(Atlantic, Iowa) – The Atlantic Chamber Ambassadors were hosted by Nishna Valley Family YMCA on Thursday, February 29th, 2024, to celebrate 20 years in their current building, staff milestones, and new staff. Dan Haynes, Executive Director, shared about the rich history of the YMCA and pointed out how unique the Nishna Valley Family YMCA is because of the people and the community involvement and partnerships. He went on to recognize and thank the visionaries, community leaders, board members, donors and volunteers that were dedicated to making the dream of a new facility a reality. Haynes shared that the YMCA isn’t the building, the YMCA is the people.

Pictured Left to Right: Kelsey Beschorner, Paul Gude, David Kalny, Elaine Otte, Christina Bateman, Jessica Oswalt, Dolly Bergmann, Jim Kickland, Danielle Lyons, DeeDee Kalny, Jon Jordan, Leslie Haynes, Alisha Wagner, Dan Hynes, Donnie Drennan, Megan Sramek, Ruth Sears, Jeremy Butler, Dee Sothman, Steve Andersen, Nathan Robinson, Sue Liston, Allison Knox-Westmeyer, Dr. Keith Leonard, John Bricker, Julie Waters, Tyler McAfee, Mike Cullen, Kathie Hockenberry, Lana Westphalen, Rachelle Bechtol, Kennedy Freund, Anne Quist, Peter Gray, Jennifer McEntaffer, Beth Spieker, Jackie Hoover, Rebecca Mahoney, Deb Schuler, Alex McAfee.

The Ambassadors were also introduced to the Leadership Team along with the newest members of the YMCA staff. Jessie Oswalt is serving as the Aquatics Director and Allison Knox-Westmeyer has been hired as the new Fitness Director. Leslie Haynes is celebrating 25 years as the Preschool Director at Jack & Jill preschool. Leslie shared that smiles of the children and her wonderful staff and helpers have been the reason she comes into work every day with a smile.

Nishna Valley Family YMCA is currently offering a membership special for the month of March & April. Become a member now for a ½ price joining fee of $20 and only pay $20 for first and second month of membership. The YMCA offers numerous fitness classes, personal training, adult and youth programs as well as an aquatics center great for all ages.

Nishna Valley Family YMCA is located at 1100 Maple Street, Atlantic. For more information about membership or programming, contact 712-243-3934 or visit www.nishnavalleyymca.com.