Submitted article
On Tuesday, April 21, the Galion Community Center YMCA held its 36th Annual Meeting prior to its regularly scheduled monthly board meeting. The annual meeting highlighted agency events and achievements throughout the past year, including the completion of a $1 million renovation, the beginning of reciprocal memberships among all Ohio YMCA locations, and the popularity of YMCA youth programming.
The Board of Directors recognized a small group of board and community members for their contributions to the YMCA. Retiring board members of six and five years respectively, Steve Miley and Roger Beaudet, were thanked for their service to the agency, while outgoing board President Ken Davis was presented with a plaque in appreciation for his two stints in that role.
Community member J.D. Smith was named the 2014 Youth of the Year. J.D. spent many hours throughout the renovation helping to move furniture and equipment, and assisted with agency lawn maintenance. He also provided youth tennis lessons throughout the summer and volunteered at the agency’s annual 5k race. The 2014 Volunteer of the Year award went to community member Tim Shrimpf. Tim has served the agency as a volunteer official for the youth basketball program for the past three years and has proven to be a valuable asset to the program and its participants.
Joe Kleinknecht transferred from his role as Vice President to that of President, and Caryl Huggins was elected to fill the Vice Presidential seat. Amanda Hatcher and Dr. Steven Novack were also elected to board seats.
While the board celebrated the success of 2014, it remains focused on growing the agency and supporting the minds, bodies, and spirits of Galion families in 2015.