Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, May 13, 1990                   TAG: 9005090437
SECTION: DISCOVER THE NEW RIVER VALLEY                    PAGE: 28   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

YMCAS DIFFER IN MISSIONS

Hensel Eckman YMCA in Pulaski has a recreation facility that includes a swimming pool and day care center.

Blacksburg's group, without a recreation facility, focuses on other contributions to the community.

The Pulaski Y offers swimming lessons for both children and adults, including adult aqua aerobics, adult aquacises, and youth and adult swim teams.

Church and other groups may reserve the pool for Friday night swim parties. The Y is at 615 Oakhurst Ave.

Also offered are gymnastics for preschoolers and youth, karate for adults and children, self-defense and weight-lifting classes, men's and women's health centers and a Christian day care center serving youngsters from 2 to 13.

Call 980-3671 for more information.

Virginia Tech's YMCA in Blacksburg offers recreation and exercise programs, community service projects and a thrift shop that sells everything from clothing to furniture to paperback books.

The YMCA Thrift Shop is located at 1531 S. Main St. Donations may be brought to the store between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. The phone number is 552-2633.

The Y, based at 205-A Washington St., also sponsors a wide variety of courses with the Free University program. Courses usually are free or inexpensive and taught by specialized instructors.

For information about programs offered by the Blacksburg YMCA, call 231-6860.