Good service for military families paid off for the Fountain Valley YMCA.

It's also helping non-YMCA members and civilians of the Fountain community.

The Fountain YMCA, 301 E. Iowa Ave., which operates out of the Lorraine Community Center, received a $1,000 Armed Services YMCA award and a Raytheon Program Achievement Award in Washington, D.C.

The money will help staff the Fountain YMCA's monthly outdoor theater in Metcalf Park to unite old and new Fountain families. The free Fountain event includes a movie, games, bounce house for kids and popcorn. It is a partnership between the Fountain YMCA and the City of Fountain, which provides the movie equipment and the park.

"It brings civilian and military families together," said Wendy Brez, YMCA of the Pikes Peak Region spokeswoman.

"We are hoping for military families to feel more connected with the Fountain community."

Branches of the Colorado Springs YMCAs also will offer a free series of summer events for the community.

Programs include sock-hops, hoedowns, movies, art, barbecues, luaus and board game bonanzas.

"This is our way to let the community come together when recreation is expensive," Brez said.

Events at Springs YMCAs are 6-8 p.m. Fridays starting June 5.

For information: ppymca.org