Making a Positive Impact

Lake Anna Garden Club

Gals with Green Thumbs

For several years, Marty Bidlingmyer had been the unofficial planter / weeder / waterer of the garden owned by the Lake Anna YMCA. “I just did it, because that’s what I do,” she said, in her matter-of- fact way. But tending the garden is more than a one-person job. 
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Students hear from Akron Fire Chief during Rosa Parks Tour.

Rosa Parks Tour 2025

For Black History Month, students from Akron, OH were invited to go on the annual Rosa Parks Tour through the Akron Area YMCA. The Rosa Parks tour aims to educate our youth while also allowing them to see different aspects of their community.
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Ken Holzworth

A Daily Dose

Whether he's in the fitness center lifting weights or running on the treadmill, in the gym playing pickle ball or drinking coffee and quizzing his buddies about trivia, Ken is at the Wadsworth YMCA. He's got his routine, 5-6 days a week. Retired from the U.S.
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Ed and Buzzy

Second Sight

At first glance, you notice a cool guy. On your second look, you see his dog. Well, maybe visa-versa. The fact is that Ed and Buzzy are a pair. They are regulars in the Fitness Center moving from machine to machine, with the help of Sam their wellness instructor.
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Giving Them a Reason to Get Up

When you've been active all you life, you want to remain active.  The Y gives members like Mary and Mike a reason to get in gear - every day -- to see friends and be healthy. 

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Get Moving with this Mom

Ashley came to the Y looking for a little time for herself.  But, this energetic Mom found a whole new lease on life -- as well as a new career at the Y. 

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Grandma Penny and her Kids from Karen

Connecting immigrant children to a community of love, strong values and acceptance from all, was a goal of  Grandma Penny and her sister.  Add in gymnastics, soccer, swimming and horseback riding for a result that is life changing for everyone.

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The Wallace Family

Providing a caring place for children has been a core component of the Akron Area Y.  But, when kids love it so much that they want their birthday parties here ... well, that truly IS icing on the cake.

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