YMCA announces new programs at Medina site

Organizations accepting donations for food pantry, gloves and hats for ‘Warming Tree’

Photo by Ginny Kropf: Andrew Houseman, senior program director at the Orleans County YMCA, stands by the containers used to accept donations of non-perishable food items for The Vine’s food pantry.  Houseman has announced a lineup of new programs for the upcoming year, for all members of the family.

MEDINA – A lineup of new programs and old favorites at the Orleans County YMCA will welcome members in the New Year.

Recently hired senior program director Andrew Houseman has announced a lineup of new programs of interest to the entire family.

“You are going to see a tremendous change in programming,” Houseman said.

The first new class is a baking class, developed because of the interest in a recent cooking class, Houseman said. The baking class, which will begin at 6 p.m. Dec. 30, will be led by Lockport chef Tyler Mitchell. The class will focus on how to make different holiday cookies.

A continuing program will be co-ed adult basketball on Monday nights.

Beginning Jan. 6, the Medina High School cheerleaders will lead a dance class, open to all experience and skill levels aged 4 to 12. No expensive costumes or recitals are required. The course will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. for seven Tuesdays.

Houseman said the cheerleaders practice tumbling at the Y and he suggested they do something for the public in return. They also lead a class in tumbling for 5- to 14-year-olds. The classes will be for seven weeks from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, starting Jan. 8. The tumbling camp is designed to build strength, balance and confidence.

Peewee and youth soccer provide fun, teamwork, skill building and scrimmages, and take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays. The class starts Jan. 7 and runs through Feb. 25.

A very popular offering is the Youth Basketball League, which last year attracted 70 kids, Houseman said.

“We are hoping for the same interest this year,” he said.

The league begins Jan. 8 and runs through Feb. 26. Practices are from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, and games are from 8 to 10 a.m. Saturdays.

A fitness program will be new in 2026, Houseman said. “New Year Healthy Habits Guide” is an eight-week challenge beginning Jan 8 with group exercise led by a professional trainer. A personal training award will be given to those who complete the program, who will also receive a discount on exercise classes. Participants will get a workout plan and nutritional support, Houseman said. Check-in is from 3 to 4:30 and 6 to 6:30 every Thursday

Another new program is Pickup Basketball, which begins Jan. 4. Members can come into the Y and organize their own basketball games, Houseman said.

There are a number of new family events, from parents’ night to schools-out programs.

One of the group training exercises the Y is trying to promote is TRX training, Houseman said. He also said HIIT virtual classes are new for 16-year-olds and up. Members can watch classes on TV. If the trainer is absent, there will still be a class. The HIIT class is from 5 to 6 p.m. Thursdays.

Houseman said they are also trying to push Zumba. They have had a big interest, but would like to see a bigger turnout, he said.

A new community library has been set up, where members can give a book or take a book.

In an effort to support their community, Houseman said the Y has been collecting non-perishable food for The Vine church on Maple Ridge Road. They have also partnered with the Medina Police Department to create a Warming Tree, in which they are seeking donations of hats and gloves for both children and adults.

“We were looking for ways to partner our organization and giving to the community was the best idea,” Houseman said. “I am friends with police officer Brandon Brown and we came up with this idea.”

The police department will deliver the hats and mittens to strategic locations where they will be available to those who need them.

In another act of community involvement, Community Action of Orleans and Genesee and the Albion FFA donated boxes of produce from their recent food collection, and anyone who wanted or needed fresh produce was welcome to take it. As of Monday, nearly all of it was gone, except for acorn squash.

Houseman said that their Child Watch service has been extended to 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 4 to 7:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

“Andrew has done a great job bringing new programming to the Orleans branch,” said Dean Bellack, chief volunteer officer at the GLOW YMCA. “I know he has more planned and I hope the community is as pleased as I am with the positive change.”

One final note Houseman shared is news about the archery classes by the Society for Anachronism (archery) which the Y has been hosting in space developed by Merle Fredericks’ Christian Bowhunters. The Society is planning to put on a show for the public in early spring. It will feature archery demonstrations and medieval fighting.

Houseman also announced a special promotion for new members in January. From Jan. 1 to 17, all new members will receive a $25 program credit. They can join online at www.glowymca.org or in person at the YMCA, 306 Pearl St.

More information on programs and prices are available by contacting the Y at www.glowymca.org or calling (585) 798-2040.