LEE — Since February is American Heart Month, the Lee Unity Seniors invited Nikki Boardman Smith, membership director of the Rome Family Y, to share information on the variety of programs the Y offers.

For the past 22 years, Smith has welcomed members to the Rome Family Y, 301 W. Bloomfield St.

During her presentation, Smith spoke of the past, present and future of the Rome Family Y, now part of the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley, and which initially opened its doors locally back in 1880 at 129 N. James
St.

From 1972 to present, the Rome Family Y has been located on West Bloomfield Street; however, plans are in the works for the YMCA to build a new, state-of-the-art facility on Floyd Avenue across from Mohawk Valley Community College’s campus. The new facility will be near the new 250-unit housing development at the former Woodhaven area.

In addition to the new facility and its indoor fitness amenities, the new Rome Family YMCA facility will also have increased parking as well as an outdoor playground area.

The YMCA is in the midst of a fundraising campaign with the goal of opening its new location in approximately two years.

In the meantime, the Family Y is still all about fitness and good health for folks of all ages at its West Bloomfield Street location, Smith said, as the goal of helping people stay healthy and independent is important.

The present facility offers a variety of exercise classes for all ages and abilities as well as a pool, cardio and weight room, Smith told program attendees.

A full list of programs as well as membership and program costs is available on the YMCA of the Greater Tri-Valley website, http://www.ymcatrivalley.org. The YMCA has a variety of membership programs, and it offers Silver Sneakers, Sliver & Fit, and Renew Active membership benefits. Seniors may be able to access these as a Medicare beneficiary through many insurance companies’ Medicare advantage and supplement plans.