Butler YMCA adds to legacy at open house
The newly renovated first floor of the Butler YMCA accommodated about 150 people Friday at an open house to celebrate that upgrade.
YMCA members and officials, local officials, project donors, downtown business representatives and others filled the bright new lobby, which was the major portion of the $700,000, 10,000-square-foot renovation at the facility on South Washington Street.
Those closest to the project spoke just before a large red ribbon was cut to officially open the first floor.
Perhaps the most eloquent speaker was Sandra Ihlenfeld, the YMCA's vice president of organizational advancement, who paid tribute to major project donors Joe and Eleanor (Phillips) Dickey.
The Dickeys surprised Eleanor's mother, Janice Phillips Larrick, by making their donation in honor of the 92-year-old and her late husband and Eleanor's father, Victor K. Phillips.
“Eleanor told me (of her parents) 'They taught us how to love and give and serve others,'” said an emotional Ihlenfeld as she unveiled a plaque in their honor. “This plaque will help us to remember this day.”
Larrick, who attended the event, said she was shocked at the announcement that her daughter and son-in-law made their donation in honor of herself and her late husband.
“I was overwhelmed and very tearful,” Larrick said after the ceremony. “I think it's quite a beautiful honor that Eleanor and Joe have paid to me. I can't get over their kindness and love.”
Larrick extolled the virtues of the Butler YMCA, where she remembers swimming as a young girl when the Y was at the current Cubs Hall.
“It's a wonderful place for families,” she said.
City Councilman Kenny Bonus also attended the event at the YMCA, where he works out regularly.
“I came to the Y in grade school, and I'm still a Y kid at heart,” Bonus said.
He appreciates the renovations on the first floor, which he said will benefit the community.
“Renovations spark interest and invigorates the community in general,” Bonus said.
He said the renovations make the first floor more modern and welcoming. Bonus was glad the open house was so well attended.
“As a member, I have always loved the mission of the Y and what it stands for,” Bonus said. “It's really nice to get everyone together like this.”
Longtime YMCA members who attended the event said they approve of the renovation, which moved the administrative offices to the south side of the building and created the lobby in its place.
“Its really open, and not so crowded,” said Joni Jankovich of Connoquenessing Township, who swims, exercises and plays cards at the Y. “There's so much more space. Before it was dark, especially in the winter.”Her friend, Marion Eckstein, said the new lobby and added security have made her experience much more enjoyable. Eckstein enjoys the Silver Sneakers program at the Y as well as swimming and playing cards.“It's very inviting. They did an excellent job,” Eckstein said. “We need to have a place where we can gather safely.”Sally Merrison of Butler, who has been coming to the YMCA for 12 years, likes the open, airy atmosphere in the new lobby. She participates in water aerobics in the pool and exercises in the Wellness Center at the Y.“It's absolutely gorgeous and it makes it so we can meet more people, not just those in our (exercise) classes,” Merrison said.Diane Filges of Butler has enjoyed programs at the Y for 20 years.“I love all the natural light,” Filges said. “You don't have that closed-in feeling.”She said the new front desk and its upgraded security affords improved access to programs for those with mobility issues.In his speech, David Hilliard, president and CEO of the Butler YMCA, shared some of the 130-year-old institution's history.Among other facts, he said the Standard Steel Car Co. asked the YMCA in 1906 to take over a school for foreign-speaking men, which was a program that lasted until the 1930s.The Tumble Inn dances began at the YMCA in the 1940s and continued until the 1970s, and the now well-used day care at the Y began in 1986.He said the 2017 first-floor renovation has been a dream for a long time.“Here we are and thank you,” Hilliard said.Larry Black, the chairman of the YMCA board of directors, said he realizes that the building is in a neighborhood where many families are hurting.He said for the past four or five months, the YMCA has engaged in a weekly program, with the help of the Ellen O'Brien Gaiser Addiction Center, to help families impacted by drug and alcohol use.“We want to be part of the solution to attack the drug problems here in Butler,” Black said.He also praised the Dickeys for their generous donation to the project.“Without Joe and Eleanor, we wouldn't be standing here today,” Black said.After the ceremony, Joe Dickey declined to divulge the amount of the donation that made the renovation possible, but he did extol the virtues of the institution where he has been a lifelong member.“It's like a home away from home,” Dickey said. “It's a great place, and I like their motto of 'mind, body and spirit.'”He said the renovation better utilizes the space on the first floor, and he hopes it increases membership.“I hope the people will come and enjoy it,” Dickey said.
WHAT: Butler YMCAADDRESS: 339 N. Washington St.PHONE: 724-287-4733HOURS: Mondays through Thursdays: 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sundays: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.OFFERINGS: Morning preschool on Tuesdays and Thursday; child care; birthday parties; group fitness classes for adults; aquatic programming; youth sports; YMCA camp/Armco Park summer programming.
