I frequented West Cook YMCA five days a week for almost a decade. On Dec. 29, a rumor spread that there was going to be a fee for Power Hour, a long-running class. Since no January schedule was available, we had a discussion in the hall with two staff who confirmed the rumor. One of the 12 present (not me) wrote a petition asking that the fee be eliminated. I did help to obtain signatures.
Leaving the Y six days later, a suited man separated me from my friends and handed me a sealed envelope. He told me to take it home and refused to answer any questions. The letter stated I was expelled because of bullying, intimidation, and disparagement, and any attempt to return would be trespassing. My companions, family, neighbors, and friends were all shocked, stating they always saw me as the Y’s biggest booster (as had I). My conduct had never previously been questioned by the Y verbally or in writing.
The following morning (as I was told), three employees appeared before the class to apologize for the rollout. Phil Jimenez, the CEO, reportedly stated that, had it been done correctly, none of the turmoil would have occurred. When questioned about when I would return, he told the class I had been previously warned and that it was now a legal matter. To no avail, class members stated that I was an integral part of their team and they wanted me back. They asked if their names were on the same invisible ledger as mine. One member presented the petition.
My lawyer sent an inquiry to the Y asking what I had done to whom. The response was that, as a member of Silver Sneakers, I had agreed to adhere to all policies, not just those stated in the Code of Conduct, and that the Y had no obligation to provide information to former participants.
Then I had an “aha” moment. On Aug. 26, 2015, I had written an impassioned letter to Wednesday Journal praising Toni Williams, our beloved instructor, who was being let go. I asked Phil for a compromise. The article was headed in large letters, “What’s going on at the Y?” (not my heading).
Another petition circulated, this one asking for my return. It was signed by more than 20 classmates. Phil refused to accept it while demanding that Silver Sneakers participants remove their names. Therefore, I am asking all my friends to stifle their voices and cease their actions less they be next.
I am moving on. At the park district I was greeted with a big hug from Trina, everyone’s favorite supervisor. For $45 a month, the PDOP offers 21 classes spread over 48 time periods, less for senior classes.
But I’ll never forget all the wonderful people I’ve met at the Y. Whether you’ve helped me with my Spanish, instructed me, encouraged (or made fun of) my workout efforts, greeted me daily, accepted me as a “Y Chick,” or contributed to the efforts to get me back, I will smile whenever I think of you.
Editor’s note: We emailed the YMCA to offer them a chance to respond, but have not heard back.