There has been a lot of talk in the last year about the new YMCA building being constructed as a cooperative effort between county, city, school and the Duluth YMCA.
The discussions have dealt with the financial burdens to the institutions involved but have also been concerned with the religious aspect of the YMCA and how it may impact the governmental agencies and their support.
Is there a conflict of “separation of church and state”? While the YMCA originally was founded as a Christian organization for young men it has in the latter years dropped its religious emphasis and adopted a more humanist outlook. In cooperating with the Y the public institutions are today in no way supporting a religious organization.
Today the emphasis is on Y as in “YOUNG!”
The Y appeals to people of all ages. It is not only a “Gym and Swim” club. It will have programs for kids, teens and ages above. There will be facilities in the new building which citizens of all ages may use for various endeavors. It seems to me that the North Shore with its vibrant communities will do well in welcoming the opportunity to stay young and support the Y.
There is an old saying: Mens Sana in Corpore Sano, which means: “A Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body.” We may in the context of the Y say: “A Young Mind in a Young Body!”
Jake Hjorth
Grand Marais
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