
ABOUT WELLNESS
At the Greater Wyoming Valley Area YMCA, a supportive community is a big part of our member’s wellness success. At every age and every level of activity, you’ll find people just like you looking to live a little bit healthier, forming friendships and inspiring each other. Members and program participants often cite the support and enthusiasm of fellow participants and staff as some of the key factors in their achievement of greater well-being. One member sums up her favorite class this way: “This is a great program, I’ve learned so much about how move properly when working out. I was thankful that the instructor was kind and welcoming. I was apprehensive but she quickly put me at ease. Now I have so much fun that I’m come three times a week and I love the new me!”
Wellness at the YMCA includes Chronic Disease Prevention Programs and free Healthy Communities and Senior Programs.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
FOR HEALTHY LIVING
WALKING & MOBILITY – Y WALK WEDNESDAYS 2021
A series of free, guided evening walks featuring downtown history, walking and health, architecture,
natural areas and new development in Wilkes-Barre. All walks begin promptly at 6:00 pm leaving from the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA lobby, 40 West Northampton St. WB. Walks are approximately 90 minutes
long and lead by volunteer leaders. Registration not required. For more information, call Michele
Schasberger at 570-970-5040.
In case of heavy rain or extreme heat (over 95F) the walk will be postponed until the following evening. If raining or hot that evening then the walk is cancelled and will not be rescheduled. For more information about whether a walk will take place, call the YMCA, 570-823-2191.
June 8 – Millionaires and Mansions
An architectural and social history stroll past some of 19th and early 20th century homes of Wilkes-Barre’s leading families. Visit Wilkes-Barre’s oldest house, and learn about its restoration. Walk Leader: Tony Brooks, Wilkes-Barre Preservation Society
June 15 – A Walk on the Wild Side
The Kirby Park Natural Area. Explore the natural wonders of the park’s riparian forest, and the important role it plays as part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. This walk is about 2 hours long- bring shoes that can get muddy. Walk Leader: Vinnie Cotrone, Riverfront Parks Committee
June 22 – Keeping the Susquehanna Out of Our Living Rooms
Emergency management agencies work together to plan and keep the Valley safe from flooding. Tour the Levee System, pump stations, and portals downtown and learn about related public safety efforts. Walk Leader: Laura Holbrook, Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority
June 29 – Journey Through Kings College
Wander through Kings’ campus and surroundings and discover the history of the buildings and plans for new facilities and functions. Walk Leader: Michelle Landon, Director of Undergraduate Admissions
July 6 – Storm Water Management in the Wyoming Valley
Learn about the storm water threat and how municipalities and property-owners can make a difference. Walk Leader: Matt Mitchell, Storm Water Division, Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority.
July 13 – Tour the Luzerne County Courthouse
Tour the Luzerne County Courthouse, a newly restored neoclassical gem from Luzerne County’s coal baron period. Walk Leader: The Honorable Richard M. Hughes, III, Judge
July 20 – What’s New Downtown
Downtown Wilkes-Barre is resilient and adapting and meeting the challenges of today. Join Larry Newman, the executive director of the Diamond City Partnership, Downtown Wilkes-Barre’s development organization to learn more about new developments.
July 27 – Churches and their Afterlife in Downtown Wilkes-Barre
Many denominations of Christian faith have called downtown their home. Tour historic churches and learn about how the buildings and denominations are adapting to new uses and a new century. Walk Leader: Matthew Schooley, First Presbyterian Church
August 3 – Murals and Public Art Downtown
From mid-century modern sculpture on Public Square to murals completed this year, Wilkes-Barre’s downtown is full of public art. Tour and learn about past and recent works of art. Walk Leader: Shelby Monk, Diamond City Partnership and Kevin Harger Blizzard, Team Beezy/ Leadership Northeast
August 10 – Gather Community Space Tour
Tour Wilkes-Barre downtown’s newest community space in extensive renovation and learn about plans for the space downtown. Walk Leaders: Bill Frey and Jonathan Kadjewski, Gather Community Space
August 17 – Walking Your Way to a Healthier You
Learn about the ways that walking can improve your physical and mental health, and develop a healthy walking plan. Walk Leader: Cody Tsevdos, Cawley Physical Therapy
August 24 – LCTA Walk to the Murray Complex
Join the Luzerne County Transportation Authority in a walk to the Murray Complex to learn about how LCTA is modernizing its routes, signage, boarding/payment options, and headquarters. Walk Leader: Lee Horton, Luzerne County Transportation Authority Executive Director
August 31 – The 109th, the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Kingston Armory
Learn about the Pennsylvania National Guard, the storied 109th Field Artillery Regiment, and tour the Kingston Armory that serves as its home. Walk Leader: Pennsylvania National Guard staff
This project was funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Preventive Health and
Health Services Block Grant
RIDE FOR FUN & FAMILY: Cycle with the Y
- FREE easy group bicycle rides on the Susquehanna River Levee Trail.
- Meet at the Millennium Circle portal of Wilkes-Barre’s River Common, 92 N. River St.
- Parking is available in the parking lot across the street.
- Helmets are required & riders must bring their own bikes, water and refreshments.
- Rides canceled in rain
WHEN: April – October
CONTACT: Michele Schasberger 570-970-5040
[email protected]