SIDNEY — On Thursday, March 31, 2016, the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA celebrated their 2015 accomplishments and volunteers at their annual meeting of the association. The theme of the evening was “The Greatest Place On Earth”, which highlighted the many ways that the Y helps those in the community.
“This past year was one of the greatest in the history of the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA,” said Ed Thomas, CEO. “We are blessed to have such a generous and giving board of directors, amazing volunteers and a strong and dedicated staff as part of our Y.”
In 2015, over 4,700 individuals called themselves members – 500 more than the previous year, and more than 15,000 were served when counting everyone who participated in a program or benefited from all that the Y has to offer. More than 1,000 volunteers played a key role by putting the Y’s mission into practice by serving as coaches, tutors, leading programs and supporting the work that the Y does to help others. In addition, over 2,000 children and families received financial assistance made possible by all of the wonderful and generous contributors to the Y’s Annual Campaign and the United Way.
The following 2015 Volunteers of the Year awards were given to these outstanding individuals:
• Elaine Shuga, aquatics
• Erica Cruse, kinetics
• John Lloyd, youth
• Brian Johnson, building and property
• Lesli Davis and Natalie Herrick, child development center
• Will Balling, membership/marketing
• Bruce Goble, wellness
• Rhonda Keister and Dean Weinert, administration
The Teacher of the Year award for 2015 was presented to Kristi Miller.
A Special Staff award, The Carpe Diem, was presented to Elizabeth Grace.
The evening concluded with the installation of three new board members: Kevin Behr (Behr Design, LLC), Beth Mullen (Honda of America – Anna) and Jamie Westfall (Wilson Health Hospital), all of Sidney. Kevin is a graduate of Lehman Catholic High School and the University of Kentucky. He is also a member of the S&H Products Board, and a former member of the North Miami Valley Red Cross Board. Kevin has been involved with the Y since he was a child and says he is interested in helping the Y tradition and wonderful services continue for the Sidney/Shelby County community.
Beth is a graduate of Sidney High School and also attended Edison Community College. Beth serves on the Shelby County Lean Enterprise Council and is also involved at Shelby Oaks and The Moose Lodge. Beth says she has experienced the benefit of the YMCA in the Community and is looking forward to working with fellow Board Members to continue to strengthen the Y’s presence.
Jamie is a graduate of Buchanan HS and of Davis & Elkins College, Marshall University and Walden University. He is currently on the Compassionate Care Board of Directors and a member of the Emergency Nurses Association and the American College of Healthcare Executives. Jamie says he believes in the Vision and Mission of the Y and wants to support it. He says that a strong YMCA can improve the lives of citizens in Shelby County.
“Our YMCA is indeed most fortunate to be able to recognize and count our latest three new members to our Board, as they follow a long history of caring and dedicated individuals who have worked diligently to ensuring that our community will continue to benefit from all that the Y has to offer,” said Thomas, said.
