Blog News we’d like to share from our GBYMCA community!Like what you read? Click here to share your Y Story today. YMCA 175th Anniversary Celebration at the VT People’s House Amanda Chaulk·February 20, 2026EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION, NEWS, Y-USA CONTENTFrom swim lessons and summer camps to lifelong leadership, the Y’s 175-year impact was recognized and celebrated at the Vermont State Legislature for the milestone anniversary. The YMCA turns 175… Continue ReadingSmall Steps, Big Impact: Greater Burlington YMCA Promotes Heart Health this February Amanda Chaulk·February 2, 2026EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION, NEWS, Y-USA CONTENTThis American Heart Month, the Y is helping Burlington take charge of their heart health, one heartbeat at a time. February is American Heart Month, and the Greater Burlington YMCA… Continue ReadingSummer camp gives Graham safe place to learn and grow Amanda Chaulk·November 20, 2025CAMPGraham still remembers his first summer at YMCA Camp Abnaki. It was the longest he had ever been away from home, and he was nervous. But something changed as soon… Continue ReadingPart 3 of Your Whole-Body Routine, the Lower Body WorkoutAmanda Chaulk·November 4, 2025FITNESSOne of the Greater Burlington YMCA’s personal trainers, Sarah Gremelsbacker, has a go-to plan for her clients to help them create and stick to their fitness routine. She describes a… Continue ReadingPlanting the Seeds of Healthy Habits: Farm to Early Childhood Takes Root at the Y Amanda Chaulk·September 23, 2025EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTWhat began as an assignment quickly blossomed into a hands-on solution to help young children connect with healthy, local food. In September 2024, the then-Assistant Director of Member Engagement, Patrick… Continue ReadingA Core Workout, Part of a Whole-Body RoutineAmanda Chaulk·September 17, 2025FITNESSOne of the Greater Burlington YMCA’s personal trainers, Sarah Gremelsbacker, has a go-to plan for her clients to help them create and stick to their fitness routine. She describes a… Continue ReadingBreaking Barriers: How the YMCA’s Women's Swim Program Changed Maryan's LifeAmanda Chaulk·September 2, 2025MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONMaryan Maalin is a founding member of the Women’s Swim Program at the Y, which launched in the fall of 2022. That first program welcomed 17 women. By the next… Continue ReadingGreater Burlington YMCA expands its public early childhood education offerings Amanda Chaulk·August 14, 2025NEWSThe Greater Burlington YMCA is proud to announce it has expanded the childhood education choices for families. The Y has transitioned its Winooski location from a private partnership to open… Continue ReadingAnyone Can Drown. No One Should: World Drowning Prevention Day Amanda Chaulk·July 25, 2025Y-USA CONTENTAnyone can drown. No one should. July 25 is World Drowning Prevention Day, set forth by The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO). The Greater Burlington YMCA is… Continue ReadingNic + The YMCA: A Lifelong Connection from Gloucester to Burlington Amanda Chaulk·June 5, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTThe Y has played an integral role in Nic Samson’s life, offering both a foundation for his early years and a supportive space for his adult pursuits. Nic’s story with… Continue ReadingRecognizing the Importance of National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month at the Y Amanda Chaulk·June 5, 2025EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONJune is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Did you know that studies have shown… Continue ReadingNew to the Y? Try This Upper Body WorkoutAmanda Chaulk·June 5, 2025FITNESSOne of the Greater Burlington YMCA’s personal trainers, Sarah Gremelsbacker, has a go-to plan for her clients to help them create and stick to their fitness routine. She describes a… Continue ReadingStrong Body, Strong Mind: Patrick Standen’s Journey Toward Community and Wellness Amanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTFor Patrick Standen, a member of the Greater Burlington YMCA, fitness is far more than a routine — it’s a way of life grounded in philosophy. A wheelchair athlete, writer,… Continue ReadingAnnie + The YMCA Pool: Finding Joy and Managing Pain Amanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTFor long-time member, Annie, the Greater Burlington YMCA pool is a source of several types of joy. It pleases many of her senses, whether it’s the sight of the sun… Continue ReadingEmbracing a New Fitness Journey: Ricky’s Personal Reflection on the Greater Burlington Y Amanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTWhen Ricky Ortiz first stepped into the Greater Burlington YMCA almost two years ago, he didn’t anticipate how transformative the experience would be. Originally from Los Angeles, California, his move… Continue ReadingRediscovering Joy in Community: Liz’s Story with the Greater Burlington YMCA Amanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTThe Greater Burlington YMCA has been a cornerstone of Liz’s life, from her childhood days as a competitive swimmer to her current journey as a busy mom balancing health, family,… Continue ReadingFrom Challenge to Confidence: Richard’s Journey Through Fitness and CommunityAmanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTFor nearly two decades, the YMCA has played a powerful role in Richard’s life. His fitness journey began during a difficult time—he was picked on and bullied often, and he… Continue ReadingKeeping the Energy Alive: Why the Y Keeps Quinn MovingAmanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTQuinn trains and teaches actors in Burlington, a job that demands a lot of energy. Leading groups through the wonderfully strange world of theater exercises requires not only creativity and… Continue ReadingRooted in Wellness and Community: Kristen’s Lifelong Journey with the Y Amanda Chaulk·May 23, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTFor Kristen, the YMCA has been more than just a gym—it’s been a lifelong companion. Her journey with the Y began as a teenager in her hometown of Rochester, Minnesota,… Continue ReadingJason’s Fitness Journey and Community ConnectionAmanda Chaulk·April 21, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTWhen Jason moved to Burlington from Charlottesville, VA, in November 2021, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter both professionally and personally. As a Lab Tech at the… Continue ReadingSwimming at the YMCAAmanda Chaulk·April 2, 2025MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONDaina Elberts has been a member of the Greater Burlington YMCA since November of 2022, which coincided with her move to the Fern Hill Senior Living community. Located about a… Continue ReadingBe Safe So You Don’t End Up on Thin IceAmanda Chaulk·March 2, 2025EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONI’ve always thought the key to enjoying, and not just getting through, our Vermont winters is to get outside and enjoy the beauty that is all around us . .… Continue ReadingPeter Burns: Lifelong Learner, Community Connector, and Dedicated Swim InstructorAmanda Chaulk·February 2, 2025EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTPeter Burns brings a wealth of experience, passion, and community spirit to his role at the Y. A Burlington-area resident since 1981, Peter currently lives in Winooski and gets around… Continue ReadingGreater Burlington YMCA CEO Dan Smith Honored in 2025 New Hampshire 200 List Amanda Chaulk·December 12, 2024EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTBurlington, VT – December 12, 2024 – The Greater Burlington YMCA is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Dan Smith, has been recognized in the 2025 edition of… Continue Reading
YMCA 175th Anniversary Celebration at the VT People’s House Amanda Chaulk·February 20, 2026EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION, NEWS, Y-USA CONTENTFrom swim lessons and summer camps to lifelong leadership, the Y’s 175-year impact was recognized and celebrated at the Vermont State Legislature for the milestone anniversary. The YMCA turns 175… Continue Reading
Small Steps, Big Impact: Greater Burlington YMCA Promotes Heart Health this February Amanda Chaulk·February 2, 2026EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION, NEWS, Y-USA CONTENTThis American Heart Month, the Y is helping Burlington take charge of their heart health, one heartbeat at a time. February is American Heart Month, and the Greater Burlington YMCA… Continue Reading
Summer camp gives Graham safe place to learn and grow Amanda Chaulk·November 20, 2025CAMPGraham still remembers his first summer at YMCA Camp Abnaki. It was the longest he had ever been away from home, and he was nervous. But something changed as soon… Continue Reading
Part 3 of Your Whole-Body Routine, the Lower Body WorkoutAmanda Chaulk·November 4, 2025FITNESSOne of the Greater Burlington YMCA’s personal trainers, Sarah Gremelsbacker, has a go-to plan for her clients to help them create and stick to their fitness routine. She describes a… Continue Reading
Planting the Seeds of Healthy Habits: Farm to Early Childhood Takes Root at the Y Amanda Chaulk·September 23, 2025EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTWhat began as an assignment quickly blossomed into a hands-on solution to help young children connect with healthy, local food. In September 2024, the then-Assistant Director of Member Engagement, Patrick… Continue Reading
A Core Workout, Part of a Whole-Body RoutineAmanda Chaulk·September 17, 2025FITNESSOne of the Greater Burlington YMCA’s personal trainers, Sarah Gremelsbacker, has a go-to plan for her clients to help them create and stick to their fitness routine. She describes a… Continue Reading
Breaking Barriers: How the YMCA’s Women's Swim Program Changed Maryan's LifeAmanda Chaulk·September 2, 2025MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONMaryan Maalin is a founding member of the Women’s Swim Program at the Y, which launched in the fall of 2022. That first program welcomed 17 women. By the next… Continue Reading
Greater Burlington YMCA expands its public early childhood education offerings Amanda Chaulk·August 14, 2025NEWSThe Greater Burlington YMCA is proud to announce it has expanded the childhood education choices for families. The Y has transitioned its Winooski location from a private partnership to open… Continue Reading
Anyone Can Drown. No One Should: World Drowning Prevention Day Amanda Chaulk·July 25, 2025Y-USA CONTENTAnyone can drown. No one should. July 25 is World Drowning Prevention Day, set forth by The United Nations (UN) and World Health Organization (WHO). The Greater Burlington YMCA is… Continue Reading
Nic + The YMCA: A Lifelong Connection from Gloucester to Burlington Amanda Chaulk·June 5, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTThe Y has played an integral role in Nic Samson’s life, offering both a foundation for his early years and a supportive space for his adult pursuits. Nic’s story with… Continue Reading
Recognizing the Importance of National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month at the Y Amanda Chaulk·June 5, 2025EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONJune is National Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month. Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Did you know that studies have shown… Continue Reading
New to the Y? Try This Upper Body WorkoutAmanda Chaulk·June 5, 2025FITNESSOne of the Greater Burlington YMCA’s personal trainers, Sarah Gremelsbacker, has a go-to plan for her clients to help them create and stick to their fitness routine. She describes a… Continue Reading
Strong Body, Strong Mind: Patrick Standen’s Journey Toward Community and Wellness Amanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTFor Patrick Standen, a member of the Greater Burlington YMCA, fitness is far more than a routine — it’s a way of life grounded in philosophy. A wheelchair athlete, writer,… Continue Reading
Annie + The YMCA Pool: Finding Joy and Managing Pain Amanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTFor long-time member, Annie, the Greater Burlington YMCA pool is a source of several types of joy. It pleases many of her senses, whether it’s the sight of the sun… Continue Reading
Embracing a New Fitness Journey: Ricky’s Personal Reflection on the Greater Burlington Y Amanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTWhen Ricky Ortiz first stepped into the Greater Burlington YMCA almost two years ago, he didn’t anticipate how transformative the experience would be. Originally from Los Angeles, California, his move… Continue Reading
Rediscovering Joy in Community: Liz’s Story with the Greater Burlington YMCA Amanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTThe Greater Burlington YMCA has been a cornerstone of Liz’s life, from her childhood days as a competitive swimmer to her current journey as a busy mom balancing health, family,… Continue Reading
From Challenge to Confidence: Richard’s Journey Through Fitness and CommunityAmanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTFor nearly two decades, the YMCA has played a powerful role in Richard’s life. His fitness journey began during a difficult time—he was picked on and bullied often, and he… Continue Reading
Keeping the Energy Alive: Why the Y Keeps Quinn MovingAmanda Chaulk·June 2, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTQuinn trains and teaches actors in Burlington, a job that demands a lot of energy. Leading groups through the wonderfully strange world of theater exercises requires not only creativity and… Continue Reading
Rooted in Wellness and Community: Kristen’s Lifelong Journey with the Y Amanda Chaulk·May 23, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTFor Kristen, the YMCA has been more than just a gym—it’s been a lifelong companion. Her journey with the Y began as a teenager in her hometown of Rochester, Minnesota,… Continue Reading
Jason’s Fitness Journey and Community ConnectionAmanda Chaulk·April 21, 2025MEMBER SPOTLIGHTWhen Jason moved to Burlington from Charlottesville, VA, in November 2021, it marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter both professionally and personally. As a Lab Tech at the… Continue Reading
Swimming at the YMCAAmanda Chaulk·April 2, 2025MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONDaina Elberts has been a member of the Greater Burlington YMCA since November of 2022, which coincided with her move to the Fern Hill Senior Living community. Located about a… Continue Reading
Be Safe So You Don’t End Up on Thin IceAmanda Chaulk·March 2, 2025EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTIONI’ve always thought the key to enjoying, and not just getting through, our Vermont winters is to get outside and enjoy the beauty that is all around us . .… Continue Reading
Peter Burns: Lifelong Learner, Community Connector, and Dedicated Swim InstructorAmanda Chaulk·February 2, 2025EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTPeter Burns brings a wealth of experience, passion, and community spirit to his role at the Y. A Burlington-area resident since 1981, Peter currently lives in Winooski and gets around… Continue Reading
Greater Burlington YMCA CEO Dan Smith Honored in 2025 New Hampshire 200 List Amanda Chaulk·December 12, 2024EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHTBurlington, VT – December 12, 2024 – The Greater Burlington YMCA is proud to announce that its Chief Executive Officer, Dan Smith, has been recognized in the 2025 edition of… Continue Reading