Our new session has begun and as usual, we are busier than ever with all of the many programs that our going on. Of course we are always busy with our summer SACC program and its many participants. They can be found all over the building participating in sports programs, exercise programs, swimming and other activities. This week, all of them walked to the Shanghai Restaurant for their Chinese buffet lunch. Coming up next, the entire group will be going to SeaBreeze in Rochester for a day of fun in the sun and water. Preschool is running their dinosaur week with all sorts of dinosaur themed activities going on.

Rolling into to town this week are bicyclists from all over the United States who will be participating in the Bon Ton Roulet. This bike tour goes all over the Finger Lake region, stopping at various points of interest along the way. The BonTon Roulet benefits both the Cortland YMCA and the Auburn YMCA-WEIU.

Many of us volunteer on the road in order to make this tour easier for everyone and it is always fun to meet people from all over the country and listen to their stories as to how they decided to join this bike tour.

Summer is almost half over and looming on our horizon is the celebration of our 150th anniversary. Did you know that our YMCA is one of the oldest in the United States?

That is quite an interesting fact when you consider the size of Auburn at the time of our founding. Through the years, we have definitely evolved in our facility and our programs but our focus is still the same. We do try to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Our mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body.

This has not changed over the years and we continue to practice this on a daily basis here at the Auburn YMCA. We are constantly striving to give our members the best of programming and welcome as we work to make our facility and our staff the best that they can be.

Don#'t forget that the Cayuga Museum will be featuring a highlight about the history of the YMCA and we would greatly appreciate any memorabilia that you may have in your attics or closets that you might let us borrow.

Our celebration of our 150th anniversary will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27. Be sure to plan on coming down to the Auburn YMCA-WEIU on that day to join in our festivities.

Camp is half way over and everyone is finally getting to enjoy the great weather.

We will be having our annual Ladies Day at Camp on Wednesday, July 29.

For anyone who came to our Ladies Night last January, this is a continuation of a good time.

We will have exercise classes held on the Camp Y-Owasco deck, overlooking beautiful Owasco Lake.

We will also have reiki and massage sessions on the decks of the recreation building at camp.

There will be lunch served as well as lots of free time to just relax, explore the area, enjoy the water and have fun.

Be sure to check at our membership desk for more information on this fun event and register early with all of your friends.

Just a quick thank you to everyone who tells me how much they enjoy reading these columns.

I really appreciate the feedback and enjoy writing about the Auburn YMCA because I believe very strongly in all that we do for our members and the community.

Enjoy the rest of July and come visit us here at the Auburn YMCA if you want to learn about all that we do.

Hansinger is the assistant fitness director at the Auburn YMCA-WEIU