passes, single parent families, college students and youth (under 18), which are listed online at http://www.rvrymca.org/tioga-county. Thanks to donations, scholarships may be available for those who cannot afford YMCA fees.

The hours of the YMCA are as follows:
Monday-Thursday, 6am-9pm
Friday, 6am-8pm
Saturday, 8am-4pm
Sunday, 12pm-4pm

The YMCA is open on Sundays through April.

“When you join the YMCA, you not only become a member but you become part of a cause. We are committed to helping families and individuals live healthier,” says Davy.

For more information about the YMCA, visit at 40-42 Besanceney Drive, Mansfield, or call (570) 662-2999. You may also visit their website at http://www.rvrymca.org/tioga-county.