MARCH 2026
AT THE MID-WILLAMETTE FAMILY YMCA
Y STORIES: MATT CHAVARRIA
Each month, an estimated 1,500+ people utilize the MidWillamette Family YMCA’s seven acres of turf fields. Yet, before 2020, the land looked very different. Commercial and industrial buildings occupied the site, including the Oberto Sausage Company storefront and its adjacent factory. Transforming the land from an industrial space to a community sports complex took vision, persistence, and, ultimately, an unexpected demolition crew.
YMCA CEO Chris Reese was instrumental in developing the fields. Yet, Reese notes that the project would not have been possible without help from community members and local companies, including Matt Chavarria of Chavarria Construction, whose name now marks the YMCA’s north turf field: Chavarria Field.
Y Stories: Matt Chavarria Page 1-4
Community Partner Highlight Page 5-7
Jr. NBA Youth Basketball & Jaguars Spring Break Camp Page 8
Tots Soccer & Spring Youth Rec Soccer Page 9
OVF Spring Break Camp & Spring Break Flag Football Camp Page 10
Middle School Dance & YMCA Spring Break Camp Page 11
Mid-Valley Little League & Lifeguard Certification Page 12
NFL Flag Football & OverFlow Performance Page 13
CrossFit Mid Valley & Elite Boxing Page 14
After School Programs & YMCA Preschools Page 15
Fitness & Pool Schedules Page 16
take over the business one day. The com contracts throughout the valley, primarily rock and building roads.
The YMCA’s demolition project in prepara the fields was originally a day job for Cha Although he had never done any demoliti before, he decided to donate a day of his demolish the small Oberto storefront on However, the demolition project quickly g something more: tearing down the 97,00 foot concrete factory that sat behind it, closed in 2010.
The factory building had enormous concrete footings and was filled with industrial smokers, stainless steel structures that were 30 feet wide, 70 feet long, and two and a half stories tall. Seven or so of these smokers were left inside the building when it was abandoned. Chavarria worked to dismantle it all.
Recently, Chavarria visited the YMCA and described the demolition while standing beside his namesake field.
“We had a rock hammer rigging up the concrete. But there was a lot of hidden stuff, you know. The building had to be probably 50, 60, 70 years old,” Chavarria said. "They paid big money to have people come in there and figure out what was under the ground. It was so far off, it wasn’t even close. There were big footings that were only supposed to be like two feet in the ground, and they ended up being like 15 feet in the ground, like 17 feet long. Because of those big, concrete walls.”
Much of the concrete from the building remains on site today, underneath both turf fields.
“Most of it is here,” Chavarria said. “Because if you go look at some of the old pictures, you’ll see piles of concrete that we crushed. And then we just put it back in and rolled it back down, and we kept moving it around.”
Chavarria ultimately donated both his time and the scrap steel to the YMCA. In total, he contributed over a million dollars to the project. Reese calls him “the two-million-dollar man. ” Chavarria donated half of the steel back to cover his costs, and he saved nearly half a million dollars by crushing and reusing material from the site.
Because Chavarria operates and lives in Silverton, he doesn’t often have a chance to visit Albany or see the fields he helped build. He described seeing the facility today as “ way different.”
When asked why he felt compelled to help, Chavarria was humble and succinct.
“I just never did anything like that before,” he said. “Chris needed help. I thought it was good for you guys. ”
Today, kids and community members play sports and run across the turf that rests on the layers of crushed concrete from the former factory almost daily. These materials might have otherwise left the site entirely; instead, they became the foundation for something new, something that Chavarria is continuously proud of.
“It makes me feel like I accomplished something,” Chavarria said. “A lot of people use the fields. Nobody even knows what went into it. The little kids, they have no clue they just come here and play. It’s a good thing for the community.”
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.
COMMUNITY PARTNER HIGHLIGHT: TNT BUILDERS
EllieKramer McKenzieGigstad SoniaKlaassen
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!
Trent s introduction to the building trades came early, growing up in a construction family in the Midwest before moving to Arizona, where his father worked in concrete. He later moved to Oregon working on large custom homes in the Portland area
a framing company with large crews evolved over time as Trent discovered a niche that better matched both his skills and his values. He shifted his focus to decks, patio covers, and outdoor living spaces, work that allowed for closer collaboration with homeowners and a more personal approach to each project.
After relocating to the Mid-Willamette Valley roughly two decades ago, TNT continued to grow, building a reputation for quality, communication, and thoughtful design.
Today, TNT Builders specializes in custom decks, covers, and outdoor gathering spaces that extend the livable area of a home and create places for families to spend time together. For Trent, the most rewarding part of the job is not the structure itself but the reaction when a project is complete. Seeing families step into a new space and imagine the memories they will create there is what keeps him motivated.
, p p climate, and how to guide clients toward decisions that will serve them well for years to come. Just as important is communication. Trent prioritizes listening to homeowners, answering questions thoroughly, and ensuring there is no pressure during the planning process.
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!
TNT’s work can be seen throughout the region, from residential outdoor living spaces to community projects. One of the most meaningful recent efforts was contributing to the Lebanon Chamber patio cover, built using timber salvaged from the McKenzie River fire area. The project brought together craftsmanship, community collaboration, and local history, with the wood blessed by tribal representatives before construction. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR
For Trent and his team, it was an opportunity to create something lasting while honoring the story behind the materials.
Community involvement has always been a natural extension of TNT Builders’ work. Trent and his team regularly support local organizations through donations, auction projects, and hands on contributions. Many of the causes they gravitate toward focus on youth, reflecting Trent’s belief that investing in kids is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen a community. That philosophy is a big part of what draws TNT Builders to the YMCA. As a lifelong sports fan, Trent values the opportunities the Y provides for kids to stay active, build confidence, and connect with others. He recognizes that many school based sports programs no longer exist in the way they once did, and he sees the YMCA as filling a critical gap by making athletics accessible to more families. Trent believes partnerships with organizations like the YMCA create more opportunities for connection. They bring people together, strengthen relationships, and build a sense of shared purpose that extends beyond day to day business operations.
For Trent, success is not measured in years or projects completed, it is measured in happy clients, lasting relationships, and the knowledge that the spaces his team builds will be used for birthdays, barbecues, quiet mornings, and countless everyday moments that matter most. As TNT Builders celebrates its 31st year, Trent remains focused on the same simple goal that has guided his work from the beginning: helping people enjoy the outdoors.
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.
JAGUARS SPRING BREAK
BASKETBALL CAMP
MARCH 23-25
REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 23
We’re teaming up with the Willamette Valley Jaguars, our local professional basketball team, to bring an exciting Spring Break Basketball Camp to the Y! Led by Jaguars players, this camp is a great opportunity for young athletes to learn skills, build confidence, and have fun.
Time varies by age group
Ages 5-13
$70 Members / $90 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
introduce kids to the game in a supportive and engaging environment where they can build skills, confidence, and friendships. Thank you to our season sponsor, PacifiCorp!
Weekday practices, Saturday games
Ages 6-10
$60 Members / $80 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
OVF SPRING BREAK SOCCER CAMP
MARCH 23-MARCH 26
REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 22
Get ready for an exciting week of soccer with OVF Alliance & the YMCA! Our Spring Break Camp has something for everyone. Led by experienced OVF Alliance coaches, this camp blends fun & technical development to help players grow on and off the field.
9:00 AM-12:00 PM
Ages 9-16 (Open to all, beginners welcome!)
$175
Click here for more information and to register.
SPRING BREAK YOUTH FLAG
FOOTBALL CAMP
MARCH 26-MARCH 28
REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 26
Get ready for football season with top-tier coaching, skill-building, and fun! Our spring break camp is a great way for young athletes to learn fundamentals, teamwork, and sportsmanship before Spring Flag Football season kicks off.
10:30 AM-12:30 PM
Ages 5-13
$70 Members / $90 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCE
FRIDAY, MARCH 13
REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 13
Mark your calendar! Every 2 Friday of the month from 7-9 PM, middle schoolers are invited for a night of music, fun, and friends. Our next dance is Friday the 13 themed! Entry is FREE. Pre-register or register at the door. nd th
7:00-9:00 PM
Bring your Student ID or proof of middle school attendance
Free entry
Click here for more information and to register.
YMCA SPRING BREAK CAMP
MARCH 23-27
REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 20
From swimming in our pool, unleashing creativity through crafts, and exploring our all-adaptive playground, our Spring Break Camp offers a safe and inclusive environment for children of all abilities to thrive and make lasting memories.
Big Kids (1st-5th Grade): 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM
$130 Members, $155 Guests
Little Kids (3 Years-Kindergarten): 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
$130 Members, $155 Guests
Before & After Care available
Click here for more information and to register.
MID-VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE
PRACTICES START 3/30, GAMES START 4/13
Mid-Valley Little League provides young athletes with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of baseball, build teamwork and sportsmanship, and develop a love for the game in a supportive environment.
Division / Price
Tee Ball - $80
Minor A Machine Pitch - $120
Minor AA Machine/Player Pitch - $130
Minor AAA Player Pitch - $140
Majors - $150
Click here for more information and to register.
LIFEGUARD CERTIFICATION TRAINING
MARCH 13-15 REGISTRATION DEADLINE MARCH 5
Ready to make a difference? Join us for our Lifeguard Certification Training and gain essential skills to save lives! This comprehensive training is open to ages 15 and up and will equip you with the tools to ensure water safety and rescue. Certifications are valid for 2 years!
$100 Members / $175 Guests
A non-refundable deposit of $75 is required to secure your spot
Click here for more information and to register.
NFL FLAG FOOTBALL SEASON
MAY 18-JULY 11
REGISTRATION DEADLINE MAY 5
Get ready for an action-packed fall season of YMCA
NFL Flag Football. This fun, low-contact program is perfect for kids of all skill levels, focusing on teamwork, skill-building, and having fun in a safe and inclusive environment.
Weekday practices, Saturday games
Ages 4-13
$110 Members / $120 Guests
Click here for more information and to register.
OVERFLOW PERFORMANCE
ONGOING
OverFlow Performance as a faith-based athlete development program offering small group and one-onone training for youth and high school athletes, focused on developing the whole athlete body, mind, and spirit. The program is led by former Oregon State allleague linebacker and NFL player Dwight Roberson. He brings over a decade of coaching experience in football and track and field.
2x or 3x sessions per week
MW or MWF evenings
Ages 9-13 and 14+
$100-$150 per month
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.
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
EVENING DAY AFTER SCHOOL
Our YMCA proudly serves all Greater Albany Public Elementary Schools with high-quality after school care. Our programs offer safe, fun, and supportive environments with hands-on activities led by our caring, experienced staff. Whether on-site at the Y or at local elementary schools, we provide enriching spaces where your child can grow, learn, and thrive.
YMCA BRIDGES available at Oak Grove Elementary and North Albany Elementary
On-campus After School Program available at the YMCA campus
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
