Volley for the CausePublished: Thursday, October 8, 2009 at 4:30 a.m.
For the past 50 years, the Henderson County YMCA has been here off Sixth Avenue, helping members stay fit with a workout room, gym, swimming pool, tennis courts and a variety of sporting activities for all ages.
On Saturday, it plans a rare splurge, offering the community ice cream and other tasty treats as it celebrates its Golden Anniversary.
Entertainment includes performances by Pat's School of Dance, folk singer Elaine Anderson and Appalachian Fire and a musician.
There will be sack races and also a free round-robin tennis tournament.
Operations Manager Jennifer Hastings said invitations were sent out to several area dignitaries, including Rep. Heath Shuler.
"We haven't heard back from a lot of those people yet, so they may or may not come." Either way, a fun day is expected.
Those who can't make it to the fun can hear coverage on the radio. WHKP will have a live remote from 9 to 11 a.m., and WTZQ will follow from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The YMCA has been helping people stay fit since it was founded in London in 1844. Since then it has branched out all over the world, and many famous people have passed through its doors.
Athletes include Rocky Marciano, Wilt Chamberlain, Frank Robinson, David Thompson, Lennox Lewis and most recently, Tony Hawk. Musicians were John Lennon, Harry Connick Jr.,
Clay Aiken and Britney Spears, and past presidents include Bill Clinton, George Bush and Ronald Reagan.
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