Member Spotlight

Katie Pinar knows the meaning of “service”. She learned that the old fashioned way through serving all of us in the military for 14 years. So she knows good service when she sees it. That’s one of the reasons she likes the YMCA. Katie’s relationship with the Y started over 20 years ago as a…

Life happens and changes occur. Katherine (Kat) Hardt of Escanaba can attest to that. A few years ago she found herself back at home challenged with the role of a single Mom and heading back to school to get her Nursing degree at Bay College. But she had two problems: going to Nursing school and…

When John Thennes talks about his family (Wife of 37 Years Ann, 2 daughters – Kristen and Amanda and his two granddaughters) you can see the love in his eyes. When he talks about his “second family” the YMCA you can feel the appreciation. John and the YMCA became acquainted out of necessity. Ten years…

Bad things can happen to good people. Ask Jay Kirby. Seven years ago he was involved in a Snowmobile accident that severely damaged his left leg. So much so, that he nearly lost it. But after surgery and rehab, he was on the mend. His Physical Therapist knew that even though he was done with…

Jim Henderson and the YMCA go back…WAY back! In fact, Jim was even present at the birth of the YMCA in Delta County in 1985. Hired as the Bay College Physical Education instructor in 1965, Jim had been walking the walk as well as talking the talk for over 20 years before the Y came…

Imagine at the age of 27 that you are told that you have stage 3 Colon Cancer. Now imagine going through 6 months of chemotherapy that leaves you in a weakened state both physically and mentally. If you do you will understand why Holly Nylund of Escanaba needed the YMCA and some additional help from…

Jay Erzberger might affectionately be called our resident YMCA swimmer. Any afternoon he can be seen swimming laps in the pool. Jay grew up on the Southside of Chicago. He learned to swim about as soon as he learned to walk and spent his summers in the water of Lake Geneva. Jay has enjoyed water…

Eva is a lucky 4 year-old. Lucky because she has loving parents (Dad-Trevor and Mom-Nikki) a Black Lab named Marley and a fat cat named Rudy. But if you had to add icing to that Lucky Cake, Mom says you could add the YMCA Childcare Program! The Pankonien’s moved back to the area in 2012…

“A Walking Legacy”. That’s the best description for one our dearest members George Rusch. George and his wife of 37 years Susan, are from Escanaba. He has been a member and volunteer for over 10 years and is a frequent user of the Fitness Center where he also focuses much of his volunteer work. George…

They say when someone is truly happy; their smile can light up a room. In Becky Jacobson’s case it may be a room, or a gym, or a Wellness Center where she spends a lot of time these days. But you can definitely tell she’s happy. Happiness has been one of the many side effects…