Published: September 07, 2007 02:28 pm      

Making a splash | YWCA instructor swims into her eighth decade

BY RUTH RICE

RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM

Life is going swimmingly for Rita Mizak of Lower Yoder Township, who has been teaching aquatic classes at the YWCA of Greater Johnstown for 63 years.

Sixty of her students recently helped Mizak celebrate her 80th birthday with cake and fellowship at the YWCA, 526 Somerset St. in the Kernville section of Johnstown.

“The cake was four different cakes put together,” Mizak said. “I had two rooms full of friends.”

She has collected those friends through her many years of teaching four to five classes in the pool five days a week.

Mizak has taught water- walking classes, parent and infant swimming classes and children’s swimming classes as well as presiding at plunges, or free swims.

“It keeps you in shape,” Mizak said. “I’ve been doing it since high school.”

With the aid of two helpers, she takes on the YWCA’s day-care class of 13 preschoolers – all of whom can float, thanks to Mizak.

“We play ring around the rosy, and when we fall down, they go under the water and blow bubbles,” she said.

She never thought she would be in the swim of things for 63 years and counting.

“I’ll keep on doing it until I drop,” Mizak said. “If I quit, I don’t know what I would do.”

Aquatic director Viola Najjar, who has worked with Mizak since starting at the YWCA, said she is a good, dedicated, hard worker who doesn’t sit on her hands.

“If there’s no one to take over the plunge, Rita will do it,” Najjar said. “She cleans, sweeps and fixes up. She’s a good friend.”

Mizak has classes from morning to mid-afternoon, while Najjar takes over from mid-afternoon to evening.

When anyone asks Najjar or Mizak how they look so good, they respond, “It must be the water.”

The YWCA is conducting a membership drive through Oct. 1. Taking the plunge at the YW is available in two packages.

A new monthly membership plan requires a one-time activation fee of $30, then payment of $40 a month for an individual or $55 for a family.

The monthly membership plan entitles the member to unlimited use of the Body Shop, plunges and aquatic classes. Registration is required for aquatic classes. Swimming instruction and land classes require an additional fee.

Another option is the yearly membership plan, which includes five free plunges; unlimited use of the Body Shop; reduced rates for swimming instruction, land classes and birthday parties; and a participation allowance for aquatic classes.

Yearly membership rates are $150 for adults ages 18 to 61, $100 for seniors 62 and older, $70 for children 6 months to 17 years and $300 for families.

The YWCA plans to launch a satellite exercise site in a section of the building that formerly housed the Penelec headquarters on Broad Street in the Cambria City section of Johnstown, said Paula Newman, the YW’s executive director.

“We had an offer wondering if we would like to do it,” Newman said. “There will be fitness equipment, land exercises and yoga. It will be for women and men.”

Future endeavors may include a massage therapist by appointment, evening classes and another child-care center.

YWCA members will have the option to use both sites.

“We’re excited to be bringing service to that area,” Newman said.

“We want to reach out to the community.”



In the swim

What: YWCA membership drive.

When: Through Oct. 1.

Where: YWCA of Greater Johnstown, 526 Somerset St. in the city’s Kernville section.

Cost: Yearly, adult (18-61), $150; senior (62 and older), $100; child (6 months to 17 years), $70; family, $300. Monthly, $30 activation fee plus $40 a month for individual or $55 for family.

Information: 536-3519.