Steve Wells - Emma B. Howe Community Hero

Steve Wells was presented with the Emma B. Howe YMCA Community Hero award by branch Executive Director Chad Lanners.

Steve adds his YMCA work to an impressive life of community service. A 30-year veteran of the Coon Rapids police force, Steve is current Coon Rapids Police Chief. Steve is an active Volunteer with the Emma B. Howe Y Partners Campaign and Capital Campaign. He donates both financially and physically. Steve also helps out with many special branch events.

Steve is not only a Board Member at the Emma B. Howe Family YMCA, but is the Chair of the Board Development Committee. He also is an active participant on the Executive Committee. Steve is a key contact to community networking.

He and his wife have two kids, Matt and Kristen, and Kristen actually works at the Andover YMCA. Way to keep it in the family, Steve!

Steve epitomizes the hard work and dedication shown by our YMCA community leaders and volunteers. Thanks once again, and congratulations to Steve Wells, a YMCA Community Hero!

Your YMCA Stories

Here's a testimonial from the Emma B. Howe Family YMCA:

On January 18, 2007, I went into the hospital with extreme chest pain. I had an artery on the right side of my heart that was closed 99% and a blood clot in that artery. The doctor put a stint in my heart. I was out of the hospital in two days. I have 13 grandchildren. I wanted to be here awhile longer for them. So I cut the portions I eat to half of what I was eating. I cut out fried foods and most animal products. The doctors said I should exercise three times a week.

I joined the YMCA in Coon Rapids and I joined the Silver Sneakers group. I exercise five days a week, three hours daily. Besides the benefit of the exercise, I have met a lot of outgoing, friendly peole. So far I have lost twenty-five pounds. My blood pressure and sugar count are normal, this is without taking medications. I still ahve some weight to lose, but I have no doubt I will lose the weight.

The YMCA has social functions for seniors that has also fulfilled a need for myself and my husband. The YMCA has enriched our lives! Seven months after my surgery, I started working part-tiome for the YMCA in maintenance. Thank you YMCA!

Danielle Radulovich - An Emma B. Howe YMCA Community Hero!

Danielle Radulovich was presented with the Emma B. Howe Community Hero award at a meeting in February.

Danielle chairs the Community Relations Committee for the Emma B. Howe Family YMCA. Danielle designed, implemented and facilitated the success of the second Emma B. Howe Gala Event. Danielle is an active volunteer for our Branch contributing both generously in person and through her company. She is an inspiration and role model to our other volunteers.

Danielle exemplifies what it means to be a YMCA volunteer - committed to the mission and the success of the YMCA, and dedicated to giving back to the community. We thank Danielle once again for her service to the Emma B. Howe Family YMCA!

Your YMCA Stories

From time to time we like to share stories from our members as to how the YMCA has changed their lives for the better. Here's one, from a member at Emma B. Howe:

I am excited about the scholarship I got to be able to use all the services at the YMCA. I'm on disability and my funds are limited. I was not able to afford the whole cost of a membership. My favorite activity at the YMCA is the pool, because I have arthritis and I am overweight. The pool helps me get exercise whithout causing discomfort to my arthritis. I also like to be able to walk when there's bad weather, rain or snow. The tread mill and exercise equipment allows me this leisure. I also attend the many classes that are offered here at the YMCA. I want to thank all the people who help with their contributions to Y Partners. Because of their continued support I am able to emjoy my membership here. Thank you to all the workers who make it comfortable for me to attend the YMCA. The workers are always nice and caring. I would also like to thank Sharron Robillard for getting me started.

This is another example of how the YMCA makes a difference in our communities because of the generosity of people who contribute to the Y Partners annual fundraising campaign. It also couldn't happen without the dedication of the thousands of people working at the YMCA. It's why we're more than just a swim and gym!

Emma B. Howe YMCA Names Champion Donor and Volunteer of 2007

The Emma B. Howe Family YMCA is pleased to recognize ADC as our "Champion Donor" of 2007, and ADC employee Bill Walsh as "Champion Volunteer," honoring their continuing commitment to the YMCA.

ADC has been a Champion level donor, provided support of their employee as a board member, and granted the Sheridan Beacons Center a $10,000 technology grant for computers and software.

Bill is currently Vice President of the Community Board and has been a long-time board member. In addition, he has served as Y Partners campaign chair for three years, and has raised over $40,000 for the YMCA.

We congratulate ADC and Bill, and thank them once again for their dedication to the YMCA, and their commitment to the community!