GREATER JOLIET AREA YMCA

When and why did you get involved with the Y?
I initially got involved with the YMCA back in the mid-90s when my sons were involved in swimming lessons. I remember at that time, my first impression of the Y was it being a very warm and friendly place with lots of activity—not to mention the great swim lessons my sons received. Back then, I thought that if I ever had the chance, I wanted to work at the Y.

I started working for the Y in July of 2011. My background experience is secretarial/customer service. I currently work the Front Desk at the Galowich YMCA and I am also the Athletic Secretary at Joliet Catholic Academy.

What are you passionate about?
I am most passionate about representing my employer to the best of my ability—professionally, enthusiastically and always making people feel welcomed and important. Great customer service leaves a lasting impression and can make a difference in someone’s day.

What’s the best part about your job?
The best part of my job is making my Y family and friends smile! Whether it is a simple hello, asking someone how they are doing, or just giving them a pat on the back. Receiving a smile is so rewarding!

On Friday, the Chicago Tribune recognized the Greater Joliet Area YMCA as a Top 100 Workplace. A first time Top 100 Workplace honoree, the Y has been serving families in Will, Grundy and Kendall Counties for more than 85 years.

Read an excerpt from the Chicago Tribune’s feature below:

The Greater Joliet Area YMCA, which employs about 400 people at its locations in Joliet, Plainfield and Morris, ranked 19th among midsize companies in the Tribune’s list of top workplaces, according to Exton, Pa.-based consultancy WorkplaceDynamics. Its positivity score improved 12 percent over last year, among the highest on the list.

Sarah Porzel, the family and community engagement director at the Morris branch, said she has been impressed by the leadership’s emphasis on training.

“Seeing how much the leadership cared about our professional development made me want to take all the trainings and be prepared for the next roles,” said Porzel, who just assumed her fourth role at the Y in her three years working there full time.

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Personal Trainer & Group Fitness Instructor at the Morris YMCA

When and why did you get involved with the Y?
My kids were always involved in Y activities, so when the Y opened in Morris, I thought it would be the perfect place to work. I started working here in January 2015 and have enjoyed every moment since. The Y has a great family atmosphere and offers something for everyone.

What can you tell us about your background and experience?
Since moving here from Switzerland 16 years ago, I’ve had several office jobs. But over the past few years, I’ve become more interested in the fitness industry. So, last fall, I decided to get certified as a Group Fitness Instructor. Then, in summer 2015, I added a certification as a Personal Trainer.

What are you passionate about professionally?
I am most passionate about learning new fitness trends and techniques and staying up-to-date on healthy eating and good nutrition.

What’s the best part about working here at the Y?
I enjoy being around people and meeting new members everyday. I love to challenge my class members and see them progress daily.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I was born in Morris, raised in Switzerland and have a weakness for chocolate.

Are you new to fitness? Or are you looking to add a little variety to your exercise program? Register for personal training with Sarah today! A variety of personal training packages are available.

Sarah also teaches Boot Camp, Cardio Interval and Senior Fitness at the Morris Community YMCA. A current schedule of fitness classes can be found here.

Bright, crisp apples are a fall favorite. If you can’t get to a pick-your-own spot, choose apples that are firm and shiny, without any bruises. Be sure to store apples in the refrigerator to keep them from getting mushy; they’ll keep for a couple of weeks.

Pro-Tip: If you’re not going to eat the sliced apples right away, keep them from browning by
dunking them in a bowl of three parts water to one part lemon juice.

Did You Know?

• 25 percent of an apple’s volume is air. That’s why they float when you go bobbing for them!
• It takes the energy produced by 50 photosynthesizing leaves to produce one apple.
• The crab apple is the only apple native to North America.

More information, including recipes for Apples with Creamy Honey Dip and Carrot-Apple Soup, can be found in the link below. Enjoy!

Recipes, Tips & More!

From left to right: Joliet Rotary Club Members Bill Lauer, Mark Griglione, Jim Watts and Greg Peyla stand alongside the Rotary/YMCA Sportsfield sign with Kidz Zone staff and participants.

Thirty years ago, the Joliet Rotary Club joined forces with the Galowich Family YMCA to update their facility and install the Rotary/YMCA Sportsfield, a 10-acre space that includes two soccer fields and two softball fields. The Y celebrated the 30th anniversary by hosting a summer picnic, which was attended by 185 guests, including Rotary Members, YMCA staff, summer day campers and other friends of the Y.

Christina Hester, a mother of three from Morris, was just months away from turning 30 when she realized she was in need of a lifestyle change. Her initial approach was simple: one hour of cardio each day at the Morris Y. Until one day, Christina decided to break her routine and attend AM Boot Camp, a fitness class known for its intensity.

“I was in the back of the room, terrified,” she said. “I was closest to the door, so in case anything went wrong, I could escape.”

Fortunately, her getaway plan wasn’t needed. Christina was instantly hooked. Now, in addition to Boot Camp, she’s a regular at Zumba, Hip-Hop Fit, and as of recently, yoga.

“The classes are intense,” she said. “You might think, ‘I’m never going to be able to do this.’ But you work your way up. It’s exciting.”

Today, Christina is 70 pounds lighter and no longer hides in the back. She visits the Y five days a week, typically two or three times per day.

During the Y’s August Fitness Challenge—in which members were challenged to swipe in 20 times in a month—Christina checked in 36 times.

“It’s weird when others start noticing you’ve lost weight, but it makes you feel really good,” she said. “My family and friends have been a strong support system. My girlfriends and I have a Facebook group, where we post ‘sweaty selfies.’ It’s in a closed group so everyone doesn’t have to see it. We motivate each other.”

Her biggest motivation, Christina says, are her children: Amber, Lola and Maximus. Thinking back, Christina recalls days when going up the stairs or playing at the park wasn’t so easy. But thankfully, now that Christina has chosen the path toward a healthy lifestyle, those days are behind her.