06/15/2026
A few months ago, The Y put out a call looking for Y members over the age of 90 whose stories reflected the impact of the Y. I immediately thought of one person: Havi Stander.
We were honored when Reader's Digest reached out to schedule an interview with her, and we're excited to finally share her story with all of you.
Many of you may know Havi from her time at the Y. While she recently ended her membership, we know how important the Y has been in her life over the past several years. Through fitness classes and a strong sense of community, she found a place where she could stay active, connected, and engaged.
Just three weeks ago, at 95 years old, Havi joined water instructor Jane Kane, lifeguard Andrew Garappolo and some of her Deep Water Fitness class on a white-water rafting adventure - a perfect example of her adventurous spirit and the relationships built through the Y.
If you read her interview, we hope you'll reflect on the incredible impact our YMCA has on the lives of our members. Stories like Havi's don't happen by accident. They are made possible by the welcoming smiles, encouraging words, meaningful programs, and caring connections that is created every day in our building.
Thank you for making Franklin County's YMCA a place where people of all ages can connect, grow, and belong. There's no place like this place!
Enjoy Havi's story! https://www.thehealthy.com/aging/healthy-aging/the-100-years-strong-project-havi-stander/
