“The only way to have a friend is to be one. “ – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Ernestine came to the Meyers Lake YMCA not knowing anyone. She wanted to get involved in something to benefit her health and keep active but didn’t know where to begin. She mentioned her interest to the staff at the membership desk who gave her information on a number of different programs and classes. One staff member invited her to join her for a Silver Sneaker class and she agreed. Soon after that first class, a friendship developed between the two and continued to grow during each class.
As new people have joined the Silver Sneakers classes, Ernestine has reached out and developed friendships with many of them: Paying back the kindness she received when she first came to the Y and didn’t know a soul.
Ernestine brightens up everyone’s day when she comes to the Y, her enthusiasm and kindness have made her not only a great friend to many, but quite the social butterfly! She and her group of about 10 friends get together four days a week for classes – not only to stay active, but to see each other and catch up. On the 5th day, they get together for lunch after class. The ladies participated in the National Senior Citizen Day Picnic on August 21st and enjoyed everyone’s fellowship with a boat ride to see the solar eclipse!
The YMCA isn’t just about fitness – it’s also about the friendships you build and the community you’ve joined. Ernestine’s story proves that even if you come to the Y alone, you’ll leave with many new friends!