Re-opening updates from our CEO

We're so Excited! We plan to re-open soon!

Updated May 14, 2020 5:06 PM

We are thrilled to announce that based on Governor DeWine's comments today, we are taking steps to reopen our facility and reactivate key programs later this month. By the end of May we expect to open child care, summer camp, summer sports activities, our fitness facilities, and our pools!

We will provide details over the upcoming days. We’re following guidelines from health experts and local officials to ensure that our facilities meet the highest standards for hygiene and safety, and we have modified our policies and programs to facilitate safe physical/social distancing practices.

Your patience is appreciated as we prepare to welcome you back.

Help us get ready for your return!

Please take a couple of minutes to answer this brief 5-question survey to help us prepare for reopening our facility.

https://forms.gle/uWwsgXSd5VXMTHav5

Stay tuned to our social media and website for more exciting updates on our reopening!

News Archieves

We Can't Open Yet, but We Are Still Working for Members and Our Community

Watch this short video to hear an update from our CEO Chris Johnson.

Updated 4/28/2020. Governor DeWine hasn't yet announced when YMCA's can open our fitness center and pools. During this waiting period, we are continuing our mission work as well as preparing for the return of members.

CONTINUING OUR COMMUNITY OUTREACH

We are providing childcare for essential personnel, so their children have a safe place to continue to learn, play and grow while they work. In partnership with Joshua’s Place we are providing more than 1500 healthy meals and snacks to children. We are calling seniors, as well as our other members, to check in and remain connected. And we’ve launched a variety of online classes which are free to everyone.

PREPARING FOR MEMBERS TO RETURN

While our fitness facilities have been closed, we've been at work cleaning and sanitizing. We've also painted, repaired, replaced and completed maintenance all over the building. And there's going to be a lot of new things to try including our new Ninja Zone, Boxing Fitness, MyZone, and more! Follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all the changes!

YOUR MEMBERSHIP CAN BE A CHARITABLE DONATION

If you are a Y member and are able, please consider continuing your membership with us. We hope to open our doors soon, but until then your membership dollars will help us continue this important work. Your membership payments will be considered a charitable donation for the period when our YMCA fitness centers are closed.

To cancel your membership, please email membership@ymcastaff.org and state your request to cancel. Within 48 hours you should get a reply email confirming your membership cancellation. If you do not receive that confirmation email, please email again. You will need the confirmation email as proof of membership cancellation. To make reinstating your membership easier, there will be no joiner fee for returning members for the first 60 days after we reopen. We will do all we can to make this process as seamless as possible.

UNTIL OUR DOORS REOPEN, YOU CAN HELP

If you are not a Y member, please considering joining or donating today. You can donate online or contact our CEO, Chris Johnson at 513 932 1424 ext. 122 or by email at Chris.Johnson@ymcastaff.org. To join, please email membership@ymcastaff.org .

We are just as eager as everyone to be back together. We are working closely with healthcare and government authorities to prepare for reopening in a way that is safe and meets state and national guidelines. We will be updating members and the community through our website, emails and social media as the details emerge. Until then, we will continue to do the work that is needed to keep our children safe, our seniors connected and our community healthy. But we can’t do it alone. Please. Stay with us.

Watch this short video to learn how Ohio YMCAs are standing together for our communities, and why sticking with us makes a difference for everyone in Ohio.

Extending the Value of the Y into Our Community

As an organization, the Y has a mission to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. You may value your membership because of the personal growth you experience here, whether through friendships or achieving health goals. With our fitness centers temporarily closed, you may be realizing more than ever the value your membership brings to your life.

Through this difficult time, we are working hard every day to extend the value of the Y into our community. Here’s what we are doing:

• Supporting our community by calling our members, providing free online classes and offering chaplain services

• Meeting child care needs for healthcare workers, first responders and “essential” employees by providing Pandemic Child Care

• Engaging with Joshua’s Place to provide meals to area families in need

As a Sustaining Member Your Dues will be a Charitable Donation

Our work as a non-profit organization will not end during this pandemic. Over the next weeks or months there may be additional ways the Y will step up to help. Your continued membership dues will support this meaningful work. Please stay with us as a sustaining member and keep your membership active. Your membership payments will be considered a charitable donation for the period of time when our buildings are closed.

We know not all of you will be able to continue an active membership. We understand that completely and will work with you. If you want to cancel your membership, please email membership@ymcastaff.org and state your request to cancel. To make reinstating your membership easier, there will be no joiner fee for returning members for the first 60 days after we reopen.

When this is over, we can all look back and see how the Y stepped into the crisis and met people and families right at their needs. Whether you partner with us as a sustaining member, plan now to return as a full member, or consider providing an additional donation to serve our community, your generosity will impact lives now and long into the future.

Sincerely,

Chris Johnson
Countryside YMCA CEO
Chris.Johnson@ymcastaff.org

For answers to frequently asked questions about membership and registration refunds, click here.

Our buildings are closed, but our work for the community continues

One week ago today, first lady of Ohio Fran DeWine was here for a press conference to announce the launch of the Warren County Imagination Library. Today our fitness centers and pools are closed. It is still difficult to comprehend.

So much has changed in such a short time but the mission of the Y extends beyond fitness and swim, and that work continues. How? Our childcare is open and making plans to assist in caring for the children of essential personnel. We are a drop off point for food and other essential supplies. We are calling members to check-in, to see if you have any needs we can help you meet. And we are working on ways to help you maintain your health and fitness while home.

Obviously, we’d prefer for you to be here today doing your usual workout and meeting friends, just as you have been throughout your membership. But during this time when that can’t happen, we are asking you to stay with us and maintain your membership as we continue our work for individuals and families in our community.

We know not all of you will be able to do that. We understand that completely and will work with you. If you want to cancel your membership, please email membership@ymcastaff.org and state your request to cancel. Within 48 hours you should get a reply email confirming your membership cancellation. If you do not receive that confirmation email, please email again. You must have the confirmation email as proof of membership cancellation.

If you registered for a program or class for our Winter 2 session, please have patience. We are waiting to better understand the extent of this crisis and closure. We fully intend to honor and make right any registration that has already been paid whether that is with make-up classes, refunds, or some other solution. But right now, please refrain from requesting refunds. As soon as we know how we will work together to handle this situation, we will announce it.

Please check our website and social media frequently to stay informed. We look forward to the day when we will once again open our doors and welcome you back. Until then, you can contact our CEO Chris Johnson with specific questions or concerns.

Our Fitness Centers and Pools are Closed Until Further Notice

As you know, we have been diligently monitoring the developments surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus) and have been adjusting our business practices to meet the recommendations by Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health. At 10:00pm today, Monday, March 16, we will be closing our Lebanon, Landen, and Otterbein fitness centers and pools until further notice.

Even though our buildings are closing, our commitment to you and your family remains strong. We know the value of exercise for self-care and stress relief, and we are working on plans to offer virtual classes and family activities at no extra cost to all our members. We will be rolling out plans later this week, so stay tuned!

We understand that closing the facilities and cancelling classes may be frustrating, especially since you have invested in your YMCA membership. We fully intend to work with our members to address these monetary concerns. But right now, we ask for your patience as we continue to respond to the changing demands of these uncertain times.

Besides our fitness facilities, Countryside YMCA is one of the largest providers of childcare in Warren County. We want to provide this valuable service that so many families rely on, and our childcare centers will remain open (unless we are directed differently by the Governor). We will be expanding our childcare service to include caring for the children of essential personnel during this pandemic (health-care workers, first responders, nursing home employees, law enforcement and prison staff). Please call 513 932 1424 ext. 131 to learn more.

Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all. During these unprecedented times we are putting our mission into action. If you or someone you know could use a check-in or delivery of supplies, please call us and provide contact information. You can also leave prayer requests or requests to connect with a YMCA chaplain here, on our website. YMCA staff and volunteers will do all we can to help.

We want to stay connected with you and keep you updated. Check our website and social media frequently to stay informed. We look forward to the day when we will once again open our doors and welcome you back. Until then, you can contact our CEO Chris Johnson with specific questions or concerns.

Countryside YMCA updates Effective Monday, March 16

At Countryside YMCA, the safety and well-being of our members, staff, volunteers and community have always been and will always be a top priority. We have been diligently monitoring the developments surrounding COVID-19 (coronavirus) and have been adjusting our business practices to meet the recommendations by Governor DeWine and the Ohio Department of Health. To further support efforts to thwart the coronavirus spread in our community, here are the additional changes we are making effective Monday, March 16.

All classes at all locations will be suspended, but both locations will still be open for members who want to come in and workout.

At our Lebanon location we will continue to offer access to the cardio strength center (CSC), indoor tracks, gyms, and lap swimming. However, basketball games and other group gym activities are suspended, and the Family Aquatic Center will be closed. At our Landen location, cardio and strength equipment will be available. We are also temporarily discontinuing towel services at both locations. We are excited to share that we are working on plans to use social media and video to offer classes or fitness activities that you can do at home. Stay tuned!

All programs and classes regularly scheduled in the Stolle Center are also suspended.

Members can access the locker-rooms and Stolle pool, but the Stolle Center lobby and activity room will be closed. All programs and classes regularly scheduled in the Stolle Center are also suspended. We are also temporarily discontinuing towel services. We are taking these actions because we are particularly concerned about our senior members and their health and safety.

Once the situation is better understood and is less volatile, we will announce our reimbursement policies and begin working with you on your specific concerns.

We understand that cancelling classes, programs, and some facility features is frustrating, especially since you have spent money on them. We fully intend to work with our members and participants to address requests for future make-up classes, programs and/or refunds. But right now, we ask for your patience. We are focused on day to day actions and decisions based upon information and guidance from the Governor and healthcare authorities.

Besides our fitness facilities, Countryside YMCA is one of the largest providers of childcare in Warren County. We want to continue to provide this valuable service, so

our childcare centers will remain open. In addition, we will be expanding our childcare service by caring for the children of essential personnel(health-care workers, first responders, nursing home employees, law enforcement and prison staff). Please call 513 932 1424 ext. 131 to inquire about childcare.

Finally, we want to check in with each of you and offer any support or help we can. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all and during these unprecedented times we are putting our mission into action. If you or someone you know could use a check-in or delivery of supplies, please call us and provide contact information. YMCA staff and volunteers will do all we can to help.

We will continue to keep you updated about classes and programs here at the Y. Check our website and social media throughout the day to stay informed. As always, you can contact our CEO Chris Johnson with specific questions.

3/13/2020 Countryside YMCA Weekend Update

Our goal during this coronavirus health crisis is to remain open and available for as many of our members as possible. To that end, here’s our updated list of what we are running, and what is cancelled.

Child care and Prime Time programs

Our child care and Prime Time programs are open through Monday. We are continuously reevaluating this open status based on updates from the Governor and Ohio Department of Health. We encourage you to prepare for alternative care if we do close.

Facility Updates

Both our Landen and Lebanon locations are open this evening and weekend for classes and exercise!

Youth soccer will run this weekend as scheduled!
Gymnastics classes will run this weekend as scheduled!
Ballet and Pottery will be running as scheduled this weekend!
Fitness classes will run as scheduled. Our Fitness On Demand classes will also be used if we do not have an instructor.
On Monday, our Lower Level entrance at our Lebanon location will be closed. Members and staff will have to enter through our North or Main entrances.

The following facility spaces are CLOSED:

Strive / Circuit Training Room
Child Watch
Motion Zone
Family gym ("block room")
Climbing wall

Please avoid socializing and gathering in lobbies, hallways, and common areas. Move through the Y as needed without lingering to reduce the chance of spreading germs.

Classes and Program Updates

The following classes are CANCELLED or POSTPONED:

Climbing classes are cancelled. Contact Sports Director Ryan Martin for refunds on climbing classes.
Strive/ Circuit training classes are cancelled.

The following programs are CANCELLED:

Kids Movie night scheduled for 3/13/2020 is cancelled.
Kids Night Out scheduled for 3/14/2020 is cancelled.
Torpedo Swim Team Tryouts have been postponed. Contact Head Coach Jason Roberts for more information.
Blessed Respite for 3/21/2020 is cancelled.
All regularly scheduled programs in the Stolle Center are cancelled. Contact Julie Fennessey at 932 1424 ext. 148 for more information.

We are committed to providing a safe place for you and your family to come and workout. During uncertain times like these, we know the value of exercise for self-care and stress relief. Thank you for partnering with us to help keep yourself, your family, and all our members, guests, and staff safer.

We will continue to keep you updated about classes and programs here at the Y. Check our website and social media daily to stay informed. As always, you can contact our CEO Chris Johnson with specific questions.

3/13/2020 Morning Update from our CEO

Dear members –

We know you love to exercise, and we love that about you! Our goal during this health crisis is to remain open and available for as many of our members as possible. But as the Governor said today, we all must pitch in to care for ourselves and one another. That’s why we want to encourage you to come to the Y with a specific fitness goal, be that a class or a workout. Give a wave to your friends, but please don’t spend too much time gathered and socializing. Move through the Y as needed without lingering to reduce the chance of spreading germs.

Over the next several weeks as schools are closed, we encourage you to exercise with your family. However, remember that our Child Watch is now closed so little ones need to stay at home. Kids and teens are welcome to participate in an appropriate class or fitness activity, but please limit their time in the Y and don’t drop off kids or teens and leave them here unsupervised.

We are committed to providing a safe place for you and your family to come and workout. During uncertain times like these, we know the value of exercise for self-care and stress relief. Thank you for partnering with us to help keep yourself, your family, and all our members, guests, and staff safer. We will continue to keep you updated about classes and programs here at the Y. Check our website and social media throughout the day to stay informed. As always, you can contact our CEO Chris Johnson with specific questions.

3/12/2020 4:45 PM Coronavirus Update from Countryside YMCA CEO

This afternoon, Governor Mike DeWine held a press conference and announced several guidelines and mandates for Ohioans in order to reduce the spread of the coronavirus. In light of his guidance, the Y is implementing the following at both our Lebanon and Landen locations (as applicable):

Both our Landen and Lebanon locations are open this evening and tomorrow for classes and exercise!
The Strive / Circuit Training Room is closed and Strive/ Circuit training classes are canceled effective immediately.
Child Watch will be closed beginning Friday, March 13.
Motion Zone will be closed beginning Friday, March 13.
The family gym ("block room") will be closed beginning Friday, March 13.
The climbing wall will be closed beginning Friday, March 13.
Please avoid socializing and gathering in lobbies, hallways, and common areas. Move through the Y as needed without lingering to reduce the chance of spreading germs.

We will ensure there are less than 100 people in any room at any time. In an attempt to honor the guidance provided by Governor DeWine to maintain a six foot spacing between people, we will be removing form service some fitness equipment in the Cardio Strength Center and at our Landen location.

Over the next several weeks as schools are closed, we encourage you to exercise with your family. However, remember that our Child Watch is now closed so little ones need to stay at home. Kids and teens are welcome to participate in an appropriate class or fitness activity, but please limit their time in the Y and don’t drop off kids or teens and leave them here unsupervised.

In an effort to keep you and your family healthy and prevent the spread of germs, we are sharing some important information.

Hand washing remains the most effective method of preventing the spread of germs, including coronavirus. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. Additional everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like coronavirus, include:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick until you've been free of fever for 24 hours.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

If you or a loved one are experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, please stay home, rest and contact your medical provider.

Additionally, we encourage everyone to regularly check the CDC's website for important updates and safety information. The American Academy of Pediatrics also has helpful information specific to children and families.

Stay tuned to our website, social media and emails for updates. If you have additional questions, please feel free reach out to our CEO, Chris Johnson at Chris.Johnson@ymcastaff.org. 513 932 1424 ext. 122.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation!

3/11/2020 A Message to our Members about coronavirus (COVID19)

Countryside YMCA is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone who enters our facilities. Now that Ohio is under a state of emergency, there are growing concerns about the potential spread of coronavirus. In an effort to keep you and your family healthy and prevent the spread of germs, we are sharing some important information.

Your Y is regularly cleaned by a local cleaning company and special care is taken by Y staff to meet quality standards in place year-round that keep our facility clean and safe. Additionally, we are encouraging everyone to do their part in helping prevent the spread of germs and viruses.

Hand washing remains the most effective method of preventing the spread of germs, including coronavirus. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Additional everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases like coronavirus, include:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick until you've been free of fever for 24 hours.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. Keep following general guidelines for living a healthy life.

If you or a loved one are experiencing flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough and shortness of breath, please stay home, rest and contact your medical provider.

Here are some additional precautions that we are initiating:

• YMCA staff that are ill will be sent home and asked to stay out of work until they are symptom free.
• As has been the policy, children enrolled in our preschools and child care centers are required to stay out of school a minimum of 24 hours after being deemed symptom free.
• There are additional hand sanitizer stations throughout our YMCA for members and guests to use.
• We are asking all members to clean equipment BEFORE and AFTER workouts, with the antibacterial spray provided.
• We are increasing the frequency of cleaning our common areas, including door handles, fitness equipment, lockers, tables, countertops, phones, and other "high-touch" items in each Y facility.

While no one can predict with certainty how severely we will be impacted by coronavirus, we are monitoring the situation and preparing for the possibility that our daily program and work routines could be temporarily impacted if the situation significantly worsens. We will keep all members and participants updated with information as it develops.