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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Friday April 13, 2007 - 41 Four outstanding Y volunteers have made a difference t the YMCA of Oakville, we are fortunate to have many wonderful people who donate their time to make the Y a very special place. In February, four individuals received special awards for their service in 2006 as volunteers at the Oakville Y. Two individuals were recognized for their service in our Peter Gilgan Family Y Membership Centre on Rebecca Street. Lynn Petruskavich is the mother of two children, and has been an avid YMCA supporter and volunteer for over a decade. Petruskavich is a fabulous CycleFit instructor, and has volunteered for the YMCA of Oakville both in the old building and in the new Peter Gilgan Family Y. Petruskavich is a firm believer in the YMCA core values and mission, and is a member here with her children. The Y values her input, her enthusiasm, and her energy with the Y members. Donna Moran was also recognized as a Membership Centre Volunteer. She began her volunteer experience in 2002 and was a wonderful addition to our Preschool programs, helping out wherever she could. Moran completed many administrative tasks for the Staff and Volunteer Department and was especially eager to add her positive energy with the implementation of special YMCA events, like `Y Try', family days, `Fitness Fever' and the MIST Softball Tournament. Moran was the co-chair of the YMCA's `At the Hop' 50th Anniversary event which was a huge success and raised more than $90,000 for the Y. In Y Summer Camp, Elise Boateng was an amazing addition to the team. She showed a true passion for helping others. Whether it was a camper who needed their shoe tied, or a staff member who wanted to sing a song, Boateng was ready to give 100 per cent. Through her endless kindness and strength of spirit she reminded people every day how great it feels to smile, and touched many hearts in Y Sneaker Camp. Even though Boateng had the choice to play as a camper herself, she wanted to work with the staff team to make a difference in the camper's lives. In our Y Sports programs in the Oakville community, the Y recognized YBC league basketball coach, Chris Speece. One parent said it all in a letter: "My son is now motivated and determined to play basketball. Chris' Wednesday practice seems like a classroom and he is the teacher. Apparently, everything is planned, but he has the talent to create it as fun. Every practice, boys learn things such as ball-handling and dribbling drills, A and shooting skills. He combines the time on individual fundamental and team skills. Chris has an original and unique style of encouraging boys at game time. He is living for them on that hour. His eyes, ears and heart are with the boys in the game. He has good remarks for every boy. He is remarkable. I would never dream a better coach for my so. There is a positive environment, equal playing time for boys-- a chance to progress, to grow, to communicate as a team. Chris is building a team spirit." These four and the other 395 volunteers are an integral partner in helping the YMCA of Oakville to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities in 2006. To nominate a special Y volunteer for a YMCA award, call Tammy Smith at 905845-5597 ext 230. --Submitted by the Oakville YMCA.