Category: Policies

Nationwide Membership Update

Posted on by Olivia Chamblee

We are so grateful to be your home YMCA. As a member of the YMCA of Upper Palmetto, you support the operation and upkeep of our YMCA facilities with your membership dues. As a member, you get to enjoy unlimited access to group exercise classes, member discounts on programs, use of the facilities and you have also had the added benefit of Nationwide Membership. Nationwide Membership allows Y members to visit any participating YMCA across the United States at no additional charge.

At the beginning of the pandemic, Nationwide Membership was paused, but as businesses are opening back up, leadership has begun to evaluate our participation in Nationwide. As of July 1, 2021, YMCA of Upper Palmetto plans to continue participating in Nationwide Membership with the exception of Greater Charlotte and Gaston County YMCAs.

Our decision to discontinue reciprocity with these two Y associations has to do with the “usage” determination for nationwide and the proximity of these associations to our Ys.  Under Nationwide, any member from a participating association could potentially use our YMCAUP facilities up to 50% percent of the time, affecting overall facility capacity. In an effort to maintain open capacity for YMCAUP members and protect their ability to use their home Y, we feel the need to implement these policies moving forward.

We apologize for any inconvenience you may experience from this decision. You are welcome to continue visiting the Greater Charlotte and Gaston County YMCAs; however, you may be subject to their guest fees. If you have any questions concerning Nationwide Membership please contact Krysten Franks, Association Member Services Director, at (803) 324-9622 ext. 231.

We appreciate you and your continued support of YMCA of Upper Palmetto.

Angie Smith

Angie Smith, is a gifted writer, encourager and loving mother of four. Together with her husband, former NFL player Steve Smith, they established The Steve Smith Family Foundation, which is dedicated to providing hope and inspiration to those in need while advancing causes  close to the family’s heart – Promoting family health & wellness as well as the awareness and prevention of domestic violence.

In 2022, The Steve Smith Foundation and Mecklenburg County partnered to create Charlotte’s first behavioral health urgent care, a 24/7, 365 urgent care facility dedicated to mental health and substance abuse needs.

Angie’s commitment to her family, transparency and unselfishness, by putting other’s needs before her own, is an inspiration to all of us!

Alan Tyson

Alan Tyson is the President Architech Sports and Physical Therapy. He was the former Vice President of Sports Performance and Rehabilitation for OrthoCarolina. He is a physical therapist board certified as a sports clinical specialist, a certified athletic trainer and certified strength and conditioning specialist. He has worked with the Charlotte Knights (AAA affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) and continues to serve as a consultant to the team. Alan is also a consultant with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte Eagles.

Alan has spoken regionally and nationally on various training topics including the foot and ankle, spine care, hip and knee rehabilitation, and he has developed two continuing education courses on the shoulder. He has written 3 books and developed specific training programs for the female athlete, the baseball pitcher, and for football players preparing for the NFL combines. Alan is also an associate editor of the National Strength and Conditioning Journal. He co-hosted a weekly radio show “Health Headlines” on 1110AM WBT with Stacey Sims and Dr. Russ Greenfield for 3 years.

Antoinette Johnson

Meet Antoinette Johnson, the inspiring culinary star of “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation” Hailing from Lexington, KY, she transforms simple, humble ingredients into extraordinary dishes, all while championing the use of fresh, locally-sourced produce. Through her triumph on “America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation,” Antoinette’s unwavering perseverance catapulted her career, proving that with passion and determination, anything is possible. With a heart dedicated to community and a love for supporting local farmers, Antoinette’s journey is a testament to embracing change, fostering growth, and inspiring others to follow their culinary dreams.

Beyond her culinary triumphs, Antoinette is a firm believer in the power of evolution and perseverance. She stands as a shining example of how one can constantly evolve, change, and grow on their journey to success. Antoinette’s story is one of resilience and determination, inspiring others to follow their passions despite any challenges they may encounter.

Now, with a cookbook deal and cash grand prize, Antoinette is forging ahead on her culinary adventure, driven by the desire to prove herself and inspire her daughter.