Erie, PA – James Naismith in 1892 invented the game of basketball at a Y in Springfield, MA; hazy records indicate the game first reached Erie in 1896 when the Erie Y played Allegheny College. This experimental beginning was the seed of one of the great chapters of Erie sport history.
The YMCA of Greater Erie will return its youth basketball program to the game’s roots as part of its 160th anniversary year (August 2020-August 2021) by expanding its popular P.L.A.Y. youth co-ed competitive basketball league and sunsetting the Y’s traditional youth basketball format.
“Naismith’s instructions were to invent a game which would be interesting, easy to learn, could be played indoors and would not have body contact and roughness,” said Monica Olesnanik, associate executive director for the YMCA of Greater Erie. “The first props included the famous peach baskets, ten feet above the floor, and a soccer ball.”
Olesnanik goes on to explain that the P.L.A.Y. Basketball League still emphasizes the Y’s core character values and developmental approach but provides for a level of healthy competition in a safe and fun environment. “Participate and Learn at the YMCA – that’s at the core of the P.L.A.Y. league. At the Y, one differentiating factor to our approach to healthy competition is our values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.”
P.L.A.Y. is for kids in grades K-4 and registration is open for individuals as well as local school teams. Games and practices will be held at all three Erie Y locations: Downtown, Eastside and Glenwood. Y membership is not required.
“This league also provides for a safe way to travel locally and compete against different teams as games will rotate local locations and the championships will be held at a special local venue,” said Olesnanik. “Travel sports teams are tough right now because of the COVID environment. P.L.A.Y. provides the structure for local competition and travel within our own community.”
Erie, PA – Sick and tired of feeling sick and tired in these COVID-19 times?
The YMCA of Greater Erie invites all in the community to participate in a free six-week STRONG challenge designed to help transform spirit, mind and body. The Erie community joins with over 125 YMCA communities nationwide in launching STRONG on Oct. 19.
“Now, more than ever before, we need to recharge and refocus,” said YMCA of Greater Erie CEO Gerry Vandemerwe. “The COVID-19 pandemic has worn us down. It’s isolated us in so many ways. This challenge provides an opportunity to get active and healthier on your own or as a Strong family.”
All in the community can opt-in to the free challenge by texting #STRONG to 22300 or register at ymcaerie.org. Follow the prompts to sign-up and participants will receive three texts or emails a week filled with motivation, challenges, workouts and more. A Strong “starter kit” is available for pick-up at local Y locations with registration confirmation and, upon completion, additional incentives awarded.
“Participate on your own time where you’re most comfortable – at home or at the Y- or a combo of both. While an active Y membership is NOT required for STRONG participation, it is required if you intend on using the Y. There is plenty of support either way,” said Vandemerwe.
The Y is making available a STRONG website, free on-demand and live stream classes, a virtual facebook closed group community and inspirational resource videos.
“It’s the perfect time to take back our lives, reenergize, achieve goals, feel better and stronger,” added Vandemerwe.
Erie, PA – The YMCA of Greater Erie will resume, temporarily, its partnership with the USDA to connect families to free fresh produce due to an extension of additional grant funds.
The produce boxes will be distributed to families during the Y’s regularly scheduled meal distribution for children. Please note that the produce boxes are only available during the schedule below, but meals follow an expanded service
Downtown Y, 31 West 10th Street, Fridays, 3:30– produce
Erie, PA – With recent announcements by local school officials that Erie Public School middle and high school students will attend school remotely until spring, the Y, which typically offers after-school programming for teens, will now reopen its Teen Center, 31 West 10th Street, during school hours to provide teens a space where they can attend virtual classes while supervised by Y staff on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
“The YMCA of Greater Erie has served the Erie community for 160 years, during which we have made through many challenging times together, none perhaps as impactful as COVID-19,” said Tammy Roche, Vice President, Marketing Communications and Financial Development for the YMCA of Greater Erie. “Erie Public School teens will attend school remotely until spring. The Y’s Teen Center includes a Learning Lab with WiFi access, smartboard and monitors,” said Roche. “The Center will offer some after-school enrichment opportunities such as art, music and physical and mental wellness.”
The Y also will provide breakfast and lunch. Enrollment is limited to 20 teens and teens must be registered and attend consistently or risk enrollment. The Center will be o pen Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to log-on at 8 a.m. The Teen Center will remain open until 7:30 p.m.
The Teen Center will follow all health and safety regulations including mask wearing at all times other when eating. The Y will provide masks that will be laundered daily.
Attendance for City of Erie teens is free with proof of residence thanks to a grant from the City’s Community Development Block Grant.
In order to help keep children and staff healthy and safe throughout the school year, the YMCA of Greater Erie, following state and local requirements, has adapted several changes to its day-to-day operations, including:
Daily health screenings for children and staff
Face coverings for children and staff
Staggered transition times to avoid sharing of common spaces like hallways and bathrooms
Disinfecting and sanitizing protocols per the Academy of Pediatrics
Reduced capacity in group activities
Meals and snacks served “in place”
Limit personal belongings between home and the Y
“Throughout this crisis, we have looked for ways the Y can best serve everyone in our community. As we look to the upcoming school year, we are pleased to partner with Erie’s Public Schools to provide an equitable, safe learning environment for all.
For more information and to sign up for the Teen Center, visit ymcaerie.org or call 452-3261 ###
Erie, PA – The YMCA of Greater Erie announced an “at-home” preschool experience for children ages 3-5 years that begins on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Enrollment is currently open for up to 25 students.
Qualifying children for the Y’s Pre-K Counts program may select this at-home learning option in lieu of the traditional in-person program at the Y. The Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts program makes quality pre-kindergarten programs available to Pennsylvania residents at no cost to qualifying families; a family of four may earn as much as $74,000 and qualify. It is funded through a grant from the State of Pennsylvania. Full day program instructional time is 5 hours and half day program is 3 hours. All meals and snacks are included. A Pennsylvania Pre-K Counts application must be filled out completely and submitted for consideration.
“We realize that families may have other school-age children learning at home and by offering an at-home learning option for preschool children, we are providing the flexibility that families may need when schooling multiple children at home and/or may not be comfortable sending younger children to in-person learning during this time,” said Heather Clark Celio, YMCA of Greater Erie Pre-K Counts Training Coordinator & Compliance Specialist.
Families will receive a one-time tote of supplies to supplement weekly at-home activity packets, video recorded lessons, video recorded read-aloud, resources for social-emotional development, and parental supports. Each family also will receive a complementary subscription to the learning app ABCmouse, an online learning program for kids 2-8. Meals also will be available for pick-up weekly for enrolled children.
“We plan to create an online community for parents selecting this at-home learning option. Certified teachers and support staff will be in regular communication with parents offering guidance on using the supplied kits, accessing child development milestones and overcoming obstacles,” said Clark Celio.
“The YMCA of Greater Erie has served the Erie community for 160 years, during which we have made through many challenging times together, none perhaps as impactful as COVID-19,” said Tammy Roche, Vice President, Marketing Communications and Financial Development for the YMCA of Greater Erie. “Throughout this crisis, we have looked for ways the Y can best serve everyone in our community. This Pre-K Counts at-home learning program is just another way the Y is serving families.”
Erie, PA – WQLN PBS puts early learning in the spotlight as students in PreK through 5th grade navigate a summer of learning in the middle of a global pandemic.
“Fighting off the summer slide is never easy, but this year it came with added challenges. So, community partners like WQLN PBS and the YMCA stepped up to provide local children with the resources they need to bring learning to life all summer long,” said Kathy Woodard, WQLN Education Manager.
WQLN PBS is distributing Grab and Go Bags to 500 students through the YMCA of Erie starting July 24 through August 28. The content of these bags is all aligned with PBS Kids STEM-related activities, including COVID19 parent social and emotional resources. During the first week of distribution, children received a plethora of art supplies needed for all subsequent weekly family STEM projects, including a book donated by Hooked on Books for Kids and Kiwanis Club of Erie. A weekly project kit is included.
Here are some of the STEM project kits.
Cat in the Hat Float Your Boat (DIY Sailboat kit) paired with an activity sheet
Get Bugged Out with Wild Kratts (Firefly bug jar kit) paired with a Wild Kratts Wild Life Journal
Bird Watching with Nature Cat (DIY bird house) paired with Nature Cat Bird Journal
Explore the Weather with Nature Cat (Weather wheel kit) paired with Weather Tracker
Each week, a WQLN PBS KIDS “Share What You Learned” handout is included and children are encouraged to watch a PBS KIDS program.
“Building community partnerships with like-minded nonprofits like WQLN strengthens supports for families. The academic disparities in our communities are widening during the COVID-19 pandemic and putting educational materials directly in the hands of parents and caregivers is an important step in bridging the gap,” said Tammy Roche, YMCA of Greater Erie VP, Marketing Communications.
We know the challenges facing families and local schools that’s why we’re asking you to help pitch in by providing the following “most needed” items for local school families to help maintain a healthy environment at their homes and at school.
We know that all schools are in need, however, this particular collection will benefit the following United Way Community Schools: Harding Elementary McKinley Elementary Iroquois Elementary Pfeiffer Burleigh Elementary
ITEMS IDENTIFIED BY SCHOOLS AS “MOST IN NEED”
Disinfecting Wipes Masks (Child and Adult) Disinfectant Spray Laundry Soap Disinfecting Cleaners Antibacterial Hand Soap Disposable Gloves Tissues (Box and Travel Size) Paper Towels Hand Sanitizer (Regular and Travel Size) Toilet Paper Pocket Size Antibacterial Hand Wipes
Items can be dropped off: Glenwood location. – 3727 Cherry Street Eastside location – 2101 Nagle Road Contact Victoria Stilson at [email protected] for more information.
The Highmark Quad – The Virtual Edition When The Quad Father started the first Games in 1983 his goal was create the region’s premier fitness program with four year-round events designed to keep you and your family in great shape; while having fun. That mission will not change in 2020! It just may look a little different than in years past.
This year the Highmark Quad Games has been challenged — to pivot with the current health crisis and Erie County’s cancellation of all summer events, so we are going virtual!
Each of our events will take place over 8-14 days and participants can ride, run, swim, ski any course available, or the actual Quad event course, then submitting a time through Big White Trailers virtual submission form. Certain aspects of past events will be replaced with new and exciting editions to make this year’s events still fun for all!
Supporting the YMCA of Erie All proceeds from this year’s events will continue to benefit the YMCA of Greater Erie and their COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund and financial assistance program. Since 1860 and throughout the Y’s history, the Y have been called upon to provide critical services during challenging or uncertain times. Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, our Y closed its physical doors and pivoted operations very quickly to meet emerging community needs like essential childcare for the “life-sustaining” workforce, emergency meals for children living with food insecurity, operation REACH to touch populations to reduce social isolation and launched a virtual platform to provide at-home tips and resources for all.
Before You Begin Health & Safety – The Highmark Quad is here to help you focus on what matters most: your health, your family and friends, and your community. Your health and safety is very important to us.
Review national CDC guidelines on safe bicycling, running, swimming and skiing during COVID-19.
All registered participants will need to complete a COVID-19 participation waiver and accept the added question – acknowledging that all courses are open to traffic without aid stations or fire/police. Racing will not be encouraged by the Highmark Quad on any race course without traffic control.
Even with social distancing measures, it’s still best to fly solo for the time being. But share your plans with friends or family before going on your ride.
Make sure you have all that you need while out. Check your equipment before you leave the house – are tires inflated, is your bike running smooth. While bike shops are considered “essential businesses”, not all shops have stayed open. Some have limited hours. Plan ahead. Make sure your toolkit is properly stocked to handle any roadside repair that might come up. Be sure to wear all the appropriate equipment, and bring plenty of water and snacks.
Additional details will be sent out relating to each event – run, swim, and ski.
With hospitals and healthcare professionals overworked and overwhelmed as it is, take this time to keep your mind fresh and body healthy and active without going overboard.
We’re all going through a lot right now. A friendly smile or wave to fellow riders or pedestrians will be appreciated. Remember, we’re all in this together.
Participation Fee $35 for Quad Series and $10 for each individual event. If you previously registered for the 2020/2021 Quad Games at a higher price, you will be contacted by email with options for adjusting your cost.
Overall and Age Group Awards Due to safety concerns we will not be offering overall and age group awards in 2020. We don’t want to encourage racing on open race courses without proper aid stations, fire police and traffic control. We will be offering appropriate competitions and fun contest at each event.
Participant and Championship Shirts 2020 participant shirts can be purchased at our online apparel store. Anyone who completes all four events will earn a Championship shirt (at no additional cost).
The Bike Event (July 1 – July 12)
Course: participants can ride any 12 mile course they please, including completing 12 miles on a stationary bike. The Quad Bike course will be marked and participants can ride complete their 12-miles on the original course. Please note that the course will be open to traffic with no additional traffic control or aid stations. All riders must follow regular traffic laws.
Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an online virtual submission form. Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form prior to midnight on July 12, 2020. You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or prizes.
After-Party: The Crossroads Diner in Edinboro will be donating a free takeout meal – burger and fries – to all registered participants. A meal voucher will be emailed to each registered participant prior to July 1, 2020. Please give them a lot of love on all our social media accounts!
Contests: Win gift certificates to the Crossroads Diner or the Quad Apparel Store, a Summer Access Pass to Mt. Pleasant, Quad Swag or a free registration for our 2021/2022 Quad Games.
Strava Segments – top rider and other random awards to those who post a time on our Strava segments along the course (they will be marked by July 1 or find them on Strava)
Photo Contest/Scavenger Hunt – while enjoying this year’s course (at a more casual pace) enjoy the scenery and have some fun! Take photos or selfies at the following locations and post on Facebook or Instagram. Be sure to tag the Highmark Quad.
The starting line….can you find it?!
A picture next to the 2nd largest sycamore tree in PA (hint – at the end of the first Strava segment)
Can you find a peacock? Or two? Please be respectful of the owner’s property and take your picture from the road. (hint – red barn)
It’s not time to ski yet, but take a selfie in front of the Mt. Pleasant sign! Get really adventurous and hike to the top of Chestnut (ski slope) for a little extra work out! Tag Mt. Pleasant in the post for a chance to win a Summer Access Pass.
Little White Church – Washington Valley Christian Church (hint – it’s a little off the course but visible around mile 5.5). Can you find it?!
The finish line – the most glorious site around!
A selfie in front of the Crossroads Diner Sign while you are picking up your FREE burger and fries after your ride. Tag the @crossroadsdiner when you pos this picture on Facebook for a chance to win a gift certificate to their restaurant.
Best costume – take your fun to the next level and dress up for your ride. Take a selfie and share on our Facebook page!
Family – Invite your family to join the fun or snap a family selfie (before, during or after the ride)
Riding Solo – stay safe and enjoy a solo ride. Take a selfie of yourself enjoying the ride or click a picture of your beautiful bike.
RULES: This year’s Highmark Quad Bike course will be open to traffic without any additional traffic control. We ask that you don’t race but enjoy a ride while following all traffic rules. No aid stations or assistance will be available on the course. Be respectful of neighbors and property along the course.
Post selfies to the Highmark Quad Facebook page or tag @highmarkquad to be entered into prize drawings for the scavenger hunt/photo contest.
Please be respectful or property along the course. While taking pictures stay on the side of the road (or in a safe area) while not disrupting the property owners or property; but also be aware of traffic.
Be safe and have fun!
RaceJoy: We will also be partnering with Big White Trailer to offer RaceJoy (sponsored by UTZ Snacks) for all our registrants – have a virtual cheering section or allow your biggest fans to follow your progress while riding the course. Please use all safety precautions when using this app.
Safety: All Quad courses in 2020 will be open to traffic without any additional traffic control or aid stations. Please abide by all traffic rules. Do not race on an open course. Be sure to carry your cellphone with you, in case of an emergency. Be sure to take any additional equipment with you – water, sunscreen, etc.
The Run Event (September 6 – September 20)
Course: participants can complete any 5 or 3.1 mile course they please, including running/walking on a treadmill. The Quad Run course will be marked and participants can complete their run on the original course. Please note that the course will be open to traffic with no additional traffic control or aid stations. All participants must follow regular traffic laws.
Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an online virtual submission form. Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form prior to midnight on September 20, 2020. You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or prizes.
After-Party: TBD
Contests: TBD
Strava Segments – top runner and other random awards to those who post a time on our Strava segments along the course (they will be marked by September 6 or find them on Strava)
Photo Contest/Scavenger Hunt – details TBD
RaceJoy: We will also be partnering with Big White Trailer to offer RaceJoy (sponsored by AXA Advisors) for all our registrants – have a virtual cheering section or allow your biggest fans to follow your progress while riding the course. Please use all safety precautions when using this app.
Safety: All Quad courses in 2020 will be open to traffic without any additional traffic control or aid stations. Please abide by all traffic rules. Do not race on an open course. Be sure to take all appropriate equipment with you – water, sunscreen, cellphone, etc.
The Swim Event (TBD – October or November)
Due to the uncertainty of access to pools these details are subject to change.
Course: participants can swim 100 yards at any open facility. If pools are not open, we may change this event to 100 yard rowing competition. This event is subject to cancellation.
Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an online virtual submission form. Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form prior to midnight on TBD. You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or prizes.
After-Party: TBD
Contests: TBD
Safety: Always swim with a buddy and follow all rules of the facility you are using. Be sure to take all appropriate equipment with you – water, cellphone, etc.
The Ski/Snowshoe Event (January 1 – February 14)
Course: participants can ski or snowshoe any 5 or 2.5 mile course they please, including the original course at Wilderness Lodge. The Wilderness Lodge Quad Ski and Snowshoe courses may not be marked but a map will be provided along with other area courses (example: Wainer Park). Please note that the course will be open to other skiers/snowshoers with no aid stations. All participants must follow rules of the trails they are on.
Submitting your Time: Big White Trailer will be setting up an online virtual submission form. Registered participants will need to submit their time using this form prior to midnight on February 14, 2020. You must submit a time to be eligible for the championship shirt and event contests or prizes.
After-Party: TBD
Contests: Strava Segments – top runner and other random awards to those who post a time on our Strava segments along the course (they will be marked by January 1 or find them on Strava)
Photo Contest/Scavenger Hunt – details TBD
Safety: We always recommend that you ski/snowshoe and follow all rules of the facility you are using. Be sure to take all appropriate equipment with you – water, sunscreen, cellphone, etc.
Additional Details
If at any time our area moves into a phase that would allow us to host onsite events with all appropriate safety measures in place, we will consider adjusting our event(s) plan. Please Like us on Facebook or check our website often for the latest Highmark Quad announcements.
Erie, PA – The YMCA of Greater Erie has partnered with the USDA to connect families to free fresh produce.
The produce boxes will be distributed to families during the Y’s regularly scheduled meal distribution for children. Please note that the produce boxes are only available during the schedule below, but meals follow an expanded service
Downtown Y, 31 West 10th Street, Fridays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. – produce
It is estimated that the Y should receive anywhere from 60-80, 30-pound boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables weekly; one 30-pound box would serve a family of 4 for one week.
Income requirement and Y membership are not required.
Erie, PA – The YMCA
of Greater Erie is reopening an additional childcare center at its glenwood
park location, 3727 Cherry Street, and
YMCA Early Learning Center, 3507 Poplar Street, as employees slowly begin to
return to work in compliance with Governor Tom Wolf’s Plan for Pennsylvania
Yellow Phase which took effect Friday, May 8.
The Y’s glenwood
childcare and Early Learning Center locations will reopen on Monday, May 18 for
employees of businesses that have been moved from the red to yellow phase.
Enrollment is open
now for children ages infant-15 by calling Stacy Dambaugh at (814) 572-6549 or
emailing [email protected] or enroll online at ymcaerie.org.
Care is available from 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Friday
Staff and children will be given a daily “well-check” upon entry. Should your child meet the CDC’s three warning signs – fever, cough or shortness of breath – your child will not be permitted to remain in care and can return only with a doctor’s excuse.
Group size will be limited to 10 or less children
Children over age 2 are required to have a face covering
Parents are required to have a face covering
We will no longer serve family style; staff will serve all meals
Parents will NOT escort their children to and from the classroom; Y staff will greet children and escort them to and from the classroom to minimize the number of contacts in our building.
We will take extra precaution on cleaning and disinfecting our toys and classrooms; this will be in addition to our licensed requirements.
Should your child become sick, the child will be removed and placed in a designated sick room and the parent called to pick up.
The Y expects to
reopen additional centers as the Governor moves through his Plan for
Pennsylvania.
The 2020 Census will begin arriving in households mid-March. The City of Erie has created materials to help inform people, allay fears, and bust myths regarding the 9-question 2020 Census. Click Here to View.
The funding Erie County receives based on the Census is crucial for our neighborhoods and community centers, parks and rec, streets, schools, housing, health, and transportation. Please take a moment to review this information and to share far and wide with your friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and co-workers.
Kiddos are more than halfway through school and their supplies are a bit shabby. Crayons are broken and dull, glue is dried out, folders are torn and tissues are scarce. We’re collecting school supplies for children and classrooms through March 31 at all Y locations. Look for the bin in the lobby.
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