The St. Michaels Family YMCA celebrated their 10th Anniversary on May 12, 2017. Members, staff and guests gathered in the Y to visit with one another, share stories and look toward the future of the new Y facility in St. Michaels.
Anniversaries are important. Whether it is a marriage or time spent in a career; commitment is what holds an anniversary together. The St. Michael’s Family Y has made a commitment to the Bay Hundred area to take care of the people who live there, to be there for the community and enhance their lives. This is a joint effort of staff, partners and members.
Jacque Smith, long time member, sees the growth as exciting. She is looking forward to more space for classes, workout equipment, activities and more diversity. The present facility is smaller and fosters a sense of community. If a member needs assistance with the equipment, there is always someone eager to help. The new facility will be more spacious but will not lose that small community feeling.
At the helm of the St. Michaels Y is Tracy Cohee, the Executive Director. She has been with the YCMA for twenty years, and has been with the St. Michaels Y since day one. She maintains close relationships with the members and staff. It is just like a family. Tracy and the staff have managed to keep this Y in the top 1% of Ys in the nation for customer service. Her commitment is unwavering and the staff and members know they can be a part of the great work going on there.
Sherri Atkinson, lead welcome center staff at the Y, is excited about the growth the Y is experiencing and the new St. Michaels Y. One of her favorite things is seeing the youth come after school. “At first unsure of themselves and their surroundings, they see where they fit in and soon the Y becomes a home away from home. It is all about community”. She sees the advantages the new facility will bring for youth. “They will be able to come right over to the Y after school without having to walk along the road, and have a safe and fun place to be with their friends”. As Brandon Young, a member almost his whole life, says “We need a basketball court, where we can play ball and hang out with our friends. And Ms. Tracy, she is the best”.
Robbie Gill, CEO of the YMCA of the Chesapeake, spoke about what the Y means to the residents in St. Michaels. “They Y is a community connection where everyone comes together”. Similar comments were spoken by Senator Addie Eckardt and Delegate Johnny Mautz. They see the Y as a place where everyone can go, regardless of their economic status or age. Seniors, families and youth can come in to get fit and have a place where they belong. Mr. Mautz remembers coming to the Easton Y as a youth and wants the youth in St. Michaels to have the same opportunities he had.
The new facility will bring a new partner. Talbot County and Upper Shore Aging have entered into a shared-use agreement that will result in the St. Michael Senior Center moving into the facility and having a shared space. This will enable the Y and Upper Shore Aging to double the impact on the community while saving on resources. The new facility will be brimming with seniors, youth, families, and adults who want a quality facility to build relationships in, get healthy and interact in a multitude of activities. Sound interesting, right? You can be a part of it.
So far the St. Michaels Y has raised $2.3 million with a campaign goal of $5 million. With grant requests from local foundations and partnerships, the amount raised is expected to be $4.5 million. The support of the community is needed to reach the campaign goal. Gifts are accepted and appreciated as well as 5 year pledges. This is an opportunity to be an active participant in the beginning of the new St. Michaels Family Y. This is your Y, your community. The facility is on track for site work to begin this summer. The construction site will be cleared, with one tennis court being relocated and the other resurfaced. Groundbreaking for the new facility will be in August.
The spirit that runs through the St. Michael’s Y has been, and always will be community. Whatever your reason for coming, there is something for you at the Y. And it is about to get even better.
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