Concerns are valid

July 12, 2016

Washington, Iowa

To the Editor:

My letters are usually brief and I tried, and failed to do that this time.

First, I like the YMCA and I loved the YWCA when I worked for them and it was operational. Many women and children were involved with their swim program and social activities.

I remember enrolling 100 girls for the Lake Darling Youth Camp, and if a parent couldn?t afford the fee there was a list of women like Helen Reschly, Pauline Crull and Cornie Day who came in with checks to make sure they all went.

Dorothy Soucek hosted a monthly membership luncheon that she organized committees for and decorated, herself.

One of the best things the Y Women did was to start the Children?s Christmas Bazaar. Mary Ann Drain collaborated with elementary teachers so low-income children could come with a list and a few dollars. Every list was filled because not one of the handmade gifts was priced over $1. Bless that group of women.

After swim classes, the women met in the YW room for coffee. During that time many acquaintances and lasting friendships were formed, including my own with longtime teacher Mary Patt Balk.

Connie Messer brought Inga Chase, artist, to the YWCA. She spent a week with us and taught over 200 women (and men) to ?Schlop and Schmear.? That led to the

?water-wheels? and the ?oil wells? where dozens of enthusiastic students had their talent liberated. JoAnne Worley was a mainstay of all the groups.

Teresa Tam taught one of our ethnic cooking classes which culminated in the popular International Dinners.

Basketball whiz Debby Coates came and spent a week with junior high girls.

Twenty-four women played duplicate bridge organized by Helen Owen.

Phil Weldon spent a day welcoming anyone who wanted to evaluate their stamp collections.

Single women like B.J. Wetherall and Sheilah Klapp met bimonthly for classes or just to chat.

I?ve written this in response to Jan Caldwell?s letter in the June 7 Journal.

Jan, I only disagree with you on one point. You said, ?The issue here is not the kids.? I think it is, and also women. I see there are two activity rooms in the plans for the new YMCA. Will they be used for any of the functions I?ve mentioned? Any social groups? Any clubs?

Lastly, if there were to be a new building I question the location. Adult physical enthusiasts would have no trouble driving there, but how about the children? On bicycles? Crossing busy streets and intersections? Those who live in the south section of town would have a long way to go. And what about in the winter?

So Jan, thank you for your letter that inspired this one. I believe both concerns are valid and for both reasons I am against a new building.

Jackie Wells