Westmount Y has a healthy outlook for '08

The Heart Saver Plus CPR courses will take place on alternate Mondays evenings in January and February, beginning on Jan. 14, and then on March 3, 17, and 31. The course costs $40 for YMCA members, and $55 for non-members.

Mothers and mothers-to-be are able to meet with other and exercise alongside their child in a number of different ways. Pool activities include free pre- and post-natal aquafitness exercises on Wednesdays, aqua-poussette (or aqua-stroller) exercises for mothers and children from 6 to 18 months of age on Tuesday mornings, and swimming classes for parents and children from 6 to 12 months old Thursdays from 10 to 10:30 a.m. and Saturdays from 9:50 to 10:20 a.m.

Activities on land include Mother & Baby Stroller Aerobics for children as young as 8 weeks up to walking age, a free program which takes place Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon; the Y also hosts a Kindergym program on Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m., which is suitable for children from 6 months old up to walking age. As well, the YMCA offers a babysitting service every morning from 9 to noon, for children from 8 weeks up to 4 years of age; advance reservations are required.

Of note in the New Year, the YMCA will be forming an International Committee of volunteers in January, to serve as ambassadors of the International Programs of the YMCA of Greater Montreal. The ambassadors will publicize the International Programs at the Westmount Y, and organize information and activities on special international days, such as International Development Week (Feb. 3 to 9), International Women’s Day (March 8), and World Water Day (March 22).

The Y is also looking for volunteers to fill a number of other positions. Volunteers may receive a free membership at the YMCA, as well as training and CPR courses. The Y is looking for a senior social host or hostess who will oversee a bi-weekly social gathering of seniors; the volunteer will prepare, serve, and clean up beverages, as well as sit, chat, and play cards with attendees. The YMCA is also looking for a weight room volunteer, who would be familiar with cardio machines and weights, and studying physical education or a related discipline.

Finally, several shifts as men’s locker room attendant are available, at various times during the week.

With all these activities underway, the YMCA will also be upgrading its building security, installing new security cameras to combat theft. The Y also maintains security lockers and a lock exchange program as theft deterrents.

More information about YMCA programs, or details on volunteering at the Y, can be found at the Westmount YMCA, 4585 Sherbrooke St. W.