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MAKING A DIFFERENCE

ONE MOMENT AT A TIME

MONUMENTAL MOMENTS 2012

Garden City Family YMCA

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The Monumental Moment book is a cherished book that highlights the different

stories and shows the impact we have on the community and the impact that the

community has on us each year. A big THANK YOU goes out to everyone involved.

Whether it was a staff person, volunteer, member or program participant, the YMCA

transformed lives and made a difference. This book focuses on the positive and

wouldn’t be published with the support of all the following people:

All YMCA Staff

All YMCA Members

All YMCA Program Participants

All the YMCA Volunteers

Thank you to all the staff. This book would not be possible without your work. The

staff created these relationships by striving for our three focus areas and putting

our mission into action. Keep up the good work!

Focus Areas:

For Youth Development, Healthy Living and Social Responsibility

Our Mission:

“To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.”

Our Motto:

“Where Values Meets Value”

Acknowledgments

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In Memory of Marianne Miller 1930 - 2012

There comes a time in life when a loved one has been chosen to do work for our Lord and Savior. We will never know why they were chosen to leave their friends and families, but the Lord has bigger plans for them beyond this life! The Fourth Issue of our Monumental Moments Book is dedicated to Marianne Miller, a wonderful mother, grandmother, great grandmother, member, and friend.

Max and Marianne Miller joined our YMCA family in April of 1989. The Miller’s have always been huge supporters of the YMCA. Marianne is a part of our heritage here at the Y and left a huge im-pact on our YMCA family. Marianne was an avid swimmer and loved the pool. One of the fondest memories that Chad shared was that Marianne always had a smile on her face and enjoyed the water early in the morning. She always said that “The Water is good for your soul!” She would always be talking to the lifeguard about life and she made sure to tell everyone hello as they came in to swim. She just loved to see people in the pool!

Karen described her as an encouraging lady. As a Christian she did much to edify the Body of Christ. She had a refined and gentle spirit with softly spoken words. Whatever she was doing whether it be in her church or her community she was always actively involved adding dignity to everything she touched. She wrote Karen a brief note telling her to keep up the good work! Karen loved her and her wisdom!

This is Marcy and having been here for a short time I did not get to know Marianne very well but I have gotten to work with her son Ross as a campaigner and know many of her grandkids and judging by the diligence, care, and the good people that they are I know that Marianne was a remarkable woman. A project that I was working on to share our YMCA Mission with Ma-rianne was cut short by her passing but she did leave me with a testi-monial on how she felt about the YMCA.

“The YMCA is a special place. I smile when I drive by. Seeing a full parking lot, reminds me of the visioning people who started the programs here 40 years ago and have stayed with it through the growth in buildings and programs it is today. So proud of them and the staff that make it a vital place to send children, work out themselves, that teaches value today. Bless you for your faithfulness.”

- Marianne Miller

Marianne Miller was truly an inspiration and an icon to our YMCA family and her words of wisdom and dedication were greatly appreciated and will never be forgotten. We thank her and her family for having the honor of having her and Max as apart of our YMCA Family.

Dedication

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Foreword Chad Knight, CEO Chapter 1 January 3 A Blessing January 10 Good Morning January 17 Genuine Care January 24 Unofficial Tour Guide January 31 The Importance of a Name Perspective from a Campaigner Andra Downing Chapter 2 February 7 Extra Encouragement February 14 Everything Happens for a Reason February 14 Couch Potato February 21 United We Sing February 28 Everyone Here is Just so Nice CEO Highlight Chad Knight Chapter 3 March 6 Change of Mind March 6 The Coached, Coaching March 20 Spring Break Camp March 20 The Note March 27 Life Changing Moment Perspective from BOD President Terry Johnson Chapter 4 April 10 Building Relationships April 10 Annual Dinner April 17 Bigger but not Better April 24 The Heart is Where it Matters Aquatics Director Highlight Monica Colborn Chapter 5 May 1 Coming Together May 8 Are You Serious May 22 Everyone is Welcome at the Y May 29 A Little Help CFO Highlight Karen Berry Chapter 6 June 5 Two of a Kind June 12 The Joy June 19 Kudos to Dougie June 26 Football Camp Childcare Director Highlight Hannah Simpkins Chapter 7 July 3 The Squigee July 10 Just Keep Swimming July 17 True Beauty July 31 Help Around the Corner Family & Teen Director Highlight Krystal Richardson

Table of Contents

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Chapter 8 August 7 Heart & Soul August 21 Bullethead Award August 28 Teamwork Health & Fitness Director Highlight Stacy Crase Chapter 9 September 11 One Last Game September 18 The Best Job in the World September 25 Accomplished AD of Marketing & Mission Advancement Highlight Marcy VenJohn Chapter 10 October 2 Training Surprise October 2 Good News October 9 I Have to go to the Y October 9 Better then Food October 16 A Much Appreciated Thank You October 30 FUN raising with the FUNdamentals AD of Membership Highlight Shannan Sullivan Chapter 11 November 6 Great Coaching November 20 Inspired November 27 Thanksgiving at the Y Property Manager Highlight Joe Garcia Chapter 12 December 4 Can I Steal if from You December 11 Great Mom & Coach December 18 Toyota Jump Sports Director Highlight Doug Marshall Chapter 13 Honorable Mention Stories AD of Programs Highlight Jackie Regan Chapter 14 Tami Henry Laurie Whitehurst Ron Pettz Joe Louis Gonzales Ron Baker Janeen Gooden Melanie Fields Susan & Tony Stout Delores Gonzales Gary Taton Ed Lewis Arlie Defreese Aaron Knight Kandace Kennis Louise Nichols

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January 3 A Blessing Shannan Sullivan Each year there are individuals in our community who are chosen to receive a “free” or a

“complementary” membership to the Garden City Family YMCA. Well, these memberships are not actually free because there are people who have donated money in order to help pay for those memberships for individuals who are having certain difficulties in their lives, whether it be personal or professional. The full-time staff are the ones who get the opportunity to choose people to receive these special memberships…and I do mean “opportunity”! I was blessed to get to share with Laurie Sisk that she had been chosen to receive a membership for the year 2012! I, in return, was blessed to see her reaction and just how thankful that she was to be the

recipient of this great award. Tears came to her eyes as I shared with her about the membership as it brought tears to my eyes as well. Laurie has been a member for quite some time but came to a point in her life where she could not afford it. I know from speaking with her that she continues to give her time and her money to others in order that they might benefit. She is a selfless person who is always willing to help people and is well deserving of this award. Thank you Laurie for giving me the opportunity to experience the blessing that you gave me. You are truly a great person and may God continue to bless you and your life.

January 10 Good Morning Brenda Rodriguez Mary Joseph comes in every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for water aerobics. She has recently also started coming in a few minutes before class to walk on the treadmill. I always I look forward to seeing her just to say “Good Morning Mary” and then see her smiling face. We sometimes will stand and chat just about anything. She mentions to me how much the Y means to her now. She loves it when staff will call her by her name and make her feel welcomed. Then at times when she has trouble getting up in the morning, she tells her self she needs to get up and get to the Y to see the staff’s smiling faces. Mary says that the Y has not just helped her with getting started on a healthy living style, but with her attitude as well. After coming to the Y she always leaves with a smile on her face!

January 17 Genuine Care Marcy VenJohn Jerry Brundgardt and his wife recently joined here at the YMCA, they wanted to get their health back. Jerry recently had back surgery and has had a rod put in his back and is limited on movement. He has went through physical therapy and still isn’t quite there. He asked me what things he could do to get some of his mobility back and what he could do to help himself out. I suggested that he participate in

our water aerobics classes in the morning. Jerry was on it and here Monday morning for water aerobics. I caught him in the hallway on his way out and asked him how things were going and if he needed anything and what he had to say touched my heart completely. Jerry told me he loved the class but he thought it was too much to start off with so he was going to come in and try out the lap pool in the afternoons because he really liked the water and the freedom it gave him to move. He then continued to share with me on how he appreciated the staff here at the Y and that he felt we genuinely care for all of our members! Jerry we do care and we are so glad to have you and we are elated that we

can help you get back on your feet!!! love it when members are satisfied with our Y! Little do they know that they make our day each and every day with their personalities and their wonderful stories!

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January 24 Un official Tour Guide Marcy VenJohn This morning after my workout I was getting ready for the day in the locker room and Lara Bors came into the locker room after her workout and we were chit chatting as we do every morning about our days and weekends. Lara told me she was the fill in tour guide the day before. I asked her what happened and if the Front desk had asked her to do that. She replied no I had a friend with me and she was asking how to use the machines so she showed her. This then stemmed to another lady in the locker room asking questions, which then led to another lady asking Lara about the Y. Lara said she felt like an unofficial tour guide. I told her thank you for all of her help and she replied, “You guys do so much for me the least I can do is answers questions! I love it here!” Thanks Lara for being one of our faithful members and helping out wherever is needed! Great Job Lara!!!!

January 31 The Importance of a Name Marcy VenJohn In the past week I have been touched extremely by some of our members! I have been working on several yearend reports through January and have met some of the most amazing people through this process. I spoke with three women last week who each brought tears to my eyes. It is amazing the stories that we hear from our members and participants! While speaking with one of these women, Kandace Kennis, I got to meet her two wonderful children, Ethan and Mattea. The kids and I talked about all sorts of things that day. The following week I had walked through the racquetball courts and Kandace and Ethan were playing catch in the hallway and I said “Hey what’s up Ethan?” Ethan’s eyes got big and he

looked at his mom and said “Mom she remembered my name!” Just hearing that excitement made me smile and realize the importance of knowing a name! Ethan, I am so happy to have met you little man!!

February 7 Extra Encouragement Melissa Quisenberry Being a licensed Child Care Center here at the YMCA we are licensed by the State of Kansas under a list of guidelines. Our Licensing Surveyor, Maggie Baker is in charge of checking on our site and making sure we are following the polices and procedures put in place. For winter break camp she enrolled her grandson Aljiah for the two weeks of camp. Aljiah loved it so much she then went on and enrolled him in afterschool and fundays. She came to me to tell me how much he loved being here and what a great program we have. It was great to hear that from our State Licensing Surveyor.

Chapter 1

"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles: they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be

faint."

-Isaiah 40:31

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Perspective from a Campaigner Andra Downing

Hello my name is Andra Downing and I have been a member of the YMCA for about two years now. I was asked in the late Summer early Fall of 2012 by Marcy to be a campaigner for the Annual Support Campaign Scholarship Program. She had explained to me that she had been given my name as a prospective campaigner and wanted to know if I would be interested in being a campaigner. Not knowing what the Scholarship Program was all about I asked her a few questions about it and I went on my way to do my workout. As I was walking away from her the wheels were turning in my head and processing the idea of having to ask people for monetary donation. This is not something that I like to do, nor I am particularly comfortable with. I went to my first meeting, got more instructions, and understood more of what the Scholarship Program was all about. I picked my five required names from the sheets they had to choose from and went on. Well, it took me a week and probably more like two before I started working on my list. I had picked names of people that I knew a little bit, but still asking them for a donation was really hard for me.

I got my first donation by just actually visiting with them and you know after explaining the Scholarship program to them, and getting a donation it made the process a whole lot easier. I became more comfortable talking to people face to face than calling them on the phone. It made me feel really good to know that between the donor and myself we were supplying a means for one of our elderly, a child, or a family to experience in some way what the YMCA can provide for them. Thanks Marcy, for asking me to participate.

February 14 Everything Happens for a Reason Marcy VenJohn On February 9 a very dear friend of mine and her darling baby boy joined the Lord in Heaven. This week has been an emotional roller coaster mourning the loss of my friend and laughing at all of the memories we have shared. The funeral was the morning of the 13th I was gone most of the day to attend the memorial and to be with my friends and family. During the service my friend’s brother stood up and spoke words about his sister and told us how she always believed that everything happened for a reason and she was going to live life to her fullest because she knew God wanted her too and that was her reason. These words are words she lived by I remember her telling me several times throughout our lives “Oh Marce everything happens for a reason.” Yes they do! The morning of the 14th I came in to do my morning workout and as I was getting ready just like any other day Lara Bors walked into the locker room and said “Marcy where were you yesterday we missed ya?” I told her I was at a funeral for a good friend of mine. Lara gave me a hug and told me if I needed anything that I could call her or come by. We talked for a little while I shed some tears and she said “Everything happens for a reason we don’t know why and it’s sad I’m sorry for your loss, If you need to talk now or a week or two when things slow down let me know, I know the pain doesn’t go away but it does get easier.” The words and compassion that Lara gave me went straight to my heart and meant so much to me. Her words were just like Lindsey’s. I’m so glad God placed Lindsey in my life she was truly an amazing person inside and out and I will miss her dearly. God also had a special plan placing Lara in my life with her guidance and comfort, her compassion was just what I needed that Tuesday morning, my Y family is amazing! Everything does happen for a reason and even though we don’t know that reason God has a plan.

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February 14 Couch Potato Cara Kieft Last week before our swim meet I received an email from a swim team parent. Her child has only been swimming with the Seahawks since last September and loves every minute of it. Recently she traveled to Hays to swim at her first swim meet that was not at a Y here. After they get back, I receive an email from her mom stating, “This is what Isabel said, ‘I don't know where I would be without swim team. Probably sitting on the couch, eating chips.’ lol-put that on a t-shirt.” I love to hear from the parents how well their child is doing and how they are enjoying swim team, but it is even better to hear it from the kids and what they are telling their parents as well. Now I just hope she keeps up the active lifestyle!

February 21 United We Sing Cara Kieft Saturday, February 18th marks the date of the Annual February Freeze swim meet hosted by the Garden City Family YMCA Seahawk Swim Team. At every swim meet I have ever attended (as a swimmer, coach or official) the National Anthem has been sung before starting the first race. This morning we had a volunteer who nominated herself to sing over the sound system and in front of the packed Carlos C. Sparks Aquatic Center. Halfway through her performance, the words flew from her brain and she froze. Without hesitation the entire audience of spectators continued to finished the Anthem. The rest of the swim meet went swimmingly and nobody even remembers what happened that morning. Until now! Thank you to all volunteers, parents, officials, coaches and especially the swimmers for making the event spectacular!

February 28 Everyone Here is Just So Nice Shannan Sullivan Sandy Fine joined our YMCA family on January 4 of this year with a new corporate membership. She is the owner of Providence Professional Services and she decided then that she wanted to promote a healthy lifestyle by offering to pay for her employee’s memberships here at the Y. First of all, I think this is such a positive and giving thing for her to do for her employees! Secondly, she not only promotes good health by offering to pay for their memberships, but she also has become an avid Y user since then! Well, just the other day, I got to speak to Sandy once again and she expressed to me just how much she enjoys coming to our YMCA. She was ready to sign up for our new aquatics program called “Swim Across Kansas”. This was something that she never thought she would do. She said to get in a swimsuit was a big step for her but she decided just to give it a go. She told me how much she loved coming to the Y and that the staff here were just so friendly and the lifeguards…they were just soooo friendly, too! She went into a little detail about growing up and how sometimes it wasn’t the best experience and I guess never felt wanted or appreciated. But here at our Y, she feels accepted and loves coming just by how the staff has treated her. Makes me proud to be part of an organization that has this kind of influence on her. Thanks Sandy, for sharing with me all that you do! We love having you here in our family!

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CEO Highlight

Chad Knight What a year! I feel fortunate to have witnessed another exciting chapter in our rich heritage. The Y was a special place for many in 2012, from our staff to members and volunteers. I believe the Garden City Family YMCA serves as the cornerstone to so much in our community. The overall health and well-being has vastly improved as our usage increased! We strive to improve the community in spirit, mind and body. As I sit down to write this story, the devotion title for today in my daily devotional book was “Expect Great Things”. Well, I can attest that is my motto I live by and it was true in 2012. I believe the pinnacle of our success this year was our staff and Board of Directors, particularly the Professional Staff. The Professional Staff is all the Directors and Managers in each department. As some of you are aware, we have started a new branch in Dodge City. That’s right, we have a YMCA in Dodge City that is a branch of our Association. We are known as YMCA of Southwest Kansas with Garden City Family YMCA and Dodge City Family YMCA. To make this happen, it required some extensive work on the staff and our board leadership. As we embarked on this new journey to add a second branch to spread the YMCA gospel in Dodge City, it required me being absent quite a bit. To make this happen, I needed to rely on my staff. My staff elevated their work and rose to the challenge. I did some re-organization to help during this transition period and the staff responded very well to those changes. One of those changes was pro-moting Jackie Regan to Senior Program Director. This put her in charge of all the Program Directors in Garden City and eventually also Dodge City when we opened in 2013. Let me tell you, this was very hard for me. I am a program person. I have done it my whole life! I started out as a Sports Director and still love seeing the joy the young children display while playing sports. So, to let that go wasn’t easy. But, having a good Program staff in place enabled me and ensured that it was going to be okay. Secondly, the other two main departments besides program is membership and finances. With Shannan and Karen intact and spearheading those departments, I knew they would be under control. That leaves the member service staff and maintenance. Well, I was concerned with the member service since Marcy was going to do both marketing and campaign development in both branches. So, as a staff we discussed options and I visited with some key personnel and we made a switch to put Shannan in charge of the front desk. Again, Shannan never skipped a beat and the front desk operations are under control. For maintenance, Joe has always done a very good job, but he had to elevate his services and control the areas because I wasn’t checking them as frequently. To top it all off, I would never had ventured into this new journey if I didn’t believe my staff was able to “expect great things”. They always have and the best thing is they expect that from our members and their part-time staff as well! As for the Board of Directors and their leadership, they had to make the hardest decision. The YMCA of the USA does not allow new associations to start as an independent YMCA. For new YMCAs, they must be a branch of an existing YMCA. Therefore, since we were the closest YMCA, we were the logical choice. But, it required the Board of Directors to allow this to happen! So, the Board of Directors decided to allow me to start helping the Dodge City folks. This wasn’t an easy decision as they knew raising money was a huge challenge and it was going to be even harder being 54 miles away and not there every day. Their biggest fear was losing everything we have done to build up our YMCA. I assured them that our branch would not suffer because of the staff we had in place. There are so many things that the staff and the board have done to make this come to reality. I am just so thankful for all of you. I am so fortunate to work with such amazing people. Thank you all so much for everything. Words cannot express how grateful I am. As the CEO, I am proud to lead this wonderful organization and look forward to more exciting chapters yet to be written!

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March 6 Change of Mind Chad Knight I walked into the swimming pool to check on the pool and I was pondering not swimming, I just didn’t feel real good. This is unusual because I swim every day! Today was just not my day, I just felt a little whizzy. When I walked into the pool, Saige asked if I was going to swim. I said “I don’t know”. I then asked how many laps has Danuta done today. He said he didn’t know, but he did tell me that I was her inspiration to swim. Well, let me tell you! Hearing that comment changed my mind on swimming. I immediately went back to the front desk and got a towel and swam. I swam a little more than I usually do because I was so pumped up about that comment. THANKS Danuta, you are AMAZING!

March 6 The Coached, Coaching Krystal Richardson Jeremy is coaching another boys basketball team this year, I know…..shocker! I always hear about how his practices go every week and how excited he is that “his boys” are picking up certain plays. I stayed late on a Friday night when he had practice, and decided to go in and check on him and the boys. When I walked into the gym, I was so excited to see that he had two of his former players, from different years helping him coach this year’s team. All I could do was sit there and smile, being proud of my husband as well as the boys. Jeremy has left an impression on each of “his boys” from year to year and now they want to come back and help him with coaching. They will show up and help with practice and be there for the games on Saturdays. Basketball is a passion of Jeremy’s and coaching “his boys” will always be a part of his life. It has been amazing to see the after math that has taken place because these boys had a coach that inspired, helped and coached them through a game they ALL love! March 20 Spring Break Camp Melissa Quisenberry During Spring Break Camp this year we had a lot of new kids join to come for the week. One of our

new kids, Rylan Anderson saw our flyer and told his mom this is something I want to be a part of. After a couple days of coming his mom came to talk to me about how much Rylan loved it and each day came home talking her ear off about all the amazing and fun things he got to do. After the week was finished she told me that because of how much Rylan enjoyed the week she would like to sign him up for summer camp. She went on to say she didn’t necessarily need to send him to summer camp because she is a teacher and has the summers off work she just

wants to because he loved it so much.

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March 20 The Note Valerie Paxson Every day I pick up kids from school in Holcomb and bring them back to the YMCA. One little guy really captured my heart. Everyday Abel Mendoza would run up to me at the school and give me a big hug. Then on the van ride back we would talk about anything and everything his little mind came up with, it was a great time. He was a child that could really brighten your day. Little did I know the impact I had on his life, his Mom had called one day and told me how much her children loved me. She went on to say that even when I had to redirect them they knew how much I cared from them because as Abel said “She smiles with her heart, Mom even when she isn’t smiling.” A few weeks after the phone call Abel told me that he was moving to Arkansas, he said he would miss me and would I miss him? I said of course I will! What happened next melted my heart. He asked if I would write him a note, and not just any note he had a special one in mind. He said “Please write, Dear Abel, I will miss you and I hope I get to see you again. Love, Miss Valerie” I wrote that exact letter and sent it to Abel in Arkansas. I wish you the best Abel…keep your wonder-ful outlook on life.

March 27 Life Changing Moment Stacy Crase At the beginning of March, Ciara came to me wanting personal training sessions. I was excited to help her reach her goals. We were training three times a week and about two weeks ago I noticed something unusual while doing the plank exercise. I told Ciara I cannot diagnose her so I suggested she see a doctor. The following week Ciara came in for her session and immediately she thanked me for the referral, she went to the Chiropractor and found out she had scoliosis. I could see that she was overwhelmed with the news and was shocked as I was when she told me. So for the past week Ciara has been working hard to reach her goals and not letting this scoliosis slow her down, she also has been free of headaches for one week. Overall she said now that she is aware of the situation she has been feeling so much better and getting stronger every day.

Perspective from Board of Directors President

Terry Johnson What a great time to be a part of the leadership at the Garden City Family YMCA. So many very positive things happening in the life of the Y. The recent expansion has produced record membership and budget numbers. Along with that exposure have been some expected and unexpected challenges. It has been interesting to be at the table working on solutions when these have come up. Some of the memorable “moments” from my term were rectifying a long and expensive difficulty with the family pool, approval and starting the Finish Line Shake Bar, participating in the OneOk golf tournament with all the proceeds going to the YMCA, the first ever Corporate Board meeting, and of the course the Chad D situation. All of that stuff was interesting but I think the events that took place during my term as Board president that we will look back on are truly significant are the capital campaign and the establishment of our Dodge City Branch. This will change the Y’s role in Southwest Kansas and has the potential to affect numerous lives in a positive way. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. Terry Johnson

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April 10 Building Relationships Marcy VenJohn It is always so uplifting to meet new people at the Y and to hear their story. Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday the ladies come in for their water aerobics classes and on those mornings I feel like I have 25 women who are like my grandmother and it truly touches my heart to speak with them since my grandmother has passed on. Anita Lausch is one of those women that I have the pleasure to speak with on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Anita swims laps while the ladies are doing their water aerobics and before she heads to the pool I meet her in the locker room as I finish up my morning workout routine. We always exchange our hellos and how are you but Monday we had a wonderful discussion about hiking and life and how Anita loved to swim. Building relationships with people here and learning their stories is always amazing and I am so glad that I have the chance to meet these wonderful women.

April 10 Annual Dinner Melissa Quisenberry My second experience with the annual award dinner for the YMCA was this year. I invited Dayne Fletke, my boyfriend, to come attend and take it in. He was very hesitant about going since I would be speaking a lot of the time and helping with everything. But he decided to come for support. Well the dinner started and the awards were given out and everything seemed to be running pretty smoothly. I’m not the best public speaker so I was a little nervous about speaking, but things seem to go well. After it was over I asked Dayne how he thought I did, usually he is brutally honest, so I expected him to give me some constructive criticism, but he just said you did great. After talking with him he said he thought it was really amazing how positive and uplifting the whole thing was. He was really surprised that so many people came out to support the Y. He also said he had never seen so many people so excited about their jobs and what they do as the professional staff at the Y. He was very impressed with everything. I think it really made him realize the difference we make in the community of Garden City and it was really great to hear from an outsider.

April 17 Bigger, but not better! Chad Knight During the interviews for a new Aquatics Director, I was explaining the past history with the position and what usually happens with Program Directors at our Y. I made the point that we are a great training facility as the Program Directors will train and move on and up to a bigger and better YMCA. One of the committee members who was helping with the interview, was quick to say “they might be bigger, but definitely not better.” I thought this was a great statement and shows the impact of our YMCA from a member and volunteer perspective. THANKS John!

April 24 The Heart is Where It Matters Doug Marshall As I was getting soccer started and coaches figured out for our soccer league this year I got to one left without a coach. Everyone was telling me that I should just coach them but I really didn’t want to coach a team let alone a soccer team which I knew nothing about. Now that the season is over I am really happy that I did pick up a team and I think God might have left this group of kids just for me. We had a blast this season, my group of kids taught me how to be patient and hopefully I taught them a little about soccer. On our last day of practice I informed the team that I would not be able to make it to our final games of the season. When I said this Lane McKenna looked at me with the saddest face and realized that I wouldn’t be in the team pictures either. When I asked her why she wanted me to be in the pictures so bad she replied “so I can go back and remember all the memories from this season.” She then went on to say she didn’t need me to be in the pictures because she would just hold the memories in her heart. I will never forget this wonderful group of kids that I was blessed to coach.

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Aquatics Director Highlight Monica Colborn

Someone once said you should only make one major life change a year. Apparently, I’m not a very good listener. In a five month time period, I had four major life changes occur. We moved back to Kansas from Colorado, I started my new job as the Aquatics Director, I had surgery, and I enrolled my son in Kindergarten. Some might think that the latter is not a major life altering event. When your son is severely allergic to egg, peanuts, and tree nuts…sending him off to school and trusting someone else to keep him safe and be responsible for his health and well-being is a daunting, terrifying, life changing event.

When my son was six weeks old, he stopped breathing and had to be life watched. When he was ten months old, he had his first anaphylactic reaction and spent the night in the hospital. When he was 13 months old, he had another reaction. At 17 months old, he had his third reaction. If I could have found a way to put my child in a bubble, and still allow him a normal life, I would have done it. The day he was diagnosed, I started counting down the days until I would have to send him off to school. He attended preschool in Colorado, and I was a mess with worry. But it was three hours a day, three days a week, and lunch was not served. I worked four blocks from the school, and could be there in less than two minutes if needed. Now, he was starting Kindergarten. All day. Every day. In Holcomb. A 15-20 minute drive. Where they serve breakfast and lunch.

By nature, I am a Nervous Nelly. A Worry Wart. One of those Type A personalities. I stress over the little things, and I’m a perfectionist. These unfortunate personality traits already had me a basket case trying to juggle the responsibilities of a new job. Now, as an allergy mom sending her first born and only child off to Kindergarten, I was a wreck. In late July, I started warning my co-workers in our weekly staff meetings…”In four weeks, Easton will start Kindergarten.” The staff meeting we had the week before school started, I warned everyone that there might be a lot of tears shed throughout the week, and not to freak out if they witnessed a mini sob session.

My husband and I were meeting with teachers and administrators during this week, trying to establish Easton’s Care Plan, making safe snack lists, reviewing the lunch menu, determining how to keep him safe in the lunchroom without making him sit all by himself, making sure the staff knew how to use his Epi Pen. It was overwhelming!

Easton started school on August 21st. My cellphone never left my sight. I even took it to the bathroom with me, I was so worried the school would call and I would miss it. On the second day of school, the phone rang, and the number was from the school. I felt my heart stop, and all the blood drain from my face. I answered the phone, and on the other end was the high school football coach, sending out an Alert Now inviting everyone to come out and watch the scrimmage on Friday night. I sat down, and burst into tears. A co-worker was cutting through my office to leave for lunch, and asked what happened. When I told her, she gave me a hug, and a reassuring word.

Throughout that first week of school, all of my co-workers were so wonderful and supportive…asking how Easton was doing in school, and how I was holding up. At the end of the week, I found a certificate in my mailbox. It was a Dr. Seuss “You Did It” certificate. It read “This certificate is presented to Monica Colborn for being a mom of a student in Holcomb.” And it was signed “Your Y Family”.

I don’t think I could have made it through that first week of school if it weren’t for my wonderful co-workers! Even though I was the “newbie” of the group, they were so supportive and understanding, and were there when I needed. I am so blessed to be a part of this amazing Y Family!!!

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May 1 Coming Together Stacy Crase April 28, 2012 was our national YMCA Healthy Kids Day and I was trying so hard to get as many businesses I could to come out and promote healthy families within our community. Along with this big event I was needing volunteers, Carla with JCPenny’s called me and said that they usually do some type of volunteer work and immediately I said yes I could use you on this day. For two weeks we kept communicating with one another and on the day of the event Carlos and seven other people showed up to help out with our healthy kids day event. It was so great having this help and it all went so smooth and everyone had a great time. Thank you to JCPenny’s and all the area businesses that came out to support this national day.

May 8 Are you Serious? Marcy VenJohn As many of you know BPI Inc. has been shut down due to some ill-informed media circumstances which are very unfortunate for our community and several members of our community have lost their jobs. The YMCA offered a free 6 month membership to those employees that were laid off. When I received the email stating that we were going to offer this I sent a friend of mine that was laid off from BPI a message about the free 6 month membership and we talked back and forth and he was in a large disbelief at what I was telling him but finally he believed me. He said he was hesitant because they have heard so many things but he thanked me and was appreciative and he told me thanks so much for all that you guys do and I really appreciate this it means a lot. My friend has shared his stress about finding a new job and going through this experience and it really touched my heart to be able to share this with him and to know that we are doing this in their lives.

May 22 Everyone is Welcome at the Y! Melissa Quisenberry With summer camp about to kick off we were meeting with a lot of parents about how summer camp all works. About a week before camp was to start Valerie Paxson the Child Care Coordinator had a foster parent come to her with concerns about camp being the right fit for her foster son, Eric. Eric is a six year old hearing impaired child who cannot hear 95% of things around him. After meeting with the parent and child Valerie told them it would be no problem at all for him to attend camp. Later that night Valerie called me about the meeting she had and said, “I think it will all be no problem, I’m just going to learn sign language.” I thought that was really amazing that she didn’t even second guess taking Eric in

and would personally try to learn sign language for him.

May 29 A Little Help Monica Colborn Summer swim team was just getting under way, and a parent came to me and expressed her concern for being able to pay for the team suits for her swimmers. I told her that I would see what I could do, and in the meantime to just wear whatever suits her children had. That same afternoon, a member came to me and asked if there were any swimmers in need of help this year with expenses. I told him of the conversation I had earlier that day, and he said “No worries, I got it…everyone needs a little help sometimes”. The generosity and giving spirit I witnessed at that moment was truly amazing!

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Chief Financial Officer Highlight Karen Berry

Written by Saige Martinez Who would have thought people like us would ever go out as friends? You have me, Saige Martinez, (21 years old) and a whole bunch a beautiful women! For my 21st birthday the ladies that work out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to do water aerobics decided to take me out for my birthday. We went to eat at Golden Dragon for lunch and we couldn’t stop talking enough to eat. I enjoyed the meal so much. It furthered our relationship with everyone, and this also showed me how much they care about me. Every morning I go in and lifeguard these people that are so great and caring. They always start the morning off with a smile, tell me “Good Morning, how are you.” Makes me happier instantly, knowing all of these people are basically family. From what they tell me, they really enjoy my company. They also may not realize how much I appreciate them. I always look forward to Darlene’s class, that is my grandmother she claims, which I have no problem with. She has left her mark, as well as all of the other swimmers have a big place in my heart. I love all of my friends very deeply, and I will continue to keep them in my prayers. God Bless you Ladies, I’ll Never forget you. I love you all tremendously! Your Lifeguard, Saige Martinez

June 5 Two of a Kind!! Stacy Crase When school got out Maddy (10) and Lane (9) McKenna were so excited because this meant they get to do personal training this summer before they went to Oregon in July. Their mom, Sara came to me telling me how excited they were. We started at the end of May and they have been working as a team supporting each other and telling me how strong they feel and that their clothes fit big. I have never seen two young girls work so hard and in the end they feel so good and can’t wait till the next time we meet. Way to go Maddy and Lane!!

June 12 “The Joy” Chad Knight One of our goals this year was to have each person who wrote a story on somebody hand deliver the book to the recipient for their own personal book. Well, one day Kalen was working who I wrote a story on about timing me in the pool. So, I went out to the pool and handed Kalen his book and told him ‘thanks” and boy did he light up! His eyes got real big and he was grinning from ear to ear in excitement. So, I told him I would put the book in the office. I think it was great to bring such joy to our staff. GOOD JOB Kalen!

June 19 Kudos To Dougie Jackie Regan I was walking through the fitness center and one of our members, Deborah Patterson, caught me to talk about the machines or working out (I can’t remember exactly) but after we were done talking about “business” she told me how her grandson goes to our childcare and he just LOVES Doug. She mentioned that he usually doesn’t talk to men and is reserved around them, but he immediately took a liking to Doug and that is was amazing. Our “Dougie” is LOVED by the childcare kids, and it is AWESOME!!!

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June 26 Football Camp Doug Marshall I was at football camp at the old high school and there were a few guys talking about the camp and how they thought it was a great camp for the kids. That’s when Shane Burns jumped in and began talking about our youth t-ball program and how much he liked it. He went into detail talking about how our programs are more organized and just overall better than some of the others in town. I think this is great that our coaches support our programs as much as we do.

Childcare Director Highlight

Hannah Simpkins I only started working at the Y at the end of July. It was an adjustment for sure. Not only going from working sports to working child care, but also moving over 400 miles from friends and family. The first month I was out here all I had was what would fit in my car. Thinking you had put one thing in your car and then realizing nope it is still in Missouri. It was hard at times but the Y staff made it easier. They invited me over for dinner, let me do laundry, asked me to play mud volleyball, go to a festival. It was nice to know that no matter how far away I was from my friends and family, I had friends and family here. If I needed anything I could call any of them up and ask for help. It has been a blessing to be a part of such a friendly and welcoming environment. The members are just as kind and welcoming, wanting to get to know you and your story. I look forward to returning the kindness and getting to know the staff and members even better.

July 3 The Squigee Monica Colborn

Summer is a crazy time for aquatics, and I get so busy I’m convinced I will lose my head if it isn’t

attached to my body. This day was no different. I turned the water on to the family pool, and went to

tackle the million things on my to do list. Awhile later, I hear

someone in the game room say “Wow! That’s a lot of water!” Oh my

gosh! I have left the water on! I run out of my office to see kids

splashing through ankle deep water on the deck! I go out to the

pool, and I just stand there in awe, about in tears, trying to figure

out the fastest way to get the water off the deck before it spills

over out into the game room. This boy comes up to me, probably 12

years old, and says “Hey, if you have one of those squigee things, I

can help you out.” Feeling bad enough as it is, I don’t want this poor

kid to have to help clean up my mess, so I said “Oh no, thanks

anyways.” He was quite persistent though! “No really” he says, “I

want to help”. So I go find a squigee for him, and I go back into the pump room to start backwashing

and trying to fix my absentmindedness. I went back out and tried to take the squigee

from him so he could play with his friends, and that boy would not give it back! He worked until all the

water was back in the pool. Afterwards, I went up and offered him some Y Bucks for all his help. He

asked me what Y Bucks were for, and I told him he could use them like cash to purchase something

from the display case, or towards a program. He looked at me with the biggest smile, and gave me

a hug! It was awesome to see how eager he was to help, and how appreciative he was for such a small

gesture of Y Bucks.

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July 10 Just Keep Swimming Monica Colborn Not only am I absentminded when it is crazy busy in the summers, but I get consumed by stress right before a swim meet. Our Big Pool meet was just a few days away, and I was overwhelmed with all the things that had to be done to put such a big event on. I was in my office trying to do ten things at once while two of my guards, Keali and Rachael, were sitting at the table watching the trainwreck in front of them. Rachael asked me if she could borrow my sticky notes. I didn’t even look up from the computer screen that was displaying the very daunting list of duties a meet director had to accomplish, and said “Sure.” Occasionally, I hear a giggle or two out of the girls, and in the blur of things, I see them moving around my office, but I can’t think of anything except timers, across the board judges and officials. After awhile, I look up from my massive to do list, and I see a little post it note that says “Relax” attached to my computer screen. How the heck did that get there? I have been sitting here the whole time! To my left is another note that says “Smile”. Was I so busy that I didn’t notice one of them walk right behind my chair and stick it there?! I look at both of the girls, still sitting at the table, only now they are in fits of laughter. Rachael points to the wall where my OU flag hangs, and there is another post it note, which reads “Just Keep Swimming.” Oh, the famous words of Dorie!

July 17 A True Beauty Karen Berry In the musical Beauty and the Beast, Cogsworth tells the Beast when he asks about winning Belle’s heart: “Well, there’s the usual things: Flowers, chocolates, promises you don't intend to keep.” Here is a Y story about a true Beauty in Beastly circumstances. During our Capital Campaign in 2008 a “stay at home mom” made a pledge for our new building. Shortly afterward she found herself a single mom of three children with no job. Needless to say she fell behind on her pledge. She visited with me at one point and I told her we could write off the pledge if she needed, but she refused. This week she came in and made five payments all at once. This is truly a promise kept.

July 31 Help Around the Corner Marcy VenJohn Rhonda Crabtree moved to Garden City recently. She came in and wanted to see our facility. I gave her a tour and told her about our water aerobics, she has had many surgeries and it has been hard for her to get back into working out. She signed up for a membership and started taking our water aerobics in the morning with Darlene. One morning as I was walking to the locker room I ran into her and she started telling me about how much she loved Darlene’s class. She said that Darlene was a wonderful person and how much she has helped her out. Darlene worked with Rhonda one on one during the first couple of classes. Rhonda said how there was this couple exercises that Darlene showed her how to do that she thought she would never be able to do again due to her surgeries. Then at the moment in class tears came down her eyes. Rhonda is very thankful for everything not only Darlene but that Y has done for her.

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Family & Teen Director Highlight

Krystal Richardson

In December of 2006 I applied for a position here at the Y to work part-time at the front desk. My husband and I had just moved here from Utah in the end of July and I was going stir crazy being at home all the time, and this job caught my eye. I applied and was called in for an interview about a week later. I remember being super nervous and one question that I was asked was “Do you know what YMCA stands for?” I answered the question very honestly with a simple “No” and the interview continued. Once it was done I had went home and took a deep breath and said to myself “why don’t I know what YMCA stands for?” and “is this going to cost me a job that I really want to have?” I waited, and the next day got a phone call from the current MSA Manager here at the Y saying “I had the job and when would I be able to start?” I was in complete shock and unbelievably excited that I got the job that I really wanted! I started on December 14, 2006 and I struggled at first just like anyone does when starting something new. I had reached my 90 days and it was evaluation time and I was nervous. One of the things in my evaluation said that I needed to work on was learning the names of our members, I was determined to make this happen and it did. I not only learned the names of many of our members, but had the opportunity to build some amazing relationships with them as well! While building these relationships with our members, I was doing the same with most of the staff here at the Y. It was through the members and staff that I learned what the YMCA was all about, what we stand for and our Christian background. Over the years these relationships went from casual, to friends and then family that I could talk to about many things going on in my life, good or bad. When I began this new journey I was still considered a newlywed, and I got the job that I really wanted and the next thing on my list was to be able to become a mother and start a family. After trying for three years it was time to see a doctor to find out what was going on. In January of 2009 I made that appointment and went in to find out what could be wrong. I had been in and out of the doctor with different tests and medicines to try and pin point what was wrong with me. When my June appointment rolled around I went in and was hoping for some sort of good news and the doctor just came in the room, looked at me and said “I’m sorry, but there is just nothing more I can do for you.” I was in so much shock I just said “ok” and went to check out. All of the things you dream about as a little girl, getting married, starting a family, first day of school, family vacations and all the many memories you make as a family were gone. I couldn’t believe that this was what the good Lord had planned for my life after some of the things I had already been through and continue to fight through. I had the support of my friends and family, right along with many members and staff as they had become my family. Over the next couple of years it was a healing process for me and rebuilding a relationship with the most important person ever, the Lord. I continued to pray and ask guidance and support to get through this trial in my life. It was through a couple of members and some supportive staff that I decided in 2011 to go back to the doctor, but this doctor was a member and his wife and best friend were the ones sending me to see him. I was very nervous that he would tell me the same thing, but knew in my heart that this was the Lord’s way of telling me it was going to be ok. I went to my first appointment in May of 2011 and was immediately put on some different medicines, and we went from there. I had a new appointment about every six weeks and the blood work and medicines continued to come. It was in April of 2012 that I had to have surgery to see if my fallopian tubes were open or not, they were and this was amazing news in my life! I continued to see the doctor and it was in August of 2012 that he told me he was going to call a specialist in Wichita and get some advice from them. He called me as soon as he had news for me from the specialist. I was super nervous but listened carefully, and the conclusion they came to was to put me on a different medicine to see if that will do anything. He also told me that he would write a letter of referral to this specialist should I want get more help than he could give me. I wanted to see what this new medicine would do and stick with him the way he had stuck with me for a year and a half.

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It was September 22, 2012 and I had just gotten home from playing Bocci Ball for our Corporate Cup when I realized that my monthly cycle hadn’t come yet, and I took a test. In fact I took four different tests and ALL of them came back positive that I was pregnant! When I had my first OB appointment Dr. Hall asked me if he could tell his wife, as she was the one who told me to go and see him and I said of course! The very next day I got a phone call at work from Isela congratulating me, and she asked me if she could tell Michelle Leyva who also encouraged me to go and I said absolutely!

It was with my husband, my family, friends, co-workers, members here at the Y and by the grace of the good Lord that this miracle has happened to us! I am extremely grateful to Isela and Michelle for encouraging me to go back to the doctor and to my co-workers for always being there for me throughout this very trying process. I am thankful for all the prayers and support that have been sent my way through all of this and had I not taken this job back in 2006 who knows where I would be today. I want to say thank you to Dr. Hall and his wife, along with ALL the members and staff who have become a major part of my life over the last six years and I can’t wait to introduce our baby to some of the most amazing people in this world!

P.S. YMCA stands for Young Men’s Christian Association!

August 7 Heart & Soul Jackie Regan A couple weeks ago I lost my grandma and had to leave for about a week for the funeral. One evening when I was back my phone rang and I saw that it was Manuel Beltran, one of my longtime officials and my “brown grandpa” as he calls it. I hadn’t talked to him since basketball ended in April so it had been awhile. When I answered he said he had been thinking about me and wanted to check to see how my grandma was doing since he knew she had been sick back in April. I definitely teared up when I told him she had passed away the week before. He expressed his condolences and we talked a little about faith and other stuff. He told me that he always feels renewed after he comes to the Y and he compared it to going to church. He said he really liked coming in because he felt so good

after interacting with staff and seeing everyone. It reminded me of why we all love the Y so much and how we consider ourselves family. I am glad others besides our staff enjoy that as well!

August 21 Bullethead Award Jackie Regan We recently received funds from Dan Fankhauser that he requested be used for our youth tackle football program. So between, Chad, Doug & myself we decided to use some for scholarships and the rest of the money to give a weekly character development/good play award for each division every week. We named this award for Dan whose high school football coach gave him the nickname Bullethead because he was one of the smallest guys on the field but always played hard. Dan came down to football and also talked to the kids before their games and told them not to worry about how small they are because playing hard is all that matters. Dan gave a great speech to the youth I enjoyed seeing how both coaches and players responded to his story. It was AWESOME that he took the time to come down and talk to the kids. Thanks Dan the MAN!

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August 28 Teamwork Marcy VenJohn Last night I was wandering around the gym taking pictures of the equipment checkout going on and a group of boys were playing basketball on the other side on the gym. One little boy who is in a wheelchair was wheeling right along playing with the other boys but he wasn’t seeming to get the pass so he started to wheel off the court. As I stood there watching Luke Koehn got the ball and hollered at the kid and passed him the ball. The other kids stopped in their tracks and just looked at each other for a split second and then proceeded to guard the boy and go on with their game. Luke glanced over his shoulder at me and I gave him the thumbs up and he returned the gesture. Here at the Y we are family no matter the shape or size and watching the boys play and Luke’s good teamwork brought tears to my eyes. I was very proud of Luke! Great job Kiddo!

Health & Fitness Director Highlight Stacy Crase

Written by Hannah Kennedy Fitness has been a part of my lifestyle for the last 10+ years and the YMCA has definitely been around for most of that journey. I have always been interested in learning more about fitness and was even considering going that direction in school.

Back in 2007, I had graduated from GCCC and did not know the direction I wanted to go so I took that year off from school to ponder my choices. I had signed up to do that “12 week fitness program” with Stacy Crase. We would meet every week or so to go over things and I remember always having nutrition questions for her, but she could never really answer my questions because she was not qualified to go into depth in that area. Basically all she could do was give me brochures. It took a little bit for the idea to hit me, but all the sudden, “BAM”, it hit me, “go to school for nutrition, go the other route.” And the rest is history…I attended the University of Central Arkansas in the fall of 2008 and graduated in the winter of 2011 with my Bachelors of Science in Nutrition.

I always think of Stacy as being my inspiration in figuring out the direction (career-wise) I wanted my life to go. If it wasn’t for her I don’t know how long it would have taken me to have that figured out?

Written by Hannah Kennedy

Chapter 8

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made know to God.

-Philippians 4:6

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September 11 One Last Game Doug Marshall Well it was close to the end of the day when I got buzzed by the front desk saying that I had a phone call. It was Mr. Gonzalez on the phone and he spoke to me about how they were supposed to move in December but things got moved up with his job and they would have to leave in a week. He asked me if I would let his son play in the first and his only game of the season because he wanted to play one last game with the YMCA. After he played Joaquin and his father both approached me to thank me and tell me how much of an impact the YMCA program has made on their lives. They went on to tell me how good of a job I was doing and wished me the best. I was very impressed by the great things they had to say about our program and the people here. It’s always good to hear the positive things and how we impact others.

September 18 The Best Job in the World Karen Berry I enter the aerobics room to fill my water glass, a much needed staple, and I am greeted by a dozen four year olds. They are having way too much fun! A beautiful little princess comes up to me and says “You’re so pretty” (I think are you blind?) but I reply “Well thank you so are you”, it is obviously not the first time she has heard this. Then the young Mister Keaton comes up to me and I say “I heard you got your tonsils out” he sticks out his tongue and opens his mouth wide for me to see. At this point I am filled with laughter and I say to their teacher, “Miss Royal, you must have a really fun job”, and she replies “I have the best job in the world.” I might disagree as we all know mine is; but none the less, it is very nice to work with people who enjoy what they do.

September 25 Accomplished Krystal Richardson Isn’t it the best feeling in the world when you have accomplished something you weren’t sure that you ever could? I am so lucky of be able to hear stories or accomplishment and the excitement that always follows a landmark moment in one’s life. I was here late on a Tuesday night and had a member (Bill Schmekel) come up to the front desk needing a piece of scratch paper and a pen. I asked him how his rowing went, as he is participating in the “Row Across Kansas” program and each time he rows it is recorded for ALL to see. He told me that it went well and that he had reached ten thousand meters and that he never thought he could do it. He was smiling from ear to ear and said he didn’t think he would ever be able to do it again. By the following week he had not only reached ten thousand meters again, but he surpassed it! It is the amazing stories like these that are so very exciting to hear from day to day. Congrats Bill on your milestone and continue to keep up the good work!

Chapter 9

People who laugh actually live longer than those who don't laugh. Few persons realize that health actually varies according to the amount of

laughter.

- James J. Walsh

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Associate Director of Marketing & Mission Advancement Highlight Marcy VenJohn

Well, I have survived my first full year at the YMCA! Woohoo I did it! I have experienced many

new things this year some rewarding and some sorrowful. I lost a very dear friend and her son to start

my year. I got to travel to Pennsylvania for NAYDO conference where I met some amazing people and

learned the art of the YMCA and heard amazing stories which lit my fire to share our amazing stories

from right here at home. My family welcomed a handsome little boy, my nephew into the world! We had

another successful Annual Support Campaign. I traveled to Chicago for the Brand Advocate Forum

where my brain was overwhelmed with rules on branding but I enjoyed a walk by the river in downtown

Chicago. We have opened the YMCA in Dodge City and have been learning everyday since. I witnessed

my first Toyota Jump while delivering Keeping Our Promise Scholarships to students. I’ve had tears of

joy and sorrow this year but all in all this is the YMCA and we are where value meets values and we

have our ups and downs but we are all family!

As I have been putting together this book and have read the stories that have made up our year

I thought of a poem that I once came across. The poem is called Even Disney Inspires Me and it

definitely relates to our year here!

Finding Nemo tells us to just keep swimming little did Dorie know swimming relates to more then just

the water with the many changes this year we often fill overwhelmed but we just keep swimming!

Toy Story tells us to Reach for the sky. The idea of Dodge City Family YMCA was just a dream but we

put our minds to it and we reached. Achieving our goals this year has been a struggle but we just

reached some more.

Pumba told us in the Lion King, Hakuna Matata, its means no worries for the rest of your days. Easier

said then done as we worry every day but always remember to step back and look at who we are and

the YMCA mission and that we are for all, so no worries!

Cinderella says even miracles take a little time. Krystal and Jeremy are having a baby! See their miracle

took time! Always have faith and always be patient but be persistent!

They say in Alice in Wonderland that if you dream about something more then once, its sure to come

true. Dreams and aspirations are sometimes are all that we have to go on but with the right people

standing next to you such as the members and supporters that we have here at the YMCA everything

dream is surely to come true!

Peter Pan told Wendi that all it takes to fly is Faith and Trust. With Faith and Trust our YMCA has

grown into a strong Christian facility with emphasis on our faith as we

have made many changes throughout to show our trust in our Lord such

as the scriptures on our staff shirts and I couldn’t have picked a better

organization to be apart of!

The last inspiration comes from Lilo and Stitch and it holds very true to

our facility here. Everyone has ups and downs and curves along the way

and being apart of the Y I have learned that around every corner there

is someone with a smile and a lending hand.

Ohana means family, and family means no one gets left behind.

This year has been a learning experience in so many ways but I

know that I wouldn’t change a thing because I have the best YMCA family

that I could ask for. Thank you to the Members and Staff for making 2012 an inspiring one!

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October 2 Training Surprise Krystal Richardson As a staff here at the Y I am blessed with the opportunity to attend several different trainings to reach my certification status of Team Leader. I recently had the pleasure of attending “Introduction to Leading Others”, one of the required courses for the certification. I was amazed with our trainer David Hencirik, who came from Texas to do this training in Wichita. I was very enlightened by some of the things we as an employer can do when we are interviewing somebody for a job opening. After the training when I got back to Garden City I was inclined to email David thanking him for an AMAZING training and here is the my email and his response….

David, I hope you made it home safe and sound and I just wanted to send you a quick email saying THANK YOU for the training last week in Wichita, KS! You are an excellent trainer and I know that the Y is where your heart is, you can see it and feel it in your presentation. I would also like to thank you for the "Coaching" that you did with Brie, it touched my heart and made me think about a lot of the things I do when we are hiring/interviewing and how somebody like her can get passed up due to some sort of issues people on staff may have with her.

THANK YOU for the insight!

And his reply….

Krystal, I have been on the road until now, and I just received this email. With so much going on, what a gift. Thank you for sharing this with me. So often we forget to take the time to show how much we appreciate others, and you reached me with your thoughtfulness.

Thanks for making Wichita the place to be for me!

October 2 Good News Jackie Regan We recently had a player who we added late to a football team because the football team had a few kids get hurt and they were running short. I knew the team’s coaches were worried about the rest of the season with too few players, and also having to add a player late in the season. This player hadn’t played in our league before so we figured he would be a little behind, even though we knew he was a good athlete. I asked the coach how things were going and he responded by saying the player was doing very well and was very respectful. He told me he thought the situation had worked out pretty well. I thought it was great that the coach had such a good attitude about the situation and didn’t mind taking on a new player. I was very impressed when the next week the player scored a couple of touchdowns to help that team out!!!

October 9 I Have to go to the Y! Joe Garcia My granddaughter Mya just started her first year in school and her first in the after school program at the Y. I was wondering how she was going to adapt having to be in school all day then turn around and come to the Y until her father could pick her up after work. Well not to worry because on Wednesday of last week her dad told her that her mom was going to pick her up after school and she was not going to the Y. Mya looked at her dad and said “well that’s not possible because I HAVE to go to the Y, all my

friends are expecting me to be there so I have to go.” It is a real blessing to see all the little ones who come to the Y just become a part of it and make so many new friends.

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October 9 Better Than Food Doug Marshall I was laying in bed in the hospital after my knee surgery, fighting to stay awake because I had some great bbq from Planks coming and hadn’t eaten in a day and if you know me you know that’s like forever. That’s when I heard the door open and my mouth began to water because I thought my ribs had finally come but it was an even better surprise McKenna and Caydence Leon came to visit me. They brought me a picture they drew for me to get better and let me know they were thinking about me. That really meant a lot to me and made me realize the relationships that I have made since being here.

October 16 A Much Appreciated Thank You Monica Colborn Do you ever feel like you are having one of “those” days, only it seems like it is happening every day of the week? Well, I was having one of “those” weeks, and I was feeling pretty down. My fabulous morning water aerobics instructor, Darlene, popped her head into my office and asked if she could have a moment of my time. I looked up from my desk and said “Sure thing!” She went on to say “I just want to tell you that I appreciate everything you do, and you are doing a good job!” Those words made my day much brighter, and gave my battered self esteem a much needed boost! Bless you Darlene!

October 30 FUN raising with the FUN damentals Marcy VenJohn Last week I was in Chicago for a Branding forum for the Y and I was able to share our stories with people across the US that work with the Y. I was sharing stories about our campaign and our wonderful volunteers! One night over dinner we were all sharing stories of how we got started in the Y and different things in the Y and I shared about how involved and invested you guys get and how much fun you are having with the point system and I was told "Marcy I think you have a truly found the bases in your YMCA. You have learned the value and relationships of your volunteers and FUNdamentals of who we are at the YMCA! You guys are doing great and I can't thank everyone enough for all the work that you are doing for us. We truly appreciate all the help and support you give us here!

Associate Director Membership Highlight Shannan Sullivan

So thinking about this past year and looking at all of the stories in our Monumental Moment book, I am reminded of the same thing over and over again. What is it all about? Relationships and how each and every one of them have touched our lives, not only as a YMCA staff member, but a member or guest of our YMCA. What is life's true meaning without those relationships? It would just a place of "nothingness"...nothing to look forward to, no one to share it with. Without relationships, we would be an empty existence without joy, happiness, strife, sadness, love, anger, humility...I could go on but I think you get it. I just wanted to say that I thank the Lord for all of the relationships that I have developed just by being a part of the YMCA and I couldn't think of a better place that I would have liked to spend my work day or better people to spend them with. Through the ups and downs, I still believe in the power of relationships and one way or another, they always pull through. Thank you to my Y family...members, guests and staff, for the wonderful memories and the relationships that I have been able to share. You have and always will make my life more meaningful to live. God bless each and every one of you.

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November 6 Great Coaching Doug Marshall I was sitting at the Tackle Invite Tournament championship game when the game came to an pause. I think the referee’s were trying to figure out where the ball would be placed after a penalty and the process was starting to annoy some fans from Ulysses. They began to yell from the stands for them to hurry up and get the game going. That’s when one of the coaches from Ulysses turned around and told them that they didn’t need that today. The whole place was so quite after that you could have heard a pen drop on the football field. I thought that showed a lot of class from the Ulysses coaches and respect for our officials.

November 20 Inspired Stacy Crase It’s always great to hear that you have inspired someone that is what happened with me and Hannah Kennedy. Hannah has been a member of the YMCA and few years ago decided to do the 12 Week fitness program with me, during that time I told her that I was not a Nutritionist and would not be able to give her a meal plan etc. That was out of my circle of expertise, she told me from that point on that I inspired her to go on and get a degree towards nutrition. Since then she has graduated and is working in the nutrition department helping others and even spoke for one of my programs the Holiday Plunge, talking to them about proper eating and what is good and bad. Good job Hannah I'm so glad I was able to inspire you to accomplish your dream.

November 27 Thanksgiving at the Y Shannan Sullivan For about three or four years now, my extended family has been able to all meet together for Thanksgiving at the YMCA. We have about 30-40 of us that get together and that is just way too many people for a house! Whenever I first heard that the Y was made available to me to utilize for this special day, I was so very excited! It gave us a place to come together and enjoy each other and our families without the worry of having enough room. It makes all of us more at ease with everyone together. We also get the chance to participate in so many different activities here at the Y such as swimming, basketball,

racquetball, etc. It lets us spend even more quality time together and this year was the same if not even a little more over the top for me. I got to share some quality time with a couple of my brothers and my daughters as we challenged each other in Polypong! Oh the fun we had that day! Thank you YMCA for extending your family to mine by offering the facility to me so my family could be together. I absolutely loved it!

Chapter 11

"Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good

works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

-Matthew 5:16

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Property Manager Highlight Joe Garcia

Wow another year gone. I do not know who is older now, me or Norman. What a great man that Norman is, at 85 still going strong. What would we do without him? Every person that is a part of the building and grounds staff is an amazing group of hard working, dedicated, loving, caring and I could go on forever for they all do an outstanding job. They are all a part of the Y family who not only work here but participate in our many programs. This past year they have all stepped up while I was gone for so many days. Another great man my father was very ill this year and had to have several surgeries on his back and neck. At 83 years of age the doctors were afraid of what could happen. For a time there things were not very good but with the grace of God, the many prayers from everyone my father is doing great. No one expected the amazing results. He can walk now where before he could hardly stand, severe pain had become a part of his every day. I personally do not know how I could have handled the whole ordeal if it was not for our Y family. The professional staff like only they know how, with prayer and love were by my side. My staff C.J. and Ralph putting in all the extra time needed to make sure that all problems were resolved. C.J. a great job covering for me. Norman for keeping the building up. All the Y members. Thanks for your prayers and support. My family, Diana and I thank you Garden City Family YMCA for being the highlight of our year.

December 4 Can I steal it from you? Shannan Sullivan I was so proud when I received an email one day from another Y staff member. Not a staff member from our YMCA, but one from across the U.S. This email was special, for she was directed to our website from the company that made the layout. Now the company made the layout, but our Marketing Director, Marcy, is the one who actually made the site ours! Well, she was looking around on it and was noticing some of the things that we do for our members…MOM, Biggest User, etc., and wanted to “steal” them from me. Therefore, she found my address online and sent me an email. She had many questions about what we do and how we actually do it! I was happy to oblige her requests for it made me proud of what I do and what our Y does for our members. She was also going on about how nice our website is! It pays to work hard at your job and it is even a greater reward when someone out of the blue notices!

December 11 Great Mom and Coach Doug Marshall I was at KH observing a few games there when I was joined by Kylie Whitehurst. I began talking to her about how she liked playing basketball. She then went into how she enjoyed being coached by her mother Laurie Whitehurst. I asked her why and she said because she taught them a lot about basketball, how to respect others, and good sportsmanship. She also told me she scored 29 points in her game earlier that day. I thought that it is great that we have coaches in our sports program that not only teach their players great fundamentals but teach them how to behave on and off the court.

Chapter 12

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and

they shall walk, and not faint.”

- Isaiah 40:31

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December 18 Toyota Jump Marcy VenJohn Every year we give out Keeping Our Promise Awards to elementary school students who exemplify the YMCA core values of honesty, caring, respect and responsibility in and out of the classroom. The award winners receive a FREE full year’s membership with the YMCA, they are free to use the entire facility and they receive a discounted price for programs. With Dodge City Family YMCA Opening in January we wanted to award KOP awards to the Dodge City Students this year. I have been so impressed with the Dodge City Students they have been so well behaved when we have been there Great Job Parents and Great Job Teachers! We presented some awards last Thursday and upon our visit at Miller Elementary we presented to a class and when we announced the child’s name that would be receiving the FREE year membership to the YMCA he leaped out of his chair and gave us the Toyota Jump as we like to call it and I had goose bumps. The smile on this child’s face was unforgettable! KOP awards are always very heartfelt and monumental and it always brings a smile to my face to watch these kids work so hard and to receive this special award. We thank all of the sponsors that help make this program possible. It truly is AMAZING!

Sports Director Highlight

Doug Marshall Growing up I did just about every sport my parents could get me to and that I could physically do. While I was doing these sports my father always made it a priority that he made it to every sporting event I did. He never missed any of my football games from when I was eight until I was a senior in high school. No matter how far away or what his work schedule was like he always made it a point to come to my games not matter what.

In the sports department I have the opportunity to work with some very special individuals that are very family oriented. One coach I got to know very well was Cory Hernandez. I hadn’t been here long before Cory began to step up and offer his time to help our program out in any way possible. I have had numerous conversations with Cory and it is very evident that he wants our program to succeed just as much as I do and he is willing to do just about anything in his power to make that happen.

I was also able to build a great relationship with Laurie Whitehurst and her amazing family. One weekend while talking to her daughter she expressed to me how she loved having her mom as a coach because she not only taught her important skills on the court but off the court also. I think this is amazing that we have coaches that not only buy into our program but what our program stands for.

In my first year as the Sports Director here at the YMCA I saw a lot of family support that reminded me of my own family. Whether it was a parent coaching their child’s team or just cheering them on from the crowd, there was a large amount of family support. Coming into this position my wife and I had our own struggles starting a family so from time to time it was tough watching only because I wanted what a lot of these families had. In December of 2012 we were beyond blessed when we were able to welcome our two beautiful baby boys into the world. I will never be able to thank God enough for blessing my wife and I with our boys and the opportunity to support them the way my father and so many in this community support their families.

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Junior Guard Cara Kieft One day while lifeguarding it was a pretty boring day in the pool and only a couple of families and young kids were swimming. The little boy looked very familiar to me and I couldn’t think of his name so I kept looking at him and trying to figure it out. (I still haven’t figured it out.) While watching him and his father shoot baskets in the basketball hoop we had installed in the Family Pool dad dunked the ball. His son witnessed his dad do this and ended up saying to him, “Dad! You can’t do that!” After reprimanding his father for breaking the rules, he looked at me and smiled. Thanks for helping make my job easier!!

A Familiar Face Jackie Regan This past weekend I was helping run an indoor soccer tournament at the Y. We had gotten a couple teams from dodge to come over and play and Doug and I were excited for a fun filled day. At one point during the day I saw someone waving a huge wave at me through the doorway. I realized at once that it was a former Y member & coach Maria Duron, who lived here a couple years ago when I first started at the Y. They had moved to Dodge and I hadn’t seen her for quite a while. We caught up on life, and then I told her we were currently working on starting a new branch in Dodge. She immediately was excited, and said she would love to be a part of the Programs Task Force, and also said how much she missed our programs when they moved. It was great running into her and getting her ideas and input, I can’t wait to work with her more on ideas for Dodge!

Morning Workout Stacy Crase Since we have added our strength fitness center it has been busy at the YMCA, all the cardio machines are taken and the weight room is always packed, which is great thing. Every morning when I get to work I do my walk around to make sure everything is ok or if anything needs taken care etc. Well one morning I headed over to the strength center to see how it was and like most mornings the weights were all over the floor and the bench press and squat machine still had weights on them. So I began to clear the machines and pick up the weights and as I looked up there was Doug Winholdz helping me pick up the weights and clearing the machines, about 10 minutes later Terry Darden walks in also helping me pick up the weight room. After we were done Doug told me “well I got my workout in for today” we just laughed and I thanked him and Terry. Thank you Doug and Terry for all your help!

Winner Winner! Shannan Sullivan Tennile Williams joined our Y back in December of 2011. She joined during our “12 Days of Christmas” special. At that time, we had a drawing giving away all different sorts of items. Well, I called Tennile to let her know that her name was pulled from our drawing. She wasn’t answering and therefore, I left her a message to call me about something important. (I like to tell people good news in person and not leave it in a voice mail.) Well, little did I know, she was here at the Y during the time that I called her and when I was walking down the hall, she stopped me and asked me if I called her and left her a message. I brought her into my office and told her about the drawing and that her name had been pulled out and instantly, she became very excited! She thought that I was calling about something else and her facial expression as well as spirit did a complete flip! I’m so glad I get to be a part of something that brings that kind of joy to a person!

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The Meaning of Meeting Chad Knight

I was at the YMCA on Saturday morning for my son’s soccer game and I was doing a walk through to check on the building. I got to the pool and I was excited to see our lifeguard, Saige Martinez sitting on the edge of the pool and having a deep conversation with Dorothy Hawkins in the pool. This is exactly what we preach to staff on a daily basis to build those relationships and get to know our members. I thought this was awesome and had to take a picture and show my wife. She came by and noticed it as well. Then, another member got in and Saige was having a conversation with him. Then, I caught Dorothy in the hall as she was leaving and she said ‘he is such a nice young man and he is great! He visits with everyone”. GREAT JOB Saige!

A Proud Member Chad Knight I caught Victor in the locker room and told him good job as the new Member of the Month. He said that was great and it is nice to be recognized and appreciated. I thought this was great that he felt this way. He went to elaborate that his wife took a picture of the sign in the hall and sent it to his phone because he had been sick and his wife was telling him. I thought this was too cool and he was very proud of being our monthly member of the month. Thanks Victor! The Gleam! Chad Knight I approached Leroy Cabbage in the Fitness Center while he was working out to tell him about being our Healthy Living Award winner for 2011. Usually, some folks feel like we don’t need to show them our recognition, but I always believe it is the best thing to do. So, you never know how the recipient is going to respond. I told Leroy about his award and I think he really appreciated being honored with that and told me thanks. This is why I love working at the Y and doing these little things that light up people’s eyes! Kung Foo Panda Cara Kieft I love little kids. On the first day of my Gym and Swim class we always, ALWAYS get to play with the

scooters. It’s a very fun and easy activity and I can get to know the kids one on one and they can get to know each other as well. Since all these kids knew each other already from the last session, we walked over to the closet at the bottom of the stairs that leads up to the aerobics room. They heard the music and all started shhhhhh-ing each other so they could listen. Before opening the door I told them we can go up there and see where the music was coming from. They are very curious kids. Once we got to the top of the stairs we saw the Body Sculpting class warming down by sitting on their blue mats with their legs crisscross applesauce. We all waved and once back down at the bottom

of the stairs, Ethan says to no one in particular, “they were doing their Kung Foo Panda!” We talked a little more about the movie and Addison adds in, “they were like this (stands up with hands palms together and standing on one knee) centering their chi.” The connections between kid movies and land aerobics exercises could only be made by four and five year olds.

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Dodge City Afterschool Program Melissa Quisenberry In January 2012 Dodge City Parks and Recreation partnered with the Garden City Family YMCA to make 4 afterschool sites in Dodge City. Jackie and I went over to visit and check out how the afterschool program was going. We were amazed about how excited the staff and kids were at each site. The kids were really doing great all sitting and doing their homework and it seemed to be running really smooth. After the first week of the program each of the sites doubled in numbers of kids. Awesome job guys!

Pledge to Laugh Jackie Regan This past weekend John Schafer, a longtime member, and Y official was refereeing the boys 5th & 6th grade basketball game. As usual he went to start the game with the pledge. I listened to him recite it as follows: “Dear God, I pledge to the best of my ability, to respect the rules, opponents, officials and to improve myself in spirit, mind and body for all.” Like most of you think it sounded right, but something about it made me pause. I asked Alex Beddow who was also officiating if she caught what I did, and we both were cracking up over it. John walked over and asked what happened, if he said something wrong. As he went to recite the pledge to himself he suddenly caught what he had missed and exclaimed, “I FORGOT TO BE A TEAM PLAYER” and we all cracked up laughing. It was one of those moments that is too funny and you just “had to be there.”

Baby Steps Stacy Crase Heidi Hazelwood has been coming and doing water aerobics three times a week at the YMCA, one day she decided she needed to do more and signed up for the 12-week Personal Fitness Program. I could tell on our initial appointment that she was nervous about this new change. After talking for about an hour on what her goals were and what she was able to do and what she needed to do, Heidi started to open up more and accepted the new ideas that were gonna help her in the 12-week program. Change is very difficult for some people and Heidi did a great job and she was very excited to get started.

John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt Karen Berry It is always so much fun to be outside the Y and hear Y stories. I believe it is probably even more fun for me, because I frequently hear them in Scott City. I had a doctor’s appointment with Dr. Cupp in Scott City last week and he said his children love Y Swim Team and that Cara Kieft is an excellent coach and the children love her. Whenever I go out the people always shout, Cara Kieft , dah dah dah dah dah.

Chapter 13

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.

-Hebrews 13:2

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Most Popular Non-Profits Karen Berry Camryn Kottas is just one reason that the Y and Girl Scouts are both in the most

popular non-profits in the United States. The staff was very fortunate to have Camryn

selling Girl Scout Cookies. Not only was she very responsible in delivering her order

promptly but she even counted back my change. I was impressed. Other popular

non-profits are Salvation Army, Red Cross, Boys & Girls Club, and American Cancer

Society.

Bike & Build Krystal Richardson Every year for the past three, we have the opportunity to be a host for the Bike & Build organization.

Bike & Build aims to raise funds for and awareness of the affordable housing problem through long-distance cycling tours. The proceeds from each summer’s event will be used to underwrite affordable housing projects executed by young adults nationwide. They also hope to make a material difference to affordable housing organizations along the route, and they will be making a donation to a local affordable housing organization of our choosing on our behalf. It is their hope that Bike & Build will involve more

students in affordable housing efforts, and that the funds that they raise will empower the young adults to better address the problem. I was recently contacted by Katie Lawrence, 2012 North Carolina to San Diego U.S. Route Leader. She will use our facility for the bikers as they have in past years. We provide them with lodging, bathroom/showers, kitchen are and parking for their bikes and support van. Prior leaders have left great reviews about our organization and our helpfulness in working with them, so she wanted to contact you as soon as she could. Having worked with Bike & Build in prior years, I jumped all over the opportunity to host them again this year. This is an amazing organization and we will do what we can to help them achieve their goals for many years to come.

Birthday Surprise Melissa Quisenberry

On my birthday this year the afterschool kids and staff surprised me with a giant Smurfs cake and balloons. I was brought into the child care room to the kids all singing “Happy Birthday” at the top of their lunges. After that we cut up the cake and served it to the kids and they enjoyed it as well. Days like this make me really appreciate my kids and my thoughtful staff I have here at the Y. It was a really great surprise and it made my birthday really special.

Missing You Karen Berry Land aerobics, Wednesday, picked up my mat and took a place in the back row, far right corner. We are using bands and weights today. While doing the stretch with bands Dana says “OK Karen now do the other one “ and I realize my thoughts are not here but at another time, I am thinking of Linda, who used to stand in this spot. Quietly and humbly she touched my world and now she has moved on to another city. At our Y we build relationships.

Chapter 13

"Every day so many people pass through our lives, each person leaving behind a small part of themselves, giving us a broader understanding of life."

- Author: Unknown

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Simple Things Krystal Richardson It is always amazing to have the opportunity to chat with members and their families. I had a GREAT conversation with Nia Boor the other day, and I wanted to share! A few years back my husband Jeremy was a volunteer coach for a flag football team, and Nia’s son Blaise was on his team. Blaise had his ups and downs during the six week season, and Jeremy continued to work with him throughout. It’s been a couple of years and Blaise has grown up! I had Nia ask me back in February if “I thought Blaise would be able to handle all the kids, if she let him come to Saturday Night Alive”, I said “YES”! I had him show up and he played and had a great time, with amazing manners and no problems. Nia talked to me on Friday about Blaise coming to Saturday Night Alive on Saturday, and he never showed up. I saw Nia on Monday, here at the Y and she explained to me that Blaise had Bible Bowl on Saturday….that is why he didn’t come. She told me that she feels comfortable leaving Blaise here with us for different programs or sports, because we know how he can be or get and that we all do such great things here at the Y and she truly appreciates it! I love hearing that we have touched somebody’s life in some way. It all begins with a name, a smile, a volunteer coach or just taking time out of your day to say “Hi” to those that come through our door. You never know what kind or relationship or friendship that might blossom from doing these simple things. Thank you Nia for your kind words, and we will continue to help Blaise grow!

Y Girl Krystal Richardson I had never really thought about the power of wearing one of my many Y jackets, until it was brought to my attention by a five year old boy named Logan. The other day I had the opportunity to help out in the Childcare room. I was sitting at a table with Miss Lily, Gaby and Logan while they were eating there lunch. I looked over to see Logan telling Gaby a secret. I asked them both what they were talking about and Logan says “nothing, I can’t tell you” and I told him that it wasn’t nice to tell secrets. He got up off his chair and came over to me and said in a whisper voice “I just told her that you are a Y girl” and I said “oh yeah, how do you know that?” Logan proceeded to point to my jacket that I was wearing that has a Y logo on it and says “that’s how I know.” I smiled and told him that I had one on my shirt too and he said “oh” and smiled the biggest smile ever! He knew it was alright to talk to me, once he saw the Y on my jacket. He now says “hi” to me every day and smiles that big smile!

A Winner Jackie Regan Last week Stacy and I attended a luncheon to receive a grant for the fitness department. When we got there we had several people tell Stacy and I they were so glad that we had won the grant. Stacy also received a very warm welcome from Robin Zauche who was so excited to see her and gave her a big hug. Robin told me that Stacy is her “favorite.” I thought it was great that we had support on the grant and people were happy that it was going to Stacy!

Love Socks Cara Kieft After Gym and Swim, I was helping Zoe Miller put her socks and shoes on when she asked me, “What does that say?” while pointing to her sock. I told her it said, “Love” and she repeats the word back to me. Then she says, “I love you.” Thanks Zoe! I love you too!

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A Class Act Jackie Regan Danny Chamberlain sent this letter to Chad following their championship game in 3rd & 4th grade boys basketball. The following email shows just how classy both teams were:

You have taught those kids well- they are fundamentally sound and very polite. I did not see any kids crying which is good. Several players came up to ours a second time to shake their hand and your best player (can't remember his name) came up to me several times and shook my hand. Your team probably would have won if you had your other good player. The parents were polite too- I have been told that parents of other teams have taunted Carlos as a "ballhog" and "selfish" because he scores so much. That is just his role- I can't hold him back. He passes when he needs to. If you know of a competitive summer traveling team that needs an extra player, let me know. He needs to play with and play against players of his ability to

make him better- he really doesn't like being a point guard. He likes being a shooting guard. He has post-up moves too. Last year, he played with a team of 5th graders from St. Dominics which was really good for him but they didn't play in too many tournaments.

Once again, thanks for a great game.

I think it is great that Danny sent this to Chad and am proud that they are both such great coaches and taught their kids how to win and lose with character.

The Right Choice Karen Berry Today while checking my box at the front desk I overheard two women visiting while watching the childcare kids in the pool. “Look he’s playing with the kids, and talking to him,” said the first. The other replied, “Oh yeah, he likes Manual.” “It has only been two days,” the conversation continued. “Yeah I think we made the right choice.”

Yellow Flowers Cara Kieft One of the benefits of our Gym and Swim class is that we provide transportation to and from the child’s daycare or home. This particular day we had a visitor, named Monica, join our class to shadow. While dropping off one of the girls after class, Veronica McCallum wanted to show Monica her flowers that were out front in the yard. Monica agreed they were beautiful and warned Veronica not to pick them so they could grow bigger and stay alive. Instead, Veronica picked the flower and handed it to Monica saying, “here you go! You can share this with Cara.” Thanks for sharing the beauty in this world with us Veronica!

Youth Racquetball League Jackie Regan This spring the Y had a youth racquetball league and there were nine players. At the end of the league Jill Durst, whose son Lane played in the league, emailed Chad and told him that although Lane couldn’t play in the tournament she wanted to thank us for running it because he had a great time. I thought it was awesome that we had such a good league for the first time having it and that the kids were able to learn a great lifetime sport.

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Thoughtful Words Krystal Richardson I had to opportunity to coach my niece and nephews soccer team and I was scared to death. I didn’t know anything about soccer and I was nervous, but I had the help of our Aquatics Director at the time and it calmed my nerves a little bit. The next test would be to pass as a coach in front of the parents and that is a big test. I was in practice the other day and Manuel Beltran came in to talk to Karen and he saw me sitting there waiting for the kids to show up. He came over and said “hey, what are you doing?” I said “I am coaching a soccer team and trying to do my best to teach them some skills” and he said “well you are going to do great and those kids are lucky to have

you as there coach!” Manuel always has the most kind and thoughtful words to say about the Y, its staff and the programs we offer. I loved hearing his words of encouragement and thanked him for believing in me. Our practice that day went over rather smoothly and I felt like I was learning right along with the kids, thank you Manuel!

A Family Run Jackie Regan I was in Dodge City for their final wrap-up event for their first ever Corporate Cup. They were doing a 2-mile run, then tug-of-war, then a barbecue. When I got their for the run Jeff, their program director, let me know that we were almost done but it may be awhile on the last one to finish because it was a mother with her four…. YES FOUR…. Daughters running. It only took about five minutes and the mother came around the corner with four girls, under the age of I would guess 6… Two were in a stroller and the other two rode their little bikes with training wheels. They finished in about a total of 25 minutes which was awesome. Her husband had finished the race a few minutes ahead of her and I just thought it was so awesome to see them run as a family. It was an amazing wrap up for Dodge Corporate Cup!

Donut Wednesday Krystal Richardson As most of you know we have our coffee and donuts on Wednesday mornings! We have had quite a group of Water Aerobics ladies that will sit down, converse and enjoy each other’s company during this time. I had the pleasure of running into Anita Lausch in the hallway on Wednesday morning after her 45 minute swim and picking up her donut. She thanked me for having such a wonderful facility as the Y for her to come and swim three times a week! We continued to chat and she proceeded to tell me how good the water is for and 81 year-old, with a sagging butt and muscles that always hurt. I told her it was mother nature that causes the sagging and that it’s in ALL of our future’s. We continued to laugh and she said to me, “I sure love seeing your smiling face every day I come in”. I told her it is always nice to see her as well, and that I was proud of her continuing to walk here three times a week and swim for the 45 minute she does….that’s an amazing feet for somebody that is 81! If any of you have some time one day to just come and get to know some of these ladies, your life will be blessed because they are AMAZING!

A Simple Thank You Cara Kieft Once a month, Tim Johnson’s Edith Scheurman class comes to the Y to swim and they are the most well behaved class I have ever experienced come to the Y. Most of the other kids go crazy throwing balls at each other, breaking rules and running on the pool deck but not Mr. Johnson’s class. They respect the lifeguard, follow the rules and treat their classmates how they want to be treated. At the end of every swim time a different student will come up to the lifeguard and say just a simple, “thank you” with a smile on their face. Thank you Tim, for teaching these kids early on life lessons they will need for the rest of their lives.

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YMCA Trainings . . . Realization of Value Marcy VenJohn Last week I went to a NAYDO training in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania with Chad and I have been listening to him tell me for months how much fun I was going to have and how much I would learn. We set out for our journey on Wednesday and arrived Wednesday night without luggage. What a disaster!!! I was stressed and frustrated as was Chad and all I could think was ugh this conference sucks and I want to go home. The first day of conference was a little hectic and I just wasn’t really into because our luggage wasn’t there so a quick Macy’s trip and a new outfit for the both of us and things were slowly getting back to normal. Lynn Swann spoke at lunch that day and gave an uplifting message on going for your goals no matter what. His speech gave me a new outlook on the conference and I was ready from then on out. We finally received our luggage Thursday night at 9:30 Thank the LORD!!!! Friday was a new day and we split off and went to our separate session and man was I blessed by the amount of information that I got to partake in. Listening to the speakers in each session that I went to them all had the same root message. GET YOUR MEMBERS STORIES OUT THERE! I listened to many different presenters and different representatives from different YMCAs tell stories about their members and each story brought tears to my eyes and goose bumps to my arms and I couldn’t help but think these stories aren’t touching me because of who they are they touch me because I knew those people needed the YMCA and the YMCA needed them! The stories I heard made me think of members here. Each story I heard a name and a face came to mind the names and face that I see every day. Those stories were and are from the people that are in my family my YMCA family! I was honored to have the opportunity to go to conference and be reassured of my YMCA story! and can’t wait to go next year!

Amidst the Madness Krystal Richardson January can be one of the most amazing months in a calendar year, with the resolutions and changes that take place in one’s life. I had to opportunity to be here at the Y on one of our FREE sign up days in January and it was chaos. I had walked up to the front desk to see if I could help in any way and one couple said “YES”! I brought them back to my office where it was a little quieter and gave them a place to sit down. I got them all signed up and gave them a tour and answered any questions they might have and welcomed the to the Y. Fast forward five months and I get a phone call from a Katrina Lowry who works at the Finney County Community Health Coalition. She was calling about some questions regarding meetings they had every Tuesday and wanted to know if I would like to attend or if I had anything I would like her to speak about regarding the Y. As our conversation was coming to a close she proceeded to tell me that I was the one who signed them up way back in January. She had told me that they had been standing there for a while and they were ready to leave when I came up. She just wanted to say THANKS and that me coming up to the front desk right at that time was a blessing. I told her she was very welcome and told her that I hoped to see her soon here at the Y. This is one of the main reasons that I absolutely love my job, the relationships and friendships that are made from the day that you sign someone up for a membership and throughout are tremendous!

NOT AN ATHLETE, one might question that? Karen Berry I had a visitor in my “eagles nest”, my office is way out of the way, so a visitor is

quite a rare treat. Gary Taton dropped in to tell me about a race he ran with his

daughter and how they beat the navy! He also told me about a 20 mile bike ride he

did just for fun! Gary says he never considered himself an athlete, but it’s the Y sure

helps him stay active. I would guess so….Congratulations Gary!

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Filling in When Help is Needed Marcy VenJohn Last Wednesday afternoon Kaylyn came and asked me if she could help out in the childcare because they were shorthanded and I told her that was fine as long as we weren’t busy at the front desk. Well little did I know I was in for a treat. Melissa and I were gone to MPN training at Camp Wood and I had turned on my phone and checked my Facebook and I see a post on my newsfeed from Kaylyn and I thought uh oh I hope this isn’t bad and I read “I Got My First Taste of the YMCA Childcare Today as I stepped in for a bit today to help out and WOW was I blown away!! Such a great group of kids and tomorrow I’m working the early morning!! I can’t wait to see all of the Old Regulars I have missed them!“ I was so proud and and happy to see I sent it over to Melissa to look at and she was stoked but then I quickly sent Kaylyn a text and told her thank you for helping out but she better not leave the front desk for childcare! Kaylyn you’re amazing and thank you so much for all that you do for me and the YMCA!!! Derrick Brightens Every Day! Karen Berry It’s been a good week. One of my favorite youth, knocked on my door and said I want to wash your window. I had seen Derrick Arellano playing basketball in the gym with a friend earlier today. I thought perhaps he had lost a basketball bet, but no, he just wanted to serve. This young man has great artistic talent and an amazing ability to make my day!

First Time to Summer Camp Melissa Quisenberry Before summer camp started Tammy Roth called me about her two children Kristen, age 8, and Austin,

age 11, coming to summer camp. She was concerned about Austin be too old and not enjoying it, I told her she could come in and meet with me. So the following day Tammy, Austin, and Kristen came to meet with me and get a tour, I reassured them of all the fun things we do during summer camp. A few weeks later summer camp started and Kristen and Austin seemed to be having a great time. After the first week went by, Tammy came to Chad and I and let us know how wonderful summer camp was going for the kids. She said they come home

every day and don’t stop talking about all the fun they had at camp.

The Best Summer Job Ever Monica Colborn A few weeks into the summer swim team season, our new head coach, Leah Molek, came into my office after practice, sat down in the chair, and let out a sigh. I was anticipating something horrible to follow…but instead, she smiles and says “This is the best summer job, ever!”

This Truly Made my Day! Shannan Sullivan Blake Butry is a Christian Youth Leader in our community at the Cornerstone Church. Whenever he comes into the Y, he always comes in with a smile on his face and is full of life. You can definitely tell that the Lord sure shines through him! For June, Blake was chosen as our Volunteer of the Month. He is on our Christian Emphasis Committee and gives us a lot of input. I had sent him an email to congratulate him on this award after another staff person told him. His response was…”This truly did make my day!!! Thanks for all that YOU do too!!!” It always makes me feel good knowing how excited our members and volunteers are when they are chosen for one of our monthly awards!

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And the Winner is . . . Bob Temple Shannan Sullivan Bob Tempel was chosen as Member of the Month for June. He has been a member since August of 2009. Since then, he has become a regular at the Y making healthy choices on his list of top priorities. I have gotten to know Bob a little more every day and enjoy seeing all of his energy! I emailed Bob to let him know about his MOM for June and this was his response…”Thanks, that is very kind of your team. I truly enjoy the fellowship of the staff and people who I see on a weekly basis as I work out. I’ve met so many wonderful people in these encounters which motivates me on a daily basis to find the time to work out. I always feel so much better. Have a wonderful weekend and thanks again for this honor. Sincerely, Bob” Things like this just make my job so wonderful!

June Bug Shannan Sullivan So I was sitting in my office one morning with my door open so I could see and hear our members come and go. As I was deep into my work, I overheard two children talking. They must have seen a June bug as they were coming through our front door because this is what was said…”Hey, look! There’s a June bug! …a little girl responded…”Duh, it’s June!” This just tickled me as I laughed to myself. Kids, they say the darndest things!

The Call Chad Knight The other day I missed a call and had a message. So, I played back the message. The message said it was Nancy Harness and we had some funds we would like to give the Afterschool program. Boy, I im-mediately returned that call because that is a rare occasion when somebody is calling and giving us money. In discussion with Nancy she elaborate on our staff and program. She said she was visiting with Valerie in the Child Care program and Valerie was talking about the program and what we do and how we do it. Nancy was so thrilled about the ‘buy-in” from staff and stating it like “we” instead of the YMCA. She was very impressed! GOOD JOB VALERIE!

Lucky! Melissa Quisenberry As most know I’m from Michigan and recently found a job back home to be closer to my family. After informing my summer camp kids Lane and Maddy Mckenna came to my office to talk to me. They wanted to know why I was leaving and where I was going. I told them well I got a job at a YMCA in Michigan and explained to them what I would be doing there and everything. Once they heard that I would be at another Y, Maddy said, “lucky.” I replied, “what do you mean lucky?” Maddy and Lane said together, “Lucky…..for them.” It brought tears to my eyes, I just really love those girls and all my kids here at the Y and I’m really going to miss them. It’s been really amazing to be able to work at the Y with all the wonderful kidos!

Delightful Doug Karen Berry Doug Marshall has been with the YMCA since January of this year and let me just say he is a smashing success! We were all in the meeting room with the door open and the childcare kids were passing by, not just one but most of them had to holler in “Hi Doug” , “What’s up Doug”, “Hey Doug” each one giving their own special Hello to Doug. It was absolutely delightful.

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POLKA DOT, I LIKE TO MOVE IT, MOVE IT Karen Berry It’s “Cat in the Hat day” at the Y, “Father’s Day Member Recognition Day” and God decided Karen should get to join in the festivities….we had a two and a half hour power outage. It was great, pitch black in my office so I could not even file. I find myself at the front desk with a freshly grilled hamburger that Jeff Sullivan slaved over in the heat to be sure Shannan was able to honor the fathers (ahh the life of being a YMCA spouse)! And what to my wondering eyes should appear but THING 3 comes in the front door , with Numbered T-shirt and blue hair, he entertains the front desk with a perfect rendition of the “Afro Circus” from Madagascar 3 movie and Ethan Michael Good becomes a YSTAR! I don’t remember the last time I had so much fun. In the mean time Tom Loker, bless his soul, shows up to attempt to do final touches on our annual audit. The sad news is this story is over.

Good Job Monica Colborn The Big Pool swim meet was held on July 7th. I have run a number of swim meets in my career, but never one this size. I had been at the Y less than two months, so I was still trying to figure everything out. I’m a perfectionist, and I wanted to put on an exceptional and flawless meet. The meet came and went, and a few days later John Shafer asked to meet with Jackie and me. He had been the Head Timer at the meet, so I was certain that he was coming in to point out all of the mistakes I made throughout the meet. I was nervous about the meeting…dreading it as a matter of fact. John said that this meet was one of the best ones he had seen put on, and that I did a “good job”. What a relief!!! Thank you John…your compliment meant more than you will ever know!

BETTER Karen Berry It’s Wednesday morning and I am walking down the main hallway a little before ten, as I meet one water aerobics participant after another I hear “So glad I did that” or “Better now”. What a refreshing way to dissipate the hot summer draught!

Thanks for Being Here for Me! Marcy VenJohn Carlos Mantilla is an individual that comes in everyday in the morning with a smile on his face. Carlos is a member here with his wife Carrye every morning he greets my early morning staff, Erin Fitzpatrick with a smile and she says “Good Morning How are you” . Erin shared this with me the other day and told me that Carlos always tells her how much he appreciates her getting up every morning so that he can come swimming at the YMCA. He told her he appreciates the staff here so much and loves the YMCA. Carlos gave me a bag of dog treats for my dogs the other day and told me here for all you do give these to your puppies. Carlos it is people like you that help us make sure that we are here to open the YMCA for you. Thank you!

Doing Good Chad Knight The other day I stopped Rick Armstrong and said “WOW, you are doing good”. He said, I am not ‘ doing good, it is Stacy she is doing good. She has been pushing me and showing me how to use all these machines and set me up on a plan. I have lost over 20 pounds. I officiate football and basketball with Rick so I knew he had lost some weight. He also told me that I am set-up on a membership and loving it.

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Traveling Friend Marcy VenJohn

Irene Boyles is a traveling nurse who is in Garden City one week a month and she called the Y here and asked me how she could get a membership set up for the time that she is here. I offered her a week pass to try it out and then we could go from there on her membership. I took her name and left her pass at the front desk. She came in and while working out she saw Stacy’s Eat This Not That board and wanted more information. She spoke with Rashawn at the front desk and Rashawn took her information and passed it onto Stacy. Stacy contacted her and spoke with her on her bulletin board and the information that Irene wanted. Irene then told Stacy she wanted to meet me because she was so thankful for the guest pass and she really appreciated all the help that we gave

her while she was here and she was looking forward to her next visit. Irene is why we are here and to have her show her gratitude was very rewarding. Thanks Irene!

Tour Help Doug Marshall I was giving a tour for a friend of mine and my cousin in law along with Sandy Fine. We were just doing the normal tour and I was explaining different things about our facility. Everywhere we went Sandy would add something to what I was saying. We finally concluded the tour and went back to the front. While they were trying to figure out if they would get a membership Sandy was right next to them in their ear encouraging them of all the perks of having a membership. I thought it was awesome that we have members that are bought into what we do here.

The Nearest Thing to Heaven is a Child Karen Berry I’m in the restroom making a quick pit stop; I enter my stall and begin a verbal conversation with myself not realizing that I am not alone. A little girl, so tiny you don’t even see her feet dangling, in the stall next to me answers and we have a mini conversation with each other. As we are washing our hands, she asked, “can you come to my house tonight”, I graciously declined, but as John Wesley said, “My heart was strangely warmed.” Another child later this week, I’m guessing fifth grade said to me, “you are my favorite janitor”. I feel myself overwhelmed with feelings of wishing to protect the children and keep them safe.

Facebook Birthday Wishes Marcy VenJohn The YMCA celebrated 48 years this year and I was checking out the Birthday wishes that people had posted and came across three very encouraging words! Facebook can be a drama filled hateful place but it can also be a place of rejoice, praise and prayer. Thank you to all of our members for your support over the past 48 years we could not do it without all of you!

I Want to Go Hannah Simpkins It’s Saturday morning and a son gets ready to go. Dad asks, “Where are you going?” The son responds, “We are going to the Y, all my friends are going to be there.” Dad tells his son, no one is going to be there. They aren’t open on Saturdays. The dad ended up having to come up with something for them to do so his son would stop asking to go to the Y. He did promise his son that he could go to the Y on Monday and everyone would be there.

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Praise Hannah Simpkins At church one Sunday morning during praise and prayer request time a family shared their praise. They shared that they are thankful for the Y Childcare provides a safe place for their children and at an affordable cost. Their kids enjoy the time they spend at the Y also which makes it even better.

Football Program Supporter Jackie Regan Our tackle football club president, Arden Koehn recently emailed Gerry Schultz, former club president and longtime supporter of the program about a few concerns that had been brought up. Gerry responded with these comments,

“We are not trying to build behemoth athletes, but young children of character, with Christian values. Having participated and now watched the program from its inception, the positive theme of the program is about the children, not the desires of parents. In my opinion, we should not change the above goals. Our program is for the betterment of the child and the community of children that care to

participate in something of value. We gain when their character and skills are developed. Football skills or later success is just ‘frosting’ on a darn good cake. I wonder if these same persons presently understand that we have multiple YMCA kids playing in college right now? However, those accomplished and gifted athletes didn’t develop college level skills because of YMCA football. They developed into college players, athletically, after high school. These

writers think that children grow to be men at age 10. Give me a break. However, our YMCA kids do get the chance to build friendships, gain experience, sweat, work, laugh, cry, win or lose as a team, all built on Christian values. I am not ashamed of Him or them. We should continue to do what is right for the children. Let the windmill chasers chase and build what is easily destroyed. Let us be about building “things” that last a lifetime and longer. Let us be clear. A winning attitude is a character trait worth promoting. So is losing with character and a built in, learned desire to work harder to attain a goal. “

I for one was astounded at how eloquently Gerry described our program and I couldn’t be prouder to have such a strong support system for our program. Thank-you Gerry for not being afraid to be vocal about the YMCA and what the program is about.

Missing YMCA Football Jackie Regan Recently after leaving tackle football and taking Jack home he mentioned to me that while he and Andrew Kruetzer were running the chains they were talking about how they missed playing YMCA football now that they are in junior high. He said it was so much fun to play for the Y and they had really enjoyed it. I thought it was great that the junior high boys had such good things to say about the program they are now “grown” out of.

Great Results Jackie Regan Today in the fitness center I ran into Sandy Fine. I said hi to her and passed her, but then she turned around and showed me a piece of paper and she seemed very excited. I wasn’t sure what exactly she was showing me at first but then she explained she had just come from the dr. and she was showing me her test results. Sandy has been doing the Activtrax and has become a familiar face for all of us at the Y. When she came in she was so excited to tell us she had met her goals she had said with her doctor and just couldn’t wait to tell Stacy. I was so proud of her! I am glad that she has become healthier and I love when she and her friend Deborah come in as they have become a part of our YMCA family!!!

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Applaud Chad Knight The other day I was in the Men’s Locker room and a member was in there getting stuff out of his locker. So, I introduced myself and asked if he was a new member. He said he was and that the staff did an outstanding job setting me up. He actually said “I applaud your staff and especially your membership lady, they do a great job”. He went on to tell me that he was here doing some evangelism work for his church and he got a sweet deal from Shannan with the CCL membership. I said that is great and I will pass it on to the staff. Great Job to Shannan!

KASH vs. ASK Chad Knight Again, another great story about our wonderful staff. This member has been coming in for quite some time from Hutchinson YMCA. So, I always make it a point to stop and visit with Shane DeWeese. This morning during our conversation, Shane was just blown away by the early morning front desk staff. He said that Erin is special. He said every time I come in, she knows me by my name and always is very cheerful. She welcomes me each morning and is on top of the customer service. She does an outstanding job. I said that is great. I told him when we hire, we follow the KASH method. I tell staff to hire somebody with the right attitude and habits because you can’t teach those. You can teach Knowledge and Skills. He said they do the ASK method but don’t have the habits, he loved our habits that we added with KASH. So, great job Erin!

Who Will Win Hannah Simpkins

It is election time not only for our nation but our schools as well. Students have to write up speeches to share with their classmates. One day they decided to work on it at the Y during homework time. Gavin George and Gavin Norton were working on there’s together. They were helping each other with ideas and spelling. Some of the ideas were rather interesting, parties all day every day, all day recess, no homework, and snacks all day. Who will you vote for?

The Email Chad Knight Well, I received an email from a former employee, Cara Kieft. Cara has since been hired at the Grant County Family YMCA in Marion, Indiana. Here is her email:

I want to first off say THANK YOU for the great opportunity you gave me working at your Y. It was an amazing and unforgettable 3 and a half years. After starting my new position at another Y I have come to realize I appreciate (and miss) all of the standards, procedures, goals and guidelines you have for your staff. There are a lot of practices I am hoping to implement (and some I already have) at this Y to set the bar for where they want to be as well. Thank you for everything you have taught me while working for you and the rest of the community. I really miss the birthday calls, 24 hour rule and swim team but I have my hands full here holding staff accountable, making EAPs for the building and revamping swim lessons. Tell everyone I say HELLO!! I can’t thank you enough for helping me become a professional in the aquatics and YMCA world, giving me the opportunity to go to trainings and bringing all of us to General Assembly. THANK YOU!!

I just think it is a wonderful thing to help train and prep the staff for their professional career. It gives me great pleasure to know we have made a difference at our Y. I tried to read this at the staff meeting and I couldn’t even finish the email to show you how much it means to me to receive messages like this. THANKS CARA!

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I Did It! Monica Colborn I have been teaching Gym and Swim for the past few sessions, and Max has been coming to each of those sessions with his older brother, Connor. Max is a beast in the Gym, but a little hesitant when it comes to the Swim portion of the class. Each time in the pool, I tried to get Max to put his face in the water, and each time he told me he couldn’t. I’m pretty persuasive and persistent, so I figured with a little work, I could get Max to put his face in. It might take one or two days, but I’d get him to try. Well, Max is as stubborn as I am persistent, so I had my work cut out for me. It was in Session nine before we made any progress, but it was such an amazing moment to see his big brown eyes and sweet smile pop up out of the water and hear his little voice say “I did it!!”

What’s that Smell? Kaitlyn Stephen Swimming lessons had just started and I was giving instructions to the class. I have a student who is blind in my class, and she is super sweet and hilarious! That day my feet were particularly smelly, but I figured the kids wouldn’t notice since we would be in the pool shortly. But sure enough, while I’m sitting there giving instructions, I hear someone start to sniff loudly. Then she exclaims “Eww….what’s that smell?” I didn’t want to admit it was my feet, so I told her it was the pool. She turned to me with a frown on her face and said “no…..that’s not the pool…that’s your feet!” I couldn’t deny it…I had been caught!

Special Card Shannan Sullivan I am so happy to be able to meet new members as I have developed very close relationships with our existing ones. Eleanor Knoll is one of those members that I have known for years. We have developed a very close relationship in our endeavors through the Y and I am so happy to be able to have her in my life. The other day, I received a card from Eleanor at my home address. It was basically a “thinking of you” card but in the card, she also invited me to dinner…her treat she said! It is so nice to be able to partake in these types of relationships and I am so happy to have met her through the Y. I will continue to treasure our special times that we share together. Thank you Eleanor for your wonderful friendship! I love you always!

Need Some Fruit! Chad Knight I was sitting in the steam room when one of our members requested that we offer fruit on Wednesdays instead of the donuts. Well, I told Jim Gilbert that if I took away the donuts on Wednesday, the water aerobics lady would be upset. I said they use that time as a social time after they get out of the pool. Jim said ‘well, I think you need to offer some fruit’. I told Jim we have offered all healthy options in the past but the fruit was wasted and no one took it. But, I said we will try it again and see what happens. That next week, Shannan got some fruit and sat it out. I received an email from Jim thanking me for the fruit and I told him no problem and it was all taken. So, it was worth doing it and I am glad it made Jim’s day.

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And whatever you do, do it heartily …for you serve the Lord Christ.

-Colossians 3:23

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Smells Like Home Karen Berry

I have been gone since Tuesday. Lili is at the front desk as I walk in on a Saturday, “KAREN” she says, I reply”I’m not here” she replys “Oh ya you are a figment of my imagination, I’m halucinating” we share a smile and I proceed to my office, I see a new employee in the hall and wonder if new hire requirements have been met in my absence. I enter a gym full of children playing volleyball an think I missed that smell. It is great to go but even greater to be back.

Krystal Karen Berry

Sunday during church I find out that the “monster” bouncy house I have reserved for the church’s fall festival is reserved for the wrong time. My sunday school class is in the basement and I have no cell phone reception. I go upstairs and call Krystal, “Don’t worry I will check on changing the time…” She amazingly gets her crew to reschedule and makes all the adjustments for me. The kids have a great time and no one even realized I had messed up. Thanks Krystal for making us look good.

Making a Difference Chad Knight

I received an email from one of my officials, Rick Armstrong who just joined the YMCA. He elaborated that he has lost over 30 pounds and has never felt better. He went on to say that Stacy has done a great job working with him and getting him set-up on a program. he said he wants his daughter to come in and do the same. I passed this on to stacy and this is only one situation that really makes it a joy to work for the YMCA, where we can make a difference. Isn’t that AWESOME!!

Motivation Stacy Crase On October 29, 2012 we started our Holiday Plunge program, this is a program to get people in a workout routine before and during the holidays instead of waiting till after to start working out. Jill Durst decided to do this program and this was her first year doing it. Our first night we did a mile walk and got everyone’s weight and just talked about things to start doing for a workout. The next day I came to work and had an email from Jill thanking me because of my talk to them the night before motivated her to get up in the morning and workout. Each week the participant will weigh in and if they win they win $10 Y-Bucks and the first week Jill weighed in she won losing 3.4 pounds. GOOD JOB JILL!!

Imagination & Laughs Hannah Simpkins

If you need a laugh and wanted to join in the world of imagination, come visit the childcare room. There is always lots of energy and imagination flowing. This certain day it was dress up. The costumes were down and everyone was having fun. We had an army solider that kept losing his helmet. We had a batman that could slide but not fly. Lastly we had Spiderman that was to muscular for his suit and kept busting out of it. They were working as a team to save the world. Sliding across the floor to get to the other side of the city to save the solider who kept losing his helmet. Showing off their muscles to see which one of them was stronger. They had a blast and we all laughed a lot.

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Knock, Knock Hannah Simpkins

Knock, Knock, Whose there? This is what I hear coming from the 4 year old room across from my office. I smile and listen for a few minutes. It continues with short pauses of laughter after each knock, knock joke. They are just playing and telling each other knock, knock jokes. Some of them are repeated over and over but that does not seem to bother them. They laugh every time. At time it is the deep belly laugh and it makes you smile even bigger. It is amazing how simple things can entertain the youngest of kids. This went on for a good thirty minutes before they went on to do another activity. Tell your favorite knock, knock joke and see what kind of a response you get. I bet it won’t be as good of a response you would get if you were 4, you never know it never hurts to try.

Relationships Stacy Crase November 15-18 2012 I had my Turkey Shootout racquetball tournament and it was the biggest one yet for the fall bringing in fifty-two people. I was so excited and proud of myself and on top of it all it was one of the smoothest running tournaments yet. Each year there is always something that hits me hard with all the players and this year was a good one, I connected with each player and built a relationship with every single one of them and couldn’t be more blessed that I met all these people. I had one player tell me that “you know when you haven’t seen that good friend forever and its getting close to see them and you’re getting excited, that is how we feel about seeing you and coming to your tournament.” I will continue to build these relationships with all the players and new ones that keep coming.

Great Ideas Jackie Regan I recently attend the USD 457 Health Coalition meeting where we were hearing ideas of events that the schools could do to promote healthy habits within the district. One of the events they decided to do was to mimic our Corporate Cup Challenge between the different schools, with each school hosting a different event. I thought it was really awesome that the district wanted to do a similar challenge and am glad to offer programs and events that people enjoy!

Helping Others Hannah Simpkins

All ages and grade levels make up the 8 different Y after school sites. One day one site was enjoying working together and helping each other. The site director was helping one kid and another asked for help. Instead of having to wait for the site director an older kid stepped up and was willing to help. They ended up reading together. By the end of the time at the site there was a group of kids all sitting together reading.

“A Good Time Was Had by All” Karen Berry

Well it’s that time of year again, that time that brings laughter, camaraderie and competition. It’s the Corporate Cup season. I signed up for the least dangerous sports I possibly could and miniature golf was the hi-light. I was fortunate to play with Omar from First National Bank and Ann from Unifirst. The weather was perfect, the fellowship fine and it was an overall good evening. By the way did I mention I got a hole-in-one.

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The Sound of Silence Monica Colborn I arrived on a Friday morning to the pool, and it is quiet! That’s not normal! I look at the clock, and realize that Darlene’s class should have started by now. I make my way into the Lap Pool to see Saige and Darlene standing over the stereo with sorrowful looks on their faces. The tape player has died! “Oh no” I think to myself, “Darlene said the day the tape player dies will be the day she has to stop teaching aerobics!” Not on my watch! I come into my office, and pick up the phone and start calling every store in Garden City to see if anyone has a tape player for sale. The guy on the other end of my first call goes silent when I ask him. The second call I make…he asks “what is a cassette?” Holy moly, I’m in trouble now. I call out to Wal-Mart, and the sweet sales associate even goes as far as opening the boxes on the shelf to see if they have cassette players…but no luck. My last hope is Target. As I am transferred back to electronics, I am crossing my fingers and toes in hopes that they have one. A young man answers the phone, and my heart sinks, “Oh great, he won’t know what a cassette player is either!” But to my surprise, he says “Yes ma’am, there is one left on the shelf.” I tell him to hold it for me, I grab my coat and keys, and I run out the door. Less than 30 minutes later, I come bouncing through the door with a new stereo/cassette player! I can hardly contain my excitement when I tell Darlene of my find. She is thankful that she can continue to teach, and so am I!

Top User Chad Knight I caught Gary Harley in the locker room and told him congratulations on being the top user for the month and setting a new record. He looked at me and said new record. I said yes, you came 61 times last month and was the Top User. He said that is funny because he just weighed himself and he said he just hit 61 pounds lost. Isn’t that pretty amazing? I thought this was a great tribute to Gary and his success. He went on to say that he weighed over 300 pounds and he needed to do something so he got busy and increased his cardio workout and started to eat better. This is a great story. Good job Gary!!

Christmas Party Fun Jackie Regan Over the weekend we had our staff Christmas Party, and once again I remembered what a great staff we have! I think a lot of times we get busy and stuck in our own stuff going on and then when we take a break to laugh and enjoy ourselves it’s easier to remember why the Y is such a great place to work. Once again there were some great games played and a lot of laughs (especially when the game involved Vaseline) and there were some fun prizes as well! The food was amazing (thanks to Jacam) and the Dirty Santa was a lot of fun. Thanks to the organizers for a great party and to Chad for making us all look like dorks when we play your games!

Fly like a Butterfly … Going the Distance Monica Colborn I was covering for one of my lifeguards during the 11:30-2:00 pm shift in the Lap Pool. Our CEO Chad Knight is a frequent flyer in the pool during lap swim time, and today was no different. I always give Chad a hard time about his technique….I’m a swim instructor and former swim coach, that’s what I do! On this particular day, Chad told me that he used to be on swim team, and the butterfly was his best stroke. I laughed (mostly to compensate for the fact that although I am a former coach and swim team member, I myself cannot do the butterfly very well.) I said “Really?! Ok, prove it!” Chad prefaced his swim with “I don’t know if I can make the whole distance of the pool, but I’ll do what I can.” And wouldn’t you know, Chad swam the entire 25 yard distance of our pool, doing a very beautiful butterfly stroke that even I couldn’t find anything to critique! Good job Chad….you proved me wrong!

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Associate Director Of Programs Highlight Jackie Regan

“Change is the essence of life. Be willing to surrender what you are for what you

could become.” ~ Reinhold Niebuhr ~

When I look back over the last twelve months I see a lot of changes that have occurred for the Garden City Family YMCA. It has been a roller-coaster for us as we have gone from going from an independent Y to an association Y. We welcomed three new program directors this past year and said goodbye to some well-loved staff members. As a staff we continue to evolve and with that there is always a mixture of emotions; I think our staff has felt all of them at one time or another; worry, excitement, doubt, fear, happiness and every emotion in between.

Change can be tough, a lot of times it is scary and hard to embrace, but when I look at our staff I am very proud to call this group my family. Even though some days it seems completely overwhelming our staff keeps pushing on, and all of us still are striving to be the best we can be.

So this year for my highlight I want to recognize our staff, for the amazing people each one is. Choosing to work at a non-profit takes someone with character because it means you recognize the values the Y embraces and recognize that because we are non-profit, you are probably never going to be a millionaire. I know that each one of you working here are not only here for the “job” but for the relationships the Garden City Family YMCA fosters with each other and with our members.

I think as a branch and as an association we have great things ahead of us, because we have a network of great leaders within us. Stay strong guys and let’s hope that 2013 is another amazing year!!!

Chapter 13

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

-Proverbs 22:6

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This chapter comes from our outstanding members. These are their testimonies on their Y stories and how they have been impacted and how they impact our Y

Family. Tami Henry When I signed up for the 12 week fitness program my goal was to lose 10 to 15 lbs and I met my goal. Stacy was always encouraging and showed me different thing to do in my workout what I have been learning will help in the future and keeping the weight off. Thanks Stacy.

Anonymous Wow! I don’t know where to begin. I started coming to the Y in January as part of the Corporate Meltdown Program the Rec Commission was offering. I had decided that this was the year I was going to “stick with it” and make some changes in my health. My goals were to lower my cholesterol and lose weight.

I know I couldn’t do it alone so…I enlisted the help of my friends and family, and decided that I could remain motivated by going from one “program” to the next. When corporate meltdown was over I started the “walk across Kansas” with the extension office. Then the “swim across Kansas” at the Y, then the living with chronic health conditions class at the Y, and then the “scariest!! Move so far into ActivTrax. (Cardio and resistance and crunches oh my!” But I Dorothy am surviving and Stacy and Jackie are really good witches. Back to the beginning I would have never in my life thought I would be going to a gym. When I first walked in I was afraid and very self conscious. Hence cones the support group of friends and family that came with me. Every one, Shannan, Brenda, and those at the front desk made me feel welcome and accepted!

Soon, I felt comfortable coming by myself. (I know that sounds weird, but in kindergarten we learn there is safety in numbers) Anyway the Y was like “Cheers without the Beers”. When I walked in the wonderful people at the front desk know me by name! They were soooo friendly. I have to admit, sometimes I come just because I was having a bad day and wanted to go somewhere to be treated extra kindly. I wish I could remember everyones name as well as they remember mine. The Y has exceeded my expectations! And so many programs. Again I feel abit childish admitting this but for the first time since I was a child I rode a bike a real bike! You guys are GREAT!

Ron Pettz The YMCA has had a huge impact on my life. I have made many friends through the Y. It has helped my mental as well as my physical health. The employees are all great. They help me keep a positive attitude. I am a strong supporter of the YMCA.

Ron Baker To me the Y staff are all great additions to my group of friends.

Melanie Fields Since I decided to join the YMCA I have gotten more motivated to live healthy. I have a friend that goes with me every day to the YMCA (M-F) when we have time. We have been working it into our schedules so that we can work on weight loss and healthy living. All of the staff at the YMCA are great and make me feel welcome. I have noticed a difference in my energy level and have lost a few inches off my waist. Thank you for helping me to start living healthy.

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Delores Gonzales I have tried all the fitness centers available in town but I always come back to the “Y”! I like the lunch and learn that are available once a month. I took off 55 pounds because I had to for health reasons and I like the encouragement I get from Chad and the instructors. I was in Colorado Springs last month and wanted to work out. All I had to do was show my Y card and they called the G.C. Y and I was able to use their facility.

Ed Lewis The Y has provided many things for my family.

1. Swim programs for my two boys who swam on college swim teams 2. Exercise programs for my wife 3. The exercise equipment in the exercise room 4. Racquetball courts for games

All of our children used the Y. Our two boys swam on the swim team and also swam on college swim team. My wife and I use the Y several times a week. She goes to the exercise classes and I use the fitness center and play racquetball once in a while.

Aaron Knight

I’ve been here at the YMCA since 1977 as a young kid. I grew up in this YMCA as I’ve enjoyed football, basketball, swimming, soccer, aerobic workout and racquetball. I played in my first ever racquetball tournament in 1978 at age eight and it was quite a learning experience that groomed me to the racquetball player of today. I have spent many endless hours in here and I hope many more to come. I enjoyed the YMCA sleepovers as a child and had just as much an impact on my social life. I received my first kiss here at this YMCA facility. I was at an overnight in 1983 and I kissed a fellow member at night on the stairway leading to racquetball loft. I have won many tournaments for racquetball and medals for swimming, basketball and football. The YMCA has always been a big part of my life. I am now influencing my kids to become a far of the local YMCA. I believe with sports anything can be optionable. Sports teaches us character, strength, will to win, sportsmanship in defeat and trust in teammates to help you out. It builds long lasting friendships.

On a funny side of things as a 10 year old in 1980 I let off a sting bomb in racquetball area. There was a racquetball tournament and I thought it would be funny. Boy was I wrong, the tournament was postponed 2-3 hours for airing out and my butt was majorly sore. It’s funny now but back then I was always in trouble. The YMCA helped straighten me out. The staff is very kind as they know everyone it reminds me of Cheers. “ What’s Up Norm?” Keep up the good work!!

Louise Nichols Pat Mayo brought me to my first water aerobics. I was looking for some way to help aching knees. I made it two years before I had to have surgery! After surgery the aerobics really helped me recover and stay limber enough to bend my knees easily. I’ve been coming 15 years now and try not to miss any classes. I won’t even take a doctor’s appointment on aerobics day.

Laurie Whitehurst Our family has always had a good experience with the YMCA. Our kids have participated in many different sports and enjoy making new friends. It is great to know they can enjoy activities in a Christian environment that shows them how to maintain a positive attitude. I enjoy coaching and getting to know new kids myself. I feel our YMCA shows the values our kids need to learn to be team players and respect those around them.

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Joe Louis Gonzales I returned to Garden City in 1981 after graduating from Emporia State and I came home as a single parent - two boys aged four years –Joseph , and Manuel– six months . The YMCA helped me with a FREE family scholarship for many years and I appreciate all they did for me and my sons. I have been a volunteer for many years as well as volunteering coaching. I have coached T-Ball, Basketball, Soccer and Football for my sons and grandsons and will continue for the rest of my life because the YMCA is a positive, caring, supportive, and family oriented agency that is vital to the community and helps those in need. I am honored to be a YMCA member, volunteer and grateful that the YMCA is valuable to Garden City, Families as well as the surrounding towns that they serve daily, God Bless The YMCA.

Janeen Gooden My family has very much enjoyed the youth tackle football program. There are four boys in our family and this program is setup in a way that allows us to all enjoy this activity together. We have found this to be a safe and fun atmosphere where the boys can each play at their scheduled times without us having to separate. Boys in different age groups play at the same location allowing parents and siblings to enjoy the day together while each takes their turn out on the field. We look forward to many more football seasons to come!

Anonymous Our boys have been involved with the YMCA program for the past six years. We are looking forward to the next two years! Our team has lost, won and tied, but stayed together. There have been overtimes, tears, hurray’s, bruises and sore muscles but my boys are always ready in the fall for YMCA tackle football to start. One of my younger son’s classmates had never played football before and wanted to try this year, he came off the field with the team, with a smile on his face, whether they won or lost, he was a member of the team! I applaud the YMCA for the updates in equipment and changes in the program such as allowing coaches on the field for the third and fourth graders to help them learn their positions in a game situation. The YMCA has provided us with a great program, equipment and facilities. The dads that volunteer are committed to keeping the boys safe by teaching them the correct skills and the mental concentration, attention and strategy to play as a team. By following the guidelines the YMCA has set the kids and coaches are able to know where the boundaries are and stay within them. Sportsmanship is a key in this sport because of all the physical contact the boys have with each other. The YMCA is clear on that sportsmanship is a life-long skill needed not only in sports but in life to get along with others in school, life and work.

Susan & Tony Stout The Garden City Family YMCA is an outstanding facility for promoting health, and the proper values and ethics that I would like my children to learn. The facilities are more akin to what a person might find in a much larger community and the staff and volunteers have always gone above and beyond what I expect. We are always amazed at how the child care staff interacts with the children, we have never heard or seen anything but respect and caring from them toward the children that they are charged with caring for. The uniqueness and thinking outside-the-box programs such as “Glow Golf” really add to the appeal and range that the facility offers. We applaud the Garden City Family YMCA for being a bright, clean, and trustworthy family facility!

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Gary Taton My teacher son Steven (Satanta) bought a bike last week at Target in GC. I was in town Wednesday in my pickup, so I brought it home with me thinking I’d take it onto Satanta whenever it was convenient to do so. Then I got this crazy thought “Do you suppose I could peddle a bicycle 20 miles (with no disastrous after effects)? Well, you know how strong the south wind had been most of the week so I was pretty resigned to the fact that there wasn’t going to be suitable weather conditions to travel south. But then Saturday morning there came a fair breeze from the NORTH! I quickly hopped into some cycling attire and headed south.

Steven took the photo upon my arrival in his driveway 1hr 42min (20 miles) after I left home. I want to thank the Y and my Y-staff family, for me at age 73, to even consider such a challenge and more importantly, to be able to accomplish such a goal! I am not a bicyclist—in the past 30 or 40 years I’ve been on a bicycle only 2 times. Thanks to my association with the Y, even 2 days later, there are no sore places in this old body! Only some redness from sun exposure on my white legs but no burn. Didn’t think about applying sunscreen before leaving home.

THANKS FAMILY!

Arlie Defreese The YMCA has played and is still playing a vital role in my physical well-being as well as mental well-being during this time of my life when I need it the most in both areas. The staff have helped me maintain my membership, always friendly, non-judgmental, and I like to volunteer my time and effort in parking lot trash. Pickup, policing and picking up in the mens locker room, helping educate some members (new members) on proper use of equipment (especially in the steam room and dry sauna areas) give tours which I've done several times and also posting warning on cars wrongly parking in the handicap and no parking zones. I do this out of gratitude for the YMCA helping me so much. I really don’t believe I would be alive today if I had not joined the YMCA 12 years ago. To be supportive, thoughtful and caring of fellow members is a gift to give and a blessing to receive, also. The YMCA is fantastic!

Kandace Kennis We would sincerely like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in making the scholarship program possible. Without you, we would not be able to enjoy the facility and programs offered by the YMCA during this transitional period in our lives. We are very active with our children and thoroughly enjoy spending time together at the YMCA which upholds the values and character we strive to instill in our children. We are honored to be a part of the YMCA family!

Chapter 14

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a

future.

-Jeremiah 29:11

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48 Years and Going Strong!

Thank you to our Members!