YMCA Officially Expands into West Kittanning

- A move six weeks in the making was completed this past weekend when the Richard G. Snyder YMCA in Kittanning expanded into Mac’s Health Club in West Kittanning. In May, YMCA Board President Stan Berdell, Board Director Richard Snyder and CEO Joely Beeker announced the purchase from Larry and Janet McKelvey – the owners of Mac’s Health Club in West Kittanning. The previous owners went to social media to comment last week before the closing. “It is a very odd, very different feeling and thought knowing we will not come in again as owners. We want to thank all our great members - as they have been the VERY BEST! We send out a huge thanks to our stellar instructors who have given all of us so many fabulous classes! Thank you for your support and memberships all these past years. We are indebted to all of you and will hold you in our hearts forever,” the posting said. Richard G. Snyder YMCA Board President Stan Berdell praised the McKelvey’s for their show of commitment to the community with the sale in May. “This kind-of fell in our laps. What a gift,” Berdell said. “We thought it was just a great idea, with Larry and Janet’s commitment to the community. It’s a fantastic offering.” Founding Owner Larry McKelvey returned to Kittanning in 1992 to open the 6,300-square feet health club with a family atmosphere and learned most of his management skills during the past 20-plus years of business. The business began in the Franklin Village Shopping Center before becoming the first tenants in the Echnoz Building – owned by ESS Insurance – after it was built in 2000. Wife and co-owner, Janet, said the couple has considered exiting the fitness industry for a while and will still maintain their fitness regiments at home in West Valley near Spaces Corners and be able to see their grandchildren more, but there are no current plans for the future. Beeker said the Richard G. Snyder YMCA has more than 1,300 membership units – nearly double that at the former YMCA location – from across Armstrong County. About 55 percent of that figure is made up of family units- classified as up to two adults, children and full-time college-age students that live in the same household – which Beeker said are the most important, especially with the new opportunities and social experiences available. Due to the rising operating costs since the new Kittanning facility opened, membership rates will rise. Financial assistance programs are available and grant funds are awarded to families not able to enroll in sports or activities.