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YMCAs To Offer National Family Week Activities

SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: November 22, 2008

TRINITY - All YMCA branches, including the two in West Pasco, are opening their doors with free family activities during National Family Week starting Monday.

"The YMCA believes strong families are the foundation of strong communities," Mandy Griffith, spokeswoman at the YMCA of the Suncoast regional headquarters, in Clearwater, said in a press release.

"It's no secret that many families are struggling while tackling economic and cultural realities," G. Scott Goyer, YMCA of the Suncoast president and chief executive officer, added. "In times of challenge, it's more critical than ever to reinforce strong family bonds."

"Connections Count" is the theme for this year's observance of National Family Week, which first started in 1968.

The James P. Gills Family Branch YMCA, in the Trinity area, and the NPR SunTrust Branch, in New Port Richey, are part of the YMCA of the Suncoast.

The YMCA is offering a few simple, meaningful ways families can celebrate National Family Week:

•Extended family. Plan a family "play date" or supper with neighbors or join together on a neighborhood improvement effort.

•Thank or affirm others. Write a note to someone who helps your family, such as a child care teacher or coach. Let a fellow parent know you admire the example they set at school.

•Write a family mission statement that can be reviewed throughout the year.

•Designate a family dinner discussion to identify shared interests.

•Check out what the YMCA has to offer by contacting your local YMCA about family activities.

Go online to www.healthyfamilyhome.org to find simple yet fun YMCA tips for family-time activities.

The James P. Gills Family Branch YMCA is at 8411 Photonics Drive, north of the intersection of Mitchell and Trinity Oaks boulevards. Its telephone number is 727-375-9622.

The NPR SunTrust Branch is at 6130 U.S. 19, New Port Richey. Its telephone number is 727-844-0332.

Or go online to www.ymcasuncoast.org.

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