Category: Personal Y Stories

Fitness is Better Together

Posted on by Heather Burkle

In September 2022, longtime Y member Cheryl Hoegele-Schlicht was enjoying a weeklong trip to Las Vegas with her adult daughter, Jess. The two ladies realized that they were easily achieving 15k plus steps each day, walking around Vegas. They kept it up every day while on vacation. After they returned home, they decided to continue their daily streak and held each other accountable to working out each day.

After completing 30 days, the next goal was to reach 100 days. 100 days was tough but they did it. Mother and daughter kept on moving! A year later, Cheryl and Jess met their goal of exercising daily for 365 days in a row. They celebrated their one year with a trip back in Vegas, where it all started. It’s now November, and their streak is still going strong, for over 400 days and counting.

Cheryl attends Y group exercise classes to stay motivated in her journey. She enjoys a variety of classes including water aerobics and BodyCombat and she credits her experience in class and the fitness instructors as being very strong contributors to her success. “All the instructors are inspirational. I told a few of them about my goal, which helped me stay accountable. Kathy Wood in particular has been a great support. She gave me an inspirational quote bracelet on Day 100, which kept me motivated on some days where I didn’t feel like exercising.” 

Cheryl has found that classes definitely makes working out more fun; “I’ve made friends in classes that are now my friends outside the Y. Between knowing that there will be people expecting me to come, the great music and the enthusiasm of the teachers, I know I’ll get a challenging & fun workout.”

This kind of commitment doesn’t come easy. Cheryl says there were days where she was busy & didn’t get her workout done until after 10:00pm. But her commitment to herself, to her daughter and her “Y people” kept her going. “Knowing that people at the Y cared about me helped me stay accountable.”

If you’re looking to make exercise part of your regular routine, Cheryl has some advice: “Use the app to look for classes. Don’t be afraid to try something new. The instructors care and are there to help you. List your exercise or classes in your personal calendar as an appointment, so you make it a priority. Even if it’s not 7 days a week – set a goal for yourself. For an added bonus, tell someone that you’re doing it. You will become stronger physically & emotionally, when you prove to yourself that you can do it.”

Our fall group exercise schedule is loaded with opportunities for you to get in a fun workout with friends. If you’re new to group exercise, try an “intro” class before the real class and learn about the format, come early to class and introduce yourself to your instructor or schedule a SMART Start appointment to learn more about classes that would be a good fit for you.

Photo of friends in Vegas

Acting FAST to Make a Difference

Posted on by Katie Anderson

When medical emergencies happen at the Y, there is a team of staff that show up to support the member or guest. More than a dozen of our staff are Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) trained and all of our Aquatics, Wellness and Manager on Duty staff have CPR and First Aid certifications.

In late June, our staff was put to the test. Christine is a long time member of the Y. She started doing our new Strength and Balance class earlier this spring lead by one of our Personal Trainers, Jody Arndt. After class Jody noticed that something was not quite right with Christine. “I noticed Christine sitting at the table … and I went over there and then right away she said ‘I don’t feel well.’ She was very confused. That’s not like her at all – she’s very sharp.”

Jody called for the Manager on Duty and several other staff came to assist. After a few questions, the Manager on Duty called Emergency Medical Services for their support and Christine was transported to the hospital. It was later determined that she had a stroke.

Christine made a strong recovery and was discharged to go home and to return to the Y. She is back in Strength and Balance class. Christine reflected on the whole experience: “I can’t say enough about Jody and the staff – I can’t be more thankful for how this was handled, because I believe that the fast response to something that was not normal probably saved my brain. I’m very thankful for that.”

Stroke effects more than 795,000 people in the US each year. Do you know what to look for when it comes to stroke warning signs? The American Stroke Association has an easy acronym to help you remember. Use the letters F.A.S.T to spot a Stroke.

F = Face drooping – does one side of the face droop or is it numb?

A = Arm Weakness – is one arm weak or numb?

S = Speech difficulty – is speech slurred?

T = Time to call 911 – stroke is an emergency and every minute counts. Note the time when any of the symptoms first appear.

In addition you may look for, confusion, trouble seeing, trouble walking, severe headache, or numbness. You can learn more about stroke, stroke prevention and symptoms you can look for at the American Stroke Association.

Meet the Y Team: Dawn Liddicoat

Posted on Updated on by Katie Anderson

Here at the Y, we have a great team of staff members! We’d love for you to put a face to a name and get to know them a little better. 
Each month, we will feature a different director from either our Pabst Farms or Watertown branch locations.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity to meet our incredible Y Team! 

This month, we’d like you to meet…

Health & Wellness Director at the Watertown Area YMCA , Dawn Liddicoat.

Dawn enjoys encouraging members on their fitness journey. Here’s a bit more about Dawn…

How long have you worked for the Y?  I worked for the HAWC before it became a Y, so officially 12 years at the Y, part-time, then full-time. In this building, since before 2008, I started with teaching Pilates while I worked another job. 

My job at the Y is:  Director of Health and Wellness, so I teach fitness classes, do personal training, lead the wellness center staff and instructors, oversee the wellness center, fitness schedules, workshops and events.

Pets:  Our family dog, an English Springer Spaniel named Hallie. She will be the only pet I will ever have.

Hobbies include:  Walking, hiking and bike riding, baking and watching sports

I work for the Y because: The Y’s mission aligns with my values and supports the community that I live in. I want to be around people that have a growth mindset and enjoy supporting people in their journey to make themselves better in mind, body and spirit. 

Favorite music: I enjoy lots of different kinds of music, hymns and spiritual songs, workout music, piano, classical, pop, rock, but if I had to pick one, Top 10 from the 80’s.

Favorite movie: I haven’t watched too many movies since high school, but those that I have watched, I watched with my kids when they were little.  Toy Story and High School Musical are my top choices.

The most fun part about my job is:  Connecting with members and staff and encouraging them on their journey in a class.    

Favorite sports team: Brewers, Bucks, Badgers and Packers and teams my kids played on.

Favorite restaurant:  The Harvest Market, Café Hollander

The most meaningful part of my job is:  Seeing people gain confidence and grow in his or her skills, whether it’s an instructor learning a new class format or a member learning about a particular interest and meeting a challenging fitness goal.

Favorite way to relax:  Hiking in nature, massage, sauna and Infrared Light Therapy or just sitting outside on my back patio in the summer.

Favorite holiday:  Christmas and Easter

The biggest lesson I’ve learned while working at the Y is:  So many lessons! Community, leadership and it’s not about the money. 

Community – Until I worked for the Y, I didn’t really understand community, what it means or how it is a part of who I am but also who I serve. 

Leadership – While I didn’t have an interest or opportunity for much formal education beyond high school, I have always had a growth mind-set and I truly enjoy working.  I love how the Y supports learning about leadership, growing as a person and how to better work with others. 

Don’t work only for money – Do something you truly enjoy doing and embrace the journey of growing into the person God wants you to be. Working at the Y, you can make a difference in your community, your co-workers are your friends and you have all that you need inside yourself, you just need to discover it. 

Meet the Y Team: Cathi Dorn

Posted on Updated on by Katie Anderson

Here at the Y, we have a great team of staff members! We’d love for you to put a face to a name and get to know them a little better. 
Each month, we will feature a different director from either our Pabst Farms or Watertown branch locations.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity to meet our incredible Y Team! 

This month, we’d like you to meet…

Senior Adult Program Director at the YMCA at Pabst Farms, Cathi Dorn.

Cathi has been with the Y for over 20 years now! Here’s a bit more about Cathi…

Name: Cathi Dorn

How long have you worked for the Y? 24 years

My job at the Y is: Senior Adult Program Director, Safety Coordinator

Pets: Nala the rescue dog, Pete the bearded dragon

Hobbies include: Reading, car detailing, dog walking

I work for the Y because: No day is ever the same

Favorite music: Lynyrd Skynyrd/southern rock

Favorite movie: Inside Man (Denzel Washington, Clive Owen)

The most fun part about my job is: jovial interaction with members and staff

Favorite sports team: Formula 1 Red Bull

Favorite restaurant: Anywhere with a good breakfast for dinner

The most meaningful part of my job is: Helping to make someone’s average to lousy day much better

Favorite way to relax: Take a nap

Favorite holiday: Thanksgiving

The biggest lesson I’ve learned while working at the Y is: There still are really good people in the world

Meet the Y Team: Cameron Cudnohowski

Posted on Updated on by Katie Anderson

Here at the Y, we have a great team of staff members! We’d love for you to put a face to a name and get to know them a little better. 
Each month, we will feature a different director from either our Pabst Farms or Watertown branch locations.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity to meet our incredible Y Team! 

This month, we’d like you to meet…

Youth Program Director at the Watertown Area YMCA, Cameron Cudnohowski.

Cameron wears many different hats at the Y, but does so with lots of enthusiasm! Here’s a bit more about Cameron…

How long have you worked for the Y? June 2016

My job at the Y is:

Youth Sports Director; Supervisor of the Managers on Duty; Supervisor of the Youth/Teen Room; Supervisor of the Gymnasium; Personal Trainer; Group Exercise Instructor; Responsible for the Maintenance of the Weight Machines; Manager of the Watertown YMCA Facebook/Instagram Account

Pets: An English Cream Golden Retriever named “Thor”

Hobbies include: Jiu Jitsu, Skateboarding, Frisbee Golfing…

I work for the Y because: The Y family is the best part about working with this organization.

Favorite music: Metal and Hard Rock, my favorites are Metallica and Pantera.

Favorite movie: Jurassic Park

The most fun part about my job is: Interacting with everyone on the daily, and playing basketball with the Shuler boys.

Favorite sports team: Forever a New England Patriots fan, but Tom Brady is my favorite athlete.

Favorite restaurant: Fiesta Cancun is where my fiancé and I had our first date, but wherever I can get a margarita and a burrito.

The most meaningful part of my job is: Bringing joy to the individuals I interact with directly/indirectly with my job duties, whether its helping someone achieve their goals through fitness our providing someone a spot on a sports team with their friends.

Favorite way to relax: Cooking dinner and watching cooking shows

Favorite holiday: Halloween. I love the colors, apple picking, corn mazes, pumpkins, caramel apples, breezy weather, scary movies, and costume parties.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned while working at the Y is: Patience.

Meet the Y Team: Laura Ferree

Posted on Updated on by Katie Anderson

Here at the Y, we have a great team of staff members! We’d love for you to put a face to a name and get to know them a little better. 
Each month, we will feature a different director from either our Pabst Farms or Watertown branch locations.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity to meet our incredible Y Team! 

This month, we’d like you to meet…

Membership Engagement Director at the YMCA at Pabst Farms, Laura Ferree.

Laura’s dedication to Y members really shines through in all her friendly interactions at the Pabst Farms branch. Here’s a bit more about Laura…

-How long have you worked for the Y? 8 years

-My job at the Y is: My title is Engagement Director. I serve our membership department through planning and execution of member engagement and retention strategies, membership reporting and social media and communication support.

-Pets: Our dog Finley is 8 years old. He loves to eat and nap and gets super excited when you tell him it’s time for a walk.

-Hobbies include: I like to sing at church and run. I also dabble in pottery, painting and sewing.

-I work for the Y because: I’ve always believed in the importance of community building and was excited when we moved to Oconomowoc to be part of the Y community. Working at the Y has helped me get to know the community better and I love supporting a place that so many people see as their second home.

-Favorite music: I listen to a wide variety of music and often change it up based on the season, activity or mood.

-Favorite movie: I like folding laundry to a good romcom. I don’t really have a favorite.

-The most fun part about my job is: I really like working on a team so the best parts of my job are when I’m collaborating to get something big done.

-Favorite sports team: I root for the Packers.

-Favorite restaurant: I like to go out for Mexican or any place with a patio in the summer.

-The most meaningful part of my job is: Getting to hear member’s stories. Sometimes when you’re doing the daily routine, it can be easy to forget that the Y is really important to people or that it has helped them grow and change. I love to hear about what the Y means to folks.

-Favorite way to relax: I like being outside to relax. You might also find me curled up on the couch with a cup of tea.

-Favorite holiday: I get pretty jazzed for Christmas, but I think Thanksgiving is my favorite. The past few years have made us rethink how we celebrate and given our family an opportunity to make our own traditions and try new things. I also really just love the food.

-The biggest lesson I’ve learned while working at the Y is: The staff team at the Y is really focused on how our culture can live out the Y values and that’s give me a lot of practice in grace filled service. In a world that can be harsh and contrary, it feels unique to work at a place that prioritizes serving member and each other with love.

Meet the Y Team: Sharon Kurkiewicz

Posted on Updated on by Katie Anderson

Here at the Y, we have a great team of staff members! We’d love for you to put a face to a name and get to know them a little better. 
Each month, we will feature a different director from either our Pabst Farms or Watertown branch locations.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity to meet our incredible Y Team! 

This month, we’d like you to meet…

Membership Engagement Director at the Watertown Area YMCA, Sharon Kurkiewicz.

Sharon’s dedication to Y members really shines through in all her friendly interactions at the Watertown branch. Here’s a bit more about Sharon…

-How long have you worked for the Y? 8 years

-My job at the Y is: Membership Engagement Director

-Pets: 1 cat, Shelby

-Hobbies include: Bike riding, hiking, playing volleyball, paddle boarding and kayaking.

-I work for the Y because: Its mission makes sense for my life, beliefs and core values.

-Favorite music: Pop

-Favorite movie: Forrest Gump

-The most fun part about my job is: The conversations I have with the members.

-Favorite sports team: I love to watch AVP women’s volleyball. Favorite all time player is Misty May!

-Favorite restaurant: Café Manna

-The most meaningful part of my job is: Connecting with members on a regular basis and knowing more than their name.

-Favorite way to relax: Paddle boarding

-Favorite holiday: Christmas

-The biggest lesson I’ve learned while working at the Y is: You can make a difference, even in the smallest of measure, in someone’s life!

Meet the Y Team: Emily Lopez

Posted on Updated on by Katie Anderson

Here at the Y, we have a great team of staff members! We’d love for you to put a face to a name and get to know them a little better. 
Each month, we will feature a different director from either our Pabst Farms or Watertown branch locations.
We hope you enjoy this new opportunity to meet our incredible Y Team! 

This month, we’d like you to meet…

Health and Wellness Director at the YMCA at Pabst Farms, Emily Lopez.

Emily’s contagious smile matches her friendly personality! Here’s a bit more about Emily…

-How long have you worked for the Y? Since June 2021

-My job at the Y is: Health & Wellness Director

-Pets: 1 Pup – George

-Hobbies include: Working out, Coaching Lacrosse, Going to concerts & live sporting events

-I work for the Y because: At first, I just needed a job that was in my field and would allow for personal and professional growth. Now, a year later, I work at the Y because it truly feels like home and I cannot imagine working anywhere else! 

-Favorite music: Country, but I listen to everything.

-Favorite movie: Fever Pitch

-The most fun part about my job is: Hanging out with some of the most fun, energetic people I’ve ever met.

-Favorite sports team: Is that even a question? GO PACKERS!

-Favorite restaurant: Uncle Julio’s Mexican 

-The most meaningful part of my job is: Being a part of someone’s health and wellness journey. If I am helping in any capacity, then I’ve won.

-Favorite way to relax: Drinking coffee on my back patio.

-Favorite holiday: Christmas

-The biggest lesson I’ve learned while working at the Y is: The Y loves everyone. We are a safe, welcoming environment for anyone in our community and will call this home to whomever walks through the doors. I have never felt acceptance like I do here.