In this episode of Not Just Buildings, host Foster Garrett talks with Mary Jo, Brenda, and Steve from the Bedford Area Family YMCA. They explore the YMCA’s continued growth, recent renovations, and its important role as a cornerstone of the community. The discussion features key fundraising events like the Pot of Gold Gala and the Christmas Classic 5K, along with innovative youth and wellness programs and new additions such as a teaching pavilion and an upgraded fitness center. The episode underscores the power of community involvement and encourages listeners to support and connect with the YMCA’s mission in Bedford, Virginia.
Transcript:
Speaker 1 00:00:00 How can I help? It's a question I asked my patients every day. It's a question I asked myself. One thing I've learned is that I can help even more when I can easily connect with physios, pediatricians, specialists, nurses who are all working with me in a health care network that takes a wider view of your health. That's fi where health care connects. So let me rephrase the question. How can we help?
Speaker 2 00:00:26 VA because your health means everything.
Speaker 3 00:00:30 Air January sky January sale time. What? It's great. You get Sky TV with exclusive shows like A night of the Seven Kingdoms. Love a man in armor, Netflix with the Stranger Things finale and super reliable Sky broadband powering it all. Sky TV, Netflix and Sky broadband. Yep, €44 a month for 12 months in the sky January sale I love January search sky sale availability, location, new customers only 12 month minimum terms TV and broadband sales. All content available by January 19th terms apply. For more info see sky high speeds.
Foster Garrett 00:01:07 Hello and welcome back to Not Just Buildings.
Foster Garrett 00:01:09 Now you might be wondering, do I have the right podcast? What on earth is not just buildings? Well, listener, I'm pleased to tell you that we have renamed Chamber Vibes to something that more accurately reflects the purpose of this podcast, which is to tell the stories of businesses, non-profits and institutions in the area of Bedford, Virginia, which we do by talking to the real local people working behind the scenes. Plus, the new name is pretty catchy, and it's inspired by long time chamber and board member Bill Morse, who always says that businesses aren't just buildings, they're people. Thank you, Bill, for your years of service to our chamber and business community. We appreciate you. Anyway, thanks so much for sticking with us as we grow. And if you're new to the podcast, we're glad to have you join us as we kick off 2026. Now for our official introduction. Welcome to Nature's Buildings, where we interview the local people behind businesses, nonprofits and institutions in the area of Bedford, Virginia.
Foster Garrett 00:02:01 My name is Foster Garrett, and I am the Director of marketing and events for the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, which is a membership organization whose mission is to serve as a catalyst for local business success, a convener of regional leadership, and a champion for a vibrant and resilient economy. However, before we get to the interview, I would like to highlight some of our upcoming programming and events. We offer a little bit of everything for everyone, so I encourage you to stick around to learn more about what's next. But if you want to just jump straight to today's interview, no worries. You can find all of our programming on Bedford Area Chamber. Com and I'll drop our phone number at the end of this episode, so make sure to listen all the way through. First up for the year is and with a new which is our annual kickoff event where we start off the new year in style and with energy and with all of our business community together. So if you're interested in kind of kicking off your goals for the year, come on out on January 29th from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bedford Area Welcome Center.
Foster Garrett 00:03:01 We'll have word d'oeuvres and different tables set up by new members. There will be a huge raffle, so you'll definitely want to come out because that's got different event tickets and sponsorships and exclusive advertising and all sorts of stuff. And we might have a couple of really fun raffle items as well. so if you're a member of our chamber and you want to learn more about us, this is a great way to meet all of our leadership, our board, our ambassadors. me and Kayla are our staff members and kind of get in the know with the people behind the scenes. but if you're not a member, you're still welcome to come on out. We would love to see you. if you're just looking to make connections for your business, if you want to come and just enjoy some free food after hours, that would be great. everybody is welcome to come on out on January 29th and start off 2026 on the right foot. next up on the list is a start up toolbox marathon on February 12th, also at the Welcome Center.
Foster Garrett 00:04:01 This is an all day event for entrepreneurs, so if you are thinking of starting a business, if you have an idea for a business and you need some direction, or you just want to work through all of it together. this is really the time to do it. We are partnering with the Small Business Development Center in Lynchburg and the Bedford County Office of Economic Development to bring this to Bedford to our town. So we would love if you have a business idea, come join us that day. it's low cost. It's only $15 for members and $20 for non-members. And yes, you get lunch from town kitchen and provision, so it's worth it just for that. but it'll be from, I think, 9 to 430. So it is a full day commitment, but it is so worth it. You'll leave with a full business plan. We're going to talk about funding and all sorts of different things. and it'll be a small group so we can really not only work with Stephanie Keener, who's executive director of the Small Business Development Center in Lynchburg, but also work with each other and float ideas as kind of a collaborative group of potential small business owners.
Foster Garrett 00:05:05 So, if you if you're interested in that, we do have that on our website, but you can also go to the SBDC website. That's where the actual registration is. and you can also reach out to Stephanie with any specific questions you may have on whether or not this is applicable for you and what you're trying to do. after that, we have a big event in March, and I swear this will be the last one to talk about it. our Career and Technical Education Expo. So if you're not familiar with the CTE Expo, this has been a long standing partnership between our chamber and Bedford County public Schools. It was started in 2017. Kind of petered off during 2020, but before that it was getting really big, and was just like absolutely amazing. We brought it back and have been trying to get it to a place where we're trying to hit all of our goals, because it's a bit of an ambitious event, because really, our goals are to connect students to jobs that are in our area.
Foster Garrett 00:06:03 to show them the different educational opportunities and training opportunities available to them both within Bedford County Public Schools, but also within the Bedford area, and to show students that there are many avenues to success. Maybe they're not college bound, and that's okay. There are so many different ways to achieve your goals and find different careers that are well-paying, rewarding, and allow you to build the life that you want. so this event is for eighth graders in Bedford County Public Schools. It will be about 708th graders that are served by this event in one day. and we pair up businesses who align with the different careers, career programs that are offered at Bedford County Public Schools. If you don't know this about CPS, they we actually have over 60 different, CTE courses offered across the county. And that's not even including the 15 different programs that end all end in certifications, as Susie Gibson Science and Technology Center. BCC is renowned within the state for having this many CTE courses, and our goal as a chamber is not only to support our students and let them know about these opportunities that are available to them, but also to kind of bring businesses in to partner with the schools.
Foster Garrett 00:07:20 whether it's coming in and serving on different advisory committees for teachers, coming in and giving internships to students, you know, coming into the classroom and just giving presentations and just kind of building that connection, and maybe with the hopes of maybe hiring students after graduation or helping them find different opportunities for training. It's a big event. If your business is interested in participating, feel free to reach out to me. You don't have to be a chamber member. you just have to want to give back to our students. We're going to have demos that day. You'll get to talk to a bunch of different eighth graders about their interests, and it's helpful for them as they go into high school and start picking their ninth grade classes to kind of know, hey, maybe I want to do, you know, the HVAC program at Susie Gibson. What do I need to do in my ninth grade year to make that happen? You know, that type of stuff. So it's a great way to build relationships with students.
Foster Garrett 00:08:12 It's a great way to build relationships with teachers and with educators and just the schools in general. So that's all from me. like I said before, all of our events and programming are on chamber. Com we have a full calendar of events on there, and you're always welcome to reach out with questions. The chamber would love to hear from you. Whether you're a chamber member or a community member or just a listener who enjoys our podcast. But that's enough for me.
Speaker 1 00:08:39 How can I help? It's a question I asked my patients every day. It's a question I ask myself. One thing I've learned is that I can help even more when I can easily connect with.
Speaker 2 00:08:50 Physios.
Speaker 3 00:08:51 Pediatricians, specialists.
Speaker 2 00:08:53 Nurses.
Speaker 1 00:08:54 Who are all working with me in a health care network that takes a wider view of your health. That's where health care connects. So let me rephrase the question. How can we help?
Speaker 2 00:09:07 Because your health means everything.
Foster Garrett 00:09:09 Without further ado, please allow me to introduce today's guests, Mary Jo Boone, Brenda Gibb, and Steve Wangi with the Bedford Area Family YMCA.
Foster Garrett 00:09:17 Welcome to the podcast.
Mary Jo Boone 00:09:18 Thank you. Good morning. Thank you.
Foster Garrett 00:09:20 I know I talked for so long, but now I'm happy to hand it off. Thank you. Thank you, Mary Jo.
Mary Jo Boone 00:09:24 It's tough.
Foster Garrett 00:09:25 Well, before we kind of dive into it, can each of you just tell us a little bit about yourselves and then about the. Why?
Mary Jo Boone 00:09:32 Sure. I'll start. Mary Jo Boone, I've been with the Y 24 years. the Y when I got here 24 years ago was just a small little building, on ten acres. And since then, over the 24 years, we've grown immensely. And, we have just 36 acres and all kinds of awesome programs and, have done some really cool stuff renovating the whole space. So we've been around since 1981, and I, one thing I hate to hear is it's a best kept secret. You know, like, oh, scream it from the rooftop. It's a cool place. Come in and visit and and, see if it can meet your needs.
Foster Garrett 00:10:16 So, you know, it's actually really funny. I was at the Y. I think, a month or two ago, and I. I had some friends with me who always go there, and I was I was like, you know, have you guys, like, walked around before? Have you gone and seen like the, the challenge courses and the rope courses in the forest? They're like, no. Yeah. I was like, have you seen the the rock wall? They're like, no, I'm like, what about the garden? They're like, they have a garden here. Yeah. I'm like, how long have you guys been coming to the what's the truth? That's it. But there's just there's so much that you guys have. And we'll go through it in this episode. But, Brenda, you're up next. Tell us about yourself.
Mary Jo Boone 00:10:53 Well, I.
Speaker 6 00:10:54 Have been coming to Bedford for, 25 years, but lived here full time for ten, and I've been involved with the Y for eight years now.
Speaker 6 00:11:04 past chamber president Steve is our current president of the board. I'm sorry.
Foster Garrett 00:11:08 Chamber president. I was like, wow.
Speaker 6 00:11:10 Sorry about that. The board president and Steve Andre is now our president. so I'm still on the board, and, just a great place to come. You guys need to find out about our kept secret.
Foster Garrett 00:11:21 Yeah, that was a great community there, too. Yeah. All right. Steve.
Speaker 7 00:11:25 Steve. Andre. as Brenda said, I'm the current board chair. I've been on the board for 12 years. Wow. I've been a Bedford resident all my life. I remember, starting out when the Y started out and they were trying to find fields for us to play on, and gyms. to play. We played, I think basketball and the. What was the old Otterburn Academy and then what is now, the, the Flora apartments and the, the old middle school building. So I kind of remember from, very early on and, and have seen, the Y grow, almost from the beginning.
Foster Garrett 00:12:11 That's incredible. it's it's kind of funny to think about how big the Y is now. Like, in my mind, like, it's it's like a sprawling piece of property, especially now that you have the early learning Center, because I really think that it kind of transformed when you come to the Y compound and you're like, oh, wow, there's so much here.
Mary Jo Boone 00:12:31 Compound is much.
Foster Garrett 00:12:32 It is a compound. It's it's kind of ridiculous. Yeah. But to think it was just a building then and having to outsource like fields and gyms and stuff. Yeah. Was it just, was it just like the pool and the fitness area.
Mary Jo Boone 00:12:43 Well, the pool wasn't even.
Foster Garrett 00:12:44 Oh, the pool wasn't even there.
Mary Jo Boone 00:12:46 Oh, it was just the building. Oh, wow. It was teeny tiny concrete building.
Speaker 7 00:12:50 Yeah, it was a small building. the gym, if you could call it that. we played on a tile floor. Not a real.
Speaker 8 00:12:59 Oh, wow. Or.
Mary Jo Boone 00:13:00 I don't think the ceiling was very high there, so.
Speaker 7 00:13:05 I know when I was seven years old, the hoops were probably about eight feet, and they seemed like they were a lot taller than that.
Foster Garrett 00:13:10 Yeah. Oh, wow.
Mary Jo Boone 00:13:13 Yeah, it's come a long way for sure.
Foster Garrett 00:13:15 Yeah, I've had a good size, cause since 2000. That's when you guys got the big gym, isn't it?
Mary Jo Boone 00:13:20 2004. It's more built. The gymnasium.
Foster Garrett 00:13:24 Yeah. Gotcha.
Mary Jo Boone 00:13:24 And the front of the building we added on to the front of the building, which is where the fitness center is now. Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:13:30 Yeah. That's amazing.
Mary Jo Boone 00:13:31 Yeah. The front door was like where the back of the fitness center is when I walk people through the tour. I say you remember this front door. They're like oh my gosh. Yes.
Foster Garrett 00:13:39 Yeah.
Mary Jo Boone 00:13:41 Yeah. anyway, yeah, it's come a long way. It's been awesome.
Foster Garrett 00:13:44 Wow. That's an amazing journey for you, too.
Mary Jo Boone 00:13:46 Yeah, definitely. Definitely.
Speaker 6 00:13:48 She's been here through almost all of it.
Foster Garrett 00:13:49 Yeah, well, I know a lot of this wouldn't be possible without the support of our community, without sponsors, and without your fundraisers.
Foster Garrett 00:13:59 You guys just ended a big fundraiser, and you have one coming up. Do you want to talk about the event? Yeah. Yeah. Well, you just had the Christmas classic, which that was at the 4446.
Mary Jo Boone 00:14:10 Yes. Which is amazing. So the Christmas classic is A5K race, around what we call the loop here in Bedford. and it started when I first did it 24 years ago. We had about 100 runners. and this past year we had 700 000. It's amazing. So it's always the first Saturday of December to sort of kick off the holiday season. And, you know, the parade is after but, yeah, it's just been 46 years. Think about that. Well, it's good to know that it's been every year for 46 years. And, started out with just a group of men. that I think they called them the otter trotters.
Speaker 8 00:14:53 Oh, my gosh. Yeah. That's cute.
Mary Jo Boone 00:14:55 It is. And, and then it just has grown obviously from there. But yeah.
Speaker 7 00:15:01 A few of them still run.
Speaker 8 00:15:02 Yes. Yeah, I probably do.
Foster Garrett 00:15:03 Oh, really?
Mary Jo Boone 00:15:04 Yeah, yeah. And they're usually the oldest 80, 90 year olds.
Speaker 8 00:15:07 Oh, my. Which is amazing. It is.
Foster Garrett 00:15:09 Yeah.
Speaker 6 00:15:09 Keep going.
Mary Jo Boone 00:15:10 Yep.
Foster Garrett 00:15:11 You guys have some very. You have, like, a very diverse group of, like, people that go to the Y to work out. But whenever I'm there in the fitness center, I feel like the people that are like, 70 or 80 are, like, showing me up so hard, like they're.
Speaker 8 00:15:25 Ripped.
Foster Garrett 00:15:26 They are ripped and they are there every single.
Speaker 8 00:15:28 Day. Yeah they.
Mary Jo Boone 00:15:29 Are. Yeah, it's the truth. I think that's one of the what you said earlier about the diversity of the people that come to the Y. It's old and young and black and white and big and small, you know. It really is a huge, diverse group. I don't know any other organization that serves like such a diverse group, which is pretty, pretty awesome.
Foster Garrett 00:15:48 Yeah, and it's cool like that. People have been going there for so long. Yeah. And they've really seen it, like transform. I mean, even just the renovations you guys have done recently, which again, we're gonna get to. It's incredible for me. Just like, you know, I'm only about to be 26, but I know I'm so old, so. But it's I mean, that's like 26 years of going to the Y. That's where I learned how to swim. I did swim team in high school. I know, yeah. Elizabeth Creasy taught me how to swim when I was a very, very, very small child. And then her and Mary Jo actually forced me to learn how to swim better when I was in high school. Elizabeth's method for teaching me how to dive, because I didn't. I went out for the swim team. I didn't know how to dive, which was, like, so embarrassing. And Elizabeth just, like, pushed me in headfirst until I did it in front of everybody.
Speaker 8 00:16:40 I like to.
Foster Garrett 00:16:40 Learn. Yeah. Elizabeth was good cop, bad cop. Mary Jo was good cop. That's why I know Mary.
Speaker 8 00:16:45 Jo.
Mary Jo Boone 00:16:46 Go.
Speaker 8 00:16:47 Way.
Foster Garrett 00:16:47 Back. Yeah, we do go way back. Yeah, but the pot of gold is coming up. That's your, like, other really big fundraiser for the year.
Mary Jo Boone 00:16:55 I'll let Brendan talk.
Speaker 6 00:16:56 Yeah. It is. And again, 33 years. This is our 30th.
Speaker 8 00:17:00 Oh, wow.
Speaker 6 00:17:01 I know it's a big deal. If you're anybody in Bedford, you got to be there January 31st. Saturday. it is our biggest fundraiser, a big gala. You can dress all the way up or dress all the way down. Whatever's comfortable for you. there will be free food included with your ticket price. Hot and cold, heavy or d'oeuvres and open bar free for everybody. And there is a silent auction. And by the way, all those businesses out there. If you'd like to donate to our silent auction, of course it's a tax deduction for you, but also a PR event for you too, because hundreds of people will see your product and we'll have a live DJ, Barry Tosh, that's going to be there this year.
Speaker 6 00:17:45 The doors open at seven and the food starts at 730.
Speaker 8 00:17:50 Perfect.
Speaker 6 00:17:51 So it's a really fun time. We have about probably about 500, 600 people.
Speaker 8 00:17:56 Wow.
Mary Jo Boone 00:17:56 Yeah, it's a big event.
Speaker 6 00:17:57 It's a big event held right at the Y in our gym. Beautifully decorated. So come on.
Speaker 8 00:18:02 Out.
Mary Jo Boone 00:18:02 It's a reverse draw for we give away $7,500 throughout the night. 2500? Like on every 10th ticket. But the reverse draw being like, if your number is pulled off the wall first, you're the biggest loser, basically. So we get down to the last ten, and then they have to decide if they're going to split the pot of $5,000 or keep drawing numbers, and it becomes a little bit of a hairy situation when if one person holds out and says, keep pulling numbers, and then that one person gets out and everybody's like, yay!
Speaker 8 00:18:34 Can't get a little heated.
Mary Jo Boone 00:18:35 But anyway, it's I mean, that's the other piece to it is that we, give away quite a bit of money.
Speaker 8 00:18:40 Yeah.
Mary Jo Boone 00:18:40 And one of the biggest things, one of the biggest pots is a 5050 raffle. I think we give it away like $1,500. So think about.
Speaker 8 00:18:47 Oh, wow.
Mary Jo Boone 00:18:48 $3,000 would have been raised just with like five and $10 tickets.
Speaker 8 00:18:52 Yeah.
Mary Jo Boone 00:18:52 People love that 5050. That chance, that gambling chance.
Speaker 8 00:18:56 Yeah.
Mary Jo Boone 00:18:57 So it's a great event for sure.
Foster Garrett 00:18:58 I've always loved going to the pot of gold. I think I think the most fun about it. I love the food is delicious. You always have. You always have such, like, a variety.
Speaker 8 00:19:06 Of good variety.
Foster Garrett 00:19:07 Yes. And I like that. It starts at 732, so you don't have to, like, wait around. And the open bar is fun. But the most fun at the pot of gold to me is the people watching.
Speaker 8 00:19:17 Oh yeah, for sure.
Foster Garrett 00:19:17 Because there's so many different people. You're you're right. Like if you're anybody like in Bedford, you're probably going to be there or you're going to see somebody that you know, and it's just so entertaining to see because some people like to dance, some people just want to talk.
Foster Garrett 00:19:28 Some people are fighting over the silent auction items. Like it's so, so entertaining.
Speaker 8 00:19:33 Going.
Foster Garrett 00:19:33 On. There's a lot going on, and it's just nice. The first time that my parents went to the port of call my mom. They were they were about to like, walk out the door. They hadn't been there. I think they'd been there for like an hour or two. And they were about to leave. And then they'd called my my parents number and my mom goes.
Speaker 8 00:19:48 Oh my God, we won. Carter.
Foster Garrett 00:19:51 And he was like, no, honey, that's bad.
Speaker 8 00:19:54 That means you're a loser. You're a loser.
Mary Jo Boone 00:19:58 Oh that's cute. It's a fun event for sure.
Speaker 6 00:20:00 Yeah, yeah. Well, if anybody needs tickets, give us a call. Call the. Why? Come by. Contact a board member. We're all. We all have tickets to sell.
Foster Garrett 00:20:08 Okay, perfect. Can they get them online, or is this. They come in person.
Speaker 8 00:20:12 Type in person? Yeah.
Speaker 8 00:20:13 Okay.
Mary Jo Boone 00:20:14 100 actual.
Speaker 6 00:20:14 Ticket. Yeah. $150 per.
Speaker 8 00:20:16 Couple.
Foster Garrett 00:20:17 Gotcha.
Speaker 6 00:20:17 For free food and drinks, all that other stuff.
Speaker 8 00:20:20 Unlimited. Unlimited.
Foster Garrett 00:20:21 Make the most of it.
Speaker 7 00:20:22 Which is fairly reasonable for an evening out.
Speaker 8 00:20:25 Absolutely. Well, yeah.
Speaker 6 00:20:26 Bargain.
Speaker 7 00:20:27 And like you said, for the people watching and.
Speaker 8 00:20:30 Oh, yes. Dancing.
Speaker 7 00:20:32 Watching staff have to pull the, bed sheets from, from people's hands.
Speaker 8 00:20:38 And.
Speaker 7 00:20:39 Yeah, there's some really nice items that we've had that I've had a chance to. That I've, that I've, that I've won that you know, some of our local businesses have donated. and sometimes I've gone home disappointed that somebody has outbid me by a dollar. Or something like that.
Foster Garrett 00:20:54 So we had some contention over some items at our silent auction for our gala last year, and it was to the point where people were like puppy guarding the clipboards. And I was like, I'm just gonna walk away for a second and let y'all work this out. She's gonna let you work it out.
Foster Garrett 00:21:08 Yeah, yeah.
Speaker 8 00:21:08 But it.
Foster Garrett 00:21:09 It does. But again, it's great promotion for your business. People are fighting over what.
Speaker 8 00:21:13 You you.
Foster Garrett 00:21:14 Gave. And also another point, if you're listening to this podcast and you definitely want to donate to the why for this event, do not wait until the week of the event.
Speaker 6 00:21:24 Thank you.
Speaker 8 00:21:24 Yes, please.
Foster Garrett 00:21:25 Please. As somebody who has to put together baskets and the bed sheets and all the stuff, please just go ahead and pull the trigger. Give them a call. Stop by. Like I would love to donate. Don't wait until January 29th when you're going to our event. And with the new for your business goals. And you're like, oh, wait. The wise thing is this weekend. Start off the year with coming to our event and then go have a great time at Pot of Gold.
Speaker 8 00:21:48 I like it. Yes.
Foster Garrett 00:21:50 It all flows together. You get a.
Speaker 8 00:21:51 Day to.
Foster Garrett 00:21:51 Day to breathe in between.
Speaker 8 00:21:53 Yeah. Perfect.
Foster Garrett 00:21:55 Well, you guys also have some cool stuff going on for January.
Mary Jo Boone 00:21:59 Yes. Join for a dollar in January.
Speaker 8 00:22:01 Wow.
Mary Jo Boone 00:22:02 Yeah. So, whatever day. So hurry now so you can take advantage of January. You know, earlier, the better the the more advantage. And then you pay for February, and then you're not filled again until March. So, we usually have a special at least once every other month of some sort. So if you're. But this is the best time to join for sure. And then, you know, we have we renovated the fitness center, have all new equipment. It's amazing.
Speaker 8 00:22:29 It looks incredible. Yeah.
Mary Jo Boone 00:22:31 So, it's definitely the time to. Yeah, to make that New Year's resolution come to reality and and then hang in there. Because the worst thing is, like, we look at March and they're like, oh, there's a drop off.
Speaker 8 00:22:43 Yes.
Mary Jo Boone 00:22:44 Oh, those resolutions didn't last.
Speaker 8 00:22:46 So let's make them last this year.
Foster Garrett 00:22:48 I think also like the the great thing about the why is so when I first started going and sometimes when I still go I'm like looking around, I'm like, oh my God.
Foster Garrett 00:22:56 I feel like everybody's watching me right now. People are not watching people.
Speaker 8 00:22:59 Absolutely.
Foster Garrett 00:23:00 People are not watching it. Yeah, they do not care. And if you see somebody, you know and you're like, oh man, I'm just trying to like work out right now. You can hit the hay. So good to see you and then just walk away. I have a hard time not yapping to people when I see them, but sometimes you just need to lock in to what you're there to do. And if you don't know anything about the machines, that's okay. People can help.
Speaker 8 00:23:20 You.
Mary Jo Boone 00:23:20 There's a person in the fitness center at all times to help. And the other thing about these new the Pinsent machines is that there's a barcode on every single machine, so you can take your phone and actually take a picture of it, and it'll have to show you a video of how the machine works.
Speaker 8 00:23:34 Really?
Foster Garrett 00:23:35 That's awesome.
Mary Jo Boone 00:23:35 I know, so new wave.
Foster Garrett 00:23:37 Yeah. I didn't even know that.
Foster Garrett 00:23:38 That's so cool. Yeah, I'm definitely going to be doing that because sometimes I'm like, I have no idea if I'm doing this right.
Speaker 8 00:23:42 Exactly.
Speaker 7 00:23:42 So that could really be truly anti-social and use the pen set machines.
Foster Garrett 00:23:48 Yes, yes. And when I, when I go work out, it's kind of embarrassing. I put my headphones on and I, you know, I can't really hear much with them on. And I'm not really trying to look at other people either, because I'm like trying to do my thing. But Brendon, who worked at the Y for a long time, worked in the fitness center and was the kind of person that was like making sure everybody's good and knew what they were doing, helping out. He stood there staring at me right in front of the treadmill for like three minutes straight, and I didn't notice him. And he finally was like, are you okay? I was like, I'm sorry. I'm just like, locked into my workout. We're friends. We're friends.
Foster Garrett 00:24:20 This is allowed to happen. But it's it's I love what you guys have done with it. I mean, you even renovated the floors.
Speaker 8 00:24:26 Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:24:26 It's so. It's so amazing.
Speaker 8 00:24:29 Yeah.
Mary Jo Boone 00:24:29 It's a complete renovation.
Speaker 8 00:24:30 Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:24:31 Are the fans new, too?
Speaker 8 00:24:33 no, no.
Foster Garrett 00:24:34 I just I just feel the fans more.
Speaker 8 00:24:36 Now. Yeah.
Mary Jo Boone 00:24:37 It's probably because of the floor and. Yeah, it's just more open in there anyway.
Speaker 8 00:24:40 It is. Yeah.
Speaker 6 00:24:41 It's very bright and cherry it is.
Foster Garrett 00:24:42 And all the all the machines are new. It's amazing.
Speaker 8 00:24:45 It's awesome.
Speaker 6 00:24:46 Stuff.
Speaker 8 00:24:46 Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:24:47 Was that a sponsorship or a grant that you guys got to do? Or do you fundraise for it?
Mary Jo Boone 00:24:52 All of.
Speaker 8 00:24:52 The above. All the above, which.
Mary Jo Boone 00:24:54 Is how we.
Speaker 8 00:24:54 Roll. Yeah.
Mary Jo Boone 00:24:57 I feel like I'm the biggest beggar in Bedford.
Speaker 8 00:24:59 No. No shame.
Mary Jo Boone 00:25:02 None whatsoever.
Foster Garrett 00:25:03 I mean.
Speaker 8 00:25:04 That's.
Foster Garrett 00:25:04 If you if you want something to keep growing, you need to find a way to fund it.
Foster Garrett 00:25:08 And I think that people like there's a reason that you guys have grown from, like, a tiny little building with nothing in it to being like a full, sprawling, like compound.
Speaker 8 00:25:18 Compound the compound.
Mary Jo Boone 00:25:20 People don't realize that there's no great wide pie in the sky that we get funding from. Like, you know, there's not like a wide national. And I need to renovate the fitness center. Give me $200,000. We do have to raise it in the community. And the community has been very supportive. And there's organizations and foundations around and in Bedford that have been very supportive. Centra for one, for example, has been very supportive over the years. so, yeah, and we just renovated part of our, picnic shelter thing and added in a teaching, well, it's a pavilion classroom, but it has a kitchen air to it. So we can take really take seed to table with our kids, because we have that huge garden with over 100 species, so we can, move them right into this kitchen area and show them how to, for example, make corn muffins out of a seed that they grew.
Speaker 8 00:26:18 Into.
Mary Jo Boone 00:26:18 Corn and dried and milled into flour and then make into muffins.
Speaker 8 00:26:22 That is so cool.
Mary Jo Boone 00:26:23 And then drizzle with the honey from our bees. That side of the eggs from the chicken. So yeah it's pretty cool.
Foster Garrett 00:26:31 Oh my gosh. And I thought that I was blessed with my childhood at the Y compared to Steve's childhood at the Y. Now these kids are like getting a whole new experience.
Speaker 8 00:26:38 Oh.
Mary Jo Boone 00:26:39 That's exactly.
Speaker 8 00:26:39 Right.
Foster Garrett 00:26:40 That's awesome, Mary Jo. I know, I think you actually. We actually talked about that on the episode last year. How you wanted to put in the teaching kitchen. And it's awesome to see that it's happened.
Speaker 8 00:26:50 Yeah. What's happened there one year later? Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:26:53 That's awesome. That is so cool.
Speaker 7 00:26:55 Yeah. My son really enjoys the days that he gets to go into the garden when he's with after school, and they do some of that at summer camp as well. So that's one of the highlights of of his day.
Foster Garrett 00:27:06 Yeah. Do you want to talk about some of the youth programming?
Speaker 7 00:27:10 Sure.
Speaker 7 00:27:10 Absolutely. Of course, I have a ten year old. very much into our youth soccer program. I, I coach his team. we could always use volunteers to coach. I've, I've been blessed to, to have, good help, when I've done that. but just we have awesome parents who come out with their kids. it's a it's a good program we have. Mary J has mentioned the swim team, so our youth, youth sports, it's. Look, some of it is about developing kids to, to play sports, should they choose to. But, you know, really, it's, some of the lessons that, you know, he's learning now and that I learned in participating in sports of the Y or just being on a team, learning how to work. Well, you know, with others, celebrating your accomplishments. I think it's also, helpful to not always, not always win. You know, not every time you're going to be successful in doing something. And, you know, unfortunately, there's some of that as well.
Speaker 7 00:28:16 But, overall, those are good programs. And, of course he's in the after school program, as I mentioned earlier, and does and has done day camp since he, since he was in kindergarten. So he's, he's been active at the Y for quite some time as well. And it's been interesting to to see him actually grow from being one of the, the little kids in the program to being one of the bigger kids there.
Foster Garrett 00:28:43 That's awesome. I feel like whenever it comes to sports and stuff, I actually talked about this with Dave Volz, who, that sports supporting. Sure. Yeah. and when I like, I did sports growing up, I did sports in high school. And it's not like I was ever going to be like a D-1 athlete, but it really it helped me with collaborating with people, with understanding different perspectives, dealing with difficult situations and difficult personalities. And also, like you said, like celebrating your accomplishments, having pride in like what you do and like wanting like, I don't know, I feel like when you work hard at a sport and you like and you get that reward from it, whether it's like seeing what your body is capable, capable of, or even just winning like it makes you feel so good about what you can do.
Foster Garrett 00:29:32 And I think that's important for kids. I think that the why offers a lot of different things where kids can get a lot of different, like experiences, and that's kind of like the whole purpose of the why is like wellness and helping people become like kids, become great people.
Speaker 7 00:29:48 Definitely, definitely. Like helping people grow in mind, body and spirit.
Speaker 8 00:29:51 Yes. For sure.
Mary Jo Boone 00:29:53 We also just got a grant from From White National to teach kids to swim.
Speaker 8 00:29:58 So you have.
Mary Jo Boone 00:30:00 A child between the ages of three and 11 and they need swim lessons. We are offering those for free because.
Speaker 8 00:30:07 Oh, wow. It's a great program.
Foster Garrett 00:30:09 Yeah, that is so amazing.
Mary Jo Boone 00:30:10 Yeah, it would be an eight week swim lesson. So definitely water safety and you know. Yeah, rounded. So some cool stuff.
Foster Garrett 00:30:22 As somebody who learned how to swim at the Y, I can I can vouch for it.
Speaker 7 00:30:26 Well, I think it's one of the most important things or one of the important needs in our community.
Speaker 7 00:30:31 We're getting more apartment complexes and, we're certainly aware, through Andy Crawford, who's one of our board members who's also the director of Bedford County DSS, that one of the, one of their the Commonwealth Department of Social Services. One of their big concerns is that youth drowning deaths are increasing, and it's something that's so easily prevented. Yes. you know, with apartment complexes having pools and things like that, that's something that's so easily prevented by teaching children how to just basic swimming and water safety.
Mary Jo Boone 00:31:13 Yeah. For sure.
Foster Garrett 00:31:15 Yeah. Is there anything else that you guys want to talk about with the Y. Any any other programs? Anything coming up, anything that you kind of like, see as board members, as being like an amazing part of the YMCA.
Mary Jo Boone 00:31:28 Well, I will say, speaking of board members, we're trying to grow our board. So if you're interested in. Yeah, getting involved. we're also going to launch a volunteer program here in the next several months. to come on out and help volunteer, we have, like, the Master Gardeners who come out and work in the garden.
Mary Jo Boone 00:31:47 There's lots of opportunities to do some some stuff around the Y. but. Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:31:55 Okay. Board members, if you're recording for board members, what is kind of your experience or the expectations?
Speaker 6 00:32:01 Well, just I just liked being on I still am on two boards, and it's just so great to be kind of behind the scenes and helping to direct what goes on and make important decisions for the future of the Y in the total organization and and collaborate with other, organizations in the community. So it's important position and fun, too.
Speaker 7 00:32:24 Yeah. I think we're always looking for, you know, ways to collaborate. as any nonprofit, we're trying to sort of leverage, partnerships within the community. we've certainly got a lot of great partners in the community, that we work with, but we could always use more. I think one of the greatest things that I've gotten to, you know, sort of experience as a board member is listening to, some of our other members. y stories y y there in the, you know, involved in the YMCA movement, what it's meant.
Speaker 7 00:33:02 you know, in their life. a lot of us who serve on the board have, have certainly. The reason we serve as we've gotten a lot out of the YMCA in general. as far as things that are upcoming. We'll start with, spring soccer registration here soon, and, starting our summer camps. those are good opportunities. You don't have to sign up for the full summer. So, for maybe kids who are staying at home or staying with grandparents, maybe to get some, respite care, if you will, is to send your kid away to camp for a week. but, it's it's something, those are some of the other things that are coming up, and they'll sort of be on our radar sooner rather than, you know, rather than later.
Mary Jo Boone 00:33:50 Definitely. Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:33:51 Awesome. And you guys, I'm going to say the magic word. You have pickleball.
Mary Jo Boone 00:33:55 Oh.
Speaker 7 00:33:56 Yes we do.
Foster Garrett 00:33:57 Yeah, I know, I know, I was like, we can't go too far into the pickleball, but there is pickleball and people are serious about it.
Mary Jo Boone 00:34:04 Yes. Very serious. And it's growing. It's it's awesome. I love it myself. But, you know, there's just so little indoor space. So this time of year, people get very frustrated having to wait, but we had 30 people show up Monday night to play.
Foster Garrett 00:34:17 Wow.
Mary Jo Boone 00:34:18 So I mean, it is great and I love Beaufort County. Put in those six outdoor courts, which are amazing. So I don't think we have a problem in the summertime. It's just wintertime. And then there's like the battling for basketball and indoor soccer and pickleball all wanting that gym and all at the exact same time every single day. So we just know that we do the best that we can, and we're thinking about all those people, not just one segment or another. But yeah, it's it's grown. It's it's amazing. And it's a really it's a great sport. Honestly. I used to kind of Pooh Pooh it, but now I'm addicted. So, but it's a cross between ping pong and tennis, so.
Mary Jo Boone 00:34:56 Yeah, if you like either of those, come on out. And the people out there are generally very nice and very kind. So if you come out and you've never played before, they'll help show you and teach you how to keep score and all the crazy little things that come with the pickleball game. So if you'd never try to come on out, try it. But, we use Play Time Scheduler, which is an app, and you can add that to your phone and, and it'll show you all the locations where there is pickleball and what times and how many people can play and that sort of thing. Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:35:30 You guys are kind of getting high tech at the Y.
Mary Jo Boone 00:35:32 So high tech, high tech.
Foster Garrett 00:35:33 You've got the new messaging stuff for classes now too.
Speaker 6 00:35:36 Which.
Mary Jo Boone 00:35:36 Is great, which is great, honestly. Yeah. Text message if the like this morning I got one that the pool temperature is 81 degrees. Unfortunately, it's a little cold.
Foster Garrett 00:35:45 It was pretty.
Mary Jo Boone 00:35:46 Cool. Yeah.
Mary Jo Boone 00:35:46 So we had to cancel like the morning water over class. But how do you you know, we post on Facebook and that gets some people we post on our website and that gets some people. We can't make phone calls. Everybody, you know, like how do you really get to everybody? So I think this text messaging thing is going to help a whole lot.
Foster Garrett 00:36:03 I think that's awesome. I mean, whenever I want to look at classes, I have to like go to the website and then pull it up on my phone. And it's not always easy. just with, like, the calendar. Like trying to fit my mobile. Yeah. Yeah. But that that's awesome, because sometimes I just text my friends. I'm like, is there a class today? But if you don't have the in, how are you going to find out without.
Mary Jo Boone 00:36:22 At the end, get the end.
Foster Garrett 00:36:23 I know I'm so lucky. Perks of growing up here.
Speaker 6 00:36:27 Exactly true.
Foster Garrett 00:36:28 Well, if if you're listening to this and you want to start out the year by being active, the Y is really the place to do so.
Foster Garrett 00:36:36 There's so many different ways for you to get involved, for your kids to get involved. whether you're looking for yoga or to go figure out the weight machines on your own, try out pickleball. Do any of the things. All the things are there. There's so many stuff. There's so many things.
Mary Jo Boone 00:36:50 So many things.
Foster Garrett 00:36:51 So many things.
Mary Jo Boone 00:36:52 It truly is a blessing.
Foster Garrett 00:36:53 Honestly, that is a.
Mary Jo Boone 00:36:55 Community to have such a great organization.
Foster Garrett 00:36:57 Yes, absolutely.
Mary Jo Boone 00:36:59 Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:36:59 And if you're interested in spending some of your dollars towards a great organization, it's a great cause. Contact Mary Jo.
Speaker 7 00:37:05 We'll be happy to accept all donations for Cheers.
Foster Garrett 00:37:10 Speaking up right now. Well, if people do want to learn more. Or get in touch with you, what's the best way to do so?
Mary Jo Boone 00:37:15 So Bedford YMCA. Org is a website. And then (540) 586-3483 is our phone number. yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:37:24 Okay. Perfect.
Mary Jo Boone 00:37:25 Yeah.
Foster Garrett 00:37:26 Well, thank you guys so much for taking the time to join me today.
Speaker 7 00:37:28 Thank you for having me.
Foster Garrett 00:37:29 Of course.
Speaker 6 00:37:30 Always great.
Foster Garrett 00:37:30 And you'll probably see me in the article. Yay! Yeah, I hope so. I might dress up. It's just fun to dress up. Mary Jo used to dress up.
Mary Jo Boone 00:37:37 I usually dress up. It's my one day a year. Yeah, it's.
Foster Garrett 00:37:41 The one day we don't see Mary Jo repping y stuff. Well, stuff. Or in athletic clothes. Exactly. All right. Well, thank you guys for joining me again.
Speaker 6 00:37:49 Thank you. Thank you. It's great.
Foster Garrett 00:37:51 Well, you're listening to Not Just Buildings, hosted by the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce and produced by Media Skywatch. There are so many great people working together to make the Bedford area a great place to live, work and do business. And we hope that by telling their stories, our listeners are able to become more connected to our community. After all, there are so many hidden gems, services, resources and amazing opportunities just waiting to be seized right here in the area of Bedford, Virginia.
Foster Garrett 00:38:16 If you like this interview, I have great news for you. New episodes come out every week, and we have lots of episodes for you to catch up on in the meantime. Episodes are available on Mediawatch plus our producers local streaming app, as well as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, our weekly newsletter, Facebook and website, and anywhere else you can find podcasts. If you want to learn more about us at the chamber, we encourage you to check out our website, Bedford Chamber. Com or give us a call at (540) 586-9401. Thanks so much for listening, and keep an eye out for the next episode of Not Just Buildings.
Time Stamps:
Podcast Rebranding & Introduction (00:01:07) Host Foster Garrett introduces the new podcast name, its mission, and thanks supporters.
Chamber Events Overview (00:02:01) Upcoming Chamber events are highlighted, including the annual kickoff and opportunities for networking.
Startup Toolbox Marathon (00:04:01) Details about an all-day event for entrepreneurs, including business planning and networking.
Career & Technical Education Expo (00:05:05) Overview of the CTE Expo, its goals, and partnership with local schools to connect students with career opportunities.
Community Engagement & Event Participation (00:07:20) Encouragement for businesses and community members to get involved in Chamber and school events.
Podcast Guest Introduction (00:09:09) Introduction of guests from the Bedford Area Family YMCA.
YMCA History & Growth (00:09:32) Guests share their backgrounds and the YMCA’s growth from a small building to a large community hub.
YMCA Fundraisers: Christmas Classic (00:13:59) Discussion of the annual Christmas Classic 5K race and its history.
YMCA Fundraisers: Pot of Gold Gala (00:16:47) Details about the Pot of Gold fundraiser, its activities, and community impact.
January Membership Special & Renovations (00:21:55) Promotion of the $1 January membership, recent fitness center renovations, and new equipment.
Community Support & Facility Improvements (00:24:47) Explanation of how fundraising and community support enable facility upgrades and new programs.
Teaching Kitchen & Garden Initiatives (00:26:18) Description of the new teaching kitchen, garden-to-table programs, and youth educational experiences.
Youth Programming & Sports (00:27:06) Overview of youth sports, after-school programs, and the benefits of participation.
Free Swim Lessons Grant (00:29:53) Announcement of a grant providing free swim lessons for children ages 3–11.
Board Membership & Volunteer Opportunities (00:31:28) Invitation to join the YMCA board or volunteer, and the value of community collaboration.
Upcoming Programs: Soccer & Summer Camp (00:33:02) Information on spring soccer registration and summer camp opportunities.
Pickleball & High-Tech Upgrades (00:33:51) Discussion of the popularity of pickleball, new scheduling apps, and class notification systems.
Closing & Contact Information (00:36:28) Encouragement to get involved with the YMCA, contact details, and closing remarks.
Key Words:
Not Just Buildings, Chamber Vibes, Bedford Virginia, Foster Garrett, Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce, Bedford Area Family YMCA, healthcare collaboration, community events, Annual Kickoff Event, Startup Toolbox Marathon, Small Business Development Center, Career and Technical Education Expo, CTE courses, community support, fundraising events, Christmas Classic 5K, Pot of Gold Gala, silent auction, local businesses, YMCA programs, fitness center renovation, youth programming, swim lesson program, water safety, volunteer opportunities, pickleball, community hub, health and wellness, educational gardening, Media Squatch, Media Squatch Plus, podcasting, local stories, Bedford community, networking, entrepreneurship, economic development, sponsorships, community involvement, hidden gems, local resources, youth sports, after-school programs, summer camps, gardening education, technology in fitness, communication improvements, community connections.