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 24, 2009]  Registrations are still being taken for the spring 2009 YMCA Biddy Ball. The Jan. 23 registration deadline has passed, so there is now a $10 fee increase. You can still take advantage of the $5 discount for children who played in the fall of 2008. This program is for 4-year-old to kindergarten age children and 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!

Physical education can be just as important as literature and math. YMCA Home School P.E. is a great way to bring exercise to the home-schooled family. Home School P.E. will be on Thursday afternoons from 2:15 until 3, starting Feb. 5. The children will do brief warm-ups, relays, and play fun and exciting gym games. This program is for all home-schooled children age 5 and up. If there is enough interest, the participants will be divided into two age groups. Discounts are available for home-schooling families with multiple children in this program. Register your home-schooling family today and get active!

February School's Out Fun Days are fast approaching: Feb. 12, for C-EL students only; and Feb. 16, for District 27 only. Registration deadlines apply, with a late fee of $8 per child per day for any registrations received after Jan. 29. School's Out Fun Days are for kindergarten through sixth grade and run from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Y Activity Center, 719 Wyatt Ave. Participants do arts, crafts, story time, table games, play stations and much more. Stop by now to register for these Fun Days.

Do you know what "the rush" means? Why not join YMCA Dodgeball to learn this and other interesting moves. This program is for any third- to sixth-graders who would like to have some fun on Saturday afternoons, starting Feb. 14. Kids will play from noon until 1 p.m. at the Y Activity Center. Sign up before Feb. 9 to avoid a $10 fee increase. Kids, come join in the fun!

Are you missing your favorite high school group? Come to YMCA Party Night on Feb. 20, 7 to 9 p.m., at the YMCA Activity Center. This party is for third- through sixth-graders and will have a "High School Musical" theme. At this party the children will have pizza, snacks and drinks; play many fun games; plus have an opportunity to win great prizes. There will be a $3 fee increase on all registrations received after Feb. 17, so register your child today!

Are you ready for the "Fat Tuesday" celebrations? Join the YMCA Art class as they join in the fun by making masks for Mardi Gras parties and parades. The class will meet on Feb. 21, 9:30-11 a.m., at the Y Activity Center. Registration deadline is Feb. 13, with a $3 fee increase after that date. Class size is limited, so hurry and sign up for the festivities.

Y Fitness Crew and Hip/Hop and Punch/Kick Fitness are a HIT! These physical fitness classes are new additions to the Lincoln Area YMCA's adult programs. With one very successful year under our belts, these classes are growing like wildfire! Don't be left out in the cold; join today. Visit the NEW www.lincolnymca.org for more information!

[Text from file received from Lincoln Area YMCA]