140-pound weight loss goal achieved with determination, discipline

STORIES THAT INSPIRE : Jennifer Manley August 28, 2012 – I first met Jennifer Manley when I was interviewing her for a position at the YMCA.   She is a 25-year-old woman who has a very inspirational story to share with others.  She struggled her whole life with her weight and grew up often eating […]

Eleven-year-old Heath musician to perform at YMCA event

Eleven-year-old Heath musician to perform at YMCA event

(Rockwall) July 24, 2012 – The Rockwall Family YMCA will host a Special Member Appreciation Event on Wednesday, Aug. 15, which will feature a musical performance by Erin Kinsey. The event will include food demos by My Fit Foods. Bring a healthy potluck item to share. Sign up at the Welcome Center– first come, first […]

Domestic abuse – a prevalent ‘wellness’ issue

Society of Women Who Love Shoes to host fundraising event to help victims of domestic abuse July 18, 2012 – Domestic abuse is the leading cause of injury to women and the most likely way a woman will be murdered.  It is also the most likely way a police officer will die in the line of […]

After 10,000 mile journey, US flag is presented to YMCA

Flag Day celebration at Rockwall YMCA marks strong  military family connection (Rockwall) June 17, 2012 – Prior to the backyard barbecues, fireworks and patriotic parades that mark the Fourth of July in America, there’s Flag Day – the birthday of the United States flag – an opportunity for Americans to celebrate and show respect for […]

Rockwall YMCA recognizes Father of the Year

Rockwall YMCA recognizes Father of the Year

No matter how you choose to celebrate Father’s Day, you can thank a woman named Sonora Louise Smart Dodd for the tradition. Father’s Day history begins with this resident of Spokane,Washington. She was the oldest of six children who were raised by their father, Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, after their mother died during […]

Celebration of Life: Paul Keggereis / The Membership Connection

May 14, 2012 –  One of my favorite members at the Rockwall YMCA recently passed away.  Paul Keggereis was always friendly, funny, and loved to tease people.  I miss seeing him almost every day when I walk out into the lobby.  I am one of many, many people who miss him being here. Paul and […]

Leadership Alignment at the Y: leading by example

Leadership Alignment at the Y: leading by example

Director Mike Atkins steps up to the challenge with Zumba At the YMCA, we have a focus on “Leadership Alignment,” which means that we want to be examples of what we stand for. We are for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, and we promote certain values as an association.  As far as healthy […]

Focus on fitness: think positive, plan, get support

Do you ever feel like you need some assistance to reach your goals?  Following are some tips that can help you: First, what is it you want to accomplish?  Do you want to lose weight?  Do you want to add muscle?  Do you want to reduce your blood pressure or relieve stress? What I find […]

Love stories from the YMCA

Happy Valentine’s Day!  I’ve always had a bit of a love/hate relationship with the holiday. I love it because I think any celebration of love is a great thing. I dislike it because, being single, the holiday always brings with it a feeling of missing out on something- or when you are in a couple, […]

Five resolutions that strengthen your life, your community

Five resolutions that strengthen your life, your community

The New Year is a time for new beginnings. For the Y – a leading nonprofit that strengthens community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility – one of the most important resolutions is to resolve to make positive changes that strengthen individuals as well as entire communities. Following are five New Year’s Resolutions […]