Y Corner - Jan Burnison

 When asked to write about her “Y” story a flood of thoughts came to Jan Burnison’s mind. How could she share nearly 2 decades of experiences without listing the events and people who have touched her life?

She recalls walking across RO to the Y with Deb Squires in the early 2000s where they would work out on machines then walk the track in the beautiful Bulkeley Wellness & Fitness Center. Jan remembers taking yoga classes with Lowell Burnison & friends taught by Kristi Potts and she now takes chair yoga taught by Carrie Shalters, who she says brightens everyone’s day. She fondly recalls pounding the treadmills every day after school and solving the world’s problems with Becki Kaiser while walking the indoor track. Taking water aerobics classes has helped to loosen her artificial knees and having her grandkids visit and being able to use the track, gym, and pool has been a blessing.

Jan has attended many anniversaries, graduations, town hall meetings with Senator Joni Ernst, etc. in the multi-purpose room and even her own surprise retirement party last June hosted by her family. She enjoyed winning a night at the Red Coach & a Mother’s Day gift bag as part of the YMCA Member’s Appreciation Mother’s Day Raffle.

She has enjoyed getting to know the friendly and efficient Y staff and appreciates the maintenance crew for maintaining the beautiful building and grounds. She has made new friends from Red Oak and the surrounding communities over the years and during the past few months she has been a valuable volunteer working with Nick Zimmer. According to Jan, “Nick is the best director ever and we have the best YMCA and community in the state of Iowa-it is “a shade better” for sure!”

For more information about the Montgomery County Family YMCA, programs, memberships, and volunteer/donor opportunities, contact the YMCA at 712-623-2161, stop in at the Montgomery County Family YMCA located at the beautiful Red Oak Legion Park, 101 East Cherry Street, Red Oak, Iowa, visit the YMCA on Facebook, or visit the Y’s website at www.mcymca.com.