On Jan. 5, 2013, the Kosciusko Community YMCA will be offering an open day for the community to come in and find out more about membership and what it means to be involved with the Y.

This open house will be from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will include membership incentives, giveaways and fun activities for everyone.

The Y is hoping to help new members understand what the Y mission is all about by giving them an opportunity to give back and support their neighbors. Those interested in a new membership can bring in non-perishable food items and receive $5 off their joiner’s fee for each one, up to $25. The Y loves to connect members with ways they can serve their community.

And, the Y wants to help new members get committed and connected when they join, so new members joining on January 5 can try our  60 in 6 challenge. If a new member comes to the Y and works out 60 times in the first 6 months they are a member, they will earn back their joiner’s fee.

On Jan. 5, there will be free admission to both of the Y’s branches, in Warsaw on Smith Street and in North Webster on Main Street. Fun activities include a Y logo hide-and-seek and prize giveaway, a craft for children, open climbing wall and open swim.

There will also be Indoor Group Cycling from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., Body Sculpt from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Step/Kickboxing from 10 a.. to 11 a.m. and are free to everyone.  An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you can sign up at www.redcrossblood.org.

Indiana University Health Goshen Hospital Diabetes Educators will be on site at the Y to administer A1C tests for free from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pre-register for an appointment at 1-877-566-4660. They will also be able to review your results with you. The A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose diabetes. If you find out you are at risk for diabetes, enroll in our YMCA Diabetes Prevention Program.

To see a schedule of all Y Open House events or to find more details about the membership incentives please see the Y’s website at www.kcymca.org.

The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. All the efforts and offerings of the Kosciusko Community YMCA are guided by the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility.

Every day, the Y works side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive. Through November 2012, the Kosciusko Community YMCA has provided $131,031.71 in financial assistance to make sure that happens.