It is obvious on the daily smiles of the Mole' family's faces that something good is happening for them at their local YMCAs.
The outgoing family - which consists of Henry, Rochelle and their two daughters, Rachel and Rosemarie - has been Y members for more than 25 years.
From working out on the cardiovascular and Nautilus machines, using the free weights, playing tennis with instructors Paul Young, Tom Anderson, and Ron Condio and tournament competitions, personal training with Brooke Sheesley to completing half and entire marathons and Lakewood YMCA races, the Mole' family has definitely made the YMCA their second home and has become a part of the YMCA family.
Article Photos
From left, the Mole' family, Rosemarie, Rochelle, Henry and Rachel are shown on the tennis courts at the Lakewood YMCA.
Photo by Scott Mekus
Mrs. Mole''s commitment to being healthier started three years ago at the Lakewood YMCA which kickstarted the rest of the family.
"The Y is part of my daily routine, and we feel very welcome here," she said. "Besides being a safe and fun environment for our children, it is a place of lasting friendships and where my kids want to go."
On the other hand, Dr. Mole''s story goes deeper because his father died of heart disease weighing 375 pounds.
"I loved my father dearly, but knew that I did not want to go down the same path in my life," he said.
"At times, my weight tends to fluctuate. The Y keeps me in balance and increases my motivation to get back into shape."
Being honored is nothing new to this family since they were selected as the Jamestown Area YMCA's Family of the Year in 2011.
Together, the family is making better choices regarding their wellness by trying to be more active, choosing the right nutrition and continuing to make the Y a part of their lives.
"The Y has not only provided me with the opportunity to pursue my passion for tennis, but more importantly, I can go there and feel like I am at home with people who truly feel like my family," said Rachel.
The friendships Rosemarie has made there add to the daily camaraderie felt by the family.
"The Y has given me a place where I can go play tennis with kids who have become some of my best friends, especially Tom and Paul," Rosemarie said.
The programs and services that the YMCA offers, such as fitness programming, group exercise classes, babysitting, after school child care, adult and youth sports leagues, aquatics, and camping in one stop is the reason why the Mole' family appreciates and supports their membership.
"There is a lot more to offer at the Y for the entire family that people might not know about," said Mrs. Mole', who is also a member of the Lakewood YMCA's advisory board and team captain of the Partner with Youth annual giving campaign. "We also like the fact that the Y is open to all, and no one is turned away due to their inability to pay."
From Kiantone, Dr. Mole' is an optometrist and co-owner of Spectrum Eyecare in Jamestown, while Mrs. Mole', who used to be an accountant at Trinity Biotech in Jamestown, is a stay-at-home mother. Rachel, age 17, is a senior, and Rosemarie, age 14, is a freshman at Frewsburg Central School.