Discover how the YMCA in Talbot County has evolved its mission to meet the needs of the community – especially when it comes to aging well.

Join us for an inspiring look at the Y’s past, present, and future, and explore the many free programs designed to support health, connection, and resilience as we age. Discover which types of exercise best support cognitive function and how to integrate them into your routine—at home or at the Y. Learn a simple set of exercises that can improve your balance in just 10 minutes a day.

The YMCA of Talbot County began in 1954 with modest programs hosted in local churches. By 1968, fueled by community trust and determination, a dedicated facility opened on Peachblossom Road. Today, the Y thrives across three vibrant locations—in Easton on Peachblossom and South Washington Street, and in St. Michaels on Seymour Avenue—offering fitness, swimming, tennis, youth programs, and adult learning.

At the heart of the Y is a commitment to inclusive wellness, especially for those facing health challenges. Learn how these programs foster strength, hope, and connection:

LiveSTRONG at the YMCA: Supporting cancer survivors with strength training, wellness, and community.
Parkinson’s Support Programs: Including Rock Steady Boxing, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, and PD Aqua Motion—each designed to improve mobility, confidence, and quality of life.
EnhanceFitness: An evidence-based program focused on strength, balance, and social connection.
Tandem: A joyful, creative program for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, blending exercise, music, and art.

These programs are free and open to the community—because no one should feel alone on their journey toward wellness.

What to Expect:

This session begins in the classroom with a conversation about how the Y supports healthy aging across Talbot County. Then we’ll tour the facility to see where these programs come to life. Whether you’re exploring new ways to stay active or seeking connection and support, this course offers practical insights and heartfelt inspiration.

As we grow, the Easton Y remains more than a gym—it’s a gathering place where aging well becomes a shared journey. With new programs on the horizon and cherished traditions to uphold, the promise endures: You belong. You are strong. You are not alone.

Wednesday | March 4 | 10:30-noon | IN PERSON (at the Easton Family YMCA on Peachblossom) | $30 (actual price) / free of charge (subsidized price)

Shania Gregory serves as Executive Director of the Easton Family YMCA at Peachblossom and Washington Streets. A dedicated member of the YMCA of the Chesapeake for over 13 years, Shania was drawn to the Y’s mission to nurture youth, promote health and well-being, and strengthen community—values that deeply resonated with her own experience growing up. The Y once supported her as a child, and today she pays it forward by helping others thrive. A proud graduate of Talbot County Public Schools (Class of 1999), Shania earned her Associate’s Degree in Drug and Alcohol Counseling from Chesapeake College in 2018. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to service, inclusion, and personal growth. Outside of work, Shania enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and their dog. She’s an avid fan of documentaries, travel, and all things true crime—and if she ever lived another life, she’d be narrating those documentaries as a voice-over actor.

Wendy Palmer is the Director of Health Interventions for the YMCA of the Chesapeake, where she leads evidence-based health programs across 11 branches in Maryland and Virginia. With a passion for fitness and inspiring others to move, she oversees Parkinson’s Exercise Programs and coaches a team dedicated to improving the lives of individuals living with PD. She is a National Trainer for LiveSTRONG and Enhance Fitness, and loves helping to grow these programs and connect new people to their benefits. Wendy has also created a program called TANDEM to support families facing dementia and Alzheimer’s and plans to expand it to all of the YMCA of the Chesapeake. She keeps the YMCA mission in mind while creating and serving all of these programs to our communities at no charge to the participants. Outside of work, Wendy enjoys spending time with her husband, two adult daughters, and her two dogs. She’s an avid tennis player and golfer, and fitness is her lifelong passion. Whether it’s hitting the courts, the golf course, or staying active in any form, she’s committed to living a healthy, active lifestyle and motivating others to do the same.

Shania Gregory

Wendy Palmer

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