YMCA launches ‘YCon’ series for 25th anniversary
- Washington County Times
- 21 hours ago
- 12 min read
The Washington County Family YMCA is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. To mark the occasion, the Y is recognizing 25 of the people who helped build and sustain the organization over the past quarter century.
Lovingly dubbed "YCons", the group includes founding leaders, longtime volunteers, staff members, and early supporters who played a role in establishing and growing the YMCA in Washington County. Some helped launch the effort in the early days, while others have spent years giving their time and energy to keep it going.
Over the next five weeks, The Washington County Times will publish a series highlighting these individuals. Five stories will run each week, sharing the experiences and contributions of the people behind the YMCA’s first 25 years.
Each story is provided by the Washington County Family YMCA, and published as-is.
Hiram Nally
Founding Board Member & First President of the WCFYMCA Board of Directors
When the Washington County Family YMCA was just an idea taking shape 25 years ago, it needed people who believed deeply in the power of community. One of those early believers was Hiram Nally, a founding board member and the first president of the YMCA Board of Directors.
Hiram did not seek recognition or praise. In fact, according to his daughter, Deb Babiarz, he was a very private man who preferred to work quietly behind the scenes. But his impact on the YMCA and the Salem community continues to be felt today.
Originally from larger cities like Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, Hiram spent his career in banking and finance. After retiring, he and his wife relocated to Salem, where her family had deep roots. The move offered a slower pace of life and a close-knit community where people truly looked out for one another.
That sense of community was something Hiram valued deeply.
Deb believes that was one of the main reasons the YMCA’s mission resonated with him. Having grown up without many of the opportunities available to youth today, Hiram believed strongly in creating places where families could come together, stay healthy, and build relationships.
“He believed in giving a helping hand,” Deb shared. “He loved the idea of communities pulling together and families having opportunities.”
With his background in banking, Hiram quickly became a driving force behind the early fundraising efforts to establish the YMCA in Washington County. His financial knowledge and relationships helped guide the organization through those crucial early years when the dream of a YMCA was still becoming reality.
While Hiram helped lead the YMCA’s founding as board president, he never stopped being a member first.
Deb remembers that he and her mother were regulars at the Y, coming in often to exercise and stay active. Even into his later years, Hiram remained committed to healthy living. In his 80s, he was still riding his bicycle and staying active, something he had done his entire life.
Exercise and personal wellness were values he passed down to his family.
“My parents always taught us that your health is number one,” Deb said. “If you can’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to take care of others.”
That belief mirrors the very heart of the YMCA mission—strengthening spirit, mind, and body for all.
Although Hiram may never have spoken publicly about the legacy he helped build, Deb believes he would be incredibly proud to know the YMCA continues to flourish in Washington County.
“He believed every family should have a place to gather,” she said. “A positive place for health, wellness, friendships, and community. Knowing that it’s still thriving today would make him very happy.”
Because of leaders like Hiram Nally, the Washington County Family YMCA was able to take root and grow into the vibrant community hub it is today.
And 25 years later, his quiet leadership continues to remind us that sometimes the greatest impact comes from those who simply believe in building something meaningful for others.
Dr. Gene Hedrick
The Steady Hand Behind the Early Days
When people talk about the “founding fathers” of the Washington County Family YMCA, certain names always rise to the top. One of them is Gene Hedrick.
Gene didn’t step into the spotlight. He didn’t seek a title. He simply showed up and helped make it happen. And because of that, thousands of families in Washington County have a place to belong.
The Spark That Started It All
Gene traces the very beginning of the YMCA movement in Washington County back to one passionate leader: Ernie Gravatt. “Ernie was the ringleader,” Gene says with a smile. “He had the passion. Without Ernie, I’m not sure we ever would have gotten it started.”
Ernie wasn’t necessarily chasing recognition or position — he simply believed Salem needed a YMCA. And that belief gathered momentum.
Gene became involved as a member and early supporter, eventually serving on the founding board of directors. He joined a group of community leaders who believed Washington County deserved a place dedicated to strengthening spirit, mind, and body.
It wasn’t easy. But it was worth it.
Raising the Money That Built the Building
In the early 2000s, the dream of a YMCA building in Salem required more than vision — it required bold financial support.
Gene helped secure one of the most significant gifts in the organization’s history: a $400,000 award from the Ogle Foundation, followed by an additional $50,000 gift that unlocked matching funds.
That single relationship changed everything. Gene personally reached out to board members and trusted connections. When the YMCA needed an additional $50,000 before the end of the year to complete a match, Gene picked up the phone.
“I said, ‘If we can get the other $50,000, it’ll turn into $100,000.’”
The answer? “Yes. We’ll do it.” That commitment helped secure the match and moved the project forward at a critical moment.
“It was a bump in the road,” Gene recalls. “But we got through it.” That “bump” resulted in half a million dollars that helped make this building possible.
The Team That Made It Happen
Gene is quick to share the credit.
He remembers the long meetings in borrowed spaces — Westminster, small rooms, makeshift offices. Before the building existed, there were simply committed people and exercise equipment set up wherever space could be found.
He credits leaders like Ernie Gravatt, David Allen, Tom Scifres, John Hawkins, Community Foundation partners, and many others who gave time, expertise, and financial support. “People gave legal help. People gave financial help. People gave their time. It took all of that.”
It wasn’t one person. It was a community.
Watching the Y Grow
Looking at the YMCA today, Gene feels deep pride. “I’m most proud of how it’s progressed,” he says. “The consistency in leadership has made such a difference.”
He has watched the organization move from borrowed rooms to a permanent facility. He has seen youth programs expand. He has seen families gather, grow stronger, and support one another. “I think the community seems better overall,” Gene reflects. “There are a lot of people willing to help each other.”
For Gene, that is the true measure of success.
More Than Exercise
When asked what he would tell someone considering joining the YMCA, his answer is simple: “You’re going to get more benefits than just exercise. You’re going to understand fellowship. Christian fellowship.”
The YMCA, to Gene, has always been about more than equipment and programs. It’s about community, shared values, encouragement, support, and living out the mission to put Christian principles into practice.
“There’s no other venue in Salem that accomplishes what the Y does,” he says.
Why There’s No Place Like This Place
As the YMCA celebrates 175 years nationally and 25 years here in Washington County, Gene reflects on what makes this place special. There is history here. There is sacrifice here. There is generosity here. And there is a deep-rooted belief that when a community works together, remarkable things happen.
From securing the first major capital gifts, to helping navigate difficult funding hurdles, to watching generations of families walk through these doors, Gene Hedrick has been part of it all.
Because of leaders like Gene — and the relationships he built — the Washington County Family YMCA has a foundation strong enough to serve families for generations to come.
And that is exactly why there is truly No Place Like This Place.
Chad Brough
A Founder's Story
Twenty five years ago, before there was a building or even a permanent home, the Washington County Family YMCA began with a simple but powerful belief people matter most. Reflecting on those early days, Founding Board member Chad Brough shared, “The YMCA is one of my proudest contributions of community service in my life.”
At the time, neighboring communities already had YMCAs, and nationally, the YMCA was celebrating its 100th anniversary. There was strong momentum behind expanding the movement, and local leaders leaned into the opportunity with vision and discipline. With guidance from the National YMCA, the Founding Board committed to raising three years of operating expenses before opening, ensuring the YMCA would be built on strong community support from the very beginning.
Just as importantly, the focus was intentional. “From the beginning, the focus was on people and programs, not just a building,” Chad recalled. Rather than starting with bricks and mortar, the YMCA launched with programming that demonstrated its value to families and youth.
The very first YMCA program was a 5K race celebrating the national YMCA’s centennial. At the time, there was no YMCA facility and no confirmed location. Yet the race route ran along North Harrison Street, unknowingly tracing the future home of the YMCA. What felt like a simple community event became a symbolic starting point for something far greater.
Soon after, the YMCA introduced youth soccer, a sport that had never been played in Washington County. Games began at the fairgrounds, and over time, that first season grew into more than two decades of youth soccer programming. Generations of children learned teamwork, confidence, and healthy habits through a program that started with a bold but simple idea.
As momentum grew, the YMCA leased space in Westminster Plaza and began offering fitness memberships. Through strong leadership and careful planning, the YMCA built the support needed for its first capital campaign. Partnerships flourished, and collaboration became a defining characteristic of the Y’s approach. “The YMCA shows what’s possible when a community works together,” Chad shared.
Those partnerships eventually led to the YMCA’s permanent home on North Harrison Street, developed alongside the Washington County Senior Center and supported by the Washington County Community Foundation. Throughout planning, the Board made deliberate choices to ensure long term sustainability. “We wanted to create something sustainable, something that would still be serving families decades later,” Chad said.
Today, as the Washington County Family YMCA celebrates 25 years, that vision is clearly fulfilled. Thousands of lives have been touched through youth programs, wellness opportunities, and community partnerships. Families are stronger. Individuals are healthier. Connections are deeper.
The YMCA remains more than a place to work out, it is a place of belonging. As Chad reflected, “When you join the YMCA, you’re joining something bigger than yourself.” And even now, years later, the pride remains strong. “Every time I’m in Salem, I make it a point to visit the YMCA.”
David Allen
A Process, A Purpose, A Place
There’s something special about sitting down with someone who was there in the very beginning. And when you talk to David Allen about the origin of the Washington County Family YMCA, you realize quickly that this wasn’t just a project. It was a process.
The Idea That Started It All
It began, as David recalls, on a fall day when a small group of community members gathered with one simple goal: stay active through the winter. No big master plans. No staff. No building. Just neighbors talking about creating an exercise facility.
People like Gene Hedrick, Terry Cottongim, and others came together. What happened next was the spark that turned conversation into reality.
A local family with ties to a bottled gas company had established a matching fund. Through relationships and trust — and yes, a little persistence — that fund became the catalyst that allowed the YMCA effort to move forward.
From there, the first corporation was formed. Volunteers became fundraisers. David remembers his assignment clearly: approach the local bank. They made a generous contribution. That was the rhythm of those early days — neighbors asking neighbors.
Land, Leadership, and Westminster Beginnings
One pivotal moment was securing land. The Stanley family donated property based on an appraisal, allowing them a tax benefit and giving the YMCA its future home. That gift determined our location and changed the course of this organization forever.
Before the current building, the Y operated out of Westminster Center — property David owned. For nearly three years, weightlifting equipment and early programs operated there while volunteers worked tirelessly to secure a charter and meet fundraising requirements from YMCA of the USA.
David smiles when he talks about that season. “It wasn’t really a moment,” he says. “It was a process. And everybody was on the same page. There weren’t any dissenters.” That unity? That’s rare. And powerful.
Behind the Scenes Work
David also quietly provided legal guidance to help the YMCA secure its tax-exempt status. He reviewed documents, answered emails, served on fundraising efforts, and gave personally. No spotlight. Just steady leadership. That’s what builders do.
What the Y Means Today
When asked what the YMCA means to the community now, David’s answer is beautifully simple: “Those of us who are past our prime need a chance to stay mobile.”
But it’s more than that. He sees it as opportunity. A place that has been well run. A place people speak positively about. A place that continues to grow because it was built on trust and shared vision.
He’s especially proud of programs like Rock Steady Boxing for Parkinson’s. He understands the importance of connection — of people having somewhere to go, somewhere to belong. And when he hears that the YMCA has raised over $4 million for the new childcare center and indoor recreation facility — with only $200,000 left to unlock a match — he beams.
“That’s great,” he says. “People want to see it before they act. But they’ll come.”
A Fun Fact You Didn’t See Coming
In case you’re wondering — yes, this founding volunteer once competed in clown diving at Cypress Gardens, performing off a 10-meter tower. There may or may not be a trophy somewhere in his house. We’re holding him to bringing it in.
A Builder at Heart
From helping launch the Y to renovating historic homes in Salem, David has always been someone who sees potential and does the work to bring it to life.
And that’s exactly what the Washington County Family YMCA was — and still is.
Not just a building. Not just programs. But a process powered by people who believed our community deserved something better.
Because of David Allen and those early volunteers, there truly is no place like this place.
Rusty Hudson
Before There Was a Building
As part of the Washington County Family YMCA’s #YCON series, we celebrate the people who have helped shape our YMCA over the past 25 years. These are the individuals whose dedication, leadership, and belief in our mission have helped create the place our community calls home.
For Rusty Hudson, the YMCA story started with a simple invitation from his wife.
Rusty shares that his wife Jeannie was a YMCA member long before he was. She often told him about the Y and encouraged him to come see it for himself. Eventually he gave it a try and it quickly became part of his life. “I went one time and never looked back,” Rusty says.
Since retiring eight years ago, Rusty has been a familiar face at the YMCA, often visiting six to seven days each week. Many members recognize him for another reason too. Rusty is known for his daily time on the Stair Mill machine, where he has built an impressive routine and commitment to fitness.
Last year during the YMCA’s Annual Campaign, Rusty even completed the equivalent of a climb up Mount Everest on the Stair Mill to help bring attention to the campaign and encourage community support.
Rusty’s involvement with the YMCA goes far beyond his workouts. His leadership and financial expertise have played an important role in strengthening the organization over the years.
Rusty first served on the YMCA Board of Directors from 2013 to 2016. After retiring from his career, he returned to board leadership in 2018 and continues to serve today as the President of the YMCA Board of Directors. Throughout much of his time on the board, Rusty has served as Board Treasurer, generously sharing his financial knowledge from his career as a Chief Financial Officer at LG&E.
His steady leadership and financial insight have helped guide the YMCA through important years of growth and planning.
One memory that still makes Rusty smile happened early one morning at the Y.
Rusty remembers standing outside the building at 5:00 a.m. with longtime member Jack Etzler, who was close to 90 years old at the time. Jack was known for arriving right when the doors opened every morning. On this particular day, the front desk staff member had accidentally overslept.
“So there we were,” Rusty recalls, “standing outside the Y at 5:00 in the morning waiting for it to open.”
The moment perfectly captured the spirit of the YMCA community. Even before the doors opened, people were already there, ready to start their day together.
One of the moments Rusty felt especially proud of the YMCA came in December 2024 during a regional meeting in New Albany. That day, the Washington County Family YMCA was awarded a $1.7 million READI II grant to help build the new childcare facility.
Rusty remembers feeling immense pride in the moment. “I was so proud of Kristy and Stevie Motsinger for their leadership, and proud of our Y for making it happen.”
Today, that vision is becoming reality as the YMCA prepares to break ground on a project that will include both a childcare center and a new indoor gymnasium space to serve families across Washington County.
Rusty says one of the things that continues to inspire him most is seeing young people using the Y. “When I go into the Y in the late afternoon, I’m amazed at how many young people, high school and those in their twenties, are in the weight room working out.”
For Rusty, it is a powerful reminder that the YMCA is helping shape healthier habits and stronger futures for the next generation.
When asked what he would say to someone considering joining the Washington County Family YMCA, Rusty’s message is simple and welcoming. “We are a big tent. There is room for everyone. You will feel so much better about yourself and your family.”
Rusty Hudson’s story reflects what the YMCA is all about. Commitment, leadership, community, and showing up every day to help make this place stronger for everyone.
Because of leaders like Rusty, there truly is no place like this place.
