Cycle Studio “Turf”IN THISISSUEA Conversation with our CEOStronger Together: ElitePartnerships Elevating YouthSports at the YFrom Super SquadSwimmers to YMCANational Champions. MeetAnna, Conner and SerenaWN E W S L E T T E Rinter2026Lakeland Hills Family YMCABefore and After Photos ofour Health and FitnessRenovationDefying the Impossible:Learn about the journey behind our reimagined Health and Fitness Center—how vision, innovation,and intention came together to shape spaces built for our community. Inside, we also celebrate thechampions who train and belong here, from world-class athletic achievement to powerful stories ofresilience that remind us what’s possible at the Y.Learn about the journey behind our reimagined Health and Fitness Center—how vision, innovation,and intention came together to shape spaces built for our community. Inside, we also celebrate thechampions who train and belong here, from world-class athletic achievement to powerful stories ofresilience that remind us what’s possible at the Y.Immersive Strength in MotionJeff Harmon’s story of purposeand perseverance
Winter EditionChampions AreAll Around UsAt Lakeland Hills FamilyYMCA, champions show upevery day. Sometimes thatlooks like a podium finish ora national title. Other times,it simply means walkingthrough the doors,committing to movement,and choosing to take care ofyourself. Every workout,every class, every lap is anaccomplishment, and we areincredibly fortunate to besurrounded by memberswho continue to show upand participate in ourcommunity.This Winter Edition of ournewsletter highlights just afew of the champions whostand out among us.You’ll read about JeffHarmon, an extraordinaryathlete and even moreremarkable human beingwhose journey is rooted inpurpose, resilience, andcommunity. Jeff is a familiarface at the Y, and his missionis grounded in openness andconnection. If you see him,say hello. Ask questions. Becurious. His story is one thatinvites conversation andinspires reflection.And, of course, we continue tocelebrate Natalie Grabow, whoserecent achievement as a KonaTriathlon Champion is nothingshort of extraordinary. Natalieclaimed the title in her 80+ agegroup, redefining whatendurance, strength, and lifelongathleticism look like.These stories are different, butthey share a common thread.They remind us that greatnesslives right here at the Y, and thatbeing part of this community issomething to be proud of.Whether you’re training forcompetition or simply showing upfor yourself, you are part of whatmakes Lakeland Hills FamilyYMCA a place where championsbelong.We are also proud torecognize three of our2025 Long CourseNational Championswimmers, whosededication andperformance representexcellence at the highestlevel:Anna Kilponen – 100Butterfly, 50 ButterflyConnor Johnson – 200Backstroke, 100 BackstrokeSerena Dickey – 200ButterflyJeff Harmon
Many Spaces.One VisionThe newly renovated Health & Fitness Center atLakeland Hills Family YMCA was designed withintention, flexibility, and community at its core.Rather than creating a one-size-fits-all gym, thevision was to build distinct spaces that supportdifferent goals, preferences, and stages of thewellness journey, while still feeling connected aspart of one experience.Each area serves a purpose. Together, theycreate a place where members can move, train,recover, connect, and recharge.Together, these spaces reflect a broader vision forhealth and wellness, one that recognizes thatmembers have different needs on different days.Some days call for intensity. Others call for recovery,connection, or simply showing up.The renovated Health & Fitness Center was built tomeet members where they are, and to grow withthem over time. It supports champions training forcompetition, members returning to movement, andeveryone in between.This is not just a renovation. It is a reflection of whowe are as a community, and a commitment tosupporting health, strength, and connection for yearsto come.The Cycle Studio: Energy,Focus, and MomentumThe Cycle Studio is a high-energy space built formotivation and movement. Designed to elevatethe group cycling experience, it brings memberstogether through music, rhythm, and coachedinstruction. Whether riders are pushing throughintervals or settling into steady climbs, the studiocreates an environment that encourages focus,commitment, and shared energy.It is a space where members show up not just toride, but to be part of something collective.Member Lounge & ChargingStations: A Space to RechargeWellness extends beyond physical movement.The member lounge area, complete withcharging stations, was designed to supportconnection, recovery, and balance. It offersmembers a place to pause between workouts,catch up on work or messages, and spend time ina comfortable, welcoming environment.This space recognizes that the Y is not just aplace to work out, but a place to belong.Newly Renovated Healthand Fitness CenterBuilt for the WayMembers Live Today
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This renovation was aboutmeeting our communitywhere they are today, andwhere they’re headed. We’veseen how our members’needs have evolved, fromhow they train and recoverto how they connect withone another. The goal wasn’tto chase trends, but tocreate spaces that supportlong-term wellness,accessibility, and belongingfor people of all ages andabilities.A CONVERSATIONWITH OUR CEO...Why was thisrenovation so importantfor Lakeland Hills FamilyYMCA right now?ALEJANDRO MARTINEZ1What g2uided thedecision-making processas the Health & FitnessCenter was reimagined?Intention. Every choice wasmade with purpose. Weasked ourselves: Does thismake fitness moreapproachable? Does it helpsomeone feel confidentwalking in the door? Does itcreate opportunity ratherthan intimidation? If theanswer was yes, it belongedin the plan. If not, wereconsidered.How doe3s the renovatedspace reflect the YMCA’smission?The YMCA is more thanfitness equipment andclasses, it’s wherecommunity happens. It’sabout strengthening thewhole person, spirit, mind,and body. This renovationreflects that philosophy.You’ll see it in the balancebetween high-energytraining areas and spacesdesigned for recovery,connection, and support.Every space reinforces thatwellness is personal, andeveryone’s journey looksdifferent.What ar4e you mostproud of when youwalk through thenew Health &Fitness Center?I’m most proud ofhow inclusive itfeels. Whethersomeone is brandnew to fitness,returning after timeaway, training at ahigh level, or simplylooking for awelcoming place tomove, this spacemeets them withdignity andencouragement.That sense ofbelonging is whatmakes this trulyHow5do special. you hopemembers feel whenthey step into therenovated center forthe first time?I hope they feel inspired,but also comfortable.The best spaces don’tmake people feel likethey need to besomeone else to belong.They make people feelsupported, motivated,and confident to takethe next step, whateverthat looks like for them.What does6this renovation meanfor the future of Lakeland HillsFamily YMCA?This is an investment in ourcommunity’s future. It allows us toexpand programming, supporthealthier lifestyles, and continue toserve as a place where peopleconnect and grow. More thananything, it positions the Y as alifelong partner in wellness, not justa place to work out, but a place tobelong.We didn’t renovate to stay thesame. We renovated to meet thefuture of fitness, and then gobeyond it. - Alejandro MartinezHealth and Fitness Renovation / Interview with CEO Alejandro Martinez
HONORINGDR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.Day of Service, Reflection, and ActionEverybody can be great,because everybody canserve.Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than a day off, itis a day on. It is a time to reflect on Dr. King’s visionof equity, dignity, and opportunity for all, and torecommit ourselves to building stronger, moreinclusive communities.At Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, Dr. King’s legacyaligns deeply with our mission. We believe increating spaces where everyone feels welcome,supported, and empowered, regardless of age,ability, background, or circumstance. Whetherthrough wellness, youth development, orcommunity connection, our work is rooted in thebelief that communities thrive when we lift oneanother up.As we honor Dr. King, we are reminded thatmeaningful change happens through service,compassion, and collective action. We encourageour members to use this day to reflect, to serve,and to continue building a more just andconnected community, today and every day.Martin Luther King Jr.MLK Day
StrongerTogether: ElitePartnershipsElevating YouthSports at the YAt Lakeland Hills FamilyYMCA, we are thoughtfulabout the partners wechoose, because theexperiences we offer ouryouth matter. As ourprograms continue to grow,we’ve aligned withorganizations that share ourcommitment to development,integrity, and long-termimpact. These partnershipsare not about flash or hype;they are about raising thestandard while stayinggrounded in our mission.One of our most significantcollaborations is withJuventus Academy NJ, asubsidiary of the globallyrenowned Juventus FC, oneof the most respected soccerorganizations in the worldand the official professionalteam of Italy. Through thispartnership, young athletes atthe Y gain access to a worldclass training philosophy thatemphasizes technical skill,tactical understanding, andpersonal growth.What makes this experienceespecially meaningful is theleadership behind theprogram. Juventus AcademyNJ is led by Giovanni, a formerprofessional player forJuventus, who bringsfirsthand experience from thehighest level of the sport.His approach focuses onfundamentals, confidence, anddecision-making, helpingplayers develop not just asathletes, but as disciplinedteammates and thoughtfulcompetitors. It is an elitesoccer experience delivered ina way that remains welcoming,age-appropriate, and alignedwith YMCA values.We are also proud to partnerwith Triple Threat Hoops, thelargest AAU basketballorganization in the area. Thiscollaboration brings a higherlevel of instruction andstructure to our basketballprogramming, giving youngplayers access to advancedtraining while reinforcingsportsmanship, teamwork, andrespect for the game.Together, these partnerships reflectour belief that when world-classexpertise meets a communitycentered environment, everyonebenefits. By working withorganizations that prioritizedevelopment over ego and growthover accolades, Lakeland Hills FamilyYMCA continues to createopportunities for youth to train,learn, and thrive, right here at the Y.Learn about Lakeland Hills Y Partnership with Juventus Academy NJ
CHAMPIONS 2 0 2 5 L O N G C O U R S E N A T I O N A LConnor Johnson200 backstroke100 backstrokeAnna Kilponen100 butterfly50 butterflySerena Dickey200 butterfly
Anna Kilponen, Connor Johnson, and Serena Dickey are shining examples of what itmeans to grow up in the Lakeland Hills YMCA swim program. All three began theirjourneys here as toddlers in swim lessons, joined the team as 8/unders, and swam theirway through the program to become long course national champions.At the 2025 Long Course Nationals, Connor captured two individual national titles.Anna also won two individual events and contributed to two championship relays,swimming the butterfly leg on both the 200 medley and 400 medley relays. Serenabrought home one individual national title and was a key member of two winningrelays, swimming the freestyle leg on the 200 medley and 400 medley relays.Anna and Connor have graduated from the program and are now competing at theDivision I level, Anna at Villanova and Connor at Virginia Tech. Serena is currently ahigh-school junior and has committed to swim at the University of Illinois beginning inthe fall of 2027.All three have also been recognized as USA Swimming Scholastic All Americans, anhonor that celebrates their excellence both in the pool and in the classroom. We areincredibly proud of Anna, Connor, and Serena and the example they set for everyyoung swimmer at Lakeland Hills YMCA.FROM SUPERSQUAD SWIMMERS......TO YMCA NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
DEFYING THE IMPOSSIBLEJ E F F H A R M O N ’ S J O U R N E Y O F P U R P O S E , C O M M U N I T Y , A N D F A I T HA CONVERSATION THAT STAYS WITH YOUWR I T TE N BY C A RME N F R I TS C HJeff Harmon did not set out to chaseheadlines. His story is rooted indetermination, reflection, and a deep beliefthat limitations do not define what ispossible.In 2017, Jeff began using a wheelchair afterbeing diagnosed withadrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN), aprogressive neurological condition thataffects mobility. Like many life-alteringdiagnoses, it forced him to reimagine whathis future might look like. Over time, onequestion began to surface, quietly at first,then with growing clarity: Could I climb amountain?Not just any mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro,the tallest free-standing mountain in theworld, rises more than 19,000 feet above sealevel.A JOURNEY BUILT ACROSS MANY PLACES INCLUDINGOUR VERY OWN LHYMuch of Jeff’s preparation also happens right here.A member of Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, Jeff trainsconsistently in our fitness center, including strengthtraining, swimming, endurance work, and adaptivemovement, all as part of his broader preparation.Jeff’s preparation for Kilimanjaro was never confined toone space or one approach. His journey was builtthrough months of discipline across manyenvironments, including adaptive strength training,swimming, outdoor conditioning, endurance work,obstacle course racing, and high-altitude preparation.Each played a role in preparing both his body and hismindset for what lay ahead.“THE CONSISTENCY MATTERS,” JEFF SHARES. “SHOWING UP, BEING KNOWN, AND BEINGSUPPORTED, IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.”Jeff Harmon Defies the impossibleBut the Y represents more than equipment or workouts.It provides rhythm, familiarity, and community. Trainingalongside fellow members, supported by staff andsurrounded by encouragement, Jeff has built not onlyphysical strength but also the mental resilience requiredfor a challenge of this magnitude.
Jeff is also an inspirational speaker, sharing hisjourney with audiences across the country. Throughhis talks, he challenges conventional ideas of strengthand leadership, encouraging people to seevulnerability, interdependence, and purpose assources of power. His upcoming speakingengagements include a TED-style talk at HarvardUniversity, along with other events focused onleadership, purpose, and community. Faith plays acentral role in Jeff’s life and work.From Early Mornings to the SummitLakeland Hills Family YMCA became part of Jeff’sjourney several years ago, when he first came tothe Y to use the pool. Aquatic training was oneimportant component of a much larger trainingpicture that spanned many locations anddisciplines.Jeff’s journey to Kilimanjaro did not begin on amountain. It started early in the mornings with hislocal F3 group, a community centered on fitness,fellowship, and faith. Together, they trained in allconditions, pushing limits and redefining whatstrength looks like when it is shared.Sixteen of the thirty-two members on Jeff’sKilimanjaro team came from that F3 community.Over the course of the four-day climb, teammatesrotated shifts, using ropes and harnesses to helppropel Jeff toward the summit of Africa’s highestpeak.“Where I can, I’ll push,” Jeff says.“But this climb isonly possible because of my team.”Over time, his teammates stopped seeing Jeff as “theguy in the chair.”“Jeff is just Jeff,” one friend shared.“What he’s doingchanges how you look at your own limits.”Jeff also competed in multiple endurance events,including Spartan Races, as an adaptive athlete.Navigating obstacles with the help of teammateslifting his chair over walls and through mud, thoseexperiences reshaped his understanding ofleadership, trust, and interdependence, and plantedthe seeds for something bigger.Spe a k ing, Le a d e r ship, and Imp a ctA Co n v e r s a tio n T h a t St a ys W it h YouSitting down with Jeff for this conversation wastruly an honor. I had the opportunity to interviewJeff alongside Katie Burke, our Vice President ofFund Development, and the experience was bothinspiring and deeply meaningful. I was genuinelystruck by Jeff’s humility, thoughtfulness, andauthenticity, qualities that define not only hisjourney but who he is as a person.Jeff is remarkably approachable and intentionallyopen. He welcomes questions, encouragescuriosity, and creates space for honestconversation without judgment. His willingness toengage so openly is central to his mission andleaves a lasting impression long after theconversation ends.“This isn’t just a story about a guy in a wheelchairclimbing a mountain,” Jeff says. “It’s about whathappens when purpose meets community.”To learn more about Jeff’s mission and the work ofMy Impossible, visit: http://myimpossible.orgHe speaks candidly about doubt, fear, and theongoing practice of leading from weakness ratherthan in spite of it. For Jeff, the climb, and the racesand training that led up to it, were never aboutproving anything. They were about answering acalling and using his experience to create space forothers.
SWIM2.4 MILESBIKE112 MILESRUN26.2 MILES1:47:41 7:51:27 6:40:11TURNING DATA INTO DECISIONS. INTELLIGENT? ABSOLUTELY.On October 11, 2025, Natalie made history when she became the first 80-year-old woman in U.S. history tocomplete the Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, earning the World Champion title in her agegroup of 80 “young.”The Ironman is not simply a race. It is a 140.6-mile test of endurance, discipline, and mental strength,consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile marathon run. Natalie completed the coursein an incredible 16 hours, 45 minutes, and 26 seconds, a performance that reflects years of training,commitment, and belief.From Our Pool to the World StageHISTORYWAS MADEAND IT STARTED HEREIf you’ve been following our social media, reading our weekly eblasts, oreven watching the news, chances are you’ve already heard about Natalie Grabow.Her achievement has captured attention far beyond our walls. In this special Champions edition of ournewsletter, we felt it was important to bring Natalie to the forefront—not only to celebrate her historicaccomplishment, but to recognize her as a member of our community whose dedication, consistency, andquiet determination truly represent what it means to be a champion at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA.Natalie’s journey to Kona did not begin on race day. It began long before, through steady preparation andpurposeful training—much of it taking place right here at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA. The pool became acornerstone of her routine, where lap after lap-built endurance and confidence. The fitness centersupported the strength, mobility, and resilience required to sustain elite endurance training at any age.IRONMAN WORLD CAMPIONSHIP KONA, HAWAIIBut beyond the numbers is the consistency behind them. Showing up day after day. Training withintention. Trusting the process. Natalie’s accomplishment reflects the power of routine and the importanceof having access to spaces that support lifelong health and performance.Natalie Grabow Makes History Right Here at our Y
A Champion RecognizedWorldwideGREATNESS DOESN’T RETIRENatalie’s record-breaking finish quickly gainednational and international attention. Her story hasbeen featured in major media outlets includingthe Wall Street Journal, New York Post, BusinessInsider, Triathlete Magazine, TRI247, and News 12New Jersey. Inside Edition even filmed a segmentright here at Lakeland Hills Family YMCA,highlighting the place where much of herpreparation took place. While the recognition has been widespread,Natalie remains grounded, focused, and humblequalities that make her achievement even moremeaningful. Redefining What a ChampionLooks LikeNatalie’s story challenges assumptions about age,limits, and what is possible. She reminds us thatchampions are not defined solely by medals orfinish lines, but by perseverance, mindset, and thewillingness to keep moving forward. At Lakeland Hills Family YMCA, champions takemany forms. Some are elite athletes. Others aremembers reaching personal milestones, startingnew routines, or committing to their health for thefirst time. Natalie represents the very best of thiscommunity, where effort is celebrated, progress ispersonal, and strength is built over a lifetime. Her journey is a powerful reminder that greatnessdoes not have an expiration date, and thatsometimes, history is made one lap, one mile, andone determined step at a time.“Movement is an essential part oflife if youwant to avoid health problems as you age.”Natalie Grabow, 80, Mountain Lakes, NJ
Lakeland Hills Family YMCA has introduced new designated short-term parkingspaces to support safer and more efficient drop-off and pick-up for familiesenrolled in the Marion Mann Roberts Early Learning Center (ECLC).Beginning January 5, 2026, these spaces are available during peak ECLC hoursand are clearly marked with blue ECLC parking signage. This update is designedto improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and create a safer experience for ouryoungest members and their families.IMPROVED PARKING FOR OUR EARLYCHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER FAMILIESIMPROVED PARKING FOR OUR EARLYCHILDHOOD LEARNING CENTER FAMILIESThree spaces located on the sideof the building near the ECLCentranceOne space located in the upperlot, directly across from theYMCA’s front doorsParking Guidelines⏱ 10-minute parking limit? Morning Drop-Off: 7:00–9:00 AM? Afternoon Pick-Up: 4:00–6:00 PMThese spaces are reserved onlyduring designated ECLC drop-offand pick-up times.These updates are part of our continued commitment to safety, accessibility, andthoughtful facility improvements. By designating short-term parking during peakhours, we can better support ECLC families while maintaining smooth traffic flow forall members.We appreciate our community’s cooperation in observing posted signage andhelping keep these spaces available for ECLC families when they are needed most.Why it Matters