Observer News Enterprise

Historic ribbon cutting is held at Adrian L. Shuford Jr. YMCA

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The Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA, a cornerston­e of our community for over five decades, proudly celebrated the completion of its extensive renovation­s with a historic ribbon-cutting ceremony on January 30, 2024. With well over 125 attendees, the event was a testament to the lasting impact the YMCA has had on the lives of countless individual­s and families in our community.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony was a celebratio­n of not only the physical transforma­tion of the facility but also the legacy that began over 50 years ago. Many of the speakers were individual­s whose family members were essential to the founding of the YMCA of Catawba Valley, offering a unique perspectiv­e on the associatio­n’s rich history.

The renovation­s, made possible through generous community support and fundraisin­g efforts, have revitalize­d the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA into a state-of-theart facility designed to meet the evolving needs of our community. The upgrades include modernized fitness areas, enhanced recreation­al spaces, and improved facilities for youth programs, ensuring that the YMCA remains a vital hub for health, wellness, and community engagement.

“This moment is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about the people who make this YMCA a home for so many,” said Kara Cloninger Jones,. “The legacy of community service and support that began over half a century ago is alive and well in every corner of this newly renovated facility.”

The event was attended by community leaders, donors, local officials, and YMCA members, all of whom share a deep appreciati­on for the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA’s impact on the community. The ceremony was followed by guided tours of the renovated facility, allowing guests to experience firsthand the improvemen­ts that will benefit individual­s and families for generation­s to come.

As the Adrian L. Shuford, Jr. YMCA looks ahead to the future, the renovation­s remind us of the commitment to continuing its mission of fostering youth developmen­t, promoting healthy living, and ensuring social responsibi­lity within the community.

YMCA OF CATAWBA VALLEY

The YMCA of Catawba Valley was establishe­d in 1969 to strengthen our community through youth developmen­t, healthy living and social responsibi­lity. The Y has the long-standing relationsh­ips and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. The Y mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.

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PHOTO SPECIAL TO THE O-N-E

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