YMCA

Good: The dinner was good. The taste of the meat was great. The desserts OH MY GOD! I tried the carrot, apple and cheesecakes. I need to know who cooked them, please. I want to buy some. The entertainment (music and singers) were excellent, as well as the volunteers services. It was good to see the kids involved in this activity as volunteers. I would like to volunteer myself in upcoming activities. The scarfs, gloves, hats and pants were new and of good quality. Thanks to the companies that facilitated them.. Bad: The coats were used, dirty, ragged, smelled like misery and death. These people need new items to start a new year, and deserve the best the Department of Homeless Services can offer to them.. Improvements: I would like to see that each person invited receives a new coat, scarf, gloves, shoes and pants. Famous designers can get involved to work on a line of clothes specially for them. They can join efforts starting in January, so that the clothes are ready by December. I am sure that shoes companies will be willing to participate on this project, too.. Other: The toys for the kids were new and also of good quality. I don't know who is funding this activity, if it is only funded by the YMCA, (if that is the case), then, the Department of Homeless Services could contribute with some $$$$$. My name is Victoria De la Cruz.. more

I challenge you to find a better deal for the money than your local YMCA. For a mere $40/month I get a lap pool, huge cardio room and tons of weights. No, its not glitzy and you won't see models working off that fry they ate yesterday on the treadmill, but you will get the latest equipment and lots of friendly faces. I for one get inspires seeing the 70+ crowd doning their sweats and working out. Another bonus? Free childcare M-S. That alone is worth the membership fee. more

I used to belong to a larger chain gym, but found that I could get very similar ammenities and workout opportunities for less! For the cost of my other membership, I was able to get a family membership! There is a pool, nautilus and free weights, a cardio room, great stretching room, group exercise classes (my partner loves the pilates!), and a small indoor track overlooking the basketball court. Plus, it's a real community feel-with diversity of people all around. Would recommend you check it out for yourself. more