s r a e y 64 KISHWAUKEE FAMILY YMCA
of partnership and family in Sycamore By: Kelley White
s a pillar of strength and a welcoming presence in countless communities, the YMCA organization continues to provide bountiful resources to their members for better mind and spirit. Celebrating its 64th anniversary this year, the Kishwaukee Family YMCA has a rich history in the Sycamore area. CEO Mark Spiegelhoff and former CEO Gary Chesnut, as well as Herman Kussro, the longest Kishwaukee Family YMCA employee, offer their unique perspectives on the history and future of the YMCA organization and what the Y means to the Sycamore community. “I arrived in April of 1970, before the new Y was completed, and I worked for a while
14 | February 2022 | DEKALB COUNTY MAGAZINE
at the storefront operation on Third Street in DeKalb,” Chesnut said. “During the summer months, I was the aquatic director at that time, and I did all the training for the staff.”
Chesnut thought the location for the YMCA was an interesting choice, noting it caused some controversy and raised brows across the community. “It was interesting because the director and the community leaders felt that particular location was where the city was going to be heading, despite there not being anything out there yet. And wouldn’t you know it, that is exactly where the city headed.” By the time Chesnut left the Y, the main pool, tennis courts, racquetball courts and several programs were added to
the facilities. Chesnut recalls a lack of programming in town prior to the YMCA, but when he moved on from CEO, there were popular leagues running at the Y and a strong community support for the establishment. Kussro began teaching at the Y in 1965. Currently, he teaches tai chi, karate, kung fu and women’s self-defense classes. “I have taught at the Y for 56 years,” Kussro said said. “I continue to teach at the Y to be part of something bigger than myself, part of an institution and people with the same values and goals so that together we can make a positive difference.” To Kussro, the Y has stayed consistent in its values despite natural change over the years, which is a steadiness he attributes
