When the Pleasant Valley School District closed Eldred Elementary School in Kunkletown due to budgeting costs and a drop in enrollment, it had hoped the building would be repurposed in some way.

The Pocono Family YMCA expressed interest in opening a satellite location in the West End.PVSD thought the Eldred school building might make the perfect location and a deal was struck with Pocono Family YMCA and they opened Jan. 1, 2011.It is not a fully equipped site and does not have a swimming pool but it does offer the West End community equipment for resistance and strength training and an array of cardio equipment.It also offers several classes. They are:*Atomic Step-a combination of step aerobics, upper body, core and weight training that flows to heart pumping music. Easy to follow. Classes are Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.*LesMills Body Pump- moderate to high intensity weight-based resistance training that lasts 60 minutes to burn calories, tone and strengthen your muscles and improve coordination and is held Mondays and Saturdays at 9 a.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:16 p.m., Fridays at 8 a.m.*IntervalRally-a 60 minute, multi-level class for a total workout, includes step and floor aerobics, kickboxing, bands, weights, abs and meets Wednesdays at 9 a.m.*Cardio Blast-Great classes which combines different exercise styles for a nonstop, heart pounding workout and are held Mondays from 8-9 a.m.*Pilates/CoreX-a 30-minute study of core exercises that works on strengthening and stretching the core muscles while improving the mind and body connection and meets Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.*SilverSneakers (Muscular Strength and Range of Motion)-the class is for total body conditioning. Your instructor will guide you through functional, daily exercises using a variety of different tools at your own pace and is held Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m.*Zumba-a Latin-inspired dance-fitness program that blends red-hot international music and contagious steps to form a "fitness-party" that is down right addictive. It meets Saturdays at 8 a.m."We are reaching out into the neighborhood," says Michael O'Hagan, a member of the YMCA fitness staff.The Eldred site is open Mondays-Fridays from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2:30-8 p.m. and Saturdays 8 a.m.-2 p.m.For more information call 570-807-3068 or visit website:

www.poconoymca.org.