[September 13, 2008]  Don't let that bathing suit body escape during the cold winter months. Gather your friends and join the YMCA for Hip Hop Dance on Tuesdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. and Turbo Jam Exercise Fun on Thursdays from 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. These classes meet at the Y Activity Center, 719 Wyatt Ave., and run in four-week sessions beginning Sept. 9 through Dec. 18. YMCA member and nonmember rates are available, with a discount for registering for both programs.

The new school year has begun and so begins Y Party Nite. Gather your second- to fourth-grade children and join the sports-themed party on Sept. 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. Partygoers will enjoy pizza and snacks, play games and contests, win prizes, and just plain have fun. Parents, you can get an evening free of boredom for $13 for Y members and $15 for nonmembers. Space is limited, so register your child today or risk missing out on a fun and exciting night!

Splat! Starting Sept. 20, this is just one of the things you will hear at Youth Paintball. This challenging, no-impact program for kids ages 11-15 will teach the fundamentals of paintball marks, with advancement into target shooting at various distances. Each participant will receive about 500 paintballs with the equipment provided by the YMCA. This program will be at the Y Activity Center. Safety is our highest priority. Space is limited, so sign up today!

Are you a home-school family looking to enhance your children's learning experience? Bring your children to the YMCA for Home School P.E. The Y will have classes for home-schooled children ages 5 years and up, beginning Sept. 25. Participants will meet in two different age groups for socialization and group play, including calisthenics, character development and fun gym games. Register now to get your children involved in a fun and healthy experience.

Set, spike, score! Registration begins Sept. 25 for the Y Youth Volleyball program. This instructional program is for children in first through sixth grade who are interested in improving their volleyball skills. Participants will meet on Tuesdays, starting Oct. 28. The program fee increases $10 after Oct. 22. Join instructor Krista Hoban as she leads your children down the path to volleyball fun and success.

On Sept. 27 the Lincoln Area YMCA will host its third annual Y Run. The run this year will be in conjunction with the Illinois State Alliance of YMCA's State-Wide Walk. At least 17 other Illinois YMCAs will host walking events as well. The local Y Run is a 5K run and one-mile fun run-walk that helps raise funding for Lincoln Area YMCA scholarships. This funding helps local families who could not otherwise afford YMCA programming. Come out for a day of fitness and fun with the YMCA.

Looking for a way to keep your child busy during school's-out days? Sign them up for Origami Art for Kids. This class will be on Oct. 13 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. at the Y Activity Center art studio. The class is for children in first through sixth grade who are interested in learning about origami and includes a hands-on art folding project. Registration deadline is Oct. 6.

For more information on Lincoln Area YMCA programs and events, visit the downtown office, 604 Broadway St., Suite 1; www.lincolnymca.org; or call 735-3915.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Area YMCA]