YMCA of the Northwoods celebrates its 25th year of serving the community

The YMCA of the Northwoods is celebrating its 25th Charter Anniversary this month and is inviting the community to take part in the celebration. From now through Sunday, Nov. 26, the YMCA of the Northwoods will be hosting an Anniversary Open House.

All community members are invited to come for free and experience the many benefits the YMCA has to offer, Y officials said in a press release.

“In Rhinelander the Y is more than a gym, it’s a place of community,” said Linda May, CEO. “As the needs of the community have shifted, our mission has shifted as well. Today we work to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to reach their fullest potential — whether that’s through swimming lessons, youth programming, Active Older Adult events, or our childcare/teen programming — we’re here for you and your family.”

“When the YMCA of the Northwoods charter was issued in 1998, community development of the Y’s mission was forecasted by then CEO Jodi Hanson to be strong even before walls were to be built,” the release states. “There were no immediate plans for building and yet existing local businesses in Rhinelander partnered with the Y to start offering programs. Since then, the YMCA of the Northwoods has grown to service over 5,000 members and has increased its programming to include lunch and learns, enrichment bus trips, competitive gymnastics, and pickleball. It has also just celebrated a successful expansion project ribbon cutting offering the community more space as it continues its Building for the Future Campaign. The Y started with community. Now, it’s a place to nurture the potential of every child and teen; a place to build a healthy body and mind; a place for a helping hand and shoulder to lean on; a place that feels like HOME.”