Corpening YMCA throws big birthday party

Credit: photo contributed

By: Mike Conley | McDowell News
Published: March 10, 2010

Seven years ago this week, the Maxwell M. Corpening Jr. Memorial YMCA opened its doors. For so many people, it was the fulfillment of a long-held dream, a dream that some thought would never become a reality.
On Wednesday, those community leaders who spearheaded the effort to get it built blew out the candles of a big birthday cake. Located at 348 Grace Corpening Drive, the local YMCA is celebrating seven years of helping McDowell "build strong kids, strong families, strong communities."
Jed Rankin led the original fund drive to build the Corpening YMCA. He is now president of the Corpening Memorial Center's board. Ray Buchanan is a former member of the Corpening Center's board who for many years led the effort to get the facility built. Both of them were on hand to blow out the candles of the birthday cake and take part in the celebration.
Rankin said McDowell County's YMCA is bigger and better than the ones he's seen in larger and more prosperous communities.
"It's holding up pretty well," he said. "It's amazing a community of this size has a facility of this size."
Buchanan said the Corpening YMCA is the best thing he's done for the community.
"There was a way and, thank goodness, we've got it," he added.
Throughout the day, the facility's lobby had display tables letting folks know about all the programs available through the local Y.
"We opened seven years ago this day," Executive Director Tim Blenco said Wednesday. "We've done a lot since then and we've got exciting things going on every day."
The celebration coincides with the Strong Kids Campaign, which helps make it possible for the children, families, and individuals facing economic, medical and emotional hardships to participate in YMCA programs that might not otherwise be available to them.
Karen White and her husband, Cal, are charter members of the Y. It has made a difference for them and the rest of their family. They have two grandsons who are in the summer program, where they enjoy swimming and playing soccer.
"This place means a lot to me," said Karen White. "I get a joy every time I come here. We are so blessed to have it."
One of the new programs for the Corpening YMCA will be the first T-ball league. Practices will be held Saturday, March 20 and Saturday, March 27. Games will begin April 10. Soccer programs will be starting up this spring as well. On March 27, an Easter egg hunt will be held for youngsters.
"We've got so many new programs," said Blenco, one of which will be the counselors in training (CIT) program. This allows teens to learn how to be counselors for children. It gives teens the training they need so they can later work at the Y as a counselor or perhaps help them enter the education field.
The Y will also host a community craft and yard sale on Saturday.
On Wednesday, YMCA officials also dedicated the preschool playground in front of the building. The playground is named in honor of Whitson Realty, which donated $25,000 during the original capital campaign. Dennis Whitson, owner of the business, and Blenco unveiled the sign for the playground.
For a long time, it was difficult for folks to imagine McDowell County ever having a facility such as the Corpening YMCA. Now, it is difficult to imagine McDowell without the Corpening Y.
"It is and will always be the crown jewel of McDowell County," said Frank Dean, chairman of the Y's advisory committee. "This is a place that changes lives."
For more information, contact the Corpening YMCA at 659-9622.

Corpening YMCA throws big birthday party

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