Starting Monday, senior citizens in the township’s exercise program will have access for free to facilities and programs at the YMCA.
Starting Monday, senior citizens in the township’s exercise program will have access for free to facilities and programs at the YMCA.
The expanded program will bring unlimited usage of Somerset Valley YMCA facilities and pools in Hillsborough, Somerville and Bridgewater at no cost to residents who enroll and meet attendance requirements in the free township exercise classes.
Exercise classes will continue to be held three times a week in the township municipal building, but will be led by a YMCA instructor, and not resident Diana Reinhardt, who was a part-time employee for 22 years.
The township will pay the YMCA $18,000, most of which will be offset by Ms. Reinhardt’s salary coming off the books. In sum, it will mean no increase in expense to taxpayers, said Mayor Doug Tomson.
”For the cost of running our program here, we are able to continue and offer access to the YMCA as well,” said Township Committeeman Frank DelCore.
The change brought fans of Ms. Reinhardt’s to Tuesday night’s meeting. One, Carl Cucchiara, a former high school teacher and coach, called Ms. Reinhardt’s engaging and personable style “a community treasure.”
Others said Ms. Reinhardt had a way of knowing each program participant’s abilities and constraints, and worried that the personal touch would be lost.
One woman wondered about the ability of Y instructors to tailor their programs to senior citizens. Valerie Galiocpelli, interim CEO at the YMCA, assured the attendees all instructors have certifications and training for any and all classes they teach.
Ron Skobo, director of the township social services department, said he had visited classes and found a wide majority of participants enthusiastic about the possibilities.
Some of the benefits of the YMCA for senior participants are unlimited use of lap pools, therapy pools and hot tubs; free fitness orientation addressing total health and wellness, with two follow-up sessions per year, and free monthly wellness classes at limited locations. For a listing of benefits, contact the social services department.
Gene Robbins