Fortunate to have an awesome Y in our community
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We recently held a 150th anniversary celebration of the Marshalltown Y and one moment really hit home for the work that we do at the YMCA-YWCA. As we reflected on our journey someone said: "Imagine if the Y wasn't here in our community?" It's a good thing we don't have to find that out. We give building tours to new and prospective Y members all the time and they can't believe that a town the size of Marshalltown has this extensive of a YMCA. Two indoor pools, spacious fitness floor, running track, gymnasium and state-of-the art equipment all await those who visit the Y. And we see people of all ages and backgrounds come together in one place. So if the Y wasn't around where would the people go? Where would the active older adults go for group exercise, fellowship and to share cookies to celebrate a friend's 80th birthday? What about the special family time in the Rec Pool where youth make new friends and build confidence in the water. And those pools where thousands of people have learned how to swim. Where would that young athlete looking to take their volleyball or basketball game to the next level go for that extra court time? Then there's our very robust School of Dance that has our Y Cultural Center abuzz with activity, in the same place that grows young minds in our preschool, summer camp and after school programs. Rest assured a group of local cancer survivors were appreciative of the Y after completing our latest LIVESTRONG class, which helped them connect and get stronger after treatments. As our national YMCA marketing campaign states, and our Marshalltown Y can attest, there truly is "No Place Like This Place." Don't fear, the Marshalltown Y isn’t going away, but you can help make it stronger for future generations. You can donate to our Annual Campaign to ensure we continue to serve our mission of strengthening the mind, body and soul. Donate at www.ymca-ywca.org/donate or send a check to the Y Annual Campaign, 108 Washington St., Marshalltown, IA 50158. You can also reach out to me at the Y if you would like to support us. Community support has helped us remain a pillar of our area since 1876.
Andrew Potter is marketing and communications director for the Marshalltown YMCA-YWCA