HOME / SPECIAL EVENTS
dig into your passion, or explore something new
Events may take place at the Ridgewood Y or off-site.
Participation is open to all members and non-members, however, Ridgewood Y members receive free
or discounted registration, depending on the event.
APRIL 2024
SELF-DEFENSE FOR WOMEN 6-WEEK COURSE
Sundays | April 14-May 19
10:30AM-12:30PM
Free for Members | $60 Non-members
For women who want to learn self-defense techniques in a safe and supportive environment. Join us in taking the first step in self-protection and empowerment by learning how to respond to threatening situations and remain calm under pressure. The goal of this six-week course is to prepare you for any situation with hands-on drills and simulations so you can develop appropriate situational responses with confidence and assertiveness.
Group Mediumship Readings with Catherine McCall
Monday, April 29
11:30AM-2:00PM
FREE
Refreshments offered by Ridgewood YMCA.
MAY 2024
Sunset Sound Meditation + Happy Hour
Friday, May 3
7:00-8:00PM
FREE
Need a babysitter? Pair it with Parents Night Out!
Join yoga instructor Mary Rose Perrone for a special sunset class of sound meditation, followed by some drinks and a chat. Sound therapy uses the vibration of certain tones and frequencies to encourage the body and mind to let go of tension and disease, thereby allowing the natural state of health, strength, and vitality to be restored. Some benefits of sound meditation include stress relief, improved sleep, lower blood pressure, and decreased pain.
Last one until Autumn! Sign up today!
Parents Night Out: Movie Night
Friday, May 3
7:00-10:00PM
$20 members | $35 non-members
Have a night on the town while we entertain the kids! Parents Night Out is the perfect way to give yourself some time away while your kids play!
For more information, contact Cara Apsley at [email protected]
Youth Programming Open House
Saturday, May 4
10:00AM-12:00PM
FREE
From summer camp options to teen fitness and everything in between—if you’re interested in learning about all of the programming available for kids at the Ridgewood Y, now’s your chance! Stop by, meet our youth program directors, and see everything we have to offer.
No need to register, just show up!
For more information, contact Cara Apsley at [email protected]
Introduction to Programs and Services for seniors in Bergen County
Monday, May 6
11:30AM-2:00PM
FREE
Caretakers Support Group for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Monday, May 6
6:00PM-8:00PM
FREE
this event occurs on the first Monday of each month
WELLNESS SEMINAR SERIES: Say Goodbye to Back Pain & Sciatica
Wednesday, May 15
1:00-2:00PM
FREE
Join Dr. Alfred Gigante, chiropractic physician and back pain specialist from Joint & Spine Rehab to find out about sciatica, its common causes, and available treatment options. Dr. Gigante will shed some light on the causes of this prevalent nerve condition and discuss both home and professional treatments including exercise, ergonomics, decompression, epidurals, inversion, laser therapy, and more.
CAMP BERNIE ALUMNI WEEKEND
May 18-19
Full weekend $65 | Saturday only $45
The YMCA Camp Bernie Alumni Weekend is a nostalgic journey back to the beloved grounds where countless memories were made. Set against the picturesque backdrop of nature’s beauty, this weekend is a celebration of friendship, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of Camp Bernie.
Whether you were a camper, counselor, or staff member, this event welcomes all who have been touched by the magic of Camp Bernie. So mark your calendars and dust off your camp t-shirt, we’re ready to welcome you home.
End Of Life Planning: An Exercise in Autonomy Presented by Valley Health System
Monday, May 20
11:30AM-2:00PM
FREE
Join specialists from Valley Health Systems for a discussion on navigating important end-of-life healthcare decisions and their impact on quality of life and loved ones.
POLST: Jonna Bell, MSN, MBA, APN, AGNP-C
Explore POLST (Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment) and understand its vital role for individuals facing serious illness.
Palliative Care: Jodie Sorkenn, MSW, LCSW, ACHP-SW
Discover the comforting approach of palliative care and how it enriches life quality.
Hospice Care: Susan Geier Valley Hospice Liaison, and Maribeth Kearney MPA, BSN, RN, CHPN
Learn about the compassionate philosophy of hospice care, including when it’s time, who’s involved, and where support is available.
WELLNESS SEMINAR SERIES: Live Longer and Healthier without Joint Pain, Arthritis, and Inflammation
Wednesday, May 22
6:30-7:30PM
FREE
Join Dr. Alfred Gigante, chiropractic physician from Joint & Spine Rehab and learn how optimizing your daily physical, emotional, and mental environment can boost energy, wellness, and mental alertness while easing joint pain and inflammation. Dr. Gigante will explain how flexibility and restricted movement can affect the acceleration of arthritis and will discuss how you can begin to heal the body from the inside out.
CAMP BERNIE MEMORIAL DAY FAMILY CAMP
May 24-27
Adults (12+) $198 | Kids (6-11) $156 | Little kids (0-5) $50
Set sail for YMCA Camp Bernie this Memorial Day for a weekend of pirate-themed adventures! Join us at our overnight camp for an unforgettable family experience full of fun treasures to discover! Sign up now or miss out on all the excitement! Savvy?
JUNE 2024
Caretakers Support Group for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Monday, June 3
6:00PM-8:00PM
FREE
this event occurs on the first Monday of each month
Youth Programming Open House
Tuesday, June 4
7:00-8:30PM
FREE
From summer camp options to teen fitness and everything in between—if you’re interested in learning about all of the programming available for kids at the Ridgewood Y, now’s your chance! Stop by, meet our youth program directors, and see everything we have to offer.
No need to register, just show up!
For more information, contact Cara Apsley at [email protected]
Fentanyl Crisis in NJ with Mark Musella, Bergen County Prosecutor
Wednesday, June 5
2:00-4:00PM
FREE
Join Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella as he discusses the Fentanyl crisis in New Jersey. Learn about the growing opioid crisis, prevention strategies, and the importance of connecting individuals to recovery support and treatment. Prosecutor Musella will also touch on diversion within the criminal justice system and how multidisciplinary analysis can aid prediction and prevention efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain insights into addressing one of the most pressing issues facing our community.
SPECIAL EVENT!
Celebrate Pride with CALVINOGRAPHY Dance
Saturday, June 8
10:00-11:00AM
FREE
This choreographed dance class is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community! EVERYONE is welcome to join choreographer and dance instructor Calvin Wiley for his signature high-energy and expressive dance style.
Calvin is known for his unique and provocative style of teaching and motivating others. Calvin not only breaks new ground with his dynamic choreography, but without a doubt, he’s a pacesetter for the fitness and dance industries. Calvin has pioneered and branded his teaching style CALVINOGRAPHY®, which maintains the philosophy that beauty, art, and brilliance can be elements of fitness.
SAVE THE DATE!
51st Annual Ridgewood Y Charity Golf Outing
Monday, June 24
Hackensack Golf Club
Please join us at beautiful Hackensack Golf Club for a fun day of golf while helping to raise funds for the essential community service work of the Ridgewood Y. Proceeds from the Golf Outing support community members facing Parkinson’s and other chronic diseases, local families who face food insecurity, military families who need camp scholarship and all community members who seek us for wellness, personal development and a sense of belonging.