Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

C.W. Avery, Central City, Galowich, Morris

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Member Spotlight: Judy Avery

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Wallin Drive in 2021! To commemorate this milestone, we are sharing the story of fantastic Y members each month. Today we shine the spotlight on Judy Avery. A true YMCA hero, Judy has shared her time, talents, and treasures with the Y for more than 20 years, and is known for her humble and kind spirit.

“The impact that Judy and her late husband, Clyde, and the entire Avery family have had on our Y community is quite profound,” Executive Director Lisa Behounek said. “As a result of their inspiring generosity, working families have peace of mind knowing their children have fun and are well cared for in the Y’s summer camp and before and after school programs. Thousands of kids have learned to swim and the number of lasting friendships formed at the Y are too many to count. None of this would be possible without the vision, generosity, and support of the Avery family!”

Learn more about Judy in the Q&A below:

Q: What makes you passionate about programs at the Y and the Y’s overall mission?

Judy: I grew up on a farm, so I never really went to a Y or was involved with the Y.  We were in 4H. However, my family has been very involved in school and with sports so I’ve always known that a place where kids can do things in a safe learning environment is a community need. Whether it’s basketball, or dancing, or tumbling, everything the Y provides for kids is important.

Q: What are you most proud about your involvement in the Y?

Judy: It’s just been fabulous to see all the people the Y has helped. COVID put a damper on things for a little bit, but we’re starting to come back and we’re doing a lot of good things for the community.

Q: How do you spend your time at the Y?

Judy: I used to come to senior programs all the time and I’m excited to start coming back to it now that things are starting to open up again.

Q: What kind of connections do you feel to the Y community?

Judy: When I talk to people around the community, I’ll hear things like ‘I’m so glad you did this’ or ‘It’s so nice for our families.’ My first response is always, ‘I’m the one who should thank you.’ It’s the members who help to make our YMCA community special.

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Thank you again, Judy for being such a special member of our Y community!  

We look forward to making a positive impact on members of our community through 2021 and beyond!

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Member Spotlight: Kathy and Ron Kazmar

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Wallin Drive in 2021! To commemorate this milestone, we are sharing the story of fantastic Y members each month. Today we shine the spotlight on Kathy and Ron Kazmar. Kathy and Ron were charter members Number 1 and Number 2 and have been instrumental in the Y’s development, opening, and expansion for more than two decades.

“When I think about 15 years ago and opening the doors, I remember just sitting and enjoying watching people come in. After 10 years of planning, it was just neat to see people,” Kathy said.

Kathy, who taught in Plainfield for 27 years, said her Y journey began in 1995 at a fortuitous lunch meeting with former Greater Joliet Area YMCA CEO Tami Sender.

“I consider Tami to be my YMCA mentor. She asked if I would help try to build a Y in Plainfield and really sparked my passion for the Y,” Kathy said.

Kathy joined Avery’s advisory council in 1999 and played an integral role in fundraising for the new building which opened in 2006. 

“I’m very proud of the fact that Ron and I are Charter Members Number 1 and Number 2 and that both of us are still active to this day,” she said.

Ron, a former board president of Plainfield School District 202, said he is most proud of being able to establish a partnership with the YMCA’s Kid Zone program and see the overall impact of the YMCA’s youth development initiatives. 

“We’re a relatively young community with a lot of young families and I think the Y serves an instrumental purpose in helping those families,” he said. “Kid Zone has been a fantastic program. It has a huge beneficial impact on young people. The same goes for summer camp. Whether it’s learning to swim or doing activities that instill discipline and encourage teamwork, the kids are able to socialize in a safe environment.”

When it comes to daily activities, Kathy enjoys swimming laps a few days each week while Ron enjoys his workouts in the Y’s newly renovated wellness center.

“The big thing about the Y is that it accepts everybody,” Ron said. “It provides an environment where people don’t feel intimidated or feel like they need to be super athletes to come here and work out. You see people of all ages and groups.”

Kathy gave credit to the YMCA staff team for creating a welcoming environment.

“I’ve gotten close to a lot of the people working on the ground and from day one the staff that we have put into this building have been exceptional. They have never failed us as members. They work so hard,” she said. 

She also said she continues to feel the rewards of being a member of the Y community. 

“I have spent a lot of time here and I really feel like it’s the best business in town. There’s no doubt about it in my mind. I hope I can spend another 25 years here,” she said.

We would like to thank Kathy and Ron for their incredible support over the last 15 years. We look forward to making a positive impact on members of our community through 2021 and beyond!

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Member Spotlight: Liz Bass

The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Wallin Drive in 2021! To commemorate this milestone, we are sharing the Y story of one of our fantastic members each month. Today we shine the spotlight on Liz Bass. Liz joined the Y during our first week of operation in 2006 and we are so excited to have her share some of her favorite memories from the last 15 years. 

Q: What made you interested in joining the Y? 

Liz: I previously lived in Naperville and I’ve always been into fitness. When we moved out to Plainfield I was looking for a gym and we heard that the Y was going to be opening up. I grew up going to a Y and with two kids I definitely wanted to be a part of that again. I was also super excited when the Y opened because my son was six months old and that’s right when childcare started, which was a big thing.

Q: What are the biggest ways you feel the Y has evolved since you joined?

Liz: It’s been awesome to see everything expand. I started to go to early morning classes based on my work schedule. I remember being the only one here at 5:15 doing bootcamp and now it’s evolved into the great group it is today. When I first started there were no spin classes, now we have an entire spin room.

Q: How has your family used the Y over the years?

Liz: My kids took swim lessons here and we would spend a ton of time in the family pool during the winter. It was so good to have a place for them to go. We’ve had birthday parties here, we did all the camps, my daughter found her love of dance here. I feel like they grew up here. 

Q: How has the Y impacted you recently?

Liz: Over time you go through a bunch of stuff in your life and the people who are here, from employees to members, have been through all of it together. When things shut down because of COVID I was really missing the people and the friendships at the Y. Being able to come back was really good for my mental health. This was the place I was missing the most. It’s a positive environment. Everybody on staff is so open to listening to members. This community supports you, and the Y has been a major component in getting me through this time. 

Q: What would you say to someone thinking about joining the Y? 

Liz: I’m such a proud Y member. I really feel like we have the best Y in the world. People who haven’t come to the Y before should know that they can find what they need. It has the best facilities, great instructors, and a lot of programming. It makes you feel good because you know you’re getting a quality experience.

We would like to thank Liz for her incredible support over the last 15 years and look forward to making a positive impact on members of our community through 2021 and beyond!

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C.W. Avery Family YMCA Member Spotlight: Denise Fudacz


The C.W. Avery Family YMCA is celebrating its 15th Anniversary on Wallin Drive in 2021! To commemorate this milestone, we will be sharing the Y story of one of our fantastic members each month. Today we shine the spotlight on Plainfield resident Denise Fudacz. Denise joined the Y as a Charter Member in 2006 and we are excited to share her Y story with you:

Q: What do you remember about joining the Y?

Denise: We live in the neighborhood. When the Y first opened, we came over to check it out on a tour. We really liked it and we were sold on it from the start!

Q: What are the main ways you have used the Y?

Denise: It’s a great place to come work out. I used to come in and swim every morning at 5 a.m. I think I did that for three years. Recently I got some personal training sessions for Christmas and I’ve started working out again.

Q: What are some fond Y memories you have?

Denise: There have been a lot of great experiences and I have met a lot of wonderful people. I remember doing the first weight loss challenge program. And, I was always afraid of deep water, so I actually took some swimming lessons when I started.

Q: How has the Y impacted your family?

Denise: Our children are older now, but our daughter worked at the Y in Kids Corner when she was younger. It’s been wonderful to see kids who grew up at the Y come through. I’ll run into them from time to time.

Q: What would you say to someone interested in joining the Y?

Denise: It’s a safe place for kids and families, and the Y does so much for the community. It really is a place where it’s like coming home.

We send a heartfelt hank you to Denise for sharing her story, and for being a loyal C.W. Avery Family YMCA member! 

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YMCA Member Spotlight: Stephen Blount

The Y is proud to provide resources and programs that support members as they work to live their best lives. Each day, we are inspired by the passion and endless energy our members exhibit as they strive to embrace a healthy lifestyle. For C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Stephen Blount, the joy and positive energy he feels when around the Y comes naturally.  

“Health and wellness has always been a part of my life, and it’s always been a YMCA. I grew up in Palatine and spent most of my time playing basketball at that Y,” Stephen said. “Now I’ve been an Avery member since it opened in 2006.”

Stephen is among the early risers who loyally attends the Y’s 5:30 a.m. Boot Camp fitness class. He said sharing the Y experience with others is one of the most rewarding things about being a member. 

“I started getting plugged into the Boot Camp class in 2007. We’ve become a family. Everyone respects one another. We care about each other whether it’s happy times or tragic times. You come to the Y for health and wellness, but what keeps you coming back is the people.”

Stephen also takes part in cycle classes and said he has been happy to see the Y’s health and safety guidelines adapt to meet the needs of members during the current public health crisis.

“I think the Y has been doing a phenomenal job. It’s been really good to see everyone work so hard to take safety precautions into account. Everything has been upfront and we’ve been able to keep everyone spaced out,” he said.

And as the new year approaches, Stephen said the Y will remain a big part of his life. 

“It’s always been a safe place for me and my family. It really is an amazing thing that we have here. Other gyms just aren’t the same,” he said. 

Stephen, from everyone at the YMCA, we are so glad to have you as a member of our Y family.

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YMCA Member Spotlight: Courtney Hartnett

Earlier this fall, the Greater Joliet Area YMCA launched its YMCA On the Go App and we are excited to share that over 1,000 members have already downloaded the App. One member who is already actively using the App to enhance her YMCA experience is C.W. Avery Family YMCA member Courtney Hartnett. 

Courtney has been a regular visitor to the Y since our summer reopening, and she said the App has helped her stay on track and motivated when it comes to fitness.

“I’m a technology person and I love having the ease of something on my phone,” Courtney said. “Aside from the convenience of checking in at the front desk with my phone, and easily signing up for the classes I want to do, the fitness tracking component is great. It gives me workouts, syncs with my Apple programs and just makes it all so simple.”

Designed to provide members with access to the YMCA 24 hours a day/7 days a week, this new interactive tool is loaded with free workouts, on-demand videos, nutrition tips, and more. App users can also register for YMCA programs, participate in fitness challenges, scan into the building, and read the latest news and notes on the Y blog with just the click of a button. All YMCA Facility Members, ages 16 and up, receive free Basic access to the On the Go App included with their membership.

“I’ve been a member for a few years, but I had kind of fallen away from coming even before the Y’s (temporary) closing. I got back into exercising during the start of the pandemic and got really excited when the Y opened back up,” she said.

“I think the Y is doing a really great job of giving everybody options here and trying to make sure everyone is socially distanced. I’m happy to be back and doing my thing,” she added.

We thank Courtney for being a #ProudYMember and encourage all of our members to try the On the Go App today. 

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