by S. Rotan Hale
This year the local YMCA decided to host its Annual Father, Son & Family Banquet Saturday, June 16 in accordance with Father’s Day weekend. The event, now in its 86th year, was held at Lucy Addison Middle School and began with a Community Fair that featured a host of activities by partnering supporters, as Roanoke City Fire & EMS, Police Department, various banks and others.
During his opening remarks, WSLS-10 news anchor John Carlin, as program emcee, declared the banquet to be the longest running program at the YMCA of Roanoke Valley. “It has enriched and educated the lives of the Black community by bringing families together and imparting wisdom, exposing resources and creating an atmosphere of joy and hope for all participants,” he added.
Continuing his historic references, Carlin, a member of the YMCA corporate Board of Directors, spoke of the organization as being established in 1932 in what was then the Hunton YMCA, open primarily to Blacks only. Years later in 1964, as segregation ended, the Hunton Y became the Gainsboro YMCA, opening its doors to the entire community.
“The Y is not just a place to get some physical activity, it’s a place that brings the community together,” said Freedom First Bank rep. Dave Prosser who is also board treasurer.
Another corporate board member, Mark Hudzik, VP, Member One Federal Credit Union, spoke of the YMCA teaching children how to start and maintain the organization’s community garden while introducing them on healthy eating habits.
“We (at the Y) are more than just a fitness center,” said Mark … “This is a very special place in a special community,..It’s not the same pace it was several years ago, it’s a driving force and we have to keep that alive.”
Keynote speakers were Ramon and Damon Williams, area twins of local and state prominence. In addition to their many accomplishments they developed the Twin Hoops Basketball Camp. Now in its 22nd year of operation, the camp thrives with the mission to: “provide as many youth as possible, opportunities to cultivate their abilities and to achieve their personal, educational and professional goals,” said Carlin. During his talk Damon, addressed “four fundamental questions, centered around “what sons need from their fathers, (i.e. providing, nurturing and guidance) he explained.
“Its easy for a child to think that he (or she) doesn’t matter,” Damon added. “Therefore it is critical that dads make it clear to their sons that they are a priority… loved… and understand that what they do is important.”
Ramon broke the word ‘family’ down as an acronym. Briefly going through each letter he began naturally with ‘F’ and explained, “First let God be the spiritual influence.” He follow appropriately connecting the letters with significant principals necessary to “help shape a family into who they are.”
Receiving the A.L. Holland Heart of a Father Award was Coach Robert “Champ” Hubbard, to his surprise, and after a lengthy synopsis of his accomplishments, Coach Hubbard received the prestigious award presented by Cynthia Brown and George “Kila” Miller. “I use to be tough,” Hubbard said, wiping away tears in a moment that rendered him speechless. Once composed, he began by thanking all who contributed to his motivational stamina that propelled his positive influence for young people on many levels including sports.
Following tradition, awards were presented in various categories by Patrick Curtis, and by James “Bread” Bethel who has been a loyal supporter of the YMCA since 1954!
On a bittersweet note, the affair closed as YMCA board chair Charles Withers announced his departure from his position and received accolades that were sealed with a heartfelt hug from organization vice chair Mark Hudzik, VP, Member One.
