SPECIAL EVENTS

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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

Catherine McCall is an intuitive spiritual medium, healer, mentor, and teacher. She became aware of the presence of spirits and experienced premonitory dreams from a very early age. Catherine has dedicated the past 14 years of her life to connecting people with loved ones who have crossed over. This will be a group session reading.
 
Sponsored by Caring People and Sunrise Franklin Lakes.
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

A broad overview of the programs provided by the Division of Senior Services (Information & Assistance, Senior Lunch and Meals on Wheels, Senior Centers, programs at their provider agencies (transportation, recreation, care management, socialization, caregiver support programs, etc.), as well as some of the most popular senior benefits like property tax relief programs, transportation discounts, etc.
 
Tess Tomasi is the Information & Assistance/Care Management Unit Supervisor for the Bergen County Division of Senior Services.

Caretakers Support Group for Neurodegenerative Diseases

Monday, May 6
6:00PM-8:00PM
FREE

this event occurs on the first Monday of each month

Monthly Topic: How to relieve stress and frustration
 
Our Caretaker Support Group is meant to provide a welcoming and safe environment for caretakers of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases to share experiences and feelings. Participants may also learn coping skills, stress management methods, and self-care techniques so that they can continue to provide crucial, quality care for those in need.

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

Our Caretaker Support Group is meant to provide a welcoming and safe environment for caretakers of individuals with neurodegenerative diseases to share experiences and feelings. Participants may also learn coping skills, stress management methods, and self-care techniques so that they can continue to provide crucial, quality care for those in need.

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.