MESSAGE FROM CEO: BECKY HARKEMA
My April newsletter is coming the first part of May because I wanted to talk about some exciting youth development activities that occurred late in April. I'm excited to announce the hiring of Brittanie Adrian as our aquatics director. She started on April 22, 2015, and even though our indoor pool is having repairs made, Brittanie has been busy getting ready to manage the outdoor pool. I asked Brittanie to write a letter to the swim lesson parents introducing herself. I didn't realize how much the YMCA has influenced her life! Her letter is below:
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My name is Brittanie Adrian, I am honored to have received the Aquatic Director position at the YMCA of Washington County. My entire life has revolved around the wonderful smell of chlorine, humid temperatures, burning red eyes, numerous swimsuits, and goggles. I would not be where I am today if my mother and father had not introduced to me to water at a very young age. I then started swimming competitively at the age of six. Two years later, I had to make a life decision between dance and swimming. Let me tell you, for an eight year old this was the hardest decision I had to make, but I chose swimming. From there, I continued on my journey to the Washington Water Sharks swim team. Since Washington High School didn't have a high school swim team, I joined the West High School team, where I was a four-year varsity swimmer. Being on this team gave me the opportunity to open new doors and continue my swimming career. Being in and around the water was such a pleasure to me that I decided to become a certified lifeguard and swim instructor. I taught swim lessons for many years. Coaching was my next big move. I started out volunteering then I became certified over the years. Managing the Washington Steele Family Aquatic Center was my next big step. I worked ten summers there, three of which were managing. So this brings me to my last big move. I have come to realize that I enjoy working with aquatics and would like to continue my swimming career. I took on the challenge and applied for this position and was truly blessed to be hired. I hope to see improvements with all of our swim classes and more involvement with the pool itself. If it wasn't for swim lessons I wouldn't be the person I am today. As for this summer, I will enjoy seeing you at Washington Steele Family Aquatic Center. Welcome Brittanie! We are proud to have you a part of the YMCA family!
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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
On Saturday, May 2, I attended our YMCA countywide track meet. It was wonderful to see the kids from Wellman, Riverside and Washington. Approximately 200 runners and their parents were in attendance. What I liked the best is how some of the kids came up to me and told me they were nervous, while others played football in the infield as they waited for their turn to run. I remembered those same feelings when I ran track in high school. I was also very proud of the YMCA staff and volunteers. It was a wonderful event of collaboration.
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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
In late April I had the pleasure of attending our preschool program. This year the YMCA preschool joined with Kingdom Kids Preschool. It has been a wonderful collaboration. Brenda, Kim and Mrs Zahs are fantastic teachers. The impact they give to the youth is immeasurable.
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
My last picture I would like to add is of this cute bike. It made me pause as I saw it parked at the Washington Community YMCA, thinking that this young YMCA member probably rode the bike to the Y with a parent or sibling. I am so glad that the YMCA provides so many opportunities throughout Washington County for impacting the lives of our youth. And creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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