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

YMCA notes

[January 10, 2009]  Two Y art classes for first- to sixth-grade children are planned for January and February. Tie-Dye Art will be on Jan. 19, and Mardi Gras Masks will be on Feb. 21 at the Y Activity Center, 719 Wyatt Ave., from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Space is limited to 15 participants. Registration deadlines apply.

Are you looking for winter-related fun, games, lessons and activities? Look no further than Y School's Out Fun Days. Fun Days for children in kindergarten through sixth grade are scheduled at the Y Activity Center on Jan. 16 and 19 for Chester-East Lincoln and District 27, on Feb. 12 for C-EL only, and on Feb. 16 for District 27. Hours are 6:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Program fee information and details are available at the Y office. Registration deadlines apply.

Participants in the Active Older Adults program can walk in the YMCA gym from 6:30 to 9:30 a.m. on weekdays. There are no fees. For liability reasons, all walkers must register at the Y office prior to walking (no exceptions).

YMCA Party Night is an exciting, fun and safe way for your children to spend a Friday night. You can still register your first- to fourth-grader for the Disney-themed party on Jan. 16, 7-9 p.m., at the YMCA Activity Center. The fee for this party is $13 for current YMCA members and $15 for nonmembers. The Y will have games, contests, prizes, and serve pizza and drinks as well. Your child must be registered at the YMCA office prior to the party.

The YMCA Before & After School program is currently accepting employment applications. Come to the Y office for an application or more information.

The YMCA is having its third annual shotgun raffle to raise funds for the YMCA Youth Archery program. This year the Y will raffle a Remington Spartan 12-gauge over-and-under. Volunteers will sell tickets for $5 each. You may also purchase tickets at the YMCA office or at Duvall Automotive, 729 N. Chicago. Your ticket purchase helps support future sportsmen (and women) of Logan County.

YMCA Biddy Ball registration has begun. Register your child age 4 through kindergarten for this great learning experience. Registration will continue through Jan. 21. The price for this program is $37 per child, and those who participated in the November 2008 Biddy Basketball program will receive $5 off their registration. After Jan. 21 there will be a $10 fee increase. This program is designed to teach children the basics of basketball in a fun, exciting way. Teams practice once a week, with games taking place Saturday mornings. Don't let your child miss out on this great learning experience!

Are you dragging and feeling the effects of the holidays? Or if your New Year's resolution is to shed some unwanted pounds, then Y Fitness Crew is just what you need. Check out the YMCA's fitness classes, with high-energy, calorie-burning programs that are catered to fit all skill levels, ages 18 and up. Call 735-3915 today to find out more.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Area YMCA]