Marshall Area YMCA opportunity great honor

Helping the Marshall area form and open a YMCA was the greatest honor of my 30 plus year YMCA career. My journey with the Marshall Area YMCA started shortly after the Y was incorporated in 2001. You may wonder why we’re celebrating 20 years in 2023 when the YMCA as an organization is 22 years old. We’re celebrating this year because 20 years ago we opened the YMCA building. This was most people’s first connection to the YMCA and is the perfect anniversary to celebrate.

Back to my Marshall journey… Long time Marshall residents may know Paul Rehkamp. Paul is a retired major general of the U.S. Army Reserve. During my interview, he asked how I prepared. I took out a three-ring binder I had created with demographic data on Marshall, logistics for the trip, information on starting a new YMCA and more.

He told me later that he was impressed with my organization. Six months later, Major Gen. Rehkamp was helping children make puppets out of craft sticks while volunteering for the Y. I was pushing his comfort zone.

With a grant from the Marshall Municipal Utilities, we were able to equip the YMCA building with geothermal heating and cooling. This was quite the construction undertaking. It involved drilling over 250 wells approximately 260 feet deep under what is now the parking lot. Drilling involved a significant amount of water which created a mud field. Each well had to have someone other than the drilling contractor read and confirm pressure before that well could be sealed. One weekend that task fell to me. The muck was so thick that both of my tennis shoes came off my feet. I pulled them from the mud and threw them away.

Almost 300 families joined the YMCA as Charter Members. These were the first members of the Marshall Area YMCA, joining several months before the building opened. Charter members were treated to a hard hat tour of the building while it was still under construction. The general contractor, Hasslen Construction, was very patient with us as they had to do a lot of clean up and safety checks to accommodate these tours. Charter members also got to use the facility before we opened with a special “soft opening” just for them. I think it was during this event that Major General Paul Rehkamp was found repeatedly going down the pool slide.

I’m looking forward to joining everyone in Marshall for the YMCA’s 20th Anniversary Social Kings & Queens on Nov. 2. And, thank you to all the amazing volunteers and staff of the Marshall Area YMCA who have carried on the Y’s work of strengthening the community for the past 20 years.

Theresa Lubke

CEO of the Marshall Area YMCA Oct. 2001 through June 2008

YMCA offers sense

of community

Meeting space, swimming lessons, group exercise, new recreation such as pickleball, summer camps and supporting a large and successful Farmer’s Market every year are just some of the community opportunities the Marshall YMCA provides. Most importantly, the Marshall YMCA embodies the very essence of what Marshall holds dear: a sense of community.

The Marshall YMCA has built community by providing numerous opportunities for individual and social fulfillment through recreation, education and social interaction. Guided by their core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, the Marshall YMCA ensures something we all strive for as a community: people of all ages and backgrounds can experience healthy and educational options just like everyone else.

To boost and revitalize their economies, today many cities are considering the addition of community recreation centers. Ahead of their time, 20 years ago, Marshall’s community leadership recommended a community center through the YMCA.

The Marshall YMCA is in fact one of Marshall’s economic development core community assets–thus the reason it is often pointed out to prospective employers, employees and community members as enhancing residents’ quality of life while also creating a positive image and reputation for our city.

Statistics suggest that the fitness and exercise market has not reached a saturation point in our community or region. Future needs identified by an indoor recreation study commissioned by the city include: a shortage of multi-purpose space for classes and activities, no indoor play structures, a lack of indoor access to recreation in winter months, a shortage of gymnasium space to meet the growing interest and demand for recreation and sport programming. These, in addition to building upkeep and maintenance, are things that community leaders will need to consider, just like they did in 2003, in order to continue providing a wide range of health, wellness and recreation opportunities long-term.

Thank you to all past and current contributors, members, volunteers, staff and supporters, you have made sure the Marshall Area YMCA has and will continue to be a part of our thriving community.

Sharon Hanson,

City Administrator

Thrive, connect, soar at YMCA: Journey to Wellness

The YMCA holds a special place in my heart, for it has been the catalyst of change in my life. Stepping into this vibrant community, I discovered a haven that catered to my well-being. Through the diverse offerings, I’ve experienced the benefits firsthand, ranging from social connections for seniors to newfound strength, weight loss, and even relief from chronic back pain.

1. Seniors’ social outlet:

One of the most best aspects of my journey at the YMCA has been the opportunity to connect with fellow seniors. It’s more than just a gym; it’s a vibrant social hub where age is merely a number. The laughter, camaraderie, and shared experiences create an atmosphere of belonging, reminding us that community knows no age limit.

2. Swimming:

The YMCA’s aquatic facilities are excellent. The low-impact nature of water workouts has allowed me to build strength, improve flexibility, and enjoy a sense of weightlessness that no other exercise provides.

3. Learning about health topics:

The YMCA is a wellspring of knowledge, offering a variety of workshops and seminars on health topics that have empowered me to make informed decisions about my well-being. From nutrition to stress management, these sessions have equipped me with the tools to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life.

4. Feeling stronger:

With the guidance of dedicated trainers, I’ve witnessed my own transformation from strength to strength. The tailored fitness programs have enhanced my physical capabilities Every workout is a testament to the incredible strength that lies within.

5. Losing weight:

My journey at the YMCA has resulted in a remarkable transformation. The combination of regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and a supportive community has allowed me to shed excess weight in a sustainable and healthy manner. The Y isn’t just about superficial change; it’s about nurturing a healthier, happier you.

6. No more bone pain on long drives:

The relief from chronic back pain on long drives has been a true revelation. The improved posture, strengthened core, and overall physical well-being have not only made road trips enjoyable but have also given me the freedom to explore new destinations without the hindrance of discomfort.

7. Connection with trainer:

My trainer at the YMCA has been a beacon of support and motivation throughout my journey. His personalized approach, tailored to my specific needs and goals, has been instrumental in my progress. The genuine care and dedication of my trainer have turned every session into a step towards a better, healthier version of myself.

8. Added benefit of helping with drone club:

The YMCA isn’t just about personal growth; it’s about community involvement. Through the Y, I discovered a unique opportunity to combine my passion for drones with a sense of purpose. The drone club not only provides a creative outlet but also allows me to contribute to a community that shares a common interest.

The YMCA has been the cornerstone of my journey towards holistic well-being. It’s a place where strength is built, connections are forged, and lives are transformed. Join me in embracing this incredible journey, and together, let’s thrive, connect, and soar at the YMCA. Your path to wellness begins here.

Vince LaPorte

YMCA plays big role in community

Some people in the community know that my career started at the Southdale YMCA in Edina back in 1999. I started part time for 10 months and stayed patient long enough to start full time in January of 2000. I really enjoyed my time at Southdale and thought I would be a “lifer” at the Y. Like Cliff Claven would say, “it’s a little-known fact” that I reached out to the Executive Director, Theresa Lubke back when they were looking for staff while opening about employment, but she didn’t return my email.  It all worked out for me as I worked at the YMCA until 2008 until I moved onto Chamber work.

Upon arriving with my family back to Marshall in 2014, I knew that the YMCA would be something that I would get involved with again. At the Groundbreaking of the Red Baron Arena, I saw someone that looked very familiar and after asking one of my co-workers, I found out it was Tom Bolin, who I actually served with on a statewide YMCA committee back in my Y days. 

So, after visiting with him and being recommended to the Board of Directors as a potential board candidate, I joined the board in March of 2015 and stayed on until February of 2022. Seven years of being involved at the YMCA and it was a good run.

The YMCA plays a big role in this community and it’s in a great location, just down from the Marshall Lyon County Library, Marshall Middle School and Southview Elementary as well as being next door to Schwan’s.  It certainly is a community hub for many in the community and plays an important role in developing youth in mind, body and spirit. 

The Y is going to be here for a long time. I would encourage anyone to get involved by first becoming a member of the Y and then get involved as a volunteer as there are many opportunities to give back to the Y.

Brad Gruhot