Y to take over Sept. 19
The Y will continue to provide high-quality programs and membership experiences while maintaining a commitment to the community and dedication to promoting a health-centered lifestyle, which Big Vanilla and the Y share as common values, according to a press release from the Y of Central Maryland. There will be several changes made to align the center with the Y’s quality standards (in effect in all Family Center Ys across the region) and to reflect the Y’s core mission. The changes include special member discounts on youth development programs, scholarships for those who can otherwise not afford Y services, opportunities for volunteerism, access to the entire network of Family Center Ys throughout Central Maryland and many free programs, services, special events and activities.
“The Y and Big Vanilla share many of the same values. This was a great opportunity to join forces with an organization that is community-centric and will continue to support families in the area,” said Larry Ray, owner of Big Vanilla Athletic Clubs in Arnold and Pasadena. “As someone who has been in the health and wellness business for a very long time, I have a great deal of respect for the Y and I know that I am leaving the business I built in the hands of an organization that will do good for the community.”
The Y currently operates four summer camps and eight before and after school enrichment program sites in Anne Arundel County. With the addition of the Greater Annapolis Family Center Y, the Y will now have a hub from which to fully deliver Y programs and services that support its charitable mission and provide full access to Y services for the surrounding community.
John Hoey, President & CEO of the Y of Central Maryland, commented, “We’re excited that the addition of this center enables us to greatly expand and deepen our cause-driven work in Anne Arundel County. The Greater Annapolis Family Center Y will be a hub for family and community gatherings; a place to relax and reconnect with family and friends; as well as a place to be active and healthy in spirit, mind and body. We look forward to working collaboratively with volunteers, staff and others in the community to fully deliver our charitable mission to as many people and families in Anne Arundel County as possible. We are especially grateful to the volunteer leaders of our Anne Arundel County Community Board who worked so hard to help make this day possible.”
As part of the transition process, current staff of the Arnold location will be offered the opportunity to become Y employees and it is the Y’s desire that they will decide to stay on and join the Y team.
Melanie Graw, Chair of the Y’s volunteer Anne Arundel County Community Board, said, “The agreement marks a huge milestone for many volunteers who have long been committed to the Y’s cause and to bringing a full service Family Center Y to Anne Arundel County. We know what a strong Y means to the community and we’re delighted by this development.”
Michelle Reedy, a longtime Y center director, has been named District Executive Director for the Greater Annapolis Family Center Y, effective Sept. 19. Reedy has most recently managed the 60,000 square foot Dancel Family Center Y in Howard County and previously ran both the Parkville and Perry Hall Family Center Ys in Baltimore County.
Ray will continue to oversee operations at Big Vanilla’s Pasadena location.