Town manager J. R. Steigerwald recently announced the hiring of the recreation and wellness director, Josh Crowell, and fitness coordinator Elizabeth Masiero.
The new Warsaw Health and Wellness Center, located at 312 Yancey St. with the entrance off of Hill Street, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 28, according to Steigerwald.
“The town board is backing this center one hundred percent, and they are committed to meeting the community’s needs for a health and fitness center to improve the health in Warsaw and surrounding areas,” he stressed.
The town manager expressed the excitement he hopes all the citizens will feel when they begin using the new facilities. “We will have many offerings for all age groups,” shared the manager.
All spaces will be accessible to all age groups with the exception of the weight room that will be restricted to older participants.
Steigerwald stated that one benefit the center would have is a computer lab. “We will have a computer lab where students can come and do homework and have access to the internet that they may not have at home. And, with our hours of availability, we can provide this resource for them when the library is limited due to budget cuts.”
Other offerings at the wellness center will involve a variety of fitness equipment that can be used for everything from rehabilitation after surgery and helping mend injuries to getting in shape and reducing weight .
“We are attempting to revitalize the recreational program that was once available to our citizens, but with the foresight to develop a facility and program that will take us well into the future,” the town manager noted.
Funding for the center comes from the town. The new director’s salary is in the $35-40,000 range and the fitness coordinator will be paid between $27-33,000. The town manager also shared that the director is in hopes of hiring the recreation coordinator ahead of schedule. They will also hire between six and 10 part-time assistants to help with the opening and closing of the facilities, as well as to man the facilities during peak times when the most members are present.
During the open house in August, the wellness committee and staff will be providing demonstrations on equipment and providing assessments, as well as accepting memberships. The open house is scheduled from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., but the staff will be present until at least 5 p.m.
Membership fees start at $40 for an individual, with plans for husbands and wives and family plans. Discounts may be offered to senior citizens, Warsaw residents and others.
“We will also offer a day pass for $2 which we hope will enable those who may not be able to afford a regular membership to utilize the center.”
The town manager also said it was hoped that they were going to look into providing services to those less fortunate citizens and possibly hold fundraisings to pay for their memberships, but currently there is not such funding available.
In addition to the town’s part in the facility, the Duplin County Health Department will work out of a small office in the center at least one-half day per week.
“We have not established whether they will be here in the mornings or afternoons, but they will be able to conduct assessments and do WIC dispersion from their office. The seniors are utilizing the building already for their activities and for their feeding program. The kitchen facilities are helping tremendously with the seniors, and the Meals-on-Wheels program has much better access to get the food for distribution than previously at another site.”
Crowell is from Wilmington and holds a degree in exercise physiology from East Carolina University. He comes with a variety of experience working as an assistant manager for Gold’s Gym for three years. Most recently he helped to build at community center from the ground up in State College, Pa.
“I hope to accomplish a sense of pride in the community for their fitness and wellness center,” he said. “ Also I hope to develop programs for Warsaw and the surrounding areas that will provide interest and healthier citizens.” His goals also include improved fitness for all age groups and plans to meet those needs through his staff and the center. Those goals also include revitalization of a recreational program for the entire family that can compete in today’s world.
Masiero is the new fitness coordinator and Steigerwald says she is on fire for fitness. “She is fired up on nutrition and getting everyone fit. She has already been on me for several infractions.”
The new fitness coordinator hales from Sparta, N. J. and has her degree in health education with specialty in public health from Mont Clair State University in New Jersey. She is married and has a step-son whom she admits she tries to keep on the same page as herself. Masiero admits that she is very passionate about fitness and nutrition. “I have a great passion for fitness and good, healthy nutrition for the entire family. I firmly believe that everyone can achieve something towards fitness. Whether they are training for a competition or trying to get in better physical condition.” She has worked in corporate fitness, smaller gyms and has taught classes for several years.
The town manager said both individuals have been great hires thus far and he expects that the wellness center will benefit and grow under their leadership.
“We hope that the citizens of Warsaw and the community will take advantage of this vital opportunity to improve themselves and the quality of their lives,” concluded Steigerwald.
To contact Billy Todd, call 910-592-8137 ext. 117 or e-mail siobits@heartlandpublications.com.
Post a Comment
