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YMCA waives joining fees for new members in January
Covington Family YMCA
Staff Report
Published: Jan 20, 2025, 9:39 PM

The YMCA of Metro Atlanta has announced it’s waiving joining fees for new members until Jan. 31. This limited time offer allows individuals access to all 19 metro Atlanta YMCA locations and other Y locations nationally, including Covington. Membership types include family, senior couple, adult, senior adult, young adult and teen.

Member benefits include access to the Y’s fitness centers, aquatics facilities, complimentary childcare for Family membership holders, unlimited group exercise classes and more. Additionally, Y members can utilize YMCA360, an on-demand video platform offering group exercise classes and wellness programs.

“For those interested in starting their wellness journey in the new year, we encourage you to join us at the Y and find what moves you toward your goals,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “The Y is committed to promoting healthy living and aims to help our members improve their physical activity, self-confidence and emotional well-being in a safe, welcoming environment.” 

In addition, Y members receive free training through Coach Approach, a six-month exercise support program offering one-on-one coaching. The program is included in Y memberships and provides individuals with six coaching sessions, teaching individuals how to start and continue an exercise plan. The program aims to enhance well-being, increase energy levels and improve mood.

Those interested in joining the Y can visit any of the Y’s 19 locations or sign up online at https://ymcaatlanta.org/join.
Rotary Clubs of Monroe and Covington come together for a veteran's new home
rotary covington and monroe
Staff Report
Published: Mar 25, 2025, 3:19 PM

The Rotary Clubs of Monroe and Covington pitched in to support Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity’s Veteran’s Build in Monroe, GA, on March 8, by providing financial contributions and volunteer labor to help build a home for Nickolas Garrett, a U.S. military veteran and single parent. 

Both Rotary clubs demonstrated their commitment to service by donating $1,000 each toward the construction of the home, working alongside Habitat staff and community volunteers.

With the price of housing, Garrett felt that home ownership was beyond his grasp. Then, he was chosen for Habitat’s Veteran Build Program, and his dream came true. 

“I’m truly blessed and I’m just excited to be part of this process, honestly,” Garrett said. “For my daughter to be able to grow up and have a place to call home is a miracle.”

“Rotary is filled with people of action,” said Tarrence Houston, Rotary Club of Covington president. “As Rotarians, we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent issues. By joining hands with other clubs, we can increase our impact in our communities and around the world.

“Together, we are helping to provide a family with a safe and comfortable place of their own. It’s the ‘American Dream’ fulfilled.”

Leading the initiative were Matthew Whitley of the Monroe Rotary Club and Phil Lanier of the Covington Rotary Club. Both men spearheaded efforts to raise awareness about Gwinnett/Walton Habitat for Humanity’s mission to provide affordable housing and support for veterans in need.

“This is what Rotary is all about,” Lanier said. “It’s coming together to serve others with both contributions and sweat.”

The Rotary Clubs of Monroe and Covington encourage others in their respective communities to help Habitat for Humanity through donations, volunteering, or advocacy. To learn more about how to get involved, visit www.habitatgwinnett.org.