Westfield Area YMCA Celebrates 100 Years of Community Service
Name: Betsy Lau
Family (names/ages):
Lillian is 6 and Luke is 2
How long have you lived in town? How do you like the area?
I moved back to Westfield in Nov 2020. I LOVE being back. This town is so special – I feel truly blessed to have been raised here and I cannot wait for my children to experience this town through their childhood as I did!
How long have you been members at the YMCA? Why did you join originally?
We have been members of the YMCA since my parents moved to town (in 1983!). My fondest memories of the YMCA are from high school. I was on the Westfield High School Blue Devils swim team and spent many afternoons in the pool with my team. It is such a strange and wonderful thing being back in the pool, the locker room, and the gyms with my own children – oh, the memories!!
Please share with us how your family interacts with the YMCA each week or month?
Both of my children attend school at the Y. My daughter, Lillian, is currently attending Kindergarten at the Bauer Branch. Prior to that, she attended daycare at the Elm Street branch, where my son, Luke is now. I cannot say enough about the AMAZING experience my kids have had/are having at the Y. The school staff and teachers are truly the best – they love and care for my children as if they were their own. Each morning my kids RUN out the door, excited to spend the day with their school families. We also spend time at the Main Y for swim lessons, family swim and other activities.
The YMCA is celebrating its 100 Anniversary this year! What do you think about this amazing milestone?
This is such an incredible milestone. I’m not surprised in the least, given what the Y has been for our family and our community for so many years. One of the things I love best about coming to the Y – is that without fail – each and every time I’m there – I run into friends and family friends I’ve known since childhood. Our town would not be the same without this special community.
Name: Duffy Lau – 39yrs
Family (names/ages):
Olivia Lau – 6yrs old
Natalie Lau – 6yrs old
Annie Lau – 2 Yrs. old
How long have you lived in town? How do you like the area?
I grew up in Westfield, was in fact born in my childhood house on St Marks Avenue near the Library. I moved away after Graduating High school in 2002 and eventually moved back during in 2020.
How long have you been members at the YMCA? Why did you join originally?
I grew up going to the YMCA. I’m 1 of 7 kids, and my parents and all kids were members at various points and all used the YMCA to varying levels. I have fond memories playing racquetball and basketball as a child / adolescent. My parents are still active members, and while they only reside in NJ for about 8-10 weeks a year – they take full advantage when they are around.
Please share with us how your family interacts with the YMCA each week or month?
The kids all go to Daycare / Kindergarten wrap-around here. We also use Kids Club on certain days when school is not offered. The kids are/have been involved in Sports Classes, Camps (Vacation Fun and full day summer camps), Ballet, Swim Lessons. We are also avid users of the family swim on weekends – to enjoy swimming and jumping together as a family. I’ve recently begun to get the girls playing Racquetball – which is basically just learning to swing the racket and chasing the ball around in the confined area. It’s a little easier than chasing a tennis ball outside and its available year-round.
I use the YMCA to exercise 5x a week, as well as the Gold Locker room facilities. I have friends in the area and we frequently coordinate to play racquetball, basketball, or pickleball.
The YMCA is celebrating its 100 Anniversary this year! What do you think about this amazing milestone?
It’s amazing that the YMCA is in its 100th year. The YMCA is not just a Gym or an entity that offers a plethora classes in wellness and fitness. It’s truly a community. You can expect to see many smiling and familiar faces when you walk in.