Williams is especially
proud of the ongoing day care program that currently has an
enrollment of more than 80 school-aged kids and about a
dozen and a half pre-schoolers. The Wayman Palmer building
has recently been modified, he noted, to provide more
security and prevent non-participants from intruding. A
separate entrance and a walled of section of the building
have been implemented.
“Sports are coming back,”
said Williams of the increased interest and participation in
the Y’s athletic programs. As many as 100 youngsters are
often playing weekend basketball and soon, as spring
approaches, t-ball, soccer and flag football will also be
part of offering. Williams is working with the other Y
branches in the area to set up year-round competition in the
various sports.
Several programs, of
different sizes, are on the schedule.
Silver Sneakers – low
impact exercises – already has about 50-60 participants; a
high impact program featuring stepping and aerobics is also
underway. Other programs include a Mercy-St. Vincent’s
workshop on nutrition; family night once a month; the annual
Christmas party; Angel Tree – during the holidays; a
Thanksgiving dinner giveaway and a trunk or treat at
Halloween.
The Wayman Palmer building
is a bit of a hodgepodge – seemingly built at different
times blending offices, classrooms and a basketball gym. A
renovation, which is in the planning stage, would enhance
the appearance and the usefulness of the space.
The success of such a
fundraising campaign, however, will depend largely on the
perception that individuals and organizations, especially
organizations with funds to donate, have of the operation.
“We have to get the word
out and let people know what we’re doing and what people can
take advantage of,” said Williams.
That word is certainly out
amongst potential members. Over the last year alone,
membership has doubled at the Wayman Palmer. The membership
rates are indeed appealing, as low as $25 for a family –
children included – for those residents who are in the
Wayman Palmer’s residential eligibility zip codes – 43604,
43606, 43607, 43608, 43610, 43620.
The Wayman Palmer is also
committed to an extensive involvement in the community it
serves. “We will continue to open up to the community,” said
Williams describing how the facilitiy’s space is open to
organizations like “fire, police, neighborhood block watch
meetings … and anyone trying to do the right thing.”
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