Silver Falls Family YMCA: Winter basketball and swimming, as well as crafts and language lessons, now available

By Dixon Bledsoe

Registrations are slow for the YMCA’s winter basketball leagues and the group’s leaders encourage kids to sign up by Jan. 19. The leagues for boys and girls commence Jan. 26. Coaches are also needed for a few teams.  

“Registration is often slow during the holidays but the economy and weather might be factors this year as well,” said Susan Sasano, branch and program director. 

“We can’t do anything about the weather but we can definitely help those in a pinch during these tough economic times. 

“We encourage people to talk to us about eligibility for our scholarship programs.”

YMCA offers several sports and recreational activities in Silverton.

The 2009 winter after-school enrichment program coordinated with area business owners to promote two new activities for adults and children of all ages to have fun – pottery and cosmic bowling.

How about learning a new language? Henry Diaz and Wibke Fretz have offered to teach beginning Spanish and German to our children.

YMCA also reminds people this is a good time to use the community pool, which is open for year-round use. Deanna Benton, aquatics director, recently reported some rather anemic numbers of patrons, particularly on Sundays, but staff is on duty to keep the year-round facility operating.

“We have a great program with wonderful team members (volunteer coaches, parents, spectators, school district administrators, leadership council) that support the YMCA recreational sport philosophy that ‘every child is winner’ while building self-confidence, skill development and learning sportsmanship,” said Sasano.

 “Plus it’s fun and enjoyable for everyone who is involved and participates in the program. So don’t wait – come join our team!”