May 4th is a date that will forever hold two significant memories in history for the Valparaiso Family YMCA. On that date in 2009, the Y opened their new building on Cumberland Crossing Drive. Exactly a year later they celebrated their first anniversary with a Dedication Ceremony. Festivities began with the raising of the American flag by the American Legion Post 94 Color Guard, followed by the raising of the Indiana flag by Mayor Jon Costas, state Representative Ed Soliday and state Senator Ed Charbonnneau. Kristin Nichols of the New Song United Methodist Church led the crowd with the singing of the National Anthem.
Under sunny skies and the flags flapping in the breeze, Dr. John Wolf presented the crowd with a dedication invocation. The theme of diversity resonated throughout his talk, beginning with an explanation of the new picture entitled The Family of God that now hangs in the Y Lobby. Dr. Wolf prayed, “May this privileged institution be a binding force of community in a diverse world and in our community.” He challenged staff and volunteers of the Y to learn to walk together to keep in balance “spirit, mind, and body” as emphasized by the red YMCA triangle found in all YMCA logos and between the front entrance doors of the Valparaiso Family YMCA. The Y movement was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, which continue to drive their mission today.
The picture by Nathan Greene was first unveiled at the Annual Meeting in March. Dr. Wolf asked those in attendance then and at the Dedication Ceremony to view the painting closely, as all of humanity, with 26 diverse figures around Jesus, is represented. “The task of the YMCA,” he reminded everyone, “is to build clean lives in strong bodies, for useful service to humanity, as God intends for his children.”
CVO Rob Thorgren followed with encouraging words that reflected on the past and a look to a bright future for the Y community. He thanked the numerous volunteers, including the Board of Directors and those throughout the community who donated money and time, as well as the staff. “If we didn’t have the wonderful staff that we have, I don’t think we’d have as many volunteers as we do,” Thorgren said. The YMCA flag was then raised by Thorgren and immediate past CVO Stacia Yoon.
CEO Bob Wanek thanked the Urschel family for their passion for the community and for seeing the Y as a way to make it even better. He also thanked builder Tonn and Blank and architect Moake Park for their outstanding work.
Wanek recognized six key volunteers who collectively conduced 558 tours in the past year: Christine Bazin, Requeta Bell-Whiteside, Susan Emery, Maria Kouknas, Mary Caruso and Carolyn Dorsch. Each were presented with a yellow rose. Surprised by the recognition, Bell-Whiteside commented, “We were just having fun.”
Before dismissing the crowd for cake and coffee inside the facility, Wanek encouraged attendees to find the recently displayed symbols and sayings that reflect the mission of the Y. A Mission Task Force comprised of employees and volunteers met for six months. As a result of their research, they found ways to present the mission to all who enter the building. Logos developed throughout the history of the Y are seen around the track and pool area. A timeline of the history of the Y movement, including the Valparaiso Family YMCA, can be found in the locker room hallway. The new picture of Jesus, donated by anonymous friends of the Y, hangs in the lobby as a reminder of the Y’s beginnings. Wanek explained, “These messages throughout the building collectively tell our story about who we are and what we are all about.” More symbols will be displayed in the future.
Perhaps most unique to the YMCA is the airplane that now hangs above the Youth Wellness Center near the Gathering Area. The “Knight Twister” took its first flight from Urschel Field in 1948, where the Y now sits. Wanek noted the plane was found in England, the same country where the YMCA movement began in 1844.