(pictured: Member Services Rep Jane Morrison, Pete Turchan, and Director  Monic Hill)

Pete Turchan has been a member of the Greater Cleveland YMCA his whole life. July 2011 marked his 20th anniversary as a member of the West Park Fairview Family YMCA. Happily married for 58 years, Pete and his wife frequent the YMCA several days a week.

Pete has been visually-impaired his whole life, but it does not stop him from coming in to enjoy the treadmill, the pool, and occasionally our exercise bikes.

Pete started his lifetime commitment to the Y at the Central YMCA in Chicago, over 60 years ago. He moved to Cleveland for better work opportunities and was employed in food services for the Society for the Blind. He was stationed at the Justice Center from 1982 through 2005, on the 4th floor restaurant next to police offices. He loved the job because he got to meet and work with wonderful people. He comes to the West Park YMCA for similar reasons: he enjoys being around friendly people, and the West Park Y feels like home to him.

The staff at the Y have become great friends with Pete and always assist him with operating the machines, getting him coffee, and making him feel at home by stopping to chit chat and ask him how he is doing. He also loves to exchange stories about his adventures and experiences throughout his life.

Pete always brightens our day when he comes into the YMCA. His story proves that the atmosphere at the West Park YMCA is very welcoming. Staff and members are one big family, and newcomers are welcomed with open arms. Please stop in and say hello! Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Please call (216) 941.5410 for more information on family, single adult, and youth programming. 

Staff Profile: Maria Buenano, Aquatics Coordinator

Maria began working for the West Park Fairview Family YMCA this summer. Her home country is Equador, where she first became involved in aquatics at two years old. Her family wanted her and her brother to learn how to be safe in the water, and from there, swimming quickly became a more involved activity for Maria. As she grew older, she became more involved in the swim team at her high school. She was honored to represent her country by competing all over South America and in the United States. She came to the United States on a swimming scholarship to Notre Dame College. She recently graduated with a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in Spanish. During college, she worked in the Aquatics Department at Notre Dame, first as a lifeguard and then as as assistant for the swim team. She also worked in web site development for her school. She gained experience in the non-profit realm as an intern for Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center on W. 89th and Lorain, which covers the west-side of Cleveland. It was here that she became familiar with the area and the community.

In Maria’s own words: “Since I have been in aquatics most of my life, I have been a swimmer and a student. I can relate myself to the people that I work with and the kids that we teach here in the Y. I like the connection that I have with the kids. That is the best part of my job. I always tell the kids to have fun in the water!”

New Fine Arts Classes Debut

New this fall are fine arts classes that include:

Art and Audio: Learn how they make sound for movies and plays!

Intro to Acting & Theatre Basics:
Learn acting techniques and play theatre games!

Showstoppers Dance Party:
Learn dance moves from music videos, Glee, and High School Musical!

Classes will take place at the West Park– Fairview Family YMCA!
Programs are open to members, as well as non-program members so invite your friends! Members: $20, non-program members: $40
For more info contact: Caitlin Lewins, Fine Arts Coordinator
(216) 941-5410 or by email at clewins@clevelandy.org

Autumn Events and Community News

Receive 100% off of our joiner fee (that’s a $100 savings) from August 22 through October 9. Refer a friend, family member, or coworker and receive $25 (limit of $75). 

Heroes Run (registration fee for runners) and Little Heroes Run (FREE) at St. Joseph’s Church on Rocky River Drive: Sunday, September 18, 7 a.m. - Noon.

5th Annual Cornhole Tournament to benefit the West Park Fairview Family YMCA Strong Kids Campaign, sponsored by Fairview Hospital. Friday, September 23 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hall on 3256 Warren Road. 

Halloween at the Y- Friday, October 21, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Parents’ Night Out- 2nd Friday of every month, $10 for members and $15 for non-members. 3 hours of babysitting and activities for kids.