Dow Bay Area Family Y kicks off new membership

Dow Bay Area Family Y kicks off new membership to amp up for grand opening

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By Jessica Maki, TV5 Reporter - bio | email

BAY CITY, MI (WNEM) -

For 51 years Frank Janca has been a member of the YMCA, and he's looking forward to continuing that membership at the new Dow Bay Area Family Y.

Today, Janca became the first person to get a new charter membership at the new YMCA.

"I've been here 51 years continuous, so it's kind of neat to be the first charter member of this new building," Janca said.

As the construction continues on the massive building, organizers opened up the charter membership office this morning just across the street to get folks excited up for the grand opening in a few months.

Membership Director John Rooy says the charter membership comes with lots of perks and hopes it will draw more people to the new facility.

"It's kind of a celebratory opening to this new building. These charter members are going to be allowed special access into the buildings, sneak peek tours, early access to the building, hopefully a couple weeks before we open it up to the general public, they get YMCA merchandise, guest passes," Rooy said.

The Dow Bay Area Family Y is also promoting themselves on Facebook, offering special prizes to anyone who gives them a "like," all in the hope that when the doors finally open, the place will be packed with people like Janca.

"I'm excited. I'm very, very excited how this dream is going to come out," Janca said.

Charter memberships are available until Dec. 31 and cost $1,300 for a family and $800 for an Adult or Senior.

The Dow Bay Area Family Y is expected to open Dec. 27.