Fall is my favorite time of year. I love the cold crisp air and the first few mornings when I can see my breath. With fall comes Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays. As a kid we would sing “over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go…” as we were riding in the car to our grandmother’s house. Thanksgiving is also my trigger to start listening to Christmas music. I’m sure my husband gets tired of The Chieftains Bells of Dublin well before December 25.
As I think about being thankful this year, I’m thankful for my mother who raised three children by herself. She wasn’t expecting to be a single parent, responsible not only for raising us, but also for providing our household income. She went back to college and became a teacher. Although we never had a lot of money, we had enough. So, thanks to my Mom and all parents who do their best each and every day!
Thanks also to our Y volunteers and staff. Volunteers serve on our board of directors, providing governance and oversight. Volunteers raise funds to ensure we have the resources we need so that everyone has the opportunities of the Y. Volunteers coach children in Youth Sports, teaching teamwork and building self-confidence. Volunteers are a needed caring adult mentor for Marion Mentors. Staff members work each day to help everyone who walks through our doors or is engaged in Y program connect to others and reach their goals. Thank you to our 150 staff members!
And finally, thank you for being a member of the Y. When you joined the Y, you joined an association of people who are strengthening our community. You help strengthen our community when you hold a door open for someone, when you see someone who needs a spot while weight lifting and jump in to give it, when you learn the person’s name next to you in Zumba and greet them each day in class…you are strengthening our community with each interaction at the Y. Thank you!
Thank you for being part of the Marion Family YMCA.
-Theresa Lubke, Executive Director
