The renovations at the Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA are a shining example of the revitalization taking place in downtown Norfolk. Currently under construction is an expanded Teen Center on the first floor.

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• Did you know you can help prevent drowning through swim lessons?
• Did you know you can give the gift of summer camp to a child?
• Did you know YMCA programs are available for ALL?
• Did you know $50 will sponsor one week of After School care for a child?
• Did you know you can provide a safe haven and positive role models for teens in our leaders club?

	A gift of $1000 or more will let your family or business show your support with a banner.

	Stop by the table in the lobby for more information.

Local businesses and organizations have sponsored areas of our renovation, which were unveiled during our Grand Reopening Celebration on February 20.

	Elizabeth Smith of the Virginian-Pilot and Chuck Harris.

	Chuck Harris with Angelica Light and Sally Hartman of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation.

A ribbon cutting was also held during the celebration. Pictured left to right are:

• John Padgett, Chairman of the Board, YMCA of South Hampton Roads
• Anthony L. Burfoot, Vice Mayor, City of Norfolk
  Angelica Light, President and CEO of the Hampton Roads Community Foundation
• Randy Lyall, Chairman of the Board, Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA
• S. Frank Blocker, Jr., YMCA Donor
• Chuck Harris, President and CEO of the YMCA of South Hampton Roads
• Elizabeth Smith, Online Content & Marketing Director for PilotOnline.com, HamptonRoads.com and HamptonRoads.tv

At the Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA we have undergone many renovations and updates to our 60 year-old building. One of the highlights of our transformation is the addition of our very own official Norfolk Mermaid, Charity, who was painted by a local artist.

In being an integral part of the Norfolk Community ourselves, it was important to the YMCA that we celebrate our rich Norfolk history by illustrating it with bold and beautiful visual images to capture the essence of life as it used to be and as it is now. Click here to view a legend with brief historical descriptions of the images depicted on Charity. Take a moment to meet Charity in the entranceway of our building during your next visit.

Stop by the new Chickpea Café for a full range of healthy snacks, wraps, homemade soups, salads, smoothies, nutrition bars, pastries, beverages and coffee. Azar’s Chickpea Café is pleased to bring only the finest ingredients & highest quality food for you and your family. You can feel confident knowing that the food we serve is made fresh daily with all natural ingredients, no fillers or preservatives.

You can use your YMCA membership card to purchase items at Chickpea’s. Just sign-up at the counter & load credit onto your café account. Next time you’re feeling hungry, just pick up a snack, swipe your Y card & off you go! A great gift idea for hungry families and teenagers on the run!

Conveniently located next to Member Services and designed to welcome members to the YMCA, the Member Connection room can accommodate families with small children and individuals looking to join the Y. Kids can check out our ChildWatch area, have a blast in our Interactive Zone or stay busy with coloring pages and books.

Former USFL player and Blocker Norfolk Family YMCA member, Keith Clark recently used the Interactive Zone to host a presentation to youth about leadership, education and positive role modeling.

When completed, our Youth and Teen Center will provide the setting for critically important programs for this age group.

Plans for the new space include:

• Teen Leaders' Club Conference Room
• Lounge
• Open Mic Stage
• Café Area & Snack Bar
• Video Game Corner
• Theatre for Performing Arts & movies

The Mind/Body Studio and Y-Change Center, both located on the 6th floor, help members learn about and maintian a healthier lifestyle.

Need a quiet place to socialize and relax? Looking for a place to unload books you have already read and don’t know what to do with them or just looking for a new book to read? Why not head to the 6th floor lounge and discover our “Bring a Book, Take a Book” shelf.

Workers are completing the last portions of the parking garage as the city prepares to lay tracks for the new light rail system just outside the Fitness Center.