Central Queens Y

 Program Spotlight

The CQY’s Swimming Program ranks amongst the most advanced in aquatic education available. All of our instructors have completed rigorous training and are certified by the American Red Cross. There are five levels in our program, offering a wide variety of activities. Following the fourth or fifth level the swimmer may join our Aquaflames Swim Team, in either the competitive or non-competitive category. The Dynamic Dolphins Swim Club is open to children who have completed level three.

For an explanation of the different swimming levels, please click here.

In addition to the members of the CQY who enjoy swimming in our 25-yard, four lane, heated pool from early in the morning to late at night, time is set aside for classes and team practice on weekdays from 4–6:00pm. We also offer an "Aquadynamics" water exercise class for adults and seniors on Wednesday and Friday mornings, and American Red Cross Lifeguarding Classes.

Classes are also scheduled on Sundays from 12–3:00pm, an especially busy time period, with five 30-minute group classes at different levels and several private lessons as well. There are 20 uniformed instructors in the water on Sunday alone! The focus is on safety, with a lifeguard on deck and one with each class, at all times.

"My sons had swimming lessons here, and they were great,” wrote Stephen B. of Rego Park, in a Yelp review. “The teachers were sensitive and…were very empathetic to my children. They seem to have lots of other interesting activities, but my experience is in beginners swimming classes. So I liked this place."

To learn more about swimming classes at the CQY, please contact Lior Harpaz at 718-268-5011 ext. 502, or by email at lharpaz@cqy.org.

Who We Are

Lior Harpaz, the CQY's Aquatics Director, emigrated to the U.S. at the age of 15, after a childhood spent in Israel and Germany. Already an experienced swimmer, he joined the swim team at Richmond Hills H.S. and, when his family moved to New Jersey, he became a Lifeguard and certified Water Safety Instructor at the Montclair YMCA.

Lior graduated from Brooklyn College with a BA in Film Production, but was working as a swim instructor all through school. "I've been teaching children how to swim since I was in my teens," he says. "It's always wonderful to see their joy in learning as they gain skills and self-confidence. I've known many kids who accomplished things they never imagined, and it's really an inspiration to me."

Lior lives in nearby Kew Gardens with his wife, Yelena, their daughters Maya (5) and Aliza (4), and son Ori, born just this past November. The couple met here at the CQY in 1995 when they were both working as lifeguards. Lior's perspective is naturally romantic.

"To think that a young woman from Azerbaijan and a guy like me, born on a kibbutz, should meet on the other side of the world in Forest Hills and fall in love—it must have been fate."
     
           

Save the Date! Workshop on Parenting with Renowned Child Psychologist Anthony E. Wolf, Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. RSVP strongly suggested for this event. For more information and to register online, click here! Child psychologist Anthony E. Wolf steps into the new world of parenting—and he gives you answers: how to deal with today's kids; how to be in charge and enjoy your kids; how to accomplish this without constant threats and punishment. Anthony Wolf's easy but surprisingly powerful techniques offer specific solutions for all of the most difficult day-to-day problem areas of parenting: getting kids to do homework, getting them off to school in the morning, sibling fighting, and much more. The lessons he delivers, with wit and empathy, can help you bring back the joy into parenting!

Please Note: that we are closing at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 6th, and will remain closed in observance of Passover through Sunday, April 8th. We'll re-open on Monday, April 9th, at 6:15 a.m. On Thursday, April 12th, we will close at 6:00 p.m. and remain closed until Sunday, April 15th, when we will re-open at  8:00 a.m.

To all our friends, neighbors, and members who celebrate the holiday... We wish you all a very Happy Passover!

    

It Takes Resources to Be a Resource

Did you know that many of our programs rely on contributions in order to continue?  This is especially true of our Food Pantry, Senior Transportation and Senior Lunch, and our Scholarship Programs for Nursery School and Summer Camp.

Please consider making a donation to the Central Queens Y. By supporting our programs, your gift will make a direct impact on the lives of countless individuals in our community.

Coming Soon at the CQY! 

Friday, April 6 and Monday through Thursday, April 9-12, 2012:

IMPORTANT UPDATE: There are only 5 spots available for Friday, April 6th.  Monday, April 9th, is still open for registration. For all other dates (April 10-12) there is a waitlist. School will be closed for Spring Break, but the CQY will be open with fun activities and exciting day trips for children in Kindergarten to 6th Grade. Click here for a printable flyer and registration form!

Monday, April 16, 2012: Holocaust Memorial Day

For complete information about all of our programs and special events, visit us at www.cqy.org.

For up-to-the-minute info, pictures & video...

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The Central Queens YM-YWHA is a not-for-profit community center offering programs to sustain and enhance the quality of family and individual life for all members of the community.  The CQY is an agency of UJA-Federation of New York and is operated by the Samuel Field Y.

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