AMSTERDAM, N.Y. -- Amid the smiles and silliness, a harsh reality. A century and a half of fitness, family and community ended Friday at the Amsterdam YMCA.
"This building, as of eight o'clock tonight, will be closed to the public," said Nancy Carr, YMCA Executive Director. "These children, they don't understand why come Monday, they're not going to be able to come to the YMCA. And it's devastating."
"I cried because it's a loss to us. It's part of our life and she loves coming here," said YMCA member Victoria Bailey
Bailey's granddaughter, Gabriella, has been coming to the Y since she was 18 months old.
"I liked when we went swimming on Mondays and Fridays, and when we did arts and crafts and go in the gym and mirror room," said Gabriella.
Over the past month, staff have worked to find new programs for the children and seniors who called the Y home, and new jobs for its 27 employees.
"You affect a lot of people's lives. Staff, the parents, the children. We've had people 158 years in the community. And it's hard when you're in charge an you have to make that decision to close up. But it just happens to be it's on my watch," said YMCA Board Chairman John Hassfurter.
Sharing memories and a meal, the community said their final goodbyes.
"It's family. Every time we have an event here, it's family," said Bailey.
"I just really hope that their future is filled with love and happiness like they've had here at the Y," Carr said.