[August 02, 2008]  Early registration for the YMCA Before and After School program begins July 30 and continues through Aug. 12 at a discounted registration rate. Registration rates increase after Aug. 12. Tuition rates and program fees are now available. Program information is available at the Y office.

Lincoln Area YMCA is accepting applications for Preschool Play Center programs, which begin on Sept. 8. Programs offered are "Preschool Play Days," for children age 4-5 years; "Friends & Fun," for 3-year-olds; and "Toddler & Me," for ages 24-36 months. Program information is available at the Y office.

Summer Field Trip Blast: The YMCA is offering single-day field trips for kids in first through fifth grade:

• Aug. 7, fourth and fifth grade -- Forest Park Nature Center, Peoria

• Aug. 12, first and second grade -- Splashdown Water Park, East Peoria

• Aug. 14, third and fourth grade -- Wildlife Prairie State Park

Participants must register one week prior to each field trip.

The YMCA is accepting registrations for Y Youth Fall Soccer leagues until Aug. 25. Forms received after that date will require a $10 fee increase. This program is for all children age 4 through eighth grade. Teams practice once a week, with games played on Saturday mornings at the Lincoln Developmental Center soccer fields. The YMCA junior high travel team will also be starting very soon. The first game is Aug. 15, so if your fifth-grader to eighth-grader would like to take part in this competitive aspect of the Y soccer program, please contact the YMCA soon. Jim Xamis Ford Lincoln Mercury sponsors YMCA soccer.

The Y is hosting a biking event, the YMCA Biking Blast, on Sept. 6 for families, novices and the cycling enthusiast. The Y will provide a five-mile course for families and novices. There will also be a 30-mile course for the advanced cyclist. Come out and join us for fun and fitness on Sept. 6.

The Lincoln Area YMCA will host its third annual Y Run on Sept. 27. This 5K run and one-mile fun run-walk will begin at the Logan County Safety Complex, on Hamilton Street. The route will be an out-and-back, flat course with the local police escorting runners for safety. Elkhart Grain and Guzzardo's Italian Villa are sponsors for the event.

Did you know that the Y offers physical education classes for your preschooler on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon? Preschool P.E. is a fun-filled program that will begin on Sept. 9. Each day, Nate Bossingham will lead calisthenics, fun gym games and teach character development to your children. Please register soon to reserve your child's place.

Any free time on your hands? Bored of just sitting around and doing nothing! Come help with the Lincoln Area YMCA. Volunteer help is always needed at the YMCA in a variety of areas from youth programs to office work. Various days and times are needed. Contact the Y office manager, Krista Hoban, for more information.

For more details on YMCA programs and events, please contact the Lincoln Area YMCA at 735-3915; 604 Broadway St., Suite 1; or visit www.lincolnymca.org. The Lincoln Area YMCA Activity Center is located at 719 Wyatt Ave.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Area YMCA]