FEBRUARY 2026 AT THE
Y STORIES: LACEY SAPAUGH
As an Albany native, the Mid-Willamette Family YMCA has long been an important presence in Lacey Sapaugh’s life. Sapaugh attended South Albany High School and grew up going to our old YMCA building. Today, she is the YMCA’s Membership Director, where she aims to foster a sense of belonging and community for everyone who utilizes our YMCA.
Sapaugh’s earliest memories of visiting our YMCA date back to when she was a baby: she attended Mommy & Me swim lessons with her parents. Then, as a child, she frequented the Y with her great-grandmother, who brought her to the facility every week for open swim. As a cheerleader in high school, Sapaugh came to the Y before school and in the summers to train and work out.
here for a while. I just couldn’t stomach the thought of there still being a Y, but not my grandma,” Sapau said. “But, when I decided to come back, I was really glad I did. There’s something about this place that j brings her up for me all of the time. It’s really cool. I feel a bit closer to her when I am here.”
Three months after she joined the Sports departmen Sapaugh stepped into her current role as Membersh Director, where she now oversees the Welcome Cent staff, supports events and programs including Mid School Dances and Craft Fairs works closely with t service, and helps ensure members feel seen and su
Sapaugh’s history at the Y has also helped her conn someone has been a member for many years or so often shares memories of the old facility with them, including the hobbit doors in the racquetball courts or the buckets in the gym to catch leaks.
“It’s always fun to reminisce a bit,” she said. “Then, I always try to bring it back look where we ’ ve come from, and how far we ’ ve come. ”
Sapaugh is a mother to three boys and understands the YMCA’s impact on the community through the lens of family. To her, the YMCA’s various offerings—the gyms and fields, strength and cardio room, fitness classes, pool, Before & After School, and Child Watch are the aspects of the organization that make it unlike anything else in Albany.
“We offer so many things. I have three boys: one is an athlete in middle school, and my middle son is in fifth grade. He’s autistic. And then my youngest son is in kindergarten,” Sapaugh said.
The role of Membership Director, Sapaugh noted, has required flexibility, patience, and adaptability. She communicates with members and seeks ways to bring new people to our YMCA. Additionally, she takes pride in mentoring young employees, many of whom are students and have dreams beyond the Y. Sapaugh said losing employees at the Welcome Center can be unfortunate, but she is glad to impart new skills and be a part of someone ’ s larger journey.
“I’ve worked really hard to develop an attitude where I recognize that I am a part of their story. I have somebody [who works at the Welcome Center] who’s in school to be a surgeon. She’s not staying here, but how cool is it that I got to work with somebody who is in school to be a surgeon?” Sapaugh said. “She’s going to go crazy places that I can’t even imagine. I’m so thrilled just to be a part of her story.”
While customer service is an essential part of her work as the Membership Director, one value Sapaugh brings to her role at the Y and one she tries to instill in all her staff members is empathy.
“When you ’ re dealing with the public, sometimes people are having a bad day, or they’re mad. Mad at someone that’s not even you, ” Sapaugh said. “I try to emphasize having thy and understanding that that person could be iencing something. We try to meet them where they are, o try to be helpful the best we can. ”
ately, Sapaugh hopes that every person who utilizes our finds exactly what they need whether it’s fitness, s, community, or connection. In her role, she strives to eople reach their goals, and she aims to ensure people alued as members of the YMCA community. However, one that makes her particularly passionate about her work at is the ability to provide for people and families.
e it when someone comes in and I can help them financially. If someone can’t afford it, I can help make membership attainable, and I often work with people to do that,” Sapaugh said. “So, I think what brought me here was my history. But what keeps me here is how amazing it feels to make memberships attainable, and to help people make the most of them.”
For more information about YMCA Membership, visit our website.
BIRTHDAYS AT THE YMCA
Thank you to everyone who recently celebrated a birthday with us. We are so glad to be part of your special day and help make it one to remember.
LOCKER ROOM UPDATE: MEN’S LOCKER ROOM IS NOW OPEN
We are excited to share that construction on our newly renovated Men’s Locker Room is officially complete!
The Men’s Locker Room will reopen for full use on Monday, February 2nd at 5:00 AM. This renovation includes several
KailaniBelt KhloeKits
Interested in celebrating your birthday at the YMCA? Click here or scan the QR code below to learn more about Facility Rental options, including our Bounce House!
construction process. We look forward to welcoming you back into the upgraded Men’s Locker Room and continuing to improve our facility for all members.
COMMUNITY PARTNER HIGHLIGHT: ONYX LUXURY AESTHETICS
When Nicole opened the doors to Onyx Luxury Aesthetics in February 2019, she wasn’t chasing trends or quick growth. She was searching for something deeper: a way to continue caring for people while creating a life that allowed her to be fully present for her family. What began as a small, part-time practice in a shared 10-by-10 room has since grown into a trusted medical aesthetics clinic in Albany, one rooted in integrity, personalized care, and meaningful community connection.
Nicole’s path to entrepreneurship began in emergency medicine. She has worked in the medical field since 2005, starting as a CNA, becoming a registered nurse, and later earning her nurse practitioner credentials in 2015. For years, her career was built around the fast pace and intensity of emergency and critical care. But by 2018, she began to feel the weight of burnout, and
already had the licensure and credentials needed to practice independently.
A MESSAGE FROM GREATER ALBANY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
GAPS is launching a Community Newsletter!
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 NEWSLETTER
Nicole opened Onyx while still working at the hospital, starting slowly and intentionally. Her first location was modest—a shared room rented from a tattoo artist—but the vision was clear. As demand grew organically, she reduced her hospital hours. By 2021, she transitioned fully into aesthetics and hired her first employee. Today, Onyx has grown to a team of five, with plans to expand further, all while maintaining the personalized, hightouch care that defines the practice.
icole describes the clinic as “ a medical practice that specializes self-care. Every provider on the team is a licensed medical ong-term outcomes are central to every treatment plan. Onyx that confidence and self-care are deeply tied to overall health.
Community involvement has also been a natural extension of that mindset. For Nicole, owning a business has opened doors to give back in ways she never could as a hospital employee. Onyx regularly supports local schools, youth sports, and organizations like ABC House and CARDV, causes Nicole became deeply familiar with during her years in emergency medicine.
During Giving Tuesday, she invited each employee to choose a cause meaningful to them, and Onyx donated to each organization. “This is my business,” she said. “If I want to give back, I can, and I want my team to feel part of that too.”
YMCA began the same way it does for many families: through ootball the YMCA quickly became part of their routine. Over
“As a parent, you see how quickly youth sports can disappear without volunteers, funding, and community support,” Nicole explains. “If there aren’t enough coaches or sponsors, seasons just don’t happen. That felt like something we could help with both with time and financial support.”
Onyx now proudly partners with the YMCA, supporting youth sports and programs that keep kids active, connected, and engaged. Nicole is especially inspired by the YMCA’s willingness to step up when the community needs it most, from providing free access to displaced gym members after local facility closures to ensuring kids can keep playing, regardless of financial barriers.
“That integrity really resonates with me, ” she says. “No one has to tell the YMCA to do the right thing they just do it. If you have the capacity to help, you help.”
VALENTINE’S NIGHT OUT
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 14
Looking for someone to watch the kids this Valenti Day? Join us at the YMCA for Valentine's Night Out
Enjoy a well-deserved date night while we take car the fun. Your child will enjoy a special Valentine's e filled with games, crafts, pizza, and more. Whether planning a romantic dinner, a movie night, or simpl quiet time, we ' ve got you covered this Valentine's D
Valentine’s Day, 5:30 PM-8:30 PM
Ages 8 weeks-5th grade
$20 Members / $25 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
VALENTINE’S CRAFT FAIR
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED TO ATTEND
Join us on February 7th in the YMCA APC for an event filled with creativity and community! Shop unique, handcrafted gifts made by talented local artisans, perfect for Valentine’s Day surprises or a treat for yourself.
10:00 AM-2:00 PM
Free to attend
Interested in registering as a vendor? Contact the YMCA Welcome Center: 541-926-4488.
Click here for more information and to register.
SPRING JR. NBA YOUTH BASKETBALL
MARCH 16-MAY 9
REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 9
Registration is now open for Spring Basketball! We are proud to partner with Jr. NBA to provide a recreational, coed program that aims to provide a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for young athletes. Thank you, PacifiCorp, for sponsoring our season.
8-week season
Practices on weeknights, games on Saturdays
Ages 4-13
$110 Members / $120 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
CRAFT & PLAY
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 7
Join us for a fun, family friendly craft program where kids and caregivers can create, explore, and imagine side by side. All supplies are provided, and no experience is needed, just come ready to have fun, get a little crafty, and make something special to take home. Perfect for all ages and a great way to make memories together!
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Ages 3-10
$15 for two people
Click here for more information and to register.
DANCING TOTS
FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 18
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 25
Looking for an active outlet for your toddler? Our Dancing Tots program is perfect for kids ages 2-4. This introductory class contains ballet, creative movement, and jazz. Young dancers will learn basic dance steps while developing their ability to follow directions, along with motor skill development games, in a positive and fun environment.
Wednesdays, 3:15 PM-4:00 PM
Ages 2-4
$60 Members / $80 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
Y DANCERS
FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 18
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 25
Calling all dancers! Join us for our Y Dancers program. this exciting dance class features ballet, creative movement, jazz, and hip-hop! Kids will have a blast while developing creativity, coordination, musicality, and listening skills.
Wednesdays, 4:30 PM-5:15 PM
Ages 5-8
$40 Members / $45 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
ADULT PROM
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 27
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 27
Step back in time and relive the magic of prom night at the YMCA's Adult Prom! Dust off your finest attire and join us for an evening filled with music, refreshments, and fun. Thank you to our sponsor, The Natty Dresser.
7:00 PM-9:00 PM
Ages 18+
Members: $15 Single / $25 Couple / $30 at door
Guests: $20 Single / $30 Couple / $40 at door
Click here for more information and to register.
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 13
Mark your calendar! Every 2nd Friday of the month from 7–9 PM, middle schoolers are invited for a night of music, fun, and friends. Our next dance is Valentine's Day-themed! Entry is FREE. Pre-register 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.
TINY TUMBLERS
FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 16
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 22
Tiny Tumblers is designed for children to learn and build upon fundamental skills, adding to their repertoire of physical capabilities and channeling their boundless energy in a fun and safe setting. This class aims to introduce gymnastics basics, encourage evaluation of personal progress, and boost an interest in physical fitness!
Mondays, 5:00 PM-6:00 PM
Ages 5-9
$65 Members / $75 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
TUMBLING TOTS
FEBRUARY 25-MARCH 18
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 25
Tumbling Tots is perfect for young children just beginning their tumbling journey! This fun and safe class helps kids develop basic tumbling skills while building confidence and coordination. Activities include trampoline, vault, balance beams, and gymnastic bars, along with an introduction to tabletops and forward and backward rolls.
Tuesday Afternoons or Saturday Mornings
Class 1: Ages 2-3, Class 2: Ages 4-5
$60 Members / $80 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
WORLD RHYTHMS HAND DRUM CLASS
FEBRUARY 4-FEBRUARY 25
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 4
Join us for a vibrant series led by Michelle Lovrich, founder of Drum Circle Connection. Discover how drumming awakens the mind, body, and spirit connecting you to a global rhythm of joy, creativity, and healing.
4-week series on Wednesday evenings Ages 12+ (Ages 12-18 must be accompanied by an adult)
$75 Members & Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
SUPER BOWL SPIN
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8
NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Kick off your game day with an epic workout! Join us for a special spin class with Bob on Super Bowl Sunday.
8:00 AM
Located in the YMCA Athletic Performance Center Free to YMCA Members
MID-VALLEY YOUTH LACROSSE CLINIC
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 21
Calling all 3rd-8th graders! Whether you ' re new to lacrosse or want to improve your skills, this coed clinic is the perfect chance to learn, play, and have fun. No gear required, but feel free to bring your own!
2:00 PM-4:00 PM
Ages 3rd-8th grade
$10 for Members & Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
MID-VALLEY YOUTH LACROSSE PROGRAM
MARCH 2-MAY 28
REGISTRATION DEADLINE FEBRUARY 25
Mid-Valley Youth Lacrosse is the perfect way for 5th8th graders to build skills, make friends, and compete in a fun, fast-paced team sport! Whether you ' re new to the game or have experience, this coed league is a great way to stay active and improve your game.
Practices are Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays
4:30 PM-6:00 PM
Ages 5th-8th grade
$175 for Members & 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.
ELITE BOXING
ONGOING
Our Elite Boxing program welcomes people of all ages and skill levels, as there are classes for kids, beginners, and advanced boxers! The first class is free, so you can try it 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.
FRIDAY NIGHT OUT
EVENING CHILD CARE EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT
Need a break? The YMCA has got you covered! Our Friday Night Out program allows you to enjoy some well-deserved downtime while your child dives into a night of games, crafts, swimming (ages 6+), pizza, and more.
Every Friday 5:30 PM-8:30 PM Ages 8 weeks-5th grade $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.
MW 12:00 PM Yoga: meet.google.com/igu-akrt-jhu
TTH 7:30 AM Yoga: meet.google.com/qxb-vfrx-guj
W 5:30 PM Power Yoga: meet.google.com/ake-ianf-ttw
