NEWSLETTER
Exciting news about our child care program, youth and adult sports, important events and more!
WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA
OCTOBER 2026
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Exciting News About Our Child Care Programs
By Eleanor Rixey
The WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA announces with gratitude that its preschool daycare and after school programs, will now be receiving free meals and snacks through the Department of Health’s (VDH) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP). All families qualify for this grant regardless of income. This grant includes the children enrolled in The STAUNTON-AUGUSTA YMCA's After School Adventure Club as well as their preschool center, Community Child Care. The CACFP runs for a full year and assists with reimbursing the cost of purchasing delicious and healthy foods. Through our partnership with The SAYMCA we have now expanded access to 280 local children. This is an increase from the 40 children who were served last year through CCC alone. A significant portion of the families across all three organizations receive subsidies or financial assistance. "At a time when more and more families are having to choose between paying bills and putting food on the table, grants like this are a life-line for our community," said Associate Executive Director Kristi Hatcher. According to The CDC's Early Childhood Nutrition Report, "When healthy foods are inaccessible or not affordable, families might feed their children foods that are higher in calories and lower in important nutrients." It is understandable how this happens. Our organizations are working tirelessly to head off health complications related to nutrition deficits like; obesity, diabetes, and poor brain development through seeking grants that align with our mission of healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. "Because of the support of the CACFP grant, we are able to provide breakfast, lunch and snacks to the children in our care each day," said CCC Director Jamye Justus. "This helps ensure that every child has access to healthy meals while they are here, while also helping ease some of the financial burden on families. CACFP allows us to focus on providing children with the nutrition they need to learn, grow and thrive - regardless of their family's circumstances." We cannot overstate the impact this grant is having on the youth entrusted to our care. Not only are the meals nutritious, the children are also enjoying them. For an audience that is notorious for being choosy the simple request, "May I have another?" reflects how successful the program is. To find out how you can support Community Child Care, The SAYMCA or The WFYMCA visit saymca.org or contact Associate Executive Director Kristi Hatcher at (540) 885 - 8089. The quote from the CDC was taken out of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( 2025, August ) CDC's Early Childhood Nutrition Report 2025 www.cdc.gov/nutrition/media/pdfs/2025/CDC- Early-Childhood-Nutrition-Report-National- 2025-508.pdf
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Community Child Care, SAYMCA, WFYMCA Receive USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program Grant
Saturday September 19 | 11 - 4 PM
Member Shares Health Journey, Inspiration to Never Give Up
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Nick Hilleary
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Registration closes 9/16 Sign up online or in person today!
Farm-fresh food on the go! SNAP accepted. Kids get $5 of FREE vegetables every visit! Pay what you can with their sliding scale.
YOUTH PROGRAMS!!
The Grow Mobile Returns!
Tuesday September 22 4:45 - 5:45 PM
Led by Justin Wilmott and Chris Lancaster
Teen Basketball Open Gym
Nick enjoys using the rowing machine and the elliptical at The WFYMCA. He enjoys the connections he has made with the staff who offer encouragement and support.
Nick Hilleary was born a fighter. He has spent his life learning what it means to keep going, through difficult losses, personal challenges and the obstacles that can come with having a learning disability. But if Hilleary has learned anything along the way, it is that quitting is never an option. “My grandmother, who died a week before my mom, she was just like, ‘Don’t you change for anybody. You keep fighting because you were born a fighter. You just keep going, and don’t let anybody get in your way,’” he said. Those words have stayed with him. Hilleary grew up in Nelson County and comes from a large family with a strong work ethic. His grandmother lived to be nearly 93 after growing up as an orphan with very little. She and Nick’s grandfather went on to raise seven children, all of whom attended college. “I come from a very big military family,” Hilleary said. “They all work really hard, and my sister pledged me to go work out, to not sit around.” For Hilleary, working out has become more than a way to stay active. It has become another expression of the determination his grandmother impressed upon him. He has been a member of the Waynesboro Family YMCA since 2015, but his commitment to fitness has taken on new meaning in recent years. After losing his mother, Hilleary learned from his doctor that he was prediabetic. At the time, he weighed 237 pounds and admits he initially struggled to find the motivation to make a change. Then he started rowing. At first, he wasn't convinced it was for him. But after his sister and others encouraged him to give it a try, he climbed onto the rowing machine and started with 15 minutes. Then 20. Eventually, 40 minutes became routine. Now, he can spend nearly an hour on the machine — sometimes longer. In five months, he lost approximately 23 pounds, bringing his weight down to 213. His health has improved, too. “I just don’t quit,” Hilleary said. “That’s just the way I was made. I just don’t want to quit.” The staff at the Y have become an important part of that journey. Hilleary credits Tre Woodson with encouraging him to vary his workouts and add the elliptical to his routine. He also speaks warmly about Dawn, Pete and other members of the Y staff who have supported him along the way. “They’re wonderful,” he said. The relationships matter because the Y has become much more than a place where Nick exercises. It has become a place where he feels supported, encouraged and known. “It’s a godsend,” he said. “Because if it wasn’t for the Y, I don’t know where I would be at.” Hilleary has experienced more than his share of hardship. He has faced significant losses and difficult circumstances, including losing his father while he was in high school and losing his home in a fire. He has also faced social challenges related to his learning disability. “It’s not easy being me,” he said. “It really isn’t. So that’s why I keep going.” Hilleary continues to put his grandmother’s advice into practice. And now he is sharing his experience in the hope that it inspires somebody else.
Taking a Closer Look at Common Myths Surrounding Bone Health By Kat Draego
In October we are expanding on the discussion about Aging Strong. Last month we talked about strength training as we age. In the spirit of Halloween let's take a closer look at the sometimes spooky myths related to bone health. Myth: “If my bones don’t hurt, they must be healthy.” Truth: Bone loss usually happens silently. Osteoporosis may cause no symptoms until a fracture occurs, so feeling well does not necessarily mean your bones are strong. Myth: “Walking is all I need for healthy bones.” Truth: Walking is a great start. A well-rounded bone-health routine also includes resistance exercise to strengthen muscles and bones, plus balance activities to help prevent falls. Myth: “If I have osteoporosis, exercise will break my bones.” Truth: Exercise suited to your needs can help you stay strong, steady, and independent. A healthcare provider or physical therapist can guide safe choices—especially if you have had a fracture or have a high fracture risk
FITNESS FOCUS COMPANION: Matching Quiz
MYTHS VS. TRUTHS: Bone Up on Your Knowledge
CORNER OF YOUR Y: Fitness for All
TRAINER TIPS:
Youth Gymnastics in Full Swing
Pick up the Pace with HIIT: From Russ Whaley Conditioning Instructor and Boxing Technique Coach
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Peek into the Fitness Studio on Saturday afternoons during October, and you’ll see our amazing YMCA children tumbling, jumping, running, laughing, and singing! Coach Isaiah Blevins introduces children to the joy of movement through gymnastics, helping them build coordination, confidence, and exciting new skills. Our youngest gymnasts, the Explorers ( ages 2-3 ), build body awareness and learn to move through space through games and playful obstacle courses. Our Builders ( ages 4-6 ) receive individual coaching as they develop gymnastics skills and tackle engaging physical challenges. Our Achievers ( ages 7 and up ) focus on precision and form appropriate to their abilities, discovering how patience and effort lead to progress. Alongside the tumbling and balance activities come opportunities to take turns, encourage one another, and celebrate small successes. With thoughtful preparation and a natural gift for teaching, Coach Isaiah makes the studio a place where children feel welcome, capable, and excited to try. Each Saturday offers another chance to discover: “Look what I can do!”
Join Blue Ridge Packs and Tracks, The WAYNESBORO FAMILY YMCA, and community partners for a fun, inclusive outdoor experience for families, seniors, veterans and individuals of all abilitites. FREE for everyone!
Looking for a fresh challenge that gets your heart pumping and adds variety to your workout? HIIT might be just what you’re looking for! HIIT stands for High-Intensity Interval Training, a workout that alternates short bursts of vigorous effort with periods of easier movement or rest. The appeal? A focused workout that fits into a busy day, with about 20 minutes of work-and-recovery intervals. Picture this: a short burst of vigorous exercise, followed by easy movement or rest to recover. That’s one HIIT round! Repeat this work-and-recovery pattern with different exercises, and you have a lively workout with plenty of variety. During the harder intervals, you’re breathing heavily enough to speak only a few words at a time. Recovery intervals let you catch your breath before picking up the pace again. High intensity doesn’t have to mean high impact. The goal is to find a challenging effort for you. Exercise choices, pace, and resistance can be adjusted to match your fitness level. Join Russ Whaley on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. for an HIIT class! All levels are welcome-from those building their fitness to seasoned athletes looking for a challenge. Russ will help you find the right options, practice good technique, and make each interval count. And with Russ’s background as a boxing coach, you can look forward to boxing-inspired intervals that add an extra punch of fun! Bring your energy, work at your level, and discover get ready to HIIT it hard!
Months of planning and preparation culminated in one unforgettable night. The Waynesboro Family YMCA celebrated its 40th annual gala with the 2026 Diamonds & Denim event, an evening filled with community spirit, celebration, and gratitude. A highlight of the evening was recognizing Erika Hahn, the Y’s longest-standing member, as Person of the Year for her decades of service, dedication, and connection to the Y community. The YMCA was also very pleased to honor Eric Flecher as Volunteer of the Year and Harleigh Andrew as Youth of the Year. “What makes this annual event unforgettable was seeing our community come together to celebrate and support the YMCA,” said Executive Director Anne Hudlow. From the decorations to the guests dressed in their best denim and diamonds, the evening was filled with energy and excitement. “Our guests embraced the spirit of the evening,” Hudlow said. That generosity translated into meaningful support for the YMCA’s mission. Thanks to so many community-minded guests, the gala raised $65,000 to support programs that uplift local youth, families, and neighbors. The YMCA extends its heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors, Gala committee, Board of Directors, honorees, donors, volunteers, and staff whose time, generosity, and dedication made the 40th Gala such a memorable success. “The impact of this evening reaches well beyond the celebration,” Hudlow said. “These funds help us create opportunities for families across our community. We’re deeply grateful to everyone who helped make that possible.” Read about Erika’s legacy as part of the WFYMCA community: A Lifetime in the Water, A Legacy of Service For Erika, swimming has always been about more than what happens in the pool. It has been a lifelong connection to family, community, and service. Originally from Germany, Erika moved to Virginia in 1957 after her husband was recruited to the area for work. Together, they built a life here and raised three sons. Today, her family has grown to include 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Through the decades, swimming has remained an important thread connecting those generations. Erika has never been content simply to participate. She has always found ways to give back. As a dedicated volunteer, she spent many years coaching swimming with the Jefferson Swim League, which included the Waynesboro YMCA. She also devoted her time and experience to Special Olympics Swimming, helping athletes develop their skills while discovering the joy and confidence that come with competition. As Erika puts it, “I have done a lot for swimming, but swimming has done a lot for me.”
The WFYMCA Gala Commitee put in months of hard work leading up to the successful event. The smiles on their faces says it all!
[ Pictured from left: Harleigh Andrew, Erika Hahn and Eric Flecther ] WFYMCA honored Andrew, Hahn and Fletcher at their 40th Gala.
OCTOBER
AND SAVE!
COMMUNITY HIGHLIGHT: Gala Recap
REGISTER EARLY
WFYMCA Community Celebrates Community, Successful Fundraiser