Your local Y is more than just a gym to belong to. Sure, there’s an Olympic-sized, heated pool, indoor tennis court, whirlpool hot tub, free weights, and treadmills. Sure, there’s a variety of classes to fit almost anyone’s interest. But there is also a spirit of community, of belonging. Every member has their own reason they belong to the Y.New member Jeffrey Osborne says one of the reasons he and his family joined is because “it’s a fun place to hang with friends, and a safe place.” A safe place is important, as research has shown that when people have a safe, supervised place to go, physical activity increases and time spent in front of a screen decreases.
Scott Meyers, who recently joined with his wife and young son, says, “It’s somewhere to take the kids.” The variety of activities available at the YMCA of Darke County is great for families with children. Play time is an important way families can have fun together without worrying about all the other things going on in their daily lives. It can provide valuable bonding time and a way for family members to connect.
Bob Boyd has been a member of the YMCA of Darke County since 2007.What does the Y mean to him? "Without it, I wouldn't be moving," he said with a chuckle. He is at the facility 5 mornings most weeks, taking either water aerobics or a Silver Sneakers fitness class. If he has some down time, he gets a complimentary cup of coffee in the lobby and chats with other members and guests, and he’s never without a pocketful of hard candies to hand out.
Dan Wanamaker drives from the Lewisburg area to come to the Y several times a week since he became a member in 2010. Daily exercise has helped strengthen a leg he strained while bowling, he says. He also has noticed improved mobility that allows him to get up more easily, without having to push himself up with his arms as he used to.
It’s not only the exercises and physical benefits that motivate them to keep coming.
"The fellowship, too means a lot" says Dan. Both men enjoy talking with friends they see as the morning group congregates in the lobby area. The Silver Sneakers group also has a popular monthly luncheon potluck on the second Thursday of each month.
If you are thinking of joining the Y, come visit and take a tour. You might be surprised at the familiar faces you will see, not to mention the new faces that will soon become familiar.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT CAMPAIGN: The YMCA of Darke County is in the second week of our Annual Community Support Campaign. The YMCA of Darke County typically allocates over $70,000 a year in the Greenville and Darke County area. Funds raised will support hundreds of people in our community with financial assistance in becoming members, acquiring child care, taking swim lessons and learning youth sports, along with building a healthy spirit, body and mind. “Through our community support campaign, we want to educate people that we are more than a place to go to exercise or swim, but an organization that does vital work thanks to the support of the community,” said Gail Hostuttler, Executive Director of the YMCA of Darke County. Contact Gail if you would like to contribute to our campaign.