By SUMMER ZIMMER
Director of Communications and Social Responsibility, Kosciusko Community YMCA

After serving the community for 50 years from Smith Street in Warsaw, the Kosciusko Community YMCA will be closing that branch with a ceremony from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23.

Join us for light refreshments, the opportunity to write down your Y story from the past 50 years which will be integrated into a Y community keepsake album and a few closing thoughts from Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer, Board President Michael Coon and Karen Garrard, a board member who has been involved with the Y since its beginning in Kosciusko County.

Contact Brenda Faulkner at [email protected] with any Y stories or historical photos we can use at this event as we say goodbye to a treasured community landmark.

Chad Zaucha, Kosciusko Community YMCA CEO says, “We will be sad to say goodbye to the history, memories and impact that this facility has helped create, however we are excited for what the future holds. As we pass the keys off to Baker Youth Club, we know the legacy of impacting the community will continue in this facility and for that we are overjoyed.”

Current Y members are invited to come see the new Parkview Warsaw YMCA at 1305 Mariners Drive, Warsaw from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 24-26 for a tour and orientation to the new facility.

Members will then be able to utilize the facility on Dec. 1.

At 5 p.m. Dec. 8, the YMCA will be hosting their Grand Opening with the “Presentation of the Colors” by Army JROTC Cadets from Warsaw High School, a ribbon cutting by the Chamber of Commerce and tours for the community all week.

The Y is the leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

All the efforts and offerings of the Kosciusko Community YMCA are guided by the core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. Every day, the Y works side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure everyone regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

Through September of 2014, the Kosciusko Community YMCA provided $90,874 in financial assistance to make sure that happens.