Greater Joliet Area YMCA

GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

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

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Staying Active For Life: Roger Powell’s Y Story

March Madness is underway! When it comes to basketball, few can match the passion of Galowich Family YMCA member Roger Powell.

Powell, who played basketball at Illinois State and was inducted into the Redbirds Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998, first became a member of the Y at the Ottawa Street location in downtown Joliet more than 50 years ago. And, to this day, he can still be found patrolling the courts in the Galowich gymnasium.

“Some of the younger guys ask me to play with them. I might not be able to go as fast, but if I get past halfcourt, they are in trouble. All I’ve got to do is get past half court and I can make my moves,” he said.

Powell, 68, said his daily routine is what keeps him feeling young and healthy.

“The early bird catches the worm, so I get up at 5:30 in the morning and I’ll get to the Y by 6,” he said. “I’ll shoot hoops and then I’ll do 500 sit-ups. Not 5, not 50, 500. I do some upper body lifting before I get on the bike for 5 or 6 miles. When I get done with that, I walk on the treadmill for 2 or 3 miles. That gets me to lunch time. I sit down in the lobby, have one or two coffees, and talk to people.”

Powell greets nearly every person who walks through the doors and his friendly demeanor shines in conversation, particularly when it comes to sports.

“You have to talk to people to connect and one way to talk to people is through sports. Everybody likes sports, whether it’s baseball, football, or basketball,” he said. 

Recent talk has been focused on the NCAA Tournament and Powell’s son, Roger Jr., who serves as an assistant coach for the Gonzaga Bulldogs men’s basketball team.

“I told Roger that they were probably going to struggle early in the season, but as they would get closer to the NCAA tournament they would be a better team. That’s what has happened,” Powell Sr. said. “When they played St. Mary’s for the first time they got beat, then when they played St. Mary’s in the conference tournament they won by almost 30.”   

Powell watched the Bulldogs opening weekend wins over Grand Canyon University and TCU and said that seeing his son coach is always a rewarding experience.

“I used to bring Roger to the Y when he was little. I know he works hard at everything he does,” Powell said. “I really think he’s going to get a head coaching job soon.”

And, even if a national title eludes the Bulldogs this season, Powell said nothing will stop him from coming into the Y with a positive attitude. 

“I’m a dedicated man and I’m a blessed man. I’m strong and I feel good. That’s the important thing,” he said.

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Discover Who You Can Be: Jessika Reeves’ Y Story

At the Y, we strive to provide our members with the resources and support they need to improve their health and wellness. For Jessika Reeves, who has been a Y member since 2017, taking YMCA group exercise classes helped her maintain a healthy lifestyle and eventually inspired her to become a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at the Morris Community YMCA. You can learn more about Jessika in the Q&A below.

Q: How did you become a Y member?
Jessika: I was a stay-at-home mom and I had taken some fitness classes at other facilities. When one of my favorite instructors came to the Y, I became a member because I enjoyed her classes so much. I really started to take my health seriously. I made a group of friends that would take classes together and then we would work out together on our own time.

Q: What inspired you to join the health and wellness team at the Morris Y?
Jessika: We had a class called ‘Strong by Zumba,’ which was only taught by one person. When she moved away there wasn’t going to be anyone left to teach the class. It was a little out of my comfort zone but, with the encouragement of my friends and some of the other instructors, I chose to get certified to teach that class.

Q: How did becoming an instructor change your perspective on fitness?
Jessika: When you’re in a class as a participant you sometimes think to yourself – ‘This is so hard, why are we doing this?’ – but you stick with it because you know your classmates are going through the same thing. When I became an instructor, I gained the knowledge of why some exercises were important and it got me invested on another level.

Q: Why did you become a personal trainer?
Jessika: After I became a group fitness instructor I started to take on more roles at the Y like wellness center attendant and Kids Corner attendant. When I was initially approached about doing personal training I felt like I didn’t fit the mold of a personal trainer. But after some thought I started to look at it from a different perspective. I knew that I enjoy learning, and I enjoy teaching people what I learn, and I realized I could help people get where they wanted to be with their health and wellness goals.

Q: What’s your philosophy as a personal trainer?
Jessika: I try to take the client’s concerns and opinions into consideration. The best results come when we can work as a team.

Q: What are some of your favorite Y memories?
Jessika: The fitness instructor challenges were always fun to watch and I remember participating in a couple of the ‘Dance-a-Thon’ events where we did 30 minutes of Pound, 30 minutes of Zumba, and 30 minutes of Hip-Hop Fit. That was a really good time. I love taking my kids to the holiday events at the Y and they also have gotten the chance to go to a few Kids’ Night Out events.

Q: What do you say to people when they are interested in joining the Y?
Jessika: I always tell people that if you don’t know where to start, start with the group fitness classes. Every instructor at the Y has their own talents and perspectives. And all of them are great. After that, the people you see on a regular basis will become friends. Some of the people even become good friends outside the Y. It really is a community and a family atmosphere. At some gyms you’re lucky if you get a ‘Hello’ when you walk in. At the Y there is always someone who has your back and is here to support you. You’re never on your own.

If you are looking to start your Y journey, there is no better time to join than during our January Membership Sale. Join by January 31 and you’ll pay a $0 Joiner’s Fee, a savings of up to $120!

JOIN TODAY

Our Winter Personal Training Sale has also been extended through January 31! Learn more by clicking here.

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Growing Stronger Together: Bill Turton and Maraline Mattke’s Y Story

At the Y, we know that having a strong support system can make a big difference when you are trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. For the husband and wife team of Bill Turton and Maraline Mattke, joint personal training sessions at the Galowich Family YMCA have proven to be a crucial part of their health and wellness journeys.

Bill, a Y member for more than 45 years, says personal training has helped him navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. While Maraline, who joined the Y shortly after the couple got married in 2003, is seeing the benefits of personal training following multiple knee replacement surgeries and the removal of a brain tumor. 

“The important thing about dealing with Parkinson’s is that you aren’t necessarily looking to increase skills as much as you are focusing on not losing skills. That’s why it’s important to work on maintaining balance as much as I work on increasing strength,” Bill said. 

“I’m trying to get back into shape, address fatigue, and improve balance. Personal training has done so much to improve my balance. I’m able to do so many things better like work in my garden,” Maraline said.

Both Bill and Maraline said a key reason why they have stuck with personal training is the comfortable atmosphere created by Membership and Wellness Director Alissa Koenig.

“I had personal trainers two or three times before and didn’t really connect with them. With Alissa, the connection was immediate. She listens, she’s flexible to your needs, and she’s creative. I’ve been able to work muscle groups in five or six different ways so it doesn’t become boring or repetitive,” Bill said. 

“Her enthusiasm and encouragement is unequaled by anyone. She inspires us,” Maraline said.

Alissa said she enjoys the energy Bill and Maraline bring to not only their personal training sessions, but the overall Y community.

“They have built relationships with other members who are in the fitness center because they have common goals. It is uplifting to hear everyone encouraging each other,” Alissa said. 

In addition to the health and wellness department, Bill said he appreciates the welcoming nature of the staff team at the Galowich Family YMCA.

“The staff at the Y has been nothing but tremendous during my time here. Whether it’s full-time staff, lifeguards, or custodians, everyone goes out of their way to be helpful,” he said. 

Maraline also noted that working out at the Y brings support beyond physical activity.

“I was a social worker for 42 years, working with hospitals in the community. Being at the Y has been a release and has helped in many ways, especially for my own mental health, because coming to workout here has prevented burn out,” she said.

Moving forward, Bill and Maraline said that reaching their weight loss goals is the next step in their collective Y journey.

“It’s more fun doing this together,” Bill said.

The Y would like to thank Bill and Maraline for sharing their Y story. To learn more about personal training at the Y, please click here.

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Connecting With Community: Mike Lennon’s Y Story

At the Y, we are not only focused on helping our members find their path to a healthy lifestyle, we look to strengthen their connections to the greater Y community. These principles are exemplified by Morris Community YMCA member Mike Lennon.

Mike, a former educator and avid runner, will be raising money for the YMCA’s Mission Strong Fund by competing in the Christmas in July Half-Marathon and 5K in Elk Grove on July 9. Mike said he gained inspiration from the Y’s Send a Kid to Camp Campaign, with his efforts fusing all aspects of the Y’s mission to support healthy living, youth development, and social responsibility.

“I taught elementary school P.E. in California and helping kids grow, overcoming any obstacle, has always been a passion of mine,” he said. “One of the things I really like about the Y’s approach to serving the community is that nobody is turned away due to the inability to pay, and I want to help any way I can.”

Mike, 75, frequented the downtown Joliet Y in his youth and moved back to Illinois from California eight years ago. He says that he feels a strong connection to the Y because it provides so much more than simply a place to work out, it builds character and strengthens families in our community.  

“I’ve had the chance to go to other gyms and it’s just not the same as the culture here. The Y is very community centered. It’s a really positive environment, and it encourages you to grow and develop. You feel that when you’re here,” he said.

Mike also recounted the support the Y was able to provide him after battling an array of health problems last year, including a bout with COVID, a compression fracture in his back, and blood clots. 

“I was in and out of the hospital, couldn’t work out, and was down to 150 pounds at one point. I felt like I was melting,” he said. “I came back to the Y and did six sessions of personal training. I realized I couldn’t let my routine slip. My goal is to live life strong and now I feel so much better.”

Mike plans to do most of his training for the upcoming half-marathon at the Y and, though two knee replacements and a new right hip have shifted his focus toward walking his races, raising awareness for a good cause has motivated him to ramp up his workout regiment.

“The Y is really proactive with programs and meeting the needs of families, individuals and the community as a whole, but that also means we have to fund the financial assistance program. Hopefully we can make a big impact,” he said.

On behalf of the Y, we wish Mike the best of luck in his upcoming race and look forward to sharing updates of his training throughout the coming weeks on our social media pages. 

And, you can pledge your support for Mike’s fundraiser today! Your gift, which will benefit kids at the Y, can be made through Facebook or by donating to the Y online. When making your donation on our giving portal, use the following steps: 

1. Select ‘Dedicate this donation’
2. Select ‘In Honor of’ and type ‘Mike’s Run for Y Kids’

To learn more about the YMCA Mission Strong Fund, click here. We thank you for your support as we look to support bright futures!

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Morris Community YMCA Set to Host Employment Open Houses

Working at the Y, you’ll discover more than a job—you’ll enjoy a career with a future and the opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.

THE MORRIS COMMUNITY YMCA IS NOW HIRING:

-Summer Camp Counselors
-Kids Corner Attendants
-Before and After School Care Counselors
-Personal Trainers
-Custodians

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Part-time employees receive the following benefits:

  • On the job training
  • A free Y membership and generous program discounts
  • Participation in the Y’s retirement plan (when eligibility requirements have been met)

To apply online, click below:

APPLY ONLINE

You can also learn more and participate in walk-in interviews by attending one of our Employment Open Houses, dates and times can be found below:

Tuesday, April 12
6-7 p.m.

Wednesday, April 13
6-7 p.m.

Thursday, April 14
6-7 p.m.

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Measurable Progress, Unlimited Support: Jennifer Brown’s Y Story

At the Y, we are always excited to support our members along their quest to embrace a healthy lifestyle. For Morris Community YMCA member Jennifer Brown, personal training at the Y has played a significant role in her weight loss journey.

“My recent inspiration came from my daughter. She told me a year ago that she was getting married and I said to myself that I didn’t want to look the way I did then for the wedding,” Jennifer said. “I was hoping to lose 100 pounds by the time of the wedding, which is this month, and I hit that goal in July!”

Jennifer started training with Morris Community YMCA Health and Wellness Director Ro Petersen in January and has enjoyed the teamwork involved in the process.

“Ro has provided great support and advice. I think she was more thrilled about seeing me lose 100 pounds than I was. She’s been there and she’s able to share her experience and you feel a sense of camaraderie because of that,” Jennifer said.

A key aspect of Jennifer’s journey was breaking down her big picture goal into smaller segments. 

“It’s too easy to get discouraged when you’ve got a big goal so you have to take it month by month and even week by week at times. I would set smaller goals to make sure that there was some progression. As long as I consistently kept going, I knew I would be fine,” she said.

Jennifer said she is often at the Y before and after work and enjoys her experience having learned new exercises. 

“I really enjoy going down to the weightroom and actually knowing what I’m doing. I feel confident when I do it and I love that feeling,” she said.

The result has been a healthier and happier lifestyle.

“Recently, we went to Dollywood in Tennessee and I was able to get on the roller coasters with my kids. We did a lot of walking and even some hiking and in the past my knees would be killing me and I probably wouldn’t have been able to make it because of shortness of breath. Being able to participate in things like that felt great,” Jennifer said.

Moving forward, Jennifer said she would like to lose another 55 pounds and that she is confident she can take the steps to reach that goal because of the support of the Y. 

“I love the Y because there is a sense of community. I’ve seen all shapes and sizes come through the doors. There are different fitness levels, but everyone is treated the same.  Everybody knows everybody and everyone is supportive,” she said. 

On behalf of the YMCA, we’d like to congratulate Jennifer on this amazing accomplishment! We are so excited to be a part of your health and wellness journey.

Whether you’re just starting a fitness routine or looking to add a little variety to your exercise program, a YMCA personal trainer can help you to achieve your wellness goals. One-on-one or small group coaching enables our certified personal trainers to interact with members in creating a fitness program that meets their needs and offers direction, education, motivation and support every step of the way.

First-time personal training clients can purchase 3 sessions for $99. For more information about personal training at the YMCA, stop by your local branch today.

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