SIDNEY — Becoming a member of the Sidney-Shelby County YMCA changed Lynn Wright’s life forever.
Wright shared her YMCA story Thursday evening during the 49th annual meeting of the association. “We Build Strong Kids and Families” was the theme for the event, which was held at the Moose.
In June 2014, the Wright family moved to Sidney from Corbin, Kentucky. After they moved here, their son’s allergies and asthma became worse and Wright spent many days with him in the emergency room or in the hospital.
“I had health problems as well,” said Wright. “I was morbidly obese and I had a genetic disease that was attacking my liver.
“I was stuck at home, depressed and overweight. I had no friends, no family here and I was very unhappy,” she said.
Wright, whose husband is a pastor, said she prayed to God for a solution to her problem.
“I decided to join the Y,” she said. “And things began to change for me. There were smiling faces at the door (at the YMCA). It was nice to see that people recognize you. The YMCA has changed my life and the life of my family.”
Wright said she had always taken care of her family, but she had forgotten to take care of herself.
“The YMCA gave me something to do for myself,” said Wright.
Since joining the YMCA in March 2016, Wright has lost 85 pounds. Because of the change in her lifestyle, she has been able to stop her medicine for cholesterol and diabetes.
“The YMCA has also given a place for James, who is five, a place where he can participate in activities he could do because of his allergies,” said Wright. “We love the YMCA. It’s a wonderful, safe environment. We look forward to coming to the YMCA.”
Volunteers and employees were honored for their dedication to the YMCA during the meeting.
Mike Hazlett received the Carpe Diem Award for his commitment to the excellence of the YMCA and its core values. Hazlett works in the welcome center at the YMCA.
“Mike loves our members and they love him,” said Ed Thomas, CEO. “He knows more members by name than any other staff members.”
Hazlett is also known as “Mr. Coffee” to the staff and Y members.
The Cheer Team received the Mission Moment for the year. The group was recognized for getting first place at a Cheer Max competition. They won $300, T-shirts, medals and jackets.
“We used hard work and dedication to get over every obstacle put in our way,” said McKenna Murray, senior team member. “I’ve found friends for life here.”
Murray also shared the news that she had made the varsity cheerleading squad at Houston High School for her upcoming senior year.
The squad, said senior team member Oliver Marchus, lost members to broken bones and sprains.
“The values we’ve learned at the YMCA have helped us overcome these things,” said Marchus. “We have a mutual respect to work together.”
The volunteers of the year were Lori Humphrey, aquatics; Beth Houts, kinetics; Jack and Becki Kacin, youth; Cameron Klopfenstein and Noriko Shibaza, child development center; Ken Wagle, membership; Rhonda Keister and Jerry Vanderhorst, administration; and Gary Heitmeyer, building and property.
Thomas said under Keister’s guidance, the child development program has grown beyond expectations. There are 185 children a week being served in the child development program. There’s a six-month waiting list for the toddler/infant program and a three-month waiting list for the preschool program.
Thomas shared the local YMCA achievements during the 2016 year during a PowerPoint program. The YMCA recently applied for its third star in the Step Up to Quality Program, which is a state rating program for childcare programs.
The local YMCA is also the administrator of a federal grant which other YMCA’s can apply for The STEM programs are also being incorporated into the Y programs, he said. The Parkinson program is also new to the facility. There were youth center upgrades last year. The YMCA also has a partnership with Wilson Health for a professional athletic trainer to be at the YMCA.
Shirley Sprague, who is retiring after 30 years of employment at the YMCA, was honored by those present. Pam Fultz was also recognized for everything she does at the facility.
Dean Weinert was recognized for his service to the YMCA as board president. Outgoing board members Doug Fortman, Bob Labbett, Jerry Vanderhorst and Jeff VanTreese were also honored.
New board member candidates and executive council leadership were also approved. Elected to serve two-year terms on the executive council were President Will Balling, Vice President Kevin Behr, Secretary Beth Mullen, Treasurer Rhonda Keister and Past President Dean Weinert. Board members elected for a full term for the class of 2021 were Mark Dooley, Rhonda Keister and heather O’Donnell.
Pastor Scott New provided the invocation and benediction for the meeting.
