Share Your Y Story

If you come to the Y, volunteer with us, work at a branch or give to a campaign, we want to know what it means to you.

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My Y Story: Libby Shepherd

YMCA NINJA COURSE: TRY OUR INDOOR OBSTACLE COURSE, A SERIES OF CHALLENGING PHYSICAL OBSTACLES TESTING SPEED, ENDURANCE AND AGILITY 8-YEAR OLD LIBBY SHEPHERD IS A YMCA NINJA! She’s been building up her strength at the Westwood Park Y’s Ninja course since her first class in January. “She’s had a great time on the ninja course…. Read more »

My Y Story: Carol Beebe and Terry Chapman

WORKOUT FRIENDS FOR 25 YEARS CAROL AND TERRY BOND DURING STRENGTH TRAINING CLASSES Carol Beebe became fast friends with YMCA workout buddy Terry Chapman since they started attending the Y in 1997 for a 15-week program encouraging members to exercise three times a week. Carol and Terry met when they were introduced by Terry’s daughter… Read more »

My Y Story: Arlene Magoon

ARLENE MAGOON: FACING LIFE’S TRANSITIONS WITH YOGA AND FRIENDS  After a fulfilling career in preparedness emergency management with FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency, an agency of the United States Department of Homeland Security), Arlene is happily retired. “My retirement has allowed me to take things that I loved at my work and I can now… Read more »

My Y Story: Paula Badders

  PAULA BADDERS: WEDNESDAY MORNING’S CIRCLE OF FRIENDS Stop by, Everyone is Welcome! At the Y, we love hearing about our friendship groups that connect here. Today, we introduce the Merrimack Y’s Circle of Friends! Y member and devoted member of this group Paula Badders loves her water aerobics classes on Wednesday mornings, and REALLY… Read more »

My Y Story: Olivia Lyman

OLIVIA LYMAN: FROM LIFEGUARD TO CHILD CARE HER PASSION FOR EDUCATING HAS GROWN WITH THE Y   Olivia Lyman has worked for the Y since high school when she was certified as a lifeguard. As a swimmer for Alvirne High School for four years, she was well prepared to earn her lifeguard certification in a course offered at the… Read more »

My Y Story: Jeff Kirkland

JEFF KIRKLAND: SUPPORT FROM THE Y FOLLOWING BARIATRIC SURGERY HAS BEEN IMPORTANT TO MY SUCCESS Jeff Kirkland has always been athletic and enjoys sports. He knows the value of being physically fit from his time in the United States Navy. As with many of us, Jeff got away from a healthy routine. He started not eating… Read more »

My Y Story: Hunter Daily

HUNTER DAILY: SWIM TEAM RALLIES AROUND TEAMMATE The Daily family has been involved in competitive swimming for years, both locally and while living in Vermont and Virginia. “This team by far is the most welcoming. Overall the tone of the team is different. The kids are friends first, competitors second,” said Roni Daily, mother to… Read more »

My Y Story: Ethan Matte

ETHAN MATTE: SELF-PROCLAIMED Y KID, SELECTS THE Y AS BENEFICIARY OF HIS EFFORTS When 18-year-old YMCA member Ethan Matte had to choose a meaningful project to earn his Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout badge, he wanted to do something to benefit the YMCA, which his mother shares is a big part of his life…. Read more »