Testimonials

FEBRUARY 2021

Hi, Just wanted to give a shout out to the aquatics team for working to find a better reservation system, and taking the additional step of testing it with members who used the previous system. I’m still getting used to it, but so far it looks like an improvement. Jarrod was quite responsive when I emailed with questions.

Also, the team does a great job running the outdoor swim in general. Being able to swim safely outdoors has been invaluable to me in getting through the challenges of the pandemic. Thanks to the YMCA for continuing to offer lap swimming. Please pass on my note to YMCA leadership so the aquatics team gets the credit they deserve.

– Sheila Walsh

JANUARY 2021

The staff is doing a great job with Cleaning and Safety. For those of us who still want to go to the gym they are really on the ball. They have staff members circulating the workout floor and as soon as someone is off a piece of equipment they are there wiping it down. If you have been on the fence about going to a gym, I highly recommend the Y.

– Steve H

DECEMBER 2020

The Y is doing a great job with their facilities. It has been a big difference in my wellbeing because I am able to attend exercise classes

– Member Survey Respondent

I would like to use this space to thank the employees for being helpful and accommodating, and compliment the organization at large for installing showers and changing booths. I am so grateful to be able to swim again, so that I may maintain my health and not become a burden to society. THANK YOU!

– Member Survey Respondent

I think you and your staff have done an excellent job to date. Please keep it up as we want and need you to stay open.

– Member Survey Respondent

Nothing to add; please keep up the good work. Kudos to the cleaning staff!

– Member Survey Respondent

Everyone is doing a great job! I feel very comfortable with the protocols at the YMCA and I’m so grateful to have this outlet during this time. Thank you!!

– Member Survey Respondent

I think the staff and management of the Y have done a magnificent job of keeping the Y open and safe. I congratulate them on a job well done. I always feel safe and I’m glad to be able to keep swimming.

– Member Survey Respondent

I appreciate all the steps you have taken to ensure our safety.

– Member Survey Respondent

NOVEMBER 2020

You guys are fabulous! Thank you for listening to those of us requesting additional access to elliptical cardio machines. Thanks for opening another cardio room. In Aquatics, thanks for the lovely showers by the indoor pool. In such challenging times, the Silver Spring YMCA is meeting all of its challenges. Best of all, the staff continues to be warm, positive, and professional. I know the fall brings uncertainty, but for the moment, at least, the Y continues to provide an oasis of wellness to the community. I am grateful. Thanks to all.

– Gloria C.

OCTOBER 2020

I just wanted to send a quick note to let you know that I think you, the administrative and custodial staff at the Alexandria YMCA are doing a phenomenal job of making members and staff feel safe at the gym. Each person must have their temperature taken before entering, and the gym always looks so clean. I appreciate the hand sanitizing stations that are placed throughout the gym and I heard members discussing how they are pleased to see the constant cleaning of heavy traffic areas. I feel safe teaching in the group exercise studios because there is adequate space between the teacher and participants, and the traffic patterns you’ve created help to prevent congregating inside the facility.

Thanks so much for the thought and effort you have put into making us feel so safe. I also want to state that the front dest staff is always very welcoming and Wendy does an excellent job of cleaning and always has such a friendly and great attitude. Thanks again for all you do.

-Robin Cade

When COVID first shut down most of Northern Virginia, I really missed my classes at the Y. I was exercised at home, but I really missed the community. I received a survey from the YMCA about any concerns about re-opening. They really listened. When it re-opened for limited activities, I went back to see what protocols had been put in place and if I felt comfortable there. I was completely impressed. Temperature checks for everyone at the entry door, hand sanitizer and wipes in every room, clearly marked 6-foot distances, clear and enforced rules on mask-wearing, one-way only entrance and exit, and constant cleaning. I feel much safer at the YMCA than I do at my workplace, so much so, I recently applied to become a substitute instructor. Again, all safety precautions were taken. I’m anxious to get started as part of the YMCA team that has managed to balance mission with safety. Talk to you soon.

-Beth

After being a member of the Y for forty plus years, I can say I’ve seen it’s the worst of times. But, now I’m seeing it in the best of times. The pandemic has altered many things and it has consequently rearranged our lives. The SS YMCA seems to have adjusted to accommodate and help its members in myriad ways from food to exercise. All forms of exercise classes and activities are available outdoors and the Y makes every effort to encourage members to participate. It provides a sense of normalcy in abnormal times.

I’m a pool person. I swim outdoors several times a week and I’ve done this for most of my life. The Aquatics director,Jarrod Bennett, has worked tirelessly to make the pool accessible to as many people as possible. While reserving a lap lane was a little challenging during the peak of our steamy summer, fall has made it much easier. Between booking at the right time,and the waiting list option,I rarely have a problem booking my three times a week. And the waiting list sometimes provides me with more times to swim . The pool is spotless, the system is running seamlessly,the lifeguards are competent and incredibly friendly. Every attempt is made to wipe down and clean surfaces, as well as social distance and wear a mask, to protect us from germs. I feel safe and welcome there. Truly, I look forward to swimming at the Y and keeping my life active during the pandemic. It’s where I like to be. Thanks so much.

-Julie

SEPTEMBER 2020

“I just wanted to tell you how impressed I am with the reopening of the Y. Coming into the building was handled cheerfully and quickly by staff. Directions to get where I wanted to go were clear – the signs on the floor were really helpful. And in case I got lost there was always someone to direct me. The Pilates class in the pavilion was delightful. We were talking about how it felt like we were at a resort with the breeze and birdsong. We decided the only thing missing was a waiter with mai tais!

Anyway, it was clear that you all worked really hard to reopen in a way that keeps everyone safe while they enjoy their workouts. And it was so nice to see familiar faces again. I think one of the hardest things about this pandemic has been not being able to see friends. I felt welcomed by friends when I came into the Y.

Thanks to you and the staff for all you do.”

– Valerie

I’d like to express kudos and appreciation to Andrew Mason, Jarrod Bennet and the entire SS aquatics staff at the SS Y. They are doing a great job in difficult times. The pool Is being managed efficiently and smoothly. Additionally, the pool is sparkling clean and definitely made sanitary and safe between swimmers. Lastly, the staff is friendly, welcoming,smiling and accommodating.

I hope you will share this letter with everyone involved in the “high up” positions. This facility deserves all the recognition it can get. It is awesome to be a valued member there.

– Julie G

“I am very happy to be back at the Y and wanted to tell you how wonderful my experience has been.

Tuesday and Wednesday morning I attended classes taught by Serenity. She is new to the Arlington area, but has experience teaching at the Virginia Beach Y. She is an enthusiastic instructor and knows her stuff, offering alternative moves/exercises, fun music and encouragement.

The classes were located at the basketball court and had well-marked circles so we each knew where to stand to follow the social distance rules. Before I entered the Y, I was asked a number of health-related questions and my temperature was taken. I was then directed to the check-in desk which has partitions separating me and the staff. Since all is going so well, I have registered for outdoor classes on Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning.”

– Carol

“Everything is so Clean! You’re all so conscientious!”

– Skip Calvert

AUGUST 2020

“As a Y member since I was eight, and a daily lap swimmer my entire adult life, I was devastated when the Y’s had to close. But they showed resilience, pivoting to community service, and now back into operation sooner, I believe, than anyone else. The teamwork and collaboration is evident and a tribute both to the core values and the management skills of the Y staff. Thanks from a grateful member.”

– Connie Row

“Thanks so much! I went swimming this evening and loved it. You all have done a great job opening up.”

– Maeve A. OConnor

“Everything looks so great! Very thankful for you. Helps having peace of mind. Thank you.

– Elizabeth Partoyan

“So happy to be back in classes! No fast forwarding like you can do on the videos….or sit and watch while lifting a fork or glass of wine. Even with the strict protocols, this is a little bit of “normalcy” – just going to the Y and seeing it open!”

– Carolyn Myles

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