The remodeling and renovation project of the Y formally launched not with a ground-breaking, but a sledge-hammering on May 11 that included Glen Taylor and many of the other volunteers who helped identify needs and raise funds for the $3 million project.

It's been about a month of staff managing member needs with the needs of the construction crews. Thus far, disruption has been minimal.

 

The switch from five to two locker rooms has gone relatively smooth. Having mixed ages in the same locker room has been made easier through attendants who help direct traffic during busiest hours. The former cage locker section of the men's locker room is exclusively for father/guardians and their boys.

 

"There are changes and inconveniences that happen with a project of this magnitude," said property manager Bob Dickhudt. "But we're doing everything we can to keep members as close to their routine as possible. We do know that when this job is done, they're going to be very happy."

The lower level renovation is expected to last through the fall and possibly into winter.
 

The Y will be keep members up to date on construction news on its web page.

  

...And your help is still needed
If you're a Y member and have yet to contribute to the Y's remodeling, please consider giving.

Get your business in the Y



Have you noticed the new digital message boards in the Y lobby and the Life Center? Not only are these display terminals a more colorful and attractive way to provide members with the latest Y news flashes, it's an affordable way for businesses to support the Y while reaching potential customers.

A  GIVING THREE

     

The Y in May received three gifts to keep our hard work in construction and youth development growing.

 

A $40,000 gift came from the Mardag Foundation with the intent that it be put toward the $3 million construction project underway.  

 

Mardag Foundation is an affiliate of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, a group of organizations that share knowledge and services toward making the best possible impact in charitable giving.

 

"This gets us significantly closer (to our goal of $3 million)," said Y Executive Director John Kind. The Y has so far raised just short of $2.3 million in contributions toward the construction, which involves renovating HVAC systems, remodeling locker rooms, expanding program space and enhancing member experiences.

 

Two other grants came in that help with the Y's mentoring programs. Verizon Wireless awarded the School-Based Mentoring program a $5,000 grant. A party took place on Tuesday, May 29 with program participants (students and their school-based mentors) from Franklin Elementary, the first school in the district to take part in the now district-wide program.

 

Earlier in the month, the Darden Restaurant Community Grants Program awarded School-Based Mentoring $1,000. Darden Restaurants Inc. operates Red Lobster and Olive Garden among others, and its charitable arm provides assistance to nonprofits such as the Y.

 

  

News and notes      

 

Each Thursday in June, the Greater Mankato Songs on the Lawn takes place downtown. This year, as always, the Y will be on hand with fun on-the-spot crafts for kids -- a different one each week. Stop by!....Summer youth sports starting up in June include tennis lessons and golf lessons ....