Skaneateles YMCA members of the month
Submitted by Alexandra Osborne
Communications Coordinator
Inside (and outside!) of a facility that has as many amenities as our YMCA does, there are countless opportunities for maintenance and upkeep. Here at the Y, Archie’s title may be Maintenance Tech, but his full time roles extend to affect each and every department. His diligent, hardworking spirit and diverse skill set make him an ideal fit to keep up with the demands of his roles.
After working in the industrial refrigeration industry in Upstate New York for over 17 years, he transitioned to his role here. The experiences that make up his expertise prepared Archie when he first began working at our Y in a part time capacity, seven years ago. Along the way he passed up a several other jobs in order to stay here and eventually moved into his full time position.
From AC and heating to upkeep of the pool system to electrical/ lighting, both indoor and out, to providing maintenance on the Zamboni, and snow removal in the winter months to coordinating with outside contractors, all building maintenance falls under his watchful eye. Archie also jokes that his maintenance role extends to being the lifeline and humorous sidekick to Matt, facilities and rink director, in strenuous situations.
When asked what the most rewarding part of his job is, he chuckled in his typical humor and asked, “Besides the paycheck? Getting to talk with the members when I’m not on the move it a really great part of my job.”
Because of the variety of duties that require his attention, Archie is a key figure in bridging gaps between departments and keeping all staff feeling included and happy. If you notice the lights looking fresh and bright or the drinking foundations working just a little better, you can thank Archie. His hard work keeps this place running as well as can be!
Every fixture, application, machinery and system that Archie keeps up here at the Y was made possible by the generous donations of our community resources, individuals and families. Would you consider making a one time gift in honor of Giving TuesdaY on Nov. 29?
For the past eight years, Rebecca has made the ice rinks at the Skaneateles Y her second home. A warm, encouraging and kind person, she smiles at everyone she meets and is a positive role model to all. Her sweetness is evident to our staff and members alike. Even though she is the one that makes you feel welcomed, Rebecca says that when she walks in through our front doors, she feels like she is walking into her home.
Her mother’s 40+ year old skates were the first pair that she slipped on when her husband, Gene, got her a YMCA membership. He would come with her in the morning and sit in the lobby and make new friends while she skated. For Rebecca, the ice has been a place of healing, both emotionally and physically. Prior to skating, she struggled with various health issues that have improved with her new hobby and sport. What began as 10 or so minutes on the ice turned into a half hour which eventually became her routine 3 hour skate session several times a week. Once her hobby grew, she went on to perform and compete in Boston at the ISI (Ice Skating Institute) Worlds. She states that her health is not 100% but the skating has made a chronic illness manageable.
On and off the ice, she makes a difference in our community by volunteering in our Learn to Skate program on Thursdays and Sundays, Special Olympics, and Y on the Fly (our homeschool PE program). Her heart for serving and teaching is displayed in her response that is nothing but delight when she sees the children loving what they are learning.
With her improved health came a new motivation: She was going to start her own business. With support from her husband and parents, she open up her store, Uniquely Designed, which she has owned and operated for the past 5 years.
Although Rebecca has a cheerful and positive spirit, her life has not been without heartache. Within a few years span, she has lost each set of grandparents, a sister and her husband. During her husband’s illness, she never left his side in the hospital. After months and months of this, she became exhausted and drained. Her mother encouraged her to leave the hospital for just a little bit, go to the Y and put her skates on. The distraction that skating offered gave her the renewed energy to stay strong for her husband.
In the midst of her losses, the ice became her safe place and she sought peace and solitude to grieve and hope to move on. She says, “I feel the closest to God on the ice.” As she skates in the morning and is often alone on the ice, she uses that time to pray and talk to God and plays her worship music over the speakers.
Rebecca says:
“I always know that the wonderful staff at the Y are there for me. They are family and that makes a big difference. The Y has become like a safe place for me and way more than a place to exercise.”
If there a staff member or YMCA member that has made an impact on you and deserves recognition submit their name and title to [email protected].
