[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 15 (Tuesday, February 2, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S434]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                    RECOGNIZING THE ALBANY AREA YMCA

 Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate the 
Albany Area YMCA on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.
  On October 25, 1909, 100 businessmen met at the New Albany Hotel for 
the purpose of establishing and building a YMCA in Albany. Five days 
later, the campaign, led by Judge F.F. Putney, was successful in 
raising $30,000.
  Just 1 year later, the vision became a reality, and the first YMCA 
building in Albany opened its doors at the corner of Pine and 
Jefferson.
  Since its inception in 1910, the Albany Area YMCA has been an 
important part of life for residents of southwest Georgia.
  Just last year, more than 30,000 people were involved in the YMCA, 
whether it was coaching baseball, participating in the 5K runs or 
volunteering at the food drives.
  I have been to the Albany Area YMCA several times and I am always 
impressed by the new community initiatives and programs taking place 
there.
  The YMCA has always been committed to challenging boys and girls to 
think beyond themselves and to set goals--and it is this focus on 
character development that has helped strengthen the community.
  As a former volunteer and past president of the Moultrie YMCA, I have 
a special appreciation for the great work the volunteers are doing. And 
they ought to be commended for their tremendous efforts.
  For 100 years, YMCA volunteers have helped children develop 
themselves as honest, respectful, caring and responsible individuals.
  Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not mention Dave Wallace, 
who has made a tremendous impact on the Albany Area YMCA while serving 
as the executive director.
  I have had the good fortune of knowing Dave for several years. The 
YMCA has flourished under his leadership--and I have no doubt he has 
touched many lives throughout his tenure there.
  Over the years, the Albany Area YMCA has relocated, expanded and 
changed in many aspects, but it has never steered away from its mission 
``to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build 
a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.''
  Once again, I would like to offer my congratulations and appreciation 
to the Albany Area YMCA on this very special occasion.

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