Third Avenue
Playhouse 239 N. Third
Avenue Sturgeon Bay, Wis
920-743-1760
...
presenting Love
Letters
February 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23
at 7:30
pm
February 17, 24
at 2:00
pm
LOVE LETTERS centers on the long distance
relationship of Melissa Gardner and Andrew Makepeace Ladd III as seen
through 50 years of letters filled with hopes and ambitions, dreams and
disappointments, victories and defeats - that have passed between them
throughout their separated lives.
Join Doug Mancheski
and Amy Ensign for this warm, funny and very romantic love
story. Details
and
Tickets
My own “Y Story” started when I was just two years old. My family had recently moved to Door County and my mom took me to the Y to join and sign me up for a toddler gym class. Now, fifteen years later, the Y is a big part of my life. I have participated in everything from Saturday soccer, to after school sports, to a homeschool gym class, to swim lessons, to Pilates, and so much more. As a homeschooled student, the Y has been a big part of my family’s physical activity as well as a place where we have met many of our friends.
This year, I am honored to serve as a youth member on the YMCA board as well as an official Y employee. My volunteer work as a dance teaching assistant has grown into my job as a head dance teacher for some of the smallest Y members. I enjoy being a Y employee and I also enjoy my visits to the Y several times each week to take classes, to volunteer for a program, or just to exercise.
The programs offered at the Y are endless, with opportunities for everyone at any age. There are baby gym classes for the littlest members and lots of options including pool classes and track time for the Y’s valued senior citizens. Often, I see friends at the Y and the whole family is there. The kids might be in gymnastics and swimming, while the mom takes yoga and the dad tries a cycle class. There really is something for everyone at the Y.
The Y has been such a wonderful part of my life and I have always enjoyed volunteering at Y events, coaching soccer, or leading games at family fun nights. I was so excited when my family was asked this year to serve on the Campaign Cabinet, a team that works behind the scenes to help the annual campaign run smoothly.
The theme of this years’ campaign is “Building for Tomorrow.” In 1987, several hard-working, dedicated people got to work building our wonderful YMCA. Now, 26 years later, the Y serves over 7,000 people in our county. What is especially wonderful is that 1,800 of those people receive some sort of financial aid, making the impossible, possible for them. Every one of those 1,800 Y members gets to be a part of this wonderful organization and that is because of the annual campaign. Our own Door County YMCA is in the 99th percentile for scholarships granted from YMCA’s in the United States.
In order for the Y to continue being so generous, they need to raise $475,000 every year. This is where our community can give back to the Y. We need to stand up and say “Yes, I make a donation to this wonderful program,” or “Yes, I will volunteer for the campaign by calling 20 people and asking for their financial support.” Every dollar donated, every call made, every person who steps forward to give of their time and energy matters in this important campaign.
This coming week marks the start of “My Y Week” which runs from Monday, February 11th to Friday, February 15th. To officially kick off the campaign, there is a celebration at the Y for anyone who is interesting in helping out. On Sunday, February 10th, community members can come to the Y at 5:30 to meet new friends, enjoy a “build your own” taco bar, and learn how to help. After the kick off, “My Y Week” will begin on Monday, with events each day of the week to appreciate members and spread awareness for the campaign.
The theme of Monday’s festivities is “Building Buffet”. Throughout the day, the Y will be serving several build-your-own healthy snacks, like frozen treats and trail mix. “Treadmill Tuesday” is next up on the calendar. All day, members can sign up to walk on treadmills in the lobby to receive cash donations or pledges. Wednesday’s fun is a free photobooth in the lobby. Thursday continues with Valentine’s Day activities. Y visitors can purchase a flower or a sweet treat for someone they love to support the campaign. Friday will wrap up “My Y Week” with popcorn and other goodies as well as games and prizes. It will be a week full of fun and enthusiasm at the Y!
When I talk to people about the Y, one of the biggest things that everyone points out is how the Y is such a big part of their social lives. From recovering cancer patients participating in the Livestrong program to young moms meeting through their toddlers’ class, the Y is a place for people to make connections. Brian and Amy Stephens, co-chairs of this year’s campaign, along with Jeff and Sally Pfiefer, are passionate about the Y. The Stephens’ first moved to this area when their two children were little and the first place they went to was the YMCA. Brian smiles as he talks about how most of their friends now are people that they have met through the Y! Our campaign chairs, along with many other board members and volunteers, have dedicated themselves to countless hours spent serving this organization.
Another amazing fact about our Y is the number of staff members that donate to and volunteer for Y events, programs and campaigns. Not only does the Y staff do a great job when they are on the clock, they also give back to the Y with their time and money. There are not many organizations where the staff feels so strongly about their place of
work. Our Y is one of those few special places. Giving to the community is what the Y is all about, as you can tell from the motto: “For youth development. For healthy living. For social responsibility.”
For more information or to volunteer, please contact Madelyn DePrey at the YMCA at 920-743-4949 or mdeprey@doorcountyymca.org.
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If you are looking for interesting places to visit and things to do, you're in the right place. This monthly digital magazine features articles that help you get the most out of Wisconsin's magical Door Peninsula. The opinions and recommendations herein are solely those of our contributing writers.
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