2024 Indianapolis NBA All-Star Legacy Grant “Rising Stars”

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Izzy Hutnick

CHS Student, Academic, and Community Leader Shines Bright at 2024 NBA All-Star with "Rising Stars" Grant

INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis NBA All-Star 2024 Host Committee announced today they have awarded 24 members of the class of 2024 as Indianapolis NBA All-Star Rising Stars in association with the NBA All-Star Legacy Grants. This award includes a $2,400 scholarship for each Rising Star payable to the college, university, or postsecondary institution they attend after high school graduation.

When NBA All-Star was originally scheduled to be held in 2021, NBA All-Star Host Committee committed to completing 21 Legacy Grant projects and recognizing 21 deserving Rising Stars. Since moving to 2024, Legacy Grants of up to $50,000 have been awarded to three additional organizations, bringing the total Legacy Grant projects to 24.

In addition, each of the now 24 Legacy Grantees nominated high school-aged Rising Stars for their project. From those nominees, the Indianapolis NBA All-Star Legacy Committee, a subcommittee of the Host Committee, selected one Rising Star for each of the 24 Legacy Grants to receive this honor and scholarship.

“Recognizing 21 Rising Stars in 2021 for leadership in their schools and communities was extraordinary,” said Rick Fuson, NBA All-Star Board of Directors and Pacers Sports & Entertainment CEO. “We are honored to recognize 24 additional students as they are both a testament to their schools, selves, and communities and to the commitment of our Legacy Grantees to serving the youth in their communities.”

The NBA All-Star Legacy Grants focus on youth-serving nonprofit organizations across Indiana. The initiative provided 24 grants up to $50,000 for brick-and-mortar projects focused on health and wellness or education with an estimated impact on 90,000 youth statewide.

Duneland Family YMCA
Zoe Trakas, Chesterton High School (Chesterton, IN)

With a current cumulative grade point average of 4.6, dedicated athlete, and avid volunteer, Zoe Trakas is an exceptional member of the Chesterton High School community.

Zoe is a four-year team member and scholar athlete for the Chesterton High School golf team. In the community, she cleans the high school greenhouse, makes dog toys for local animal shelters, volunteers at the elementary school fun fair, and has helped with the American Heart Association walk set-up.

She is a participant in the International Baccalaureate program and loves any opportunity to travel aboard.

“Zoe is a quiet yet driven student,” said her nominator, Dave Kasarda. “She chose to enter the International Baccalaureate program as the curriculum prepares students for college and the emphasis on community service.”

You can find Zoe at the Sand Creek Country Club outside of school, working as a part-time golf attendant.

Duneland Y receives a gift from the Dunbar Family Foundation for the YMCA Healthy Living Campus “Airnasium.”

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Izzy Hutnick

Duneland Y receives a gift from the Dunbar Family Foundation for the YMCA Healthy Living Campus “Airnasium.”

For Immediate Release – December 14, 2023 Press Release

The Duneland YMCA is thrilled to announce a generous contribution from the Dunbar Family Foundation towards the YMCA Healthy Living Campus. This thoughtful gift will enable the construction of an outdoor pavilion, as the Y refers to it, as an “Airnasium”. This outdoor pavilion will live in the heart of the YMCA Healthy Living Campus, which plans to begin demolition in the summer of 2024. The pavilion will feature a covered stage for performances, events, markets, and plenty of seating and shade. It will be a place for families to enjoy picnics, children to play, and adults to socialize.

Driven by a deep sense of gratitude for their community, Bob and Becky Dunbar established the Dunbar Family Foundation. Chesterton High School Class of 1974 graduate Debbie Dunbar Brown sits on the board alongside her brothers, Dick Dunbar and Dave Dunbar. She stated, “Our parents established this non-profit foundation to benefit the citizens of the Duneland community, and although our board members do not live there currently, we take that charge very seriously.”

“The current and future programming perfectly aligns with our foundation’s core values,” says Debbie Dunbar Brown. “Enhancing education, social services, and community improvement. We proudly support the Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus and feel certain it will have benefits beyond measure for years to come.”

This family-led foundation has supported the Duneland YMCA for many years, and the Y is honored to receive their continued support and this gift to our community.

“The Dunbar Family Foundation’s gift is a testament to their unwavering commitment to our community,” said Duneland YMCA CEO Dave Kasarda. “Their generosity will profoundly impact the lives of countless individuals and families, and we are deeply honored to have their support.”

YMCA Healthy Living Campus of Duneland

YHLC FAQs

Merry Spin-Mas!

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Izzy Hutnick

Join us for a month-long celebration of fitness and giving back to the community!

Our spin instructors are racing to the North Pole! All month long our spin classes will be filled with holiday cheer as each team makes the long trek. You can join in the fun at any spin class Monday – Saturday. See the schedule below! We will also be collecting items for Making a Kid Smile, and each item brought in adds to the miles of your chosen team! MAKS is dedicated to helping local foster children by providing primary care and comfort items while they are displaced from home. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of others and have some fun along the way.

Dancing Like the Stars 2023 Shatters Attendance and Fundraising Records

Posted on November 21, 2023 Updated on November 22, 2023 by Kasia Zega

Dancing Like the Stars 2023 Shatters Attendance and Fundraising Records

Duneland Family YMCA’s signature fundraising event was a resounding success, raising over $165,000 to support the Y’s programs and services. The sold-out show at Blue Chip Casino Stardust Event Center on Saturday, November 4, featured nine local celebrities performing personalized choreographed dances to the cheers of 650 guests and raising awareness of the Y’s cause and mission. The event broke records for both attendance and fundraising, making it one of the most successful fundraisers in Duneland YMCA history.

This year’s theme, “The Y-Cademy Awards,” invited guests to dress for the red carpet or in support of their favorite dancer’s movie theme, which included the Barbie Movie, Space Jam, Mary Poppins, Napolean Dynamite, and more! The fundraiser also included dinner, live and silent auctions, as well as a surprise unveiling from Berglund Construction of a multi-view exterior rendering of the Future Duneland YMCA Healthy Living Campus.

The star-studded lineup included Ron Bocian (Urschel Laboratories), Taylor Chamberlain (Duneland School Corporation), Becky Clarke (Wee Care), Elizabeth Garcia (Blackrock Real Estate), Heather Hradek (Chesterton Family Dental), Katie Kutch (Duneland Y), Heather Piehl (NorthShore Health Centers), Kirk Redman (Duneland School Board), Bob Swiatek (Trinity Displays and Duneland Y Board Member). The event was hosted by Y Board Member Tiffany Bozovich (Bozovich Wellness Center) and Zack Wellsand (Wellsand Landscaping and Hardscapes), with a backstage run of the show and tech by Kevin Murry (Val’s Famous Pizza and Grinders). Opening acts included an acoustic duet from Priscilla Sabourin and Drew Stolz following a performance from the Powerhouse Senior Elite Dance Team.

“I had an amazing time. Stepping outside my comfort zone, learning a dance, and performing on stage was a thrill!” said Taylor Chamberlain, “I couldn’t have done it without my support system of family, friends, and local business sponsors. We do it for the kids and families of Duneland!”

These community leaders sought sponsorships and people’s choice votes and invited countless guests to be part of their “cheering sections,” all to entertain the crowd, help others, and win the competition! Each volunteer dancer was given dance lessons from Powerhouse Dance Company (formally Dancebizz Centre for Dance) in Chesterton. The volunteers brought everything to the stage, blowing away the crowd with outstanding performances and philanthropy.

Awards were given in appreciation of the contestants’ efforts. Becky Clarke, with dance partner Heather Olson, won the Judge’s Choice Award, honoring the best performance of the evening. This year’s volunteer judges included Jacob Lukach (Duneland School Corporation), Maura Mundell (Duneland Chamber of Commerce), and two students of the Powerhouse Dance Company. The People’s Choice Award was determined by the number of votes received by each star, which cost $5 each; Elizabeth Garcia, with dance and singing partner Johnny James, won with 1,488 votes; you do the math! Bob Swiatek won the Shining Star Award for being the top fundraiser, raising over $40,000 in sponsorships, ticket sales, and votes. The Team Spirit Award was given to Kirk Redman and his dance partner Amy Redman, who brought a sea of Pink Ladies and T-birds to rev up the excitement!

“The DLTS event committee, dancers, and volunteers poured their heart and soul into this event. I’m honored to be a part of such an incredible team, and I’m blown away by the support we received this year.” Said 2023 Event Chairperson Kelly Sieman, “The performances were phenomenal, and I’m so grateful to everyone who made this event a success!”

Duneland Y’s annual Dancing Like the Stars fundraiser has evolved over the years and proven to be a success year after year. Celebrating the 13th annual in the upcoming year, this unique event brings creativity, fun, and friendly competition to help others in the Duneland Community. All proceeds from the event benefit Duneland Y’s financial assistance program, which provides free programming and scholarships for childcare, memberships, and more to local families.

Sponsors for the evening included Platinum Sponsors: Chesterton Family Dental, H&T Electrical, NorthShore Health Centers, Trinity Displays, and Jim & Lindsay Trout. Gold Sponsors: Berglund Construction, Chesterton Feed & Garden Center, Corey G. Hecht, CFP. Merrill, Trout Glass and Mirror, Vidimos, Inc., Wellsand Landscaping and Hardscapes. Silver Sponsors: Paul Boyter, McColly Real Estate, Centier Bank, Carney Construction, Ellis Electric, Inc., Blue Chip Casino Hotel Spa, CAPTRUST Chesterton, Gary & Mary Lou Carney, Blackrock Real Estate Services, Puntillo & Crane Orthodontics, Judge Thode, The Olson Family, Kirk & Amy Redman, NITCO, Bozovich Wellness Center, Kleckner Interior Systems, Dunes Realty, Global Innovative Solutions, Jodi Gheaja – Realty Executives, Carter Lumber, Biggby Coffee, NIPSCO, Urschel Laboratories, Inc., Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. Bronze Sponsors: John VanDenburgh, Simplex System Controls, The Periodontal Group, Ennis Builders, Martin Binder Jeweler, Glacial Sands Oral, Facial, Implant Surgery, Discovery Charter School, Chris at The Mortgage Exchange, Frontier Electric Supply, Brock Lloyd – Edward Jones. Supporting Sponsors: Edmonds & Evans Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, Dr. Michael & Kathy Uzelac, Endodontics, Inc., RV Sutton Inc., The Waxi Taxi, Meridian Title Corporation, Ronald “Red” Stone, IBEW Local 531, Chesterton Fit Body Bootcamp.

Volunteers Wanted: Are you interested or know someone who’d be a great volunteer dancer for the 2024 Dancing Like the Stars? Email [email protected] to nominate someone from the Duneland Community who is ready to help make a difference! Until next year…see you at the Y!

BLACK FRIDAY / CYBER MONDAY / Nov. 24-27

Posted on November 15, 2023 Updated on November 22, 2023 by Izzy Hutnick

Take advantage of our Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals – this year’s best deals! Whether you plan to become a member or commit to personal or small group training, take advantage of these BIG savings starting Friday, November 24, and running until Monday, November 27. Hurry – these savings won’t be here long!

THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO JOIN!

NO JOIN FEE & NO PAYMENT until Dec. 15th

Enjoy no payment to join the Y on Black Friday – up to $130 savings!

This deal is available Friday, Nov. 24th through Monday, Nov. 27th. The regular draft begins on Dec. 15th. You must sign up in person or online. Use code “GOBBLE” to purchase online.

10 Day Pass only $40

Are you looking to Try the Y or home for winter break? Save on a 10-day pass for only $40. All classes are included! No strings attached! You must sign up in person or online. Use code “10DAYPASS” to purchase online.

Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Personal Training Packages

For existing and new training clients, enjoy a a buy one get one 50% off savings on personal packages.

Training Package deal only available Friday, Nov. 24th. Training packages must be purchased in person or over the phone. Call (219) 926-4204 or visit the Duneland YMCA front desk.

Week of Prayer 2023

Posted on November 13, 2023 by Izzy Hutnick

Celebrating the Week of Prayer at the Duneland YMCA.

For nearly 100 years, the World YMCA and World YWCA have come together to host the Week of Prayer (November 12-18). The theme chosen for this year is “From Seed to Blossom: Cultivating Hope and Love.” The Duneland YMCA plans to participate by sharing resources and daily devotions with our members and friends. If you’d like to participate with us, you can start by downloading the 2023 devotional booklet here: https://www.ymca.int/week-of-prayer/.

History of the Week of Prayer

In a letter to the London YMCA in 1856, F.R. Starr of Philadelphia suggested, “the appointment of a week to be simultaneously observed by the Young Men’s Christian Associations throughout the world for Prayer for the conversion of the world, and for young men especially”.In 1867 at the 5th World Conference in Paris, the American delegation made the proposal to consecrate Sunday 2nd November and every evening of the week following that day for special prayer for all associations throughout the world. But it was only in 1875 at the 7th World Conference in Hamburg that the second Sunday of November was fixed as the beginning of the “Week of Prayer”.In 1891, the “Week of Prayer” was included in the Constitution of the World Alliance of YMCAs. In 1901 the YWCA and the YMCA agreed “on the adoption of the same subjects for the annual Week of Prayer”. In 1904 a joint call to prayer was issued by the World YWCA and the World Alliance of YMCAs, and the joint Week of Prayer has continued since that time.Beginning with 1927, messages of the President of the World YWCA and the President of the World Alliance of YMCAs were included in the call to prayer. In 1931 the name of the Week was expanded to “The Week of Prayer and World Fellowship”. Since 1948, the booklets for the Week of Prayer have been presented with pictures, daily messages and appropriate Bible texts and prayers. Since 1942, the World YWCA and the World Alliance of YMCAs have published jointly a booklet each year for the Week of Prayer.

Visit https://www.ymca.int/week-of-prayer/ for more info on the Week of Prayer.

Illustrating the journey is the nurturing of a plant, with the week’s resources structured around each phase of the plant’s growth cycle: Preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, nurturing with care, being guardians of growth, fostering resilience through pruning, and finally, harvesting the fruits.

History of the Week of Prayer

Visit https://www.ymca.int/week-of-prayer/ for more info on the Week of Prayer.

10 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Membership

Posted on August 16, 2023 Updated on August 17, 2023 by Kasia Zega

Whether you’ve just joined the Y, are thinking about joining, or you’ve been a member but just haven’t found the motivation to get started, here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of your Duneland YMCA membership!

Grab A Friend & Try A Class

Working out in a group might be more motivating than working out alone. Try yoga, spin, dance, Body Pump, and several other classes included with your membership! Take advantage of Free Friend Friday this month and invite a friend to try out Group-Ex classes or Open Gym! View a Group-Ex schedule here. And Active Older Adult Schedule here.

Take Advantage of the Childcare Options

Your YMCA membership includes access to Fun Zone. Caring YMCA employees are ready and waiting to play with your kiddos at no extra charge so you can work out.  Your kids will have a great time in a safe, enriching environment while you clear your head and exercise. View Kids Zone hours here. One Friday a month, we offer Parent’s Night Out, a chance for you to sit back, relax or plan a much-needed night out! See future dates here.

Community Discounts

In addition to the healthy mind, body, and spirit benefits of a YMCA membership, there are also many ways to save money at local businesses! We’ve partnered with local restaurants, shops, and other businesses that offer discounts to Duneland Y members. Take advantage of trying something new or save somewhere you already love to visit! Just show your Duneland Family Y ID to receive your discount. See a full list of current discounts here! Thanks to our many local partners!

Additional Opportunities to Save

From youth sports, swim lessons, weight programs, group training, and more, members receive special reduced rates on almost everything we offer! Additionally, if you’re in the military, serve in public safety, have a special Medicare plan, or more, you may be eligible for additional savings on a membership

Enjoy Nationwide Membership

Work near one Y, but live near another? Going on a vacation? We joined with most YMCAs throughout the country to give you Nationwide Membership. This means you can visit most Y’s across the US for no extra cost.

Live & Virtual Fitness Classes – YMCA 360

Try hundreds of group exercise classes with YMCA 360, including yoga, Zumba, strength, and more! No matter where you are, you can connect with our Y community to access the best online fitness classes, youth sports skills, and healthy living resources. Learn how to get started!

Community & Volunteer Opportunities

The YMCA offers many ways to give back to your friends and neighbors through our Thanksgiving Drive, Angel Tree program, youth sports coaching, and numerous other volunteer opportunities.

Sign up for the Newsletter

Next time you are at the Y, ask to update your email address at the Member Services Desk or register for the weekly newsletter here. We send out newsletters with upcoming events and news for members 1-2 times weekly!

Make a new friend

Whether it is at the gym, in the Fun Zone, or a program, it is practically impossible not to make friends at the Y. 0ur staff has worked hard to create a community that is full of friendly and welcoming faces and places great importance on strengthening the community that we live in. 

One-on-one Personal Training

We know attaining your fitness goals can be hard, but it can be much easier when you have someone there helping you and cheering for you along the way. Our personal trainers will tailor your sessions to best fit you – whether you’re 13 or 75, a fitness newbie, or seasoned athlete.

Be prepared when you join the Duneland Y to become a member of a close-knit and caring community, what some consider a second family.

Not a member at the Duneland YMCA?

We have a membership for everyone.

Know Someone at the Y?

Join them on Free Friend Friday in August and take advantage of the sign-on discount when a friend refers you.

Free Friend Fridays – August 2023

Posted on August 1, 2023 Updated on August 17, 2023 by Izzy Hutnick

Members – all day, any time, on any Friday in August. Bring a friend with you to work out, play basketball, or participate in a weekly program and they’ll get in for FREE! If your friend decides to join in August, we will waive their joiner fee, AND you will each SAVE 20% off your membership in September.

Learn more at the Member Services Desk, or by calling 219-926-4204

Try a Group-X Class!

Choose from Spin, Cardio, Strength, Mind/Body, Yoga, and more. Come out and enjoy your favorite Y classes and instructors with friends as you exercise and stay healthy together.

Learn something new!

The Active Older Adults Center is open Monday and Friday every week from 11:15 am to 2:00 pm. Bring a friend to Exercise, Bingo, Euchre, and Bunco. As well as Health screenings, Art classes, and Wellness Presentations!

Duneland Y Half-day Preschool at Trojan Learning Center

Posted on June 26, 2023 Updated on June 30, 2023 by Izzy Hutnick

The Duneland Y Preschool Expands to be Part of the Trojan Learning Center – Open House to be held on August 15th.

The Duneland Y is excited to announce a new program offered in partnership with the Duneland School Corporation (DSC). As part DSC’s Birth-to-School initiative, the Duneland Y Preschool will be expanding to provide early childhood learning opportunities and support for families as part of the Trojan Learning Center located at the Chesterton Middle School. (601 W Morgan Ave. [Door #9] Chesterton, IN)

The Y currently offers full-time preschool programming for children 6 weeks of age to 5 years at the Forchetti Family YMCA Center for Early Learning (270 E Burdick Rd, Chesterton, IN). This existing Y program site currently serves 97 children and their families. The addition of Y preschool to the Trojan Learning Center will provide exceptional learning opportunities to young children as well as much needed support to young families.

“Bringing the YMCA half-day preschool to the Trojan Learning Center is the first step towards the Y expanding early childhood development services to children and families in the Duneland community,” said YMCA COO Shannon Spratley. “As plans evolve for the YMCA Healthy Living Campus, we see our partnership with the DSC, additional classroom space at the new Y and the Forchetti Family YMCA Center for Early Learning allowing the Y to work with more young children and support more young families in the years to come.”

The Duneland Y Preschool at the Trojan Learning Center will encourage children to reach age-appropriate developmental milestones over the course of a school year. Both AM (8:30 – 11:30 am) and PM (12:15 – 3:15 pm) Pre-K classes will run Monday through Friday. The Y will also offer a Monday/Wednesday/Friday class from 8:30 to 11:30 am for children 4-5 years old and a Tuesday/Thursday class from 8:30 to 11:30 am for children 3 years old. Children must be 3 years old by August 1 and potty trained to register for these programs.

In the half-day preschool classes, children from ages 3 to 5 will engage in age-appropriate activities that focus on the development of the whole child. The classroom environment and curriculum will challenge participants to develop cognitive, social/emotional, and physical skills. Curriculum and activities include literacy, mathematics, science & technology, and social studies. Children will engage in extensive motor activities in the gym, take field trips and explore the outdoors.

“With the values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility as our guide, we work with you daily to help children have fun while realizing their full potential,” said YMCA Early Childhood Director Melissa Griffith. “At the Y, we believe that the values and skills learned early on are vital building blocks help make confident kids today as well as caring, contributing adults for tomorrow.”

Registration is now open! The Y will hold an open house at the Trojan Learning Center (601 W Morgan Ave. [Door #9] Chesterton, IN). Attendees will have the opportunity to meet teachers and see the preschool classrooms on August 15th, from 9 – 10 am for the morning classes and 1–2 pm for the afternoon classes. Following the Duneland School Corporation 2023-2024 School Year Calendar, half day programming will begin on August 16, 2023. The final day of classes will be on May 30, 2024. To learn more about the program, pricing and to register, please email [email protected]

CHS Student, Academic, and Community Leader Shines Bright at 2024 NBA All-Star with "Rising Stars" Grant

Duneland Y receives a gift from the Dunbar Family Foundation for the YMCA Healthy Living Campus “Airnasium.”

Join us for a month-long celebration of fitness and giving back to the community!

Dancing Like the Stars 2023 Shatters Attendance and Fundraising Records

THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BETTER TIME TO JOIN!

NO JOIN FEE & NO PAYMENT until Dec. 15th

10 Day Pass only $40

Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Personal Training Packages

Celebrating the Week of Prayer at the Duneland YMCA.

This week we celebrated "National Voter Registration Day" in the lobby. It's our Social Responsibility!

The deadline to register to vote in Indiana is October 8th – below is some information to help get you #VoteReady!

Whether you’ve just joined the Y, are thinking about joining, or you’ve been a member but just haven’t found the motivation to get started, here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of your Duneland YMCA membership!

Grab A Friend & Try A Class

Take Advantage of the Childcare Options

Community Discounts

Additional Opportunities to Save

Enjoy Nationwide Membership

Work near one Y, but live near another? Going on a vacation? We joined with most YMCAs throughout the country to give you Nationwide Membership. This means you can visit most Y’s across the US for no extra cost.

Live & Virtual Fitness Classes – YMCA 360

Try hundreds of group exercise classes with YMCA 360, including yoga, Zumba, strength, and more! No matter where you are, you can connect with our Y community to access the best online fitness classes, youth sports skills, and healthy living resources. Learn how to get started!

Community & Volunteer Opportunities

The YMCA offers many ways to give back to your friends and neighbors through our Thanksgiving Drive, Angel Tree program, youth sports coaching, and numerous other volunteer opportunities.

Sign up for the Newsletter

Next time you are at the Y, ask to update your email address at the Member Services Desk or register for the weekly newsletter here. We send out newsletters with upcoming events and news for members 1-2 times weekly!

Make a new friend

Whether it is at the gym, in the Fun Zone, or a program, it is practically impossible not to make friends at the Y. 0ur staff has worked hard to create a community that is full of friendly and welcoming faces and places great importance on strengthening the community that we live in.

One-on-one Personal Training

We know attaining your fitness goals can be hard, but it can be much easier when you have someone there helping you and cheering for you along the way. Our personal trainers will tailor your sessions to best fit you – whether you’re 13 or 75, a fitness newbie, or seasoned athlete.

Be prepared when you join the Duneland Y to become a member of a close-knit and caring community, what some consider a second family.

Not a member at the Duneland YMCA?

Know Someone at the Y?

Try a Group-X Class!

Learn something new!

The Duneland Y Preschool Expands to be Part of the Trojan Learning Center – Open House to be held on August 15th.

Phone

Facility Hours

Our Mission

Whether you’ve just joined the Y, are thinking about joining, or you’ve been a member but just haven’t found the motivation to get started, here are 10 tips to help you get the most out of your Duneland YMCA membership!

Whether it is at the gym, in the Fun Zone, or a program, it is practically impossible not to make friends at the Y. 0ur staff has worked hard to create a community that is full of friendly and welcoming faces and places great importance on strengthening the community that we live in. 