contributed photo Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA Health and Wellness Director Angie Paxson visits with Y member Rick Ahn on the fitness floor.

It is hard to believe I have worked at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA for 21 years. It is just as hard to believe that our “new” facility, the Horne-Henry Center, has been open for 20 years.

I can still remember my first office in the basement of the Y Cultural Center. No windows or natural light, the weather could change drastically and I wouldn’t even know it until coming upstairs.

When I started my career at the Y, I was in charge of orientations, personal trainers, (there was only me and one other trainer) and group exercise classes.

My role here at the Y has grown over the last 21 years. The Health and Wellness Department has added many programs, including Diabetes Prevention Program, LIVESTRONG, Rock Steady Boxing, Enhance Fitness, Sports Camps, Power Lifting Programs, CrossFit 641 and Strong Kids. Those are just to name a few. Some of them have stood the test of time, some of them ran their course, as programs often do.

Of all of the programs that come and go, one thing is always certain, we are here to serve our members. Our members are what keep us going and make our jobs so enjoyable and worthwhile. We serve members from infancy to advanced ages. I love seeing our members find success, get connected, and make new friends along the way. Or, maybe they reconnect with friends that they didn’t even know were members!

When I started working at the Y, I really enjoyed working with kids and high school athletes. At this point in my career, I still appreciate the kids and high schoolers, but my favorite people to work with are the active older adults. I love hearing their stories and life experiences. I learn much more from them than they do from me.

One more favorite thing about the Y — is our Y family. I don’t know of how many places of employment can say that they are a family, but it is one thing that really stands out to me, and what keeps me here at the Y.

Here’s to many more years at the Y!

——

Angie Paxson is Health and Wellness Director

at the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA.