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West Pasco YMCAs To Celebrate International Day

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By Carl  Orth | The Suncoast News

Published: January 23, 2008

TRINITY, Fla. - TRINITY, Fla. - West Pasco's two YMCAs will join in the International Day celebration on Jan. 30.

The event, in its first year, will show local Y members the worldwide influence of the nonprofit organization, according to Mary Gentry Roberts, district vice president of West Pasco County YMCAs for the regional YMCA of the Suncoast office.

"YMCA is an international organization that is in over 130 countries," Gentry said. "People (here) are part of a bigger movement. We want people to realize that."

The James P. Gills Family YMCA, in the Trinity area, is pulling out all the stops with daylong festivities, Y officials report.

All classes will have an "international flair" that day at the Gills YMCA, 8411 Photonics Drive. Call 727-375-9622 for more information. Or jump to the YMCA Web site and click on the "International Day" link.

The morning slate of classes will start with Celtic yoga at 9 a.m., followed by a Latin step class at 9:15 a.m. and Salsa step class at 10 a.m. In the evening, a country step class will start at 6 p.m. A cycle class from 6-7 p.m. will offer a mix of ethnic music.

Children who enjoy coloring can draw in the colors of flags from various countries, along with other art projects for youngsters.

Jewelry and art imported from Taiwan, Columbia and other parts of the world will be on sale. Money will help support YMCA World Service.

Area ethnic restaurants will serve samples of dishes. Bruschetta's, Eliza's Polish Deli and the Asian Market have confirmed they will participate, with more restaurants expected to join the showcase.
YMCA staff and others will have an international pot luck luncheon starting at noon.

International games and word puzzles will be throughout the Y lobby and hallways for people to play.
Members can help put together a large jigsaw puzzle of the world.

At 7 p.m., the Centre for Drama Dance and Music will put on a demonstration in the Gills YMCA gym.

"We want to bring out the cultures within our own building," Roberts said.

Few people realize the YMCA of the Suncoast is partners with YMCA in the Dominican Republic, Roberts said. The two organizations exchange camp counselors, teen visitors and others. The YMCA here sent food and clothing after a tropical storm in November devastated parts of the Dominican Republic.

Parents' Night Out

Besides the Jan. 30 festivities, the Gills YMCA will offer International Parents' Night Out 6:30 - 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25.

While parents get a break, their children can dress up in their favorite cultural outfit, such as Chinese robes, Scottish skirts or Indian dresses. The YMCA will provide a craft, games, movies and a light snack. Parents should feed their children dinner before dropping them off. The fee is $7 a child. Youngsters from age 3, who are potty trained, up through age 12 are welcome.

SunTrust Branch

The New Port Richey SunTrust Branch YMCA also plans many exhibits, activities and children's crafts during International Day on Jan. 30.

The Y is at 6130 U.S. 19. Call 727-375-9622 for more information. Or jump to the YMCA Web site and click on the "International Day" link.

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