STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA
NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2025
P. 4 Coping Corner: How Acts of Kindness Keep Us Healthy P. 6 Youth Programs P. 10 Tennis Programs P. 12 Mission Story: What is Occupational Therapy? P. 14 Adult Programs P. 18 Staff Spotlight: LJ and Lonte Johnson P. 20 Special Feature: 30 Year Employees Part 2 P. 23 Food For Thought: How to Enjoy Holiday Eating
Are you required to take a Minimum Distribution from your retirement account? You can use these funds to benefit the community by making a donation to the STAUNTON- AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA or COMMUNITY CHILD CARE. Check in with your financial advisor or ask SAYMCA Executive Director Josh Cole for more information about how to maximize your giving potential.
The Annual Giving Campaign is the lifeblood of our YMCA. Each year the campaign raises money through charitable donations from individuals, businesses and community organizations. These funds help to ensure that no one is ever left behind regardless of their financial circumstances. Together we are building a healthier community!
NO JOINING FEE All month!
COUNT ME IN!
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Name: _______________________________________ Address: ____________________________________ _______________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ____________________________ Phone: ______________________________________ Check enclosed Credit Card: ________________________________ Exp. _____________ CVV: _____________ Amount to be charged: __________________ Signature: ______________________________
Our Commitment to Wellness At the YMCA, kindness and connection are woven into everything we do. From the wellness center to the afterschool room, we strive to serve as a space to reset and recharge. Kindness doesn’t always require structure. Sometimes it’s found in spontaneous activities — joining a game of pick-up basketball, swimming laps in the pool, or simply walking the track while chatting with a friend. These small choices to stay active and connected can make a big difference in managing everyday stress. These moments of togetherness are small acts of kindness in themselves. They remind us that no one is alone in navigating the busy season.
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Finding Calm Through Connection By Brian Ringgold
The Science of Kindness Acts of kindness release oxytocin and serotonin, two chemicals that help calm the nervous system and lift our mood. Even small gestures — holding the door, sending a thank-you message, or sharing a smile — can lower stress hormones like cortisol. Kindness also helps us feel connected, and connection is one of the strongest buffers against anxiety, burnout and loneliness. When we feel supported, our bodies shift from “fight or flight” into “rest and recover.” The Holiday Balancing Act The holidays can stir up a mix of emotions — excitement, nostalgia, and sometimes pressure or grief. It’s okay to admit that joy and stress can exist at the same time. Being kind to yourself might look like saying no to one more commitment, setting healthy boundaries, choosing rest without guilt, or reflecting on what truly brings meaning, not just tradition. When we treat ourselves with patience, we’re better equipped to extend that same compassion to others. Try This: Three Ways to Practice Holiday Kindness 1. Give yourself a kindness minute. Take 60 seconds to breathe, stretch, or simply check in with how you feel. 2. Share gratitude in motion. During your next workout, class, or family activity, tell one person something you appreciate about them. 3. Join a Y community event. Volunteer, attend a group class, or bring a friend to the Y. Community connection is one of the best natural stress relievers. Kindness isn’t just something we give — it’s something we practice. It’s how we reset when life gets hectic, how we reconnect when we feel distant, and how we remind ourselves that healing often starts with helping. As we move through the holiday season, may we each find a moment to breathe, to connect, and to choose kindness — for others and for ourselves. Sources: Stanford University Center for Compassion and Altruism Research Education, Dr. Kristen Neff, University of British Columbia, Harvard Health Publishing, D.R. Hamilton
COPING CORNER: How Kindness Keeps us Healthy
As the days grow shorter and the year winds down, many of us start to feel the quiet pressure of the holidays approaching. Between Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, expectations build — from planning and shopping to balancing work, family, and personal time. It’s easy to forget that stress doesn’t just live on our calendars — it lives in our bodies and minds, too. That’s why November, which recognizes International Stress Awareness Week (Nov. 3-7) and World Kindness Day (Nov. 13), is the perfect time to pause and remember: Kindness is one of the most powerful tools we have for relieving stress — for ourselves and others
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COPING CORNER
Kindness isn’t weakness — it’s the nervous system’s way of finding balance.
Register in person. Siblings get 10% off.
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Middle Schoolers Wednesdays | 4:30-6 PM Fees: Must pre-register online or at the front desk $45 Members per session $60 Non-members per session
October 21 - November 11
Fees: $25 Members/ $40 Non-members
at the SAYMCA
Tuesdays 10 - 10:45 AM
DANCE
TUESDAY/THURSDAY EVENINGS November 11 - December 11 (no class 11/25 & 11/27) Times and Levels TBD Member Registration: October 30 at 5:00 PM Non-Member Registration: October 31 Fees: $60 Member $75 Non-member Registration closes November 6
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COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Kaleb Hall and Malcom Elliston
SPECIAL EVENTS FOR YOUTH
Led by certified Zumbini instructor Sarah Williams
Bond with your little one through music and movement. Fees: $80 Members per session $95 Non-members per session
SING
MAKER LAB
ZUMBINI
YOUTH PROGRAMS
4th & 5th Graders Saturdays | 10:30 AM-12 PM Fees: Must pre-register online or at the front desk $30 Members per session $45 Non-members per session
PLAY
SWIM LESSONS
HSPE?
Registration opens the last day of the current session
Fashion Designers Cut from YMCA Cloth By Chris Lassiter
The maker lab is offers a unique opportunity for your child to unleash their creativity and expression. Instructor Sean Psujek prepares engaging projects that teach practical skills that apply in many areas of life. Children also develop confidence through the process of starting a project and then seeing it through to completion. All sessions have a minimum enrollment of 6 and a maximum of 8 High Schoolers Saturdays | 1-2:30 PM Fees: Must pre-register online or at the front desk $45 Members per session $60 Non-members per session
0 - 4 YEARS
Program funded by our Annual Giving Campaign
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Scan here to visit our website to see our upcoming projects and become a member. It's free and fun!
Since January 2025, YVC has completed more than 260 hours of service, distributed over 45 community projects and 78 volunteers. Your donations have helped continue the group's mission to "engage youth in team-based service experiences that build life and work skills while inspiring a lifetime ethic of service."
Stay active, engaged and learn about how to make a positive impact in your community!
TUESDAY/THURSDAY November 11 - December 11 (skip 11/25 & 27) Times and Levels TBD Member Registration: Oct. 30 at 5:00 PM Non-Member Registration: Oct. 31 Fees: $60 Member $75 Non-member Registration closes November 6
Program funded by the AGC
YVC is recruiting youth ages 11-18 for service-based projects to uplift our community!
SATURDAY October 25 - December 6 (skip 11/29) Times and Levels TBD Member Registration: Oct. 11 Non-Member Registration: Oct. 12 Fees: $60 Member $75 Non-member Registration closes October 18
Coach Chris will be out the week of November 17. There will be no classes during the week of Thanksgiving.
TENNIS LESSONS
Adult Pickleball & Tennis
Contact Chris at cstambaugh@swattennis.org with any questions.
Homeschool Tennis Ages 6 - 11 For beginner and intermediate players. Days and Times: Tuesdays | 10 - 11 AM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member
PRIVATE TENNIS LESSONS All ages Individuals, of all ages, seeking to improve at tennis can arrange to meet individually with our instructor to improve tennis fundamentals. Private lessons can be tailored to improve a weakness or gain a new skill. Fees: Member $60 for one hour, $35 for 1/2 hour Non-Member $75 for one hour, $60 for 1/2 hour GROUP TENNIS LESSONS All ages Fees: Member $38 for one hour Non-Member $55 for one hour
ADULT INTERMEDIATE TENNIS For adults 18 + wanting drills and competition in singles and doubles. Dates and Times: Fridays | 9 - 10:30 AM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member
REGISTRATION FOR ALL LEVELS CLOSES ON THE FIRST DAY OF THE NEW SESSION.
Early Hitters Ages 5 - 8 Beginner level where the fundamentals are introduced. Days and Times: Tuesdays | 5:30 - 6:30 PM OR Thursdays | 5:30 - 6:30 PM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member Mid Hitters Ages 9 - 11 This will teach your pre-teen intermediate tennis skills. Dates and Times: Tuesdays | 6:30 - 7:30 PM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member Upper Mid Hitters Ages 12 -14 This will get your student prepared for high school tennis. Dates and Times: Wednesdays | 5:30 - 6:30 PM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member Highschool Tennis Ages 15 - 18 Advanced techniques and skills to prepare for competition. Dates and Times: Wednesdays | 6:30 - 8:00 PM Fees: $75 Member $90 Non-Member
FALL 2025 DATES:
General re-string and re-grip starts at $25 per racket.
Session 3 Tuesdays: NOVEMBER 4, 11, DECEMBER 2, 9 Wednesdays: NOVEMBER 5, 12, DECEMBER 3, 10 Thursdays: NOVEMBER 6, 13, DECEMBER 4, 11 Fridays: NOVEMBER 7, 14, DECEMBER 5, 12 Member Registration: October 28 Non-Member Registration: October 29
BEGINNERS ADULT PICKLEBALL Learn to play or brush up on the basics. Dates and Times: Fridays | 10:30 - 12 PM Fees: $65 Member $80 Non-Member Meets on the tennis court.
Siblings get 10% off after the first child enrolls! Register in person or online at saymca.org
RACKET AND STRINGING REPAIR:
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Imagine you are active, independent and in good health. Then, suddenly, an accident, health crisis or another life event blindsides you and takes all of that away. Or perhaps you have been living with a neurological condition that limits your ability to adapt to your environment. You may be looking down the long road of recovery or feel isolated. It may feel like climbing an impossible mountain. There are health professionals who are with you to help you manage your symptoms, regain strength and function. But this is not the complete picture of wellness. What about the daily habits; like dressing in the clothes that you like best, or engaging in the hobbies you once enjoyed that feed your spirit? Perhaps you enjoyed cooking for yourself or your family. Or even the simple pleasure of putting a puzzle together. Who will help you recover or even discover those parts of yourself? This is where Occupational Therapists come in. “Occupational therapy (OT) helps people of all ages participate in the meaningful daily activities or occupations that give their lives purpose -at home, work, and in the community,” said Dr. Sarah McCadden, professor of Occupational Therapy at Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences, which is a flagship program at Mary Baldwin University (MBU) in Staunton. The Neuro Wellness Program at the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA is well-known for connecting participants with Physical Therapists and Personal Trainers. It’s an amazing opportunity for people to grow stronger and improve function. But many people don't understand what Occupational Therapy is. TherapyMcCadden explained, “True well-being does extend beyond exercise—it includes supporting physical, cognitive and emotional health.” That is the driving force behind including OT in the SAYMCA program. Allison Ellington serves as Director of Occupational Therapy at MBU. She understands the OT is often misunderstood and overlooked as a vital part of healthy living. “Occupational Therapy may not be as well known as different healthcare and other caring professions, but it's an amazingly broad profession that can help a lot of different people,” she said. “Through observation, activity analysis and genuine connection, OTs personalize care to align with each person’s unique story, goals and motivations," McCadden added. Neuro Wellness began at the Y in 2014 under the leadership of Lee Baker with a primary focus on physical therapy. "The original program vision was to help people with neurological conditions stay active, bridging medical care and community wellness. For many, traditional rehab services end and there are limited resources for adaptive exercise and wellness,” McCadden shared. Despite the pandemic putting the program on hold in 2020, the staff at the SAYMCA was ready to get back to work in partnership with Murphy Deming when restrictions were lifted. OT was introduced in 2021 as educational group sessions. Since then, OT has evolved to include more personal attention. Ellington is excited about the future of OT at the Y. “I think the program has really expanded to be much more individualized in meeting the different clients' needs.” For both PT and OT staff and students, the well-being of the individual is at the center of what they study and practice. Ellington explained what happens during a typical OT session: “Our students meet each person and do individualized assessments with them, to really understand their needs, their goals and their priorities. Then, the students are designing customized therapy plans focused on everything from grip strength and hand function to being able to do more of their own self-care activities. Sometimes it includes things like getting dressed - being able to manipulate fasteners on their clothing - or using utensils more effectively. These plans include doing a lot of activities around leisure and the things that are fun, important and meaningful to people's everyday lives.” For participants like Jerry Baber, who suffered a stroke in January 2024, the program has helped keep him active and regain use of his left hand. “It’s been slow,” he said “but, at least I have been able to maintain function.” It's not unusual for many people to take something like being able to use both hands freely for granted. You don’t realize how often you rely on your non-dominant hand until that use is restricted. Daily activities like eating, bathing and even engaging in leisure activities are hindered. Baber's Occupational Therapy sessions have been an encouraging environment where he can learn how to adapt activities to meet his needs. “Playing board games [with the students], cards and checkers ... it has helped me,” he said. The importance of the program extends beyond changes in participant's lives to providing an intensive, hands-on learning environment for students. The Neuro Wellness program is nurturing the next generation of Physical and Occupational Therapists. “This is such a meaningful learning opportunity for the students,” Ellington said. “It is just a great opportunity to practice some skills, develop those competencies, and feel even more confident and ready when they go out on field work.” Baber also understands that one of the goals of the program is student growth, and it gives him a sense of pride knowing that their work with him is giving them valuable experience. “It makes me feel good to not only help myself, but help the students,” he said. “It gives them that real world experience. I’m glad to be a part of that.” McCadden and Ellington hope to oversee the expansion of not just OT, but the overall Neuro Wellness program at the SAYMCA. More than 40 years of experience gives the pair insight into how acute the need is. “There are so many people who have experienced a stroke or who are living with some kind of a neurological condition,” said Ellington. “These are - unfortunately - very prevalent conditions.” Ellington also wants to spread awareness of the program so that people in her field, the students who are just beginning and the people who are affected can find a place to thrive. “I think there's all kinds of areas to grow, not only the offerings to the community but, also ways that the community could support this so that more people who would benefit are able to participate," she said. McCadden shares this same hope and sense of purpose for promoting and expanding the program. “Through continued collaboration between the SAYMCA and Murphy Deming PT and OT students, the vision is to sustain accessible, adaptive programming that promotes lifelong movement and well-being,” she said.
Occupational Therapy Partnership Provides Critical Link for Nuero-Wellness By Eleanor Rixey
The Powerlifting Club has different levels for members to complete. Eisgruber set out to achieve the 500 Pounds Club first and then completed the 750 Pounds Club less than a year later. Using the levels as goals helps him stay motivated.
Todd Eisgruber was 53 years old when he got his wake up call. “I was overweight. I felt terrible every single day. I was exhausted, drinking gallons of caffeine, trying to get myself to keep going. Nothing was working,” he said. And then a routine medical test made one thing abundantly clear; Eisgruber needed to make his health a priority. He was told that he needed further testing after a Cologuard test came back positive. Eisgruber reflected, “It kind of makes you focus on that for just that split second and you get to make the decision of, am I going to do something about it?” Follow-up tests indicated the polyps were benign, yet, the experience was enough to motivate him to make a change. That’s when he decided to join the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA. Eisgruber and his family joined in 2023. His wife, Sarah, works at the front desk. Making a change for yourself is powerful. When you also do that for your children, it’s inspiring to them, too. Eisgruber’s experience with his health scare made him more aware of the impact his unhealthy lifestyle was having on his son, James. “Part of what motivated me there was [realizing that] I'm setting a terrible example. Because all he sees is his dad sitting around all day doing nothing.” Getting started in the gym isn’t easy. There are so many modes and philosophies surrounding fitness. Waiting for the perfect time, diet or routine isn’t realistic. When you need to make changes, Eisgruber has this advice: “Just do anything. If you keep trying to find the right workout, you're never going to find a workout to begin with. Just pick something.” When you have a starting point, you will learn what works for you. You will find out what you enjoy and determine what needs to be adapted. Sometimes inspiration comes after you’ve begun your fitness journey. Eisgruber had already been coming to the weight room for a few months before he discovered the Powerlifting Club. “That actually was a huge inspiration for me,” he said. His teenage son, James, saw that his teacher, Mr. Payne, had completed the 1,500-pound club. “I just looked at him and I said, ‘you know what? I'm going to get on that board.’” Suddenly, Eisgruber was coming in to work out 5 to 6 days a week. He made it a goal to complete the 500-Pounds Club. In September 2024, he achieved that milestone. In less than a year he had gone from couch potato to earning a place on the Powerlifting Club board in the Wellness Center. Setting manageable goals is fundamental to being successful in fitness. Eisgruber knew he wasn’t ready for the 1,500-Pounds Club, but starting with the first level was within reach for him. The Powerlifting Club is designed with that in mind. It allows for progression. Reach that first level and then go on to the next. Eight months after Eisgruber completed the 500 pounds, he went for the 750-Pounds Club. He surpassed the required weight limit of 750 pounds to actually lift 920 pounds. Then, he experienced a few setbacks. It happens to everyone. Eisgruber had pneumonia which took time to recover from and then he injured his back. This was another kind of wake up call. He had to be honest with himself, “I just realized a lot of what I was doing was incorrectly done. I wasn't following proper form and I wasn't advancing anymore.” Injuries are common, especially when you are moving heavier weight. Getting started independently is great, but if you are starting to injure yourself or experience plateaus, then working with someone who can lead you through that safely is a great choice. Eisgruber knew he needed guidance from a professional. “I was stuck in this long plateau where I was doing the same thing over and over again. I said, ‘I need some help.’” Alex Williams is a Personal Trainer at the Y who recently started working with Eisgruber. “The last month and a half has been absolutely miraculous,” Eisgruber said. “[Williams] knows his stuff. He has helped me out in so many different ways.” Having this support has helped Eisgruber remain focused on his goals. “I have absolutely planned on doing the 1,000-Pounds Club,” he said. Despite the fact that this November he will turn 56, he isn’t letting age hold him back either. “I feel like I’m old for doing this kind of thing, [but] maybe completing the 1,250-Pounds Club isn’t out of the question.” A health scare brought Eisgruber to the Y. His dedication to his family inspired him to try something different. The support of Alex Williams encouraged him to keep pushing those goals and to do it safely. “This has been a very positive experience for me, for sure,” Eisgruber said. This journey has brought him closer to his son. They make good use of the racquetball courts, pool and the Wellness Center. “There's a lot of good father-son bonding time that actually stemmed out of this, which was kind of unexpected,” he said. “I think it's been really good for us as a family.” Now he is here to motivate the next round of people like him. “Don't worry about what everyone else thinks. That was a crippling factor for me getting in here,” he said. “It took me about a month before I realized nobody cared about what I was doing.” Take care of your health. “Everybody hates going for that colonoscopy. That's not everybody's favorite topic. But it's important. Pay attention to your health, pay attention to how you feel.” Don't be afraid of resting. “Get your head wrapped around that and say, ‘Okay, I'm going to take X number of days off to rest and recover and then come back.’” You will come back stronger. And his journey extends beyond the physical. Eisgruber has been able to make connections with the people he meets at the Y. “There's a lot of good relationships that I've started to build here. You know, not just with the staff. Everybody back [in the Wellness Center] has been great,” he said. “Quite honestly, these are the first relationships I've started to build since I've been here in Virginia. I've been here since 2008.”
Dr. Sarah McCadden is thrilled to see how the OT class has expanded to include one-on-one sessions which enhances both the student's and the participant's lives.
Corner
SPECIAL FEATURE: Occupational Therapy
The Occupational Therapy sessions of the Neuro Wellness program offers participants like Jerry Baber a chance to recover and adapt leisure activities to meet their current level of function.
SAYMCA member Todd Eisgruber knew he needed to make a change for himself and for his family. He has completed two different levels of The Powerlifting Club and works with a personal trainer to stay on track.
Health Scare Prompts Member to Build Muscle, Relationships By Eleanor Rixey
MISSION STORY: Todd Eisgruber
CPR and First Aid Training Does your job require you to be CPR/FA certified? Do you need to keep your certification current? Interested in learning how to save a life? We offer a four-hour class that will give you the tools you need. November 6 | 4 - 9 PM $80 Members/ $90 Non-members
PICKLEBALL See Basketball Court Schedule Free for members. $10 Drop in rate for non-members.
ONCOLOGY YOGA This ongoing one-of-a-kind program is designed for cancer survivors and those still undergoing treatment for any form of cancer. This gentle program is taught by Melissa Anderson Morgan, a certified yoga4cancer teacher. Stop by the front desk to pick up a brochure or register. Tuesdays at 4:20 PM in the Mind/Body Studio Each session begins the first week of the month Fees: $25 Members per month $40 Non-members per month **Remember to bring a yoga mat**
ADULT PROGRAMS
EQUIPMENT ORIENTATION Free for ages 15+ Sign up at the front desk today!
BIBLE STUDY 11 AM Mondays Multipurpose Room
MAHJONG 10:30 AM Fridays Multipurpose Room
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ADULT POWERLIFTING CLUB 500 LB, 750 LB, 1000 LB, 1250 LB Adult members can apply to join by signing up at the Wellness Center kiosk. Find your cumulative combined weight of 1 rep max Bench Press, 1 rep max Back Squat and 1 rep max Deadlift while following the rules and regulations. Applicants MUST be 18 or older. Upon completion of the challenge you will receive a shirt and your name will be displayed in our Wellness Center. Contact Healthy Living Coordinator Krystal Clark at krystal@saymca.org with any questions. Fees: $25 Members Only
ROCK STEADY BOXING RSB enables people with Parkinson's disease to delay the onset of the symptoms through a non-contact boxing style of fitness. This method has been proven to improve participants' quality of life and sense of efficacy and self-worth. RSB provides encouragement through a "tough love" approach, inspiring maximum effort, speed, strength, balance and flexibility. Registration is ongoing and available at the front desk. Pick up a brochure today! Fees: $50 Members per month $60 Non-members per month
Class descriptions are on the back of the print outs in the lobby or online at saymca.org!
LAND and WATER GROUP FITNESS
Arms & Core Boot Camp Bums &Tums (BB Court) Barre Fit 4 Life (BB Court) HIIT Lift & Pump Senior Fitness Strength Tabata Zumba
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Adaptive Yoga Tai Chi Chu'an Chair Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Gentle Flow Yoga Pilates Men's Yoga PACE Wall Yoga (Racquetball Court)
NEW TIME!
Cycling classes available in the Cycling Studio Mondays and Wednesdays at 6 PM & 9:30 AM on Tuesdays
Find schedules online at saymca.org on the homepage. Print outs available at the front desk.
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MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
AQUAFIT 1 9-9:55 AM Peggy
AQUA YOGA 8 - 8:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 1 9-9:55 AM Peggy Tammy (2)
AQUAFIT 2 10-10:55 AM Peggy
SPLASHBURNER 9 - 9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 2 10-10:55 AM Peggy Tammy (2)
AQUA YOGA 10 - 10:55 AM Karen
GENTLE AQUAFIT 11:15AM - 12PM Carol
SPLASHBURNER 6:05 - 7 PM Karen
FRIDAY
AQUAFIT 1 9-9:55 AM Karen
AQUAFIT 2 10-10:55 AM Tammy
SPLASHBURNER 6:05 - 7 PM Jenn
Splashburner with Karen
SPECIAL INTERESTS
NOW HIRING!!
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GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN THE CARDIO/STRENGTH STUDIO
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES IN THE MIND-BODY STUDIO
CERTIFIED AQUATIC G.F. INSTRUCTORS!!
Find your Y! Challenge yourself to try a new class or attend three classes a week!
Group fitness classes are included with your membership! Non-members can purchase a pass of 10 classes for $90.
Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30 PM
Lonte Johnson, left, and his older brother LJ, right, have mentored students like Jamillion Jones, center, on and off the SAYMCA basketball court for many years.
Brothers in Service: LJ and Lonte Johnson Build a Legacy of Mentorship By Dawn Medley
Siblings LJ, left, and Lonte, right, Johnson have extended their family bond to the YMCA staff and youth through the Afterschool Adventure Program and Teen Center, and other activities.
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STAFF SPOTLIGHT: LJ AND LONTE JOHNSON
At the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA, we like to talk a lot about feeling like a family. After all, it’s right there, front-and-center in the name of the organization. For some SAYMCA staff members, the concept of family is inseparable from their Y story. Brothers Leon and Delonte Johnson – known affectionately as LJ and Lonte – have passed on that spirit of family connection to dozens of YMCA youth as counselors, athletes, and trusted mentors. Ashley Cole, former SAYMCA Youth Program Director and now a special education teacher at Bessie Weller Elementary School, remembers when she first met LJ. “He was about to graduate high school,” she recalled. "He had this kind smile and was good-natured, always asking how I was doing." Cole initially hired LJ to work in the YMCA’s Afterschool Program and later in the popular Summer Camp. He took direction well but also showed initiative, she said. He didn’t just supervise kids; he connected with them. “He’d sit on the floor doing puzzles, teach them how to play basketball, ask about their families,” Cole added. SAYMCA Youth Development Director Eddie Santiago had a similar impression of LJ when he was even younger, when he was a kid at the Staunton Boys and Girls Club where Santiago worked before the Y. “LJ was - and still is - one of the most respectful young men I’ve ever met,” Eddie said. “He’d always say, ‘Yes sir,’ ‘No sir.’ Several years later - after LJ had been a YMCA staff member for many years - Santiago took note of a teenager who would often help him gather up basketballs at the end of the evening and tidy up the gym. When he turned 18, Santiago asked the courteous young man - who was also one of the best players he had watched - if he was interested in a staff position in the Teen Center. Lonte agreed, and he has been following his older brother’s lead to flourish working with youth for the past four years. Personal courtesy is one of the defining characteristics that the brothers share, and it’s what makes them great youth leaders at the YMCA. Their similarities continue on the basketball court, where they are both esteemed players in perpetual rotation of competing as well as coaching at the Y, local schools, and AAU programs. “I didn’t even know that they were brothers for a while,” said Andrea Ryder, SAYMCA Childcare Program Director who worked with LJ for a year in the afterschool program. “But when I learned that, it made sense. Even though they have very different personalities, they have that same core of respectfulness and a similar way of relating to the kids.” Santiago also knew both of them as individuals before LJ came to the center to pick Lonte up one day. “I just couldn’t be more proud of the young men they have become,” Santiago said. Although they enjoy charting their own paths at the Y and in the wider community, the Johnsons crack broad smiles when people discover that they’re siblings. Family stories, good-natured ribbing and genuine compliments flow easily between the pair. Santiago and Ryder beam when they talk about the fact that there are dozens of kids who have been positively influenced by the Johnsons. “Whenever we go out,” Lonte laughed, “it’s always ‘Mr. LJ! Mr. Lonte!’ That’s fun.” Middle-schooler Tom Aycock met both brothers at the Y and has been coached by each of them during the past few years. "They're both fun coaches," said Aycock, who plays basketball at school and through AAU. "Mr. Lonte is more relaxed, easy-going, and Mr. LJ is energetic and motivating." "He learned a lot from them, and is still learning," added Chris Aycock, Tom's dad. That doesn't surprise Cole. As LJ grew into new roles under Cole's supervision, including Lead Counselor and Summer Camp Site Director, she said she could always rely on him. “He handled everything - parents, upset children, scheduling - and he did it calmly. A lot of our students looked up to him.” Just by being himself, LJ showed them that success doesn’t mean leaving your community - it means investing in it. “He was going to college, had a steady job, took care of his family, and was part of the community in a positive way,” Cole said. When Cole left her YMCA position, she felt “fantastic about having LJ there working with youth.” Two years after Cole moved into elementary education, LJ joined her as an instructional assistant at Bessie Weller. “He went to school [here], and I was ecstatic that he had the opportunity to come back,” she said. LJ credits his growth to strong mentors at the YMCA, which leads full cicle back to Santiago and others. “The path I’ve gone down these past nine years is because of people like [Program Director] Windsor Vaughn and Eddie ,” he said. "Both of them have shown me what it looks like to not only do the job asked of them, but do it in a way that feels authentic to everyone around them." Reflecting on his journey, LJ is also careful not to forget several people that shaped his love for basketball early on, including Mike Guertler, Marcus Reed and Rob Stenzel. And he wouldn't be where he is without the help of former guidance counselor Brett Peters. Lonte also counts Vaughn as a primary mentor in addition to Maintenance Director Danny Williams. He continues to have an impact at the Y through his Teen Center role - branching out into leading an arts and crafts club, and working with Homeschool PE participants. From the classrooms of Bessie Weller to the basketball courts of Staunton, LJ and Lonte put the Y’s mission into practice - nurturing the potential of every child and teen, strengthening community, and building a legacy of compassion, one young life at a time.
WENDY SHUTTY Her love for step aerobics helped Wendy Shutty step out in faith. The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA’s highly esteemed fitness director, Shutty didn’t start with aspirations of working at the Y for more than three decades. It was an encouraging word from a friend, YMCA group fitness Sheree Kiser, that forever changed the trajectory of Shutty’s career. “I happened to be in the women’s locker room one day,” Shutty said, thinking back. “Sheree Kiser was talking to me, and I was telling her how much I loved taking classes. She said, ‘Well, if you love them so much, why don’t you think about teaching?” Shutty took Kiser’s advice to heart. What started as a fun part-time job eventually turned into her career. Thirty years later, Shutty has taught almost every class on the group fitness schedule, with the exception of Zumba and a few others. Additionally, YMCA mission programs such as Neurowellness, Rock Steady Boxing and Yoga 4 Cancer have been added during her tenure. “Wendy has a caring heart,” said Candace Martin, Associate Executive Director for the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA. “She is so passionate about Rock Steady and ‘Neuro’ and the people in the group fitness classes. She wants to do her best for them.” If it was fitness that got Shutty in the door, the relationships she’s nurtured have convinced her to stay for the long haul. “It’s what our Y stands for, and the people who are in the Y,” Shutty said. “I have met so many people - had so many experiences - that I would have never have had if I wasn’t here. This is my second family.” With 30 years of experience, Shutty has grown in her skill set just as the YMCA has grown over the last three decades. “Watching how our Y has grown is really a story within itself,” Shutty said. “The building might change. The surroundings might change, but the people generally don’t. Again, it all goes back to the people. It’s a wonderful feeling when you come into this Y.” CAROL BYRD When Carol Byrd arrives at the SAYMCA, it’s typically dark outside. The YMCA’s Active Older Adults Coordinator, Byrd arrives prior to the break of dawn, assuring that the Y is open for the first wave of members arriving weekdays at 5:30 a.m. After 30 years, she’s grown accustomed to being up before the sun. Moreover, Byrd herself has a special internal light that has an effect on everyone she meets. That’s what has driven Byrd to put in three decades. The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA is not just a career to her. It’s a calling. “Carol knows everybody by name when she welcomes people,” Martin said. “I know when there’s been hard times with staff in work life or personal life, she’s the first call many of them make. She’s just that kind of centering for all of us, and our moral compass.” Looking back, Byrd sees her career at the YMCA as an answer to prayer. The job offer came at a challenging financial time in her life. “Initially, I was a single parent who needed a job,” Byrd said, “so I could take care of the needs of me and my son. My niece happened to see the ad in the newspaper, advertising for a front desk position and said, ‘I think you’d be good at that.’” Her niece was right. Byrd has been perfect for the Y, and the YMCA has been perfect for her. She’s still the friendly first point of contact for Y members most mornings, but her job description has expanded noticeably over the decades. For many years, she has led Bible studies and serves as the organization's Chaplain. She also enjoys coordinating and performing in the YMCA’s outreach vocal group, the Y Not Sing? Singers. And then there are all the ways Byrd goes beyond any job description. She has fostered such a tender network in her group fitness aquatics sessions that many participants regularly get together outside of class. The extra phone calls she makes to check on members. The funerals she attends and heartfelt cards she circulates. She initially thought of the YMCA as something she’d do for about 30 months. It has been 30 years. “I think a lot of it had to do with I think God let me know He wanted me here,” Byrd said, “and that He could use me here.” RHONDA SHINABERRY Rhonda Shinaberry’s retired, but she’s not done. The former associate executive director for the STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA, Shinaberry still swings by whenever the YMCA needs a helping hand, a healing heart or her collective wisdom of 30 years as a YMCA employee. In 45 years, there’s never been a version of the North Coalter Street facility that hasn’t been graced with Shinaberry’s presence. “This will always be home,” Shinaberry said. “The people keep me coming back. The atmosphere and the work the Y does, I feel like I’ll always have a place here.” In this case, she swung by to help stuff 3,000 envelopes. In a twist of irony, Shinaberry is working in the office she called home for so many years. The office is now manned by Martin. To add to the irony, it was Shinaberry that helped Martin truly consider the YMCA as a career path. Shinaberry used to be Martin’s boss. Now the roles are somewhat reversed. “In this position, it’s rare to have a really good friend and a really good boss at the same time,” Martin said. “She and I have been able to keep that both ways, when I worked for her, and now when she works for me in a sense.” Part of the reason it works is because of the deep amount of respect Martin has for Shinaberry, who she describes as family. “She’s the one responsible for bringing me here, ultimately,” Martin said. “Every day I do this job to make sure she’d be proud of the decisions I make.” Of the six employees who have reached the 30-year milestone, only Shinaberry has retired. It has given her time to reflect on her decades of service with the SAYMCA. “I think time went by so fast that it’s a blur looking back,” Shinaberry said. “I just think of all the changes. This building had three tennis courts and three racquetball courts to what it is now.”
OUR 'COMPLETE 180' In 2018, Inside Charity released a report stating that the average nonprofit employee stays with an organization between two and five years. The longtimers at the SAYMCA are definitely skewing that data. All combined, the hexad of Botkin, Byrd, Henderson, Redman, Shinaberry and Shutty, have logged more than 180 years of service. The result is a stronger YMCA. “It just means we’re doing something right I think,” said Candace Martin, Associate Executive Director. “We’re getting good people and keeping good people. Them wanting to be here is tremendous. We’re making a difference.” YMCA Executive Director Josh Cole agrees. “For more than three decades, these remarkable individuals have been the heart of our YMCA - steadfast in their commitment, rich in their wisdom, and unwavering in their service,” Cole said. “They have shaped generations, nurtured community connections, and embodied the Y’s values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. Their legacy is not only measured in years, but in the countless lives they've touched and inspired. The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA is stronger because of them.”
Carol Byrd has been the spiritual soul of the SAYMCA for decades, lending her warmth, enthusiasm and skills to the front desk team, group fitness, Bible study and the Y Not Sing? Singers.
SPECIAL FEATURE: 30-Year Employees
This is a two-part series celebrating six STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA employees who have all reached 30 years with the organization. Part one highlighted Lisa Botkin, David Redman and Avis Henderson. This second part features Carol Byrd, Wendy Shutty and Rhonda Shinaberry.
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STAUNTON-AUGUSTA FAMILY YMCA | 708 N. COALTER ST. STAUNTON, VA. | (540) 885-8089 | SAYMCA.ORG
A Special Group of SAYMCA Employees Stand the Test of Time By Chris Lassiter
Wendy Shutty has held many roles over 30 years at the SAYMCA, during which time she has helped shape the group fitness program, Rock Steady Boxing, and Nuerowellness, among other projects.
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Jess Wiley holds a Master's degree in Nutrition and Human Performance and is a certified Personal Trainer and nutritionist. She's passionate about helping others set and achieve their health and wellness goals and is excited to bring expanded nutrition services to the Y soon. She is the proud mom of three boys, serves as President of the Shelburne PTA and also coordinates the annual fundraising gala for the local non-profit farm Project GROWS.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: How to Enjoy Holiday Eating
This location was the former site of the Staunton Racquet Club. This is what the front of our building once looked like.
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A lot happens in 30 years! Do you remember ...
Carol Byrd is always ready to greet you with a smile when you walk through our front door. She does a great job keeping track of regulars.
The holiday season is upon us, which means it’s that beautiful time of year when our schedules fill up with gatherings and traditions, and our tables fill with food. From pumpkin pie to mashed potatoes, it’s easy to feel like the holidays are one big obstacle course for your health and weight goals. But there are ways to enjoy the season without feeling guilty or (literally) weighed down by restrictions. Ditch the “good” and “bad” food labels. No single meal, or day, or even week defines your health. The problem isn’t the one slice of pumpkin pie or that extra helping of mashed potatoes; it’s the mindset that you’ve “messed up” and may as well throw in the towel and give up until January. When we label foods as “bad,” we often end up feeling guilty after eating them, which can lead to overeating or skipping meals the next day. Instead, remember that food is just food. Some choices nourish your body more than others, but all of them can fit into a healthy lifestyle. Focus on what to add, rather than what to restrict. Rather than thinking about what to avoid, think about what to include. Fill your plate with lean proteins, colorful vegetables, and fiber-rich foods like whole grains and fruit. Then add appropriate portions of your favorite holiday dishes alongside those. This will leave you feeling more satisfied, satiated, and less deprived of those holiday goodies. Savor, don’t shovel. Holiday food is meant to be enjoyed! Take your time as you eat. Chew for longer and really taste your food. Put your fork down between bites and prolong the experience. The goal isn’t to eat less, it’s to enjoy more. When you slow down, you’ll recognize when you’re comfortably full instead of shoving in food until you’re stuffed. Plus, you’ll get to fully appreciate the flavors and the company around the table. Plan for enjoyment, not punishment. You don’t need to “earn” your holiday meal with an extra workout, and you don’t need to “work it off” afterward. That kind of thinking turns movement into punishment and food into something to fear. Instead, move your body in ways that feel good and recognize that exercise is good for you all year long. Take a walk after dinner, dance in the kitchen, or get in a fun workout earlier in the day because it energizes you and supports your long-term goals, not because you’re being driven by guilt. Be mindful of alcohol. Holiday gatherings often come with festive drinks, but it’s worth remembering that alcohol can sneak in extra calories and lower your inhibitions around food choices. It can also interfere with metabolism, sleep, and recovery if you overdo it. Try limiting your alcohol intake and consider alternating alcoholic drinks with still or sparkling water, and choose lighter options like seltzers or spritzers. A little mindfulness goes a long way in helping you feel your best the next day. Keep the focus on what really matters. The holidays aren’t meant to be about calorie counting. They are about connection, gratitude, and celebration. Instead of worrying about “perfect” eating, focus on how you want to feel: energized, content, and present! A plate of food doesn’t have the power to undo your progress, but how you talk to yourself about that food does. In the end, balance is what truly counts. You can enjoy your favorite traditions, stay consistent with your healthy habits, and still feel good heading into the new year.
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Though Wendy doesn't teach as often as she once did she still brings her wealth of knowledge and sense of humor to everything she does for the community.
Up until her retirement in 2020, Rhonda Shinaberry was one of the most recognizable faces of the SAYMCA. She continues to help with fundraising and administrative efforts alongside Associate Executive Director Candace Martin.
Eat the Pie, Skip the Guilt: Enjoy Holiday Food While Maintaining Healthy Habits By Jess Wiley
Scan the QR code to read a recent article in The News Leader to learn more!
Our Youth Development Center will be constructed out at 575 New Hope Road. Building this will mean more access to equitable child care, more jobs, better socio-economic outcomes for our families and healthier lifestyles for our community. This is just the beginning of something great! Pick up an application to become a founding donor at the front desk today!
Become a founding donor today!
575 is our future. It is what our community deserves.
Want to get involved? Email our Executive Director Josh Cole at josh@saymca.org