YMCA OF WASHINGTON COUNTY  
July 2 2015 

MESSAGE FROM CEO: BECKY HARKEMA

  

The summer is flying by quickly at the YMCA. Day camp activities have been busy in Washington and Riverside and lots of swimmers at the outdoor pool. Membership continues to be very strong as we impact the lives of many. I'm particularly excited to talk about the three stories below!

 

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT 
 

I've had the pleasure to work at our Kalona site on Thursday afternoons. While I am there Marcus Hall conducts a basketball clinic. I have been so impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm that all these kids demonstrate.  Besides perfecting their basketball skills they are learning to work hard to become better individuals. I so appreciate how they listen to Marcus and respect his coaching methods. And besides that, they are all pretty good at dunking the basketball. Keep up your hard work Suzanna Yoder and Dominick Pickard!

 

 

 

HEALTHY LIVING

Within a one week time I had three ladies inquiry about a private swim lesson for themselves. We decided to have a lesson together. This picture was on their first day. They all did a GREAT job and were so brave for trying! Congratulations to Sharon, Sylvia and Zulma as you will be swimming soon! (Swim Instructors Ben and Alaina)

 

SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
 
While I was also at our Kalona site I had the opportunity to hang this banner in the gym. It was an honor to do so as we continue to impact lives throughout Washington County. I also thought about the upcoming decisions that we need to make as the Y progresses. One of our biggest hurdles will be to decide what to do with the current Washington Community YMCA building after the new building is built. I know there is some opposition about leaving our current site. There are just so many facility issues as the building is 91 years old. I've very concerned that the indoor pool isn't going to last too much longer, heating and cooling the building is always an ongoing issue and just recently we had issues with the elevator. There are many moving parts with the YMCA of Washington County and where we sit today. I am so glad to have such smart and dedicated volunteers to help make the YMCA even better. 

 

Becky Harkema
319.653.2141
Our Mission

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.


 

Our Cause

At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. We believe that lasting personal and social change can only come about when we all work together to invest in our kids, our health and our neighbors. That's why we focus our work in three areas: youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.