Guest Columnist

My Very Early Mornings!

Gregory Yu, M.D.

For the past six years, on the last Thursday of each month, I have gotten up at 5:30 a.m. to go to the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA. I do not go there at this early hour to work out but rather to join a group of very dedicated individuals who oversee the operations of the YMCA.

I have just concluded my two-year term as chair of the board of directors of the Crescenta-Cañada YMCA, and what an adventure it has been. As I step down and pass the gavel to incoming chair Ken Gorvetzian, there are a few closing thoughts that I would like to pass on.

Over these past two years, I am proud of the direction that the Y’s board of directors has taken and proud of the tremendous work that has been accomplished. One of the most notable events of the past two years was the grand reopening of the “bigger and better” Verdugo Hills Family YMCA. It is a tremendous asset to the community and we are thrilled at how well it has been received.

Additionally, the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA has made many improvements. In the past year, we have installed a new gym floor, a new roof, a new air-conditioning system, an expanded yoga room, a refurbished weight room and added more treadmills and exercise equipment. We have also added new after-school children’s programs and new classes and activities. These are just some of the ways that we are constantly striving to meet the needs of our members.

Partnership is a key word for the YMCA. Working together with many other outstanding, committed groups, the discovery that there truly is strength in numbers supports our efforts to work with others. Reaching into the community to communicate and produce joint efforts is a major accomplishment.

Commitment is the final trait I would use to describe our YMCA. We have been committed to serving this community, to teaching youngsters a backstroke from a dog paddle, from a dribble to a 3-pointer, from being a goalie to a kicker, from having a weak heart to strengthened muscles, all for a better you.

Committed to making a difference, we’ve expanded our after school programs for brains and body, we have included activities to stimulate the mind through games and evening socials, we’ve invited speakers to educate, and we’ve sent hundreds of youngsters off on adventures to camp, the beach, the mountains and to Sacramento.

We are truly fortunate that such an organization as the YMCA exists in our community. The work done by the Y contributes much to the sense of community that exists here.

When I go to workout at the Y during lunch, or to attend a meeting, I am struck by the camaraderie among members of all ages.

My final task as chair is to thank my fellow board members for their commitment to the cause. Together we were a team.

To President/CEO Larry Hall, thank you for your perseverance and dedication.

To my family, thank you for sharing my time with the YMCA.

To the patients in my medical practice, thank you for your patience and understanding when I was running late doing YMCA business.

But most importantly a BIG thank you to the community for supporting the Crescenta-Canada YMCA.

Without you, we would not be able to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities..

Gregory C. Yu, M.D., practices internal medicine in La Cañada. He has been a member of the board of directors of the YMCA for more than six years. He just completed his two-year position as chair of the board.