Alex Gartland (left), 12, and Lincoln Moushlian, 11, both of Martinsburg, work out in the new Nason Foundation Wellness Center as others gather for ribbon-cutting ceremonies on Tuesday afternoon.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
ROARING SPRING — The revitalized wellness center at Garver Memorial YMCA started strong Tuesday, as community members celebrated the unveiling of new machines and cosmetic upgrades.
Through a grant from the Nason Foundation earlier this year, the center purchased more than 35 new pieces of cardio equipment, strength-training machines and free weights. The Y also made floor and paint upgrades, creating a fresh experience for members.
Garver YMCA was founded in 1957 and has been offering services for more than 60 years. Today’s Garver features a myriad of activities such as fitness, gymnastics, pickleball, youth athletics and a licensed nursery program.
To keep the community and staff inspired, Sharon Jones, executive director of both Garver and the Blair Regional YMCA, ushered in the center’s future by saying goodbye to their legacy equipment.
“It’s served its purpose, but now it’s time to move into the next generation,” she told the crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday afternoon.
Garver Memorial YMCA chairman of the board Scott Muthler talks with (from left) Lincoln Moushlian, 11, Alex Gartland, 12, and Lucas Zimmerman, 11, all of Martinsburg, as they work out in the new Nason Foundation Wellness Center on Tuesday afternoon.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
With the recent news of the Blair Regional and Garver Memorial YMCAs pairing up, Jones said the wellness center upgrade offers more diverse programs in the community, impacting the region in a more significant way.
“When you join hands with two great organizations that are doing great work, the impact is great, and there are fun things and benefits for the community,” she said.
The YMCA is more than a swim and gym, senior program Director Frank Kopriva said, which is one reason why they wanted to upgrade their wellness center.
He said staff and volunteers worked quickly to revamp the 1,819-square-foot environment, only staying closed for about 10 days to install a fitness floor and apply a fresh coat of paint.
Now known as The Nason Foundation Wellness Center, he believes more community members will consider joining the gym, as they already received four new memberships on Monday.
Garver Memorial YMCA chairman of the board Scott Muthler speaks ribbon cutting ceremonies in the new Nason Foundation Wellness Center on Tuesday afternoon.
Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski
“We’re hoping with the word spreading today, that will happen more and more,” he said.
YMCA supporters, including Nason Foundation board member Betsy Garach, spoke about how the gym has impacted their personal lives.
The YMCA holds a deep connection for her, as many of her family members were on the facility’s board of directors, she said. That pushed her and other Nason Foundation directors to collaborate in promoting community health through financial support.
“We are just so proud, as a foundation, to be able to be involved in the YMCA project,” she said.
Scott Muthler, Garver Memorial YMCA board president, said the building is special for its emphasis on family, fun, fellowship and fitness.
“This place is a great place to raise a family,” he said, adding that his four sons spend hours inside the gym.
While the facility still has improvements to make, the space allows activities such as basketball, cheerleading and gymnastics to continue inside their community, he said.
Raising the bar
Some community members were breaking in the new equipment during Tuesday’s festivities.
Megan Zimmerman of Martinsburg brought her two sons to the Y to break up their screen time, she said. They’re hoping to find more activities that aren’t screen-focused.
Zimmerman’s eldest son, Lucas, 11, tried out the stationary bike. Because of his interest in baseball, he said he could see himself visiting the upgraded center with his friends in the future.
“We could all do multiple machines, and it’s not just like a couple,” he said. “There’s a lot more. And it’s newer.”
It was Roaring Spring resident Dorrian Miller’s first time visiting the Y in a few years because of the environment’s revamp. Before, he used to travel to attend a different gym.
As a single parent with younger children, he said the Y is a place where he can get his weightlifting workout in while getting his children involved in active lifestyles.
“I think it’s a more family-oriented spot, I think it’s going to benefit people that want to include their families in their fitness journeys,” he said.
Mirror Staff Writer Colette Costlow is at 814-946-7414.
If you go
What: Garver Memorial YMCA
Where: 820 Grove St., Roaring Spring
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; 1 to 9 p.m. Sundays.
Contact: 814-224-5101
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