ROCKPORT — This Welcoming Week, taking place September 17-21, the Penobscot Bay YMCA will join Welcoming America and hundreds of YMCAs and other organizations nationwide in hosting events to celebrate immigrants’ contributions to communities and bring together all residents in a spirit of unity.

Welcoming Week activities are open to the public and include a free week pass at any Penobscot Bay YMCA branch. During this week, all those living in our community are invited to experience the Y. Try a class, gather the family for a game of basketball, take time for a workout, walk the track or take a dip in the pool.

A free Family Fun Night event is scheduled for Friday, September 21 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Penobscot Bay YMCA location in Rockport. Join the Y for open swim, rock climbing and play gym, as well as pickup volleyball games, tours and popcorn.

“At the Penobscot Bay YMCA, we believe our community is stronger when everyone feels welcome and we can all work together for the common good,” said Melissa Bellew, CEO. “We are proud to be a part of Welcoming Week, which is demonstrating that in places large and small, rural and urban, people of all backgrounds are coming together to create stronger communities. It is a time to celebrate the shared values that unite us as neighbors, parents and colleagues, and to make our towns more welcoming to newcomers and to everyone who calls our community home.”

“Welcoming Week is a reminder of the resilient and inclusive spirit of American communities. Thousands of local leaders nationwide are bringing their communities together to bridge divides and build stronger local economies where everyone belongs.” said Rachel Peric, Executive Director of Welcoming America.

Visit the Penobscot Bay YMCA online at www.penbayymca.org for a listing of classes and facility schedules or call the Y at (207) 236-3375.