Category: Member Stories

Meet Mary Synder

Posted on Updated on by Cat Bart

Mary Snyder enjoys a good challenge.

In April, she accepted the monthly Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program challenge and succeeded with flying colors. Contestants were tasked with walking 90 laps on the YMCA’s Nature Sensory and Wildlife Trail — the equivalent of approximately 30 miles — and Mary eclipsed that total with days and laps to spare.

Mary, who is 83, continues to prove that age is merely a number and she is certainly no “old lady.” Despite falling at home during the month and facing hand surgery in June, she finished the month with 115 laps and completed the monthly challenge on April 19, ahead of schedule by 11 days.

“I enjoy walking, and I love the outdoors,” said Mary, adding that she walks about three and a half miles per day. “It’s so pretty around the trail.”

The Alleghany Highlands YMCA Nature Sensory and Wildlife Trail is a newer addition to the YMCA campus. The quarter-mile trail cuts through the front of the YMCA property adjacent to the Jackson River. Taralee Wolfe, the YMCA’s Member Services director, helped to develop the idea for the trail and continues to add new flowers, trees and other items that heighten the senses and enhance the walking experience.

“It smells so good,” Mary added. “The trail really is an asset. A lot of people don’t know about it. It’s phenomenal.”

Mary has faced and defeated several health challenges in years past. A native of Waynesboro and a retired nurse, her initial workout routine at the YMCA included walking on the indoor track and working on the exercise machines. In 2008, she underwent her first of two shoulder replacements, and part of her therapy included rehabbing in the YMCA pool.

Eventually, Mary returned to walking and exercising on the machines at the YMCA, but in 2016, she had surgery to replace her other shoulder and an operation on one of her big toes. Then in 2020, she fell and broke one of her shoulders that had been replaced, spending the better part of three months in the Brian Center. She’s endured back surgery, and now she’s facing another hurdle in the form of hand surgery.

Despite all of these health issues, Mary continues to enjoy walking, and she understands the rewards a good walk can provide.

“Walking is just an overall good exercise,” she said. “It’s good for my blood pressure, and it just makes me feel better.”

“You get rid of your worries,” she added. “You do a lot of thinking and a lot of praying.”

Mary enjoys the support and encouragement from the entire YMCA staff, and her husband, John, continues to be her biggest cheerleader despite enduring some health issues of his own. John has been battling a nerve condition in his face that prohibited him from enjoying his favorite exercise – swimming in the YMCA pool.

“He worries about me, but I told him that if something happens to me out on that track, I’ll go to a better place in God’s great outdoors,” Mary said.
Undoubtedly, Mary will soon return from her upcoming surgery to accept another Healthy Highlands challenge in the near future.

“It’s fun, and it’s kind of rewarding for you,” she said. “Whatever you’re doing is good for your health.”

Dr. Sandra McHenry, Alleghany Highlands YMCA Healthy Highlands Program leader, said the goal of the monthly challenge is to keep contestants engaged and rewarded for healthy practices. No one exemplifies this more than Mary Snyder.

“Mary is a remarkable woman,” said Dr. McHenry. “Her dedication and positive outlook in spite of some health challenges are to be commended. We look forward to her accepting and completing many more Healthy Highlands challenges in the future.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Bobbie Wagner, the president and CEO of the Alleghany Highlands YMCA.

 

“Mary is such a beautiful lady and a great ambassador for our YMCA,” Wagner said. “We cheer for her (and John) and look forward to seeing them on a daily basis. Their story and their commitment to a healthy lifestyle using the Alleghany Highlands YMCA as a backdrop is what makes our YMCA such a special place.”

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Meet Natalie Moats

Posted on Updated on by Cat Bart

In Natalie’s own words: After nearly 6 years of chronic pain and disability along with four back surgeries, I rarely left my home. My strength and ability to move had declined. My Doctors had recommended additional therapy to help relieve some pain and assist in regaining some mobility, stating that aquatic therapy would be ideal since it didn’t stress the joints. Knowing the YMCA had a pool; I made the decision to join but was very apprehensive about finding something for someone with restricted movement. One look at all of the machines and exercise equipment and I was terrified that I’d made a huge mistake.

To my delight, I discovered that in addition to a beginner level aquatics class, the YMCA also offered other activities that I felt I could tackle, even with my many limitations. Chair Yoga is a great way to do some gentle stretching, the size of the walking track is ideal (and they play great music) they even have Social activities like Bingo! I was also able to speak with a trainer to set up a program especially tailored to my personal needs. The first week, I came to the YMCA for 5 days in a row!! It had been years since I’d left my house that many times in a week.

Not only did I find activities that I enjoy, but I also discovered a phenomenal support system! Everyone, from the Instructors, Trainers, Custodial staff, and the pleasant front desk people that greet you each morning; ALL have become an integral part of my rehabilitation. The Staff will listen to concerns, offer encouragement, guidance, or even congratulate me on each of my achievements, no matter how small. They have become SO MUCH MORE…they have quickly evolved into my friends! The YMCA truly does have SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

 

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Meet the Rooklin Family

Posted on Updated on by Cat Bart

In David Rooklin’s own words: “My family was one of the first families to join the YMCA when it was first chartered in the Alleghany Highlands and we have been dedicated members ever since. I can honestly say one would be hard pressed to find an individual or family that has benefited more from our Y, or any other YMCA for that matter.

From being an integral part in helping me overcome my addiction to alcohol, to playing a significant role in developing my children, (Hillard, Kent, and Maggie) into exceptional athletes, the Y has been a very important part of our lives.

My children have not only benefited from the athletic opportunities the Y has provided, but they have also made many friendships that may not have occurred if not for our YMCA.

Simply put, the Y has been and continues to be a very important part of my life and that of my family. I cannot imagine what our lives would be like today had the YMCA not located in our area, but I can emphatically say I am extremely thankful that it did.”

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Meet the Jonas Family

Posted on Updated on by Cat Bart

 

Toby, Lisa, Hayley and Trevor Jonas have become like second family to the YMCA staff. It’s a rare event when Lisa and Hayley aren’t at the Y each day; in fact, Hayley has taken some of her first steps in our child watch center and we’ve watched her grow practically from day one into the busy toddler she is today! In the evenings we’ll often see the family come back with Trevor for some of our youth programs.

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Meet Charlesetta James

Posted on Updated on by Cat Bart

Charlesetta James began her journey with the YMCA from the desire to serve as a positive role model for the son she wanted to see grow up. With lots of options to help her lose weight, Charlesetta worked with staff member Keith Simpson to learn how to use equipment in the Wellness Center and began working out 5-6 days a week.

 

Seeing the weight come off on a steady basis gave Charlesetta encouragement to continue, and even though working out was sometimes tedious she always left feeling great about life and the changes she was making. With the encouragement of Y employees, Charlesetta reached her weight loss goal in 91 days. She was PROUD and EXCITED, energized, and determined to live a better life. According to Charlesetta, “the Y is a great place to start with your goals, whatever they may be: weight loss, to get healthy, or just stay healthy. The employees are there to assist in any way they can”.

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Meet Susan Hutchison

Posted on Updated on by Cat Bart

In Susan’s own words: I like to stay active and fit, and the YMCA gives me this opportunity. As a member for the past ten years, I enjoy working out at the YMCA’s facility and have made many new friends, most of whom I would not have had the opportunity to meet had I not joined the Y.

One of the first people I met was Keith Simpson, who inspired me to take my first cycling (spin) class and later insisted that I teach. I eventually became an IFTA certified spin instructor and recently became a certified POUND instructor.

 

After retiring from my 30-year role as Clerk of the General District Courts, I became the part-time Director of Development of the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. The Y is important to me and to this community, and I hope that I can contribute to the Y with my organizational skills for planning events and fundraising.

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Meet Melanie Hartman

Posted on Updated on by Cat Bart

In October of 2021, Melanie Hartman suffered a back injury that left her struggling to accomplish the everyday things that most take for granted. Walking up three steps onto her deck, carrying groceries into the house, attending to her home and walking her dogs became a challenge. Simple tasks such as getting out of bed without pain, stepping into the bathtub without the fear of falling, bending over to pick up something on the floor or sitting at her desk to work were arduous tasks.

“I knew I needed help to recover, and I knew that once the pain began to subside in February that I needed to become more physically fit,” Melanie recalled. “My core was weak, my posture was poor, and I had no muscle mass.”

Melanie decided to seek the assistance of a personal trainer, and that’s when Michael May entered the picture. Michael is the health and wellness director at the Alleghany Highlands YMCA and a personal trainer who worked with Melanie on a plan specific to her needs. After a consultation and assessment of Melanie’s goals and what she was able to do at the time, the two developed a workout regimen that addressed those needs.

“With his encouragement and progressive plan, I am making steady progress,” Melanie said. “I am lifting weights, working a kettlebell and a weighted ball. My balance is improving and my core is strengthening.”

Melanie can now run up and down flights of stairs. She can lift 40-pound bags of birdseed, dirt and mulch. She is once again working in her garden, mowing her grass and using the weed-eater. She can walk four miles in less than an hour without pain.

“With Mike’s direction and plan, along with my determination, I am getting my life back again,” she said.

Michael has worked with numerous individuals at the YMCA who face their own unique challenges. Each case is different, and specific plans detailed to each individual are developed.

“Melanie has made tremendous progress from when she first started,” Michael said. “She’s always a joy to have for each of her sessions, and anytime I throw something new at her, she is always up to that challenge.” Melanie credits Michael with helping her rebound from her physical difficulties. “His personality suits my style,” she said. “He’s very easy to work with. He incorporates your interests into your workout plan; he’s flexible, and he’s accommodating.”

Melanie, a secretary at Callaghan Elementary School for the past 15 years, has faced some life-changing challenges. Her husband, Rick, was a 42-year employee of the Alleghany County School System who retired on Oct. 1, 2021, and died five days later on Oct. 6.

Melanie has also enjoyed other amenities offered by the Alleghany Highlands YMCA. She swims in the pool, and she utilizes the sauna, exercise bikes and the walking track. Now that she’s in better shape, she is looking forward to returning to Zumba classes and getting into the weight room.

“I love the Y,” Melanie said. “I really believe in what the Y offers.”

 

 

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