Youngstown YMCA marks 125th year

By KATIE SEMINARA

A health fair helped ring in the Y’s anniversary celebration.

YOUNGSTOWN — While educating visitors on foot care during the YMCA health fair, Dr. Jay Sandhu wound up learning a few things himself.

Sandhu recently moved to the area from Chicago and was surprised to learn the downtown Youngstown branch of the YMCA had been around so long — it turned 125 years old this year.

The health fair Wednesday that featured more than 70 health related-vendors doubled as the 125th anniversary celebration for the central branch on Champion Street.

Sandhu of Boardman was providing information for Forum Health Northside Medical Center’s Family Foot Care Center and Podiatric Medicine and Surgical Residency Program.

“I’m a member of the Boardman Y,” Sandhu said.

“The appeal of the facility drew me in,” he said of the D.D. and Velma Davis branch.

That appeal Sandhu saw in the Y is the reason members and community residents have been going to the Y for so long.

“For 125 years, the Y has been an anchor in the community,” said Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams.

Ken Rudge and Mike Shaffer have made a commitment to the community for the Y to have a strong social and physical presence, said Williams. “I’m glad they are there and look forward to working with them in the future,” he said.

Rudge is the Y’s chief executive officer and Shaffer is the central branch director.

Both Rudge and Shaffer cut the decorative cake with Williams to honor and celebrate 125 years of service.

A picture of the original YMCA building and the YMCA emblem adorned the cake that was served to health fair participants and visitors.

“We’re 125 years old and we look forward to the next 125,” said Shaffer.

Health fairs at the YMCA started about 20 years ago with only 10 to 15 booths, said Maureen Horvath, YMCA fitness director.

Now the health fair boasts more than 70 participants and welcomes more than 1,000 visitors, she said.

“All the community service agencies and vendors are showing their goods,” said Horvath. “It’s a nice atmosphere.”

Visitors to the fair could relax during a five-minute massage, get a quick eye exam or receive health care guidance from the fair’s sponsor Humana Inc.

“A lot of the inner-city Ys in the country are struggling, but it’s pretty vibrant down here,” said Steve Vieltorf, sales representative for Humana.

Donald Ells, 75, of Youngstown, still frequents the YMCA to play volleyball and witnessed some of the vibrance at the fair.

“The people are so kind and considerate,” he said.

“They tell you about your health, what you should do, what you should eat. It’s all helpful and it’s free,” said Ells.