Before There Was a Building

Featuring Val Kelly

Long before the Washington County Family YMCA had a permanent home, Val Kelly was already building a community through fitness, friendship, and faithfulness to one another.

In the early days, before the Y had a facility, Val, Missy Mead, Theiss Bills and their classmates were teaching and attending step and exercise classes wherever space could be found. When former CEO David Brown helped locate office and workout space at Westminster Center, Val and her group finally had a place to call home.

“We had been several places before that,” Val shared. “So we were very happy to finally have step and exercise classes in one place.”

When the YMCA opened its doors at Westminster in 2001, Val and her classmates brought everything they had with them. Steps. Music. Equipment. Energy. Most importantly, they brought their people.

“We brought all of our equipment and all of our music,” she said. “We all came to the Y when it opened.”

One of Val’s most cherished memories is the legendary 5 AM class.

“I’ll never forget that class,” she said. “These ladies drove in from everywhere. Nobody lived close by except a few of us. They came, worked out, went home, and worked all day. It was amazing.”

These were not retirees with flexible schedules. They were working women who sacrificed sleep for their health. As Val jokes, “They didn’t miss sporting events. They just missed sleep.”

When the YMCA moved into its permanent home on Shelby Street in 2004, that same faithful group followed. The early morning energy continued, and so did Val’s leadership. Over time, classes evolved from step aerobics to spinning, yoga, and more.

“When we started spinning, there were about eight people,” she remembered. “But it grew.”

Looking back, Val says it is hard to name just one proud moment.

“What makes me proud is seeing the people we started with still coming,” she said. “They’re still active. Still trying to take care of themselves.”

In the early years, there were few options for fitness in Washington County. The YMCA filled a critical gap and became a place where wellness could grow.

“There really wasn’t anything else,” Val said. “We were glad to have this place. It’s been wonderful.”

Over time, Val watched the YMCA become a hub for families as well.

“With the kids’ programs and sports, families started earlier,” she explained. “Now parents can work out while their kids are here too. It makes it easier to stay healthy together.”

She also points to the powerful role of childcare and family programming in helping parents stay committed to their wellness.

But what stands out most to Val is the relationships.

“You can’t duplicate what happens in that room,” she said. “Even if you open another class somewhere else, you can’t duplicate the relationships.”

She speaks especially passionately about the senior and SilverSneakers members.

“I’ve been involved in fitness forever,” Val shared. “And I’ve never seen a more dedicated group than these seniors. They take it seriously. They show up. They support each other. It’s social. It’s wellness. It’s amazing.”

She recently shared a story about a 90-year-old member who was able to come off medication after starting yoga, and whose strength and flexibility inspire everyone around her.

“They are so inspiring,” Val said. “Physically and mentally.”

When asked what she would say to someone considering joining today, Val points to both value and heart.

“For the money, there is more offered here,” she said. “Other places might have a weight room, but not the classes, not the seniors’ programs, not the community.”

She added, “You can’t duplicate the morning yoga class. The relationships. The dedication. The people.”

For Val Kelly, the YMCA has never just been a place to exercise. It has been a place to grow, to belong, and to build something lasting together.

Her story reminds us why there truly is no place like this place.