Member Spotlight: Charmaine's Lifelong Love of Swimming

For more than four decades, swimming has been a central part of Charmaine Malecki's life. Her journey began in 1982 at Camp Duncan, where a friend named Rita encouraged her to join. It didn't take long for Charmaine to discover her passion for the water. She spent up to three hours a day swimming and eventually became the top butterfly swimmer in her program.

Charmaine's connection to the Hastings Lake YMCA came through the encouragement of others who recognized her love of swimming. Betty Ogden suggested she come to the Y to continue her aquatic journey. Later, former Membership Director Judy Illingworth visited Oak Hill Assisted Living Facility and helped residents learn about YMCA memberships, making it even easier for Charmaine to become part of the Y community at Hastings Lake.

Today, Charmaine swims three days each week. She takes the Oak Hill bus to the Y and often carpools with friends. Her dedication to swimming is inspiring. One of her personal goals is to swim 100 laps each month and she has already completed an impressive 150 miles in the pool. She is currently looking forward to receiving her milestone achievement T-shirt.

When asked what she enjoys most about swimming, Charmaine's answer is simple: everything. Beyond the enjoyment, swimming has had a tremendous impact on her health and well-being. She credits swimming with helping improve her asthma while also easing issues with her shoulders and knees.

Throughout her YMCA experience, Charmaine has appreciated the encouragement she has received from staff members, especially Judy Illingworth, whose support and positivity made a lasting impression. She is also grateful for the friendships she has built along the way. After a swim, you'll often find Charmaine enjoying a meal with her friends Joanna and Nick Ferguson.

Outside of the YMCA, Charmaine stays busy with a variety of hobbies, including crocheting, listening to music, coloring, and journaling. Her active lifestyle and positive attitude are an inspiration to those around her.

For anyone who has never visited the YMCA, Charmaine has a simple message: "Do it. You'll love it!"

Charmaine's story is a wonderful reminder that it's never too late to stay active, build friendships, and invest in your health. Through her commitment to swimming and her encouraging spirit, she continues to inspire others to take that first step and dive in.