January gets all the credit for fresh starts, but anyone living in Del Ray knows the real reset happens in September.

As summer eases into cooler mornings, school routines lock into place, and calendars fill back up, September offers a natural moment for our neighborhood to pause, reconnect, and set the tone for the season ahead.

Resetting looks different for everyone.  For some, it’s reclaiming quiet time with a morning swim before the house wakes up.  For others, it’s finally establishing that consistent workout routine, finding a safe and engaging program for the kids, or simply seeking out a welcoming space to sit with a cup of coffee and connect with friendly faces.

This year, that reset comes with an extra boost of energy and a chance rejuvenate your spirit as well as your body through Welcoming Week (September 11–20).

Welcoming Week is a nationwide tradition, tailor-made for Del Ray, built on the belief that communities are stronger and more vibrant when neighbors from all backgrounds come together.

From weekend Farmers’ Markets, to civic engagement at the Del Ray Citizen association meetings to the energetic crowds at the RUN! GEEK! RUN! 5K; Welcoming Week is a natural extension of the feeling of belonging.  It’s a dedicated time to celebrate our diversity, build new connections, and ensure every single neighbor feels a genuine sense of belonging.

At YMCA Alexandria, welcoming others is at the core of everything we do.  Whether you walk through our doors to dive into a workout, drop off your kids for youth programs, or simply share a conversation in the lobby, you are part of what makes this branch thrive.  The Y is far more than exercise equipment; it’s a place to achieve, relate, and belong.

So, as we turn the page on summer, join us in celebrating the power of community.  Drop by the branch during Welcoming Week, bring a neighbor, try something new, and help us honor the vibrant spirit that makes Del Ray home.