DECEMBER 2025
AT THE MID-WILLAMETTE FAMILY YMCA
REMINDER: THE YMCA WILL BE CLOSED 12/24 & 12/25 FOR CHRISTMAS EVE & CHRISTMAS DAY
WINTER GALA RECAP: CELEBRATING 65 YEARS OF OUR YMCA
This November, we celebrated 65 years of serving the Albany and Mid-Willamette Valley community at our Fifth Annual Winter Gala. We welcomed local businesses, partners, and community members for an evening dedicated to honoring the impact of our YMCA. Over the past year, our programs have grown, and our YMCA continues to flourish because of the support of the Albany community.
A total of 206 individuals attended this year’s Gala. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our event sponsors: presenting sponsor Fitzpatrick Painting & Construction; gold sponsor EADS Broadcasting; silver sponsors Republic Services, Mike’s Heating & Air, Weatherford Thompson, and Xtreme Grafx; and all of the table sponsors who joined us.
2025 Winter Gala Recap Page 1-3
Community Partner Highlight & News Page 4-5
Senior Holiday Luncheon & December Middle School Dance Page 6
Willamette Valley Jaguars Basketball Camp & Jr. NBA Youth Basketball Page 7
YFit 60-Day Blast & CrossFit Mid Valley Page 8
Friday Night Out & Preschools Page 9
Volleyball Academy & Elite Boxing Page 10
Non-School Days & After School Program Page 11
Fitness & Pool Schedules Page 12
breaking in September 2025. When completed in late 2026, the building will include 38 units, a courtya 2–3 full-time staff members, and extensive wrap around services, including individualized peer supp employment outreach, access to mentor programs, and free YMCA memberships for residents.
Several YMCA members also took the stage to share their personal Y stories. Jaleh Ellis, a retired nurse and, now, a part-time school bus driver, spoke about finding community at the YMCA after the fire at SAMFit. She shared how meaningful it is to see people of all ages— including children in before and after school care, and adults and seniors in group exercise classes—supported in one welcoming space.
Richard Kennedy, a disabled veteran and participant in our Iron Heart program, spoke about how the Y supports his fitness and wellbeing. The Iron Heart program offers adaptive CrossFit for veterans with disabilities and includes full access to YMCA facilities and services. Kennedy, who has also partnered with the YMCA to lead youth magic classes and clinics, shared heartfelt praise for the community and support he has found here.
Jacob Luttrell shared his remarkable journey of healing after an incident left him without mobility in his legs. Despite doctors telling him he may never walk again, he worked tirelessly with physical therapists and utilized the YMCA’s equipment and environment as part of his recovery. He concluded his story by sharing a video of himself walking on the beach: an inspiring story of resilience and hope.
The night concluded with a video unveiling our upcoming Strength & Cardio Room expansion, a project that will more than double our current space from 4,400 to over 10,000 square feet. This renovation will include more equipment, improved layout and flow, ADA-accessible machines, dedicated stretching areas, updated flooring, enhanced lighting, and intentionally designed spaces for seniors. This expansion will allow us to better support the health and fitness goals of members of all ages and abilities.
As we wrap up 2025, we extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who joined us and to all who support our Y throughout the year. This year has been one of incredible progress. We look forward to all that is ahead in 2026.
We are excited to share an update on the much-anticipated renovation of our locker rooms. Our original timeline was to start with the women’s locker room, followed by the men’s. However, we had an unexpected water leak in the men’s locker room that caused extensive damage. Because of the severity of the issue, we had to begin demolition and remediation immediately for safety and structural reasons.
While these factors have required us to adjust our plans, our commitment to renovating both locker rooms as quickly and efficiently as possible has not changed.
Men’s Locker Room: On track to be completed by the end of 2025. Women’s Locker Room: Renovation will begin immediately after the men’s is finished and is expected to take 4–6 weeks.
During all phases of construction, members will continue to have access to the Family YMCA Locker Room & our outdoor shower trailer
We know that construction can be inconvenient, and we truly appreciate your patience as we make long-term improvements that will benefit everyone.
Thank you for your continued support of the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA!
Since 1979, Riteway Electric has been lighting up homes, businesses, and communities across the Willamette Valley. Founded by Emerson Smoker, a Pennsylvania native, the company began humbly in a red barn in Shedd, Oregon. When asked about the origins of the company's name, Emerson recalls, “I wanted a name that reflected my values. Riteway: doing it right, no matter what. Making money was important, but helping people solve their problems was the real goal.”
Emerson’s journey from a one-man operation to a thriving electrical business was driven by integrity and service. In the early days, he prioritized responding quickly to customer needs and delivering exceptional service, including being an early adopter of technology like pagers, often tracking down payphones to respond before cell phones were widespread. As the company expanded into Albany and eventually established a permanent shop off Three Lakes Road, Riteway grew steadily while remaining deeply connected to its community.
In 2016, his daughter, Wendy Nofziger, and her husband, Aaron, officially took the reins, continuing the family legacy. Wendy had been involved since college, studying business and returning home to learn the trade under her father’s mentorship. Under her leadership, Riteway has maintained its commitment to integrity while modernizing operations with new software and communication systems, ensuring they remain responsive and customer-focused.
Beyond the YMCA, Riteway gives back through a variety of community initiatives. They support the Boys & Girls Club, local schools, livestock auctions, Furniture Share, Safe Haven, and other nonprofits, offering both sponsorship and skilled labor when needed. “Being part of the community means more than just doing business. It’s about giving back and helping people succeed,” Wendy says.
Both Emerson and Wendy take immense pride in the crew they have nurtured at Riteway.
Looking ahead, Riteway Electric plans to continue serving its community with the same values that shaped its founding: integrity, quality, and a commitment to doing things the right way. As Wendy reflects, “Our goal is simple: to continue helping people, standing by our work, and making a positive impact in community we serve.”
This monthly newsletter is designed to keep the entire Albany community—whether you have students in our schools or not—informed and connected. Each edition will feature updates from the Long Range Facility Advisory Committee, district highlights and celebrations, and messages from Superintendent Andy Gardner.
This newsletter is separate from our weekly Friday Focus and open to anyone interested in staying engaged with the Greater Albany Public Schools.
GAPS invites you to sign up and share the link below with friends, neighbors, and anyone who wants to stay in the know about what’s happening across our schools!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR GAPS COMMUNITY
SENIOR HOLIDAY LUNCHEON
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5
REGISTRATION DEADLINE DECEMBER 4
Seniors: Join us for a Holiday Luncheon! Come jingle and mingle with all your friends at the Y. McCall will be cooking up delicious food, and there will be something for everyone to enjoy. Wear your ugly sweater and bring a small gift for the gift exchange (optional). Come and enjoy the great food, friends, games, and all the fun!
11:30 AM-1:30 PM Conference Room $10 Members / $15 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
FREE DECEMBER MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12
REGISTRATION DEADLINE DECEMBER 12
Mark your calendar! Every 2nd Friday of the month, middle schoolers are invited for a night of music, fun, and friends. Our next dance is December 12th: Get ready for a Holiday Pajama Party! Entry is FREE. Preregister or register at the door.
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Bring your Student ID or proof of middle school attendance.
Free entry
Click here for more information and to register.
WILLAMETTE VALLEY JAGUARS WINTER BASKETBALL CAMP
DECEMBER 29-DECEMBER 30
REGISTRATION DEADLINE DECEMBER 28
SPONSORED BY ROCKHOLT REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
We’re teaming up with the Willamette Valley Jaguars, our local professional basketball team, to bring a Preseason Winter Basketball Camp to the Y! Led by Jaguar players, this coed camp is a great opportunity for young athletes to learn skills, build confidence, and have fun.
Ages 5-9: 10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Ages 10-13: 1:00 PM-3:00 PM
$40 Members / $60 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
JR. NBA WINTER YOUTH BASKETBALL
JANUARY 5-FEBRUARY 28
REGISTRATION DEADLINE DECEMBER 21
SPONSORED BY ROCKHOLT REAL ESTATE & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
We are excited to announce that our YMCA has partnered with the Jr. NBA to provide a recreational, coed program with the mission of empowering our youth through the game of basketball.
Practices each week, six games on Saturdays
Ages 4-13
$110 Members / $120 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
staff, and more.
For ages 16+
Level 1: $10 Members / $15 Guests
Level 2: $25 Members / $30 Guests
Level 3: $40 Members / $45 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
CROSSFIT MID VALLEY
ONGOING
Join us for CrossFit at the YMCA with CrossFit Mid Valley! Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beginner, CrossFit Mid Valley offers strength, conditioning, and community that will push you to your limits—and leave you feeling amazing!
YMCA Members: $50/month per person
CrossFit-Only Memberships: Individual: $90/month
Couple: $150/month
Family: $240/month
Drop-in Rate: $15 per session
Click here for more information and to register.
Every Friday
5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Ages 8 weeks - 5 grade th $15 Members / $20 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
YMCA PRESCHOOLS
PRESCHOOL / TODDLER CARE / EARLY LEARNING FULL DAY & HALF DAY OPTIONS AVAILABLE
Is your child ready for preschool? It’s never too early to plan for their future! At YMCA Preschools, every day is full of growth, discovery, and fun.
Flexible Options: Choose from full-day or part-day programs to suit your family’s schedule. We also have Toddler Care for ages 2-3 at our Growing Leaders Early Learning Center.
Whole-Child Focus: We balance academic learning with social-emotional development for a well-rounded start. Fun & Discovery: From hands-on activities to making new friends, every day is an adventure!
Click here for more information.
you elevate your game in a supportive and engaging environment.
Beginner Level: Wednesdays, 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
($40 Members / Non-Members)
Intermediate & Advanced Levels: Tuesdays, 5:30 PM-7:00 PM
($50 Members / $60 Non-Members)
Click here for more information and to register.
ELITE BOXING ONGOING
Our Elite Boxing program welcomes people of all age skill levels, as there are classes for kids, beginn advanced boxers! The first class is free, so you can out before committing to joining the program.
Kids Class (Ages 6-10)
Beginners Class (Ages 11+)
Advanced Class (Ages 18+)
Prices varies
Click here for more information and to register.
and fun environment. Plus, we swim every day!
7:30 AM-5:30 PM
Ages: Kindergarten through 5th Grade
$40 per day
Upcoming Non-School Days: 12/22, 12/23, 12/26, 12/29, 12/30
Click here for more information and to register.
MAIN CAMPUS AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
EVERY DAY AFTER SCHOOL
Secure your child’s spot in our Main Campus After School Program! Open to kids in K–5th grade, our program offers a safe, fun, and supportive environment with a variety of hands-on activities led by our caring, experienced staff. It’s a place where kids can thrive after the bell rings!
After School-6:30 PM at the YMCA
Open to all GAPS Elementary Schools
$170 Members / $190 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
MW 12:00 PM Yoga: meet.google.com/jyd-baqp-vbo
TTH 7:30 AM Yoga: meet.google.com/kry-kkuv-edh
W 5:30 PM Power Yoga: meet.google.com/xvg-knsv-acq
