FVFY Featured Member CB

YMCA Shining Star
Mike Johnson of Leland is the Central Branch Star of the Month. Mike has been a member at the YMCA for the past three years and, during this time, has made tremendous improvements to his overall health. Mike takes full advantage of all the YMCA has to offer. He participates in Group Cycling, Body Pump, Muscle Works and PiYo, which are free group exercise classes offered by the YMCA. Mike also uses the wellness center and regularly swims laps in the pool. Mike has also made great strides through the help of his YMCA Personal Trainer, Catherine Reid, who he feels has helped him keep on track and make great progress. Mike is unable to pinpoint what his favorite part of the YMCA is because he loves it all.

Mike is an insurance agent in Somonauk. He lives in Leland with his wife Ruth and their three children. Mike grew up in the Somonauk/Leland area and his wife teaches in Leland.

Mike’s favorite quote is “what does not kill you makes you stronger.” This has proved helpful as Mike has competed in many triathlons. Exercise and fitness has become a huge part of helping Mike become complete. He just wishes he would have learned it earlier in life. Mike had Type II diabetes, but through diet and exercise has been able to get rid of it. Mike now knows that leading a healthy lifestyle should be a part of everyone’s life. It has helped him make huge strides physically and mentally; he has lost 150 pounds and now feels more confident being physically fit. When asked to comment about his favorite food, Mike explained, “In 2004 I would have said pizza, but today I will say broccoli.”

The YMCA is happy to have Mike as part of our family. He is a true inspiration to everyone trying to reach goals in their own lives. Aside from that, Mike is caring and friendly and he always makes our day!

Employee of the Month
Elizabeth Hicks of Somonauk is the Central Branch Employee of the Month! Liz has worked for the YMCA for the past 4 years as a life guard and swim lessons instructor. She also worked day camp for two years. Liz loves working at the YMCA because of all the interaction she has with the members. Plus, she has the ability to save lives!

Liz and her family are actually Canadians. They moved 5 major times before settling in Illinois. Currently, Liz is going to school for Graphic Design and when finished hopes to move to California. The YMCA is Liz’s first job. It has taught her to set priorities and work toward them. The steady swimmers and her fellow coworkers have been motivation for Liz in her daily life. Liz does admit since she stared working at the YMCA she has been in the worst physical shape of her life. “Oops!” she says.

Liz enjoys Thai food, hiking, swimming, Bible study, milk chocolate, watching extreme sports, and a bunch of other stuff!

Thanks for all your lifesaving help, Liz!

Kids Zone Star of the Month
Jake Durant

Jake is the older brother of Naomi. His mom and dad are Brian and Megumi Durant. Jake is a fun and exciting kid to have in Kids Zone. The staff are delighted to have such fun boy play in our Center.

Some of Sam’s favorite things are:

Sport: Baseball

Book: Transformers

Toy: Racecars

Food: Hot Dogs

Movie: Chicken Little

Pets: Dog named Kilo