---

Regular readers of the Lincoln Herald will remember the articles we posted last September about the two YMCAs in Lincoln County.  The Lincoln County Family YMCA in Lincolnton and Sally's Y off Optimist Club Road in eastern Lincoln County were not, according to the Greater Charlotte YMCA, of which they were member locations, paying their way in terms of operating expenditures.

The Greater Charlotte YMCA and branch board chairs from the two Lincoln County facilities issued a statement we published that month.  

Behind the scenes, the two local Ys were looking to join another organization.  That effort has now become a reality: the two will become a part of the Catawba Valley YMCA.

Overlooked in news reports about last Monday night's (April 15th) Lincoln County Commissioners meeting was a decision by Commissioners to rescind the County's right to the property on East Gaston Street occupied by the Lincolnton Y.  

The land for the Lincoln County Hospital was donated by Dr. John Gamble back in the 1970s.  Its ownership went to what is now Atrium Health when they took over the operation of the hospital prior to building the current facility. The land then became County property and in 2011 they allowed it to be used for the YMCA but maintained a right to reclaim the land--which was rescinded by Monday night's action.  For anyone who doesn't already know, the land for Sally's Y was donated by the Clark family.  

Monday nights action assures the continuation of operation of the two YMCAs in Lincoln County which will at the end of May become a part of the Catawba Valley YMCA.  

Nat Auten, President and CEO of the Catawba Valley Y, told us that YMCA members will receive communication about the new membership structure and he believes the transition from Greater Charlotte to Catawba Valley will be seamless. 

---

---