As the summer months wane away and the fall months come closer, the local branches of the YMCA have plenty of programs planned for adults and children alike.

Louise Norton, head of childcare and membership for the Paul M. Grist branch of the YMCA on Broad Street, was hired in 1988 to fill her current role with the YMCA. In the past 16 years, Norton has started the YMCA’s after-school program in which area school children from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade can receive help with their homework while being introduced to plenty of fun activities as well.

The program runs Monday through Friday from the end of school until 5:30 p.m.

Norton said children who are signed up by their parents for the program receive a van ride from school to the YMCA. The cost for the van pick-up, Norton said, is minimal.

“They get help with their homework and we give them snacks,” Norton said.

After homework assignments are complete, youngsters are given the opportunity to take part in many fun programs. Norton said some of the activities include arts and crafts, riding small scooters and a parachute game where the children are allowed to crawl under and make their way around the gymnasium floor under a large parachute.

“We do what makes the kids happy,” Norton said. “I’ve had kids tell me they didn’t want to leave when their parents come to pick them up. They were having so much fun.”

Norton added that more than 30 children took part in the afterschool program last year. She also said she expects the same number again this year.

“I was hired here in 1988 for 30 days to get this program going,” she said. “I’m still here, so we must be doing something right.”

Norton also said that the van pick-up would be available to Valley Grande residents if a minimum of 10 children from the area were registered in the program.

The Grist YMCA also will offer a step aerobics class from 8-9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. An alternate way of keeping in shape will be available with the Aqua Slim water aerobics classes. One class will be held 8-9 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, while another one-hour class will begin at 9:15 on the same days.

A third water aerobics class will be taught Monday through Thursday from 5:15 to 6:15.

Here is a list of other fall programs scheduled at the YMCA.

Soccer:

Registration and evaluations will be held on August 17 and August 19 at the Selma City Softball Complex at 5:30 p.m. Leagues are designed for boys and girls ages 4 to 13. Last day to register is August 24. Volunteer coaches are needed for each age group. Soccer is free for all participants. For more information call the Selma City Recreation Department at 874-2140.

Gymnastics:

Recreation/Tumble classes are on Monday and Wednesday at 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Classes are for boys and girls ages 6 and up. Tot classes are on Monday at 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. Classes are for boys and girls ages 3 to 5. All classes are held at the Grist YMCA. Fees are: One day a week: $35 for non-members, $20 for members; Two days a week: $50 for non-members, $35 for members.

Tae Kwondo:

Tae Kwondo classes are on Tuesday and Thursday at 6:15 to 7:15. Classes are for boys and girls ages 6 and up. Classes are offered for the first three levels. Fees are $45 a month for non-members and $30 a month for members.

Adult Flag Football:

Adult Flag Football registration is taking place throughout the month of September. A captains meeting will be held on September 13, 2004 at 6 p.m. at the Grist YMCA. The league is for adult ages 15 and up. Each team must have 7 members. All games will be held at the Selma City Softball Complex. League fee is $125 per team. For more information on any of theses activities call the YMCA at 874-7476.